Just as Nanatsuki prepared to open a Shadow Space escape route, the countdown timer suddenly exploded.
But the explosion wasn't what anyone had expected.
Instead of unleashing a destructive blast, the timer burst open to release multicolored Reishi, which scattered like fireworks through the air—converging into the smiling face of Urahara Kisuke.
Mayuri's eye twitched at the sight.
He knew that smile too well.
Every time Urahara had humiliated or one-upped him over the past two decades, it was with that exact grin.
Then, from the remains of the shattered timer, Urahara's recorded voice echoed through the lab:
"If you've made it this far, you must be from the Department of Research and Development!
Is that you, Third Seat Kurotsuchi? Or perhaps it's Akon-san? Hm… maybe even Captain Nanatsuki? Maybe all of you?
I left in quite a hurry, but I thought I should say goodbye—after all, we've worked together for over twenty years.
Of course, that's just a formality.
I do hope Third Seat Kurotsuchi is listening. I'd be so heartbroken if he missed what comes next.
…Though, knowing him, he wouldn't pass up a chance to see me fail.
So! Long story short—
On the second desk from the right, I've left you something special. Some documents that should serve as a little… mental pick-me-up.
If you're feeling drowsy at work, consider it a gift to keep your mind sharp.
That's all for now. Until we meet again."
The Reishi fireworks flickered and faded.
Mayuri's expression was unreadable as he stepped toward the desk mentioned. On it lay a stack of papers left behind by Urahara.
He picked up a folder and began flipping through the pages—only for his face to twist with mounting fury.
They were research notes on artificial souls.
And what they revealed made his breath catch in his throat.
"Impossible…"
"How could he be this far along?!"
Mayuri's voice shook as he clutched the notes, his hands trembling.
Urahara had entered the artificial soul research field years after him. He was the pioneer, the one who'd sacrificed everything for this pursuit. Yet somehow… Urahara had caught up.
"No… he used the Hōgyoku," Nanatsuki silently speculated, observing the data.
Given his own experience with the orb, Nanatsuki understood its terrifying potential. If it could push Hollows to evolve into Arrancar, then helping a defective artificial soul develop into a complete one was hardly a stretch.
"Captain Nanatsuki," Kuchiki Sōjun's calm voice returned, now steady. "Since Urahara Kisuke is not here, I'll be taking my leave."
Nanatsuki nodded. "As you wish. We'll remain to clear the site. Wouldn't want dangerous tech leaking out."
Once Sōjun departed, Akon turned to Nanatsuki, face heavy with worry.
"Captain… do you really think Vice-Captain Urahara has… defected?"
Nanatsuki didn't answer immediately.
"Lady Aoba's involvement and the stolen artifacts leave little room for doubt," he finally said. "The Kuchiki and Sixth Division arrest warrants won't be rescinded."
"But he didn't rig this lab with lethal traps," Nanatsuki added thoughtfully. "That tells me he isn't trying to sever ties completely. He doesn't want to be our enemy. We won't pursue him further—let things cool down."
He could already tell that even Sōjun had no desire to see his sister punished too severely. Likewise, Nanatsuki had no reason to feud with Urahara. Whatever grudge Aizen held didn't need to be his.
And besides… Urahara's strength could yet be useful.
"Understood. I'll organize a clean-up crew," Akon said, visibly relieved.
Soon after, Research and Development members arrived to begin clearing out Urahara's lab.
The Wandenreich — Gate of the Sun
The Gate of the Sun was the Wandenreich's primary gateway to the outside world. Normally, only patrol units stood guard here—but today, a massive assembly of Quincy soldiers had gathered.
Following the failure of the recent Sternritter recruitment drive, Haschwalth had returned to an old tactic: dispersing their foot soldiers throughout the World of the Living.
Ishida Sōken had originally intended to sabotage this plan.
But after a private conversation with Nanatsuki, he'd changed his mind.
Now, he would personally lead the deployment to the human world—not to build new Quincy strongholds, but to ensure the Quincy integrated quietly into human society.
As long as no towns or villages were formed, Haschwalth wouldn't be able to provoke a war with the Shinigami—and another extermination would be off the table.
For the Gotei 13, this was a boon.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto was already preparing to strike the Wandenreich preemptively, but many captains were still young and underpowered. Reducing potential Quincy resistance would minimize casualties.
Nanatsuki arrived just as Ishida Sōken finished organizing the lines.
"Ishida-san."
"Ah, Kurosaki," Sōken greeted him warmly. "Haschwalth has granted clearance. You're free to go."
Nanatsuki had brought several Quincy disciples with him. The Wandenreich was destined to become a battlefield, and he didn't want to leave them behind.
They crossed through the Gate of the Sun.
The passageway was black as pitch—like walking through the shadow of the sun.
"It's just like the textbooks described… doesn't this feel like a Garganta?" said Liltotto, peering around curiously.
"It is similar," Nanatsuki replied. "This shadow corridor links directly to the Garganta. That's why it connects all three realms."
The Department of Research and Development was already studying this shadow dimension using a Sun Gate Key provided by Nanatsuki. Early results were promising.
"Sensei, where exactly are we going to settle down?" Meninas asked, a bit uneasy.
They'd never set foot in the World of the Living before.
"Our destination," Nanatsuki replied, "is Karakura Town."
It was one of the rare spiritual hotspots in the Living World—perfect for Quincy.
But more than that, he had another goal.
Recently, he'd felt the presence of the Soul King's will.
That encounter had whispered a prophecy: the birth of Kurosaki Masaki.
And so, Nanatsuki intended to seek out the Kurosaki family.
It was time to get close to the moment that would shape the future—the birth of Kurosaki Ichigo.