After Kisuke Urahara's arrival, he led Shiba Isshin and Ryūken Ishida (carrying Masaki Kurosaki) to his hidden base in the Human World. This
After Kisuke Urahara's arrival, he led Shiba Isshin and Ryūken Ishida (carrying Masaki Kurosaki) to his hidden base in the Human World.
This was a humble shop concealed in a back alley, its surroundings simple and unassuming. A weathered sign above the doorway read "Urahara Shop."
Entering the shop, Shiba Isshin recognized the shopkeeper moving merchandise as Tessai Tsukabishi, the former head of the Kidō Corps.
Although Shiba Isshin wanted to question Kisuke Urahara about his forbidden experiments, Masaki Kurosaki's critical condition took precedence. He anxiously inquired about how to save her.
Looking at the anxious Shiba Isshin and Ryūken Ishida, Kisuke Urahara said gravely, "Once a Quincy is corrupted by Hollow power, Hollowfication is impossible. They die quickly, like from a fatal poison. You both know this."
Ryūken Ishida nodded. "Correct. After the battle, Masaki showed no abnormalities; I assumed it was a superficial wound. But why is she now exhibiting Hollowfication symptoms? It's illogical."
Kisuke Urahara explained slowly, "This is a long story, but simply put, the Hollow that injured this Quincy girl wasn't ordinary. It was created using Shinigami souls. That's why she didn't die immediately but exhibits these strange symptoms."
Shiba Isshin was startled. His own injury from the unknown Shinigami's attack had raised suspicions. If this Hollow was an experimental subject, who was behind it? Perhaps Kisuke Urahara himself?
Despite his distrust, Shiba Isshin knew he had no choice. Masaki Kurosaki's spiritual energy was rapidly depleting; she might die within hours.
"Just tell me how to save her!" Shiba Isshin demanded.
A glint appeared in Kisuke Urahara's eyes. He said slowly, "To save her, we must use Shinigami and human power to balance her spiritual energy, creating a symbiotic cycle. This requires a Shinigami possessing a human body to establish a 'link' with her."
Shiba Isshin and Ryūken Ishida were confused, unsure how to proceed.
Exchanging bewildered glances, Shiba Isshin said, "Kisuke Urahara, speak plainly."
Kisuke Urahara coughed twice. "I've developed a Gigai, allowing a Shinigami to inhabit it, a body possessing both Shinigami and human characteristics. But that's just the first step. The 'link' and subsequent… ahem…"
Seeing Kisuke Urahara's evasiveness, the usually calm Ryūken Ishida lost his patience. "Mr. Urahara, be more explicit. What is this 'link,' and what comes after?"
Kisuke Urahara produced his folding fan, partially concealing his face, revealing only his eyes. He said slowly, "The 'link' is a physical union between a man and a woman. Afterward, the man must infuse his… ahem… life essence into the woman. Because the man is a Shinigami in a human body, his essence contains Shinigami power and human life force, balancing the Hollow poison."
He turned to Shiba Isshin. "Here, only you can save her, Captain Shiba."
Shiba Isshin and Ryūken Ishida were stunned by this unexpected solution.
Shiba Isshin blushed, scratching his head. "In that case, I won't hesitate!"
Ryūken Ishida, furious, his face green with rage, grabbed Shiba Isshin's collar. "Do you know who she is? She's my fiancée! Do you think I'll accept this?"
Shiba Isshin then realized the man was his dream girl's fiancé and felt awkward. He couldn't bring himself to create a 'link' with another man's fiancée.
"Please, let me finish. First, without this method, she'll die within an hour. Second, my method has drawbacks. After the 'link,' her Quincy bloodline will be tainted; she'll no longer be pure-blooded," Kisuke Urahara explained.
Knowing Masaki Kurosaki had less than an hour, Shiba Isshin said to Ryūken Ishida, "This is a great burden, but if it saves her, I'll let you kill me afterward!"
Ryūken Ishida was stunned by Shiba Isshin's unwavering resolve. He doubted he could sacrifice his life to save Masaki Kurosaki. His priority was rebuilding the Quincy forces, led by the Ishida clan.
"Captain Shiba, this method will affect you most. But if you're willing to die for her, the aftereffects shouldn't matter," Kisuke Urahara continued.
Shiba Isshin frowned. "Affect me most?"
Kisuke Urahara explained, "Yes. My Gigai is incomplete. A Shinigami's soul, once inside, cannot leave. They become a human, devoid of Shinigami powers."
Shiba Isshin didn't hesitate, laughing. "So what? This girl saved my life. Being a Shinigami or not is irrelevant."
Though Shiba Isshin claimed it was to repay her, Ryūken Ishida and Kisuke Urahara saw his affection for Masaki Kurosaki.
Shiba Isshin was sacrificing much. As head of the Shiba clan's branch family and one of the Gotei 13's youngest captains, he had a bright future. His potential pointed towards becoming one of the strongest captains, possibly even joining the Central 46 or becoming Captain-Commander.
Ryūken Ishida, unaware of Shiba Isshin's background, knew that losing his powers and becoming a powerless human would be worse than death.
He released Shiba Isshin's collar, and then, his expression somber, he began to walk towards the exit.
Shiba Isshin asked, "As her fiancé, shouldn't you kill me and take her back?"
Ryūken Ishida, his back to Shiba Isshin, said calmly, "Afterward, she'll no longer be a pure-blooded Quincy and can't remain in the Ishida family. I'll remember your life. If you fail to make her happy, I'll claim your life then."
Ryūken Ishida left without another word.
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