Kisuke Urahara couldn't help but shiver.
No way…
No way…
It should, probably, possibly be a branch family…
He couldn't imagine Yoruichi Shihouin getting married.
Phew…
He imperceptibly took a breath, cleared his mind of jumbled thoughts, and refocused his attention on the banquet.
Knowing that loose lips sink ships, his conversation with Tsugikuni Yoriichi was brief and to the point.
Soon…
The banquet concluded smoothly amidst laughter and merriment.
Kisuke Urahara rubbed his belly, and while some Shinigami were cleaning up, he approached Tsugikuni Yoriichi again.
"Tsugikuni, why do I feel like you don't enjoy this banquet?"
"They should be welcoming you."
"After all, it's not graduation season…"
"Being out of place with everyone, that's not good. Shinigami live for thousands of years. If you don't make some friends, you'll be very lonely in the future."
He spoke with the tone of an experienced person, full of sighs.
Then, casually putting his hand on Tsugikuni Yoriichi's shoulder, as if addressing an old friend, Kisuke Urahara continued:
"Do you want me, your big brother, to introduce you to a few friends?"
These friends didn't sound like legitimate friends. When Kisuke Urahara said this, his thin eyebrows couldn't help but raise, giving Yoriichi a wink.
This infuriated Kyōraku Chiharu, who was observing the two from not far away.
She even laughed in anger.
"Hey!"
"I say!"
"Kisuke Urahara!"
"This isn't your Second Division! If you're feeling frisky, go find those courtesans outside!"
"Why come to my Tenth Division and utter such vulgar words? Don't you feel ashamed?!"
"Oh my." Kisuke Urahara's mouth dropped open in surprise, his hand covering his lips as he turned to look at Kyōraku Chiharu.
He wore an expression of "I can't believe I overlooked you."
"Isn't this our great Vice-Captain Chiharu?"
"I heard you're being transferred to the Gotei 13. Why haven't you left yet?"
Kyōraku Chiharu sneered:
"When I leave, why must I inform you?"
"Who do you think you are?"
"Kisuke Urahara, don't forget, you're just a retainer of the Shihouin. You're neither a noble nor a Captain. My willingness to speak with you and allow you to attend this banquet has already given you enough face…"
"If you utter any more glib remarks, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Her voice was full of oppressive power, like a block of ancient ice, causing Kisuke Urahara to shake his head repeatedly…
This she-devil is as arrogant as ever.
No wonder Shiba Isshin is so suppressed by her…
Oh well.
The conversation about Tsugikuni Yoriichi's preferences will have to be postponed. He's been busy for half a day, and he doesn't even know what for…
He sighed.
Kisuke Urahara slowly stood up.
Just then.
Shiba Isshin slowly woke up.
Seeing the two, he rubbed the back of his head, his tone slightly confused: "Urahara, when did you arrive?"
"It's been a while. I saw you were drunk, so I didn't disturb you."
Kisuke Urahara observed Shiba Isshin's drowsy, unclear state, and couldn't help but click his tongue,
"Speaking of which, Captain Shiba, I feel like your personal deterrent power in the squad isn't quite enough."
"No matter what, your Shiba Family is above the Kyoraku, and you have Second Grade Spiritual Power…"
"How can you be suppressed like this by a woman?"
At this moment, Kyōraku Chiharu tidied herself up and left this place that she found annoying, so she didn't hear Kisuke Urahara's words.
Regarding this.
Shiba Isshin rubbed his temples and said with some distress:
"What do you know? A good man doesn't fight with women."
"Besides, she's about to leave. What's wrong with me letting her have her way?"
"Unbeknownst to me, she's been the Vice-Captain of the Tenth Division for over a hundred years."
"Back then, I, as the representative of the Shiba Family, was directly parachuted in to replace the Captain position she should have gotten…"
"It's perfectly normal for her to bear a grudge against me."
Hearing this, Kisuke Urahara smiled:
"I see…"
"So, she's an old woman over three hundred years old, no wonder her temper is so volatile."
"With her gone, I imagine your life will be much better."
"Well… who knows." Shiba Isshin rubbed his temples and slowly stood up.
His hazy mind not yet clear, his peripheral vision instinctively glanced at Tsugikuni Yoriichi, who was packing his things to leave nearby.
His mood was also heavy.
Kisuke Urahara keenly observed this and said timely: "By the way, do you have any plans for the next Vice-Captain candidate?"
He followed Shiba Isshin's gaze and asked, "That kid is your new Third Seat, right?"
"Do you have any thoughts of promoting him?"
"Promote…" Shiba Isshin repeated the word, shaking his head slightly, "Not yet. He just joined the Tenth Division, and we're still unsure of his abilities."
"Although he was sent by Captain-Commander Yamamoto, even Captain-Commander, who has lived for so long, has times when he misjudges."
"I plan to have him handle a few small tasks first, then gradually increase the difficulty, and then decide his position."
"Third Grade Spiritual Power doesn't explain everything."
"As a Shinigami, the Shikai and Bankai of a Zanpakuto are the most important."
"Has he achieved Shikai?" Kisuke Urahara asked.
"Of course." Shiba Isshin looked at him strangely, "Otherwise, why do you think he would directly become a Third Seat?"
"Of course, I don't know about Bankai."
"After all, this is every Shinigami's trump card ability. Under normal circumstances, it's kept secret. Perhaps it will only be revealed when he becomes a Captain."
"I see…" Kisuke Urahara stroked his chin. The rough feeling of his beard didn't hinder his thoughts.
As he pondered.
His eyes gradually brightened.
A "normal" Shinigami who might have Bankai?
No wonder Yoruichi values him so much.
If it were him, he would too.
Mastering Bankai is like achieving the highest score in a real-world exam; it will be recorded in history, and even high-ranking nobles cannot ignore it.
"So… what is his Shikai ability?"
Just as Kisuke Urahara slightly raised his head, about to ask Shiba Isshin this question, a sudden urgent order interrupted their conversation.
"Captain Shiba!"
"Shinigami from the Tenth Division and the Thirteenth Division have encountered a Menos Grande in the Human World! Urgent support is needed!"
This message abruptly cut off Kisuke Urahara's words.
He looked at Shiba Isshin and then saw the expression on the face of this once-frivolous man instantly turn serious.
Click.
Shiba Isshin tightened his grip on the Zanpakuto at his waist.
"A Menos Grande?"
"Understood!"
"Third Seat Tsugikuni, don't leave yet, a mission has come up!"
"Damn it! They sure know how to pick their timing."
He cursed, stopped Tsugikuni Yoriichi who had reached the door, turned around, and apologised to Kisuke Urahara.
Then.
The two, with their mission badges, headed straight for the Senkaimon.