The night sky over Karakura Town sparkled with starlight, pale moonlight washing over the streets.
Cole, clad in a black shihakusho, tapped his foot and leapt onto a rooftop, his figure darting gracefully from building to building.
In his arms, Rukia's face burned red as she clenched her teeth.
"Brat, are you taking advantage of me on purpose?"
It was her first time being carried like this, and though she didn't fully understand, she was sure—nobody was supposed to hold their hand under someone's backside.
"How could I!?"
Cole looked innocent. "This is my first time carrying a girl like this, okay?"
"Really?"
Suspicion flickered in Rukia's eyes.
"Really!"
His tone was firm.
"…Fine then."
She reluctantly accepted, cheeks still flushed.
Cole chuckled inside, unable to resist teasing. "For a dignified Shinigami who's lived for centuries, are you really afraid of being taken advantage of by a kid like me?"
Though embarrassed beyond belief, Rukia forced herself to be stubborn. "Of course not. I've lived hundreds of years—as if a little thing like that matters."
"Whew, that's a relief."
Cole pretended to sigh in relief. "Because I really was taking advantage of you. Since you said it's no big deal, I feel much better now."
"I'LL KILL YOU, YOU PERVERTED BRAT!!!"
...
Soon, Cole landed steadily in front of an old wooden store. The signboard read Urahara Shop.
Though it looked shabby, Cole dared not underestimate it. This was one of the most powerful forces in the living world.
The shopkeeper, Urahara Kisuke—once the captain of the 12th Division and head of the Research and Development Bureau.
The deputy, Tessai Tsukabishi—once the Grand Kidō Chief, master of all kidō.
Even the shop's "pet," Yoruichi Shihōin—once the captain of the 2nd Division, known as the "Flash Goddess."
Even the children, Jinta and Ururu, possessed combat power close to lieutenant level.
As Cole pondered this, the flustered Rukia in his arms finally snapped.
"Perverted brat, are you going to put me down or not!?"
Cole blinked and quickly set her on the ground.
The moment her feet touched down, she looked ready to kill him.
Cole hurriedly said, "I think a wise Shinigami who's lived for centuries surely wouldn't lower herself to hold a grudge against a little kid like me."
Rukia hesitated for a long moment before huffing. "Of course. I've lived for centuries—why would I stoop to your level?"
Cole praised earnestly, "Truly admirable. A Shinigami of centuries, so magnanimous."
Her cheeks flushed with pride despite herself.
Just then, the door of the shop creaked open.
Urahara Kisuke stepped out, fanning himself with a smile.
"Miss Rukia, it looks like you've had quite a rough time."
He didn't know exactly what happened, but from their words alone, it was clear Cole had gotten the better of her.
Rukia's face burned. "What do you mean rough time? As if I'd be bullied by a brat. Enough nonsense, I'm here to buy something."
"Yes, yes. Please, come in."
Urahara bowed politely, then turned his gaze on Cole.
"And you, sir—would you like to come in as well? We have all sorts of items for sale."
"Me!?"
Cole was surprised. He had only meant to escort Rukia here, not shop.
But since he was invited, he couldn't refuse. Besides, curiosity tugged at him.
He stepped inside, introducing himself. "My name's Cole. And you?"
"I am Urahara Kisuke. Just call me Shopkeeper Urahara."
Inside, the shop resembled an ordinary store with shelves and counters, though instead of snacks, strange bottles and jars filled the space.
Urahara picked up a glass vial, smiling. "This is a Memory Modifier. Drink it, and you'll forget everything—and grow attached to the first person you see."
He set it down and held up a doll. "This is a Control Doll. Insert a strand of someone's hair, and you can manipulate their body at will."
Finally, he tapped a large crate, lowering his voice.
"And this… is a Gigai. For the right price, you can customize it to look like any girl you want…"
"Urahara Kisuke!!!"
Rukia's cold voice cut through the air.
Her hand gripped her zanpakuto.
"These tools from the Seireitei—this is how you use them!?"
Urahara coughed, fanning himself. "Just a joke, of course. So, Miss Rukia, what will you be purchasing?"
Rukia huffed. "A Gigai. Reinforced. Not one that breaks easily."
Meanwhile, Cole browsed the shelves, frowning.
"…Why do these items feel so familiar? Where have I seen them before…?"
Looking around, he noticed Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu weren't around—likely already asleep.
But he did see one familiar figure.
A black cat napping atop a pile of goods.
Grinning, Cole picked it up, flipping it over to expose its belly.
"Meow?"
The cat blinked in confusion.
Cole stroked his chin. "A female cat, huh."
"Meow!!!"
The cat exploded in outrage, flailing its claws.
"Calm down, calm down," Cole soothed, pulling something from his waist and smiling. "Here, take this. Let me pet you, okay?"
"Meow!"
The cat's eyes lit up.
Time flew—twenty minutes later.
Jinta came charging out with his massive bat, eyes gleaming.
"Where's that damned human!? I heard he became a Shinigami! If he's a Shinigami, then I can finally beat him to a pulp!"
Memories of years of hardship burned in his mind—he could barely contain his excitement.
Ururu walked over softly. "Jinta… Cole has already left."
"What!?"
Jinta froze, outraged. "Idiot Ururu! How could you let him escape!? Don't you want revenge too, after saving him all these years!?"
In response, Ururu quietly held up the black cat.
Jinta's eyes went blank.
After a long pause, a heart-wrenching scream tore out from the shop.
"Shopkeeper!!!"
"Yoruichi's been broken!!!"
......…
......…
(End of Chapter)
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