Starlight sprinkled over Karakura under a pale moon.
Clad in a black shihakushō, Tachibana Yu tapped his toes and vaulted onto a rooftop, leaping from one to the next.
In his arms, Kuchiki Rukia flushed bright red and ground out, "Brat, are you copping a feel on purpose?"
It was her first time being carried princess style. She did not know the etiquette, but surely no one supported someone with a hand under the butt.
"How could I?"
Yu looked innocent. "It's my first time carrying a girl like this, okay?"
"Really?"
Rukia eyed him, suspicious.
"Really."
His tone was firm.
"Fine then..."
Rukia accepted it, cheeks even redder.
Seeing that, Yu could not help teasing. "A dignified Soul Reaper who's lived for centuries, afraid a kid like me will take advantage?"
Mortified as she was, she still put on a brave face. "Why would I be afraid? I've lived for centuries. Even if you got a little handsy, it's no big deal."
"Whew, that's a relief."
Yu let out an exaggerated breath. "Because I definitely did take advantage just now. Since you said it's fine, I feel better."
"I am going to kill you, you filthy little perv."
...
Yu landed smoothly.
Before them stood an old-fashioned wooden storefront with a sign that read Urahara Shop.
It looked shabby, but Yu did not dare underestimate it. This was one of the strongest forces in the living world.
Its proprietor, Urahara Kisuke, had been captain of the 12th Division and head of the Research and Development Institute.
The deputy, Tessai Tsukabishi, had been the grand master of Kidō, versed in every spell.
The house pet, Yoruichi Shihōin, had once been captain of the 2nd Division, known as the God of Flash.
Even the childlike Hanakari Jinta and Tsumugiya Ururu packed power close to a vice captain.
As Yu pondered, the girl in his arms could not hold back any longer. Rukia glared up at him and hissed, "You lech, put me down already."
Yu blinked and set her gently on her feet.
She landed ready to start a fight.
"I figure a centuries-old Soul Reaper is broad minded and won't fuss with a teenager like me," Yu said quickly.
Rukia hesitated for a long moment, then let it go with a sniff. "Of course. I've lived for centuries. How could I stoop to your childish level?"
"Truly admirable. A broad-minded Soul Reaper, worthy of respect."
Rukia preened a little.
The shop door slid open.
Urahara Kisuke stepped out with a smiling squint. "Miss Rukia, looks like you've been bullied quite a bit."
He had no idea what happened, but from the conversation alone he could tell Yu had completely gotten the better of her.
Rukia's face reddened. "Bullied me? As if I'd be bullied by a brat. Enough nonsense. I'm here to buy something."
"Of course. Please, come in."
Urahara fanned himself and nodded cheerfully.
Then he looked at Yu. "Would you like to come in as well, sir? We have quite a variety."
"Me?"
Yu was surprised. He only meant to drop Rukia off. He had not planned to buy anything.
But since he was invited, he had no reason to refuse. He was curious about the wares.
He walked in and introduced himself. "I'm Tachibana Yu. And you are, shopkeeper?"
"Humble me is Urahara Kisuke. Urahara will do."
Inside, the place looked like a normal shop, with counters and shelves and goods stacked on the floor.
The difference was that other shops sold snacks. This one peddled jars and vials.
Urahara lifted a glass bottle and explained with a smile, "This is a memory-loss pill. Swallow it and you'll forget. You'll feel very close to the first person you see afterward."
He picked up a plush doll. "This is a control doll. Insert a single hair and you can manipulate the owner's movements."
Then he patted a big crate and lowered his voice. "This one is excellent. A gigai. As long as you can pay, we can customize it to look like any girl you like..."
"Urahara Kisuke."
Rukia's voice turned cold.
She stared him down, hand on her hilt. "Is this how you use tools from Seireitei?"
Urahara coughed and smiled. "Perish the thought. I was joking with Mr. Tachibana. What can I get you, Miss Rukia?"
He moved to see to her.
Rukia snorted. "I want a custom gigai. Reinforced. Not one that breaks at the slightest touch."
On the other side, Yu eyed the shelves, rubbing his chin. "Why do these tools look familiar?"
"Where have I seen them?"
He glanced around. There was no sign of Tessai, Jinta, or Ururu. Probably already asleep at this hour.
But he spotted a familiar figure.
A black cat dozing atop a stack of goods.
He walked over, happily scooped the cat up, and flipped her onto her back, exposing the belly.
"Meow?"
The cat was puzzled.
Yu stroked his chin. "So you're a little lady."
"MEOW."
The cat exploded in indignation, paws swiping furiously.
"Easy, easy." Yu soothed her and fished something from his belt, grinning. "Here, take this. Let me pet you a bit, okay?"
"Meow."
The cat perked up.
Twenty minutes slipped by.
Hanakari Jinta barreled out with his giant bat, eyes shining as he scanned the shop. "Where's that damned human? I heard he became a Soul Reaper. If he's a Soul Reaper, I can finally pound him flat, right?"
Thinking of the blood and sweat of the last five years, he almost shook with excitement.
He would beat that hateful human into mochi.
Tsumugiya Ururu came over and murmured, "Jinta, Mr. Tachibana already left."
"What!"
Jinta goggled and waved his bat angrily. "Idiot Ururu, how could you let him get away? You saved him for five years too. Don't you want revenge?"
Ururu timidly lifted the black cat.
Jinta froze.
After a long moment, a wail tore through Urahara Shop.
"Shopkeeper!"
"Mr. Yoruichi has been ruined!"