Ren sat cross-legged at the low table, picking up his cup and taking a light sip. His features softened.
Beside him, Walter sat perfectly upright. He set down his cup, his brow furrowing slightly, a complicated look appearing on his face.
"The tea itself is fine, but the preparation is amateurish. It is a waste of such high-quality leaves."
Ren blinked and took another sip. He felt the fragrance lingering on his palate, followed by a sweet aftertaste. It was indeed delicious.
"Is that so? I think it tastes quite good."
"That is because you have never truly understood tea, My Lord."
Walter sighed. Having served as a butler in both his past life and his current one, he knew the intricacies of the craft.
If he had been the one to brew it, the result would never have been this crude. The flavor would have been on an entirely different level.
He glanced at his master. Although Ren enjoyed tea, he was clearly a novice who had only just dipped his toes into the art. He could perform the etiquette required between nobles, but he lacked the palate to truly appreciate the drink.
Ren shrugged indifferently. "This is a research division. Expecting scientists to brew a perfect cup of tea is asking a bit much."
"Don't be so pedantic. As long as it's drinkable, it's fine."
Walter sighed. "It is precisely that casual attitude that allows people to cut corners with you, My Lord."
Ren decided not to dwell on the topic and changed the subject.
"Speaking of which, Walter, I saw Lieutenant Sasakibe of the First Division at the manor recently. He was looking for you specifically."
"He was bowing and scraping, all smiles. Since when did the two of you become such close friends?"
At Ren's words, the image of Chojiro Sasakibe surfaced in Walter's mind. That nondescript, shadow-like presence was actually quite suited to the principles of the Onmitsukido.
"My Lord, I have been told that my appearance—with this high nose and deep-set eyes—is similar to the people from the West Branch. I tend to stand out compared to most in the Seireitei."
"Lieutenant Sasakibe is obsessed with Western gentlemanly etiquette. After hearing about my existence, he came to seek guidance. I taught him a few things, and we became acquainted through our interactions."
"Do you have designs for him, My Lord?"
The West Branch was located on the other side of the Soul Society, corresponding to the London area.
After Chojiro Sasakibe had come into contact with the West by chance, he had been captivated by their gentlemanly manners and gradually became obsessed.
According to reports from spies planted nearby, the First Division Lieutenant's home was not decorated in the typical Japanese style. Instead, it featured Western furniture like sofas and coffee tables—a unique sight in the Seireitei.
He was the complete opposite of the traditional and austere Yamamoto Shigokuni.
Ren shook his head and lowered his voice. "No. If we were to do anything to him, it would only draw the attention of Yamamoto Shigokuni. The time is not yet right."
As the two chatted, a sudden flurry of footsteps came from outside.
Through the paper window, a slightly dejected figure could be seen standing at the entrance, knocking gently.
Knock, knock!
"Lord Ren, I'm coming in."
With Ren's permission, the wooden door slid open with a clatter, revealing a figure dressed in a white research coat.
His shoulders were slumped, yellow hair covered his forehead, and his unshaven face was pale. His eyes were hollow and vacant, with heavy dark circles hanging beneath them. He looked utterly exhausted.
It was Kisuke Urahara.
Ren looked up at him. Given his deathly appearance, it seemed like he might simply snap at any moment and drop dead.
"Kisuke, you're here. Have a seat."
Ren pointed to the spot in front of the low table.
Kisuke Urahara gave a weak response. His steps were light and unsteady as he dragged his heavy body over to sit down.
Taking the tea cup offered by Walter, Urahara held it in both hands and took a sip. His dejected expression seemed to ease slightly.
"Ah... I feel like I've come back to life."
Seeing his exaggerated tone, Ren looked him up and down with a puzzled expression.
"How did you end up like this? You look terrible. Has the Twelfth Division been that busy lately?"
Urahara let out a long sigh, his voice thick with exhaustion.
"Sigh... The Captain's Mod-Soul pilot project in the Seireitei has been very successful recently. The Soul Reapers love them, and we're preparing for a wider rollout."
"But the Captain wants to refine the technology at the same time, the Lieutenant is completely unreliable, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi has his own research projects..."
"Between the division's internal affairs and the promotion of the Mod-Souls, everything has piled up on my shoulders. I simply can't keep up."
At this point, Urahara looked relieved and gave Ren a grateful look.
"Lord Ren, your visit today actually did me a favor. It gave me a reason to take a break and escape from all those tasks for a while."
Ren was well aware of the situation in the Twelfth Division. Urahara was telling the truth.
Captain Kirio Hikifune was focused on her research and had no time for administrative duties.
The Lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki, simply didn't have the temperament for honest work.
And Mayuri Kurotsuchi was constantly running between the Twelfth Division and the Onmitsukido, never staying still.
As a result, the burden fell on the Third Seat, Urahara Kisuke.
Ren's voice carried deep concern. "Then you should pay more attention to your health. Don't lose yourself in work and end up collapsing. I wouldn't want to see that; it's not worth it."
"It's not about whether it's worth it or not. I'm just doing my job."
A faint smile flickered across Urahara's tired face, though it looked strained.
He finished his tea and set the cup on the table.
"So, My Lord, what brings you here today? Is there something you need me to do?"
Walter refilled the cup and then received a nod from Ren.
He set down the teapot and pulled a gem-like bead from his coat pocket. His Reiatsu surged as he funneled it into the bead.
Upon receiving the spiritual pressure, the bead glowed with a faint white light, and a hemispherical barrier expanded from it.
The barrier was transparent, its surface etched with black patterns, enveloping the three men at the table.
"A barrier?"
Urahara looked at the rising field. He could tell at a glance that its function was simple: to isolate the inside from the outside.
Seeing Ren act with such gravity, Urahara realized that whatever was about to be discussed was of great importance. His expression immediately turned serious.
Once Walter had finished the preparations, Ren spoke slowly.
"Kisuke, what I am about to tell you violates the rules of the Seireitei. I hope you can keep this a secret for me."
"Of course."
Urahara's expression was solemn as he nodded repeatedly.
He shared a contract with Ren. If he revealed a single word to the outside world, he would face the punishment of his oath.
Even thinking about doing so was forbidden.
Moreover, Ren already secretly controlled Central 46, and with the Onmitsukido watching every move in the Seireitei from the shadows, his influence was absolute. Who could Urahara even tell?
Ren nodded inwardly, seeing how serious he was.
In his consciousness, he tugged at the thread connected to Urahara, sensing his emotional fluctuations.
If there were any signs of betrayal, Ren would know instantly.
"I have recently encountered a problem in my cultivation. My Reiatsu has stopped progressing, as if a barrier is blocking my path. I suspect I have reached the limit of a Soul Reaper."
"I have heard that there is a way to break through this limit, so I have come to ask if you have any ideas."
Hearing this, Urahara's eyes widened slightly. The light in his pupils sharpened as he stared at Ren's serious face.
The limit of a Soul Reaper?
Ren had actually reached that stage so quickly?!
Urahara naturally believed him. He had long researched this; a Soul Reaper's power would eventually hit a ceiling once it reached its peak.
This limit was physiological, a result of the innate physical structure of a Soul Reaper. No matter how powerful their spiritual energy, they could not break through it.
He knew Ren's capabilities and that he would eventually reach this limit, so he wasn't entirely surprised.
What did surprise him was the speed of Ren's progress. To reach this stage so rapidly... just how long had it been?!
Then, hearing Ren's next words, Urahara leaned forward, his hands instinctively gripping the table.
Though he maintained his outward expression, a storm was raging in his heart.
Because he happened to know a way to break that limit.
"May I ask who you heard this from? And what exactly is this method?"
Although Urahara tried to hide his shock, his reactions felt too deliberate to Ren. The shallow deception was full of holes. Ren could see the tension in Urahara's heart at a glance.
However, this only brought a surge of joy to Ren's mind. Urahara's reaction... there was hope!
This trip had been worth it.
"I cannot say who it was; I promised to keep his secret."
'Who else could it be? I knew this from Aizen in my past life,' Ren thought.
Ren's voice was low. He stared into Urahara's eyes, not missing a single change in his expression.
"However, I can tell you the method. I came here specifically for your help."
"Once a Soul Reaper reaches their limit, they can use a different power to break through. In common terms, it is... Hollowification!"
As expected!
Urahara's mind went on high alert. He knew this was the method Ren would mention!
It matched his own research perfectly!
A look of feigned astonishment appeared on Urahara's pale face, and his voice rose several decibels.
"What?!"
"Hollowification? How could something so contrary to common sense even be possible?!"
Ren felt the vibration through the thread—it was like a dance of shock from Urahara. Ren let out a silent chuckle.
"That is why I came to you, Kisuke."
"Do you have a way to help me?"
Specifically, a certain round object that was indestructible and could break the boundary between Soul Reaper and Hollow... the Hōgyoku!
Ren's eyes gleamed for a second, vanishing as quickly as it came.
"This... well..."
Urahara's lips thinned, and his voice faltered, sounding as though he were struggling.
"This is too far-fetched. I haven't found a viable method yet."
"Is that so?"
Ren's eyes were full of doubt.
Urahara nodded heavily. "It's the truth. I'm not hiding anything!"
He paused and then added, "However, I will definitely look into what you've asked, My Lord. I'll do my best to find a solution as quickly as possible!"
Hearing this guarantee, Ren focused on the sensations from the thread. Urahara... actually wasn't lying!
Could it be that because Urahara had been transferred to the Twelfth Division early because of him, he hadn't had time to research these things yet?
Had even the Hōgyoku not been created yet?
Ren was skeptical, but he didn't show it. He simply nodded, his expression softening.
"Then I'll leave it to you. Do not disappoint me."
"I won't let you down, My Lord."
Urahara gave a solemn promise.
Ren waved a hand to Walter.
"Lift the barrier."
"Yes."
Walter stopped the flow of Reiatsu, calming his surging spiritual pressure.
As the energy was cut off, the light on the bead faded, and the barrier dissolved into reishi, vanishing into the room.
Ren said, "Kisuke, we'll stay here for a while longer. You should rest."
Urahara nodded, and the three of them began chatting over tea.
Just then, a set of somewhat heavy footsteps approached from outside.
Ren glanced toward the side and saw a figure in the corridor. The shadow was cast against the paper door, holding something piled so high it was taller than a person.
The person stopped at the door, and a slightly sultry voice rang out.
"Little Ren, I've made some pastries. I'm coming in."
As she spoke, the wooden door was pushed open.
What met Ren's eyes was a tray of glossy snacks piled high, completely obscuring the upper body of the person carrying them.
The air was suddenly filled with a cloying, sweet aroma.
Even without seeing her face, Ren knew exactly who it was just from the voice.
A beautiful face popped out from behind the pile of snacks. Her long hair brushed her shoulders, and a gentle smile played on her lips, radiating a mature and graceful aura.
It was Kirio Hikifune.
"Captain, I thought you were in the middle of an experiment. Why are you here?"
Urahara stood up and took the tray of snacks from Hikifune, placing it on the low table.
Hikifune smiled and said, "I heard that Little Ren was visiting again, so I made some pastries to bring over."
At this, Urahara's face soured, and he began to complain.
"Captain, you said you were working on a new technology. If you have time for this, why don't you help me with the division's paperwork?"
"Haha! These pastries were made using that new technology."
Hikifune looked at Ren and urged him, "Quick, try some! I used a new baking method this time. The texture is completely different from before."
Ren stood by the table, looking at the wide variety of cakes and sweets. He couldn't help but tease, "Captain Hikifune, it sounds like you're treating us like lab rats for your experiments."
"How could I? Hahaha..."
Hikifune laughed awkwardly, though her laughter withered under Ren's stare.
She quickly cleared her throat.
"Ahem! I am very confident in my skills. I can guarantee they taste great."
Seeing her insistence, Ren sat back down and skeptically picked up a piece, chewing it.
The fragrance instantly exploded on his taste buds. It had a soft, sweet, and chewy texture. Ren's eyes lit up.
"The taste is actually excellent."
"Walter, you try some too."
Seeing Ren's reaction, Hikifune nodded as if she were the one eating, her face full of satisfaction.
As a cook, seeing people praise the food she made was a point of pride.
"Little Kisuke, you should eat some too. Eat as much as you want; I have plenty more."
"In a while, even if you want to eat them, it won't be so easy."
Ren swallowed his food and was about to pick up his tea to wash down the sweetness when he heard her words. His heart skipped a beat.
"Captain Hikifune, what do you mean by that?"
"Are you planning to retire?"
Hikifune waved her hand dismissively.
"Impossible! I'm still a young beauty in the prime of my life!"
She sat down at the table and beckoned the three of them closer.
Once they were leaning in, she lowered her voice and said, "I'm telling you this, but you must not let it out."
The three of them nodded in unison.
Urahara asked, "Captain, what is it? Why all the secrecy?"
Hikifune's gaze swept over the three of them. Seeing their serious expressions, she pointed a finger upward and spoke softly.
"I have connections up above. Someone told me in secret that the new technology I developed is very impressive. The higher-ups are preparing to promote me to the Zero Division."
"The Zero Division?!"
Urahara cried out in shock.
"Shhh! Not so loud!"
Hikifune pressed a finger to her lips.
"This is still a secret. You cannot let the word out early."
"Little Kisuke, you're going to be the next Captain. Don't be so excitable."
Urahara realized his mistake and covered his mouth to stop any further outbursts. He nodded vigorously in agreement.
Ren's eyes narrowed slightly, though he maintained a look of surprise.
When Hikifune said "up above," she was naturally referring to the Soul King Palace.
Her promotion to the Zero Division was...
Just as expected.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]