(Previously on Seeker's Codex)
The skyport towered like a second city above Chun. Stone terraces climbed into the clouds, ringed with steady, glowing jade pylons. Cargo cranes groaned under crates stamped with guild seals; incense smoke curled against the scent of oil and iron.
And then came the airship.
It didn't just sit on the dock — it dominated it. Hull carved from skywood, steel-plated where the engines met the frame. Four colossal engine rings glowed with pale fire, their hum rattling chests on the pier. The underbelly had gunports as wide as carriage doors. A glass deck stretched from midship like a hanging garden, high above the crowd.
Kai's eyes went wide. "It's... like a floating fortress."
Aria elbowed him. "Try not to faint before we board."
Lila slid her shades down to smirk. Fourth ride. Still makes me want to shout 'yee-haw' and see if anyone kicks me off."
Rin said nothing. His gaze passed once over the engines, then lowered again like the whole sight had already been measured and filed away.
They crossed the boarding bridge with everyone staring after them. Strays packed the halls: winners from other teams, but no Irons among them. Only Squad William carried the insignia. Some looked sharp, some were jealous, and some were curious. Kai tugged his gi straight and tried not to trip.
(Inside the Skyship)
The entrance hall rose like a temple. Pillars of jade-veined steel lined the walls, etched with soul-sigils that pulsed faintly white. Hallways branched toward barracks, kitchens, and armories. Overhead, glass panes offered a dizzying view of the shrinking capital.
Kai pressed to the window, breath fogging the glass. "We're... already flying?" He laughed softly. "I didn't even feel it."
Aria tugged him back. "You're embarrassing us."
"I wasn't—" Kai pointed down, where lantern-lit streets shrank into toy alleys.
Lila sprawled on a bench, boots up. Five stars. If they've got hot noodles in here, I'm never leaving."
Rin stood. Without a word, he walked out.
The rest blinked.
"...He just—" Kai pointed at the empty spot.
"Yep," Aria muttered.
Lila rolled onto her side. "Cat-boy protocol. Pretend you didn't see him leave."
Kai smiled.
(The Training Deck)
Rin's silence carried him straight into the heart of the ship—a cavernous chamber lined with chalk circles and weapon racks—an arena in the sky. Aura cracked in the air where strays tested themselves. Sparks leapt from a lightning arc. Heat shimmered off a fire-born kata.
The noise dipped when Rin stepped into the room.
"That's him."
"Black Clan heir."
"The scroll team."
"The only Irons here."
Whispers rippled around the ring.
Urahara was already leaning against a railing, his hair half-shadowed, smile tilted like he'd been waiting for something interesting to happen.
He lifted two fingers in a lazy wave. "Well, if it isn't the quiet one himself." His voice carried a lilting tone, one that was curious rather than sharp. "Didn't think you'd wander into the lion's den this quick."
Sidney peeked over her book, smirking faintly. Vonn spun a coin and caught it with a click. Si Lung just folded his arms, unreadable.
Rin didn't answer. He gave Urahara a single look, then half-closed his eye again.
Urahara chuckled softly, not unkindly. "Figures. Man of few words. That's fine. I'll watch." His grin sharpened, but it wasn't a challenge; it was genuine interest, like Rin had just made his day less boring.
That's when another voice cut through the hush.
A broad-shouldered Seeker pushed past the crowd. Scar on his cheek, aura bristling hot. He stepped into the chalk circle opposite Rin, fists taped, jaw clenched.
"You think being Iron makes you untouchable?" His aura flared, fire licking at the air. "Prove it."
The arena froze. Dozens of eyes turned.
Urahara's smile widened, lazy and gleaming. "Oh. This should be fun."
The challenge hung heavy, like steel.
Rin's hand twitched once at his side. No Tetsuba. Of course. He'd left it.
He sighed inwardly—the kind only long experience brings.
"I was just looking for the bathroom," he thought. "Why does this always happen to me?"