Chapter 28

Kisuke Urahara watched the arrow intently, then slashed at it when it drew near.

The arrow Miyako Amamiya had just fired seemed to lack power, shattering under Kisuke Urahara's strike. But instead of dissipating, it turned into points of light that gathered around his Benihime, completely enveloping it in moments.

Kisuke Urahara carefully sensed the changes in Benihime, but in the next moment, something strange happened to it.

His eyes widened, unable to believe the change in the Zanpakuto in his hand. "How is that possible? Benihime changed back..."

His Zanpakuto, which had already entered Shikai, had returned to its original form under a single attack from Miyako Amamiya. That was what left Kisuke Urahara so astonished.

Kisuke Urahara poured more of his reiryoku into it, trying to call out to Benihime again. But no matter how he called, the reiryoku he put in seemed to vanish into the sea without a trace, eliciting no response.

"So that's your Zanpakuto's ability." Kisuke Urahara slowly lowered the hand holding his sword and stared fixedly at Miyako Amamiya.

"Well, Mr. Urahara? Do you think my Zanpakuto's ability really can stop Kyōka Suigetsu?" Miyako Amamiya canceled his Shikai as well and put away his twin swords as he asked.

Kisuke Urahara lowered his head and thought for quite a while before looking up at Miyako Amamiya.

"I understand. I'll tell you what I know. I just hope you really can do it," Kisuke Urahara said gravely. He now half believed what Miyako Amamiya had said.

"But before that, we need to finish the first stage of Mr. Kurosaki's training." Kisuke Urahara turned his gaze to Ichigo Kurosaki.

"Ururu, I'm counting on you." Kisuke Urahara went over to Ichigo Kurosaki and spoke to Ururu.

Then he aimed the bottom of his cane at Ichigo Kurosaki and struck him hard.

Ichigo Kurosaki's soul left his body, a long chain trailing from his chest and connecting him to his body.

"This is your first time leaving your body without being a Soul Reaper, isn't it, Mr. Kurosaki?" Kisuke Urahara had returned to his usual flippant manner, smiling as he spoke to Ichigo Kurosaki.

"During the rest of the training, you're going to tell me everything. Your identity, your Zanpakuto, your Shikai, your real name. Tell me all of it." Ichigo Kurosaki didn't make a fuss about leaving his body. He was more concerned with the information revealed by Kisuke Urahara and Miyako Amamiya's fight.

Seeing the serious look in Ichigo Kurosaki's eyes, Kisuke Urahara assured him, "I understand. I'll... tell you everything, one thing at a time. But first, you have to regain your Soul Reaper powers."

Ichigo Kurosaki quickly passed the first test, and his reiryoku began to rise again.

Immediately afterward, Tessai Tsukabishi severed the Chain of Fate on Ichigo Kurosaki's chest with a single swing of an axe and threw him into a deep pit. Ichigo Kurosaki's cries echoed from within, growing fainter and fainter.

"All right, now it's time to discuss our business." Kisuke Urahara turned to Miyako Amamiya.

"What I'd like to ask you about, Mr. Urahara, is Ichigo Kurosaki's background. Not only was his spiritual pressure enormous before, but now he's trying to train to become a Soul Reaper in this way. It's practically unheard of." Miyako Amamiya questioned Kisuke Urahara with a faint smile.

Miyako Amamiya wanted to see whether Kisuke Urahara would cooperate with him sincerely, and whether he would continue to conceal Isshin Kurosaki's true identity or tell him outright.

"..." Miyako Amamiya had rendered Kisuke Urahara speechless right off the bat. "You really are something, Mr. Amamiya..."

"All right, I understand. I'll tell you everything, starting from when I defected from Soul Society..." Kisuke Urahara had realized that Miyako Amamiya seemed to know quite a lot, so he no longer intended to hide anything. After all, their chances of victory would be much greater if Miyako Amamiya joined them.

Kisuke Urahara went on to recount everything that had happened after he became captain of the Twelfth Division, telling Miyako Amamiya every last detail.

"Sōsuke Aizen..." Hearing more details from Kisuke Urahara gave Miyako Amamiya a clearer understanding of how frightening Aizen was.

"Mr. Urahara, if Aizen is really as frightening as you say, then, given the strange things happening in Soul Society, we can assume that the members of Central 46 have probably already been hypnotized by him," Miyako Amamiya said.

"I see... So that's how it is. That would explain it."

Miyako Amamiya knew that Rukia's return to Soul Society was basically the same as falling into Aizen's hands. It was only a matter of time before the Hōgyoku inside her was taken.

"Besides Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends, do you have any other backup plans?" Miyako Amamiya asked.

"I have a trusted partner. Her strength is our greatest assurance in this operation. I can't enter Soul Society, so I've left most things to her."

"Is it Yoruichi Shihōin?"

Kisuke Urahara froze, then smiled wryly. "Mr. Amamiya, I keep feeling like you know everything, even though I hid it all so well."

Miyako Amamiya ignored that and said instead, "I understand the situation for the most part. So, Mr. Urahara, there's no time to lose. I'm returning to Soul Society. If I encounter Ichigo Kurosaki and his group there, I'll make things easier for them where I can, but outwardly, we'll still be enemies."

"I understand. I'll pass that on to Mr. Kurosaki and the others," Kisuke Urahara said gravely. "Then I'll leave stopping Aizen to you. But for now, I still can't tell Mr. Kurosaki and the others too much about Aizen. I hope you'll do the same."

"Also, if things really come to that, I hope you can, in advance..."

"I understand." Miyako Amamiya had considered that possibility, which was why he had Ukitake request in advance that Rukia be held in the Thirteenth Division.

And if I get the chance, there's no reason I can't borrow "its" power. That was another of Miyako Amamiya's objectives.

In the outskirts, at the Thirteenth Division Captain's Office. After finishing his discussion with Kisuke Urahara, Miyako Amamiya had taken the necessary items and returned to Soul Society.

"That's everything I found during my investigation in the World of the Living," Miyako Amamiya said to Ukitake.

"As expected, it's full of irregularities..." Ukitake looked over all the information Miyako Amamiya had collected, his brow tightly furrowed. "I actually asked Rukia herself, and her account was much the same as what you found."

"Miyako, there's something else you need to know," Ukitake said gravely. "Soul Society has issued its formal sentence for Rukia."

"Rukia has been convicted of a first-class serious crime. As a Jigoku, she is to be executed by Sōkyoku at the Central Execution Grounds in twenty-five days." Ukitake's face was ashen as he gave Miyako Amamiya the news.

"Execution by Sōkyoku..."

"That's right. The Sōkyoku is only unsealed at the time of execution. When its seal is released, its power instantly increases dozens of times, giving it destructive power equivalent to a million Zanpakuto. Its true form is an execution instrument called Gōkakyū. When it pierces the criminal's body, the execution is over."

"And Soul Society uses the Sōkyoku very rarely. Rukia's crime doesn't warrant using it at all." Ukitake expressed his confusion, wondering why Soul Society would issue such an order.

"If the execution really goes ahead, is there a way to stop it?" Miyako Amamiya asked.

"Miyako, are you thinking of..."

"Captain Ukitake, we should prepare for the worst as soon as possible, rather than thinking we can resolve this one step at a time. If the execution is actually carried out, that might be exactly what the person behind this wants to see."

"You suspect someone is manipulating all of this?" Ukitake asked in surprise.

"Yes. But even if no one is, I still want to save Rukia," Miyako Amamiya told Ukitake firmly.

"I understand. I'll give it careful thought..." Ukitake himself was uncertain at the moment and wanted more time to think.

"Captain Ukitake, this matter is extremely serious. As for the possibility of someone pulling the strings, I hope you won't tell anyone," Miyako Amamiya cautioned. He didn't want word of it reaching Aizen.

"...I'll do as you say, Miyako." Ukitake also realized how serious it was. If such a hidden hand had been present in Soul Society all along, capable of influencing Central 46's decisions, then they really couldn't let anyone know.

"Then, Captain Ukitake, I'll take my leave," Miyako Amamiya said.

After leaving the Captain's Office, Miyako Amamiya went to the place where Rukia was being held in the Thirteenth Division. Although Rukia had been placed in the Thirteenth Division's custody, the Stealth Force was watching its perimeter to prevent Rukia Kuchiki from escaping.

Miyako Amamiya spoke to Kiyone Kotetsu, who was guarding Rukia. "Kiyone, could you step outside for a moment? I have something to discuss with Rukia in private."

Kiyone Kotetsu nodded and walked out the door. Only after confirming that no one was eavesdropping did Miyako Amamiya step forward to speak with Rukia.

Seeing that Miyako Amamiya had finally returned, Rukia hurried over and asked, "Miyako, you're finally back from the World of the Living. How did it go? Are Ichigo and the others all right?"

"Ichigo Kurosaki and the others are all fine," Miyako Amamiya reassured her.

"Really... Thank goodness." Relieved, Rukia began to sink to the floor. She didn't want anyone else to lose their life because of her, and hearing that Ichigo Kurosaki was safe allowed her to finally relax.

"Hmph, you're happy too soon." Seeing how she gave no thought to whether she lived or died, Miyako Amamiya couldn't help snapping at her.

"Ichigo Kurosaki isn't just alive. He's in the World of the Living right now, preparing to break into Soul Society to rescue you."

"What? Why would Ichigo... I warned him. No, wait. He lost his Soul Reaper powers, so there's no way he can come to Soul Society on his own." Rukia spoke anxiously as soon as she heard, but then realized it was impossible.

"Who says he can't? Have you forgotten the person who gave you your Gigai?" Miyako Amamiya reminded her.

"Urahara? He's just a little shopkeeper. Even if he has some mysterious methods, he still can't just..."

"Kisuke Urahara's true identity is the previous captain of the Twelfth Division and the first director of the Technology Development Bureau," Miyako Amamiya said without a change of expression.

"Wha..." Rukia was utterly shocked. She had never imagined that an eccentric shopkeeper was a former captain and the director of the Technology Development Bureau.

"Don't you see the problem yet, Rukia? Think about it. Why couldn't you recover your reiryoku after giving it to Ichigo Kurosaki, no matter what you did?"

"Could it be..." Rukia couldn't believe it. She had thought Kisuke Urahara had genuinely come to help her back then.

"In any case, I won't let you die like this," Miyako Amamiya told her irritably. "Dying alone like this—not only would I never accept it, Captain Ukitake and everyone else wouldn't either."

Her eyes gradually reddened, and her will to live was rekindled.

"And have you forgotten? My pride won't allow my comrades to die. I refuse to accept a senseless sentence like this."

Hearing Miyako Amamiya's familiar words, Rukia couldn't help smiling through her tears.

Rukia looked at Miyako Amamiya and said, "Miyako, you're right. I absolutely can't die alone like this. If I die, it'll be on the battlefield, after entrusting my heart to my comrades. Then I'll die with my head held high."

Seeing that the stubborn Rukia Kuchiki had finally changed her mind somewhat, Miyako Amamiya breathed a sigh of relief. He had only just managed to talk her around; he didn't want to make her depressed again now.

"Then, Rukia, I want you to keep your mouth shut until the execution. Don't mention what I just told you to anyone either," Miyako Amamiya said seriously.

"Why?"

"Just trust me. When the time comes, I'll tell you." Miyako Amamiya couldn't explain much more right now, so he could only ask Rukia to stay silent.

"Lieutenant Miyako, Lieutenant Renji Abarai of the Sixth Division is here to visit the prisoner," Kiyone Kotetsu informed Miyako Amamiya from outside the door a while later.

"Renji?" Rukia said in confusion. After being arrested and brought back to Soul Society, she had been sent to the Thirteenth Division and hadn't seen Renji Abarai since.

Looking at Rukia in her white prison clothes, Renji Abarai couldn't help asking, "Rukia, are you... all right?"

"Me? I'm fine." Rukia spoke naturally to Renji Abarai. After Miyako Amamiya's encouragement, she really was fine at the moment, but the redness around her eyes hadn't faded, making Renji Abarai think she was only putting on a brave face.

"Rukia, don't be too discouraged. Things might still turn around. Don't give up," Renji Abarai said firmly.

"Huh? I..." Rukia realized that Renji Abarai was trying to comfort her and couldn't help feeling reassured.

"Thank you, Renji, but as for me..." Rukia looked at Miyako Amamiya, unsure whether she should tell him about her resolve.

Miyako Amamiya shook his head at her, signaling her not to tell Renji Abarai.

Only after a preoccupied Renji Abarai had left did Rukia speak up sheepishly. "I get the feeling Renji misunderstood something."

"Let him misunderstand. Renji will make his own choice." Miyako Amamiya knew that no matter how conflicted Renji Abarai was, he would certainly rebel in the end.

But he couldn't actually tell him anything, because Aizen was still watching Renji Abarai. It was best not to let any information reach Aizen's ears.

Aizen, on the other hand, would actively encourage Renji Abarai to defy Soul Society's orders. After all, Aizen wanted greater chaos in Soul Society so he could fish in troubled waters.

At one in the morning, after receiving one of Kisuke Urahara's prank-like messages, Ichigo Kurosaki rushed to the Urahara Shop.

When he arrived, Ichigo Kurosaki found several of his companions gathered there, ready to go to Soul Society to rescue Rukia. He was very glad to see them.

Kisuke Urahara explained things to them from the front and opened the gate to Soul Society.

"Mr. Kurosaki, there's something I need to tell you all." Kisuke Urahara used his hat to cover his face. "If you meet Miyako Amamiya, the lieutenant of the Thirteenth Division, in Soul Society, you can ask him for help when appropriate."

"Amamiya? He did mention rescuing Rukia to me. But the Thirteenth Division? I think he mentioned that too..." Ichigo Kurosaki said in confusion.

"You'll understand when you get to Soul Society. Mr. Amamiya is, for the time being, on our side."

"Got it. I'll keep that in mind. Looks like that guy's pretty decent after all. He's actually willing to defy Soul Society for Rukia." Ichigo Kurosaki had thought Miyako Amamiya was only talking, and hadn't expected him to have already discussed it in detail with Kisuke Urahara.

Meanwhile, Miyako Amamiya had also set out early from the West Rukongai Gate, heading for the Shiba Clan.

There should still be some time before Ichigo Kurosaki formally invaded Soul Society. During this period, Seireitei had not yet imposed strict restrictions on people entering and leaving.

So for now, Miyako Amamiya could still go to Rukongai to find Kūkaku Shiba.

"Are you Koganehiko and Ginhiko? Sorry for the trouble, but please tell Miss Kūkaku that Miyako Amamiya has come to visit," Miyako Amamiya said to the two at the gate.

After a short wait, they led Miyako Amamiya inside.

"You again? What do you want with me this time?" Kūkaku Shiba sat on the floor, holding a pipe as she asked irritably.

"Miss Kūkaku, do you know what's been happening in Seireitei lately?" Miyako Amamiya asked.

"Soul Reaper business? I'm not interested. Rukia Kuchiki already came to apologize, and we have nothing more to do with Soul Reapers." Kūkaku Shiba spoke indifferently.

"Rukia gave her Soul Reaper powers to a human in the World of the Living, and Soul Society sentenced her to execution by Sōkyoku—in other words, death. The execution is to be carried out in a little over ten days," Miyako Amamiya told her expressionlessly.

"What? That little girl?" Kūkaku Shiba asked in surprise. "What's going on?"

"Miss Kūkaku, do you know why I came to see you today?" Instead of answering Kūkaku Shiba's question, Miyako Amamiya asked about something unrelated.

"Kid, stop keeping me in suspense and spit it out." Kūkaku Shiba now understood the seriousness of the situation. Her eldest brother had entrusted someone to her with great difficulty, and Kūkaku Shiba couldn't stand by and watch Rukia die.

"The human Rukia gave her Soul Reaper powers to is named Ichigo Kurosaki." Miyako Amamiya continued to keep her in suspense.

"So what? It's just a human's name. Instead of discussing that, why don't you explain what's going on with Rukia Kuchiki?" Kūkaku Shiba asked with a frown.

"Don't be impatient, Miss Kūkaku. I investigated Ichigo Kurosaki's family in the World of the Living and discovered something interesting," Miyako Amamiya said.

Seeing that Kūkaku Shiba was on the verge of losing her patience, Miyako Amamiya stopped speaking in riddles and told her directly.

"Ichigo Kurosaki's father is named Isshin Kurosaki. But Kurosaki doesn't seem to be his original surname."

"Kurosaki... Isshin?" Kūkaku Shiba repeated the name in surprise. "Could it be..."