Through the small window, Asano Kiyoshi could see the hazy drizzle falling outside.
The hairlike rain fell in endless strands, dimming the colors of the entire space. The gray-blue wind, faintly tinged with coldness, brought a sense of calm to his mind.
Urahara Shopkeeper's reminder came from behind him, but because he was some distance away, his voice was somewhat muffled.
"Xiao Qing Shop Employee, remember this: there are quite a few bombs in the hallway that look like Black Apples. Be careful when you walk past them~ Don't let them blow you up."
"Otherwise, you'll have to cover your own medical bills. And you'll also be responsible for the shop's repair costs, my lost wages, and... compensation for the emotional damage to your boss's fragile heart~"
Listening to that utterly shameless voice behind him, Asano Kiyoshi felt a genuine throbbing pain at his temples. He answered weakly, then made his way upstairs on somewhat unsteady steps.
The wooden floorboards in the hallway were damp. When he stepped on them, the soles of his feet felt slightly chilly, as though they had absorbed some moisture.
Perhaps because of the rain, the wooden stairs leading to the second floor reeked of mold. Asano Kiyoshi stepped onto them, and with a creak, the sound was unnervingly eerie.
Urahara remained in the room, facing the direction Asano Kiyoshi had left. His expression differed from before. He stroked the stubble on his chin, then leaned back slightly, bracing himself against the floor with both hands. Letting out a long sigh, he murmured, "Inner Bakudo No. 91—Lovers' Road Sixteen Nights? Someone actually uses that kind of Kido... How many years has it been? And on an Arrancar lady, no less. Xiao Qing Shop Employee, should I say you're ignorant, or that you're courageous... Either way,