"You actually took on this job voluntarily."
"I just found the kid's situation interesting. But if his performance fails to meet my standards, I'll still toss him back to you."
"My, my, is it really okay to be so cold toward your beloved former vice-captain's son?"
"You said it yourself. Former vice-captain."
The two spoke in very low voices. Kisuke Urahara had somehow produced his folding fan again and used it to cover his mouth. Ichigo Kurosaki, standing some distance away, could not hear them at all, and even lip-reading was impossible—though Ichigo probably did not have that ability anyway.
He was only astonished by one thing: when had Mr. Yinsen appeared behind Shopkeeper Urahara? He had not noticed it at all.
Just as he guessed that this man might be very powerful, Ichigo was surprised to see the Zanpakuto in Kisuke Urahara's hand turn back into a cane.
"What? Not going to keep fighting?"
"No. Mr. Yinsen will be in charge of your training from here on."
"Huh?"
Before Ichigo could make sense of the situation, Kisuke Urahara had already retreated to the side and assumed the posture of someone watching a show.
"Um, Mr. Yinsen?"
"Don't doubt it. I'll be responsible for your training from now on."
Facing Yinsen, who stood with his arms folded, Ichigo felt as though he had been seen through from head to toe after only a single sweep of the man's gaze. It was as if any secret he possessed would be exposed under that scrutiny.
"Uh, what do I do next?"
Now that someone else was in charge of his training, did that mean the inexplicable battle from before was over?
"Simple."
Yinsen gestured to Tessai Tsukabishi nearby, and Tessai came over carrying a strange board.
It looked like an ordinary flat