Under the tutelage of Shinji Hirako and others Ichigo Kurosaki is learning how to control Hollowfication. He seems to have accepted his past, but no one knows what he is really thinking, not even Yoruichi Shihōin, who knows him best.
After saying goodbye to Kensei Muguruma, Hiyori Sarugaki, and the others, Yoruichi Shihōin returned to Urahara Shop, only to unexpectedly see Kisuke Urahara and Isshin Kurosaki had transformed into Bleach, talking about something.
"You're back, Yoruichi!" Kisuke Urahara waved with a smile; "How are Hiyori and the others doing?"
"Um!"
Yoruichi Shihōin gave a curt reply and sat down at the table, seemingly unsurprised that Kisuke Urahara knew she had gone to the Visored Ones.
"How's Ichigo?" Isshin Kurosaki asked.
"It's alright, I'm learning Hollowfication!" Yoruichi Shihōin moment, then said softly, " Isshin, I've told Ichigo!"
"Really!" Isshin Kurosaki paused for a moment, then laughed; "It's good that you told him. He'd find out sooner or later anyway, and it's really uncomfortable to keep it bottled up inside!"
"Ah!"
······
Meanwhile, on the other side, Toshiro Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto, who were temporarily staying at Orihime Inoue's house, also received the latest news from Soul Society, namely Sōsuke Aizen's true purpose: the Oken.
After urgently notifying the scattered Advance Team, Rangiku Matsumoto went to the Dark Night Residence alone. She felt it was better to tell Shadow and Kaien Shiba about this.
Having been led through this misty forest by the Shadow once before, Rangiku Matsumoto entered with ease this time.
In the backyard, Shadow and Ran'Tao were eating, while Kaien Shiba sat cross-legged to the side resting, his clothes stained with dark red blood.
" Rangiku!"
"Master!"
As soon as Rangiku Matsumoto entered the forest, Shadow had already noticed her, so there was nothing surprising about it. He stood up, patted Rangiku Matsumoto's head as she rushed into his arms, and Shadow with affection.
Kenpachi Zaraki, Yachiru Kusajishi, Byakuya Kuchiki, Gin Ichimaru, Ganju Shiba, and Rangiku Matsumoto — Shadow has always treated them like his own children. Among them, Gin Ichimaru is the one who loves him the most, and now Gin Ichimaru Rangiku Matsumoto to be added to the list. Both of them, who have no parents, treat Shadow like a father.
"Have you eaten?" Shadow asked.
"Yes! I already ate with the captain before coming!" Rangiku Matsumoto nodded.
"What happened?!"
"We've found out Aizen's true purpose!" Rangiku Matsumoto said earnestly. "Master, have you heard of the Oken?"
" Oken!" Shadow nodded; "I know, what's wrong?"
"Master, you know about such a secret thing!" Rangiku Matsumoto said in great surprise.
"You know that Lady Yoruichi used to be the Second Division Captain, right?" Shadow waved his hand dismissively. "Back then, I was mostly the one handling documents and organizing data, so it's not surprising that I know this!"
"But what does Aizen want the Oken for!" Shadow frowned. "He's not going to enter that Soul King Palace, is he? Then kill the Soul King and become king himself, huh! That's so boring. I thought he was going to do something to destroy the world!"
"Master!" Rangiku Matsumoto was utterly exasperated.
"I remember only Old Man Yamamoto knew where Oken was located, and what were the conditions for creation again!" Shadow, resting his chin on his hand, suddenly remembered; "Right, it requires a soul and Jūreichi!"
" The Jūreichi!" Ran'Tao interjected. "I remember now too. If I'm not mistaken, the Jūreichi in this era should be Karakura Town!"
"Yes! That's it!" Rangiku Matsumoto said solemnly, "Master, this place will soon become a battlefield. The Soul Society wants Kisuke Urahara to build a Fake Karakura Town as the location for the final battle!"
"Oh! I don't care! Whatever happens, happens!" Shadow yawned, resting his chin on his hand. "But you heard it too, didn't you? Kaien, this time time is really tight!"
"Ah! I know!"
Opening his eyes, Kaien Shiba stood up and pulled the Asauchi stuck in the ground beside him; "I will regain my Bleach powers before everything begins!"
Turning around, Kaien Shiba walked to the Shadow that Zanpakutō had placed on the ground beside him, stomped on it fiercely, and gritted his teeth, saying, "Hey! Dead Wolf, wake up and get out here, do you hear me!"
With a vicious roar, Kaien Shiba's words had barely left his lips when the Zanpakutō beneath his feet trembled violently. The black Reiatsu, like a runaway wolf, slammed Kaien Shiba away.
" Kaien Shiba, you damned bastard!"
Countless Shade began to coalesce and take shape. The Eroding Wolf, with a ferocious face, the Roar and charged out. Immediately afterward, the sounds of fierce fighting came from that direction.
"Sigh!" Shadow sighed with a hint of helplessness, then smiled with some relief. Kaien Shiba was really anxious this time.
"Master!"
"Ah!" Shadow looked at Rangiku Matsumoto, who had suddenly spoken; "What's wrong!"
"I don't understand, Master!" Rangiku Matsumoto asked, puzzled. " The Muramasa incident ended a long time ago, and all the Zanpakutō spirits should no longer be able to appear, so why can Eroding Wolf still do it!"
"For Eroding Wolf can manipulate Shade, this is nothing surprising!" Shadow chuckled. "Rather than saying he was bewitched by Muramasa, it's more accurate to say he was using Muramasa for my sake back then!"
"I see!"
Rangiku Matsumoto nodded, somewhat understanding; after all, having been involved firsthand, she knew what had happened back then.
······
In the World of the Living, Karakura Town.
As she emerged from the warehouse of the Visored Base, Orihime Inoue recalled the sight of Ichigo Kurosaki diligently training, and suddenly realized that she too should strive to protect her home and friends.
Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of Orihime Inoue.
"You're here, Inoue!" Yoruichi Shihōin said calmly. "It seems you've already met Ichigo!"
" Miss Yoruichi!"
"I'm looking for you on Kisuke!" Yoruichi Shihōin said. "Let's go!"
"Mr. Urahara, he..."
"He wants me to take you to the underground training grounds right now. He'll tell you the details when we get there!"
"Yes!"
······
They walked in silence Yoruichi Shihōin walked ahead, seemingly lost in thought, her expression not looking too good. Orihime Inoue watched in trepidation, not daring to utter a sound.
In the oppressive atmosphere, the two arrived at the underground training ground of Urahara Shop and met the still carefree Kisuke Urahara.
"Hello, Miss Inoue, it's been a long time!" Kisuke Urahara with his usual smug grin, waving a small fan.
"Ah..." For some reason, Orihime Inoue suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Because I've been stuck with these two slovenly men all this time, it's clear that the atmosphere at work becomes much livelier when there are women around!"
"Hmph!" Yoruichi Shihōin was furious; "So, that means I'm not a woman?!"
"Ugh! Miss Yoruichi, I meant in this basement! The shop upstairs is only so lively thanks to you, Yoruichi!"
Startled, Kisuke Urahara quickly chuckled to himself. If the Shadow and Soi Fon found out, he would be in deep trouble. Besides, even if Yoruichi Shihōin didn't usually lose her temper easily, if she did, even the Shadow couldn't stop her. Kisuke Urahara thought it best not to provoke her.
"That explanation is highly questionable!"
With her arms crossed over her chest, Yoruichi Shihōin snorted. If Kisuke Urahara dared to say another word, she would definitely beat him until his face was covered in peach blossoms.
"Haha!" Kisuke Urahara dryly, then quickly changed the subject, moving a chair over from the side and placing it there.
"Come, Miss Inoue, please sit here!"
"Yes!"
Suddenly, a violent roar rang out. Orihime Inoue turned her head and immediately saw Renji Abarai and Yasutora Sado, who were diligently training.
" Sado- kun, Renji- kun!"
"Same as always, the battle is fierce!" Yoruichi Shihōin looked over and said calmly.
"Mr. Urahara!" Amidst the fierce fighting, Orihime Inoue seemed to realize something, turning to look at Kisuke Urahara and asking somewhat uneasily, "Um... you said something was wrong, what is it?"
"..." After a moment of silence, Kisuke Urahara a deep voice, "Ms. Matsumoto from the Tenth Division was here just now, you should know that, right? About the Oken!"
"Things have changed so suddenly, it's quite unexpected. In short, now..." Kisuke Urahara before continuing, "We and the Soul Society have decided to prepare for the winter battle. A full-scale war will likely cause more casualties than before, and both we and the Soul Society will need more fighting power than ever before!"
"Yes!" Orihime Inoue grew increasingly uneasy; "Then... actually, I... want to become stronger!"
"That's true. Well then, let me tell you!" After another silence, his eyes beneath the brim of his hat held an unspeakable gravity and seriousness. Kisuke Urahara turned and said, "You're withdrawing from the front lines this time!"
In an instant, the anger and resentment reached their peak.
Yoruichi Shihōin sighed softly. In fact, she also played a part in making this decision. It wasn't just because Orihime Inoue's combat strength was already low, but more importantly, Orihime Inoue's ability was something that absolutely could not be compromised.
However, while the decision was made, it was something that should have been explained to Orihime Inoue by her. But Yoruichi Shihōin just couldn't bring herself to say it. She wasn't a soft-hearted person, nor was she the type to hesitate or be indecisive. But Yoruichi Shihōin valued her friends very much, and Orihime Inoue was someone she had watched grow from the moment she awakened her abilities to where she was now. So, there was no other way but to have Kisuke Urahara explain it to her.
" The Tsubaki was damaged in its battle with the Arrancar a while ago and has been unable to be repaired since, right?"
"Yes, it was pulverized to the point that not even a fragment could be found!" Although she knew she shouldn't say this at a time like this, Orihime Inoue still told the truth; "And I don't know how to heal him!"
" Tsubaki is your only means of fighting!" Kisuke Urahara said solemnly, uttering words that filled Orihime Inoue with despair; "Now that I've lost you, it's only natural that I cannot allow you to participate in the battle!"
"Please wait..."
"Wait a minute, Mr. Urahara!" Yasutora Sado interrupted. " Inoue is our comrade. She fought with all her might in Soul Society and in the battle against the Bount!"
" Sado- kun!"
"She herself clearly said she wanted to become stronger!" Yasutora Sado shouted; "I can't just abandon her like this!"
"Isn't this just acting on emotion!" Kisuke Urahara calmly. "Do you want Miss Inoue to go and die?"
"No!" Yasutora Sado protested loudly; " Inoue has defensive and recovery abilities that are more important than fighting!"
"Sigh!" Kisuke Urahara adjusted his hat and sighed helplessly. "The defensive power of the Santen Kesshun is quite limited. It probably won't be of any use in this battle. If we need to replenish it, we still have the Fourth Division. This time, Captain Unohana or Lieutenant Kotetsu- level Bleach will probably come to the front lines. There are many more people who can fill Miss Inoue's vacancy!"
"But······"
"You're so annoying!" Even Kisuke Urahara was showing some impatience; "A warrior who has lost his power is nothing but a hindrance!"
"Mr. Urahara!" Yasutora Sado, turned to look at the silent Yoruichi Shihōin; " Miss Yoruichi ..."
" Kisuke!" Yoruichi Shihōin said calmly. " Sado, you're still too green. You don't understand what this battle really means. Besides, we're doing this for Inoue good. It's better not to fight than to die!"
" Miss Yoruichi!"
"Never mind!" Orihime Inoue suddenly said.
" Inoue!" Yasutora Sado wanted to say something more.
"Never mind!" Orihime Inoue was almost in tears, but she still forced herself to remain calm and said, "Thank you, Sado- kun, and thank you Miss Yoruichi and Urahara. It's so kind of you to tell me directly. I'll be going now!"
Orihime Inoue ran away immediately, afraid that if she was even a second later, tears would fall; this was all she could do.
" Kisuke..."
"Hmm!" Kisuke Urahara; "By the way, Yoruichi, didn't Matsumoto- san say she went to the Dark Night Residence? How's it going with the Shadow?"
"Tch! Who knows!"
Yoruichi Shihōin curled her lip. Who knows what that bastard has been up to all this time!