Judging by the boy's Reiatsu, Kurosaki Ichigo could barely hold his own against a Seated Officer. Whether he could win was another matter.
Kisuke Urahara's expression remained calm. He had lived for centuries, but he had to admit that he had never seen talent like Ichigo's. Even that old rascal Yamabuki Chidori might not have been this strong at eighteen.
But Ichigo had far too little time.
Three days!
No matter how good Urahara was at teaching, he couldn't turn a Seated Officer into a Captain in three days.
Besides, the Gotei 13 had thirteen Captains, each more formidable than the last. Forget Ichigo—even Urahara himself couldn't force his way through.
Once those true powerhouses stepped in, Ichigo wouldn't stand a chance.
Should I give up on Rukia after all?
And look for another chance?
Urahara's expression darkened.
He was a clever man who liked having everything under control. Men like him hated taking risks most of all; there were too many unknowns.
"Ichigo..."
"I know. Three days, right? Don't worry. I'll save Rukia within three days," Ichigo said grimly.
This kid... Urahara gave a bitter smile.
This was what they meant by the fearlessness of youth. Ichigo had no idea how powerful the Gotei 13 was.
Anyone who challenged the Gotei 13 head-on was as good as dead. What had become of Yhwach? What had become of the Quincy?
They had been beaten into submission all the same.
"All right. Since you've made up your mind, you'll leave tonight. I'll get the Soul Gate ready for you," Urahara said.
He was taking a gamble.
Urahara was betting that Yamabuki Chidori wouldn't bring himself to kill Ichigo.
If that Old Man had wanted him dead, he could have wiped the boy out with ease on that rainy night.
"Ichigo, do