A Visit from the Second Division

The next morning, just after Wang Xun finished the light breakfast delivered by the Fourth Division, there was a gentle knock on the door of his hospital room.

"Please come in."

Wang Xun was curious, wondering who had come to visit.

The door opened, Kisuke Urahara's face peeked in.

"Wang Xun, I've come to see you!"

"Third Seat Urahara," Wang Xun up straight, "What brings you here?"

"Not only me, Captain Yoruichi and Lieutenant Ōmaeda are here too."

Kisuke Urahara walked in, revealing Yoruichi Shihōin and Marechiyo Ōmaeda behind him.

"Hey kid, you look pretty energetic."

Yoruichi Shihōin walked in with a swagger, carrying two skewers of yakitori (grilled chicken dumplings) in her hand.

The same was true for Ōmaeda behind him, who was holding a paper bag stuffed full of yakitori chicken skewers.

Yoruichi wasn't wearing her Captain's Haori today; instead, she wore a simple dark purple casual outfit, her long purple hair tied in a high ponytail, making her look neat and casual.

She sat down naturally on the empty bed next to her.

Wang Xun greeted the two men and examined the roasted birds in their hands.

"Is this from Ichiraku Ramen?"

"That's right, that shop in the West Rukongai, I think it's yours, isn't it?"

Yoruichi bite of the chicken skewer in her hand and squinted her eyes in satisfaction.

"It's just a bit far away, so I have to make a trip every time I want to eat there, which is a hassle."

"How are you recovering? I heard from Soi Fon that your injury wasn't serious?"

"The minor injuries have mostly healed. Thank you for your concern Captain Shihoin."

Wang Xun looked at Yoruichi and asked the question that concerned him most right now.

"I wonder how things are at the shop. Since Captain Yoruichi was able to buy food, there shouldn't be any problems, right?"

"Oh, you don't need to worry about that."

Urahara picked up the conversation.

"Captain Yoruichi sent men to set up surveillance near the shop in advance. Several down-on-their-luck Soul Reaper went to cause trouble were basically apprehended as soon as they showed up, so there's no need to worry."

Wang Xun was silent for two seconds, then looked up at Urahara.

"You knew Captain Yoruichi would send people, right?"

"Oh dear, what a way of saying that."

Urahara scratched his head, his smile unchanged; he knew what Wang Xun was referring to.

"I'm just a Third Seat -command responsible for guarding suspects. How would I know the captain's plans?"

"However, it's always good to be prepared, don't you think?"

Wang Xun stared at him for a few seconds, then finally sighed helplessly.

"Never mind," Wang Xun shook his head, "It's good that the people in the shop are alright."

Kisuke Urahara deflected the topic and then changed the subject.

"Speaking of which, that production-increasing research you commissioned before is progressing smoothly recently."

Wang Xun showed interest. This was one of the few pieces of good news recently.

"We designed several small-scale Kidō barriers to regulate the concentration of Reishi in localized environments. Combined with specialized Reishi Structure Intervention Technology, we adjusted the Reishi particle gene fragments within the plants themselves..."

"It is estimated that this will shorten the growth cycle of several crops in the experimental field by nearly 40%, while increasing yield by 50% to 70%."

Urahara spoke of it casually, but Wang Xun could roughly imagine the technical complexity involved.

The former involves altering the environment, similar to fertilizing the soil, but the latter...

"Reishi Structure Intervention..." Wang Xun chewed on the term, "It sounds weird. Is this thing of yours safe?"

Urahara gave him a calm look.

"Don't worry, the Reishi structure of plants is much simpler and more stable than that of souls, and the risks and difficulties of intervention are also lower."

"If this technology is developed and matured, it will greatly improve grain production. Of course, this is contingent on obtaining technical permission and sufficient resource support from the Central 46."

Wang Xun understood what he meant.

This technology is of great value, but since it involves operations at the Reishi level, it inevitably requires the review and endorsement of the Gotei 13 and even the Central 46 Chambers.

Can you handle it?

Wang Xun said.

"I'm not sure. If Captain Yoruichi can help, it might be faster."

"What nonsense is this? I don't understand."

Yoruichi didn't pay much attention, quickly finished a skewer, wiped her hands, and looked at Wang Xun with her golden eyes.

"I said, have you ever considered opening a branch inside Seireitei?"

Wang Xun was taken aback upon hearing this.

"A branch in Seireitei?"

"Yes, that's one of the reasons I came here today."

Yoruichi smiled slyly.

"It will be located within Seireitei, in a noble district. I'll vouch for it and register it under the Shihoin Clan's name."

"In this way, those who want to use underhanded tactics to cause trouble will have to think twice about the consequences."

Wang Xun understood.

This is not just a business proposal, but a blatant act of protection.

Opening a shop in the aristocratic district with Yoruichi's support is tantamount to announcing to everyone that the Shihoin Clan has connections to this shop.

"However... opening a store isn't that easy; you need to raise funds, and then there are the subsequent requirements for a location and permits."

Wang Xun calmly listed the difficulties.

Doing business on the noble street isn't just about having a skill.

"Funding and venue are easy to discuss."

Yoruichi pointed to Ōmaeda beside her.

"This is the vice-captain of the Second Division, Marechiyo Ōmaeda, who is also a nobleman under the Shihoin Clan and the head of the Ōmaeda Clan."

Yoruichi explained.

"He will be in charge of investing in your shop."

Upon Ōmaeda, Wang Xun smiled slightly.

That smile was brimming with confidence in our economic strength.

Wang Xun understood immediately.

Yoruichi brought along the person who actually provided the money and effort to carry it out.

"I've already checked it out. Ichiraku Ramen is famous throughout Rukongai, and the food is quite good. If it could open in Seireitei, the business would be great; it would be a worthwhile investment."

"Lieutenant Ōmaeda, you flatter me."

Wang Xun responded politely.

"However, opening a shop on a prestigious street raises questions about profit distribution and responsibilities..."

"Simple."

Ōmaeda clearly already had a plan in mind.

"You provide the skills, personnel, and recipe; the Ōmaeda Clan provides the capital, the venue, and handles all the paperwork. The profits... I'll take 70%, you take 30%, how about that?"

As he finished speaking, he glanced discreetly at Shihoin standing next to him.

The fact that he didn't mention September 1st already represents a huge concession.

Yoruichi neither confirmed nor denied it.

Wang Xun looked at Yoruichi, then at Ōmaeda.

"I need to retain control over all formulas and core production processes; Lieutenant Ōmaeda must not disclose or modify them without authorization."

"Of course."

Ōmaeda readily agreed.

"The recipe is the foundation of your business, and we will never touch it. As for the operation and management of the store, let's discuss that together, shall we?"

"Okay, I have no further comments. It's been a pleasure working with you."

Yoruichi, clearly satisfied with Wang Xun's decisiveness.

"Then it's settled. You can discuss the specific details later. Let Ōmaeda handle the paperwork and site selection, and get it done as soon as possible."

Even though the profit-sharing ratio for opening a shop on the upscale street may seem low, the potential profits far exceed his expectations.

What's more, he didn't even spend much money.

Moreover, Wang Xun understood that the real value of this cooperation was not in terms of profit and revenue.

Rather, it offers him security and a closer connection with the Shihoin faction.

Wang Xun nodded, then looked at Yoruichi.

"Captain Yoruichi, is this how you intend to protect me?"

Yoruichi glanced at Wang Xun.

"Indeed, the Tsunayashiro Clan failed to uncover any substantial evidence against you and your shop in response to the attack, which is something I can't easily explain to you."

"But you don't need to worry about the aftermath. Captain Kyōraku and I have discussed it; he'll be going to the Tsunayashiro Clan."

Yoruichi looked at the chicken meatballs in his hand.

"As for what we discussed today, consider it... a small compensation for you."