"Shisui, how have things been at the Academy lately?"
In the Seireitei.
Kenma walked on the clean white stone path, with Shisui following behind and to his side.
Hearing the question from ahead, Shisui considered for a moment before replying immediately, "Reporting to my lord, everything is normal for this subordinate at the academy. There is nothing else to report."
"I'm referring to your studies," Kenma specified, as Shisui's answer was too general. "How do you compare to that boy Aizen brought over? You haven't lost to him in terms of grades, have you?"
"In terms of academic scores, he and I both have perfect marks… it's not possible to clearly compare our superiority."
Glancing at Kenma's profile to his front, Shisui composed himself, his voice calm.
"In combat-related competitions like Hakuda and Zanjutsu, we have both won and lost against each other. And when we spar, I can sense that he seems to be hiding some of his true strength…"
"But please rest assured, my lord, I have not revealed my full power either. If it were a true life-or-death battle, I am certain I could defeat him."
Kenma nodded.
Ichimaru Gin's nature was like a snake's—his thoughts were deep and he was extremely good at hiding his true intentions.
Especially being under Aizen, if he didn't hide some of his trump cards, he probably wouldn't even be able to breathe peacefully.
For Shisui to be able to reach this level, on par with Ichimaru Gin, was already a sign of outstanding talent. Kenma was very satisfied.
"There is one more thing…"
Shisui's voice held some hesitation.
"What is it?" Kenma asked without turning his head.
Shisui looked down at the short Zanpakutō at his waist, his eyes lowered, a trace of confusion in his expression.
"That guy Ichimaru Gin was able to achieve the Shikai of his Zanpakutō very early on and is now quite proficient with it."
"But as for me, even now, I still can't hear the call of my Zanpakutō. Even after practicing Zazen for so long, there's been no reaction from the Zanpakutō at all."
"It's as if… my Zanpakutō is a dead object…"
Kenma's steps faltered, his brows knitting together.
"Still nothing, even now?"
"Yes… I have disappointed you, my lord."
Shisui's voice was filled with deep shame.
Kenma comforted him, "Don't take it to heart. How long have you had your Zanpakutō? Not even half a year. It's normal not to hear its voice in such a short time."
Glancing back out of the corner of his eye and seeing Shisui still looking dejected, Kenma sighed inwardly and decided to use his own past as an example.
"Shisui, look at me. I received my Zanpakutō when I entered the academy back then, and it wasn't until I became a fourth-year student that I heard its call."
"You can't rush these things; it doesn't work. You can only slowly fill the blade with your soul and will."
Kenma's voice was as deep as ever, but the strong concern contained in his words moved Shisui's heart.
A strange sourness welled up in his nose. He blinked, quickly suppressing the moisture in his eyes, and nodded heavily.
"Thank you for your concern, my lord. I will certainly not disappoint you!"
Kenma nodded and said softly, "Next, you'll ask for a few days' leave from the academy and accompany me on a trip to the New World."
'New World?'
'It seems Lord Kenma plans to open a passage to a brand-new world.'
"As you command, my lord." After Shisui solemnly agreed, he asked curiously, "What kind of world is my lord going to this time?"
Kenma shook his head. "How would I know? I haven't even opened the passage yet. It's just an idea I have right now."
A considerable amount of time had passed since the last trip. Whitebeard and the others he had brought back had all adapted to life in the Soul Society and had completely settled down.
And Kenma's wedding was over. After a period of quiet, it was time for him to make a move, to visit those other worlds and make contracts with some good prospects.
"Then where are we now?"
Shisui looked around. The road they had been walking on was completely unfamiliar to him.
He had never been to this place before, and it didn't look like the way to the Uchiha clan's compound.
"We're here."
Kenma's voice came as he suddenly stopped walking.
Shisui looked up and saw a huge building looming before him. On the white wall was written the large character for "Twelve."
"Squad Twelve!"
Shisui's face showed confusion.
"May I ask why my lord has come to this place…?"
Kenma said, "There are two companions in Squad Twelve who have great talent in scientific research. I've come here today to ask them for a favor."
Kenma led Shisui inside, and they were soon warmly received by the squad members within.
"I'm looking for Urahara Kisuke and Mayuri Kurotsuchi."
The two were settled in a reception room by a Squad Twelve member. Kenma drank tea and waited for a while before he heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching.
Swish.
The wooden door was pushed open, and the figures of Urahara Kisuke and Mayuri Kurotsuchi came into Kenma's view.
Urahara Kisuke still had his usual listless, gloomy otaku vibe, but the change in Mayuri Kurotsuchi's appearance was extremely astonishing.
His face was painted with distinct black and white makeup, he wore a golden decoration on his head, and his yellowish-brown eyes were wide open.
He did have a certain familiarity with the image Kenma had of him.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi rushed ahead of Urahara Kisuke, walked into the room, and looked at Kenma, who was sitting cross-legged drinking tea, and Shisui, who was guarding him.
"Well, who do we have here? If it isn't my recently married master. What are you doing here in my Squad Twelve instead of being at home being affectionate with your wife?"
He waved his hand, the nail on his ring finger, which was over ten centimeters long, swaying with the movement.
Behind him, Urahara Kisuke looked exasperated. "You're not the captain yet. You can't represent Squad Twelve."
"Shut up, Urahara Kisuke! Don't think you can order me around just because your seat is higher than mine here!" Mayuri turned and shouted back.
Looking at the two of them, Kenma secretly nodded. "Seeing you two doing well here puts my mind at ease."
"It seems recommending you to Squad Twelve was a good decision."
Urahara Kisuke said softly, "Well, thank you for your kindness. Here we are… well, as you can see, it's indeed quite good."
Back then, Kenma had released them from the Maggot's Nest.
Considering that he couldn't gather the experimental equipment Mayuri needed all at once, he sent him to Squad Twelve.
And since Urahara Kisuke had committed a major offense, it was clearly inappropriate for him to remain in Squad Two, so he had been packaged and sent over as well.
This was also a good way to plan for the future. With their skills, it was a sure thing that they would become captains one day.
At that time, Squad Twelve would be in Kenma's pocket.
The current captain of Squad Twelve was already fond of this kind of research and experimentation. The squad had some research equipment that was not easily obtainable on the market, which was perfect for satisfying their interests.
After the two arrived here, they quickly gained the attention of Captain Hikifune Kirio with their talents and were rapidly promoted to seated officers.
Urahara Kisuke became the 3rd seat of Squad Twelve, while Mayuri Kurotsuchi became the 4th seat.
The two of them assisted Hikifune Kirio with her research and experiments.
Urahara Kisuke asked directly, "So, you've come here this time. Is there something you need us to do?"
Mayuri at the side urged, "No need to continue with the pleasantries. If you have something to say, just say it directly. My time is very tight."
When he heard that Kenma had come, he had rushed over immediately.
His time in the squad was spent assisting the captain with her experiments and conducting his own research. He didn't have much time to waste.
Seeing this, Kenma didn't beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly.
"I'm going to accompany Shisui to the world of the living next. I want you to help me make some special Gigai."
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