Mirai departed from the Squad 2 barracks and strolled along the road. His disposition was noticeably more cheerful than before.
He instinctively patted his flat stomach. He felt significantly more self-assured.
He now possessed the "Spirit Mist Grenades" and "Substitute Wood Charms" from Urahara. His safety level for this mission to the World of the Living was much higher now.
He recalled his narrative about how a large assembly of spirits might lure a Menos.
That story was a total fabrication. He created the lie to frighten Urahara. He wanted to deceive him into providing superior equipment.
Before he decided to locate Urahara, Mirai specifically requested the facts from Captain Kensei. He wanted to know the truth about this mission.
The Captain usually appeared extremely stern. However, he took excellent care of the seated officers in his squad. He revealed everything he knew to Mirai.
the process regarding how this mission became the responsibility of Squad 11 was quite intricate.
It commenced because the Captain of Squad 13, Jushiro Ukitake, had become unwell once more. His physique was feeble. He was unable to lead this extensive support mission to execute Soul Burials in the World of the Living.
The 3rd Seat of Squad 13, Kaien Shiba, was very competent. However, he lacked sufficient experience. He might have struggled with the vital task of coordinating different squads.
Therefore, the authorities initially approached Squad 5.
However, as soon as Captain Shinji Hirako received the news, he was not interested. Leading a team was a nuisance to him. He did not want to coordinate or be responsible for the safety of a massive group.
He rejected the offer immediately. He claimed that squad business was too overwhelming.
Squad 5 never lacked missions anyway. He did not wish to accept an exhausting support task that offered few opportunities for combat.
The mission passed between several groups. Eventually, it reached Squad 11.
When Captain Kuruyashiki Kenpachi heard the news, his response was different. He said, "Going to the World of the Living? Might there be a battle? Certainly! No problem!"
The members of Squad 11 were even more enthusiastic. To them, any opportunity to utilize their strength was a favorable mission. It did not matter if the objective was "support" or "combat."
Consequently, this mission was fundamentally just an intensified Soul Burial support task. At most, the quantity of Hollows might be slightly higher. The Hollows might also be somewhat more powerful than usual. The situation was definitely not as perilous as the exaggerated narrative Mirai told Urahara. There would certainly be no Menos.
Mirai kept the truth in mind. He felt the high-tech gadgets in his pocket. His pace became swifter.
He wondered if there was another location where he could gather some donations. He wanted to increase his security further.
Just as he exited the Squad 2 gates and turned the corner, he observed a familiar figure.
She possessed lengthy purple hair secured in a distinct ponytail. Her complexion was a healthy, light brown. She reclined casually against a wall near the street. One of her legs was bent. Her heel rested against the wall. She appeared as tranquil as if she were relaxing in her own garden.
It was Yoruichi Shihoin.
Mirai's eyes sparkled. He began to calculate his options immediately.
He modified his expression. A look of faint melancholy and longing appeared on his face.
He walked over rapidly and stopped before Yoruichi. His voice was deeper than usual.
"Yoruichi, what a coincidence. I was just planning to find you to say goodbye."
Yoruichi tilted her head slightly. She observed him with her golden eyes. She remained silent, but the corners of her mouth formed a slight smirk.
Mirai continued in a mournful tone:
"Tomorrow morning, I am departing for the World of the Living with Squad 11. Once I go... sigh, missions are hazardous and the future is unpredictable. Perhaps I will not return."
He paused for a moment to monitor Yoruichi's reaction. Then, he continued in a sincere tone. He sounded like a person giving a final request:
"We have been friends for a while. In the future, during the holidays, if you still remember me... please just find a place to burn some spirit money and pour some wine for me. That way, I will not be too miserable in the afterlife."
Yoruichi remained leaning against the wall. Her golden pupils shimmered slightly in the sunlight. Her smile expanded, but she still said nothing.
Mirai thought to himself: This reaction is incorrect. Normally, she should ridicule me or offer comfort.
He persisted. He made their friendship sound even more profound:
"Of course, I do not like to compel people. I also dislike owing favors. We have known each other for... let's see, thirty years now? When the time arrives, just burn thirty years' worth of offerings for me. That should not be excessive, right? One for each year. It is reasonable."
Yoruichi finally spoke. Her voice contained a hint of lazy amusement. She was very direct: "It is not too much."
Mirai was delighted. The plan was working!
Then Yoruichi added: "I will burn a hundred years' worth for you."
Mirai's mournful expression almost vanished. His eyebrow twitched uncontrollably.
He wondered why this girl was not following the script. She agreed far too quickly. She even offered extra items. Something was wrong.
He coughed twice to stabilize his mind. He decided to attempt a different method.
"Ahem... Since that is the case, I can feel a bit more at peace. Oh, there is one more thing I must ask of you."
He adopted a look of remembrance. "Lately, a small stray cat—completely black with beautiful golden eyes—has been visiting the Squad 9 barracks to play with me. That little creature is quite fond of me. If I do not return... it will be unable to find me. It will probably be very miserable. Could you please visit it when you have time? Play with it for a bit so it does not feel abandoned."
As he spoke, he observed Yoruichi with sincere eyes.
Yoruichi's golden eyes narrowed slightly.
She stared at Mirai for two seconds. Then she nodded. Her tone was flat. "Fine. I promise you."
Wait, what?
Mirai was even more perplexed. There was no reaction at all. This should not be happening.
He was unwilling to surrender. He had to find a way to obtain something from her.
She was Yoruichi Shihoin. She was the current head of the Shihoin family. They were one of the five Great Noble Families at the peak of the Soul Society.
The Shihoin family managed the "God-Given Armor." The treasures stored in their residence were definitely much more potent and effective than Urahara Kisuke's experimental prototypes.
If he could obtain a genuine piece of "God-Given Armor" from Yoruichi, even as a loan, he could travel through the World of the Living without a concern. His safety would be guaranteed.
However, he had utilized the emotional strategy to its limit. He spoke about burning money after death and caring for the kitten. Why was Yoruichi being like a stone? She was not reacting at all.
He tried one last time.
"Oh, and there is one more very vital matter. I have actually finished half of the first draft for the second volume of The Killer of Meteor Alley. If I really do not return... it would be a waste to leave those manuscripts in my room. Could you please locate them and organize them? Find a way to publish them. Consider it my final gift to the readers."
He thought this would move her. After all, Yoruichi seemed very interested in that book.
Yoruichi nodded again. Her expression remained unchanged. "Mm, I can do that."
Mirai was completely out of options.
He had played all his cards. She was not participating in his game.
He took a deep breath. He surrendered his attempt to fleece her. He returned to his normal voice.
"Alright then. We assemble and depart tomorrow morning. I need to go back and pack some things to get ready. Goodbye, Yoruichi."
"Mm." Yoruichi stayed leaning against the wall. She just gave a brief response. She did not even alter her posture.
Mirai turned around and walked toward the Squad 9 barracks. His back looked a little bit slumped.
Without the protection of Yoruichi's "God-Given Armor," he felt that his sense of security was incomplete. Urahara's items were beneficial. However, compared to the secret treasures of a noble family, he felt less safe mentally.
Sigh, forget it. If it is meant to be, it is meant to be. He would not force it.
He comforted himself and accelerated his pace.
By the street, Yoruichi watched Mirai's disappearing back. Her mouth formed a playful and amused smirk.
This kid was still very entertaining.
His strength was clearly not weak. His control over spiritual pressure was excellent. Yet, he always preferred to act fragile and helpless in front of her.
However... the World of the Living?
Yoruichi tilted her head. A light of interest flashed in her golden eyes.
Come to think of it, it really had been a long duration since she had been to the World of the Living.
When was the previous time? Decades ago? Or even longer?
Captain-level Soul Reapers really could not go to the World of the Living whenever they desired without reporting it.
Their spiritual pressure was too formidable. If they arrived without adjusting it, they might cause unnecessary disturbances to the spirit energy balance. They might even cause trouble.
But...
The smile on Yoruichi's face deepened.
She was not just a typical Captain.
She was Yoruichi Shihoin, the head of the Shihoin family.
As one of the five Great Noble Families, the Shihoin family naturally possessed their own private methods and channels to reach the World of the Living. They did not need to rely on the Gotei 13's "Senkaimon" gates.
Should I go there and have some fun?