Chapter 21: BUTZ: Chapter 21
"This is our guest, Kyōraku Callum," Urahara Kisuke introduced, "No need to be tense."
At Urahara Kisuke's gesture, Kyōraku Callum sat cross-legged on the tatami mat.
"Alright, young intern," Urahara Kisuke said, settling opposite him at the low table, his gaze intent. "Let's discuss your purpose."
Urahara Kisuke's gaze was intensely compelling.
Kyōraku Callum, meeting his eyes, felt an overwhelming pressure, like staring into an abyss—a sensation he'd only experienced with Aizen Sousuke (though not in terms of raw power).
"Saving someone!" Kyōraku Callum stated, his expression firm, his tone unwavering.
Urahara Kisuke raised an eyebrow, pouring tea for Kyōraku Callum.
"Saving someone? Shouldn't you be seeking the 4th Division? I'm not exactly skilled in medical arts."
Kyōraku Callum nodded, clarifying, "More accurately, it's about saving a soul on the verge of vanishing."
Urahara Kisuke held his teacup, awaiting the explanation.
"That soul is Kuchiki Hisana, the wife of the current Kuchiki head of household, Kuchiki Byakuya."
Kyōraku Callum paused, noticing the surprise in Urahara Kisuke's eyes. "She's inherently frail, and overworked herself to the point of extreme weakness. Even the 4th Division Captain is helpless."
He briefly described Kuchiki Hisana's condition, then waited for Urahara Kisuke's response.
After Kyōraku Callum finished, Urahara Kisuke removed his fisherman's hat and fell into deep thought. After a moment, he posed his question.
"What's in it for me?"
As if anticipating this, Kyōraku Callum replied instantly,
"The friendship between the Kuchiki and Kyōraku families, and information on Aizen Sousuke!"
A smile gradually appeared on Urahara Kisuke's face.
"Given your considerable sincerity, I cannot refuse."
The first condition, Urahara Kisuke might have overlooked, but the information on Aizen was essential.
From Kyōraku Callum's words and demeanor, Urahara Kisuke deduced he possessed inside knowledge. Sensing no hostility, he chose to trust him.
"Mr. Urahara, you've made the right decision," Kyōraku Callum said, taking a sip of tea before his brow furrowed. The tea tasted strangely off, as if aged for years.
Remembering Tessai Tsukabishi's eccentric tastes, he carefully placed the cup down. He decided to avoid it for now.
"I can provide you with information on Aizen now. I trust you'll do your utmost to treat Hisana," Kyōraku Callum stated, expressing his confidence in Urahara Kisuke.
Urahara Kisuke nodded his agreement.
"Then, Mr. Urahara, are you familiar with Aizen's Zanpakutō?" Kyōraku Callum inquired.
This question elicited a curious expression from Urahara Kisuke.
"He hasn't hidden his Zanpakutō's abilities; many Shinigami are aware," Urahara Kisuke replied.
"A water-type Zanpakutō, capable of using mist and water reflections to disorient enemies, even causing them to fight each other."
Urahara Kisuke's knowledge mirrored Kyōraku Callum's deductions.
"That's merely a façade," Kyōraku Callum stated, his expression serious. "Kyōka Suigetsu's true ability is complete hypnosis! Those who witness its Shikai will have their five senses completely controlled. Everything they see and feel is under Aizen's control."
Urahara Kisuke gripped his teacup tightly, his inner turmoil evident.
"Kyōka Suigetsu is arguably the strongest illusion-type Zanpakutō. Anyone who witnesses its release..." Kyōraku Callum shook his head sadly. "Will be completely hypnotized, falling under his control. That's why Aizen revealed his Shikai to the Gotei 13."
Urahara Kisuke lowered his head, gazing at his teacup. The swirling tea mirrored the unrest in his mind. After a long pause, he seemed to accept this, calmly stating,
"Then, how do you know all this? Aizen wouldn't divulge such information."
Kyōraku Callum had prepared his answer.
"Everyone possesses their secrets," he said. "I do, and so do you, Mr. Urahara."
Urahara Kisuke shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips.
"What secrets could I possibly have? Just a humble shopkeeper."
Kyōraku Callum tapped the table, leaning slightly forward, and whispered,
"A mask."
Silence descended upon the room. Kyōraku Callum broke the stillness.
"Mr. Urahara, I trust in your judgment. Regarding our collaboration, I believe you'll reach the correct decision."
At this, Urahara Kisuke looked up, a knowing smile on his face.
"It seems everything is under your control!"
Kyōraku Callum waved his hands dismissively.
"I merely exploited information asymmetry. In terms of intellect, I'm no match for you."
Urahara Kisuke saw this as mere modesty. His intelligence allowed him to discern that every word Kyōraku Callum had spoken was true. This was a key factor in Urahara Kisuke's willingness to trust him.
"In that case, pleasant cooperation!"
With his immediate objective resolved, a new problem arose. Kyōraku Callum frowned, gazing at the teacup on the table, lost in thought.
"How do I achieve Shikai at the Urahara Shop?" He'd carefully cultivated a positive relationship; a sudden drop in favorability would be problematic. "It seems I need a suitable pretext."
He watched Urahara Kisuke's departing back, considering carefully. Urahara Kisuke would need time to prepare for Kuchiki Hisana's treatment.
Ordinary lost souls, due to their spiritual energy, respond well to standard Shinigami healing methods, but this wouldn't work for Hisana.
Urahara Kisuke would need to modify the Kaidō in a specific way to make it suitable for her weakened state.
It appeared simple, but it would be exceptionally demanding.
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