"Here you go, Mr. Kanonji."
"Thank you, Tessai. I have to say that I might have missed your tea," I spoke with a smile and Tessai nodded as he sat down, taking a sip from the tea before placing the cup down as Urahara did the same.
"So, what did you wish to talk about?"
"Did you change your Senkaimon to lead to a Valley of Screams the moment I went through?", I didn't waste any time as I asked the question that has been burning at me the most, watching as Urahara just closed his fan with a smirk.
"Of course not. I shift the Senkaimon to lead to a Valley of the Screams just after Mr. Kurosaki and his friends were through."
"Why?"
"Because I could not trust you yet. You were an unknown that came out of nowhere and while I would have liked nothing more than to trust you, there were too many coincidences in regards to you," As he spoke, I didn't miss how his voice lost its usual playfulness and how he was looking me directly in the eyes with a serious gaze.
"When we first met, you had deep knowledge of things you should have and you were human with power that was too strong to have gotten from simply just training. Also, I had Yoruichi monitoring you and the first time you met Ms. Kuchiki was after you killed that Menos during Mr. Kurosaki and Mr. Ishida's competition so your knowledge of Hado and Kido spells was another thing that made me wary of you. Therefore, I had to test you."
"And if I had failed?", I asked, keeping myself calm as I picked up my cup to sip again while Urahara responded without a hint of remorse.
"Then you would have been lost to the Valley and I would not have to worry about a potentially dangerous subject, but you didn't. In fact, not only did you survive, but you proved that you could be trusted to not take advantage of Mr. Kurosaki and his friends. That was all I needed."
"So, you not only gambled my life to confirm that I wasn't a threat but also treated me like a test subject?", I asked as I put the cup down, the room creaking as I stopped my Reiatsu from exploding off of me as both Urahara and Tessai seemed as if they didn't care for it.
"You're not the only one who gambles, Don Kanonji. We all take risks and I just couldn't afford to take one blindly, not with the Hogyoku's safety at stake. Although, I suppose that's a moot point considering Aizen still got his hands on it."
"You know, there was a person in the Soul Society who tried to treat me like a test subject. A captain that went by the name Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Do you know him?", I asked, already knowing the answer as Kisuke raised an eyebrow before nodding.
"I do. Before my banishment, he was my second-in-command in the Research and Development Division. What about him?"
"Well, he wanted to make me into his test subject, so I killed him," My blunt answer made him narrow his eyes as he glanced at Yoruichi before I smirked as his eyes widened slightly when she nodded.
"He did. Almost got killed by the other captains before Aizen attacked."
"I…see. Well, that is not quite the outcome I would have expected. Mayuri always had a dangerous obsession with the unknown and you surviving him speaks volumes."
"I did not survive him. Surviving means he would have lived afterwards as well. I eliminated him. There's a difference. I'm someone who does not take kindly to being toyed with. I know I like to do the same to others, but I do not put their lives at risk because I can't bring myself to trust them."
"Then I suppose we are two men with two different mindsets, Mr. Kanonji," Urahara spoke as he hid his lower face with his fan, but I saw that he no longer had that serious look in his eyes.
Instead, it looked as if there were hints of respect in his eyes or perhaps…wariness?
"I suppose we are. However, I also know that the world does not need any more enemies right now so we're not going to have a problem as long as you stop treating me like one," I said and the man stayed silent as we stared at each before I smirked as he nodded.
"Very well, let us put our cards on the table. From this point forward, there shall be no more hidden tests and no more games orchestrated from the shadows. We shall work together and openly with each other. Does that sound fair?", He asked as he held a hand out and I smiled as I shook his hand before he narrowed his eyes as I tightened my grip.
"On two conditions. Firstly, I want my payment that I asked for and secondly…I will tell Ichigo about his heritage whether you like it or not."
"The first I agree with but the second might not-!"
"Like I said, I do not care whether you like it or not. The kid was thrust into this world because he wanted to save his friends and family and I will be damned if I let him continue on further without knowing the full truth. Also, I will need an Asauchi if you have one."
"For what? Are you trying to get your own Zanpakuto?", He asked and I raised an eyebrow before snorting as I patted the sceptre on my lap.
"I feel no need for one. No, what I've learned is that every Shinigami forms their Zanpakuto from meditating with their Asauchi and Ichigo made his sword from his own spiritual energy. Therefore, I want him to be as prepared as he can be for this battle.
Also, since we're being open with each other, I've read about the ones that were exiled with you while I was in the Kido Corps' archives. Ichigo has a Hollow just like the Visoreds and I'm sure you were already planning on calling them to help him out, yes?", I asked, watching as the man stayed silent while both Tessai and Yoruichi were focused on our discussion.
"I will agree to the Asauchi, but I must ask that you allow his father to inform him when he wishes to. I will also throw in a few Soul Candies and a Gigai since I believe that you wish to do research on the composition of souls. Is that more acceptable?"
"Okay, sure," I answered immediately with a shrug as I shook his hand, to which Urahara just raised an eyebrow as Yoruichi snickered.
"You were not going to tell him at all, were you?"
"Like I said, you're not the only one who likes to toy with people," I spoke with a grin as I finished my tea, Urahara just shaking his head as he chuckled under his breath.
"Touche, Mr. Kanonji. It appears we may get along better than I thought, assuming we don't kill each other in the process."
"It's good to see that we're all being honest now. We'll need that if we are to win this war against Aizen and his men," Tessai spoke with a hum of approval and I snapped my fingers as I looked at the man I wanted to speak with.
"Actually, while we're on this subject, do you perhaps know any Kido spells above a Level #70, both for Bakudo and Hado if possible? Not anything forbidden, mind you. It's just that my skill set is stuck with having Hado #70 as my strongest spell."
"Well, since I am no longer a member of the Kido Corps or the Soul Society, I suppose I can share a few that aren't forbidden or restricted by law. However, I must warn you that most of these Kido above #70 require quite masterful control and immense spiritual energy to perform."
"Oh, don't worry about me. I've been refining my skills every day since I got into that Valley of Screams," I answered with a grin and he hummed before nodding.
"Very well. Allow me to go and retrieve the tomes you need. If you all would excuse me."
"While you're out there, Tessai, would you mind getting the things that we need for Mr. Kanonji's payment?"
"Nothing expired or rotten, though. I'm going to be doing a few experiments and I'd rather not blow myself up," I said and the man nodded as he walked out of the room, leaving the three of us alone in the room.
"You know, Mr. Kanonji, the more I find myself in your presence, the more I wonder if you're truly as unpredictable as you act or if you're just a very calculated man."
"Can't it be a little bit of both?", I asked, smirking as the man just hummed before turning to Yoruichi when she spoke up.
"So, what will you do now? The war is still at its planning stage and everyone is going to be busy."
"Firstly, I'm going to see if Yuzu and Karin have been keeping up with their training. Secondly, I'm going to see if I can't score a date with Ms. Ikumi."
"Still fixated on her, huh?", Yoruichi asked, looking amused as I nodded with a grin.
"Oh, without a doubt. Finally, I'm going to put together my own unit, one that works separate from the Gotei 13 and Ichigo's team."
"Are you perhaps forming your own militia?", Urahara asked and I shook my head as I placed my cup down.
"Not a militia, but a guerilla warfare unit. If we're going to win this, we're going to need people that can hit hard, think on their feet and act outside the standard rules you all cling too. I'm talking about a group that can fight alongside the little guys and make sure that we end this war as quickly as possible."
"I see. You've been planning this one for a while, haven't you?"
"Ever since I escaped that Valley of Screams. It showed me that I can't rely on anyone to watch my back unless they want to and that the war that we are to fight against Aizen isn't going to be won by traditional means. We're going to need unpredictability, chaos and a bit of flair."
"Well, you certainly have a flair for the dramatic, Don Kanonji. I would love to see this unit in action," Urahara spoke and I grinned before giving a mock bow.
"It's in my blood. After all, the spirits are forever with me," I said before turning as Tessai walked back in, this time with a bag that was filled to the brim with goodies and a…black bodybag?
"I'm guessing the Gigai is in that?", I asked as I stood up, levitating my sceptre behind me while picking up both bags with a slight grunt.
Thank the gods that I've been working out before I left or else I would be struggling to even lift the bag let alone the bodybags.
"Well, with that, I've got kids to train, a unit to gather and spells to study. Let me know when the Visoreds arrive."
"I'll send Yoruichi to inform you," He said and I nodded as I nodded at Tessai and Yoruichi before I walked out of the room and left the shop.
'Well, I got everything I need. Now, it's time to go and train myself. Wait…I wonder if Nakamura's still alive.'
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Sir!", I groaned as I was awoken from my sleep by a loud voice, slowly looking up to see the man looking relieved as he stood over me with a happy smile.
"Hey, Nakamura. Can I ask you to turn the volume down? I just got back," I spoke as I sat up, stretching with a groan as Nakamura gave a sheepish smile while taking a few steps back.
"R-Right, you're probably tired from your expedition."
"Kind of. How has it been here in the living realm?", I asked, to which the man shrugged as I stood up and walked towards the door to make some breakfast.
"Things have been quiet to be truthful. The only people that have been here were either your two students wanting to know where you went and Ms. Unagiya and her son."
"And what about you? Have you been okay on your own?", I asked with a smirk as I opened the fridge, smiling happily at the pizza box and taking out a slice.
"A bit worried about my paycheck considering I don't have any way to contact you, but other than that, everything's been well."
"Well, you don't have to worry anymore. Ah, did you put away the bags I brought home last night?", I asked as I didn't see them on the couch where I had put them, turning to see Nakamura nodding with a slightly disgruntled look.
"Both bags are in your study, but I am a bit worried about the bodybag that's full."
"Oh, don't worry about that. That's just a Gigai,"I said before smiling sheepishly as Nakamura just gave me a deadpan look.
"Right, forgot you're not as well-versed. Essentially, it's an empty vessel that Shinigami can enter into and interact with the Human Realm without destroying everything they touch."
"Does that happen often?'
"With the lower ranking Shinigami? Not so much, but the higher-ranking ones tend to have enough spiritual energy to level a city so they use those to walk around in peace."
"…How many of these high-ranking Shinigami are there?", He asked and I smirked as I shook my head.
"Don't worry. Most of them stick to the Soul Society so you don't have to worry about seeing them any time soon. Now, do I have any meetings planned in the immediate future?"
"None at all, remember? You wanted to take a month off to rest before you get back into swing."
"Ah, right. Almost forgot about that. Well then, I guess I can-!"
"Mr. Nakamura~! Are you there?!", Before I could continue, I blinked as I heard Yuzu's voice shouting from the front door, looking at the man to see his amused smile.
"Now imagine that happening every morning before they go to school and every afternoon after they get out of school."
"…I pity you," I said as I walked to the door, throwing on my silk gown and tying it close right as Nakamura opened the door.
"Hey, Mr. Nakamu-! Kanonji-sensei?"
"What's with the sensei?", I asked before chuckling as Yuzu hugged me with a happy cheer, simply patting her back while raising a hand and bumping my fist with Karin's.
"Huh, I thought you would know I was back considering Ichigo should have gotten home last night too."
"Wait, Big Brother's back?!", Yuzu exclaimed as she pulled back and I just looked up at the only adult in front of me who stood with a grin.
"If you had listened to me when I talked, you would know. Oh, it's a tragedy being ignored by one's own daughter," Isshin said dramatically and Karin just rolled her eyes as Yuzu pouted.
"Please, you live for being ignored, goat-chin. It gives you an excuse to make a scene," Karin muttered and Isshin sniffled as Yuzu giggled and I chuckled.
"Glad to see the father-daughters dynamic hasn't changed in the slightest."
"Actually, it has quite a bit."
"Why didn't you tell us Daddy could see spirits too?", Yuzu asked as she turned to look at me with an accusing frown and I looked to him as Isshin gave a carefree shrug.
"The girls caught me on a nightly stroll, taking care of some Hollows."
"Your powers returned?", I asked, humming as the man nodded before looking down to Yuzu as she poked me in the chest.
"Right. Well, your dad was the one who asked me not to say anything to you two. Also, he lost his powers protecting your mom before we went our separate ways."
"Hey, girls~!", A voice called out and I looked past them only to grin at the sight of Ikumi walking towards the house while carrying a box in hand, Kaoru walking besides her with his own version of her work uniform and carrying his own box.
"Well, well~ I must say that you become more and more beautiful with every second I am away!", I called, standing to the side as the Kurosaki family invited themselves in while Ikumi rolled her eyes and Kaoru looked ecstatic.
"Mr. Kanonji!"
"Hey, Kaoru! I see you're helping your mom?", I asked while taking the boxes from their hands, Ikumi just rolling her eyes as I ruffled Kaoru's hand and let him walk past.
"So, did you miss me?"
"The constant compliments, I did. The rest? Not so much."
"Oh, you wound me with your sharp tongue, my dear Ikumi," I said as she walked past, Nakamura closing the door with an amused smile and walking to the living room where everyone else was while the two of us head to the kitchen.
"One day, I'll get you to admit that beneath this flashy exterior lies a heart of gold and a soul of pure determination."
"Well, until then, that 'heart of gold' better help unpack this or else I'm telling your students to make you run laps until your hair turns white."
"Not the afro," I spoke with a dramatic whisper, smirking as she giggled while opening the first and raising an eyebrow at what was inside.
"I've noticed you don't have paper towels, cleaning supplies and other stuff like that so I decided to buy some and come clean up while you were away."
"You do know that I have a maid for that, right?"
"Well, this maid is right here and doing it for free," She said as she put on the gloves before I blinked as she tossed a pair at me.
"Put those on and take out a sponge from the box. We're going to be scrubbing your counter until it is spotless. Kaoru, Yuzu, Karin, go get the buckets from the storage room! Isshin and Nakamura, I have the brooms, mops and trash bags in my car! Go get them and come put on a pair of gloves," I just watched as the woman took over, slowly putting on the gloves before smirking as she turned to me with a raised eyebrow.
"What? I got something on my face?"
"Nope. I just like a woman that takes charge."
"You stop flirting and start cleaning and maybe~ I'll give you a chanc-!"
"My dear students, bring me a bucket!", I cut her off as I rushed towards the stairs, her giggles following in my wake before I stopped as the doorbell rang once again.
'I swear, this person better have something import-!', I stopped my train of thought as I opened the door, the person in front of my doorstep smiling as she waved with a happy smile.
"Hi~ Have you seen any dragons around here?"
"…Say what?"
A/N: And here we are with the end of this slice-of-life chapter. A bit of bonding at the end and a bit of negotiation at the start.
Next chapter: What do you Mean you're a witch?!
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