Yoshio was certain Kisuke Urahara would notice him.
Even if he didn't seek Kisuke out, Kisuke would obligingly show up before him.
Simple: he was wearing the Fifth Division armband on his arm—proof enough of his identity.
He was a member of the Fifth Division, and not only that, he showed up in Karakura Town as if searching for something—would Kisuke Urahara just do nothing?
Impossible. The smarter you are, the more you overthink.
His appearance in Karakura Town—did it represent Aizen's intent? Had Aizen already discovered their whereabouts?
Or was Aizen brewing some new scheme?
So Yoshio was sure that as long as he stayed in Karakura Town long enough, even if he did nothing, Kisuke Urahara would take action.
What confirmed Yoshio's hunch was the appearance of a black cat. It looked ordinary, mingled with other cats, and walked past him.
But no matter how well you hide, your Souls Ability cannot be disguised.
When he saw that black cat stride right in front of him with the ["Lightning Cat"] Souls Ability, Yoshio felt nothing outwardly—and even wanted to laugh a little.
["Lightning Cat: can transform into a black cat with powerful lightning abilities."]
A perfect fit for Yoruichi—and quite interesting—a "disguise" type of ability that Yoshio especially wanted.
He was thinking: could he turn into a black cat to win people's favor?
After all, some people find it hard to feel strong goodwill toward men, but toward cats—it's easy. "Cat slaves," as they say.
Especially younger girls—they're more likely to adore cats.
Excellent. Yosh—I must get this ability!
So, when Yoruichi showed up near him, he walked over and scooped up the black cat in both hands.
"What a cute little kitty."
Yoshio lifted the cat over his head.
The black cat struggled in Yoshio's hands; he tried to forcefully restrain it, but in the end it broke free.
The black cat gave him a deep look and leapt away quickly.
Although he was currently a spirit body, the spirit bodies of the Shinigami world are a bit peculiar.
Spirit beings in the Shinigami world can still touch physical matter—or rather, powerful spirit beings can interact with the physical.
People just can't see Shinigami and Hollows; it's not that they can't touch them.
Chad, before his powers awakened, once smashed a Hollow with a utility pole.
And if a person has spiritual aptitude, they can see spirit entities.
Especially cats—black cats, in many people's eyes, are spiritual creatures for a reason.
Many black cats can see spirit beings, so Yoshio holding one wasn't a problem.
But Yoruichi wasn't stupid; she knew Yoshio's action meant he had noticed her.
So, shortly after the black cat vanished, a tan-skinned beauty appeared before Yoshio.
Yoruichi wore a tight suit, her long purple hair tied in a ponytail, golden eyes fixed on Yoshio.
"You're Aizen Sōsuke's subordinate, aren't you?"
Yoruichi glanced at the armband on Yoshio's arm and said coldly, "What's this? After all that patience, you're finally making a move?"
"Uh…" Yoshio hadn't expected Yoruichi to be so blunt. He shrugged. "Miss Yoruichi, you misunderstand. I may be from the Fifth Division, but I bear no hostility toward you or Mr. Urahara. On the contrary, I greatly admire Mr. Urahara's intellect."
Inwardly he cursed the gap between himself and the protagonist. Yoruichi would transform from cat to human right in front of Kurosaki Ichigo and didn't care at all about being seen naked during transformation.
But what about him?
Ah—who told him to have such humble origins?
Yoshio grumbled inwardly.
After hearing Yoshio's words, Yoruichi's expression turned fully serious, because the implication was that he knew about the situation between Aizen and them—which meant he couldn't be treated as an ordinary Shinigami anymore!
After all, the number of people in Seireitei who knew Aizen's plot was small; even Aizen's current Lieutenant might not know—very likely they, like others, were fooled by Aizen's facade.
But the fact that Yoshio could speak about matters between her and Kisuke Urahara meant he knew Aizen's schemes.
Yoruichi would never believe Aizen would allow a Shinigami who knew his true face to live—unless…
They were on the same side.
"You think I'll believe that nonsense?"
Yoruichi's eyes narrowed slightly; she was ready to act.
Yoshio raised both hands in a surrender gesture. "Miss Yoruichi, you may not believe me, but Mr. Urahara certainly will."
"Isn't that right, Mr. Urahara?"
Yoshio looked past Yoruichi. There was nothing visible there, but he saw another Souls Ability.
["Universal Countermeasure: can be used after fighting the enemy for a certain time. Once used, you can create a tool to counter your opponent."]
Excellent—very Kisuke Urahara.
Although, to be fair, this would also suit Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Scientists like them always produce gadgets mid-fight to counter the opponent and "turn the tables."
So when Yoshio saw that ability, he knew Kisuke Urahara had arrived.
Sure enough, after Yoshio spoke, ripples shimmered in the seemingly empty space. Kisuke Urahara pushed back his black hood and regarded Yoshio with equal seriousness.
Yoshio said, "I may know about matters between Mr. Urahara and Mr. Aizen, but I'm not interested in your feud."
"I actually told Mr. Aizen the same thing."
"Not interested?" Kisuke Urahara murmured. "That sounds rather arrogant."
"Arrogant?" Yoshio blinked, then explained, "That's not what I meant—I just genuinely think that way."
"To me, both Mr. Aizen and Mr. Urahara are very interesting people, so I simply want to be friends with you both. That's all."
"Interesting? That sounds even more presumptuous." Kisuke glanced at Yoshio, stepped to Yoruichi's side, and spoke in a low voice.
"Alright, unknown Shinigami, can you tell me your background?"
"Your relationship with Aizen Sōsuke…"
"Your purpose in coming to the Human World this time is to see me."
"Depending on your answers, I'll decide whether to treat you as an enemy."