"This here is made using grasshoppers and worms as a base, mixed with some animal fat and spices, and finally processed into curry blocks."
"Then you just dissolve it in hot water and heat it in a one-to-three ratio. That's the ideal thickness."
"As for the taste, the captain has already tried it — they say it's very close to pork curry. If it's confirmed that there are no side effects, we might even be able to market it."
"And here we have…"
While listening to Akon enthusiastically explain about the special foods developed by the Department of Technological Development, Arima Shinya could barely hold the tray — his hands were visibly trembling.
"W-wait… you said if it's confirmed there are no side effects? You mean… the safety of this is still in question?"
Akon let out a carefree laugh, scooped a spoonful of curry, and dumped it all onto Arima's plate.
"Relax, it won't kill anyone."
No, no, no! That's exactly the wrong attitude!
Forget what I said before.
Urahara Kisuke isn't normal either!
Holding his nose, Arima forced himself to eat half the plate, suppressing his nausea. Akon, on the other hand, seemed completely accustomed — eating noisily and contentedly.
"Arima-kun, have you thought about what you'll do after graduating?"
The sudden question caught him off guard. After thinking for a moment, he replied:
"Not yet… why?"
"Hehe, nothing serious. I just thought, if possible, it would be good if you considered joining the 12th Division."
Arima gave an embarrassed smile, letting out a somewhat forced laugh.
Why does this topic follow me everywhere…?
Noticing the young man's embarrassment, Akon paused briefly and smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, I think I may have said too much. Arima-kun, you don't have to take it too seriously."
"Not at all. Actually, I'm grateful to be able to speak so openly. It's more productive than hiding things."
He took a sip of the special tea developed by the department and, driven by curiosity, asked:
"But, Akon-san, why do you want me to join the 12th Division?"
"Hehe, you can drop the '-san.' It's just that I always hear the captain saying the division is full of grumpy people…"
While choosing his words, Akon's face showed a hint of sadness.
"But it's not his fault. Many of us came straight from the Nest of Larvae — there are plenty who don't know how to express themselves properly, or who have bodies full of defects."
"Even so, the captain still understands everyone and even takes responsibility for us…"
"Honestly, I'm very grateful to him. So, when I realized how much he's been worrying lately, I thought I should help him somehow."
Akon's expression showed both guilt and admiration.
"The captain has already mentioned your name, Arima-kun. Maybe because of Lady Yoruichi… He seems to have some interest in you."
"Ah, now that you mention it, I remember. Yoruichi and Urahara have known each other since they were young."
"Exactly. So I thought that if you joined the Development Department, the captain would be pleased."
Arima nodded slightly.
"What a sincere reason."
"Haha, then take it as a joke. I just wanted you to know."
The reason was simple but made sense.
After all, Urahara was the one who took Akon out of the Nest of Larvae — it was natural that he would feel gratitude.
Thinking about it, perhaps only Kurotsuchi Mayuri would be incapable of expressing such feelings.
But does this mad scientist really know what gratitude is?
He's far too unpredictable…
Since he had never been fond of that type of person, Arima didn't dwell on it.
Anyway, it's impossible to even imagine a scene like that…
He rubbed his face and pushed away the useless thoughts.
"Akon, I appreciate the invitation, but I still need to discuss this with Professor Aizen. So, for now, I can't promise anything."
"Just hearing that makes me satisfied. Thanks for your consideration, Arima-kun. Consider today's lunch on me."
"Oh, then thank you very much!"
"There are also artificial meatballs and drinkable herbal extracts — recent innovations. Want to try them?"
"The name doesn't inspire confidence…"
"Hehe, better leave that for next time."
The casual conversation had lessened the distance between them.
Although they couldn't be called friends, Arima had a much better impression of Akon now.
Appearances really can be deceiving… A side character isn't defined only by what appears in the story.
Akon was proof of that.
In the original, the focus was always on Ichigo, and there were almost no descriptions of these ordinary squad members.
Now, meeting him in person, Arima felt his horizons widen.
"By the way, Arima-kun, you seem quite close to Fourth Seat Aizen. Was that his idea?"
"No, it was my decision. He's my teacher, so I rely heavily on his advice."
"I see… The captain has mentioned that Fourth Seat Aizen is an incredible man, but always remains discreet, somewhat distant from the group."
Urahara comments on things like that to his subordinates?
Then he must really trust them…
No wonder Akon becomes deputy director of the department in the future.
Arima watched the other take a sip of tea, his smile slowly spreading like steam.
"But with you around, Fourth Seat Aizen must be happy. A friend with similar ideals is rare, after all."
Ugh… that compliment gave me chills.
These hundred-year-old guys really know the art of conversation.
"But I have no talent for research…"
"That doesn't matter. You just need to study a little to get the hang of it; it's not impossible."
"Huh? Research is that simple?"
"For example, our vice-captain is completely… ah, speaking of which…"
Arima looked in the direction Akon pointed — and saw a furious figure entering the cafeteria.
"Where did that bald Urahara get to?!"
The voice echoed through the hall. The posture clearly suggested someone ready to fight.
But what Arima saw left him confused.
A… child?
No taller than about one meter forty.
Blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, freckles on the cheeks, and pointed canines showing.
Wearing the standard shinigami uniform, with a wooden 12th Division tag hanging from the left shoulder.
She charged forward, grabbed the collar of a nearby researcher, and lifted him from his chair.
"Hey! Where did bald Urahara go?!"
"I-I don't know! I just came to eat, I swear!"
Even without introductions, Arima already knew who she was.
Sarugaki Hiyori.
One of the future Vizard members. Impulsive, loud, and unsubtle.
Honestly, Arima barely remembered her.
The only thing that came to mind was the dark meme of the future — "it doesn't hurt anymore because she's hanging from the tree."
As the chaos escalated, Akon frowned and whispered an apology to Arima before standing.
"Hiyori, what are you doing now?"
"I'm asking where Urahara is! I have business with him!"
"In public, it's Captain Urahara. Can't you show at least a little respect?"
"Huh?! I haven't recognized this guy as my captain yet! And besides, I'm the vice! Vice! When talking to me, use honorifics, got it?!"
"If you're so reluctant, you can hand over the position."
"No way!"
Arima watched the scene with a mix of astonishment and headache.
What a loud voice… and what a temper! Definitely not my type. Kotetsu Isane is a thousand times cuter…
It was natural that Hiyori and Akon didn't get along — after all, she only respected Kirio Hikifune, now in the Royal Guard.
Without her around, the girl seemed ready to explode.
As he thought about leaving, Arima felt something gently tug his sleeve.
Huh?
He looked down… and saw a small figure under the table.
"…" ×2
A brief silence — and then a single thought crossed his mind:
I'm screwed. I spoke too much earlier.
This time, it really was a child.
Black hair, round face, big eyes.
Wrapped in white cloth, barely able to stand.
Even so, she extended her tiny right hand with effort and grabbed Arima's sleeve.
That little face was unmistakable.
One look and he recognized her — Nemu Kurotsuchi.
But what…? She already exists at this time? The Nemuri Project has come this far?
The Nemuri Project was the pinnacle of body and soul technologies developed by Kurotsuchi Mayuri — the birth of artificial shinigami.
Arima already knew the theory, but seeing it with his own eyes was completely different.
So Nemu already exists…?
If his memory was correct, the project went through seven generations before the final specimen — the Nemu we know — could act independently.
It meant Mayuri's work was far more advanced than it seemed.
Maybe he got close to the final result while still under Urahara's command…?
If so, her promotion to captain was just a formality…
It was perfectly possible.
While his face remained calm, Arima's mind boiled with hypotheses.
Until the little girl increased the force with which she tugged his sleeve.
Hey, careful… you're going to tear my clothes!
Knowing it wouldn't be right to fight a child, he forced an awkward smile.
"Huh… what is it?"
"…"
"Can you hear me?"
"…"
"Where are your guardians?"
"…"
No response…
When he no longer knew what to do, the little girl stumbled two steps forward, leaned on the edge of the table, and lifted her head with effort.
Her black eyes shone with curiosity — until they stopped on the plate of curry he hadn't finished.
She lowered again, turned to him, and pointed to her nearly toothless mouth.
"Ah~"