Chapter 227 The Mysterious Guest
Three days had elapsed since the Wandenreich declared war upon Soul Society. Throughout recent days, the entire Seireitei had existed in a state of panic. Every street—even corners no one visited during ordinary times—had been assigned patrolling personnel arranged by various division captains.
Even the Shinigami who'd been dispatched to the human world were recalled to prevent the Wandenreich's assault. However, for unknown reasons, Soul Society hadn't notified the current Substitute Shinigami—Kurosaki Ichigo—regarding this incident.
Following the Ginjō Kūgo incident, Karakura Town's Substitute Shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo, had regained Shinigami power with Soul Society's assistance and become a Shinigami once more.
However, the relationship between both parties appeared somewhat subtle. This sensation could only be comprehended clearly by the involved individuals themselves.
At this moment, within the Urahara Shop in Karakura Town, Kurosaki Ichigo had brought Sado and other companions to Urahara Kisuke, requesting information regarding how to travel to Hueco Mundo.
"What? You're planning to travel to Hueco Mundo at this particular time?"
Witnessing Kurosaki Ichigo's sincere expression, Urahara Kisuke felt extraordinarily puzzled.
"Please, Manager Urahara. The current situation proves more complicated. If possible, I'd like utilizing this opportunity to rescue Orihime!"
"That's correct! Orihime is our companion. We cannot abandon her!"
Sado Yasutora positioned beside him also nodded in agreement.
"Hah..." Urahara Kisuke subconsciously wanted touching the hat atop his head, but discovered his distinctive headwear wasn't present. He could only rub his temples with a bitter expression and address Kurosaki Ichigo:
"It's not that I'm unwilling sending you to Hueco Mundo. However, I don't believe you possess the capability bringing Orihime back safely."
Observing Urahara Kisuke's pronounced dark circles, Kurosaki Ichigo responded with determination: "Manager Urahara, do you still remember what I mentioned previously regarding my Quincy heritage?"
"Hmm? Was there such a matter?"
"Um... I remember telling you the first time!" Ichigo responded with obvious dissatisfaction.
"My apologies!"
Urahara Kisuke covered his mouth while fanning himself and declared: "Recently, I've been occupied with one extraordinarily important matter. I've possessed absolutely no time contemplating other concerns!"
One could observe that Urahara Kisuke appeared rather haggard recently. Even when taking time conversing with them now, he seemed weak and distracted.
"Very well." Kurosaki Ichigo lowered his head with visible frustration and continued: "Two afternoons ago, I was attacked by a Quincy. I learned something critical from that individual."
"You're claiming... a Quincy attacked you?"
Suddenly, Urahara Kisuke's voice transformed to serious tones as he addressed Kurosaki Ichigo: "As expected... you're still being targeted, Kurosaki. What important intelligence did you learn from that individual?"
Witnessing that Urahara Kisuke's expression had grown suddenly grave, Kurosaki Ichigo no longer withheld information. He quickly declared: "At that time, the Quincy stated directly to my face that Hueco Mundo was approaching annihilation."
"So... I'm extraordinarily concerned regarding Orihime's safety. Additionally, Ishida has also lost contact throughout recent days. I believe some related connection must exist between both matters."
After Kurosaki Ichigo finished relaying the intelligence he possessed in one breath, Urahara Kisuke maintained a rigid posture and fell into contemplation.
Currently, Kurosaki Ichigo hadn't received relevant intelligence from Soul Society. With Yamamoto Genryūsai's dignity, he wouldn't permit requesting assistance from Kurosaki Ichigo—a human being.
Urahara Kisuke felt most concerned presently regarding Fiander. Had he known the opponent had broken through to such extent before the decisive battle, he wouldn't have agreed allowing Kurosaki Ichigo and others infiltrating Hueco Mundo.
What Urahara Kisuke couldn't comprehend most was that at that time, Fiander had possessed capability altering the battle's situation—even transforming the Three Realms entirely—yet the other party had remained unwilling acting. Not only had all captains defeated by him survived, even the Muken sealing Aizen had been captured by him.
Following that incident, Urahara Kisuke had been pondering continuously—what constituted the other party's true purpose? Possessing such tremendous power, he'd rather remain within Hueco Mundo, seemingly indifferent to everything external, yet silently permeating everything beyond.
If Kurosaki Ichigo traveled to Hueco Mundo at this juncture, what effect would it produce upon the entire situation?
Worth attempting!
With this consideration, Urahara Kisuke no longer hesitated. He stored the folding fan within his grasp and immediately addressed Ichigo: "You two proceed to the underground laboratory immediately. I'll accompany you to Hueco Mundo after making certain arrangements!"
"Manager Urahara is willing accompanying us?"
Kurosaki Ichigo's features displayed visible joy. He hadn't anticipated Urahara Kisuke would accompany them. If Urahara Kisuke was willing traveling alongside them, the chances of rescuing Inoue Orihime would prove considerably greater.
"Indeed. Without further delay, let's divide responsibilities. You and Sado descend and await me first. I'll arrive immediately!"
"Yes! Many thanks, Manager Urahara!"
Both rose to their feet and bowed deeply toward Urahara Kisuke before hurriedly departing from the room.
On another front, within Las Noches, the throne hall at this moment remained extraordinarily quiet—without any sound whatsoever.
Several days had elapsed since the previous Quincy assault upon Hueco Mundo. Following the battle, Fiander had dealt with several Espada who'd been negligent. Among them, Espada Number One—Lilynette—received particular attention.
After combat commenced, she had been interested only in amusement. She hadn't demonstrated strength to crush opponents at the first opportunity. Subsequently, she'd been besieged by several Sternritter possessing strange abilities. She'd even accidentally injured teammates, leading to Hueco Mundo gaining no advantages whatsoever during this engagement.
One must understand that the entire Sternritter possessed at minimum twenty-four Quincy who'd been endowed with "Schrift." Very few Arrancar qualified for promotion to Espada positions. Aside from Vasto Lorde-class Menos Grande who'd achieved Arrancarization, ordinary Arrancar were completely crushed when confronting Sternritter.
These circumstances made Fiander worried regarding these individuals' futures—although... they might not possess futures.
"I've heard you wished meeting with me?"
Within the dark, silent hall, the cold, oppressive voice suddenly echoed. This made the girl who'd arrived alone feel extraordinarily uneasy.
"I... I... I heard that you can restore my strength. I believe... if possible, please help me!"
As though mustering tremendous courage, the girl clenched her fists and addressed Fiander nervously.
"Restore strength? What a peculiar situation! I've been awaiting your older brother approaching me. However, I hadn't anticipated you would proactively initiate contact?"
"Why do you believe I'll agree to your request?"
Fiander displayed a playful smile, tilting his head while leaning upon his arm.
"No! You will agree. Since that occasion, another voice has emerged within my heart. She informed me that as long as I contacted you, you would definitely assist me!"
"Really? I understand! Are you prepared, then? Prepared to re-establish new order amidst the ruins?"
The smile across Fiander's features faded. His voice became extraordinarily cold. Every word fell upon the girl's heart as though an extremely frigid storm swept across her consciousness.