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Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Hueco Mundo!

The last night of the month had come—the final night of training for Yoruichi Shihōin and the others in the Royal Guard.

"I can't sleep."

Yūshirō Shihōin tossed and turned on his bed, unable to find rest.

Click.

"Yo—still awake, huh? "

That all-too-familiar scene played out again as the door to his room swung open. Standing there, looking completely at ease, was the Big-Eyed Monk, grinning as he walked in without a shred of hesitation.

"Tch."

Yūshirō ignored the uninvited intruder and shut his eyes tightly. With his eyepatch on, the monk wouldn't know if his eyes were open or closed anyway.

Silence fell.

The room grew eerily quiet, as if no one else but Yūshirō existed inside.

Weird.

What the hell is this monk up to?

He's not… planning something shady while I'm sleeping, is he?!

A hundred thoughts ran through Yūshirō's mind as he lay there, feigning sleep, curiosity gnawing at him.

Just one peek…

Giving in, Yūshirō opened his eyes under the eyepatch—

"Yo! You're not asleep! You're totally awake, aren't you?! "

And right there, inches from his face, was a round, pudgy face with huge, sparkling eyes staring at him from barely five centimeters away.

"WHAT THE HELL?! "

Yūshirō's foot shot out, sending the unknown life form at his bedside flying.

Thud!

With a heavy crash, the monk hit the floor, and Yūshirō sat up on the bed, scowling.

At that moment, the door creaked open again—Tenjirō Kirinji and Ōetsu Nimaiya stepped in together.

Click.

"Oi! What's with all the noise? "

"It's the middle of the night! "

Tenjirō flicked on the light as he spoke.

"Hahaha… nothing serious, just a little misunderstanding between me and Yūshirō-kun."

The monk sat on the floor, grinning sheepishly with a trash can stuck on his head.

"What kind of misunderstanding ends with a trash can on your head? "

Tenjirō deadpanned.

"Anyway, that's not important." The Big-Eyed Monk yanked the can off and turned serious. "What matters, Yūshirō-kun, is that it's time you make a decision. Will you leave Soul Society for a while to train… or join the Zero Division like us and forever uphold the honor of protecting the Soul King's Palace? "

"Do I even need to think about that? "

"Of course, I'm going to train."

Yūshirō sat cross-legged on the bed, looking completely unenthused.

"Training, huh? " The monk nodded knowingly before asking, "Then… have you decided where to go? "

"Not really… but I'm guessing you've already picked the perfect place for me, haven't you? "

Yūshirō's voice was flat—he had zero intention of racking his brain over this, not when the schemer in front of him clearly had everything planned out.

"Aha! " The monk grinned wide. "Knew you'd get it. Of course I've picked the best spot for you. It's all about the process of elimination—first, we cut out Soul Society. Those little pocket realms here can't handle your spiritual pressure. Next, we drop the Living World—one flare of your reiatsu and thousands of humans die. You'd literally become a true Shinigami. Which leaves us with only one option, doesn't it? "

"So it really is… Hueco Mundo? "

Yūshirō's tone was deadpan.

"Bingo! After my flawless calculations, only Hueco Mundo fits you, little monster. Picture it—endless barren desert, no limits, no rules! Release your reiatsu however you like—lying down, sitting, or standing—it's perfect! There's no better place than Hueco Mundo! "

The monk stretched his arms wide like he was describing paradise.

"…I've never felt less motivated in my life."

"Just imagining myself surrounded by mindless Hollows yelling 'ROAR ROAR ROAR' makes my head hurt."

Yūshirō groaned inwardly at the thought.

"Don't worry! To keep you from getting lonely, I've prepared something special."

Ōetsu stepped forward with a sleek black case in hand.

"What's that? "

Yūshirō eyed the box suspiciously.

"Something you'll love."

Ōetsu leaned in, whispering conspiratorially.

"…Could it be…? "

"Oh yeah. Exactly what you're thinking."

Ōetsu flashed him a dazzling grin and thumbs-up like a hot-blooded manga hero.

Gulp.

Eyes gleaming under his eyepatch, Yūshirō reached for the box—

"Not yet."

Ōetsu stopped him cold.

"You can only open it after you get to Hueco Mundo. Gotta keep the surprise intact."

Yūshirō sighed but nodded reluctantly. "Fine. I'll wait, Ōetsu-sensei."

"Good boy."

"When are you heading out, little monster? " Tenjirō asked.

"Tomorrow. Once I see my sister off, I'll leave. And don't tell anyone where I'm going—just say I stayed with the Royal Guard for extended training."

"Got it, got it."

All three men nodded, smiling.

"…You guys did hear me, right? "

Yūshirō frowned at their suspiciously cheerful faces.

"Relax, Yūshirō. We're Zero Division elites—we don't make rookie mistakes."

The monk clapped him on the shoulder reassuringly.

"…You'd better not."

Yūshirō narrowed his eyes but said no more.

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