Chapter 182

Recess

Translation: "Between classes."

Ichigo Kurosaki leaned against the window, sulking alone

Translation: "Heiqi Yihu leaned against the window, feeling vexed alone."

But we need to keep "Heiqi Yihu" as the name. Use pinyin.

In contrast, Rukia Kuchiki was smiling and chatting with Ichigo's classmates nearby. For a moment, Ichigo, the blond blockhead, felt for the first time that he was being 'cuckolded' by others, even though they were his friends who had arrived first—cough cough

We need to keep the interjection "cough cough". We'll render as "cough cough". Keep as is

Thus: "In contrast, Luqiya was smiling and chatting with the people around her, the classmates of Yihu. For a moment, Yihu, this blond and ox-headed person, felt for the first time the illusion that he had been cuckolded by others, even though those were all his friends, and he had arrived first, cough cough..."

We need to keep the same meaning; avoid adding.

"So, are Rukia and Ichigo acquaintances?!"

Translation: "So Luqiya and Yihu are acquaintances, right?!"

Orihime put her hands behind her back, stepped up to Rukia, and asked curiously

Translation: "Zhi Ji had her hands behind her back, approached Luqiya, and asked curiously."

"Of course~"

Translation: "Of course~"

"By the way, I'm currently staying at Ichigo's house~"

Translation: "By the way, I'm currently staying at Yihu's place~"

Rukia heard that and replied with a smile

Translation: "Hearing that, Luqiya replied with a smile."

"Huh?! You and Ichigo are already living together?!"

Translation: "Eh?! You and Yihu are already living together?!"

Following Rukia's answer, the high school students let out shocked sounds

Translation: "Following Luqiya's answer, the high schoolers let out shocked sounds."

"If we're talking about living together, it doesn't really count; if we had to say, she's just a freeloader who mooches off us and won't leave~"

Translation: "If it's cohabitation, it doesn't count; if I had to say, she's just a freeloader who stays at our house without leaving, eating for free~"

Ichigo, who had been silent, furrowed his brows upon hearing everyone's remarks, thinking that if he didn't clarify things, who knows what rumors those idle people would spread about his relationship with Rukia?!

Translation: "Yihu, who had been silent all along, furrowed his brows tightly upon hearing everyone's words, thinking that if he didn't clarify things, his relationship with Luqiya might be rumored into something weird by these idle folks."

"Oh dear, Ichigo-kun, you're mistaken! Uncle and Auntie actually like me~"

Translation: "Oh dear, Yihu-classmate, you're wrong! Uncle and Auntie like me~"

Rukia listened to Ichigo's words, still smiling, but veins popped up on her forehead one after another

Translation: "After hearing Yihu's words, Luqiya still wore a smile, but veins popped up one after another on her forehead."

"Hehe~"

Translation: "Hehe~"

Ichigo merely snorted in response, neither denying nor admitting it

Translation: "Upon hearing that, Yihu merely gave a cold snort. He neither refuted nor admitted."

"Anyway, getting back to the point, my relationship with Ichigo Kurosaki..."

Translation: "But getting back to it, my relationship with Heiqi Yihu..."

"If I had to put a label on it, I'm Ichigo's distant cousin~"

Translation: "If I had to say, I'm Yihu's distant cousin~"

Rukia thought for a moment and then explained the persona she had devised for herself

Translation: "Luqiya thought for a moment, then explained the persona she had devised for herself."

"Because my parents died in an accident! For a time I seemed to have become completely orphaned! Fortunately, I got in touch with my uncle, namely Ichigo's father, Isshin Kurosaki!"

Translation: "Because my father and mother died in some accident! For a while I seemed to have become utterly alone! Fortunately, I got in touch with my uncle, namely Yihu's father, Uncle Heiqi Yixin!"

Since I realized that aside from Uncle Isshin, I had no other relatives in this world, after much thought I decided to rely on him, temporarily staying at Ichigo's house; and because Uncle was worried he couldn't take proper care of me, he arranged my transfer, so I could attend Karakura First High School alongside Ichigo

Translation: "Because I realized that besides Uncle Heiqi Yixin, I seemed to have no other relatives in this world, so after much thought I went to my uncle Heiqi Yixin, temporarily staying at Heiqi Yihu's house; meanwhile, the uncle worried he couldn't take good care of me, so he handled the transfer procedures, letting me and Yihu attend Empty Seat Town First High School."

When Rukia tells lies, she does so without blushing or her heart racing; she calmly explained her relationship with Ichigo, and came up with a perfectly fitting reason for her transfer and living at his house

Translation: "When Xiumu Luqiya tells lies, she does so without blushing or her heart racing; she calmly explained her relationship with Yihu, at the same time giving herself a reason for transferring schools and living at Yihu's house that was perfectly fitting."

"So he's Ichigo's cousin, huh~"

Translation: "So you're Yihu's cousin, huh~"

Upon hearing Rukia's words, everyone let out murmurs

Translation: "Upon hearing Luqiya's words, the crowd immediately let out cries."

If she's Ichigo's cousin, then temporarily living at his house and transferring to Karakura First High School doesn't seem strange at all

Translation: "If she's Yihu's cousin, then temporarily staying at his house and transferring to Empty Seat Town First High School doesn't seem strange."

At the same time, everyone felt sympathy and pity for Rukia's ordeal

Translation: "At the same time, everyone felt sympathy and pity for Luqiya's experience."

"You've been through a lot, Rukia!"

Translation: "You've worked hard, Luqiya!"

Orihime flung her arms around Rukia in an embrace and spoke excitedly

Translation: "Among them, Zhi Ji enthusiastically embraced Luqiya in her arms and spoke."

Orihime, who also lost her parents at a young age, could best understand Rukia's plight, and she felt full sympathy for her

Translation: "Like Luqiya, Zhi Ji also lost her parents at a young age, so she best understands Luqiya's plight and feels full sympathy for her."

"What cousin, huh~"

Translation: "What cousin~"

Ichigo's eyelid twitched slightly upon hearing Rukia's words; it was the first time he realized that this guy tells lies without blushing or his heart racing

Translation: "Upon hearing Luqiya's words, Yihu's eyelid twitched slightly. He still realized for the first time that this guy Luqiya tells lies without blushing or her heart racing."

「……」

Translation: "……"

Rukia, embraced by Orihime's heaving bosom, seemed to sense Ichigo's gaze; she clenched her fist at him and then mouthed: 'If you don't want trouble, don't expose me! Besides, given my age, don't just call me your cousin—even calling me your grandmother would be fitting. So from today on, you little brat, remember to show me some respect!'

Translation: "The Luqiya embraced in Zhi Ji's broad chest seemed to sense Yihu's gaze; she fiercely waved her fist at Yihu, then mouthed: 'If you don't want trouble, don't expose me! Besides, given my age, I don't even need to be your cousin—being your grandmother would be enough—so from today on, you little brat, remember to show me some respect!'"

"That bastard..."

Translation: "This bastard……"

Ichigo Kurosaki, hearing Rukia's words, felt his teeth grind with anger

Translation: "Heiqi Yihu, hearing Luqiya's words, felt his teeth itch with anger."

But in the end, Ichigo endured it...

Translation: "But after all, Yihu endured it……"

"Does Ichigo have a cousin? I've never heard anything about that!"

Translation: "Does Yihu have a cousin? I've never heard of it!"

After Ichigo's tacit acceptance, the class seemed to accept Rukia's identity, except for Kazeshima Ryuuki, who had known Ichigo since childhood; he frowned and muttered, still doubtful about Rukia's identity

Translation: "After Yihu acquiesced, the class seemed to accept Luqiya's identity, except for Youze Long Gui, who had grown up with Yihu, furrowed his brows and kept muttering, seemingly still doubtful about Luqiya's identity."

However, since Ichigo hadn't said anything about Rukia's identity, Ryuuki saw no reason to question it; after all, if the person involved accepts it, a childhood friend like her would look foolish to keep arguing

Translation: "However, since Yihu didn't object to Luqiya's identity, Long Gui also couldn't be bothered to question it; since the parties involved had accepted it, as a childhood friend, if she kept spouting nonsense, she'd seem rather immature……"

In fact, perhaps Rukia's blunder accidentally hit the mark; given the ties between the Kuchiki and Shiba families, her claim of being Ichigo's distant cousin isn't off base, considering the ancestors of the 'Five Great Noble Houses' have always been closely linked, and intermarriage among them in Soul Society has never ceased over millions of years

Translation: "Actually, perhaps Luqiya's blunder accidentally hit the mark; given the relationship between the Mu Family and the Shiba Family, her claiming to be Yihu's distant cousin isn't wrong, after all the ancestors of the Five Great Noble Families have close ties, and over millions of years in Soul Society, intermarriage among the Five Great Noble Families has never ceased."

Thus, with Ichigo's tacit approval, Rukia successfully blended in with his classmates under the guise of his cousin, and even leveraged his name to quickly become the big sister of Ichigo's class, and even the entire first-year class at Karakura First High School

Translation: "Thus, with Yihu's tacit approval, Luqiya, posing as Yihu's cousin, got along well with his classmates; even borrowing Yihu's name, she quickly became the big sister of Yihu's class, and even the eldest sister of the first year at Empty Seat Town First High School."

This made Ichigo, who already felt uneasy about Rukia's arrival, feel even worse: 'My dream of an ordinary high school life is gone just like that!'

Translation: "This made Yihu, who already felt gloomy about Luqiya's arrival, even more gloomy: 'My dream of an ordinary high school life is just gone forever!'"

"Beep beep beep..."

Translation: "Beep beep beep……"

While Rukia and Ichigo's classmates were chatting, her cell phone suddenly flashed a scarlet light and emitted a series of electronic alerts that rang in everyone's ears

Translation: "Just as Luqiya and Yihu's classmates were chatting, her phone suddenly flashed a string of scarlet light, and a series of electronic alerts sounded in everyone's ears."

"Ichigo! He's gone..."

Translation: "Yihu! Let's go……"

Rukia's face twitched slightly; she immediately sprang from her seat, grabbed Ichigo's hand, and dashed outside

Translation: "Luqiya's face slightly changed; she immediately rose from her seat, grabbed Yihu's hand, and ran outside."

"Another Hollow?"

Translation: "Another Hollow?"

Although Ichigo had a hundred reservations, he still followed Rukia out of the classroom; but after stepping out, he seemed to recall something, turned back, and told Orihime and Ryuuki: 'Orihime, Ryuuki, please ask Ms. Komamura for leave; something's come up at home, I have something important to do! Thanks~'

Translation: "Although Yihu had a hundred reluctances, he still followed Luqiya out of the classroom; but after stepping out, he seemed to recall something, turned around, and said to Zhi Ji and Long Gui: 'Zhi Ji, Long Gui, help me ask Teacher Xiao Mei for leave, something minor came up at home, I have something important to do! Thanks~'"

Having said that, Ichigo didn't wait for Ryuuki and Orihime's reply, turned, and vanished down the hallway

Translation: "After Yihu said that, without waiting for Long Gui and Zhi Ji's reply, he turned and vanished into the hallway."

"Fine..."

Translation: "Fine……"

Ichigo's words left Orihime and Ryuuki momentarily stunned; despite having many questions they wanted to ask, they lightly nodded and agreed to his request

Translation: "Yihu's words left Zhi Ji and Long Gui slightly startled; although they had many questions for him, they lightly nodded and agreed to his request."

Not long after Ichigo and Rukia left the classroom, Orihime suddenly spotted, through the window, Ichigo Kurosaki dressed in a black kimono with a massive zanpakutō slung on his back...

Translation: "Not long after Yihu and Luqiya left the classroom, Zhi Ji suddenly saw through the window Heiqi Yihu dressed in black attire, with a massive Soul-Cutting Sword on his back……"

"Ah..."

Translation: "Ah……"

Orihime stared wide-eyed at Ichigo in that outfit

Translation: "Zhi Ji stared at Yihu in that outfit, eyes wide."

"Orihime, what are you looking at?"

Translation: "Zhi Ji, what are you looking at?"

Perhaps because Ryuuki and the others haven't yet encountered a Hollow, they still can't see spirits, so they didn't see Ichigo in his Shinigami garb

Translation: "Perhaps because Long Gui and the others have never encountered a Hollow, they still can't see spiritual bodies, so they didn't see the Shinigami-attired Heiqi Yihu."

"No, nothing."

Translation: "No, nothing."

Hearing that, Orihime immediately shook her head, pushing down her doubts

Translation: "Upon hearing that, Zhi Ji immediately shook her head, suppressing her doubts."

Weird, why is only Rukia left? Where's Ichigo?!

Translation: "Weird, why is only Luqiya left? Where's Yihu?!"

Long Gui didn't doubt he was there, following Zhi Ji's gaze toward the window, immediately furrowed brows tightly; she only saw Lu Qiya alone.

"Huh?!"

Orihime blinked, and her doubts grew even stronger

"Am I the only one who can see it?"

Orihime whispered to herself

Meanwhile...

As a trainee Soul Reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki, under Rukia Kuchiki's guidance, effortlessly slayed the target Hollow, waving his enormous zanpakutō and scoffing: 'These Hollows are nothing; they're just the kind I can instant‑kill!'

You punk, you've only just become a Soul Reaper; you don't know how strong Hollows can be. Don't think that slaying a few weaklings makes you invincible. If you run into a powerful Hollow with that attitude, you'll get yourself killed!

Seeing Ichigo's smug face, Rukia immediately warned him

Rukia, a graduate of the Soul Reaper Academy, naturally knows the Hollow ranks; those wandering the living world that Ichigo sliced up are merely the lowest grade. Compared to the mighty entities listed in the 'Hoboku's Hollow World Chronicles,' they're just cannon fodder

"Is it really that mysterious?"

Ichigo, hearing that, seemed doubtful

"You jerk..."

Rukia naturally saw Ichigo's disbelief, raised her brows slightly, and glared at him angrily

"That guy's right! Ichigo Kurosaki..."

Hollows aren't easy opponents; those who underestimate them end up killed and eaten by them

Just as Rukia wondered how to explain this to Ichigo, a cold voice suddenly rang out from above their heads

"Exactly, exactly, that's how it is..."

"Ichigo, you've finally come to your senses..."

Upon hearing that, Rukia kept nodding; she'd finally found a kindred spirit

But the next second, Rukia sensed something off

This didn't sound like Ichigo speaking; if it wasn't him, who was it? Rukia wondered, looked up toward the source of the voice, and saw a boy in Karakura First High's uniform, glasses perched on his nose, silently watching her and Ichigo—the speaker was none other than him...

"Who are you?!"

Rukia looked up at the boy before her, puzzled, and asked

"My name is Uryū Ishida, and I'm a Quincy!"

That boy, Uryū Ishida, who had sensed the Hollow and rushed over, lightly pushed up his glasses and calmly told Rukia:

"Quincy!!"

Upon hearing Ishida's words, Rukia's pupils narrowed slightly

As a top student of the Soul Reaper Academy, Rukia had certainly heard rumors about Quincies; faced with this unsolicited self‑proclaimed Quincy boy, her eyes filled with wariness

"Who are you? I can't understand what you're saying..."

Unlike the surprised Rukia, Ichigo down below remained calm, looking up at the floating Ishida and asking, bewildered:

"Ichigo Kurosaki, you really ought to get your ears checked at the hospital."

Upon hearing Ichigo's comment, Ishida's eyelid twitched and he replied irritably:

"You actually know my name? How surprising..."

Ichigo, after hearing Ishida and repeating his name, exclaimed in surprise:

"We go to the same school!"

Ishida's forehead veins bulged; he didn't know why, but Ichigo always manages to piss everyone off

"Roar!"

As Ichigo and Ishida talked, another white Hollow let out a series of howls and charged at the dazed Ichigo and Rukia

"Oh no!"

Ichigo and Rukia heard it, their faces changed, they hurriedly turned to face it, but they were a step too late—the Hollow had already reached them

No matter how you look at it, Ichigo and Rukia couldn't retaliate in time...

"Whoosh!!"

At that crucial moment, Ishida, standing mid‑air on a platform of reishi and calling himself a Quincy, drew his spirit bow

Accompanied by a whistling roar, a tremendously powerful holy arrow sliced through the air and pierced the Hollow's head

"Bang!"

With a thunderous boom, the Hollow whose skull Ishida's arrow pierced disintegrated into a shower of reishi that scattered into the air

"So fast!"

Just as Ishida pulled back his bow and easily obliterated the ambushing Hollow, the very next moment Ichigo finally reacted, his pupils narrowing as he praised from the heart:

"Fast? Ichigo Kurosaki, do you call even this level of arrow speed 'fast'?"

"Compared to my grandfather's arrows, mine are still far too immature!"

Even so, with your current reflexes, you'd still struggle to track such an immature arrow! So, Ichigo Kurosaki, do you get it? You're still quite immature—at least compared to me, you've got a long way to go!

Ishida lightly pushed up his glasses, tossed off a few arrogant remarks, and vanished smugly into the mid‑air

"What's with this guy's smug attitude?!"

Ichigo, seeing Ishida leave, complained:

"A Quincy?!"

"Ichigo, go back to school first; I have some things to investigate..."

Watching the retreating Ishida, Rukia muttered to herself as she headed off toward Urahara Kisuke's shop

"Huh?"

Ichigo Kurosaki glared at Rukia and Ishida, who had ditched him, his eyelid twitching as he snapped: 'I've had enough of you two taking turns spouting off in front of me—it's utterly disgusting!'

Nevertheless, despite Ichigo's grumbling, he still headed back to school, returned to the bathroom where he'd left his gigai, reunited his soul and body, and then went back to the classroom on his own

"Oh! Ichigo, you're back—where's Rukia?!"

When Ichigo returned to the classroom, the classmates swarmed him and asked Kurosaki Ichigo.

"I don't know! Don't ask me…"

Kurosaki Ichigo replied irritably.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, you wouldn't have been abandoned, would you?!"

The classmates smiled at Ichigo and asked.

"Just kidding, would I be abandoned?!"

Ichigo's face changed slightly at the words.

Lies only provoke laughter; the truth is a swift blade!

"Hahaha…"

The classmates laughed at Ichigo's expression. Clearly, everyone already knew what had happened between Ichigo and Rukia.

"Hmph~"

Ichigo, sitting by the window, stared out bored.

Ichigo realized that only when he returned to his seat could he find a little peace! Perhaps this is the special blessing of the back‑row window king's hometown?!

"Kurosaki, I saw you earlier wearing a pitch‑black kimono, carrying a huge two‑handed sword, and running off the school playground…"

"Kurosaki, you really didn't do anything dangerous, did you?!"

While Ichigo gazed out the window, pondering matters about Soul Reapers, a soft voice suddenly sounded beside his ear.

"Orihime? Can you see me from just now?"

Ichigo's face flashed with slight surprise; he looked at the gentle girl beside him, Inoue Orihime, and asked in confusion.

"Mm! I can see you~"

Orihime nodded vigorously after hearing Ichigo.

"Kurosaki in a kimono looks pretty cool too~"

Then Orihime seemed to recall something, her cute face flushing slightly as she added.

Without waiting for Ichigo to speak, Orihime continued: "But Kurosaki with that big sword is really dangerous! Kurosaki must watch his own safety."

"So you really can see the me from earlier."

After hearing Orihime, Ichigo finally confirmed her peculiarity; his pupils narrowed slightly as he surveyed her.

"Kurosaki, don't look at me like that; I'm a bit embarrassed."

Orihime's cheeks reddened further after feeling Kurosaki Ichigo's scorching gaze.

"Ugh, sorry, Orihime! I made you uncomfortable…"

"Actually, I only recently could take that stance. My current identity is not just a regular high school student; I'm also an apprentice Soul Reaper."

Kurosaki Ichigo first apologized to Orihime, then solemnly explained his identity. After he finished, his face turned a faint pink. Ichigo himself didn't know how he could speak so earnestly, sounding so over‑the‑top, and he worried: what if Orihime doesn't believe him—what should he do?!

"So Kurosaki really is a Soul Reaper?!"

Orihime's expression showed a hint of realization after hearing Ichigo.

"Eh? Orihime, do you know about Soul Reapers?"

Ichigo stared at Orihime, who showed no surprise, and was momentarily stunned.

"Mm! Actually, years ago I already saw an entity called a Soul Reaper!"

"And after that, I could see wandering souls, Soul Reapers, and Hollows!"

Orihime smiled at Ichigo and said earnestly.

"Orihime, have you ever encountered a Hollow?"

"Hollows are dangerous; Orihime, you haven't had any accidents, have you?"

Ichigo was taken aback; his brows furrowed instantly. His gaze at Orihime was full of worry. Though Ichigo didn't take Hollows seriously, he knew clearly that a Hollow's combat power far exceeds that of ordinary people, leaving them virtually no chance to resist.

"Don't judge me by this; I'm actually quite strong~"

Orihime said, gently touching the sparkling crystal hairpin with six petals on her hair—the gift her brother, who went to work in Kyoto, had given her. Even now, Orihime still remembers everything that happened the day she received the gift; if not for the kind Soul Reaper's help, she might have lost her brother forever.

"I can protect myself!"

Orihime waved her hand forcefully.

"Orihime…"

Kurosaki Ichigo heard that and his gaze at Orihime took on a different hue.

Kurosaki Ichigo realized that since gaining Soul Reaper power, everything around him seemed different. He discovered that besides ordinary wandering souls, there are evil spirits like Hollows, and that his classmates were not so ordinary either. The whole world appeared unlike what he had imagined.

"You…"

At this moment, Ichigo stared blankly at the Orihime before him, as if wanting to ask something.

"Kurosaki, see you after school~"

Orihime smiled faintly after hearing Ichigo.

"Alright!"

Ichigo knew that, still at school, it wasn't time to discuss such things, so he kept his mouth shut and waited quietly for dismissal.

"Ichigo, Orihime…"

Meanwhile, unnoticed by Ichigo and Orihime, Ze Longgui furrowed his brows, seemingly pondering something important.

"Ding—ding—…"

Hours later, the dismissal bell finally rang.

Kurosaki Ichigo and Inoue Orihime left the school together.

The two walked silently until they reached Orihime's home.

Kurosaki, you sit first.

Orihime's house wasn't large, about twenty to thirty square meters. In the tiny home there was only a narrow hallway, a small bathroom, a kitchen, and a single room. After Inoue had Ichigo sit down in the room, she offered him a glass of strawberry milk.

Thank you…

Ichigo had originally intended to refuse Orihime, but when he saw that she brought out strawberry milk, he instantly smiled and accepted it.

Ichigo, don't get scared from now on~

Orihime looked at Ichigo, who had taken the milk, and reminded him first.

Oh, okay, I'm already prepared!

Ichigo, after hearing Orihime, gently nodded.

Come out! Shield Shun Six Flowers!

After Ichigo's consent, Orihime gently stroked the crystal hairpin on her head and activated her Perfect Manifestation Technique.

Buzz!

As Orihime's ability activated, six differently colored spirits instantly appeared before Ichigo.

Orihime, didn't you say not to summon us in front of outsiders?!

Yeah! Yeah! If others find us, you'll be in danger!

Orihime, why did you forget our agreement again? It's really infuriating us!

The six spirits first glanced at Kurosaki Ichigo, then swirled around Orihime, flying while reminding her not to casually display their abilities in front of outsiders.

I understand, but Kurosaki isn't an outsider~

Orihime smiled at the spirits beside her and said.

Not an outsider doesn't count? Anyone besides you is an outsider to us!

The six spirits, hearing this, angrily told Orihime.

Sorry! Sorry…

Orihime, hearing her spirits, kept apologizing.

What on earth are these…?

In contrast, Kurosaki Ichigo's eyes widened.

Kurosaki, this is my Perfect Manifestation Technique, Shield Shun Six Flowers~

Orihime, after hearing Ichigo, smiled and explained.

Perfect Manifestation Technique? Orihime, I have no idea what you're talking about?!

Ichigo was stunned for a moment, then kept shaking his head.

It's okay, I can explain to you slowly.

Orihime, upon hearing that, gave a faint smile and said.

Alright!

Ichigo furrowed his brows; after hearing Orihime, he still nodded.

At the same time, high above Orihime's house, a man with long dark‑green hair stood silently, his narrow, cold eyes fixed on Ichigo and Orihime chatting inside.

Teacher Araki, just as you predicted, Inoue Orihime has already met Kurosaki Ichigo and laid her cards! Kurosaki Ichigo now understands what the Perfect Manifestation Technique is; if nothing goes wrong, next Cha Du Taihu will also make contact with Kurosaki Ichigo!

That green‑haired man was none other than Gang Mi Dai Shi Tan, who had gone to the present world seeking Perfect Manifestation Technique users. Years ago, when Kurosaki Ichigo was nine and Yuhabahu awakened, Shi Tan, then in the present world, received a command from Araki to go to Kūza Town. Upon arriving, Shi Tan immediately discovered Inoue Orihime and Cha Du Taihu, two Perfect Manifestation Technique users.

In response, Araki instructed Shi Tan to hold back for now, not to rush contact with the two, and to intervene at a critical moment to help them, gaining their trust and awakening their Perfect Manifestation Technique. Thus Shi Tan began his period of restraint, wandering Kūza Town for three years. When Orihime was twelve, he finally found a suitable chance, rescued Orihime's brother Inoue Hao, and when Orihime finally understood her brother's feelings, he helped her successfully awaken her Perfect Manifestation Technique, while also explaining matters concerning the Soul Reaper…

As for Cha Du Taihu, when he was once again being bullied by thugs, Shi Tan stepped in, drove the thugs away, taught Taihu the basics of boxing, and told him that violence solves nothing; if he truly wants to fight, he should step onto a boxing ring and swing his fists under everyone's gaze. At that moment Taihu awakened, looking at his powerful arms, and under Shi Tan's spiritual pressure, successfully awakened his own Perfect Manifestation Technique.

Alright, I understand; you may return now~

Shortly after Shi Tan's call with Araki, Araki's voice rang again in Shi Tan's mind.

I understand~

Shi Tan, hearing that, let out a slight sigh of relief; his mission was finally over, and he could return to the Soul Society.

Lord Shi Tan, what did Chief Araki say?!

Just after Shi Tan finished his call with Araki, a figure of ample, enviably curvaceous and dignified beauty appeared before him, softly asking.

It's Dao Yune Awu La~

Teacher Araki replied; our mission is complete. Come with me back to the Soul Society! Next we'll report to the First Division~

Shi Tan looked at the newcomer and answered with a grin.

As you command!

The woman named Dao Yune Awu La lightly nodded after hearing Shi Tan.

Then, next, the boy observed by Teacher Araki!

What will your future be like?!

It does make me a little excited~

But I think it won't be long before you and I meet~

The moment Shi Tan finished speaking, a portal opened behind him.

Soon after, Shi Tan and Dao Yune Awu La vanished completely above the sky of Kūza Town.

Kurosaki Ichigo and Inoue Orihime explored the matter of Perfect Manifestation Technique users until late; only at night did Ichigo bid Orihime farewell and return home.

When Ichigo got home, he found everyone already asleep; as for Kuchiki Rukia, she hadn't returned today and seemed to have gone out on business…

The next day.

When Ichigo woke up in his room, he first opened the large door of his wardrobe, but unfortunately Rukia hadn't returned.

Sigh…

Ichigo let out a helpless sigh, brushed his teeth and washed his face, then walked down the stairs to the dining hall, intending to have a quick bite before heading to school.

Yo! Yīhù, did you sleep well yesterday?!

After Yīhù arrived at the dining hall, extremely familiar, he went to his seat and sat down, when a soft greeting suddenly sounded in his ear.

Not bad~

Yīhù listened to that familiar sounding voice and casually nodded.

Huh?!

It was only after Yīhù finished greeting that person that he suddenly sensed something off.

Wait, you jerk, how could you appear here?!

Yīhù looked at Xiǔmù Lùqíyà sitting beside him eating, and his eyelid twitched slightly.

Any problem?

Lùxīyà froze for a moment, then asked.

Don't just leave on your own and then come back on your own!

Yīhù replied angrily.

Sorry, sorry...

I was mainly busy with some urgent matters yesterday!

Anyway, I've already figured out the Quincy business~

Lùqíyà looked at Yīhù and answered confidently.

What exactly are the Quincy?

After hearing Lùqíyà's words, Yīhù was first stunned, then asked.

They are extremely dangerous beings!

Lùqíyà furrowed her brows and spoke in a low voice.

The Quincy are dangerous?!

Upon hearing that, Yīhù's pupils constricted slightly.

Mm!

Lùqíyà nodded firmly; after reviewing a lot of data yesterday, she realized that calling those Quincy the great enemies of the Soul Reapers is not an exaggeration.

After hearing Lùqíyà's words, Yīhù furrowed his brows and fell into thought.

Slurp~

On the other side, sitting opposite Yīhù and Lùqíyà, silently listening to their conversation, Hēiqí Zhēnxiǎo was quietly drinking the miso soup in her bowl.

The Quincy are dangerous?!

Upon hearing this, Hēiqí Zhēnxiǎo slightly narrowed her eyes.

So, her eldest son Hēiqí Zhēnxiǎo and her husband Hēiqí Yīxīn's nephew in the Soul Society, to her face as a pure-blood Quincy, said the Quincy are dangerous?!

This is really quite interesting~

Er...

In response, Yīxīn lowered his head, indicating he hadn't heard anything.

He didn't hear anything at all!

Anyway, let's first make contact with that Quincy!

As for whether that Quincy is truly dangerous, we'll judge after we formally meet him!

After Yīhù pondered for a while, he spoke to Lùqíyà beside him.

That works!

At that moment, Lùqíyà and Yīhù reached an agreement.

As for Hēiqí Zhēnxiǎo and Hēiqí Yīxīn, they were somewhat curious.

They wondered how Yīhù and Lùqíyà planned to approach that Quincy they had just mentioned.

After a hearty meal, Lùqíyà and Yīhù went to school.

Because Yīhù remembered that yesterday Shítián Yǔlóng had been wearing their school uniform, so Yīhù and Lùqíyà quickly found, during the break, Shítián Yǔlóng quietly reading in class.

That's the guy!

Yīhù and Lùqíyà peered through the door crack, saw Shítián Yǔlóng inside the classroom, and exclaimed in surprise.

Looks like we've found the person!

Next, we just need him to explain yesterday's purpose!

For that, Lùqíyà gave Yīhù a look.

I understand!

After receiving Lùqíyà's hint, Yīhù lightly nodded.

You're Shítián Yǔlóng, right?!

Yīhù walked straight into Yǔlóng's class and greeted Shítián Yǔlóng.

Hēiqí Yīhù I know why you've come.

Saturday morning at eight, we'll meet at Central Park, no excuses.

Yǔlóng looked at Yīhù beside him, seemingly not surprised by his arrival, lightly pushed up his glasses, and said coldly.

Er...

Yīhù merely nodded lightly in response.

What do you mean?!

After Yīhù walked out of the classroom door, Lùqíyà immediately stepped up to him and asked.

"That stinky guy said he knows my purpose! Let me on Saturday go to Central Park to find him..."

"Yīhù also did not hide this; he directly told Lùqíyà what Yǔlóng had said."

"I understand..."

"Looks like this guy also knows the academy isn't a place for doing things."

"Lùqíyà let out a helpless sigh after hearing Yīhù's words."

"Since Yǔlóng had no intention of talking with them, they seemed to have no better option than to drag things out until Saturday."

"Thus, several days passed in a flash."

"Saturday morning, eight o'clock."

"Hēiqí Yīhù and Lùqíyà went together to Central Park to search for Shítián Yǔlóng's whereabouts."

""Hēiqí Yīhù, you finally showed up—you were late by fifteen seconds total, you're really too unpunctual~Indeed your personality is as careless as your strength~""

"Yǔlóng looked at Yīhù and replied coldly."

""It's only fifteen seconds late!""

"Yīhù's eyelid twitched slightly upon hearing that."

""Hmph! More talk is useless!""

""Hēiqí Yīhù, to be exact, an apprentice Soul Reaper Hēiqí Yīhù! Come, let's have a match—a competition to prove whether Soul Reapers or extinction monks are superior!""

""Today I'll make you lose, leaving you without a single intact spot on your body.""

"Without letting Yīhù say more, Shítián Yǔlóng stared coldly at Yīhù and spoke in a low voice."