The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.
Urahara Kisuke's squinted eyes opened slightly wider, his eyebrows arching upward.
Twenty million Kan—this far exceeded the figure he had just estimated; it was no small sum.
He looked at the silver-haired youth before him once again.
He wore a standard Spiritual Arts Academy uniform, and his face still held a trace of student-like innocence.
However, at this moment, those eyes glittered with a sense of shrewdness and certainty.
"Twenty million..."
Urahara repeated the number, his tone unreadable.
"Hasumi-kun, are you certain?"
"I'm very certain."
Hasumi's smile remained unchanged.
"And as I said, this is merely the initial investment."
"If your technology can effectively solve my ingredient supply issues, Mr. Urahara, the subsequent investments will only increase."
He paused, leaning forward slightly as he lowered his voice.
"I know that a scientific genius like yourself seeks breakthroughs in knowledge and technology."
"But research requires resources, equipment, and... an environment free from outside interference. None of that comes without money, does it?"
These words struck a chord with Urahara.
This was precisely one of the dilemmas he had been facing recently.
Although Yoruichi supported him, as the Captain of the Second Division, she had her own bottom lines and concerns.
Certain materials, equipment, and hard-to-obtain experimental subjects required bypassing official channels.
And all of it required money.
Urahara stared at Hasumi in silence, as if deep in thought.
A few seconds later, he smiled—not the polite, gentle smile from before, but one tinged with playfulness and genuine interest.
"Hasumi-kun, you are quite right."
"But I have a question. If I simply take the money and perform the task, then for me, this transaction is just a one-off."
"You might have heard that in the World of the Living, a business model called a joint-stock system is on the rise."
"I was thinking: could I use my technology as capital to participate in your business? This technology would represent a certain percentage of shares, allowing me to enjoy long-term dividends."
"That way, I'll be more motivated to provide technological iterations and follow-up support. It's a win-win strategy. What do you think?"
'This old fox, Urahara Kisuke, even brought up technical equity. He clearly wants a massive piece of the pie.'
Hasumi clicked his tongue inwardly.
If that was the case, they would have to haggle properly.
Hasumi then feigned contemplation.
"Hmm... that's an interesting proposal. However, Mr. Urahara, in business, seeing is believing. Why don't we do this?"
"We start with a project-based collaboration. You help me solve the issue of increasing ingredient production, and I'll cover the research and development costs."
"Once the project yields results and its value is proven, we can sit down and discuss shares. How does that sound?"
Hasumi smiled and added.
"After all, the percentage of shares your technology holds should match its actual contribution. Words alone mean nothing right now; it wouldn't be fair to either of us."
Hasumi's response was airtight. He had skillfully deflected the issue, pushing back Urahara's request for future dividends.
He didn't outright reject Urahara's proposal, leaving room for future cooperation while deferring the final decision until after the results were verified.
The art of negotiation.
Urahara stared at Hasumi for a long while before suddenly bursting into laughter.
"Interesting. Truly interesting."
He shook his head, his tone filled with emotion.
"I originally just wanted to ask about the fruit trees. I didn't expect such a surprise."
"Hasumi-kun, are you really just a student at the Academy?"
Hasumi laughed at that as well.
"Just trying to make a living. If you don't calculate everything carefully while doing business in Rukongai, you won't last long."
The two locked eyes, invisible sparks seemingly clashing in the air.
This was the delicate moment when two intelligent men, after mutual probing, evaluation, and weighing of options, finally found the balance for cooperation.
"So, what are the specifics?"
Urahara took the lead in getting down to business.
"What kind of yield increase do you need? Specifically, which crops or animals are we targeting, and do you have any special requirements?"
Hearing this, Hasumi called over Old Man Ichiraku, who was the most knowledgeable in this area.
Once informed, Old Man Ichiraku ran through the details in his mind and quickly organized a list.
"They mainly fall into three categories. First, grains: the common rye and brown rice found in Rukongai. Second, vegetables—though those are fine and not particularly scarce. Third, livestock: things like chickens and pigs."
After Old Man Ichiraku finished, Hasumi added more.
"My requirements are simple: shorten the growth cycle of the raw materials as much as possible and increase the yield per unit."
"If the taste and nutritional content can be improved as well, that would be even better."
Urahara took the list, scanned it, and a corner of his mouth curled up.
"Very practical needs. However, Hasumi, improving agricultural and livestock production isn't something that happens overnight."
"I'll need time for cultivation, and you will need to prepare a site capable of mass production in advance."
"I'll handle the site."
Hasumi said.
"Near the borders of the Second and Third Districts of West Rukongai, there are many idle, unclaimed plots. I will apply to the Seireitei, pay a rental fee, and have them designated as experimental grounds."
"As long as you have a plan."
Urahara pulled a notebook from his robe and quickly jotted something down.
"I estimate the first phase of R&D will take two months. During this time, I'll perform basic data analysis, preliminary design, and small-scale testing."
"And how do you plan to pay the R&D costs?"
"Installments."
Hasumi clearly had a plan ready.
"An initial payment of six million, another six million after the mid-term report is accepted, and the final eight million once the results are verified. If the results exceed expectations, there will be additional investment."
"A very reasonable proposal."
Urahara finally nodded and extended his hand.
"Then, here's to a successful partnership?"
"A pleasure doing business with you."
Their hands gripped each other firmly.
Having reached a consensus, both wore perfect business-like smiles.
"I'll prepare the agreement. Once we both sign and seal it, it will take effect immediately."
"Old Man Ichiraku, bring paper, a pen, and the money."
Hasumi waved his hand, and the old man left at his word.
A moment later, he returned with paper, a pen, and a bag.
Before long, the three of them had drafted the agreement.
Urahara scanned it, nodded, and then signed his name and pressed his thumbprint alongside Hasumi's.
Urahara then took the bag and peered inside, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
"Now then, Mr. Urahara, according to the agreement, what should I do if I want to check on the R&D progress?"
Urahara gave Hasumi a deep look before pulling out a slip of paper and a token from his robe.
He wrote down an address on the note and sketched a simple route map on the back.
"The initial R&D will be conducted at my current laboratory for about two months."
"Once we have results after two months, we'll move to the site you prepared for large-scale experiments."
"This is the map from the Academy to where I'm currently staying. You can come find me when you have time."
Urahara handed over the note and the token.
"With this token, no one will stop you once you arrive."
Hasumi tucked away the note and the token, but before he could look closely, Urahara Kisuke had already stood up.
"Well then, let's leave it at that for today."
Hasumi stood up as well to see him out politely.
Urahara waved his hand and turned to leave under Hasumi's gaze.