Though it was already too late to cover their ears, everyone instinctively reached up to block out the environmental noise pollution.
A perfect flying kick sent the culprit spinning through the air several times before his face served as a buffer against the ground.
"As... as expected of my son. There is nothing left for me to teach you..."
"Shut up, you stupid old man!"
Ichigo Kurosaki tapped his heel against the ground, trying to shake off whatever filth his sole had just touched.
"Waaah... Masaki, look at Ichigo! He's completely entered his rebellious phase!!"
Dodging the lunging Isshin Kurosaki, Yoh Asakura snatched the whistle from the man's neck.
"Ahem! Thank you all for coming to the First Soul-Hunting Competition, hosted by the Asakura family!"
Yoh looked with satisfaction at the crowd of people and spirits nearly filling his yard.
"The goal of this competition is to find the soul of the mother of our star parrot, Yuichi Shibata!"
Yoh raised the cage containing Yuichi Shibata high into the air.
"What a cute parrot! Did he get separated from his mommy? How pitiful."
"No, Yuzu, that's probably not what's going on here..."
Karin Kurosaki spoke to her twin sister, who didn't seem to understand what they were looking for. Yuzu could barely see ghosts anyway, so she likely wouldn't be much help.
As for Karin herself, she had shared a spiritual resonance with Yuichi Shibata due to their similar ages. She had seen his tragic memories, so she was determined to help this time.
"Since it's a competition, there are naturally prizes!"
"First prize is a three-day, two-night all-expenses-paid trip to a hot spring resort! As for second prize... since there's only one target, there won't be a second prize!"
The prizes Yoh announced made many eyes light up. Most had volunteered to help, never expecting any reward.
"Ahem, the contestants are divided into three teams. Whichever team finds Yuichi's mother first wins the whole competition!"
"First up, the Kurosaki Team: Ichigo Kurosaki, Isshin Kurosaki, Karin Kurosaki, and Yuzu Kurosaki."
"The Student Team: Rukia Kuchiki, Tatsuki Arisawa, Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryu Ishida."
"The Urahara Shop Team: Kisuke Urahara, Tessai Tsukabishi, Jinta Hanakari, and Ururu Tsumugiya."
"Wait!"
Ichigo, who had been holding it in for a while, finally couldn't help but interrupt Yoh.
"Who are these weird-looking guys? Where did these kids come from? And why is this guy here too!?"
Ichigo pointed first at Kisuke Urahara and his employees, who were waving and smiling sillily. They were currently sitting on a spread-out rug, leisurely drinking tea and eating snacks.
Then, Ichigo focused his gaze on Uryu Ishida.
He didn't have much of an impression of the guy; he hadn't even known they were in the same class. However, since the guy had publicly challenged Yoh in class—at least, that's how Ichigo saw it—he had remembered his face.
But the fact that he came to help meant he at least knew about and could see souls.
He could understand Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Tatsuki Arisawa. He had learned from Rukia Kuchiki that people who spend a long time around those with high spiritual power or those attacked by Hollows might have their own spiritual power awakened.
Rukia clearly believed this was the case for those three, and Ichigo found the explanation reasonable.
'But what's the deal with Uryu Ishida?' He seemed quite familiar with Yoh, as if they had grown up together, yet Ichigo had never heard of Yoh having such a friend.
Ichigo glared at Uryu again. For some reason, looking at that intentionally cold face made him feel annoyed.
"You should ask Kuchiki about Urahara. In any case, he's basically Kuchiki's benefactor."
Too lazy to explain Kisuke Urahara's complex background, Yoh simply pushed the question onto Rukia Kuchiki.
"Huh? Is that true?" Ichigo asked in surprise. Rukia was his benefactor, and this Hat-and-Clogs guy was Rukia's benefactor? That meant this suspicious-looking guy was his benefactor's benefactor?
"...I suppose so."
Rukia didn't deny it. When she had lost her Soul Reaper powers and was left without help, Kisuke Urahara had indeed appeared to assist her.
Not only had he given her this special Gigai that allowed her to live like a normal person while masking her spiritual pressure, but he had also provided her with important information, advice, and items.
Though none of it had been free.
However, deep down, she still harbored some wariness toward him. On one hand, she knew he was a fugitive from the Soul Society; on the other, his help and kindness seemed too convenient to be true.
Kindness without a reason made her feel more chilled than obvious malice.
"Fine... then whatever for them, but what's this guy's deal?"
Ichigo turned his focus entirely on Uryu Ishida. The latter adjusted his glasses, his expression turning unfriendly.
"Has no one ever told you that your tone is very rude, Ichigo Kurosaki?"
"What did you say?!"
Despite calling Ichigo rude, Uryu's own attitude was full of hostility.
Although he was temporarily refraining from making trouble for Ichigo because of Yoh's earlier words, it didn't mean he accepted his status as a Soul Reaper.
"Alright, alright. When you count it up, you two are actually distant cousins. Try to get along."
Before either Uryu or Ichigo realized it, their hands were suddenly clasped together as if they were being friendly. Yoh stood before them, patting their shoulders with a satisfied look.
They looked at each other, both seeing the confusion in the other's eyes. They had clearly been six or seven meters apart just a second ago; how were they suddenly standing together and shaking hands?
Quickly pulling their hands away in disgust, both of them began to ponder Yoh's words. Ichigo dismissed it entirely, not believing a word of it, while the more thoughtful Uryu couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
He knew Yoh was acquainted with his father—they seemed quite close, in fact. From that perspective, Yoh's words carried significant weight.