But if things were truly as Asakura Yoh said, and Kurosaki Ichigo shared a certain bloodline connection with him, didn't that mean Ichigo might also possess the potential to be a Quincy?
What would happen if a person possessed the powers of both a Soul Reaper and a Quincy simultaneously?
While there was no way to know for sure, Ishida Uryu found himself viewing Kurosaki Ichigo with significantly more importance.
'I'll have to do some thorough research into the Kurosaki name when I get back...'
As a long-standing Quincy family, the Ishida household still possessed records of many secrets unknown to outsiders.
However, because his father forbade him from having anything to do with Quincy matters, Ishida Uryu could only browse through them in secret.
"By the way, how much more time are you two going to waste here? The others have already started moving, you know."
"What? That's playing dirty! Ishida, let's go!"
"What right do you have to order me around? For that matter, we aren't even on the same team..."
"Now, now... that sort of thing isn't important. What matters is helping that child find his mother, right?"
"..."
Ishida Uryu remained silent, simply running in the opposite direction of Kurosaki Ichigo.
"Hey! What's with that guy..."
Although this wasn't how Ishida Uryu had originally imagined it, a competition was a competition, and he was determined to prove he was stronger than a Soul Reaper.
He had already fully memorized the scent of the spirit attached to that parrot. The spiritual pressure of a biological mother and son would always share some similarities; by moving while searching for matching spirit ribbons, he could greatly increase his efficiency.
"Wait? Dad, what's going on with you? Since when did you put on such a... flashy outfit? Besides, there's no reason for you to even be here, right? You're completely useless in this situation!"
Kurosaki Ichigo hadn't even finished complaining about Ishida Uryu's cold attitude when he turned around to find his father had somehow changed into a flashy black suit. He was currently checking himself in a mirror and adjusting his tie with a self-absorbed look.
"Quiet down. Go on, get moving. Don't hang around here being a third wheel," Kurosaki Isshin said, waving his hand at his eldest son as if shooing away a fly.
"What the... everyone's acting so weird..."
...
"Well then, I'll be heading off for a bit, Yoh."
Once the extra people had left, Kurosaki Masaki—who had been placed in a specialized Gigai by Asakura Yoh—smiled and waved at him.
Meanwhile, Kurosaki Isshin, who was currently being held by Masaki's arm, had a completely lovesick, goofy grin on his face. Combined with his stubble, he looked every bit the part of a lecherous middle-aged man.
Incidentally, fearing she might be recognized by former acquaintances, Kurosaki Masaki hadn't fully replicated her original appearance. She looked very similar at first glance, but a closer look would reveal she was a different person.
At her own request, however, she still looked like a young woman in her twenties, radiating youthful beauty.
As for Kurosaki Isshin...
Twenty years ago, he might have been somewhat handsome, but now he was just an unreliable-looking, overly hairy middle-aged man. In fact, he bore a certain resemblance to his young nephew, Shiba Ganju...
Standing together, the two of them were practically a case of Beauty and the Beast. One could easily imagine that the heads they would turn on the street wouldn't be few...
Much like the rare reunions of legend, Yoh would grant Masaki a few days off each month so she could go on a proper date and spend time with her husband.
It wasn't that he insisted she stay by his side; she did so voluntarily out of a sense of guilt and gratitude. Kurosaki Isshin, for his part, deeply respected his wife's decision.
Now, the only ones remaining on the scene besides Asakura Yoh were Urahara Kisuke and a black cat.
"Brat, I've brought what you asked for. Don't forget your promise."
"Yeah, I won't break my word."
The black cat speaking in a human tongue didn't surprise Asakura Yoh in the least. Seeing his calm reaction, the cat spat in dissatisfaction instead.
"Tsk, what a boring reaction."
Asakura Yoh quickly stowed away the two items placed on the ground. One was a bone-made short staff with a design resembling a dragon's skull, and the other was a pile of plain-looking white bandages.
Urahara Kisuke's eyes, hidden in the shadows of his hat's brim, closely observed Asakura Yoh's every movement.
Since the source of Asakura Yoh's power wasn't spiritual pressure, it was difficult for him to judge the boy's actual strength. However, the near-teleportation speed Yoh had displayed earlier when stopping the argument between Kurosaki Ichigo and Ishida Uryu was enough to earn his respect.
"Well then, since our deal is concluded, I'll be taking my leave to find someone as well."
"Good luck!"
Urahara Kisuke waved his folding fan to cheer Asakura Yoh on, but in the next instant, Yoh vanished from the sight of the man and the cat.
"Hmph, what an arrogant kid," the black cat, Yoruichi, commented irritably.
"But Kisuke, can this guy really be trusted? A 'Shaman'... I haven't found any records in the Shihoin archives that match his description."
"Mr. Asakura is indeed quite mysterious. Actually, I've done a fair amount of investigation in the World of the Living myself..."
Urahara Kisuke trailed off. Seeing this, the black cat rolled her eyes in a very human manner, knowing the man had no intention of sharing more information.
She was used to it, anyway. Kisuke's brain was much sharper than hers, and she was too lazy to do much thinking herself.
As long as Urahara Kisuke was willing to maintain this mutually beneficial relationship, things could continue as they were.
"Speaking of which, do you want some milk?"
"..."
"Kisuke, do you even know that cats shouldn't drink milk?"
"You don't want it?"
"..."
"I want it..."
...
Away from everyone's sight, Asakura Yoh arrived alone in front of an unremarkable, old apartment building. However, upon entering, it became clear that one shouldn't judge a building by its exterior.
The space was vast, furnished with luxurious items, and kept impeccably clean—it was clearly cleaned regularly.
At this moment, however, Asakura Yoh was the only "person" there.
However, that only applied to 'humans'.
"Welcome back, Master Asakura!"
Over a dozen manservants and maids dressed in uniform shouted in unison, their greeting perfectly synchronized and professional.
"Oh. How is the task I gave you coming along?"
Asakura Yoh collapsed onto the sofa in a relaxed manner, letting out a long sigh of exhaustion.
"The person has been found. They are waiting in your room, Master."
"Fine. Go back to whatever you were doing."
"Yes, sir!"
Their voices remained perfectly synchronized. Once the room fell silent, Asakura Yoh didn't rush to move.
He was a bit tired, so he decided to rest for a moment.
'I hope Aizen doesn't take things too far...'
'If Yasutora and Inoue manage to awaken this time, I'll bring them over here...'