With Kisuke Urahara’s abilities, completely resolving Haruko Kuchiki's problem shouldn't be difficult at all. Why did Yoruichi say that Kisuke Urahara had only alleviated Haruko's condition?
Even if he didn't come up with a solution in half a year, couldn't he just use the Hōgyoku?
Although the current Hōgyoku is still only half-finished, using it to treat Haruko shouldn't be an issue at all.
Just what is he trying to do?
Testing his standing?
Thinking to here, Ailin's heart sank.
But externally, his face was calm as he asked Yoruichi: "Then Lady Yoruichi, did Urahara 3rd Seat ever say what the root cause of Haruko's problem needs to be resolved?"
"How would I know? But don't worry, since Kisuke said so, he definitely has a way to resolve it. It's just that the method might be somewhat special and he was afraid you wouldn't agree, so he didn't use it on Lady Kuchiki before you came back to confirm."
After hearing Yoruichi's explanation, Ailin nodded slightly. Indeed, Kisuke Urahara was capable. However, he thought too much.
If Yoruichi didn't bring it up, Ailin would've nearly forgotten that the reason Kisuke Urahara was helping stabilize Haruko Kuchiki's soul deterioration was because Ailin had threatened him.
If Kisuke had left some kind of contingency on Haruko Kuchiki while healing her, it would be very difficult for even Ailin to detect.
With himself present, no matter how bold Urahara was, he should also consider the possibility of his methods being seen through and what could happen afterwards.
"I understand. Then I'll have to trouble Captain Yoruichi to help arrange a time with Urahara 3rd Seat on my behalf. I'll bring Haruko along to listen to his solution."
"No problem."
Three days later, Ailin received a message from Yoruichi and bid farewell to father-in-law Ginrei Kuchiki before bringing Haruko Kuchiki along to follow Yoruichi to a secluded area within Soul Society.
Soon, the ground before the three revealed an entrance to an underground cellar, with a spiralling staircase heading deep underground. Only now by passing through the cellar entrance did Ailin sense the weak barrier.
Ailin's peripheral vision swept over Haruko. Haruko's gaze didn't contain any surprise at all, clearly indicating this wasn't her first time seeing something like this.
After following Yoruichi underground, what entered Ailin's eyes was an unfamiliar yet familiar underground plaza.
It could be said to be unfamiliar because this was Ailin's first time coming here. Yet it was also familiar because Ailin had seen this place before in the anime during his previous life.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
This was where protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki used Kisuke Urahara’s "Tenshintai" and completed his Bankai training within a short three days.
Contrary to what one would imagine, the spacious underground plaza was not pitch black without any light. Rather, it looked no different compared to the outside.
This was also one of Urahara’s inventions. The "Artificial Sky Canopy" allowed the plaza's ceiling to be made into a sky identical to the real one outside.
If they hadn't entered from the aboveground entrance, no one would've thought this place was actually situated dozens of meters underground.
"Oh my, oh my, how rare. For Captain Ailin to grace my hidden base with his presence, I'm truly honored ah."
After exchanging a look with Yoruichi, Kisuke Urahara welcomed Ailin with an obsequious smile.
"Urahara 3rd Seat, let's dispense with the pleasantries between you and I."
When facing Kisuke Urahara, Ailin knew he couldn't match the intellects of schemers like him. Hence, he also didn't bother with any tricks or beating around the bush, directly asking, "What exactly is the method that can completely resolve Haruko's problem? As long as you can help me resolve Haruko's soul deterioration, consider it me owing you and Captain Yoruichi a favor."
"Ailin..." Concern flashed through Haruko Kuchiki's eyes as she gripped Ailin's hand.
As the person closest to Ailin, Haruko Kuchiki could be considered one of the people most familiar with Ailin.
Previously, she thought Lady Yoruichi and Kiskuke were helping to treat her due to their past camaraderie from working together in the 2nd Division.
But from Ailin and Yoruichi, Kisuke's conversation, it seemed like Ailin had paid some kind of price for them to agree to treat her.
Gently patting Haruko's hand, Ailin smiled at her and said, "Don't worry, Haruko. Captain Yoruichi and Urahara are both people of the 13 Divisions. Even if I end up owing them a favor, it won't impact me much. You should know that to me, you are much more important than so-called favors."
"Mm." Haruko Kuchiki nodded slightly, but at the same time, she also secretly decided that if Kisuke Urahara asked for extremely unreasonable conditions from Ailin because of her, she would rather give up on treatment.
"Captain Ailin's favor? We can discuss that later." Kisuke Urahara didn't respond to Ailin.
Although the exchange with Ailin half a year ago made both Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi feel that their understanding towards Ailin had been too one-sided, it instead seemed like Ailin understood them better.
One must know that in Soul Society, before Kisuke Urahara became the 12th Division Captain, only Yoruichi herself knew of his scientific capabilities.
Because of his inquiries towards the "Power of the Soul King", he had created the half-finished Hōgyoku. This was a secret within secrets.
After all, Kisuke currently didn't completely understand the abilities of the "Hōgyoku" he created himself. He only knew that the "Hōgyoku" in his hands could induce Hollowfication in Soul Reapers, granting them a Hollow's power.
Kisuke was certain these matters were known by no one besides Yoruichi. Yet Ailin not only knew of his research ability, but also the existence of the "Hōgyoku". This was extremely frightening.
It seemed that if not for Haruko Kuchiki's soul developing issues, perhaps the entirety of Soul Society would still be unaware that the 13 Divisions actually hid someone like Ailin.
Thinking back to that overly talkative Zanpakutō who had abruptly appeared through the use of a Tenshintai not long ago, a notion flashed through Kisuke's mind.
Could Ailin, the person possessing the "Sword Creation" ability, have forged some kind of Zanpakutō with similar capabilities to that Zanpakutō. One that allowed him to know of Soul Society's countless secrets through its power?
Just what did Ailin, this Captain that emerged from their 2nd Division, actually know?
Fortunately, from how Ailin was willing to expose things to them for Haruko Kuchiki's recovery, he shouldn't be someone evil. At the very least, Haruko Kuchiki could be considered one of Ailin's weaknesses.
With these racing thoughts, Kisuke Urahara clapped and said, "Captain Ailin, let me first explain my treatment plan for Lady Kuchiki to give you sufficient understanding of the entire treatment process before we discuss how to treat her."