Led by Yoruichi, the group left the Rukongai and arrived at a very secluded wasteland.
Looking around, there was hardly a soul in sight, except for a solitary Japanese-style house standing quietly in the center of the clearing.
The house itself was unremarkable.
But on its left and right sides stood two enormous stone arms.
Two fists were raised high, with a thick wooden beam running horizontally between them, and a banner hanging below.
The banner bore four large characters: Shiba Kukaku.
Behind the house, there was a massive chimney shooting straight into the sky.
Yoriichi knew that it wasn’t a chimney at all, but rather a conduit for launching fireworks cannons.
After seeing the mansion with his own eyes, Yoriichi remained silent for a moment.
The scene in the manga was completely different from what he actually saw here.
“A very distinctive building.” This was the most tactful comment Yoriichi could think of.
Ichigo’s lips twitched, and he couldn’t help but say, “This isn’t normal aesthetics at all!” Uryu Ishida pushed up his glasses, his face full of resistance.
“I don’t want anyone to see me walk in here, it’s too embarrassing.” Chad looked carefully for a while, then calmly said, “It’s very rugged.
Doesn’t look like a place for people to live.” Orihime Inoue, however, had her eyes shining.
“I think it’s very cool, especially those two fists.
Very powerful.” Ichigo turned to look at her.
As expected, Inoue’s thoughts could never be judged by normal standards.
Yoruichi perched on Yoriichi’s shoulder, swishing her tail.
“Kukaku is just like that; she does whatever she wants.
No matter where she builds her mansion, it will always look like this.” “The advantage is that you won’t go wrong.” No one could refute this.
After all, there shouldn’t be another house like this within several miles.
Soon, two tall men emerged from the house.
“Lady Yoruichi, Lady Kukaku has been waiting for quite some time.” The two men were Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko, the loyal servants of the Shiba family.
Led by them, the group entered the house and descended the stairs.
Only when he saw the underground scene did Ichigo realize that this mansion was far more complex than it appeared.
The space below was extremely spacious, with corridors and rooms connecting to each other, large enough to accommodate dozens of people.
“So it’s all built underground.” Ichigo had barely finished speaking when a familiar voice came from ahead.
“It’s you?” Ganju Shiba stood at the end of the corridor, staring intently at Ichigo’s Shihakushō.
Ichigo recognized him too.
“That guy riding the pig last night?” “Who are you calling a pig?!
It’s a boar!” “Is there anyone else riding a pig around here?” “That is my noble steed!” Ganju’s forehead veins bulged, and he charged at Ichigo.
Ichigo, of course, wasn’t going to let him get away with it.
The two stared at each other for less than three seconds before simultaneously grabbing each other’s collars.
“Let go.” “You let go first.” “This is my house!” “So what?” The next moment, the two were wrestling.
The table was overturned, a wooden chair flew out, and a nearby vase shattered.
Uryu Ishida quickly retreated, afraid of being dragged into this by these two idiots.
Orihime Inoue was getting anxious.
“Kurosaki-san, the one riding the pig, stop fighting!” Upon hearing this, Ganju froze.
“Who’s that guy riding the pig?!” Ichigo seized the opportunity and punched him in the face.
Ganju was enraged and kicked out.
Just as the two were about to continue, a foot suddenly kicked from the side, landing on their faces one after the other.
Bang!
Ichigo and Ganju were sent flying, crashing into the wall.
The hall fell silent instantly.
A black-haired woman stood where the two had been, her right sleeve empty, her left hand still holding a pipe.
She glanced at the mess on the floor, her face growing increasingly dark.
“Ganju.” “Big sister.” “And you, orange-head.” Ichigo stood up, clutching his face.
“My name is Kurosaki Ichigo.” “I don’t care.” Kukaku Shiba exhaled a puff of smoke and said coldly, “The cost of the damaged items will be deducted from your meals today.” Ganju was stunned.
“Deducted from my meals?” “No meals for you today.” “What?!” “Any objections?” “No.” The previously aggressive Ganju instantly became docile.
Ichigo glanced at him, suddenly realizing that this guy wasn’t fearless after all.
Yoruichi jumped down from Yoriichi’s shoulder and landed on the table.
“Kukaku, we can catch up later.
This time, we need your help.” Kukaku looked at Yoruichi, then glanced at Yoriichi and the others.
“You want to enter the Seireitei?” “That’s right.” Yoruichi briefly explained the execution, then mentioned Kisuke Urahara.
Hearing that name, Kukaku narrowed her eyes, tapping her pipe lightly on the table.
“Kisuke Urahara was involved too?” “He was the mastermind behind the plan.” Kukaku didn’t answer immediately.
She knew the truth about Kaien’s death better than anyone.
It wasn’t Rukia’s fault; on the contrary, Kaien had chosen his own end.
Over the years, she had never resented Rukia.
After a moment, Kukaku looked up.
“I can send you into the Seireitei.” Ichigo’s face lit up with joy.
“However, I have one condition.” Kukaku extended her pipe, pointing to Ganju beside her.
“This kid will go with you.” “Big sister, I’m not going to work with a Shinigami!” Ganju had just shouted when Kukaku turned to look at him.
“What did you say?” “I said…
leave it to me.” Yoruichi nodded.
“No problem.” The matter was settled.
Kukaku stood up and led everyone through the corridor, heading towards the deepest part of the mansion.
Ichigo rubbed his still-aching face and couldn’t help but look at Ganju.
Ganju was also looking at him.
Both of them simultaneously snorted coldly and turned their heads away.
Yoriichi followed quietly behind.