Kisuke Urahara, hidden in the shadows observing, met Ren’s gaze.
Though his face showed no reaction, inside he was shaken.
He was currently wearing a black cloak that completely concealed his Reiatsu.
Even a captain-class Shinigami couldn’t sense his Reiatsu or whereabouts.
Yet Ren had found him.
A black cat crouched on Urahara’s shoulder.
Its mouth opened and closed, speaking in a deep, warm male voice.
“He actually found us.
That’s impressive!” “And that Reiatsu control from earlier…
when did such a terrifying person appear in the living world?” “Urahara, have you investigated him?” Urahara’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He understood the deeper implication behind the black cat’s—Yoruichi Shihouin’s—question.
Even he had first thought Ren might be one of Sosuke Aizen’s people.
But after several days of investigation, Urahara had reached a different conclusion.
In his usual lighthearted tone, he said, “I have.
His name is Ren.
He’s from an Eastern Country.
He arrived in Japan about five days ago as an international exchange student.
Currently attending Karakura First High School.” Yoruichi’s whiskers twitched slightly.
Since Urahara hadn’t mentioned Aizen, it meant Ren probably wasn’t one of his people.
Realizing this, Yoruichi asked, “Should we make contact?
His potential seems even stronger than that blond Kurosaki kid.” Urahara replied, “Yes, we should.” “When?” Urahara pulled down the brim of his hat, shading his eyes.
“Tonight.” “So soon?” Yoruichi was surprised.
She hadn’t expected Urahara to be in such a rush.
“During that eye contact just now,” Urahara explained, “his lip movements told us to stay here.
He probably meant to meet tonight as well.” Yoruichi looked toward Ren, her thoughts unclear.
Rukia and Ichigo left.
They had no idea Urahara was there.
After they left, Ren walked toward Urahara.
In his view, now was the time to make contact with Urahara.
He had enough confidence and bargaining power to gain benefits from Urahara.
Under their gaze, Ren stopped before them.
Then he said to Urahara, “This is our second meeting, isn’t it, Mr.
Kisuke Urahara?” Yoruichi was puzzled, she hadn’t known Ren and Urahara had met before.
But she didn’t dwell on it.
As for Urahara’s name, she assumed he had told Ren during that first meeting.
But what happened next deeply shocked Yoruichi.
Urahara’s pupils sharply constricted.
His usual composure cracked, showing undeniable surprise.
“How do you know my name?” Yoruichi froze, then her cat eyes widened as she stared at Ren.
If Urahara hadn’t told him himself, then the only ones in the living world who knew his name were…
Ren explained, “I can see glimpses of the future.” “In the future I saw, I learned your name.” Then he looked at Yoruichi.
“I also know your name, Miss Yoruichi Shihouin.
Am I right?” BOOM!
Ren’s words struck like a thunderbolt, exploding in Urahara and Yoruichi’s minds.
Their hearts trembled violently.
They understood that if Ren truly wasn’t one of Aizen’s people, then his knowing their names meant his claim might actually be true.
But even to them, the ability to see the future seemed too incredible.
Especially to Urahara.
As an experienced researcher, he knew better than anyone how absurd future sight was.
Within the three worlds, the only being capable of it was likely the Soul King.
Perhaps the power of the Hogyoku could as well…
Just as Urahara refocused, Yoruichi couldn’t help asking, “Kid, if you can see the future, then do you know if we succeeded?” She deliberately spoke in riddles, not saying what she meant.
She wanted to test whether Ren could truly see the future.
Ren didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he stated his conditions calmly.
“I know the answer to that question.
I’ve seen that future in both of you.” “But I need you to do two things for me.
Once those two things are done, I’ll answer your question.” Yoruichi’s whiskers twitched.
She hadn’t expected Ren to turn her own tactic against her.
She spoke in riddles, so he spoke in riddles too.
Still, she was curious about what he wanted.
“What two things?” Urahara also returned to the conversation.
He wanted to know as well.
Under their gaze, Ren spoke.
“First, I want a device that can attract large numbers of Hollows.” Urahara and Yoruichi exchanged glances.
Then Urahara replied, “I don’t know why you’d want that, but that’s easy.
I can make one.
I’ll have it for you tomorrow.” Ren nodded slightly.
“Second, I want an Asauchi.
I want to see if I can forge my own Zanpakutō.” Urahara frowned and rubbed his chin.
“That’s not easy.
Asauchi are restricted items in Soul Society.
They don’t circulate outside.” He wasn’t surprised that Ren knew about Zanpakutō.
Whether or not he truly had future sight, his relationship with Ichigo and Rukia would have taught him that much.
Yoruichi then spoke up.
“I can try.
But I can’t guarantee success.
And it will take time.” Urahara paused, then caught on.
“The Shinō Academy?” Yoruichi nodded slightly.
Her target was indeed the Shinō Academy.
Ren understood.
Urahara and Yoruichi left.
Ren returned home to sleep.
He was already looking forward to tomorrow.
Though he had reached Level 10, he still felt he was leveling up too slowly.
So he had come up with a heretical cultivation method.
He wondered just how many Hollows would come tomorrow…
and how far he could push his leveling speed.