Thus
Kurosaki Masaki left the Ishida household.
No one knew the exact details of the conversation between Ishida Ryūken and his father, Ishida Sōken.
But in the end
Sōken agreed.
He did not press further.
Though he was curious about the reason, he chose not to ask.
Sōken was not a rigid man by nature. On the contrary, he believed in restraint and understanding principles he had upheld even when they brought scorn upon the Ishida family.
Ryūken, however, was different.
Firm. Decisive.
Over the years, he had already begun taking over the responsibilities of the Ishida household. It was only a matter of time before the family was fully entrusted to him.
Since Ryūken had made this decision
Then there must be a reason.
And Sōken respected that.
After leaving the Ishida residence
Masaki did not abandon her normal life.
She continued her education.
However, her previous school was too close to the Ishida estate. Encounters with Quincy relatives or even Sōken himself would be unavoidable.
So, with Ryūken's assistance
She transferred schools.
To Karakura Town.
A place that would, in time, become far more significant than anyone could yet realize.
Ryūken continued to support her from afar.
Financially.
Silently.
Even though she had left the Ishida family
He had no intention of abandoning her.
Meanwhile
Shiba Isshin remained in Karakura Town.
His connection to Masaki had deepened to the point where separation was no longer possible both emotionally and physically.
Her survival depended on him.
And his choice had already been made.
Still
Reality posed a new problem.
Isshin was now effectively human.
After entering the special Gigai, his Shinigami powers were sealed. He required food, rest, and all the necessities of human life.
And
He had no money.
Thus, he found himself once again at Urahara Shop.
Inside, familiar figures were present.
Urahara Kisuke.
Shihōin Yoruichi.
Tsukabishi Tessai.
And
Shigure Sōsuke, who seemed to appear here more often than not.
After hearing Isshin's situation, Shigure spoke first, before Urahara could respond.
"So, you're looking for a way to make a living in the Human World?"
Isshin nodded without hesitation.
"Yeah."
He scratched his head slightly, a rare hint of embarrassment showing.
"I can't exactly survive on spiritual pressure anymore."
"In Soul Society, things were… simpler."
As a former Captain of the Tenth Division and a member of the Shiba Clan, Isshin had never lacked resources.
But here
That meant nothing.
Soul Society currency held no value.
And he couldn't go back even if he wanted to.
Isshin glanced at Shigure.
"You seem familiar with this world."
"Got any ideas?"
Shigure thought for a moment.
Then looked toward Urahara.
"Kisuke… your shop could use another pair of hands, couldn't it?"
Urahara blinked.
"…Eh?"
That was not what he expected.
Isshin immediately turned to him, eyes practically shining with hope.
Urahara suddenly felt a headache coming on.
His shop wasn't exactly a thriving business.
It was more of a front an occasional convenience store, an occasional research base.
Between Yoruichi and Tessai, his expenses were already… considerable.
And now
Another mouth to feed?
But
He sighed inwardly.
Isshin's current situation was, in part, a result of his own method.
Responsibility, to some extent, fell on him.
"Alright, alright," Urahara said, waving his hand lightly.
"For the time being, you can help out here."
"I'll pay you enough to get by."
Isshin's face lit up immediately.
"Really?! Thanks!"
Urahara raised a finger.
"But this is temporary."
"My shop doesn't exactly bring in steady income."
"You'll need to find something more stable eventually."
Isshin nodded seriously.
"Got it."
He paused, then added sincerely:
"Thanks… Urahara."
"And you too, Shigure."
With that immediate concern settled
Isshin finally turned his attention to something else.
Something that had been on his mind.
"…Urahara."
His tone shifted slightly.
"What really happened back then?"
"The incident that got you exiled from Soul Society."
The atmosphere changed.
Subtly
But unmistakably.
Urahara's expression stilled for a brief moment beneath the shadow of his hat.
Then he spoke lightly:
"What's this?"
"You think I was framed?"
Isshin met his gaze directly.
"I don't think someone like you would go out of their way to help others if you were guilty of something like that."
He paused.
Then added:
"And there's another reason."
His eyes flicked briefly toward Shigure.
"If someone like him trusts you…"
"Then that's enough for me."
Urahara was silent.
Isshin continued:
"I've heard about the incident."
"Even as someone who became captain later, it wasn't exactly hidden."
"The scale of it… the accusations…"
He exhaled lightly.
"But honestly?"
A faint grin appeared on his face.
"I don't trust Central 46 that much."
That
Was said without hesitation.
Without fear.
Because Isshin knew.
Even within Soul Society
Justice was not always absolute.
And truth
Was not always what was recorded.
Urahara remained quiet for a moment longer.
Then
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
Not amusement.
But something deeper.
Perhaps
For the first time in a long while
Someone had chosen to believe him.
Not because of evidence.
But because of judgment.
And that, in itself
Was no small thing.