"That Miyako guy… staying at Urahara-san's shop. Are those two secretly planning something again?" Rukia Kuchiki muttered, hands on her hips as she walked down the street.
Her feelings toward Kisuke Urahara were still complicated. The man who had once framed her was now a crucial ally, and he had offered a personal, surprisingly sincere apology for his past actions. It had slightly thawed her resentment, but trust was still a fragile thing.
Karakura Town had settled into an uneasy quiet. The Hollows that appeared were common, weak ones; not a single low-level Arrancar had been sighted in days. This unnatural peace felt more oppressive than any battle—the heavy, suffocating calm before a storm. Yet, it was also a precious breather, a chance for everyone to steel themselves and grow stronger.
Hearing about the massive underground training ground beneath Urahara Shop, Rukia had decided to come and train, hoping to spar with Amamiya. But when she arrived, she found someone else had gotten there first.
"So amazing… This is Chad's new power," Inoue Orihime whispered, her eyes wide with awe and a touch of longing as she watched Yasutora Sado test his newly evolved Brazo Derecha de Gigante. The sight stirred something deep within her. She approached Kisuke Urahara, her hands clasped earnestly.
"Urahara-san, could you… could you train me, too? I want to help everyone. I want to be stronger."
"No." The refusal was instant and absolute, devoid of his usual playful tone.
Orihime flinched, falling silent under the unexpected harshness.
"Inoue-san, your offensive fairy, Tsubaki, was shattered in the last battle, correct?"
"Yes… I can't even find the pieces. I don't know how to fix him…" she admitted, her gaze dropping to the floor.
"The coming war with Aizen will demand even greater combat power. You, who have lost your means of fighting… should remain safely in the rear." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Chad, hearing this, stepped forward. "Please wait, Urahara-san. Inoue's healing ability is vital. Without her last time, we would have—"
"The Fourth Division's healers are sufficient. And healing can be performed just as effectively from a secure position," Urahara cut in, his tone deepening.
He knew the terrifying potential of Orihime's ability—Shun Shun Rikka. That was precisely why he was desperate to keep her out of sight, to bury her uniqueness under the label of 'non-combatant' before Aizen's ever-watchful eyes could notice.
It was then that Amamiya Miyako walked over, having observed the exchange. He shook his head slightly. "Urahara-san. It's already too late for that."
"Too late?" Urahara's fan stilled.
"Yes. On the very first day the Arrancar appeared, Inoue's ability was exposed. We cannot know for certain if those two Arrancar reported it, but… I suspect the information has already reached Aizen."
He met Urahara's suddenly sharp gaze. "When I fought the Sixth Espada, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, he seemed to have an intimate understanding of my own abilities. His words suggested he had personally witnessed my previous battles. There must be a method for real-time intelligence gathering or sharing among them."
"What?!" A cold dread prickled down Urahara's spine. If there was such an immersive reconnaissance ability… then Orihime's miraculous rejection of wounds would not have gone unnoticed. His plan to hide her was fundamentally flawed from the start.
Amamiya shared his frustration. One of his core objectives in uncovering Aizen's plans early was to arrive in the Human World sooner, to intercept Ulquiorra and Yammy before they could witness Orihime's power. He had arrived earlier than in the original timeline, yet fate had still aligned so that Orihime used her power to heal Chad right under Ulquiorra's watchful eye.
"This is bad… If Aizen acquires Inoue Orihime by any means…" Urahara's mind raced, recalling the fearsome power of the Espada. If Orihime's ability could accelerate the Hōgyoku's completion, she would become Aizen's prime target.
"Therefore, prevention is no longer an option. What we must do now is maximize Inoue Orihime's capabilities and, more importantly, ensure she has constant, powerful protection to prevent her capture," Amamiya stated calmly.
Beside them, Chad and a now-listening Rukia didn't grasp the full gravity, but they understood Amamiya was advocating for Orihime's training. They felt a surge of gratitude for his support.
Kisuke Urahara fell into deep thought. Knowing Aizen, the man would not let such an opportunity slip. The failure of his original Hōgyoku had been a major setback; a new method to complete it would be irresistible. Aizen's full strength was still an unknown, and the hidden dangers were numerous. How could Orihime best be safeguarded?
"Urahara-san," Amamiya continued, "there is a place with many exceptionally strong individuals, is there not? And Ichigo is there now."
"You mean… the Visored?"
"Precisely. All of them are former Captain or Vice-Captain level Shinigami. Whether for training Inoue or protecting her, they are more than sufficient. Aizen is currently engrossed in forging his Hōgyoku in Hueco Mundo. He will not come to the Human World personally, nor would he trust its production to another."
"Indeed… if it's the Visored…" Urahara mused. He had been the one to save Hirako Shinji and the others. Asking them to protect one person and provide some guidance would not be an issue. He also recalled Hachigen Ushōda, the former Vice-Captain of the Kidō Corps. His barrier techniques shared a conceptual similarity with Orihime's rejection power. Perhaps he could even help repair Tsubaki…
Urahara's usual playful grin returned as he turned to Orihime. "Well, Inoue-san? What do you think? Should we introduce you to the people currently putting Kurosaki-kun through his paces? They could guide you."
"G-go?! To be with Kurosaki-kun?!" Orihime's head spun, caught between alarm and a sudden, dizzying hope.
"Mhmm. They are unquestionably our allies and possess considerable strength. And… there is a chance your Tsubaki might be repaired there as well," Urahara added, sealing the deal.
"Really?!" Her eyes shone with renewed light.
Urahara nodded, then looked to Amamiya. "Then, Amamiya-san, would you be so kind as to escort Inoue-san? Of course, I will also be monitoring from the shadows for any… unwelcome guests."
"Understood. Then, Inoue, no time to waste. Let's go now," Amamiya said, turning toward the exit.
"Yes!" Orihime felt a wave of gratitude toward Amamiya. Not only was he helping her, but he was giving her a chance to be near Ichigo every day. The thought made a foolish, happy smile spread across her face.
"Inoue-san, we're leaving now. Please save the daydreaming for later," Amamiya said dryly, easily guessing the cause of her expression.
"R-right! I'm coming!" She hurried after him, a new determination mixing with her joy.