A month went by and Kisuke was using all the time he had to prepare for his next set of actions.
During that time, he also returned to his shop back on Earth and refused all contact with people he doesn't personally know. He, including Yoruichi and Serafall, also avoided any contact with those in the other world and left everything to Sona to manage the recovery process. They didn't want them contacting them and asking for preferential treatment and that included Loki and Freya.
"Kisuke, have you heard the news?" Yoruichi barged into his lab while carrying snacks.
Kisuke didn't turn away from the screen he was looking at and said, "That there was major funding on research towards the other worlds discovery and explorations?"
Yoruichi placed the snacks on the table beside him and replied, "Not quite yet. But the news I wanted to say is that there's a major interest in what you just said and several large groups and organizations are already gathering experts, equipment, and licenses to move forward with this. Because of what the Ouroboros Academy did, there's no shortage of people who wanted to pour their overflowing money in.
The floating island Ouroboros Academy only disappeared for more than a day, but there were already innumerable eyes focused on it so when it went somewhere where their eyes couldn't reach, it became a big issue.
And due to it suddenly announcing temporary suspension in classes and sending back all the students and most of the staff, the focus on it became even bigger so it didn't take long for people to know what it was up to.
'A new undiscovered world with a living civilization.' That announcement sent waves and a slew of differing and strong reactions. While the Human World where normal people live didn't have much of a reaction to this because, for them, everything is a 'new world', that's not the same for the rest.
A new world with a civilization meant not only new resources but also alien technology that could be easily acquired if they approached it correctly.
"It's a natural response. After all, new resources doesn't just mean those things you can pull from the ground." Kisuke muttered while finishing his work for today and stretching his arms up.
"People, huh...", Yoruichi then smirked, "A lot of people are probably grinding their teeth in frustration that the Ouroboros Academy has gathered power again."
"Since they can't pull the Academy down, the least they could do is catch up in a similar manner." Kisuke then turned to Yoruichi and asked, "But that's not really the news, right?"
Yoruichi sat down in front of him while answering, "Yeah, pretty much. There are calls from some organizations for the Ouroboros Academy to 'share' the other world but let's just leave that nonsensical thing to our girls. The problem is those old fogeys that are stuck on their chairs all day long. They want access to the hole we used to go to to the other world."
"If not?"
"Who knows?" Yoruichi shrugged off her shoulders, "But the way came out with it is threatening."
"Still blinded by potential power and influence, I see. We should just be thankful that they don't have power over us compared to the Central 46."
Yoruichi went quiet for a moment.
"Don't look so solemn. Although the Shihouin Clan is a part of the Central 46, they still didn't vote for ridiculous policies that only benefited them and shit on the common people."
"They still did everything they could to increase their political power and influence, though?"
"The first thing that one has to do when they get power is to secure their position. That's normal."
"Thanks, but that's not really what I'm thinking about."
Kisuke looked straight into her and asked, "Feeling homesick?"
"...A little bit. I actually didn't think I'd feel this way."
"Then how about you come with me?"
Yoruichi went quiet again and looked at him before opening her mouth and closing it again later. Sighing, she continued, "...You can probably arrange it for me to come with you, but that's not the best for our situation, is it? On top of that, I think it's best for me to remain and become that Evie's point of contact.
"The girls have improved tremendously these past few years but both you and I are aware that they're too busy with their current tasks. Not to mention, it'll be too dangerous for them to become Seraselbes' acquaintances."
Kisuke grabbed one of the snacks that Yoruichi brought in and went deep into his thoughts. His trip 'home' couldn't be delayed any more than necessary and it's true that he won't be able to feel at ease if Seraselbes come into contact with the busy and inexperienced girls, 'And if someone discovers that connection, it'll be the end for them.'
And finally, Yoruichi is the only one who could disappear and reappear without raising too much suspicion thanks to her prolonged stay on the other side.
After coming to terms with reality, Kisuke remembered something and opened his right hand before presenting it to Yoruichi, "Take this. It may prove useful."
Yoruichi looked at his hand and saw nothing. However, after focusing her senses at one point, she could feel a slight fluctuation of Spiritual Power that doesn't belong to Kisuke, "A spider? And a very tiny one." She commented before touching it with her fingertip.
The next instant, the spider melted on her touch and fused with her skin before joining the flow of her own Spiritual Power, "What's this?"
"Seraselbes will probably use Stralit Luxeux to contact you. But while we could trust her, I can't fully trust Seraselbes and those around Luxeux-san herself. Use that spider to initiate a different contact and get a feel of what's truly happening with their power struggle. Maybe we'll be able to discover something that we could use against Seraselbes. I'll send you a memory photo of the spider's owner later and leave it up to you on how you'll approach her."
Yoruichi made sure that the spider wouldn't get out of her perception and stood up from her seat, "I have to go since we don't know when they'll initiate contact, I'll have to prepare. I'll also need to make sure what the Sefaira kid from Fadir Ferdora knows."
"Goodluck. I'll call you when I'm about to leave."
Before she exited through the door, Yoruichi turned around for one last time, "Speaking of which, I already told Cleria and Masaomi of your plans and your intention to take Claire and the little girls with you."
Yoruichi left without waiting for his reply.
In the first place, Kisuke had nothing to say so he just returned to his work. He knew that he'd probably be rejected so he instead started thinking about who else to bring. Serafall came into his mind but she too was busy with an important task at hand. It's vital that he brings someone from this world because they may serve as a trump card in the world who only knew about 'Souls', but then again, he could only bring someone he trusts fully and with enough strength so his choices are really those around him.