Yuichi stretched, feeling his muscles protest from the hours spent talking and strategizing with Mei. The sun had long set, casting a warm glow over the room, and the quiet of the evening made the past day's battle seem distant, almost surreal. Someone had knocked earlier, announcing lunch, but Mei had insisted on continuing their analysis. Yuichi's stomach growled, reminding him just how long it had been since he last ate.
Yawning, he looked at Mei, who remained seated, her eyes thoughtful. "We should at least get some dinner before we sleep," he said, rubbing his neck. "Lady Yoruichi and young lord Byakuya have probably already eaten by now."
Mei's gaze flickered up at him, and after a pause, she nodded. "Fine. Let's eat."
They headed to the kitchen, where the new staff had prepared a simple but satisfying meal: white rice, a main dish of grilled meat, cooked vegetables, clear broth, pickled vegetables, and hot tea. The warmth of the meal eased some of the tension in their bodies, and they ate in companionable silence before retiring to their rooms for the night.
The next morning, they woke and prepared for the day, only to be greeted by Byakuya. The young noble stood with his usual composed demeanor, but there was a hint of impatience in his voice as he spoke.
"When are we leaving for Urahara's mansion?" Byakuya demanded, his gray eyes narrowing slightly.
Yuichi offered a polite smile. "After breakfast, young lord Byakuya. We need to—"
"I've already eaten," Byakuya interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Yuichi opened his mouth to respond, but Mei, ever direct, cut him off. "Then we'll head out now," she said simply, giving Yuichi a glance that brooked no disagreement.
Yuichi sighed, recognizing the inevitability of the situation. "Alright, then," he muttered, falling in line behind Byakuya as they left the Shihōin estate. Mei took the lead, Byakuya walked in the middle, and Yuichi brought up the rear, ensuring their formation was optimal for guarding the young noble during the journey.
The streets of the Seireitei were bustling with morning activity, noble souls and division members moved with purpose. The walk to Urahara's mansion was uneventful, though Yuichi kept his senses on high alert, wary of any lingering threats after the recent attack.
As they approached the mansion, the large wooden door swung open before they even knocked. Urahara Kisuke stood there, a wide grin on his face. Behind him, Hiyori Sarugaki stood with her arms crossed and a deep scowl etched on her features.
"Welcome, welcome!" Urahara said cheerfully. "Come in, come in."
Yuichi couldn't help but chuckle. "Captain, are you trying to escape another lecture from Hiyori?" he teased, noting the way Urahara glanced nervously at the vice-captain.
Urahara shushed Yuichi with a quick wave of his hand and ushered Mei and Byakuya inside. "Hiyori, as a matter of fact, this entire experiment idea came from Yuichi," Urahara said smoothly, gesturing to Yuichi with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Hiyori's eyes narrowed, her glare intensifying as she locked onto Yuichi. "You?" she snapped, stepping forward with her fists clenched. "What's this about an experiment?"
Yuichi's nervous laugh filled the entryway as he raised his hands defensively. "I don't know what he's talking about! Captain Urahara is lying, I swear!"
Urahara's grin widened as he edged back, using the brief distraction to slip into the adjacent room. Hiyori, however, wasn't so easily deterred. She jabbed a finger at Yuichi's chest, her eyes blazing with frustration. "Don't you dare think I'm letting this slide!"
Mei sighed, stepping in smoothly. "Vice-Captain Sarugaki, perhaps this can wait until after we discuss the protection of young lord Byakuya?"
Hiyori hesitated, her glare flicking between Yuichi and Mei before finally settling on Byakuya, who stood as unbothered as ever. With a huff, she stepped back, muttering under her breath. "Fine, but don't think you're off the hook."
Yuichi exhaled in relief, casting Mei a grateful look. Byakuya, watching the exchange with a raised eyebrow, merely sighed and walked further into the mansion.
Inside, the spacious main hall of Urahara's home was cluttered with various contraptions and stacks of papers, all evidence of the captain's relentless pursuit of knowledge. Urahara himself appeared a moment later, his expression now serious as he addressed the group.
"I understand why Yoruichi sent you here," Urahara began, his eyes settling on Byakuya. "You'll be safe under my care, but we'll need to remain vigilant. If the attack was orchestrated by a powerful house, we should assume they're not done."
Mei and Yuichi nodded, exchanging a silent understanding. The situation was far from over, but with Urahara's mind at work and Hiyori's watchful presence, they were prepared for whatever came next.
Urahara nodded to a maid who appeared from a side hallway, ready to assist. She moved with a quiet efficiency, guiding Byakuya, Mei, and Yuichi to their respective rooms. Byakuya was shown to a spacious guest room, complete with a wide futon, a low wooden table, and a large window that looked out onto the manicured garden. Without a word, he stepped inside, glancing briefly over his shoulder as if to remind them of his earlier command.
"I will not be disturbed until lunch," Byakuya said evenly before sliding the door shut.
The maid continued down the hall, stopping in front of two smaller guest rooms intended for Mei and Yuichi. Mei, however, turned to the maid with her usual composed expression.
"It would be more efficient if Yuichi and I shared a room. I'd like it to be directly across from young lord Byakuya's room, if possible," Mei stated plainly, her tone making it clear this was more than just a request—it was a calculated choice for optimal protection.
The maid, taken aback for only a moment, nodded. "Very well. Please wait for a short while. I will prepare the room accordingly."
With that, the maid left them, moving briskly to ready the room for Mei and Yuichi. The two stood in the hallway for a moment, sharing a glance that spoke of their shared understanding of the mission's stakes. While waiting, Yuichi looked around, taking in the details of Urahara's mansion. It was a mix of old and new, with traditional shoji doors and tatami mats juxtaposed with the occasional piece of strange machinery and the hum of unseen devices.
"Urahara's place is just as eccentric as he is," Yuichi commented, a small smile tugging at his lips. Mei nodded, though her focus seemed elsewhere, her eyes drifting back to Byakuya's door.
"Let's head to the dining area while we wait," Mei suggested. "We haven't had breakfast yet, and it would be best to keep our strength up."
Yuichi's stomach rumbled in agreement, and he chuckled. "Good idea. I could use some food after everything we've been through."
The maid returned shortly, leading them to the dining area. The room was cozy, with a long table set near a window that allowed natural light to spill in, illuminating the simple decor. Urahara's dining room was less cluttered than the rest of the mansion, providing a rare pocket of peace.
Mei and Yuichi settled into their seats, and the maid bowed. "I'll have breakfast prepared and brought out to you both shortly."
"Thank you," Yuichi said, giving the maid a warm smile before she departed.