Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Urahara leaned forward, his enigmatic smile still intact, and said, "Given that we are dealing with such a delicate subject as time travel, I have several questions, but it's entirely your choice whether or not you want to answer them. First, it would be helpful for me to understand the situation better if you could tell me how far into the future you come from. Second, can you share the reason for your time travel? And finally, in regard to your true intentions here, how can I be assured that you are indeed telling the truth?"

 

Yuichi, maintaining the secrecy surrounding the first two questions, simply responded, "I'm unable to answer that." When it came to Urahara's last question, he added, "As for trusting my intentions, I can only ask you to have faith for the next five years. By then, I should be able to provide some answers."

 

"That's quite a specific timeframe, implying that a significant event involves me," Urahara remarked, scratching his chin.

 

Yuichi, however, remained silent, opting not to disclose further information. Urahara's smile persisted as he responded, "Very well, Yuichi. I respect your discretion and will monitor the future accordingly. In the meantime, as you initially requested, I'll grant you access to a private training ground that suits your needs. Please follow me."

 

Accompanying Urahara, Yuichi found himself in the cluttered office of the former captain. Urahara rummaged through his belongings and eventually produced a small wooden token with a string. He tossed it to Yuichi, who caught it. Urahara instructed, "Now, infuse your reiryoku into this token."

 

Following Urahara's guidance, Yuichi funneled a portion of his reiryoku into the blank token. As he did so, a black kanji symbol appeared on the token, signifying "open."

 

Urahara explained, "This wooden token is your personal key to enter the training ground. It won't work for anyone else, so keep it hidden and don't lose it. It's also known as the Study Chamber."

 

Yuichi recognized the function of the token as a key to the Study Chamber and confirmed, "So it's the key to the Study Chamber."

 

Urahara displayed an amused expression and acknowledged, "Oh, you're familiar with the Study Chamber. Your knowledge of it does lend some credence to your story. Combined with your reiryoku manipulation, a high-level technique, I'd say I'm inclined to believe you about 17% at this point."

 

Yuichi responded with gratitude, "Thank you, Captain Urahara. I appreciate your help and the trust you've extended, even to that extent."

 

Urahara remained silent and walked ahead, gesturing for Yuichi to follow. As they reached the door, he said, "Follow me, and I'll take you to the Study Chamber. You can use it at your discretion, without needing to inform me of anything."

 

With his characteristic enigmatic smile, Urahara led Yuichi to the Study Chamber, a place filled with mystery and secrets, situated on Sōkyoku Hill. Upon reaching their destination, Urahara paused and turned to Yuichi. His tone was casual but held a certain weight as he addressed him.

 

"Here we are, Yuichi. This is the entrance to the Study Chamber," Urahara explained, gesturing to an unremarkable wall that blended seamlessly with the surroundings.

 

Upon closer inspection, Yuichi detected an invisible barrier obstructing his path. It was so discreet that even a trained eye might have missed it. Following Urahara's guidance, he held up the wooden token, revealing the concealed entrance. He then proceeded into the hidden passage, which led deeper into Sōkyoku Hill.

 

Urahara stepped back, his smile widening. "You may proceed, Yuichi. I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll be heading back. If you have any questions or run into any issues, the Study Chamber's functions should become clear as you use it. It’s not overly complex. I'll also make sure to inform Yoruichi, so she doesn't catch you here. Oh, and don't bring anyone with you, okay."

 

With a wave, Urahara vanished, leaving Yuichi to explore the chamber on his own. As he ventured through the cave, he eventually reached a ladder that led further down. Descending the ladder, he found himself in a vast chamber. The ceiling and walls were painted to mimic a cloudy sky, contrasting with a floor of barren, brown, rocky terrain dotted with lifeless trees.

 

Yuichi surveyed the area, realizing that it would serve as an ideal training ground. He planned to begin his training here the following day. The small shack with three rooms offered a convenient space for rest and meditation between sessions. The hot spring bath filled with medicinal herbs was an unexpected yet welcome sight, promising relaxation and recovery.

 

Intriguingly, Yuichi could not locate any surveillance equipment within the chamber. This absence of apparent monitoring devices impressed him, reinforcing Urahara's trust. With no need to set up barriers to protect his privacy, Yuichi felt at ease, ready to focus on his training without the constant threat of prying eyes.

 

Time passed as Yuichi immersed himself in training within the Study Chamber, and when he emerged, he knew that his allotted two hours were almost over. Reactivating his Ash Mirage kido to cloak his presence, he moved stealthily, exiting the Seireitei and entering the surrounding dense forest. It was time to reunite with Miel, hoping her hunting had been fruitful.

 

Silent and elusive, he moved with the grace of a phantom, avoiding patrols while maintaining a keen awareness of his surroundings. He had instructed Miel to await his return, and he hoped that she had adhered to his directive, even though he knew that the "kido" he had marked her with held no actual power.

 

After several minutes of stealthy travel, Yuichi reached the location where he had initially left Miel. To his relief, she awaited him there, her yellow eyes locked onto him as he approached.

 

"Hello, Miel," he greeted her softly. "I'm back. Did your hunt go well?"

 

Miel nodded, her massive masked head indicating that her hunt had indeed been successful. Her demeanor remained composed and tranquil, revealing her ability to remain concealed in the forest.

 

"Well done," Yuichi praised her with a hint of sarcasm. "You waited patiently like a good girl. Let's head back to the room now."