Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Yuichi's steps were heavy and filled with simmering anger as he walked back to his room from class. Kira's words still echoed in his mind, stoking the flames of frustration within him. He couldn't believe she had not only downplayed his abilities but referred to him as a liability. It struck a nerve deep within him, especially considering his own strong sense of survival was tied to his strength.

'Man, what a bit*h. I go out of my way to help her and look worried, and she calls me weak. I thought she might be useful to me later on, but honestly, I’m starting to regret the help I offered before.'

As he entered his room, Miel, his kept hollow, immediately sensed his turbulent emotions. Her inquisitive nature led her to inquire, "My Lord Yuichi, is something bothering you? You seem quite upset."

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Yuichi briefly closed his eyes and then looked at Miel. "It's nothing, Miel. Just some frustration from earlier," he replied, trying to keep his tone composed.

Miel, perceptive as ever, knew better than to push the issue further. Instead, she nodded and decided to change the topic. "I see. Well, if it’s truly nothing, I wish to ask for permission to head to the forest to hunt some hollows. I need to eat."

With a sigh, Yuichi agreed, "Alright, Miel, you have my permission to hunt hollows in the forest. Try not to get caught. I could use some fresh air as well, so I’ll be heading off. Shrink down, and I’ll carry you to the forest."

As Miel complied, shifting into her smaller form, Yuichi picked her up with gentle care. With Miel safely in his hand, they headed toward the forest. The forest was still being patrolled, so Yuichi used his Ash Mirage kido spell to slip past them.

Once far away enough, Yuichi put Miel on the ground, and she reverted back to her normal size. He then said, “Okay, you hunt and eat your fill, and I’ll be back in 2 hours, so be here when I come.”

“Yes, my lord, I understand. I shall await you here. Now please excuse me,” said Miel. But as she tried to leave, a light shot from behind her and hit her back. When she turned to see what it was, she saw Yuichi with his index finger pointed at her. “A little insurance. If you’re not back when I said, that mark will do something very terrible to you.”

Miel had a worried and confused look on her face, but before she could even ask what had just happened, Yuichi used shunpo and disappeared. Left without an explanation, Miel could only attempt to look on her back, but this proved useless as she was unable to see it. Miel groaned in frustration as all she could do now was hunt, feast, and return as she said.

Yuichi activated his Ash Mirage, effectively concealing his presence as he departed from the forest. His initial frustration and anger had given way to a more composed and collected state of mind.

Remembering Miel's need to consume the souls of humans, soul reapers, or hollows for her evolution, Yuichi understood that the growth of her strength would be essential if he wished for her to serve him effectively. He couldn't have her growing weak or underpowered, so he allowed her the time to hunt, despite it being in the opposite direction of his original intention for heading out.

With his thoughts in order, Yuichi made his way to the location he had intended to visit. Upon arrival at Urahara's mansion, he approached the gate and knocked, waiting patiently to be let in. Yuichi's presence outside Urahara's mansion did not go unnoticed. Shortly after he knocked on the gate, it creaked open, and a familiar voice greeted him from the other side. To Yuichi’s surprise, it was Urahara himself who opened the gate and let him in.

"Ah, Yuichi! What brings you to my humble abode at this hour?" asked Urahara Kisuke.

Yuichi replied with a nod. "My apologies for disturbing you this late, Captain Urahara. I have a matter to discuss with you. I am in need of your assistance. May I come in?"

“Sure, come in, I thought it was about time for me to get a visit from you. Let’s take our time to discuss things slowly,” said Urahara with his enigmatic smile.

Yuichi followed Urahara into his mansion, the gate closing behind them. They arrived at a small and cozy room, where Urahara invited Yuichi to sit down. The room was adorned with various artifacts and curiosities, adding to the mystique of the place. Urahara’s servant had already started brewing tea before they even entered the room. When the tea was done and served, she left, leaving them alone.

"Have a seat, Yuichi. Now, tell me what's on your mind. You require something from me and are about to ask me for a trade. You’ll disclose some information about yourself in exchange, yes?" Urahara inquired, his demeanor attentive yet still maintaining that enigmatic quality that was synonymous with his character.

“Yes, it’s as you say. I need your help. I want a place to train where I won’t have to worry about others sensing my reiatsu. You’re the only one I know and trust who can provide me with such a thing. In exchange, I’m willing to tell you some things about myself,” said Yuichi.

“My, I’m the only one you know and trust. That’s rather underwhelming. What you just said tells me two things. First, you were already aware I had such a training ground prepared. The second would be that you’ve either met me before or know more about me than you’re letting on. I’m inclined to believe the former rather than the latter. Since I have no recollection of such a meeting, that leaves two possibilities. The first being my memories were wiped, but I don’t think that’s the case since you didn’t exist here before Yoruichi found you. The second would be that while you’ve met me, I haven’t met you yet,” explained Urahara, still smiling.

Yuichi listened to Urahara's keen observations, his expression composed and serious. Intelligent people like the captain of the 12th Division had a knack for seeing through the layers of intrigue and detecting nuances others might overlook.

Although he was wrong, Urahara's deductions were not entirely off the mark. Rather than knowing him, Yuichi knew of him instead, but this would work in his favor. Yuichi decided to confirm his suspicions. "You're right, Captain Urahara. While we haven't met yet, I do know you. As you guessed, I’m from the future, and I’m aware of the resources at your disposal. I was surprised when I first arrived in the past and wished to avoid changing events, but Lady Yoruichi found me, and I had to lie in hopes of keeping things from changing too much. As for when I’m from, I’m sorry, but I need to keep that a secret. But please just know I’m not a threat."

Urahara's smile remained as enigmatic as ever as he listened to Yuichi's explanation. His keen intellect was evident in the way he processed the information and asked the important questions. Time travel, a concept that had always fascinated him, was now a part of their conversation.

"So, time travel, is it?" Urahara mused. "That's a rather extraordinary revelation. The fabric of time itself can be quite delicate. I appreciate your honesty in sharing this. Rest assured, I won't press you for more details if you're not willing to divulge them."