113 [Spiritual Cases Arc] Part 113: Updating "Sleep Number 7" Project

Yato was still sitting on the makeshift bed in Urahara's shop. The young man had his cell phone in hand, dialing the number of the parking lot where he had picked up a part-time job.

As he waited for someone to answer the call, Yato rubbed his head, where there were three bumps, courtesy of a punch from Rukia, Tatsuki, and Ichigo after they were startled by his actions.

Yato: 'Don't like this kind of thing...' - He thought grumpily. - 'But I deserved it this time, so I'll let it slide...'

Urahara: "How are you feeling, Yasakani-san?" - Urahara's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he inquired about Yato's condition.

Yato: "Normal, I guess... but this annoying Hollow won't shut up in my head..." - Yato's tone was nonchalant, but a flicker of irritation danced in his eyes as he mentioned the persistent presence of the Hollow.

Uryū: "You can hear it?"

Yato: "Sort of..." - Yato raised an eyebrow, indicating his partial awareness of the Hollow's chatter. Bringing the cellphone closer to his face as the call connected, he prepared to address his employer. - "Hello? Boss?"

Giriko: [Hello, Yasakani-san. You didn't show up today. Is everything okay?]

Yato: "I'm really sorry, boss, I came down with a weird fever overnight and couldn't even communicate until now." - Yato tried to sound weak as he explained his absence.

Giriko: [Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Yasakani-san. Luckily, today was a slow day, so Riruka-san managed everything on her own. Of course, that won't stop her from giving you an earful.]

Yato: "Ah, man... I promise I'll get there earlier tomorrow to make up for today's disappearance..." - Yato said as he stand up.

Giriko: [That's good to hear, Yasakani-san. Take care of yourself and get well soon. Just make sure to give me a heads-up next time you won't be able to come in, or I might have to deduct it from your paycheck.]

Yato: "Oh...got it, boss. Thanks for understanding." - Yato's tone was sincere as he bid Giriko farewell and ended the call.

As he pocketed his phone, a small smile tugged at the corners of Yato's lips, grateful for Giriko's leniency despite his unexpected absence.

Rukia, who had been listening quietly, couldn't help but feel a surge of relief at the exchange. Despite the recent ordeal they had all endured, it was comforting to see Yato returning to his usual self, even if there was still a lingering unease in the air.

Ichigo, Tatsuki, and Orihime exchanged bemused glances before simultaneously turning their attention to him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Ichigo: "Hey, Yato... mind telling us something?"

Tatsuki: "Yeah, like when did you manage to land a job?"

Orihime: "And why didn't you tell us? We could've helped you look!"

Yato blinked in surprise, caught off guard by their sudden barrage of questions. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, trying to come up with a plausible explanation on the spot.

Yato: "Uh... well, you see, it kinda just happened out of nowhere. I didn't really plan on it..."

Ichigo arched an eyebrow skeptically, clearly unconvinced by Yato's flimsy excuse.

Ichigo: "Sure... just like how Hollows just randomly pop up out of nowhere, right?"

Tatsuki stifled a laugh, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she teased Yato.

Tatsuki: "Come on, Yato, spill the beans. Did you secretly enroll in a 'How to Adult' class or something?"

Orihime giggled, her laughter contagious as she joined in on the good-natured ribbing.

Orihime: "Maybe he's been moonlighting as a superhero, fighting crime in his spare time!"

Yato: "What?" - Hecouldn't help but chuckle at their playful banter, relieved to see his friends in such high spirits despite the recent ordeal they had faced together.

Chad's usual stoic expression softened slightly, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched the playful interaction unfold.

Nemu observed with keen interest, her analytical mind processing the dynamics at play within the group. She made mental notes, cataloging the various personalities and their interactions, adding to her ever-growing understanding of human behavior.

Urahara leaned back against the counter, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he observed the banter between Yato and his friends.

Yato: "You know, now that I think about it, Rukia actually knew about my job too. She just conveniently forgot to mention it to anyone..."

Rukia's eyes widened in mock indignation as she shot Yato a playful glare, though there was a hint of amusement in her expression.

Rukia: "Hey, don't drag me into this, Yato. I was waiting for the perfect moment to surprise everyone with the news!"

Uryū, who had been quietly observing the exchange with a hint of amusement, couldn't help but let out a soft sigh as the playful banter continued. Despite finding the situation somewhat amusing, he couldn't shake off the weight of their current predicament.

Uryū: "As entertaining as this is, let's not forget that Yoruichi-san and Soi Fon are currently facing Baishin." - His voice was calm but firm, a reminder to the group of the more pressing matter at hand.

Chad: "Ishida is right."

Ichigo: "Yeah, we better get on it and take down Baishin, get one of our headaches out of the way."

Tatsuki gave a confident smirk and crack her knuckles in agreement with Ichigo.

Rukia: "Yato, you sure you're up for a fight?" - Her tone was serious, eyes fixed on Yato.

Yato: "Yep." - He glanced over at Urahara. - "Can I head out now?"

Urahara: "Of course, Yasakani-san. If you need anything, you know where to find me~" - He replied with his usual mysterious smile.

Yato, Rukia, Ichigo, Tatsuki, Chad, Orihime, and Nemu were on the brink of leaving when Yato noticed Uryū lingering inside the shop.

Yato: "Aren't you planning to join us?"

Uryū: "I won't be of much help in this fight, Yasakani. I still can't access my powers."

Yato: "But you can still use your brain, right?" - He inquired with a smirk. - "Nemuri-chan~ Our Quincy friend won't be able to keep up with our speed now~" - Yato's smirk widened as he glanced mischievously at Nemu, teasingly referring to Uryū's inability to match their pace.

The others exchanged knowing looks, finding amusement in Yato's playful remark. Although Nemu maintained her usual stoic demeanor, there was a subtle twinkle in her eyes, indicating she grasped Yato's implication.

With a swift yet gentle movement, Nemu effortlessly hoisted Uryū onto her shoulders, her expression betraying no hint of strain despite the added weight. Meanwhile, Uryū protested, his indignation evident as he pleaded with the lieutenant to let him down.

Chad held onto Ichigo's shoulder as Orihime grabbed onto Tatsuki. The group swiftly vanished from the store in a blur of motion, with Yato and Tatsuki employing their high-speed movements, leaving behind faint trails of greenish light with each leap. Meanwhile, Rukia, Ichigo, and Nemu kept pace using Shunpō.

The mod-souls Ririn, Kurōdo, and Noba, still in their plush toy forms, continued to accompany Chad, Orihime, and Uryū as a precaution, their vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats from the Bounts.

As the group leaped through the night sky toward the location where Yoruichi and Soi Fon were battling Baishin, Yato's gaze shifted toward Nemu, who effortlessly carried Uryū on her shoulder, her stoic demeanor unwavering despite the added weight.

Yato: "Hey, Nemuri-chan... Mind if I ask you something?"

Nemu: "Not at all."

Yato already had a hunch about the answer, but he decided to ask anyway, his mind spinning with various possibilities.

Yato: "You happen to carry a zanpakutō, Nemuri-chan? I don't recall ever seeing you with one..." - He inquired casually, though the question intrigued Rukia, who stood nearby, and she leaned in a bit to listen more closely.

Rukia: 'Come to think of it... he's right. I've never seen Lieutenant Kurotsuchi wielding a zanpakutō.' - She mused to herself, her gaze flickering between Yato and Nemu, curious about the response.

Nemu's expression remained unchanged as she responded to Yato's question with a calm and collected demeanor.

Nemu: "I was created in a laboratory using a combination of Gigai and Gikon. As a result, I lack the ability to manifest a zanpakutō spirit or awakening a zanpakutō. " - Her tone was matter-of-fact, devoid of any hint of regret or longing.

However, despite her words, while carrying Uryū easily with just He left hand, Nemu's right hand subtly moved to her side, where she retrieved a sleek wakizashi from its concealed sheath within her shihakushō. The blade gleamed softly in the dim light, its presence a silent testament to Nemu's preparedness despite her unique circumstances.

Nemu: "However, I do carry this with me." - She held out the wakizashi for Yato to inspect, her movements precise and deliberate.

Yato: "Can I take a look?" He asked, reaching out towards Nemu.

The lieutenant, without questioning, handed over the wakizashi to Yato. The young man noted it was a slender wakizashi, with a green hilt and a warped guard.

To the others, Yato appeared to be merely examining the wakizashi out of curiosity, and in the same nonchalant manner he had received it from Nemu, he returned it.

Yato: "Our group is accustomed to do impossible things... Why don't you give it a try? You might surprise yourself." - He offered a reassuring smile, concealing any ulterior motives.