238 Chapter 203 - Become Stronger.

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[Adam C. POV.]

I had to kill Aizen.

Easier said than done though, the guy was by all means a beast. 

He was smart, strong, and dangerous enough to warrant some caution from everybody's part.

If I had to gauge my strength against him, I would say without a doubt that he was stronger than me. His reiatsu was… staggeringly massive, and his use of it was beyond impeccable. 

But, unlike Yamamoto, the gap between Aizen and me was considerably easier to close. 

Yamamoto had thousands of years of experience, that made him the closest thing to a perfect warrior, he was beyond dangerous, in battle, he was death incarnated… but that was neither here nor there.

My goal right now was killing Aizen, and for that I needed to surpass him, and fast. Because if I allowed him to fuse with the Hogyoku, it would quickly become a battle I couldn't win.

The question now was, how to do that?

Training with Urahara would hardly close that gap fast enough, the man was smart, smarter than anyone in this world, and resourceful enough to wip out a good training regime, but even with all that I had more than reasonable doubt he could provide me with what I needed. 

Besides, he had other things to worry about, like planning for plan B. In case we lose. 

Anyways.

Yoruichi was also strong, stronger than Urahara in terms of pure battle strength, as in, fighting without strategies, or plans, but training with her alone would yield even less results than training with Urahara.

Meaning my only real option was, the man himself, Yamamoto. 

Unfortunately, that meant I would have to work for him, in order to get what I wanted. I guess nothing in this world is ever free.

"I guess it is time to talk with the old man," I sighed.

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[First Division.]

When I stepped into the First Division Barracks, the room fell silent as I entered, and almost immediately all eyes were fixed on me. At the far end of the room, behind a heavy desk made of the darkest wood, sat Captain Yamamoto, the scary legend, a force to be reckoned with, one I could personally vouch for.

I could almost feel Zanryuzuki iching in her hilt, begging to fight him again. 

"I've thought about your offer," I began, pausing slightly to gather my words. "I'm willing to work for the Gotei 13, but under certain conditions."

Yamamoto's aged, yet sharp, eyes narrowed as he assessed me. "Go on," he beckoned.

"In return for my services, I ask that you, Captain Yamamoto, personally train me," I stated, my voice firm. The murmur of the room increased as captains exchanged glances, clearly surprised by my bold request.

Yamamoto raised an eyebrow, intrigue evident in his gaze. "You wish for personal training from me?" he inquired, the hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

I nodded. "Yes, old man. I want to kill Aizen, so that I can go home. And who better to train me than the most revered Shinigami in all of Soul Society?"

Yamamoto seemed to contemplate this for a moment, his eyes scanning mine, likely weighing my sincerity and intentions. The weight of his gaze was palpable, but I stood my ground. I had a goal, and I would achieve it, no matter the cost.

I would go back home, even if I had to flay Aizen alive with a toothpick.

After what felt like an eternity, Yamamoto's stern expression softened slightly. "Your audacity is both admirable and foolhardy, brat. But I respect your determination. Very well, I accept your conditions. But remember, my training is not for the faint of heart."

I chuckled, it almost seemed the old man had a soft spot for me. Something I would never say, lest I end up like a pile of ashes. "Sounds good."

"Then let our agreement be set in stone," Yamamoto declared, extending his hand. 

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[The Shop.]

The bell above the door to Urahara's shop tinkled merrily as I stepped in… God, I fucking hated that bell. Anyhow, I was happy with how things were progressing.

For the first time in months, it felt like I was moving in the right direction. 

As I walked inside the store, Urahara looked up from the counter where he seemed to be meticulously organizing... candy? When he saw me, his lips curled up into a wry smile, and there was a particular gleam in his eyes that I didn't quite like.

Something was… off.

"So, I heard about your little deal with the old man," he began, sounding far too cheerful for my liking.

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Yeah? And?"

Urahara clapped a hand on my shoulder, almost making me drop the small item I had picked up. "Oh, Adam, oh, dear dear Adam," he chuckled, his voice dripping with false sympathy, "You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into."

I frowned, not in the mood for his dramatics. "It's just training. How bad could it be?"

Urahara laughed heartily, his head thrown back in sheer amusement. "Oh, just training? With Yamamoto? You'd be better off facing a horde of Vasto Lordes by yourself. The old man's training is... legendary. And by that, I mean it's the stuff of nightmares."

Ha! Jokes on you, I'm into that shit! "Good, I like nightmarish training, the more it hurts the better! You're just a lazy ass, and everyone knows that."

He looked at me with a pitying expression, waving his fan in front of his face as if to cool himself down from his laughing fit. "Am I? Ask anyone who's had the 'pleasure' of being trained by him. They'll tell you tales that'll make your hair stand on end."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Well, it's too late now. Deal's been made."

Urahara winked, nudging me playfully. "You're a brave soul, Adam. Or perhaps a very foolish one. Either way, I wish you all the best. Remember, my shop is always here if you need some... respite, wait, no, forget that, the old man will come here to get you if you escape from his training, and he will burn everything, so no, don't come here, again, or ever."

I snorted, but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. "Thanks, Urahara. I'll keep that in mind."

As I walked out, I heard Urahara's voice trailing behind me. "And if you ever feel like working, my offer to be a candy shop assistant is still open! Without pay, of course!"

Despite the weight on my shoulders, I couldn't help but laugh. If nothing else, the days ahead promised to be interesting.