Chapter 285: Why Capture Children?

H'el flicked the blood off Sakura Falls, droplets scattering onto the ground and merging with the pool of blood sprayed from Urahana Jiro's body.

Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto entered the room. Rangiku's face still bore traces of shock from the intense battle. Before Urahana Jiro used Shunpo, she had confidence in H'el, having witnessed him effortlessly killing adults she could barely contend with. However, Jiro's Shunpo had terrified her, as it seemed like an insurmountable advantage, a divine skill beyond mere swordsmanship. Then, seeing H'el master Shunpo and swiftly kill Jiro left her speechless.

H'el was too strong, even capable of killing someone with a Shinigami technique in an instant. Gin maintained his fox-like smile, but inside, he was roiled by shock. Shunpo was not something easily learned; seeing it twice and mastering it was unheard of. If that were possible, why didn't everyone in Rukongai know it? Gin, despite his own genius, couldn't decipher the intricacies of Shunpo.

The footsteps outside grew louder as more members of the Urahana gang gathered at the doorway, hesitant to enter.

"Boss!"

A tall figure with a square face and a thick chest covered in gray clothing entered. He looked strong and loyal. Peeking inside, he was shocked to see Jiro dead on the floor with his throat slit. He quickly ran inside and knelt before H'el.

"Boss, what can I do for you?" he said, head bowed in loyalty.

Gin and Rangiku had assumed he came for revenge, but it turned out he was addressing H'el as his new leader.

H'el glanced at him, and the man's bowed head and nervous demeanor suggested he feared H'el's power. The gang members could have fled after Jiro's death, but without his protection, they would be vulnerable to their enemies. Following the strongest was the rule in these parts, and now H'el had proven to be the strongest.

"Prepare some food and clean the hall," H'el said, tossing Sakura Falls in front of the man. Then he sat on the grass mat, elbow on his thigh, hand supporting his chin, observing the man.

The square-faced man felt a chill seeing Sakura Falls at his feet, but then he was overjoyed by H'el's orders and responded quickly, "Yes, Boss."

He quickly stood up, picked up Sakura Falls, wiped it clean, and sheathed it. Then he directed the lackeys outside, "Come, move Urahana Jiro's body out and clean up the blood quickly."

"Prepare a feast for the boss."

The lackeys, well-practiced in such tasks, swiftly moved Jiro's body, re-sheathed the long katana, and placed Sakura Falls on a visible rack. They brought in several buckets of water, long-handled brushes, and mysterious bubbles to scrub away the bloodstains.

Once the floor was clean, the square-faced man and several lackeys brought in a large pot of meat pie and vegetable stew, along with a large wooden cup filled with clean water, placing them before H'el.

"Boss, please enjoy," the square-faced man said, his tone slightly anxious. He feared H'el might see this as an insufficient effort and react violently.

In reality, the meat pie and vegetable stew was the best food they had. Normally, they survived on just water, reserving such meals for their stronger leaders and a few higher-ranking members. In the Soul Society, commoners could survive on water alone, but those with spiritual power needed food or they would starve.

This area, being a remote part of District 50 of Rukongai, considered the stew a luxury. H'el nodded, indifferent. If this wasn't the best meal available, he might have slaughtered them after eating. The cost of deceit and half-hearted efforts was something these lackeys couldn't bear.

Seeing H'el's acceptance, the square-faced man breathed a sigh of relief and stepped back, ready to serve as needed. The aroma of the stew wafted up, making everyone's mouths water.

"Come and eat," H'el said, noticing Rangiku's hungry gaze fixed on the stew, almost drooling. He beckoned her to join him.

Gin Ichimaru, knowing he would get his share, approached the meat pie and vegetable stew with his iconic smile. The square-faced man quickly handed him a wooden bowl and chopsticks.

"Is this really okay? We didn't do anything," Rangiku said, unable to stop salivating. She took the bowl and chopsticks, swallowing hard several times as the aroma from the stew made it hard to resist.

"Eat. There will be times when you have to put in the effort," H'el said, using a wooden spoon to serve himself a bowl of the stew. He blew on it gently before taking a sip. The mix of vegetable and meat pie flavors warmed his empty stomach, spreading a pleasant warmth throughout his body, making him sigh softly with satisfaction.

"Then I'll start!" Rangiku said, seeing H'el's contented expression as he drank the stew. She eagerly took the spoon from H'el and served herself a bowl. She tried to drink directly from the wooden bowl, but it was too hot, making her grimace and puff her cheeks while blowing on the hot stew.

Gin took the spoon from Rangiku, served himself some stew and vegetables, and ate without haste. His attention then turned to the square-faced man standing nearby.

"Why do you capture so many children? What are they for?" Gin asked. He had once escaped from their clutches and had always wondered.

What was the purpose of capturing children? Were they really trained to steal and deceive in the big city? He found it hard to believe.

This was the Soul Society, where most people survived on water while awaiting reincarnation. Was it really necessary for a gang like Urahana's to train children to steal and gather resources in the city? Given the gang's size, it seemed unlikely.

The square-faced man hesitated, glancing at H'el, who had set his wooden bowl down, clearly interested in the answer as well. He then said, "It was Urahana Jiro's orders, given by his Shinigami brother, Urahana Ichiro. The children are kept in the cellar of the back village, but we don't know why."

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