[Memories of Nobody Arc] Part 135: Lingering Wind

# Karakura Town, Mitsumiya - Urahara Shop #

Inside the familiar and cozy interior of Urahara's shop, the atmosphere felt tense despite the unassuming setting. The small room was dimly lit by a single overhead lamp, casting shadows across the wooden floor. Ichigo, Kon, Rangiku Matsumoto, Captain Hitsugaya, and Urahara himself sat around a low, traditional table. The air smelled faintly of incense, a calming scent that didn't match the palpable tension between the gathered individuals.

Ichigo leaned back slightly, arms crossed, the frustration evident on his face as he glanced from Hitsugaya to Urahara. Kon, sitting awkwardly beside him, was quiet for once, his plush form slumped over as if sensing the seriousness of the situation.

Urahara, as always, wore a lazy smile beneath his green-striped hat, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that belied the casual expression. He sat with one leg crossed over the other, tapping a paper fan lightly against his knee.

Before anyone could speak further, Tessai, Urahara's towering assistant, entered the room. His large frame moved with surprising grace as he carried a tray laden with cups of steaming tea. Without a word, Tessai placed the tray on the table, carefully setting a cup before each of them. His solemn demeanor added weight to the already heavy mood, as if the tea ceremony itself was part of something much larger.

"I see... so Kuchiki-san returned to Soul Society," Urahara said thoughtfully, taking one of the small kobati cups between his fingers, the delicate porcelain looking almost fragile in his hands. He took a sip, savoring the warmth for a moment before continuing. "Well then… where should we begin?"

"At 12:15 am today, a city from the World of the Living appeared in the sky above Seireitei," Hitsugaya began, his tone clipped and precise, as though each word were being measured. He took a moment, lifting his cup but not drinking. "At the exact same moment, the communication office detected a massive disturbance in the spectral frequencies of the World of the Living. One minute later, all contact was lost."

The weight of his words settled into the room like a stone thrown into still water, causing a ripple of silence.

Ichigo furrowed his brow. "And what's that supposed to mean?" he muttered, clearly not fully understanding the gravity of the situation.

Hitsugaya shot Ichigo a look, a flicker of irritation crossing his normally stoic face. "He doesn't even know that much?" he murmured under his breath, barely audible but laced with frustration.

Before the tension could rise, Urahara raised a hand, still holding his tea with a casual, almost playful gesture. "Easy, easy now." he said with his usual calm tone, trying to defuse the moment. He set his tea down and turned his attention back to Ichigo, his expression brightening as he spoke. "Allow me to simplify it for you." There was a twinkle in his eyes, a spark of amusement mixed with seriousness.

Beside him, Tessai had settled down silently, now holding an open notebook with blank pages. The atmosphere shifted subtly as Tessai flipped the first page, preparing for one of Urahara's infamous 'lessons.'

Urahara cleared his throat theatrically and began, using his fan to punctuate his words. "In our universe, there are two primary worlds, the World of the Living, where we are now, and Soul Society," he explained. His voice was animated, almost like he was enjoying the chance to give a lecture.

Tessai, ever the silent assistant, turned to a new page, revealing a funny drawn diagram of the two worlds. As Urahara spoke, the image of the World of the Living and Soul Society, separated by the swirling vortex of the Dangai, came into view.

"And between these two worlds," Urahara continued, gesturing grandly, "there's the Dangai, an interdimensional tunnel that prevents the two worlds from colliding. You've passed through it before, if you remember?" His eyes flicked to Ichigo, reminding him of the dangerous, flowing currents of time and space they had once navigated together.

Ichigo frowned, memories of their perilous journey through the Dangai surfacing in his mind. He gave a small nod, though he still looked confused.

"Now," Urahara continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "three days ago, something rather unusual occurred. A new dimension formed within the Dangai."

Tessai turned another page, revealing a drawing of the Dangai, now with an funny, bubble-like face expanding within it.

Urahara paused for effect, his fan snapping shut with a quiet click. "This dimension continued growing until it reached such a size that it became stuck between the world of the living and the Soul Society. And because it's wedged there, it's acting like a lens of sorts, projecting an image from the world of the living into the sky above the Soul Society." He leaned back, his hand sweeping dramatically "Of course," Urahara added, his tone brightening just a little, "it's more like a mirage than anything solid."

"We sent the Onmitsukidō to enter the new dimension, but it was a complete failure. The only option left was to investigate the influx of new spectral frequencies into the world of the living… and now I'm in charge of the operation," Hitsugaya explained with a cold, matter-of-fact tone, his arms crossed tightly across his chest. His icy blue eyes flickered with the weight of responsibility, but Ichigo, sitting across from him, still looked confused.

"And why you?" Ichigo blurted, his brow furrowing in frustration. It wasn't that he didn't trust Hitsugaya, but this entire situation seemed way above his pay grade.

Before Hitsugaya could answer, Rangiku Matsumoto leaned over, barely suppressing her laughter. Her usual carefree smile played at the corners of her lips, and she chimed in, "Because all the other captains refused."

"That has nothing to do with it!" Hitsugaya snapped, his voice sharp with irritation. His cheeks flushed slightly, though he kept his dignified posture, clearly annoyed by his lieutenant's teasing.

Rangiku leaned back, casually waving a hand, still amused, but Ichigo wasn't having it. He scowled, already feeling like the situation was getting more complicated than it needed to be. "So it's probably them…" he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to anyone else.

Hitsugaya's sharp ears caught it instantly. He turned his attention fully to Ichigo, his expression serious now. "Them? What do you mean? Have you seen something?"

"Yeah. Earlier today, Yato, Rukia, and I ran into a bunch of weird things… with, uh, red pixie heads," he said, gesturing vaguely with his hands in an attempt to describe the strange creatures they had encountered.

"Ah, Blanks, right?" Urahara interjected, his voice playful but knowing. He sat back with a faint smile, fanning himself idly.

Hitsugaya's expression tightened, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Then it's connected to the Valley of Screams…" His voice dropped, as if speaking the name alone invoked something ominous.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes, clearly still struggling to keep up. He didn't like feeling out of the loop, especially when things were already spiraling into chaos. His scowl deepened, and Urahara, ever the observant one, noticed the teenager's growing frustration.

"Alright, alright," Urahara said, his tone shifting back to his usual light-hearted demeanor. "Looks like we need another explanation." He motioned to Tessai, who had been standing quietly in the corner the entire time. Tessai nodded silently, pulling out another notebook labeled 'Explanation Number 2' in neat, bold lettering. The scene would have been comical if it weren't for the seriousness of the discussion.

Urahara began, snapping his fan open dramatically as if beginning a lecture at a school, complete with illustrations. "As you already know, Kurosaki-san, the cycle of reincarnation moves souls between the World of the Living and the Soul Society. However…" He paused for effect, leaning forward slightly. "Some souls don't quite make the journey." Tessai began flipping through pages of hastily drawn diagrams that depicted the journey of a soul through the Dangai. "They can be ejected from the cycle due to accidents, disturbances, or any number of unforeseen issues."

Ichigo's scowl lessened a bit as he began to follow the explanation. His eyes flicked to Tessai's drawings, trying to piece it together visually.

"These souls," Urahara continued, "are left wandering aimlessly, trapped within the Dangai, lost between worlds. And eventually, they gather together in one place, forming a new dimension. This is what we call the Valley of Screams." His tone darkened at the mention of the name, adding a somber weight to his words.

Ichigo's expression shifted slightly, his brow furrowing as the explanation sank in. He could feel the pieces clicking together, though there was still a lingering sense of unease.

"In the Valley," Urahara went on, "the energy and memories of these lost souls begin to separate, breaking apart in preparation for their return to the cycle of reincarnation." He gestured with his fan toward Ichigo, raising an eyebrow in a light-hearted but meaningful way. "Still with me?"

"Yes..." Ichigo's tone was clearly frustrated. He hated feeling like he was being lectured.

"Those creatures you saw," Urahara continued, his voice taking on a slightly more serious note, "are the souls that have been stripped of their memories. We call them Blanks. They're essentially empty vessels, roaming without purpose."

Ichigo furrowed his brow, absorbing the weight of Urahara's explanation. "But if they're spirits without memories," he asked, his tone both curious and uneasy, "where do those memories go?"

Urahara's playful demeanor faded, his eyes narrowing with a glint of seriousness that wasn't often seen. "It's said that these memories merge into a singular entity," he explained, his voice low and measured. "And then they return to the World of the Living. This entity is known as the Shinenju." • 思念珠, Memory Rosary •

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. The air felt thick, as if the very mention of the Shinenju carried a sense of dread. Ichigo glanced around at the others, trying to gauge their reactions. Rangiku's smile had faded completely, her usual lightheartedness replaced by something more somber. Hitsugaya sat rigidly, his arms still crossed, but his fingers tapped rhythmically against his arm, a sign of his growing impatience.

After a brief pause, Urahara continued, his tone more somber than before. "The Valley's appearance is a naturally occurring phenomenon," he said, his gaze shifting between the faces of the people around. "We've seen it happen multiple times before… but the real issue here is that this Valley has formed a connection between the World of the Living and the Soul Society."

Ichigo leaned forward slightly, sensing the weight of Urahara's words but still unsure how significant this was. "Is that really so unusual?" he asked.

A quiet tension rippled through the room, and Hitsugaya's voice cut through it with a sharp edge. "You wouldn't call two stars being connected by a single thread of energy ordinary, would you?" His eyes flashed with irritation, his cool exterior beginning to crack under the pressure of the situation. "This is on the same level... something that simply doesn't happen naturally. Which means…" He clenched his fists, trying to maintain his composure. "Someone is doing this intentionally."

The gravity of Hitsugaya's statement hung in the air like a storm cloud. Everyone sat in stunned silence, the implications settling in.

Suddenly, Kon, who had been uncharacteristically quiet until now, sprang to life. His little lion body shot up onto the table, startling everyone. His button eyes were wide with excitement, his mouth hanging open in an exaggerated expression. "Ah! That reminds me of something!" he exclaimed, his high-pitched voice breaking the tension.

Ichigo blinked, confused by the outburst. "What is it, Kon?"

"I saw someone!" Kon shouted, his tiny arms flailing wildly. "There was a guy wearing a kimono, and he had some kind of armor, right in the middle of all those white ghosts or whatever they were! I saw him!"

Hitsugaya's eyes narrowed, his expression turning even more severe. "Armor?" he asked, his voice filled with suspicion. His mind was clearly racing, trying to connect this new piece of information to the larger puzzle.

Urahara leaned forward, his fan partially covering his face, but the amusement in his eyes was unmistakable. "Could you remember any more specific details?"

Kon puffed up his plush chest, crossing his stubby arms as if preparing for deep thought. "Of course I can! Just give me a second." He sat on the table, closing his eyes dramatically, his face scrunched up in concentration. "Uhhhh…"

Ichigo sighed, already sensing that Kon was stalling. Before the stuffed lion could drag out his performance any longer, Urahara nonchalantly pulled out his blue Gokon Tekkō (Soul Apprehension Gauntlet).

Without hesitation, he tapped Kon lightly on the head, ejecting the Gikongan pill from the plush body with a soft pop.

The empty lion slumped over onto the table while the green pill hovered in the air momentarily, only to be deftly caught by Tessai, who approached with his usual imposing but silent demeanor. He stood unnervingly close to Ichigo as he held the Gikongan between his massive fingers. "I'll take this for analysis."

"Thank you," Urahara said cheerfully, as if the interruption had been no more than a passing thought. His attention swiftly returned to Ichigo, his voice taking on a more serious tone again. "In any case, if we assume that what's happening is deliberate, it's almost certainly for evil purposes."

Ichigo's eyes narrowed. "And what would they want with all this?"

Urahara closed his fan with a sharp flick, his face momentarily shadowed by the seriousness of the situation. "I can't say for certain," he admitted, his usual playful tone replaced by an unsettling calm. "But if I had to guess… they're probably searching for the Shinenju in the World of the Living."

After a long, uncomfortable pause, Urahara broke the silence. "We'll try to gather as much information as we can about this new enemy," he said, his gaze settling on Ichigo with an unusual intensity. "Kurosaki-san, I need you to continue watching over the town. I have no doubt they'll show up again. And if possible…" His voice trailed off for a moment before he locked eyes with Ichigo. "Find the Shinenju before they do."

***

As the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the sky, casting long shadows through the glass ceilings of the shopping mall, Yato and Senna walked casually, their earlier battle against the strange Hollow already a distant memory. The air inside was cool, a stark contrast to the warm glow of the world outside. Neon signs flickered to life as stores prepared for the evening rush, and the soft murmur of people shopping filled the space.

Yato and Senna, however, seemed to exist in their own bubble of carefree energy. After defeating the Hollow, the two of them had spent the day playing games of tag and hide-and-seek around the mall, their laughter ringing out in the open halls. Their carefree antics drew both puzzled glances and amused smiles from passersby. A few children even looked at them with wide eyes, perhaps wanting to join in but held back by the gentle tug of their parents' hands.

Now, having run off their earlier adrenaline, they strolled leisurely, passing by store windows showcasing fashionable clothes, new tech, and odd trinkets. The warm glow of the stores illuminated their faces as they glanced at various items with a mix of curiosity and disinterest.

"I have to admit," Senna said, her voice playful as she skipped ahead of Yato, "for someone who looks as bored as you, you're actually kinda fun." She balanced herself atop a narrow metal railing, arms outstretched for balance, her movements graceful and carefree.

Yato walked alongside her, hands stuffed into his pockets, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, scanning the surroundings with a subtle sense of caution. "I have my moments," he replied with a casual shrug, his tone indifferent. "I guess I just needed to clear my head for a bit."

Senna leapt off the railing with a light bounce, landing effortlessly beside him. "Tough day, huh?" she asked, her voice softer now, sensing something unspoken in his words.

"You have no idea," Yato sighed, his gaze drifting away, but the moment of reflection was cut short by the unmistakable sound of his stomach growling, loud and insistent.

Senna's eyes widened in surprise before a mischievous grin spread across her face. "If you train your stomach a bit more, it might start talking for real," she teased, but almost immediately, her own stomach growled in response, betraying her hunger. Her grin faltered as embarrassment crept onto her face, and she scowled in mock irritation.

"Maybe you should be the one giving me lessons," Yato shot back with a smirk, clearly enjoying her embarrassment.

"Shut up." Senna muttered, though the smile tugging at her lips showed she wasn't really angry.

As they walked, Yato noticed the mall's earlier bustle had begun to die down. Fewer people moved about, the once-crowded halls now noticeably quieter. Most shops were beginning to close, their gates halfway down, and the scent of food wafting from the few open eateries grew faint as workers cleaned up. He glanced around and sighed, preparing to head back inside the mall to find somewhere to eat when, distracted by his thoughts, he bumped into a student passing by.

"Sorry about that," Yato apologized immediately, his voice sincere. But the girl, dressed in a school uniform, didn't even acknowledge him. She continued walking, her face strangely expressionless, almost like she hadn't even seen him.

"That was... weird," Yato muttered under his breath, turning his gaze back to Senna, who was now staring hungrily at the food court.

"Think the food places are still open?" Senna asked, her voice hopeful.

Before Yato could answer, a familiar voice called out to them from across the mall. "Yato! Senna!"

They both turned to see Ichigo approaching, his orange hair standing out in the dimming light of the mall. His pace was casual, though his face had that familiar look.

Senna's eyes lit up mischievously the moment she saw him, her hunger momentarily forgotten. "Well, look who it is! Looks like we've got another player joining the game," she grinned, and without warning, she bolted in the opposite direction, her laughter trailing behind her. "You're it, Ichigo!"

"What? Hey!" Ichigo shouted, his face contorting with confusion and frustration as Senna darted away, forcing him into another game of tag. Without a second thought, he took off after her, the sounds of their footsteps echoing through the mall.

Yato, however, remained rooted in place, watching the scene with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Here we go again…" he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

But just as he was about to relax and maybe find a bench to sit on, a strange sensation rippled through him. His senses tingled with the feeling of something being off. He scanned the mall again, and this time, his eyes widened in surprise.

The mall, which had been quiet only moments ago, was suddenly packed with people more people than there should have been. A crowd of unfamiliar faces, moving unnaturally, filled the space as if materializing out of nowhere. The air felt thicker, the background noise of chatter and footsteps louder, almost like a scene in a dream that shifted without explanation.

Yato took a deep breath, trying to focus amidst the growing unease. The strange crowd that had seemingly materialized out of nowhere was unsettling, but he shook it off and focused his energy on sensing Ichigo's reiatsu. It wasn't hard, Ichigo's spiritual energy was always unrefined, like a lighthouse in the dark. Within moments, Yato located him on the second floor of the shopping mall and hurried toward him, his steps purposeful and sharp.

The crowd thickened as he neared Ichigo, and Yato could see his friend standing amidst a group of onlookers, his eyes raised toward the ceiling. People around him were murmuring, pointing upwards with expressions of awe and disbelief. Yato followed their gaze, and his eyes widened as he spotted Senna, effortlessly balancing on a thin wire strung across the shopping atrium, which was used to hang decorative lights.

Senna moved with the grace of a tightrope walker, her arms extended for balance, a serene smile on her face. She seemed completely at ease, her eyes closed as if she were enjoying the moment, the gentle sway of the wire beneath her feet giving her a sense of freedom. The warm light from the overhead lamps bathed her in a soft glow, adding to the almost surreal nature of the scene. For a moment, Yato could feel her joy radiating through her, a stark contrast to the tension that had been building since their strange encounter earlier.

But then, just as suddenly as she had captivated the crowd, Senna's foot slipped.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd below as she fell, their eyes widening in fear and shock. But before anyone could react further, something magical happened. As Senna dropped out of sight, a flurry of vibrant red leaves swirled into the air, carried by a gust of wind that seemed to come from nowhere. The leaves danced around the space where she had been moments earlier, shimmering in the dimming light, and then, just as quickly as she had vanished, Senna was gone.

The crowd surged forward, searching the lower floors of the mall, peering over railings and craning their necks to find her. Whispers of confusion filled the air, but there was no trace of the girl who had just fallen. Yato, now standing beside Ichigo, sighed deeply. He had a feeling where Senna would reappear.

"Behind us," Yato muttered, turning just in time to see Senna perched atop a small decorative structure that overlooked the second floor. She stood confidently, grinning like a performer who had just pulled off the perfect magic trick. She raised her hand in a victory gesture, her smile full of playful mischief. The crowd, still unsure of what had just happened, erupted into applause, convinced it was all part of an elaborate stunt.

"Come on, you two! Get up here!" Senna called, laughing as she extended her hands toward Yato and Ichigo like she was inviting them to share the spotlight in her performance.

Ichigo, clearly flustered by the whole ordeal, chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. Without much choice, he waved off the crowd with a sheepish smile. "Thanks, but we're done here," he said, grabbing Senna's hand and pulling her off the platform. Yato followed behind them, making a half-hearted victory sign to the crowd with a sarcastic grin as they exited the scene.

The trio made their way to a nearby food court, the bustling mall activity slowly fading into the background. The scent of fast food, grilled meat, fried potatoes, and sugary drinks filled the air as they ordered a their meal. They found a quiet corner, away from prying eyes, and sat down at a small table.

Ichigo leaned forward, eyes narrowed as he studied Senna. "Alright, Senna. I've been asking you for a while now... what do you know about the Blanks and this Shinenju?" His voice was direct, a clear sign that the fun was over and it was time to get down to business.

Senna, on the other hand, wasn't in the mood for serious conversation. She picked up her sandwich with enthusiasm, practically bouncing in her seat. "You know, if I'd known you guys were going to treat me to food, I would've answered your questions sooner," she said brightly, flashing a grin as she took a big bite of the sandwich.

Ichigo's patience was visibly wearing thin. "And…?" he asked, trying to steer her back to the topic at hand.

"And what?" Senna mumbled through a mouthful of food, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

"I already explained it," Ichigo said, his frustration barely hidden. "What do you know about these Blanks and the Shinenju?"

Yato, who had been quietly sipping his soda, glanced sideways at Senna as Ichigo spoke. Even if he appeared disinterested on the surface, he was paying attention.

Senna shrugged, swallowing another bite of her sandwich. "I have no idea. First time I've ever heard of Blanks or this Shinen-whatever." She waved her hand dismissively, clearly more focused on her food than the gravity of the situation. Ichigo's shoulders slumped as he let out a long, exasperated sigh.

"Shinenju…" Ichigo muttered, correcting her as he ran a hand through his hair, his frustration mounting.

"Yeah, yeah, that thing," Senna replied with a carefree tone, popping a french fry into her mouth. "So, someone's using those creepy little pixie-headed things to look for this Shinen-whatsit, right?" She seemed unfazed, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she teased Ichigo.

Ichigo gave her a stern look. "It's the Shinenju, and yeah, that's what I'm trying to figure out." His voice lowered slightly, the weight of the unknown gnawing at him.

Senna leaned back in her chair, looking up at the ceiling with a thoughtful expression, though it seemed more for show than anything. "Well then, who are these people that want it?" she asked, finally turning the tables on Ichigo.

Ichigo frowned, his eyes narrowing as he looked down at the table. "That's what I want to know…" His voice trailed off, frustration evident. He didn't have any more answers than she did, and it was starting to wear on him.

Senna, noticing his irritation, raised an eyebrow. "So, what does this Shinen-whatever look like?" she asked, her tone still playful, but there was a subtle edge of curiosity now.

Ichigo, however, had no response. He glanced over at her with a blank expression, and for the first time, he realized he had no idea what this Shinenju even looked like. "I… I don't know…" he admitted, his voice quieter now, the weight of their ignorance becoming more apparent.

As the conversation lulled into silence, Yato, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, took a brief, sharp glance at Senna when she asked about the Shinenju. His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than usual, though he said nothing.

Ichigo and Senna didn't seem to catch Yato's glance. Instead, Senna broke the brief silence with her usual carefree tone. "Well, whatever! I'll help you guys," she declared, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "But in return…"

Ichigo rolled his eyes, already sensing where this was going. "Here we go…" he muttered under his breath.

"I want you to take me there!" Senna exclaimed, pointing dramatically toward the giant Ferris wheel now glowing in the night sky.

Ichigo crossed his arms, his expression deadpan. "I'm not falling for that."

Ignoring his flat refusal, Senna turned to Yato with renewed excitement. "And you!" she said, grinning as she pointed directly at him. "You owe me a ribbon! You promised!" Her eyes sparkled mischievously as if challenging him.

Yato blinked, recalling their earlier conversation. "Oh, right…" he said, setting his soda down and reaching his hand beneath the table with a calm demeanor. 'Let's make her one,' he thought internally, half to himself.

'A special red ribbon, coming right up~~' Cheshire's voice purred, a slight echo reverberating in Yato's thoughts.

A subtle greenish glow flickered for a brief moment under the table, catching both Ichigo's and Senna's attention. They exchanged curious glances as Yato's hand reemerged, holding a small, neatly wrapped package. He placed it on the table, sliding it toward Senna with a sly grin. "Here. For you."

Senna's eyes widened in surprise and intrigue. "How did you do that?" she asked, immediately grabbing the little package and peeking beneath the table, her eyebrows furrowing in a failed attempt to figure out how he had seemingly pulled a gift from thin air.

Yato chuckled, his voice laced with teasing amusement. "You've got your tricks, and I've got mine," he said vaguely, watching as her curiosity morphed into pure delight.

Senna's curiosity quickly shifted to excitement as she eagerly unwrapped the gift. Her face lit up when she saw the red ribbon nestled inside. Her eyes sparkled with genuine delight as she held it up to inspect it. Without wasting a moment, she leapt onto her chair, pulling out the yellow ribbon currently tied in her hair and letting her long locks fall freely over her shoulders.

"You really like high places, huh?" Ichigo commented dryly, watching her precarious balancing act atop the chair.

"That's because when you're up high," Senna said, her tone softening as she glanced upward, her gaze fixed on the night sky, "all the stuff that looks confusing and messed up..." Her voice trailed off for a moment as she lost herself in the quiet beauty of the stars. "...suddenly becomes crystal clear." Her serene expression slowly returned to a gentle smile, and she hopped down from the chair gracefully before turning her face to Yato. "Thanks a lot!" she chirped, her voice brimming with excitement. "And now, about that Ferris wheel…!"

"No chance," Ichigo grumbled, folding his arms tighter across his chest. "High schoolers aren't exactly rolling in cash, you know…"

Senna puffed out her cheeks in mock frustration, a playful pout forming on her lips. "You're such a downer," she muttered before standing up abruptly and stomping off, as if deeply offended. Her exaggerated steps, however, felt more like a child throwing a tantrum than someone genuinely upset.

Ichigo watched her with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Where are you going now?"

"To the bathroom," she huffed over her shoulder, her steps still heavy with her pretend sulk. But as soon as she was out of their line of sight, her expression softened, and a mischievous grin spread across her face. The moment she slipped into the bathroom, her attitude completely transformed. She started skipping in excitement, clutching the red ribbon as if it were a priceless treasure.

Inside the bathroom, which was thankfully empty, Senna stood in front of the mirror and immediately began tying her hair back with the new ribbon. The red ribbon perfectly complementing her vibrant spirit. She admired herself in the mirror, striking a few playful poses, tilting her head, puffing out her cheeks, and pretending to be a serious model, only to burst into a fit of giggles. The bathroom felt like her own private stage, and she relished every second of it.

After a few more moments of admiring her new look, Senna straightened up, took a deep breath, and resumed her mock angry face. She rehearsed the perfect pout before heading back out to meet the others, determined to keep up the charade.

As Senna walked through the brightly lit shopping corridor, her playful steps suddenly slowed. Something unseen tugged at her heart, pulling her gaze toward a nearby window. Beyond the glass was a serene view of a river, its dark waters shimmering softly under the moonlight. The sight struck her with an unexpected wave of nostalgia.

"That river…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. The world around her seemed to fade as her thoughts were pulled back into a deep recess of her mind.

Memories surfaced, hazy but vivid, as if they were pieces of a dream long forgotten. She was no longer in the mall. She was a child again, small feet sprinting joyfully across a grassy field toward a man in the distance. His back was turned, his figure familiar yet shadowed. His hair was straight, neatly combed, though his posture was weary. Senna's heart fluttered with warmth as she called out, "Daddy!" Her young voice was filled with excitement, eager to be embraced.

As she reached him, the man turned to greet her with a gentle smile. His face radiated affection, though the lines of exhaustion were etched deeply. But just as Senna leaped into his arms, he vanished. She felt nothing but the cool wind rushing past her as the figure dissolved like mist.

Another memory quickly replaced the first. Senna stood at a funeral, her small hands clasped tightly in front of her. A somber crowd gathered around, dressed in muted black and gray. She could hear the quiet sobs of mourners and the soft rustle of the breeze through the trees. By her side was a woman, clutching a framed photograph of a man, a man with glasses and slightly wavy hair. His features were gentle, kind. He looked nothing like the man she had just seen in her earlier memory. Yet, somehow, this man was her father too.

The confusion in Senna's heart deepened. She felt a disorienting pull as her memories shifted once again.

She was back in a modest home, sitting at a small, cluttered dining table. The room was cozy, but humble. A different man sat across from her, slightly overweight, a jovial expression on his face. His laughter was infectious, and beside him sat a boy, his messy hair and bright smile filled with uncontainable energy. Senna knew this boy well. He grinned at her, eyes sparkling with warmth, like a brother. A woman, her hair tied back in a neat bun, entered the room with a bottle of beer, filling the man's cup as she joined the family.

Yet, despite the shifting faces, despite the radically different families, Senna's heart told her one undeniable truth: They were all her family. Each memory was real.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent corridor, Yato and Ichigo were leaning against the wall, their casual conversation keeping the mood light. The bustling hum of the mall was slowly diminishing, though neither had noticed yet.

Ichigo shifted uncomfortably, arms crossed, his brow furrowed. "Don't you think she's taking a little too long?" he muttered, clearly growing impatient.

Yato gave a shrug, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. "Well... in case no one ever told you, women can take their time in the—"

Ichigo shot him a sharp look, cutting him off before he could finish. "Don't even go there…"

Yato chuckled softly, but the tension quickly dissipated as something strange began to happen around them. The lively energy of the shopping mall, once filled with chattering voices, laughter, and footsteps, had faded into an eerie silence. The bustling crowds they had been surrounded by just moments before seemed to have vanished without a trace.

Ichigo straightened, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. "What the hell...?" he murmured, his voice dropping. "Where did everyone go?"

Yato, too, noticed the shift, his easygoing demeanor fading as he pushed himself off the wall. The corridor, once packed with life, was now oddly deserted. The air felt heavy, unnatural. It was as if the entire world had paused, leaving only the two of them standing in a quiet, ghostly void. It was as if something was tugging at their very existence, pulling them in a direction they didn't physically move towards. The pressure felt dense, heavy, like a force dragging at their bodies, though they remained standing in the shopping mall.

"Did you feel that?" Ichigo muttered, his brow furrowed. His fists clenched instinctively.

Yato nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Yeah..."

Ichigo's eyes darted around the now-empty shopping center, his concern growing. He and Yato had come to the same unsettling conclusion... Senna was gone. She left the shopping mall somehow.

Just as they prepared to move, another sensation rolled over them, a strange, tingling energy accompanied by a subtle breeze that rustled the remaining loose papers and bags on the floor. The faint movement of air felt deliberate, like a breath from an invisible force. Yato turned, his eyes scanning the area, immediately drawn to a new direction.

Ichigo growled under his breath, his patience wearing thin. "What the hell is going on now?"

"I don't know," Yato admitted, his gaze fixated on the opposite direction from where Senna had disappeared. "But... whatever this is, it doesn't feel connected to Senna."

Ichigo, still bristling with concern for Senna, glanced at Yato, his face tense with worry. "Fine. I'll go after Senna before she gets herself into trouble."

"Yeah, you do that," Yato replied, his tone casual yet focused, his eyes never leaving the spot where the strange new sensation had originated. "I'll check out whatever the hell this is."

Without further words, the two separated, each of them moving with urgency. Ichigo headed towards the last place he sensed Senna, while Yato turned his attention towards the unknown.

***

The city streets blurred as Yato dashed through them, his senses sharp and alert. The cool evening air rushed past him, and the sound of distant traffic hummed in the background, but Yato's attention was entirely elsewhere. He scanned the environment, seeking out any trace of spiritual energy.

For a moment, the trail was faint, like a thin thread of reiatsu hanging in the wind, but it was enough for Yato to follow. After several blocks, he finally felt it more distinctly... a weak but noticeable pulse of reiatsu. It was coming from a small, quiet park where children usually played during the day.

'Feels like the reiatsu of a Shinigami...' Yato thought, slowing his pace as he approached the park. The area was deserted at this time of night, the swings and jungle gym standing still in the dim glow of streetlights. It was eerily quiet, the only sound the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Yato, ever cautious, activated Reiraku, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the spirit ribbons that materialized in the air around him. White ribbons fluttered in the breeze, those of regular humans, far off in the distance. But in the center of the park, a single red ribbon stood out, the signature color of a Shinigami's reiatsu.

'Definitely not Senna's,' Yato confirmed. 'So... who the hell is this guy?'

As Yato stepped into the park, he spotted the Shinigami, a young man collapsed near the swing set. The figure was draped in the traditional black shihakusho of a Shinigami, his form still as he lay on the ground. Yato approached cautiously, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of danger.

The Shinigami's hair was dirty blonde, strands falling messily across his face, and he had two distinct pieces of hair framing either side of his bangs. He looked young, perhaps not much older than Yato, but his reiatsu was faint, almost nonexistent.

'Never seen this guy before...' Yato knelt beside him. The Shinigami was breathing, but barely conscious. 'The Shinigami responsible for Karakura Town is supposed to be Rukia… Did they send this guy as her replacement while she's in the Soul Society?'

Yato's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden sound of tires screeching to a halt. A car pulled up near the entrance to the park, and Yato's hand instinctively turned his attention to the noise, ready for anything. The car door swung open, and from inside stepped a figure Yato hadn't expected to see in a hundred years.

A loud, dramatic voice echoed through the park. "BOWAHAHAHAHA!! The century's premier specialist, Don Kanonji, is here!"

Yato stared in disbelief, his eyes wide as the flamboyant spiritual medium made his grand entrance, striding confidently toward the park as though he were walking onto a stage. Don Kanonji's flashy gold and blue outfit gleamed under the streetlights, and his signature laughter echoed obnoxiously in the still night.

'What the fuck…?' Yato's thoughts were a mixture of incredulity and sheer exasperation. Of all people... Don Kanonji had shown up.

Don Kanonji, with all the flamboyance he could muster, gave a dramatic wave in Yato's direction. "Fear not, boy!" he declared with his usual theatrical flair. "I am here to assure you that this spirit before you is no bad spirit!" He placed a reassuring hand on Yato's shoulder, standing with a puffed chest, as if he had single-handedly saved the day. "After all, he wears robes similar to my number one disciple!"

Yato blinked, struggling to process the absurdity of what was happening. He knew exactly who Don Kanonji was referring to. The mere thought of Ichigo being associated with this man brought an almost overwhelming urge to laugh. But all Yato could manage was an awkward chuckle, more out of disbelief than amusement.

'This night keeps getting better and better!' echoed the sarcastic voice of Cheshire in the back of Yato's mind. Yato's expression soured slightly, his irritation bubbling just beneath the surface.

As Yato tried to collect himself, the unconscious Shinigami stirred. Slowly, the young man began to wake, blinking groggily as his surroundings came into focus. His first words were mumbled, but Yato caught them clearly. "Huh… The Reishi is so thin here… this isn't the Soul Society, is it?"

Before Yato could respond, Don Kanonji, in a rare moment of normalcy, leaned forward and asked with genuine curiosity, "What are you talking about, kid?" His voice lacked its usual bombastic energy, which surprised Yato enough to make him raise an eyebrow. "This is Karakura Town's public park."

"Karakura Town?" The Shinigami's eyes widened slightly in confusion as he glanced around. "Are you both humans?"

"Yeah…" Yato said, eyeing the young man carefully, still trying to get a read on him. "And you? Who are you?"

The Shinigami, looking a bit sheepish, slowly got to his feet, brushing the dust off his dark shihakusho. His movements were unsteady, like someone still disoriented after a long nap. He looked between Yato and Kanonji before offering a polite bow, his voice more composed now. "Apologies for the confusion." He straightened up and offered a faint smile. "It's just… this world looks nothing like what I imagined. Or read about in books." His gaze shifted to the city skyline beyond the park, its distant lights twinkling in the night.

"I'm Fujimaru Kudō." he introduced himself with a respectful nod to both Yato and Don Kanonji.