Ch 52: With the right leverage, anything can be obtained.

Noah followed the not-a-cat to the back of the shop, to a back door with a small cat door at its bottom.

Noah waited for a moment, and the door opened. In front of him stood a tall, lean man with light skin and gray eyes, looking at him from under a dark green and white cap. He had messy, light brown hairs ending at neck level, had some chin stubble, and was dressed in a dark green kimono, and a black haori with white lozenges was put over his shoulders, similar to those worn by Shinigami captains, but with the colors reversed. He wore gettas on his feet, those old-fashioned Japanese wooden sandals, and held a cane with a curved handle in his right hand, who Noah knew to be his Zanpakuto in a disguised form.

Yoruichi was on the ground, a step behind him.

The man displayed a slight smile as he observed Noah, his eyes lingering for a moment on the sword at his waist.

“Hi. Welcome to my shop. I am Kisuke Urahara.”

“I am glad to meet you, Urahara-san. I am Noah Enfield. Not a Shinigami. But I intend to help Soul Society in the future, as long as we can come to an agreement.”

“So Yoruichi tells me. Please enter, it seems we have things to discuss.”

“Thank you.” Noah bowed slightly and entered.

Urahara asked him to remove his shoes and led him inside to a small private room. He pointed with his cane to one of the cushions placed around a low table and started preparing tea.

It seemed like discussing things around tea was an unspoken rule in this world. Not that Noah minded.

He also placed on the table a sakazuki, one of those red flattened cups used to drink sake, and filled it with milk. Yoruichi hoped on the table and sat in front of it.

Noah smiled at the not-cat willingness to stick to its role.

Once the tea was ready, Kisuke Urahara served him and then himself.

Noah thanked him, and started talking.

“I guess I should start by introducing myself properly. I am Noah Enfield, one of the Champions of the goddess Lilith. Lilith isn’t like the local gods from the various pantheons you may have heard about. She is a goddess on a completely different scale, having created hundreds, maybe thousands of worlds, and the one we currently live in is one of them. Until recently, she had been satisfied to let the mortals and local gods live using their free will, but she has grown dissatisfied with humanity’s reckless and self-destructive tendencies, and decided it was time to send one of her subordinates to conduct a few reforms. Which is where I come in.”

Noah paused to give them time to digest his revelations.

“It is The Soul King who created the world.” frowned Yoruichi.

“Not quite. The Soul King separated what then was the mortal world into three worlds. Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the human world. And his continued existence, painful as it is with him having reduced to his current state, ensure that the three remain separated. But the mortal world, the Underworld, and Hell already existed back then.”

“You mentioned reforms. What are they?” asked Kisuke Urahara as he looked at Noah thoughtfully.

“I want to put a permanent stop to wars between human nations, as well as between the supernatural factions, get humans to take climate change seriously, enforce human rights, that kind of things. The reforms I have in mind will be concentrated on the human world and the underworld. I do not intend to touch Hueco Mundo, and Soul Society only need some improvements about the quality of life of Rukongai residents, as far as I am concerned. As for Hell, the longer its gates stay shut, the better. Hopefully, by the time that particular crisis come, I’ll be strong enough to deal with it.”

“Are you implying the gates of Hell will open? And how do you know this?” asked Yoruichi, suspicion evident in his voice.

Noah shrugged.

“Before sending me to this world, Lilith has shown me a few things. About past events, and about the threats looming on the horizon. The one about Hell should materialize about thirteen, fourteen years from now, if the previous ones are dealt with successfully. But I’m not going to tell you everything I know. If the Gotei 13 were to be too obvious in its preparations, a very dangerous individual would take an interest in me, and I would die. If you want my help, you will have to help me in turn.” smiled Noah.

“…I’m not so sure about that. If what you say is true, I suspect you would act to at least ensure Souls Society survives, even if we were to show you the door tonight.” mused Urahara with a slight smile, as his eyes narrowed. Yoruichi nodded.

Noah tried hard to keep his face from showing any expression, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to fool the two old foxes. In the end, he sighed in defeat.

“Maybe, maybe not. But in either case, is it not in your interest to help me grow as strong as possible? I should point out that one of the gifts Lilith gave me is a complete immunity to things like curses and mental manipulation. Aizen’s shikai will be useless against me.”

Kisuke and Yoruichi looked at each other.

“That is another thing that puzzles me in what you said. You claimed that this Lilith sent you to essentially rule over most of the supernatural factions. But your request to learn Shunpo and what I feel coming from you suggests that you are far from being strong enough for this.”

Noah smiled awkwardly.

“Well, I may be one of her Champions, but I am new to the job, so to speak, and she is still testing me. I am also providing her with entertainment, and I have no doubt she is watching us right now. Growing stronger while overcoming the difficulties I’ll encounter is part of what she expects of me. If I fail, she will simply add this world to the responsibility of an older and stronger Champion.”

“And your Asauchi? Is it one of the gifts this Lilith gave you?” wondered Yoruichi.

“Yes.”

The truth was a bit more complicated, but Noah didn’t intend to reveal to them the existence of Asuna at this point.

“What do you know about Aizen?” asked Kisuke.

“I know a few things, including what he has been up to since you and Yoruichi-san left Soul Society. But I think I have told you enough already as a gesture of goodwill.” stated Noah.

As Kisuke and Yoruichi looked at each other again, Noah mentally crossed a finger and prepared himself to use Teleportation, just in case. If they refused to help him train, he would simply return to Hueco Mundo to grind levels and keep trying to learn demonic spells with Lizel and Miyabi, and hone his swordsmanship by sparring against Reina.

Finally, Yoruichi looked back at Noah.

“I will teach you Shunpo, boya. Even if what you just sold us turn out to be a bunch of crap, it is not too big a risk. But can you even learn? Normal mortals cannot manipulate their reiatsu.”

“I should be able to. Lilith made me compatible will all kinds of energy. Thank you for accepting my proposal.” Smiled Noah.

“Tell us, what Aizen is up to at the moment.” Asked Yoruichi.

“I do not know his current location, but he and one of his fellow traitors are often in Hueco Mundo. They have gathered a few dozen of strong hollows, mainly Adjuchas, but also four Vasto Lorde, and Aizen is strengthening them by making them part Shinigamis. They call themselves the Arrancar. One of the more problematic Vasto Lorde, named Barragan, can surround himself or project an aura that cause anything it meets to decay and rot in seconds, as if tens of thousands of years had passed. No mortal can approach him being almost instantly reduced to a skeleton, then nothingness, and ranged attacks will fizzle out the instant they get close. Barragan is, as a result, almost immune to both close range and long range attacks. But, I just happen to have been given an immunity to curse-like effects and immortality, so, for me, he's nothing much.”

“…I see. And you want us train you in secret, so that Aizen won’t become aware of you until… they launch an invasion of Soul Society?”

“That is correct, although that precaution is mainly for the enemy leader of the second crisis, a guy who can literally grant himself any power, including prediction and future sight. I do not want him to notice me until the time comes. So I’ll probably wear a disguise when I join you guys to fight Aizen... Anyway, could we start ASAP, please? There’s a place I have to go in 8 days, and I need to be able to use Shunpo by then. Something related to the human world and the underworld, Not Aizen or the Shinigamis.”

Kisuke nodded.

“Follow me, then.”

He stood, and Noah did the same. Yoruichi didn’t follow them as the Kisuke reached another part of the shop, taped the ground with his cane, and a camouflaged trap opened, revealing a stairway. Noah knew what was down there and didn’t show any surprise when they entered a huge training room. Huge, as in easily two hundred meters in width and length, and fifty meters in height. The room’s walls were made of metal, while the floor was compacted earth and was only mostly flat. Part of the room had been deliberately shaped to imitate a rocky area with large rocks.

“I knew about that place, but seeing it with my own eyes… It must have taken a lot of time.”

“Not so much, with the help of a few colleagues.”

Noah nodded thoughtfully.

“… Since we’re now allies, I’ll offer you one advice for free, Urahara-san. It’s about Ichigo Kurosaki. You should start training him ASAP as well. His potential for growth is only rivaled by my own, with his power being part Shinigami, Quincy and Hollow, and you will need him.”

“You really know a lot.” sighed Kisuke after a slight wince. ”Too much, really. I would be tempted to confine you and force you to tell me everything, if I didn’t suspect it would fail. You must have some trick up your sleeve to leave, or you wouldn't have taken the risk to meet us…”

Noah grinned as he created a set of training clothes and quickly started changing.

“You know me so well already!”

Noah had just finished changing when Yoruichi walked down the stairs, with her real form this time.

Yoruichi Shihoin was a slender but athletically built and well-endowed women with a light chocolate skin, golden eyes and waist-length purple hairs that she kept together in a ponytail. She wore black, slightly baggy pants, brown shoes, a black sleeveless undershirt and a short kimono-like top, orange in color, tied at her waist with a beige sash. She was beautiful, in a slightly exotic way, and Noah already intended to woo her eventually. She was one of the two women from the Bleach fiction that Noah really wanted.

But first, he had to focus on getting stronger.

“You’re no fun, boya.”

“Because I already knew you were a woman?” enquired Noah with a slight smile, and she nodded.

“Surprising people with my real appearance is one of my guilty pleasures. Anyway, let’s start your training. Shunpo is performed by circulating your reiatsu in your limbs and releasing it explosively…”

Noah listened with rapt attention. Shunpo, also named Flash Step, was likely going to be his core movement technique, and would be invaluable to him.

…

Kyouka was performing one of her usual katas, with Himari and Shushu doing physical training nearby and Nei was sitting nearby, focusing on surveillance, when someone abruptly appeared beside her.

Somewhat used to having a certain someone appear suddenly, she started retorting as she turned her head.

“Tenka, I told you alrea… Who are you?”

Kyouka didn’t quite point her sword at the newcomer, a cute girl with neck-length black hairs, amber eyes and a fairly impressive bust, dressed in an outfit that looked halfway between medieval or fantasy-like leather armor set and a figure-hugging leather bodysuit, black in color, but she immediately switched to a combat posture.

Himari and Shushu immediately stopped doing pushups and got ready to fight as well.

“I am Suzu Aizawa, one of Noah’s companions. It is nice to meet you all.” Said Suzu as she bowed slightly, keeping her hands away from the two daggers at her waist, and Kyouka slightly relaxed.

“Noah told me that you wanted to spar with someone who signed his soul contract. Since I do not have a sacred gear or any physical enhancement beside those provided by our bond, and only started martial training two years ago, I am the most suited opponent for you to evaluate the contract’s benefits.”

“He reunited with one of his companions already?” asked Kyouka in astonishment, as she relaxed further, and the other members of her squad gathered around them.

They introduced themselves in turn, and Suzu’s usual expression broke into a small smile as she greeted Nei.

“Thank you, Aizawa-san, for accepting my request.” Said Kyouka with a polite smile.

“I do not mind. And please call me Suzu. If you sign the contract, we will be like sisters.”

“…do you have many… sisters?” asked Shushu curiously, and Suzu nodded.

“One biological sister, my twin Kaede. As for my other adopted sisters, five, so far. They are all easy to get along with.”

“Hugh, so many rivals…” muttered Shushu, slightly dejected for an instant, before she suddenly perked up. Suzu smiled slightly, thinking that if she only knew… Still it seemed like Shushu, too, would soon join her family.

“Ahem, please follow me outside, Suzu.” Suggested Kyouka, and they all left the dormitory.

Suzu looked around curiously and stared at the moon, as it was her first time being in Hueco Mundo. She could also see a hollow far in the distance, and it ran away when it saw them.

“Suzu, do you have any special ability that doesn’t come from that contract?”

“…I have a magic called Hole. But I will not use it during the spar, and I can fly, as I became a reincarnated devil. I will not use it either.”

“A reincarnated devil?” Frowned Kyouka. The Anti-demon corps was only made of humans, at least as far as she was aware, and they avoided devils. But if it was just for a spar…

“Yes. A bishop piece was used in my case, so I did not get any physical enhancement from it.”

“A bishop piece? What is it?” asked Himari.

“Do you know how devils use Evil Pieces to reincarnate humans into devils?”

Seeing them all shake their heads, Suzu told them about the rating games and the Evil Pieces, and their effect.

“That is good to know. Thank you, Aizawa-san.” Nodded Kyouka. She then walked a bit away from the others and turned to face Suzu. Suzu also walked away, understanding it was time for the spar, and stopped when she was twenty paces away from Kyouka.

“Mas…Noah told me you were strong, and that I should be serious from the start.” warned Suzu as she unsheathed her daggers and got ready to use Stride, Armored and Maximize.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way!” confidently said Kyouka as she drew her katana.

“Ready?” called out Himari. When Kyouka and Suzu both nodded, she lifted her arm, and brought it down.

“Go!”

Kyouka started advancing toward Suzu, keeping her legs flexed and feet close to the ground to maximize her ability to make sudden movements, while Suzu immediately used Stride, Maximize and Armored. Suzu then launched herself forward.

Almost immediately after their blades clashed against each other, Kyouka’s expression changed, and she started falling back, trying to fend off Suzu and using the longer reach of her blade, but she was at a clear disadvantage when it came to speed and strength. It only took a few seconds for Suzu to deflect Kyouka’s katana far enough away to step within Kyouka’s range. Kyouka jumped backward in alarm, but Suzu followed, and placed the tip of one of her daggers close to Kyouka’s throat.

Kyouka froze in disbelief for a second before the lowered her arms in surrender, and Suzu took two steps back.

“You are strong, I could see it, in your swordsmanship.” Said Suzu with a nod.

“Not enough, obviously. Why are you so fast?” asked Kyouka bitterly.

Suzu looked at Nei, Himari and Shushu and waited for them to come closer before she answered.

“The contract gives me half of Noah’s passive body strengthening, making me three or four times stronger, faster and more resilient than before the contract. Those will grow over time, as Noah grows stronger. It also improves my attractiveness significantly. Stride, Armored and Maximize enhance them further, by a factor of about three.

“So, between nine a twelve times a normal person’s speed... No wonder I couldn’t block everything… And Noah is twice as fast and strong…” mused Kyouka.

“Do the contract give you more abilities?” asked Himari intently, and Suzu sheathed her daggers.

“Yes. I can speak, read and write in any language. I can teleport, cure severe injuries or deal with curses and poisons. I am immune to them, too. I can detect lies, create objects I have experience with, like those daggers, and need only three hours of sleep per day to be well rested. I can also make my touch more pleasant.”

“All those are skills that Noah shares with the soul contract. He possesses a few more than he can’t share, like being able to materialize food and making it taste more delicious than it should.”

“Ah! That’s why his massage felt so good the other day!” exclaimed Shushu.

“That’s a lot of abilities...” said Himari.

“And he will gain more over time, that he will share with us.” nodded Suzu.

“How long can you maintain the three techniques you used to enhance yourself?” inquired Kyouka.

“If I use all three… about two minutes, I think.”

“Do they have a demerit, like a period of weakness afterward or something?”

“No. As long as you do not use them to the point of exhausting yourself.”

Shushu, Himari and Kyouka nodded thoughtfully.

Two minutes weren’t much, but for those who had experienced many life and death battles, that was also an irresistible lure. Suzu carefully observed their expressions, and she understood that they were basically sold on the idea. She would get three new sisters very soon.