Chapter 3: Chapter 2
Outside his shop, Kisuke awaited Captain Soifon, who Head Captain Yamamoto had informed him of her impending arrival in the Human World for relaxation purposes.
With a slight grin, the blonde shopkeeper gazed at the sky, eager to witness the upcoming weeks' events, despite Soifon's known dislike for him.
Kisuke had devised plans for Soifon's entertainment, confident she would appreciate them. He anticipated a brief adjustment period for her, so today's agenda focused on acquiring essentials for her week-long stay.
As the former Twelfth Captain awaited Soifon's arrival, Tessai emerged from the shop, asked, "Mr. Urahara, when is Captain Soifon arriving?"
"She should be here momentarily," Kisuke replied, peering through his hat as the Senkaimon portal opened, revealing a small figure stepping out.
Kisuke grinned as he watched Soifon land lightly on the ground before him. "Hello, Soifon," he greeted, earning a cold look from the tiny captain. "Hi," she replied.
"How have you been?" Kisuke asked, leading the captain inside his shop, where her gigai rested in a room where she would stay during her visit.
Soifon followed Kisuke inside and shrugged dismissively. "Okay, I guess. And you? Still messing around with those ridiculous experiments?" she inquired, her eyes scanning the shop. Despite her attempt to feign politeness, her true nature remained evident.
"I'm well, and delighted to have you visit," Kisuke replied, chuckling at her question. "No, I assure you, I won't engage in such activities while you're here."
Soifon nodded slightly as she glanced around. "I've placed your gigai in this room," Kisuke informed her, leading her to a chamber near his own. "You may enter it, and we can retrieve some necessities for you."
The raven-haired woman nodded. "Okay, thanks," she said, walking into the room and leaving Kisuke waiting outside. "Take your time, Soifon," the blonde said and went to wait for her with a grin.
Soifon sighed as she stared at her gigai lying on the floor, shaking her head. "At least Kisuke knows how to dress a gigai," she muttered, walking over to it.
The gigai wore a blue and yellow long-sleeve shirt with a small hood, jet black jeans, and white shoes with small specks of yellow.
Soifon picked up the gigai and closed her eyes as she phased inside the body. She took a deep breath and moved its arms, making sure they worked. "Okay, arms move just fine," she whispered, and she wiggled her toes to ensure they moved properly.
Once satisfied with the functionality of her gigai, Soifon exited the room and went in search of Kisuke, who was likely waiting outside.
The captain exited the shop to find Kisuke waiting with his familiar grin. "Ready?" he asked, addressing the spirited woman.
"Yes, my apologies for the delay," Soifon replied, descending the steps to join him. "I needed to ensure the gigai was functional."
Kisuke shrugged dismissively, maintaining his grin. "No problem, the day is still young," he said, leading her away from the shop. "We can begin now, and I assure you, it won't inconvenience me."
Soifon nodded, following Kisuke. "What necessities do we require?" she asked, her hands in her pockets.
"Items such as toiletries, clothing, or perhaps something you find appealing," Kisuke explained, adjusting his stride to accommodate her shorter height.
The captain nodded and kept her eyes on the street as she walked beside Kisuke. "What would you recommend I get?" Soifon asked, following him into a store filled with various items.
"If you'd like my opinion, I'd suggest getting some snacks or anything you desire; it's my treat," Kisuke said with a smile, grabbing a small basket to hold the items. "Are you sure?" Soifon asked, looking at the blonde.
Soifon couldn't fathom why Kisuke was being kind to her, considering her treatment of him. However, she decided it was simply his nature.
"I'm certain. You're the guest here, and besides, the money provided by Soul Society isn't valid in this world," Kisuke explained, leading the captain towards an aisle he believed she would enjoy once he had assisted her in selecting shampoo and conditioner.
Following behind Kisuke, Soifon ensured she didn't lose sight of him, unaccustomed to such establishments. Her time in the human world was primarily limited to missions.
Kisuke led her to a display of stuffed animals. "Thought you might enjoy choosing one," he said. "Could make you feel a bit more at home."
Soifon scanned the options, noting the absence of black cats. However, she spotted cats with markings. "What are those?" she asked Kisuke, who smiled.
"The orange ones with stripes are tigers," Kisuke explained. "They're large cats. And that one with spots is a leopard."
Soifon looked perplexed. She was unaware of the existence of large felines.
"There are various types of big cats with unique personalities," Kisuke explained. "However, due to their potential danger, they cannot be kept as pets."
Soifon nodded. "Besides tigers and leopards, what other types exist?" she inquired curiously, her hand reaching for a golden-furred cat beneath the tiger. "What kind is this one?"
Kisuke smiled. "That is a lion, the ruler of the jungle," he said. Soifon's face clouded with confusion. "A king?" she asked, holding the cat close to her chest.
"How about we find a book about big cats?" Kisuke suggested. "It will provide you with more information than I can give you verbally." Soifon nodded in agreement. "Is that what you wish?" he asked, noticing that she had yet to return the cat.
"Sounds good," Soi Fon agreed with Kisuke's suggestion to find a book on big cats.
She looked at Kisuke, then at the lion cub in her arms, contemplating which one to choose. "Which one should I get?"
"I recommend the lion," Kisuke advised with a smile. "You've shown no inclination to part with it." He paused. "And if I may be so bold, I see a similarity between you and the lion."
Soi Fon raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"Lions are known for their strength, intelligence, and leadership qualities," Kisuke explained, causing Soi Fon to blush slightly.
"And speaking of which," he continued, guiding her to the checkout counter, "let's finalize your purchase."
"What?" Soi Fon asked, her voice curious.
Kisuke smiled at her. "You'll agree," he said, selecting books on big cats and adding them to the basket. Soifon nodded and followed him to the checkout.
As they stood in line, Soifon stood close to Kisuke, her eyes scanning the crowded room. "We'll be out of here soon," Kisuke reassured her.
The young Soul Reaper blushed as her stomach growled, realizing she hadn't eaten in a while. Kisuke's grin widened. "Hungry, are we?" he teased.
Soifon glared at his amusement. "No!" she huffed, turning away with an air of indifference. Kisuke chuckled. "Are you sure, Captain?" he asked with a smirk.
"I assure you, I'm not..." Soifon attempted to protest again, but her stomach rumbled interjecting with its own declaration, prompting her to growl in a mix of hunger and frustration. "Fine, I'm hungry."
Kisuke chuckled softly. "Once we're finished here, we can grab a bite to eat," he said, his tone soothing as he settled the bill for their purchases.
Soifon nodded in agreement and assisted him in carrying the bags back to the shop. "Thank you," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Kisuke nodded in response and led the Captain back to their destination.