Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Chapter 47

Yuichi's priority was to find new clothes and tend to his wounds before returning to the Seireitei. He knew that arriving in his current state would likely raise suspicion and lead to questions he wasn't prepared to answer.

Making his way through the edge of the Rukongai district, he found some dirty rags in an alleyway. Using those rags he covered and wrapped his zanpakuto, effectively hiding it. Walking around trying to find some clothes to change into, Yuichi spotted a run-down house on the edge skits of the district.

Looking through the window, he saw that nobody was inside so he entered, and looked around for some discarded clothes. When he entered a room with two futons he realized that this rundown house wasn't abandoned and tried to leave.

As he turned to leave he came face to face with a young boy with white hair. Yuichi froze as he came face to face with the young boy who would one day become the captain of the 10th Division in the Gotei 13, Tōshirō Hitsugaya. Hitsugaya's white hair and striking appearance were unmistakable, even at such a young age.

Tōshirō, who was standing by the door, looked up at Yuichi with a look of suspicion. His large turquoise eyes studied Yuichi intently as if trying to assess the situation. "What are you doing in my grandma's house?"

Yuichi dropped his covered zanpakuto and raised his hands in an effort to look non-threatening. "Hello, sorry, I didn't know anybody lived here. I was just looking for some clothes. As you can see, these ones are too damaged, and I'd draw too much attention looking half-naked like this."

Tōshirō continued to regard Yuichi with a skeptical gaze, his young face showing a large amount of distrust. He clearly wasn't convinced by Yuichi's explanation. "You're not from around here," he stated, his voice carrying a tone of suspicion.

Yuichi nodded, deciding that it would be best to be honest with the young boy. "You're right. I'm not from this district. I'm a soul reaper named Yuichi from the Seireitei." He paused, gauging Tōshirō's reaction. "I got into trouble with some hollows in the forest, and I needed to find new clothes and a place to tend to my wounds before heading back."

Tōshirō's turquoise eyes widened in surprise at Yuichi's revelation. He seemed to ponder the situation for a moment before speaking again. "A soul reaper? You don't look like one. What happened in the forest?"

Yuichi hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much he should reveal to the young boy. "I was ambushed by a group of hollows. I managed to survive, but I got pretty banged up in the process. I'm just trying to get back to the Seireitei now."

Tōshirō continued to assess Yuichi, his suspicion evident in his eyes. He was a sharp and perceptive child, and the situation was clearly making him cautious. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded in acknowledgment of Yuichi's explanation.

"Alright," Tōshirō said, finally letting his guard down slightly. "You can have some clothes, but if you're really a soul reaper, prove it."

Yuichi nodded in understanding. "Of course. I'll prove it to you." He wondered how he could demonstrate his abilities to the young Tōshirō, who was still years away from becoming a soul reaper himself.

Tōshirō crossed his arms and fixed his gaze on Yuichi, as if challenging him to show his true nature. Yuichi was still running low on reishi so he simply pulled out his wrapped zanpakuto and showed him the kido for Hadō #1 Shō (衝, Thrust).

Seeing the kido demonstration seemed to reassure Tōshirō, and he went to fetch the promised clothes for Yuichi. While he was away, Yuichi took a moment to recover some of his energy by focusing on his breathing and gathering reishi from the environment.

When Tōshirō returned, he was carrying a set of clothes that looked like they belonged to an older boy. He handed them to Yuichi. "Here, put these on. They should fit you."

Yuichi accepted the clothes with gratitude. "Thanks, kid. I appreciate your help." He quickly changed into the new attire, feeling more presentable now. It was a relief to be out of his damaged clothing.

Tōshirō watched Yuichi carefully as he changed, still a bit unsure but seemingly willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. "My name's not kid, it's Tōshirō Hitsugaya. So are all soul reapers as old as you?"

Yuichi finished changing into the clothes provided by Tōshirō and looked back at the young boy. "Sorry about that, Tōshirō. My name's Yuichi Toshikyo." He chuckled at the question. "No, not all soul reapers are as old as me. I might look older than a few, but anyone at any age can apply to the academy so long as you feel confident enough to pass the exams."

Tōshirō seemed to ponder Yuichi's explanation for a moment. "So, you're a soul reaper, and you went to the academy? What's that like?"

Yuichi couldn't help but smile at Tōshirō's curiosity. The boy would grow to become one of the strongest captains at a very young age. "Ah, it's a pretty interesting place where we learn everything from combat skills to spiritual awareness and kido. It can be tough, but it's also where you make friends and prepare for your duties as a soul reaper."

Tōshirō's turquoise eyes lit up with interest. "Wow, that sounds really cool. But you seem pretty weak for a soul reaper. Did you just start or something?"

Yuichi couldn't help but laugh at Tōshirō's words, "Yeah, I'm pretty weak right now, so I'm working on getting stronger. Next time you see me I'll be stronger than you can imagine."

Tōshirō's curiosity was piqued by Yuichi's words, and he seemed intrigued by the idea of someone striving to become stronger. "I'll hold you to that, Yuichi. Anyways, you should get going before Grandma gets back. She can be pretty strict."

Yuichi nodded in agreement. "You're right, Tōshirō. Thanks again for your help and for the clothes. I'll be sure to pay you back at a later time. Take care, and I'll see you again."