Chapter Text
It was his fault. He knew it before anyone named him guilty. He’d known he was in the wrong when he made the Hogyoku – even more so when he couldn’t destroy it. Instead, he sealed it – and sealed their fates.
No matter how good intentioned one is when making something, when someone uses your greatest work to harm others, you’re partially responsible. And, his Hogyoku had been used to do a lot of damage.
He’d known it would if it fell into the wrong hands (*cough*Aizen*cough*) and he’d tried to prevent that. But, as an outcast, his resources were limited. Needless to say, he’d failed.
He gathered his forces and the Gotei did everything they could, but nothing came of it. Aizen won.
Karakura Town was gone – destroyed to make the Oken. But, Aizen failed to create the Oken. In his anger, Aizen lost it. Aizen turned into a mindless beast, and went around destroying everything.
By the time they got to the battlefield, the Seireitei was destroyed. They got there just in time to see Aizen bisecting Ichigo. In a fit of rage, Isshin attacked Aizen, and was cut down. Now they had his attention, and Aizen attacked. Yoruichi had only just taken a defensive stance when Aizen ripped out her heart. Kisuke got his sword up to defend himself, knowing it was futile. Aizen ignored his sword, as it did nothing against Aizen’s hard skin.
Everything froze, with Aizen’s sword an inch from his eye.
Kisuke blinked in confusion. As soon as he did, everything changed. Suddenly it wasn’t Aizen in front of him, but another – a figure he’d only just heard about.
Kisuke knelt as deep as he could to the Soul King.
‘Urahara Kisuke,’ he heard the deep voice in his head, as the Soul King could not speak. ‘I have watched from the sidelines, hoping the Gotei would be enough to stop the threat that is Aizen. You and the Gotei have failed.’
Kisuke knew that, and felt the guilt cutting deep in his chest.
‘Were it possible, I would punish Yamamoto and the elder Shinigami for their hubris. Aizen’s punishment for attempting to create the Oken was losing his mind, and my Royal Guards will take care of him. You are the only guilty party left to punish,’ Reio spoke coldly, emotionlessly.
‘I understand and willingly accept any punishment you deem fit,’ Kisuke thought back. Something told him speaking aloud wasn’t allowed.
‘Naturally,’ Reio said imperiously. ‘If I did not need to use you, I would destroy your Soul completely.’
Kisuke didn’t even flinch. He deserved it for everything he’s done.
‘I do need you, though. You shall be tasked with stopping this, and any future threats, from destroying Soul Society or the balance of the worlds,’ Reio ordered.
‘As you wish it, I shall strive to complete,’ Kisuke agreed.
He got no response from The Soul King. With another blink, he was once again in front of Aizen. Before his mind could comprehend anything, he felt Aizen’s sword enter his eye and go through his head. He was flung off of Aizen’s sword and slammed into the ground before everything went black.
*
Kisuke sat up in surprise, sweating profusely and breathing heavily.
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Everything is wrong!
He was dead – no he was alive. He could see – yet he couldn’t. His senses felt dulled, as if he were wrapped up in an invisible blanket. Everything seemed muffled – quiet. Sounds were quieter, colors muted. Everything felt wrong!
Blinking, he tried to comprehend what was happening, thus he noticed it. His left eye was missing – in its place a mess of scar tissue. Feeling the area, he realized the whole eye was gone. The scar extended past his eye, going to the left. He followed it with his fingers as it went sideways, through his ear.
He remembered: Aizen had stabbed him through the eye and flung him off his sword. He had cut through his whole head.
But, he was alive? Yes, he remembered, The Soul King had given him a mission – to stop Aizen. No, Reio said to stop THIS not stopping AIZEN. THIS would likely be the destruction of Soul Society. That meant that right now, Soul Society wasn’t destroyed.
Looking around showed Kisuke he was in an old den – one that had been destroyed when he turned fifty. Suddenly, he knew his age – he was 47 years old. His body was small, weak, young.
Had… had Reio… sent his Soul back in time? Logically it was possible. Why? To stop Soul Society’s downfall and to protect it from future threats.
To do that, he needed to get stronger. His body right now wasn’t the honed body he’d once had (or would it be ‘would have had’?). He needed to train.
Standing up, he moved around his den, collecting what he’d need. Not that he had much, mind you. As a child alone in the 80th East District, his survival meant not hoarding. So, he gathered his small bag of food (only enough for two mouthfuls) and a blanket (he had no weapon).
Wearing the blanket like a hood, he left everything behind.
*
Kisuke couldn’t Shunpo (or even Hoho) but he could move quickly. He made the barrier in three hours, and he kept going. And going. And going.
He passed through the 70th Barrier before he stopped in a town to get some food. He had two options: steel money or steel food. Kisuke was still weak, so fighting was a no go.
Despite his weak body, he still had quite a few of the skills he’d picked up throughout the years. With his small frame, sharp eyes, and nimble fingers, pickpocketing was the best option. He delved into the crowds. By the time he got to the food vendors, he had enough coins to make a purchase.
“Get lost, you brat,” a vendor shook a fist at him when he stopped at his stall.
Kisuke wasn’t offended – he WAS a rather filthy brat. “A bag or rice and a jar of water, Kuso Jiji,” he ordered. He held up a few coins to show he had the money.
[Kuso Jiji – damned old man]
The man looked at him in surprise, then at the coins. He’d been so sure that Kisuke was there to steel his wares that he hadn’t even thought he would pay. He slid over the requested items and accepted the coins.
Kisuke accepted his purchases and left with his arms securely around the water jug. He knew several thugs were following him (likely seeing him as an easy target), but he surprised them with his speed. Just because he couldn’t use Hoho doesn’t mean he couldn’t use his Reiatsu to reinforce his body to move faster. By the time the ruffians got to the edge of town, Kisuke was half a KM down the road, and going. As if such low-leveled thugs could follow HIM.
Once out of view, he stopped long enough to eat a handful of rice and take a swig of water before continuing on his way.
*
It took him a week to reach his destination. A hidden area he’d found purely be chance when he was in the Omni. It was in the 37th District, several KM from several towns. He opened up the cave and made his way inside an area once used by Kirinji Tenjiro – the Healer of the Zero Division.
He used his Reiatsu to create a ball of light (a rather easy technique) and he made his way in. He saw the onsen and smirked. Yes, this is exactly what he needed: a secure den and a healing onsen to help with his training. He would stay here, honing his techniques. Planning and plotting, until he was strong enough to enact his plans.
He sat his bags down and prepared to make this his new den.
On his trip in, he’d collected a lot of things he’d need – mostly clothes, food, and money. He’d even gotten his hands on a pair of getas, so he wouldn’t stand out.
But, first, a bath. He was filthy.
*
It took thirty years before he felt himself strong enough. He knew he had time, as he was 77 right now; 160 when he’d been made a Taicho; and 162 when he’d been framed by Aizen. So, he had time. He’d been 80 when Yoruichi found him, and he almost wished he could stand by her side again, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t afford to get lost in the Omni – it would take too long to gain the reputation needed for freedom in the Omni.
No, he had other plans.
He closed the entrance of his den, as it had once been sealed before he’d found it. If he needed it again, it would be best to have it undisturbed.
After thirty years, he left the 37th District. He traveled for days, suppressing his Reiatsu as much as he could.
He arrived in the 1st East District two weeks before Shin’o’s entrance exam. He first went to the academy’s administration building and signed up to take the exam. He agreed to the rules and went to find lodgings.
With two weeks until the exam, he was able to get good lodgings. He knew the town would be swamped with Shinigami wannabes days before the exam, and lodging would be difficult to come by – causing trouble for the townsfolk.
It was a prediction that came true. Soon, inns ran out of room and the rowdy started causing trouble. People were thrown into jail and would miss the exam for causing trouble. Kisuke stayed in his inn, only coming down for food, to stay out of trouble.
When the exam day came, Kisuke left the inn with a thank you to the family that owned the inn. At the gate, he took his first steps onto Academy grounds. He’d never been here before, but that posed no issues.
He followed instructions and made his way to the classroom. He showed off his literacy (not a guaranteed, as most people were illiterate) and passed the test (deliberately only just passing, so he wouldn’t stand out too much).
Then he went to the gym to show off his fighting prowess (while still suppressing 60% of his Reiatsu).
He passed and landed in the advanced classes.
Not many were happy to have a street rat from the 80th in the Advanced classes, but they couldn’t argue it.
They did try, often blaming Kisuke for a myriad of things. But, he’d been falsely accused before, and he wouldn’t let it happen again. He always had an alibi – most often in the library. The librarian took a liking to him (he was there often, didn’t cause a disturbance, and he treated the books and scrolls with respect) and she backed up his alibi, letting them know he’s been there for hours.
A mere three months into the year, his Asauchi was officially a named Zanpakuto, catching the attention of every Taicho.
Six months in, he was only suppressing 45% of his Reiatsu, and could use Kido (Bakudo and Hado) up to 45 chantless. When he utilized Kaido, they were speechless. He was first in every class.
He had met every Taicho, even the still alive Taicho of the 10th (Kisuke thinks he’ll die in sixty years, or so). It was painful to meet Yoruichi and the Vizards-that-will-never-be. Meeting Hikifune and seeing Hiyori smiling was a bit surreal. Then he met with Yamamoto and Sasakibe. Their Reiatsu was terrifying, but he forced himself to keep suppressing his Reiatsu rather than letting it rise to protect himself from their heavy Reiatsu.
Each Taicho approved of him, even Kiganjo.
Then he met Aizen.
He had to be glad it was after Kido class, so he didn’t have Benihime on him (though his hand did twitch towards a hidden blade, and he had to stop himself).
“You must be Urahara-San,” Aizen said with a nice smile.
Kisuke wasn’t fooled, but he played along. “Yes, Sir,” he replied with a bland smile. “Um…”
“Oh, sorry. I’m Aizen Sousuke, Fukutaicho of the 5th,” Aizen introduced himself.
“Ah, Hirako-Taicho’s 2nd,” Kaisu said with a smile, as if finally making the connection. He saw Aizen’s lips twitch minutely, and felt pleased that the dig landed. “I’m honored to meet you, Aizen-Fukutaicho.” Kisuke bowed to Aizen.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Aizen replied. “I’m curious. Doesn’t your hair get in the way?”
“Not at all, Sir,” Kisuke responded. He wore his hair long over his missing eye. He didn’t like the feeling of an eyepatch, so he just let his hair grow. He swept his hair to the side so Aizen could see the scar future Aizen had given him.
“That looks rather painful,” Aizen noted with false sympathy.
“Not at all,” Kisuke denied, letting his hair go. “Or, if it was, I don’t remember. It was like that when I awoke in the 80th.”
“Well, that’s merciful,” Aizen remarked.
“Indeed,” Kisuke agreed. “Is there anything I can do for you, sir?”
“No, I just wanted to meet you. I was heading to my calligraphy class when I saw you.” Aizen said.
“I see. Unfortunately, I need to get going, or I’ll be late for my next class,” Kisuke said mournfully – as fake as Aizen.
“Well, I wouldn’t want you to be late,” Aizen remarked. “Have a good day, Urahara-San.”
“Thank you, Aizen-Fukutaicho,” Kisuke said with a small bow.
Both of them walked away thinking they won the point. But, the point went to Kisuke, who saw right through Aizen.
Internally, Kisuke was smirking. Finally, Aizen had made his move. He made his way to his Hakuda class is a good mood.
Two months before the end of the year, he was called into the Headmaster’s office to be told he would be graduating this year.
Kisuke accepted the paperwork (because of course there was paperwork) with a bow.
He had to fill out which Division he wanted to go into. He could request a specific Division, but that didn’t mean he would be accepted. Kisuke had decided which Division he wanted a long time ago.
Not the 1st, as it was too prestigious and too far from Aizen. Not the 2nd, for previously stated reasons. Not the 4th or the 13th, because Unohana and Ukitake were too protective of their Shinigami. Not the 6th because being under a Kuchiki (any Kuchiki) was asking for trouble. Not the 8th because Kyouraku would drive him insane (as a scientist, he thrived from controlled chaos. Kyouraku’s offices are pure chaos, with little control on most days). Not the 11th, because he was good with Kido and Kaido. Not the 12th because he didn’t want to deal with Hiyori right now.
That left the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 10th.
He filled out his top three choices (in triplicates) and filed everything.
Now all he could do was wait.
*
Kisuke officially graduated within a year. It was rare for a non-noble to graduate early, so it was a big deal.
As he’d hoped, he was accepted into the 5th.
“Welcome, Kisuke-Chan,” Shinji smirked at him from behind his desk.
Kisuke knew it was Shinji’s habit to try and annoy people – to see what their limits were, so he rolled with it. “Thank you for having me, Hirako-Taicho.” He used an overly polite tone, specifically to annoy Shinji.
Even though Shinji’s smile didn’t faulter, Kisuke knew he was annoyed. He’d known him too long and knew his tells. His eyes sharpened and his eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
“I expect a lot from ya, Kisuke-Chan. Try not ta die too soon, ya?” Shinji taunted.
“I’ll do my best, Hirako-Taicho. Thank you,” Kisuke replied with a pleasant (fake) smile. He knew it would annoy Shinji. Maybe he shouldn’t be antagonizing Shinji, but it was just too much fun to ruffle his feathers.
And, annoy him it did. Kisuke found himself sent on several missions ‘to test his strength’.
It took three months of heavy sighs and almost grumbles for Aizen to make his move. Quiet questions and sly innuendos that caught Kisuke’s attention. Insinuations and understandings were Kisuke’s response. Genius to genius – megalomaniac to megalomaniac.
It took only six months for Aizen to invite Kisuke into his plot.
Maybe it was because of Aizen piercing him with his Zanpakuto when he killed him, or maybe it was because of the Soul King, but Kisuke could tell when Aizen was using an illusion. Kisuke reacted to the illusions, giving Aizen the impression that Kisuke was under his spell.
When he was alone, Kisuke made notes about the illusions – what he saw versus what Aizen wanted him to see. This was hidden – his ace up his sleeve. One of many. Aizen didn’t know about them, he was sure. Though, even if he WAS aware, Aizen wouldn’t let it be known. Aizen would just chuckle to himself and think Kisuke naïve.
Kisuke couldn’t write his notes in his room, as Aizen had it bugged. Luckily, Kisuke knew a Kido spell that would expand his pockets without making them appear bigger (a unique spell he and Tessai had created together). He hid his notebook, ink, and pen in his pockets.
After a year in the 5th, Shinji decided to shake things up by holding a ranking tournament. As an unranked member, Kisuke didn’t HAVE to participate, but Aizen encouraged him to enter. So he did.
Kisuke fought his way up to the 3rd seat by mixing his Shikai with Kido. No one, not even Aizen, seemed to notice he was still holding back quite a bit – only using about 70% of his Reiatsu.
For the first time in his life, Kisuke earned the respect of the Shinigami under him. Those he beat admired his strength, and those that watched were glad to not be going against him.
He did face Aizen but he lost on purpose. He wanted Aizen to think he was a lot stronger than Kisuke, to let him think he had the upper hand.
Shinji was even more suspicious of him, and Kisuke did nothing to alleviate his suspicions. He NEEDED Shinji to be suspicious of him.
Now that Kisuke was the 3rd seat, he was tasked with leading trips into the Rukongai and helping those under him to get stronger. Luckily, his time training Ichigo helped him in that regards – he knew how to hold back so he didn’t accidentally kill someone.
There were even times Aizen used his illusions to make Kisuke look like him, so Aizen could sneak around.
This went on for decades, until Kisuke was ready to make his next move.