The name Yuki Momoe now defined his third life, and Toshiro found himself amused at how fitting it was for him. Despite the exhaustion that came with growing up again, he was taken aback by how smoothly he embraced his new identity as a girl. It turned out that being Yuki was not as daunting as he first thought, and he settled into this life with ease. While there were things to learn, most adults overlooked any missteps, perhaps assuming he was just a child still finding her footing in the world.
Which honestly got on his nerves sometimes, although he understood the perspective of those adults. In his previous life, when he became a captain, many Shinigami looked down on him for his age, but he quelled their doubts by showcasing overwhelming power. Regrettably, he couldn't employ the same approach in his current situation, so he chose to accept it. After enduring this treatment for more than a hundred years, he knew he could handle a few more until he reached adulthood. Although he wouldn't openly acknowledge it, the idea of growing up in a few tens of years secretly pleased him more than he had expected.
Setting that aside, Toshiro encountered another issue that puzzled him, one that felt oddly familiar yet caught him off guard in this new life. Not long after adjusting to this life, he noticed that some people found him peculiar. He let out a silent sigh, realizing that certain things seemed to persist across his different lives. The memories of his time in Rukongai resurfaced, where others had shunned and feared him without any apparent reason, save for a few individuals. He hadn't expected to experience something similar in his third life, and he couldn't help but wonder if a curse followed him. He even pondered whether his first life as a human had been marked by similar experiences, wondering if he had always been perceived as an outsider.
Nonetheless, Toshiro's third life as Yuki Momoe wasn't too shabby, especially with the presence of his new twin sister. Nagisa possessed qualities that reminded him of his former captain and lieutenant - kindness, playfulness, and remarkable perceptiveness. Having her as a companion helped him redirect his thoughts from his friends most of the time. He believed they would be alright, but that didn't keep him from longing for their company. Thankfully, with Nagisa's presence, he felt a newfound sense of comfort, as if she was the missing piece in this new chapter of his life.
His new parents also provided a semblance of solace in the midst of his lingering worries. Growing up without such figures in his previous life, Toshiro found their presence to be unexpectedly reassuring. Although they couldn't compare to his beloved Granny, he still valued their genuine efforts. He understood their apprehension around him, but their ongoing attempts to care for him as their child left a positive impression. In his eyes, their determination to embrace him despite their fears was a commendable gesture.
Then again, he realized that it wasn't as if he couldn't reunite with his old friends. It was a matter of waiting, perhaps around 80 years or so, until he passed away and returned to the Soul Society once more. He understood that this was the longest he might have to wait, especially if his eventual death was due to old age. Of course, the unpredictable nature of life meant that unforeseen events could potentially hasten his return.
His musings led him to speculate on the intriguing reactions his friends might exhibit if he returned as an adult of the opposite gender. On one hand, he envisioned the fulfillment of reaching adulthood, a milestone he had long anticipated. On the other hand, he couldn't suppress a chuckle at the mental image of his friends' bewildered expressions and the headaches they might endure due to his unanticipated transformation. The thought of their diverse reactions brought a sense of amusement to his contemplation, a blend of surprise, perplexity, and perhaps a hint of annoyance.
However, he couldn't shake the apprehensions that occupied his thoughts about his afterlife. Foremost among them was the disheartening reality that the majority of souls lost all recollection of their past lives upon reincarnation. Only a select few managed to hold onto fragments of their former selves, and even fewer were exceptions who preserved their entire memory. He secretly hoped for a scenario where he'd come back in his adult form with his memories intact, yet he couldn't ignore the daunting likelihood that such a scenario was exceedingly unlikely.
Acceptance settles in Toshiro's heart as he contemplates the cycle of the soul that awaits him. While there is little he can actively change, he chooses to embrace the inevitability. The cosmic dance of rebirth and forgetting is a design with purpose, and he recognizes the significance of adhering to it. The memory of his life as a Shinigami, a departure from the norm, underscores the fragility of the cycle. With humility, he refrains from further disruption. Yet, in the quiet corners of his thoughts, a flicker of hope remains. Perhaps, by some serendipitous chance, he might carry remnants of his past into his return to the Soul Society. This hope, while faint, remains untarnished by his understanding of the cycle's necessity.
As he grapples with the acceptance of the soul's immutable cycle, Toshiro's mind wanders to the remarkable memory that has remained intact despite his transition into humanity. Contemplation leads him to ponder whether reporting this anomaly is the right course of action. The prospect of remembering a human life after returning to the Soul Society is rare enough, but to recall a past life within the Soul Society before the human world is unprecedented. He muses over the possibility that this might be a singular, fortuitous occurrence specific to him. Yet, caution prevails in his thoughts, prompting him to consider the potential wisdom in sharing this extraordinary revelation.
These contemplations usher in the weight of a decision once more. The urge to reveal this unprecedented revelation to the Gotei 13 contends with the reservations that have taken root in Toshiro's mind. The potential fate of being ensnared in the 12th Division's unquenchable thirst for knowledge stands as a deterrent. The specter of Kurotsuchi's insidious curiosity haunts his thoughts, and Toshiro cringes at the notion of being subjected to the Division's enigmatic experiments. Nonetheless, the presence of a ray of optimism remains, founded on the awareness that there are other Captains who he knows will oppose such an invasive proposition.
Amid these reflections, an alternative route comes into focus – Urahara Kisuke. The man who weathered false accusations and subsequent banishment now presents an intriguing prospect. Toshiro acknowledges the cloud of mystery that envelops Urahara, yet he also grasps the man's intellect and capability. The challenge stems from Urahara's fluid allegiance, often aligning with the Soul Society but not exclusively. This dual nature raises complex considerations, especially given the unorthodox decisions that the Gotei 13 might be compelled to make. Toshiro grapples with the idea of enlisting Urahara's assistance, wary of the man's unconventional tendencies. However, he also acknowledges the former Shinigami's proven resourcefulness and his willingness to act when the situation demands it. As he evaluates Urahara's character, Toshiro finds himself leaning toward trusting the man's unique perspective, even if it entails stepping into uncharted territories.
The realization dawns on Toshiro that seeking Urahara's assistance might indeed be the optimal path, yet the prospect leaves a bittersweet residue. As a Captain who has mostly adhered to the rules, he grapples with a sense of disloyalty. The notion of turning to a renegade figure like Urahara feels like a betrayal of his principles. However, when he juxtaposes this discomfort with the potential alternative of becoming an unwitting subject of experimentation, the choice becomes evident.
As Toshiro navigates the landscape of his impending decision, his thoughts drift to times when he consciously chose to step outside the lines in pursuit of what he believed was right. In contrast to the staunch adherence of Captain Kuchiki, Toshiro recognizes that sometimes the rules must be bent for the sake of practicality. The changing atmosphere within the Gotei 13, potentially influenced by a certain substitute Shinigami, fuels his belief that the repercussions of seeking Urahara's help might not be as dire as he initially thought. Now, his focus shifts to the logistical challenge of initiating contact with the enigmatic figure, a task he approaches with a blend of cautious optimism and strategic planning.
Toshiro's contemplation leads him to a pragmatic strategy - a journey to Karakura Town. While the prospect of enduring playful jabs about his change from a Shinigami to a diminutive girl looms, he recognizes that this is the most expedient option. The challenge surfaces when he ponders the logistics of the journey, considering the constraints of his new body and limited resources. However, a sense of calm washes over him, reaffirming that urgency isn't paramount; methodical planning and a gradual accumulation of resources will suffice. With resolve in his heart, he prepares himself for the path that lies ahead, characterized by meticulous planning and the virtue of patience.
As the blueprint of his pragmatic plan takes shape, Toshiro recognizes the essential first step – pinpointing the location of Karakura Town in relation to his current city. With this in mind, Yuki Momoe decides to enlist his parents' assistance. However, he is taken aback when the name of the town doesn't ring a bell for them. Suspicion tinges on his thoughts, yet he initially brushes it aside, attributing it to mere unfamiliarity. But when he studies a map and Karakura Town remains conspicuously absent, a pang of disquiet grips him. Instinctively, he senses that there's a deeper layer to this enigma, one that demands further investigation.