Modern World, 1956
The modern world’s technology was just beginning to develop, and the internet hadn’t even been born yet.
So, the first thing Yoruichi Shihōin did when she returned to the modern world was to go to the Urahara Shop and find Kisuke Urahara.
If Yoruichi were to search for information on “Gilgamesh” and “Uruk” herself, she would likely have to slowly comb through books in a library.
This was something Yoruichi didn’t even consider.
Researching through books was not only time-consuming and energy-draining but also incredibly dull and tedious—something Yoruichi absolutely couldn’t tolerate.
Urahara Shop
As soon as Yoruichi, in her black cat form, arrived, she heard Kisuke Urahara’s lazy voice, “Oh my, what brings you here today, Yoruichi?”
Ignoring his comment, Yoruichi directly asked, “Kisuke, have you ever heard of ‘Gilgamesh’ and ‘Uruk’?”
Kisuke paused for a moment.
Usually, when Yoruichi visited the shop, it was to relay news about the Soul Society, especially regarding Aizen Sōsuke. He hadn’t expected her to ask about this.
Seeing Kisuke’s surprise, Yoruichi continued, “Gilgamesh was a human—”
“King!”
The sudden exclamation interrupted Yoruichi, and she turned her sharp cat eyes to Kisuke, asking, “Oh, you know?”
Kisuke flicked open his fan with a swift motion, half-covering his face, leaving only his eyes visible under the brim of his hat. With an enigmatic expression, he replied, “Of course I know. But I’m curious, why would you want to learn about him?”
Kisuke knew Yoruichi well, understanding that her personality wouldn’t typically take an interest in a human king.
Without hesitation, Yoruichi recounted her experiences in the Soul Society and everything related to Gilgamesh.
Kisuke’s expression shifted as he listened.
He hadn’t expected such an intriguing person to appear in the Soul Society, someone attempting to establish an ideal kingdom in Rukongai.
And the changes in Inuzuri…
Being from Rukongai himself, Kisuke knew all too well what the “78th District” signified.
For Gilgamesh to bring such prosperity to the 78th district of South Rukongai in a short time—such skills and abilities were astonishing.
Yoruichi continued, “The boy’s name is Gilgamesh. He claimed to have been the king of the human kingdom Uruk.”
Before she could finish, Kisuke interrupted, “Impossible. There’s no way that boy could be Gilgamesh.”
Yoruichi was taken aback by Kisuke’s strong reaction. She asked, “Why not? Is it because the human king Gilgamesh didn’t exist?”
Kisuke put away his fan and looked at Yoruichi seriously, “I don’t know if Gilgamesh truly existed. But if he did, do you know how many years ago he reigned?”
Yoruichi, puzzled by the question, guessed, “A few decades?”
Kisuke shook his head gently.
“Centuries?”
Kisuke shook his head again.
Realizing something significant, Yoruichi’s expression grew serious, “How many years, then? Could it be thousands of years?”
Kisuke replied gravely, “Yes, approximately 6,000 years.”
The number struck Yoruichi like a thunderclap, her pupils narrowing to pinpoints, her face filled with disbelief.
It became clear why Kisuke insisted it was impossible.
Even Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, known to have lived for over 3,000 years, was still half Gilgamesh’s supposed age.
If Gilgamesh had indeed been the king of Uruk 6,000 years ago, his age would be double that of Yamamoto.
But how could that be possible?
If Gilgamesh had such a long history, his feats and abilities would have left legendary marks all over the Soul Society.
Moreover, Gilgamesh appeared as a boy around ten years old, not someone 6,000 years old.
Despite being spirits, Shinigami do age. Yamamoto, now over 3,000 years old, looked as old as an 80-year-old human.
The thought overwhelmed Yoruichi, making it difficult for her to think logically.
Kisuke continued, “In human history, it’s uncertain if Gilgamesh was a real person. He’s the protagonist of the ‘Epic of Gilgamesh,’ the oldest known hero epic in the human world.”
“It tells the story of the fifth king of Uruk, the oldest King of Heroes of humanity, Gilgamesh.”
“King of Heroes of Humanity.”
This title resonated with Yoruichi, making her wonder if Gilgamesh’s abilities and methods were only natural for such a figure.
Steadying herself, Yoruichi asked, “Kisuke, how do you know so much about Gilgamesh?”
Instead of answering, Kisuke went to a cluttered corner and began searching through a pile of items.
After a while, he retrieved a book that had clearly been read many times and handed it to Yoruichi, “Remember when you came to me a while back, and I was so engrossed in a book that I didn’t notice you? You asked me what I was reading.”
The memory surfaced in Yoruichi’s mind, and it dawned on her why “Uruk” sounded familiar.
Using her paws, Yoruichi took the book. The cover read “Epic of Gilgamesh” in bold letters.
Without hesitation, she placed the book on the table and began to read.
The opening page stated:
“Gilgamesh, a hero born of gods and humans, possessing ‘two-thirds god and one-third human’ divinity.”
“He is called the King of Heroes as the king of all heroes, the prototype of all myths and heroes.”
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