Chapter 3: Omaeda and Yoruichi

And I renovated the barracks at my own expense. Captain Soi Fon must think I'm her wallet or something.

Did you say something, Omaeda?

No, nothing.

You better not have. Anyway, you seem to have quite the look of accomplishment on your face.

Of course I do. I'm finally done with the renovations you ordered me to do.

Once we're done with this celebration party, my work is done.

Where's Lady Yoruichi?

I invited her, of course!

But the only person who came was...you.

Why the look? I came because you told me to come.

So, why is Yoruichi the special guest? She has nothing to do with barrack renovations.

The whole purpose of this renovation was so that Lady Yoruichi can spend her time comfortably here.

Oh, is that right?

That's why she's the special guest of this party.

Which makes you just an extra body, and here you are alone. Why?!

Yeah, about Yoruichi. We came to the Soul Society together, but she went somewhere right after.

Omaeda, go look for Lady Yoruichi.

What? But I'm the host! I'm in charge of this party!

If you want to call yourself a host, then you should make sure you have the special guest!

B-But I have no idea where she could have gone.

Take Ichigo Kurosaki with you. He was with her at least for part of the way.

Huh? Uh, but I'm just a guest too.

What was that?

No, nothing! He said nothing! Isn't that right?!

Alright! Let's go find Lady Yoruichi together!

But why do I... Ugh, fine. Okay, I'll go.

Hellooooo? Lady Yoruichi?

Where could she be? We came all the way out to the Rukon District.

I don't think we'll find her if we just keep looking around. We have to come up with an idea.

Oh, I know! Why don't we try luring her with the smell of her favorite food?

Lure her with food? She's not an animal.

But she can turn into a cat, right? Plus, I've got an infinite amount of money to spend.

It should be somewhat better than just searching aimlessly!

So tell me. What does Lady Yoruichi like?

Hmm, her favorite food? I can only think of canned cat food.

Canned food? I've never heard of that before. What are the ingredients to...

Ahhhhhh!!!

It's a Hollow! Everyone, get out of here!

A Hollow?

Uhh, it looks really, really strong.

You're a lieutenant, aren't you? You should be able to take care of it easily!

But I need to find Lady Yoruichi. Oh, I know! We'll split ways!

I'll continue to search, while you take care of the Hollow.

What?! Are you serious? Dealing with the Hollow should be priority!

Uh, yeah, I suppose.

Come on, let's go!

Hahhh! Final blow!

Groaaarrr...

*Pant* Ugh, why am I doing this...

You're way out of shape.

Hey, is everyone safe?

Y-Yes! No one's hurt. Thank you so much!

Heh...heheh. Yeah, not a problem! It's my job as a Soul Reaper to make sure you're safe!

Says the guy who tried to push his job on me.

Indeed, you guys did a great job.

Yoruichi?!

Lady Yoruichi! Where were you?! We were looking all over the place for you!

Oh, you were?

I hadn't visited the Rukon District recently, so I went to say hello to Kukaku.

You could've at least told me before you disappeared.

We finished our talk, and I was heading towards the Seireitei when I felt the Hollow's Spiritual Pressure.

But when I arrived, you guys were already here.

Now, Omaeda. That was an interesting fight you showed me there.

Oh, you think so? Thanks!

I mean, it's expected of me for being lieutenant of Squad 2, don't you think?

Hahahaha!

Indeed. The way you stole Ichigo's killing blow on that Hollow was quite skillful.

Oh, stop! It was nothing!

She's not complimenting you at all.

You look like you're having fun, Omaeda.

C-Captain Soi Fon?!

Chatting with Lady Yoruichi while you make me wait? You do know what's coming, right?

Ow, ow, ow! I'm gonna break!

There, there, Soi Fon. Don't give him such a hard time.

He defeated a Hollow in the Rukon District earlier, and helped to save the people there.

Er, if you insist.

But I do wonder about the integrity of the victory, seeing how he stole the final blow from Ichigo.

What?! That's not what you said earlier!

Hmph!

Owwww!!!

But the way you spoke with the villagers after the fight was a nice gesture.

There are many who fear us Soul Reapers because we have spiritual powers. Don't forget that this kind of communication is necessary.

It's exactly as you say.

Phew, I'm saved.

But it's also a fact that you were getting carried away with all the villagers' attention.

Hahhh!

Gaaaahhh!!!

Hahaha. Ahh, this is so much fun!

That's just cruel.

Don't you all need to go back and have your party?

H-Heeeeeelp!!!