Chapter 1: Summer in the Human World

Ichigo! Let's make a noodle slide!

Why all of a sudden?

I was watching a television show on things you do in summer in the world of the living.

As a Soul Reaper, it's my job to research current culture and report back to the Soul Society.

That's why I've decided to experience these summer events myself.

In other words, you're trying to play around and use work as an excuse.

Hey, that's rude! This is in fact highly related to my work assignment here in the-

Yeah, sure. So, where did you plan to set up a noodle slide? It takes up a lot of space.

Hmm.

Oh, I know. We can use the outdoor area next to Urahara's Shop.

And now that it's decided, let's head over to his place!

Hey! Don't go running off in this blazing hot weather!

So that's the plan. Do you think we can use your place, Kisuke?

That sounds like a fun summer event. Sure, I don't mind.

Do you mind if we join you?

Of course you can.

Hey, Rukia. So you've secured a place for this, but how were you planning to get the water slides for it?

Hahaha. Don't you worry about it.

I already have them prepared!

Well, I'm the one who actually prepared them.

Renji? It's like you're always doing random chores for people. Are you that bored?

Shut up! I'm not that bored! I'm busy sometimes too!

(Just sometimes, I see.)

Renji! This isn't enough bamboo!

Huh? No way. How many pieces do you think I brought?

What the?! How long are you planning to make it?!

The one I saw on the television was even longer than this!

That's because it's TV!

If they can do it, we should be able to do it too. Renji, Ichigo, both of you need more enthusiasm!

I don't think this is a matter of enthusiasm!

Do you know how much trouble I had to go through to bring all this here?

You fool!

It was my brother who supplied us with the bamboo.

We must appreciate what he's done for us from the bottom of our hearts.

You can say that after you've helped with the preparations!

Alright, this should do.

Hm. That was more difficult than I thought.

I think we did pretty well with what we had.

Hey, Ichigo. What should we do about this part that's bent?

Oh, we just need to heat it up and make sure it stays in place.

Heat it up? Alright, I got this! Leave it to me!

Hado 31: Shakka-

You idiot! Your Shakkaho would burn all of our hard work to ash!

Okay, so we're really finished this time, right?

Yeah, we somehow managed.

Ow, geez. It still hurts where you hit me.

Are you ready? I'm going to start sliding the noodles now.

Ururu, can you please start up the water?

Aye aye, sir!

Huh? Nothing's coming this way.

Hey, Rukia! Ichigo! Look over there!

That's the section we had to bend earlier! Woah?!

The water and the noodles are all stuck there!

This can't be good! Kisuke! Stop the wa-

The water slide... The noodles...

Are you three alright?

We're fine, but...

*Whimper* The bamboo my brother prepared for us...

Don't get so sad about it, Rukia. We can't do anything about it now.

We still have more noodles. Let's just eat them the normal way.

*Sob* My noodle slide...