Chapter 1: A Sudden Invitation

I guess it has to be done.

Yeah.

The time has come.

Gin, Kaname, shall we begin?

Ichigo! Do you have any spare boxes? I can't fit all of my prized bouncy collection in!

Quit adding stuff to a place that doesn't even belong to you! I'll throw it all out during this big clean up!

What do you think you're doing?! How much time and effort do you think I put into collecting all...

What was that?!

Hey, what are those words on the wall?

That trick again?!

Thought it might have been the same trick, eh? I have some more news for you.

A special kind of paint was used to write this message, so it can't be erased with regular detergent!

You should give the Urahara's Shop special blend Mr. Erase-It a try.

Dammit, quit making more work for me while we're cleaning!

Ichigo, can you go buy me something?

Ack! The wall's still filthy! Aren't you supposed to be cleaning?

Oh, uh... I'll take care of this real quick!

Guess we've got no choice but to go to that sandal-wearing weirdo's shop.

Damn it.

Oh, crap. I forgot my wallet.

Forget about it. The detergent is probably just some ruse to get you to come.

What does he want from me?

More importantly, when did you hop into my pocket?!

Obviously before you left!

If I stayed lain down at your place, your sister would give me an intense washing for sure!

Like I care. You could do with a good washing. Now I look like some weirdo walking around with a plushie!

Isn't it too late to be thinking that? You're probably viewed in that way already.

Rangiku. I knew I recognized those harsh words.

Spending the last days of the year bored, I see. Give me a hand if you've got nothing to do.

What makes you think that? I've got my hands full cleaning my own house.

Don't be like that. I'm in a pinch because I can't find the captains.

Sorry, but I'm seriously really busy. I can't help you, but you can borrow this guy.

I'll tag along!

What can you do with that body of yours? You can't carry anything.

I'm sure he'll be useful for something. I'll let Toshiro know you're looking for him if I see him.

Rukia or Renji will do as well, and Ikkaku and Yumichika are around, too. Just let someone know for me.

That's a lot of people here. Did something happen?

All of the barracks have been cleaned, so we're having a thank-you party.

I came to help set up, but arrived a little late because I was doing something else.

I see. Well, sounds nice to be able to have fun and relax at the end of the year.

You should come too, if you can make it. I'm sure the others will invite you.

Thanks, but it would probably be after I get all of my cleaning done.

Don't worry! Even if you don't go, I'll be there!

That doesn't make me feel at ease at all!