Chapter 2

How can this be? Captain Hitsugaya was supposed to join us and give the plan momentum, but now we're back to square one.

Makes sense, given the circumstances, and he seemed to be in a bad mood anyway.

Grrr. Don't you guys have any other bright ideas?

I'm not sure if it's a bright idea as such, but seeing as Momo and the others had so much fun in the world of the living, maybe we should go there, too?

The world of the living, you say? Not bad. In that case, you go look for people in the world of the living who can help us plan, Shuhei!

What? Me? All alone?!

It was your idea, wasn't it?! We'll get things sorted out on this end. I'm counting on ya!

Whaaat?

Well, I've come to the world of the living, just like they asked. If there's anyone around that can help, I guess they'll be here.

Excuse me!

Hm... Come on in.

Shuhei?!

Renji?! What the hell are you doing here?!

My, my, if it isn't Shuhei! Good timing!

Could you please wrap this up? Oh, and carefully, if you don't mind.

Huh?! H-Hold on a sec!

You're so good with your hands! You wrapped that up really nicely. Thanks. Next, you can do this...

Kisuke, tell me what's going on here!

It's the end-of-year shopping season. Here in the world of the living, we have New Year's coming up after Christmas, so there's still lots to do.

By the way, why are you in the world of the living? Are you here to pay off your loan? In that case, come into the back.

No, I'll handle that another time. I just came to see how things are going, but I don't want to get in the way, so I'll just be leaving now.

Shuhei! Let me head back to the Soul Society with you.

You're not getting in the way at all. If anything, you'd actually be quite helpful!

I've got my own work to do. Sorry, Renji!

Shuheeei!