Chapter 1: The Scars of Battle

Rangiku, as soon as those documents are done, I need you to prepare additional requests for repairs of the Seireitei. We need more help.

Roger that.

Well, it looks like we're not going home early today either.

I hope you're getting enough rest, Captain. Lack of sleep will stunt your growth.

That's not for you to worry about. Get some work done if you have time to chitchat.

We actually don't even have it that bad.

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Somebody! Get Squad 4 over here right now!

Lieutenant Hinamori! Are you all right?!

Huh? Hinamori?

!!!

Captain!

Please, tell me you're okay, Lieutenant!

I'm fine... Don't make such a big deal out here. We're going to bother the others.

You shouldn't worry about that. You need to get some rest, Momo.

I'm perfectly fine! We don't have a captain right now and I'm the lieutenant! As such, I don't have any time to rest!

Momo...

If the lieutenant keeps acting like that, your squad members aren't going to be able to work without worrying. You need to slow down a little, Momo.

Shiro...

That's right, Momo. You need to rest, not just for yourself, but for everyone else's sake.

You can get back to work after you're fully rested. Your squad members will be able to handle things for a little while on their own.

Don't interfere with Squad 5's affairs.

You're in...Squad 10, Shiro... My...Squad 5...has nothing to do with you...

Momo...

I have to be strong! I have to lead Squad 5! It's my...!

Momo!

She's lost consciousness. She must have been very stressed for it to get to this point.

............

Captain, don't look so worried. Leave this to us!

We'll talk things over with her, girl-to-girl, lieutenant-to-lieutenant. Chatting over some sweets will probably help.

That should help Momo calm down. Wouldn't you agree, Nanao?

Yes, it might.

Captain Hitsugaya, will you allow us to handle this?

All right.

Nnn...

Oh, you're awake. How are you feeling? Any headaches or dizziness or anything like that?

Rangiku... What happened to me?

You fainted from overworking yourself.

Listen, Momo. I know you're trying hard, but your body isn't going to last like that. You need to get rest, even if it's just short breaks at a time.

We're all worried about you, including Captain Hitsugaya, and of course, the members of Squad 5. There's no need for you to burden yourself.

I'm sorry, but it's just that...I'm worried about the future. Captain Aizen is gone, and I don't know if I can do this.

I'm alone now... From here on, it's just me.

Momo, you'll be fine. We're here for you.

Please, don't think you're ever alone. We're here to help you.

R-Right.

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