Chapter 2

There. Konso complete.

Hm. You're getting better at handling your Soul Reaper duties.

Well, thanks.

I'm glad this wasn't a Hollow though.

I think I'm still kind of tired from that fight with Uryu the other day.

Idiot. That was your own fault.

(Seriously... Because of you guys, I owe that bastard a favor now.)

(Knowing Urahara, it's gonna be bad no matter what. I can't even imagine what it might be like.)

Huh? Is something wrong?

No, it's nothing.

Anyway, it looks like your moves are getting a little better, especially after the battle with Uryu.

You think so? That's good to hear.

I didn't think you'd be so easy going on him, Rukia.

Uryu. You again?

Are you, like, lonely and craving our attention or something?

That's not it!!!

I live in Karakura, too! It shouldn't be a surprise for me to be anywhere in town.

Ichigo is originally just a normal human. It's only natural that he isn't used to fighting against Hollows.

That might be why I tend to be lenient, but... Compared to how it was when we first started, I really think he's gotten a lot better.

Even then, he's barely useful. That's from my eyes, having been trained as a Quincy since birth.

That last battle was just a simple game. If he's saying he's still tired from it, it proves to me that he's still lacking his efforts in training.

Uryu... Since when were you listening to our conversation?

Let me guess. Probably since the beginning.

And don't let that Quincy thing get to your head. What makes you so great that you can look down on me?

I'm only stating the truth.

Sure, I still feel a little tired, but it's nothing really.

I can still fight, be it a Hollow or somebody else.

Quite the lame taunt.

Although, it might not be such a bad idea to settle the score, since we did put down the same number of Hollows last time.

Huh? You guys! Don't just...!

That's that! Rukia, thanks for the barrier!

Hey! Wait you two! Stop!!!

I must say this barrier item I bought from Urahara is coming in real handy.

But I'd rather not have to put it to use for such a stupid reason...

Those idiots. They're getting a good lecture from me later!

*Pant*...*Pant*...

Hey... Sounds like...you're pretty...out of breath there...

Oh yeah? You seem pretty tired as well.

Yeah, right! I'm just taking in deep breaths!

You're sweating like crazy, you know?

Look who's talking...

I was just warming up.

Amazing how you come up with such lame excuses.

It's not an excuse. It's a fact.

Sure. You keep telling yourself that.

I think I'm finally warmed up myself.

Heh. Then let's see how much longer you can keep up.

Hmph. You'll be regretting those words in just a bit.

Oh yeah? Try me!

Hahh!!!

Hm!!!

Yeah! Got him!

Wait! I was the one who got in the last blow!

What are you talking about? I was faster.

Did you even have your eyes open? That was completely-

Cut it out already!

The both of you, seriously! What were you thinking, fighting Hollows like that?!

Ow...

Ahh, the insides of my pocket...

Sorry. Guess I kicked a little too hard.

I didn't mean to scatter your belongings like that.

Oh, no, it's fine. I just happened to have a lot of stuff in my back pockets today.

Er... Here, I'll help you pick it all up.

Is that everything?

Yeah. I think it's all here.

*Sigh* I hope you've both learned your lesson. Stop getting carried away with these silly battles of yours!

Yeah, yeah. Let's go home already. I'm getting hungry.

I suppose. It's getting late.

Hmm? What's this? I wonder if someone dropped it.