Chapter 1: Sutra Scale 4

What's the sutra scale at?

It's currently at category 4. This is pretty serious.

That's an awfully casual way to put it.

I'm sorry, sir, but there have been minor ones in the past, and we've been able to handle them with only slight adjustments...

Third Seat Akon! The destruction of the Hollows isn't stopping. If this keeps up, within a few days the border between the world of the living and...

I've relayed that report already. You're excused if you have nothing else to add.

I-I'm sorry, sir!

Captain... Is this...

What else could it be? Who else could eradicate the very existence of Hollows...

...but them!

All right, we're here!

Well, this is as far as I go. Devote yourselves to exterminating Hollows without fighting each other.

Okay? No fighting! I'm not trying to egg you guys on. I'm being serious.

Okay then. Let's make our rounds. I'll take the north side, you take the south.

Huh?! We're not going together?!

That would be a waste of time. They assigned the two of us here for a reason.

What, you scared? Just say so if you are.

That's right. I am scared!

Don't say it so resolutely!

Whatever! You're on your own. Hopefully it'll toughen you up a bit.

Wait! I was just being honest!!!

Gshnk!

Gshnk?

Roaaaarrr...

Waaaaaaa!!!

Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no!!! It's here, Shino!

Shino!!!

(I have to do this. It's just the two of us... I have to save Shino...

Ugh!

(Huh?)

(I can't move my hands. Or my body. No way. Why? From that one strike? Am I gonna die from it?

(Whoa... Blood... Lots of it. No. I don't wanna die. I haven't even saved Shino yet.)

You the new guy taking over from Imoyama?

Get your act together. You're no good to me if you're as useless as Imoyama.

Wh-Who are you?

Ichigo Kurosaki, Substitute Soul Reaper.