Chapter 5: Endings and Partings

Look!

It's Nel! It looks like she's all right.

What are they doing up there?

Ichigo! Run away!

What was that?!

Looks like I missed. Oh, well.

It seems like you were planning to draw us out by using them as bait from the beginning.

And that's not all!

The guy who Lord Aizen placed in charge of this forest says that he wants to fight Ashido one-on-one, so we drew you out.

Ashido?

This Spiritual Pressure!

Let's hurry!

Where to?

The exit up ahead of us!

Slow down. Where do you think you're going, Ashido?

Just stand back. I've already fought him countless times before.

Las Noches gave him the position of guardian of the forest, so unlike the others, this one can't be underestimated.

But I-

I will settle this myself. It shall be my final job down here.

But Ashido, you mean that-?

Afterwards, I want to know the truth, Rukia. I want to know what's going on in the outside world.

Looks like we got 'em.

Hey, is everyone alright over there?

Yeah.

Ahh...

We're saved!

If I remember correctly, the Hollows told us the exit is right over here. So let's hit it!

Really?

Yes, it's true!

Hold on! We can't leave without Rukia.

That's right. Now that we've figured out where the exit is, we should go look for her.

Don't bother, I'm right here.

Rukia, you-

Rukia, it's good to see you. I'm so glad that you're safe.

Thanks. Sorry for worrying you.

Who's that?

His name is Ashido. He's actually a Soul Reaper like us.

A Soul Reaper?

Yes. He saved me and he helped me get up here to the exit.

So they weren't kidding when they said the exit was around here.

You thought we'd lie? What's the matter with you?

Roaaaarrr...

Man, are they persistent!

Ahhhhhh!

I'm scared! Let's get out of here!

It's no good! There's no hope!

Quit freaking out! We should be able to handle anything that comes our way.

Just hold on. They're still far away.

Ichigo, our goal is to save Orihime and we can't lose focus of that. Come on, let's get out of here.

Ashido knows where the exit is. Let's hurry!

Alright, then.

It's up ahead.

That's it, huh? Is this the same place we came in from?

No, you entered from somewhere else.

Once you pass through here, follow the flow of the sand. Then you'll reach the surface.

Damn!

They're back again!

Get back! Go on, now!

Ashido!

Damn it! It's collapsing!

Hurry, let's get out of here!

Ashido! Come with us!

I'll catch up to you later! Go on ahead without me!

Go! Save your friend!

Ashido!!!

Ashido had said that the Adjuchas' powers have changed recently.

I couldn't tell him...

...that some Soul Reapers have joined forces with the Hollows and are trying to change the world with the Hogyoku.

Ashido had been fighting Hollows alone for centuries in that forest because he was a Soul Reaper.

I couldn't tell him...

Heyyy! You want a lift to Las Noches?

Rukia.

Yeah, let's go.

(Ashido, I promise I'll come back for you.)

(Until then...)