Chapter 2: A Never-Ending Story

Ichigo, you know this guy?!

Kinda, he's Rukia's...

By "Rukia," do you mean Rukia Kuchiki?

Does that mean you're the humans Rukia got involved with?

So then this must be...

The Spirit Society. It's different from the world you humans live in.

Why are we back here again?! We didn't take a single step out of our house!

I see. In that case, you should return as soon as possible.

How? Should we ask Rukia again?

No, that'll be hard to do. Rukia's in jail right now.

What?!

Because of that rule that says spirits can't get involved with humans?!

I thought all of that got resolved.

Returning people to their world doesn't count as resolving everything.

Whatever the reasons, the fact is that she broke the rules. Rukia is going to be officially tried for her crime.

But, that doesn't mean I'm going to silently let it happen.

I'm on the way to the ruling right now. I'll do something about you guys once that's over.

It'll be tough, but try to hide somewhere until then.

No, take me with you.

Don't be absurd. I heard you fought Gin Ichimaru last time. He must have pushed you into it.

Either way, it was our fault originally. I can't just ignore this!

Understood. Arguing about it here is a waste of time.

However, if things get dangerous, run. I can't guarantee that I can save you.

Got it.

Hey, do you smell that?

Huh? What are you saying at a time like this?

Hey, hey, it's dangerous for you to wander around too much.

If you get lost, we're leaving you behind.

I'm not a kid! I won't get lost!

It's just, this scent... It's so soft and sweet.

It fills my heart with the desire to take a tiny, secret peek at a busty beauty!

It's rude to peep at others. If you want to see so badly, come on over.

R-Rangiku?!

Oh? Have we met before?

I don't think I would forget such cute little boys.

This is our first time meeting, but I know all about you! I've reached your bust of fate at last!

Hehe.

Since you're here, you might as well enjoy yourself.

Eeeek!!!

A-A skeleton!

Serves you right! Don't come over here!

You cruel bastard!

Hehehe.

Don't tease him too much, Rangiku.

My, my, Mr. Clan Leader.

Isn't it a spirit's duty to trick humans? I'm simply doing my job.

It's rare to hear you say that.

Well, I'm actually here to see you.

Me? Sorry, I'm sort of in a hurry. Can we do this later?

This has something to do with the urgent matter.

Look, there she is.

My sincerest apologies for bothering you, Rangiku.

Rukia?!

Rukia?!

Huh?!

Ichigo...and Kon, right?! I'm happy to see you're safe and healthy!

What?

Of course we're safe and healthy. You don't have to overreact just because we ended up in this place.

But I haven't seen you since we said farewell by the bridge.