Chapter 3

Uh, why do you think I'd want to see her?

You came all the way here and you won't even say hi to her? You'll never get a girlfriend with that attitude.

It's not like I need Rukia to like me like that.

What're you saying?! Of course you want her to like you! She's Rukia!

I mean, it's only natural that you should want all girls to like you, including her!

That's right. Hey, you're pretty smart for a ragdoll.

I'm not a ragdoll! I'm an adorable mascot, you wonky bowl-cut head!

Whatever, just cut it out! Nobody cares!

You should care! This is all very important for you!

I still have no idea how you guys came to our world, even after talking to Rukia.

And even if we figure it out, we'll still need a rare item that can send you back to your world.

So, in order for you to stay hidden, you'll have to ask for Rukia's help.

We can find her on the way to the festival, so I can take you that far, at least.

I see. But can we really depend on the Rukia from this world?

You fool, of course you can! I wouldn't be so heartless as to abandon friends in need, no matter what world I'm from.

Lead the way, please, Shinji.

It'll be my pleasure.

This here's the tengu hideout, the mountain where Rukia lives.

It's usually just a regular mountain, but a new path will open up if you say the password. Give it a go.

What's the password?

"Hello there, Rukiaaa! Come out and plaaay!"

What kind of password is that?!

A good one! It's great at keeping unwanted visitors out, 'cause no one else would say it.

Yeah, I'll bet.

What's the matter, Shinji? Shouldn't you be on your way to the fes... Ichigo?!

And Kon, and...the other me?! What's going on here?!

The password really worked?

Sorry to bother you, but these guys accidentally wandered in again. Can you whoosh them back to their own world with your fan?

Things could get bad if we don't send 'em back as soon as possible, right?

Yes, you're right about that. However, I do not have the means to send them back right now.

What?!

No... Could it be that your fan is still broken from that time we swapped bodies?

Oh, yeah, that happened, huh...

No, I was able to repair it without issue. The problem is not with the tool, but with the timing.

As you may have heard from Shinji and Lisa, there is a festival underway right now.

That's right. Byakuya must be really busy right now, huh? Especially this year.

Yes, because the Kuchiki family is in charge of the festivities this year.

How is the fan related to the festivities?

The fan is a Kuchiki family heirloom, and it is a tradition for us to display it in the shrine during the festival.

It's no longer in my possession, as I have returned it to my brother.

Damn. This is the first I've heard of it.

You're gonna get it back after the festival, though, right? So, we can just wait for then.

Wait? When does this festival end, anyway?

In twenty days.

I can't wait that long!