Chapter 3

So I see you broke into my lab. You haven't changed, you're just as disrespectful as ever.

Well, well, if it isn't my dear old friend Mayuri. It's a bit of an exaggeration to say that I broke into your lab. The fact is, I was able to walk right in. I barely even had to touch the door.

Really... It seems to me that security has gotten a lot shabbier since I was around.

Tch!

Wait... What are you talking about? Are you guys saying you want to take me, too? My wounds are nothing! I'll recover just fine here in the Seireitei!

Hmm. Yes, we know. But we'll be taking you for an entirely different reason.

And that is?

Hello there, everybody! Hey, sorry I didn't get in touch sooner!

I bet you were worried about me, weren't you? Well, as you can see, I'm fit as a fiddle!

Hello? Wow, I was expecting a little bit more of a welcome. I mean...

Waaah! What's going on? Why did my head crack open?! I've got light coming out of my brain!

Ichigo! Oh, thank goodness you're all right! Everything is okay over there, I hope?

Just fine! How 'bout yourself? Are you doing alright?

Yeah, I'm okay! Don't worry.

Ichigo! Oh, man. Am I glad you're safe!

Right back atcha. I can't begin to tell you how worried I've been.

Yeah, I know, I know. I wanted to contact you sooner, but...well...a lot's happened...

Hey, who're you talking to in there?

Wait a second... That sounds a lot like...

I know that voice!

Ack! Orihime! Chad! Help!

Ichigo, you bastard! I know you're in there!

No, no! He isn't in here, honest!

Kisuke! What the hell's he doing there? What's goin' on?!

Anyway...as you can see, we're all perfectly fine on this end, Ichigo. So you just do what you have to do, don't worry about us.

It's okay to think about yourself for a change. Go wherever your heart tells you you should go.

.........

Oh, and by the way, don't give HIM a second thought. We've kind of come to an arrangement. Well! See ya later!

Hey, Baldy.

Are you...talking to me?!

If I go to this Royal Palace with you, will I be able to fix my Tensa Zangetsu?

No, that's impossible, your sword can't be fixed. However, if you were to come to the Royal Palace, we could re-forge it into something resembling your original sword.

Fine.

Let's go, then. The Royal Palace, it is!