Chapter 5

The intruder you're chasing is me!

Wha, ?! L-Lady Yoruichi?!

N-No wonder we couldn't catch up.

I just stopped by to see how things are in the Seireitei, but it looked like something fun was happening, so I broke in.

You could've just come in the normal way...

But what's all this, Soi Fon? Your area is a game of tag where the participants need to catch Stealth Force members, right?

Y-Yes, it is just as you say.

With my skills as a former Squad 2 member, why don't I help out by continuing our little chase?

That's very...generous of you.

I know, right! In fact, I'm so big-hearted that I'll even grant a single wish to the one who catches me.

What?!

Now, all you members of the 13 Court Guard Squads, combine forces and try to catch me!

We couldn't catch her before, so this certainly isn't going to be easy.

Seems like the name "Flash Master" isn't just for show.

You needn't state the obvious! Lady Yoruichi won't be so easily caught by the likes of you!

Why's Captain Soi Fon the one boasting...?

Speaking of which, isn't Captain Soi Fon the one supervising the next area? Why is she chasing Yoruichi with us?

She probably got tempted by the idea of having a wish granted.

Having one's wish granted by the Shihoin Clan does sound mighty appealing... Plus, this is a great chance to test our skills!

You're not wrong there. We've come this far, so let's catch her and win this thing!

Count me in too! We're definitely going to catch her!

And... Stop! The tournament has reached its conclusion! Everyone, please gather at the finish line.

*Sigh* I guess we weren't up to the task after all...

Seems that way... But I do feel like I've gotten faster than before.

Oh, you've finally made it. You sure took your time.

Oh, hey, Yumichika. Don't you think needing to catch Yoruichi to progress in the tournament was a bit much?

I bet no one made it to the goal this time.

I fear you may be somewhat confused. You see, I finished the tournament with flying colors.

Whaaat?!

I also finished in top rank.

You're kidding!

Not at all. Although, I was surprised to find out that we made top rank upon reaching the goal.

I heard that the participants who started before us were all running around some unrelated area. What were you doing?

Wait a minute... You're sayin' that we could have progressed normally if we'd just kept going?

Wasn't that obvious? You could have advanced through the tournament by catching someone other than me.

I only joined in to help out. There were plenty of Sabotage Squad members to choose from. It was you guys who decided to chase me.

N-Now that you mention it... We should've realized.

Damn! Not only are we not on the scoreboard, we couldn't even make it to the goal!

Captain Ukitake! Give us another chance! Let's have the same tournament again tomorrow!

Haha! Strength may be important, but you also need the ability to properly assess the situation!