7-1 Mystery at Squad 4

Afternoon, Lieutenant Ise. How about some tea?

Have I been here that long? Sorry for taking over your desk like this.

Oh, I don't mind. To me, these temporary quarters feel like I've gone off to camp. I know it's kinda silly, but to tell you the truth, I'm sort of enjoying it.

I know what you mean.

Oh, I meant to tell you. Lieutenant Hinamori brought in some cookies she baked herself.

Do they look like the normal kind you'd eat?

Of course. Is something wrong?

Not at all. I just had a silly flashback.

Well, they sure look like normal cookies to me. See?

Well, that's a relief.

Let me get you your tea.

Huh? Now, that's weird.

Is something the matter?

I can't seem to find any of the tea leaves.

That is weird. I just bought some the other day.

I have to tell you, Lieutenant. There's been a whole lot of things that have been reported missing lately. Rice and soybean paste to start with.

Captain Kyoraku was saying his secret stash of sake disappeared the other day.

Hanamaru is... My Hanamaru is missing!

We were unable to get any clearer images, but according to what we could make out, the intruder snuck into the barracks and stole four chickens. Hanamaru, Hanae, Hanakichi, and Hanaemon.

I was in charge of raising the chickens. They were all perfectly fine as of yesterday.

The fence around the coop was secure, and there weren't any holes dug underneath it.

If we're to assume the culprit stole the chickens by opening the entrance door, then it can't be the work of a simple-minded predator.

The timing of this incident is so unusual. I'm wondering if it could be connected with the rash of recent thefts at the barracks.

Do you suppose this could be the work of one of the Sword Beasts?

Captain Unohana, what are your thoughts?

I'm afraid we can't eliminate the possibility. But the truth of the matter is we don't have enough information yet to make any kind of conclusion.

The reason we've assembled this unit is we need you to identify the thief who escaped, track him down, and take him into custody.

Uh-huh, and tell me how that affects me. Why was I summoned here?

Oh, that's an easy one to answer. From what we've been able to determine, the thief may in fact be a Sword Beast.

So just to be safe. We want you to protect everyone.

Well, it'll be a good way to pass the time.

I suppose.

Sorry to involve you, Nanao, but I'm depending on you to get the job done.

Yes! I understand completely, sir! My team and I are ready to go!

The enemy's nearby and watching us. From this point on, we'll have to proceed with caution.

Huh?!

Ikkaku!

Third Seat Madarame!

Haha...hahaha. That's a pretty good joke, Ikkaku.

But not really appropriate, you know what I mean? Don't you agree with me, Lieutenant Ise?

Hrghh...ngh!

Ikkaku, hold on!

Don't do it! Stay away!

I'm gonna try and figure something out! Meanwhile, you all have to get out of here!

Ikkaku!