2-5 The 13 Squads Amass in the Human World

I've wasted too much time. Let's finish this.

............

Ichigo Kurosaki.

So you actually made it back through. That was quite unexpected.

Who are you?

Oh, I see. So it was Yoruichi Shihoin, wasn't it?

Hey! Didn't you hear me?

Why, of course. If you had her helping, it makes it much easier to comprehend how you could escape.

After all, she probably gave up her life just to save you.

I said who the hell are you?!

Now, now. Just calm down.

I am Kageroza Inaba. I study the Precipice World in the Department of Research and Development.

You study the Precipice World? Then you must be the one responsible for the disappearances...and the one controlling those Reigai!

Oh, you even know about my Reigai? How intriguing.

What's intriguing?

I've been immersed in my research for years. As a result of my solitary existence, I haven't paid much attention to the affairs of others.

But it seems you've greatly exceeded my expectations.

Enough of your long-winded explanation!

I really couldn't care less about your stupid reasons for everything you've done. You got that?

But since you decided to hurt my friends, I'm gonna take you out!

Not very patient, are you? No matter, it saves me time if we want to get this over with.

Because I respect your strength and how it allowed you to defeat Aizen, I will not use any cheap tricks against you. But honestly, is this all the power you possess right now?

Don't hold back. You still have a last resort, don't you? Substitute Soul Reaper...

Heh! Listen to you sounding all high and mighty. I would've used it even without you asking!

Hold it, Ichigo!

Here goes...

Hyaaaahhhh!

(Damn it! My spirit energy is unstable. I've gotta finish this fast!)

Getsugatensho!

What?!

So, was that your best?

Hmhmhm... Hahahahaha!!!

(Ichigo's definitely holding back his strength as much as he can because he's afraid of losing his spirit energy.)

(But even so, Kageroza was able to snuff out Ichigo's Getsugatensho so easily.)

(These Reigai still possess the fierce pride of their original counterparts. So the fact that this man can command those proud warriors shows that his powers are even greater than we imagined.)

Substitute Soul Reaper, it certainly appears that I have overestimated your power level.

Or is it that your spirit energy has diminished more than I predicted it would?

Sadly, in your present state, as a scientist, I no longer have any interest in you!

You two may prove to be an obstacle in my future plans. Therefore, I'll eliminate you right here!

Hey, Ichigo! Kinda looks like you two could really use a hand here!

Looks like he really worked you over. Didn't he, Ichigo?

Shut up. So I'm guessing you guys are the real deal, huh?

Ya damn right we are!

But so, how did you two...?

Oh, it's not just us.

Hey, it's them!

The originals.

For a petty underling, this was some stunt you pulled. It actually surprised me.

Why, Captain Kurotsuchi! I honestly wasn't expecting you to arrive so soon.

You were tardy in your report to me of the problems in the Precipice World. And because of your laziness, I ended up having to go and help all these people I never really had any intention of wanting to help.

For this thankless job, I will make you pay...a million times over!

Surely you jest. You seem to think you've won, but I assure you, you are mistaken.

But just for tonight, I will retreat.

Once I return and I have retrieved Nozomi, then I will be able to completely show all of you my true power.

When that occurs, not only the Soul Society but also the world of the living will be forced to exist under my control.

So keep in mind, all you originals, and you too, Substitute Soul Reaper. Someday quite soon, we will meet again.

That will not happen. You will never control us!

We weren't expecting that much interference.

That really couldn't be helped. Not everything has the outcome that one expects. That is science.

Besides, I assumed that it would be nearly impossible to confine Captain Kurotsuchi in the Precipice World for an extended period of time.

Everyone is here, sir.

We will get Nozomi back with our invading army!