3-2 Ichigo and Nozomi Targeted

Thank you so much for letting us use your barbecue stuff, and for getting us all this food too!

No problem. Don't mention it. I plan to come enjoy it myself.

Huh? I don't get it. Why are we having a barbecue again?

Well, it appears to me that you're even dumber than Ichigo is.

Hey, watch it!

You've seen how withdrawn that girl Nozomi is. Well, this is Orihime's way of trying to cheer her up. Clearly, she's been through a lot.

Ah...

Okay, I get it, but should we really be doing this in the middle of a crisis?

Actually, if our party's successful, she might finally open up and help us understand what's going on around here.

Gotcha.

Come on, everyone! Let's get started on this!

Uryu, could you cut the vegetables? And Chad, get the fire started, okay?

Got it!

Mhm.

I get it.

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

Hey! What, you goofing off already?

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

Oh, that's right. Sorry, guess this is your welcome party.

Anyway, I really want you to tell me the truth, and I'll help you any way that I can.

Even if you don't want to tell the others, you can still tell me, you know? 'Cuz I mean, after all, I was the one who saved your life.

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

Huh? Hey, what is that? That thing you're holding right there.

Oh, it's just chili powder. Why do you have a can of chili powder?

Oh, of course! I get it! You don't know what chili powder is, do you? Admit it, I'm right.

Tell you what. I'll teach you what it is. But let me warn you, it's seriously spicy stuff if you eat it straight.

It's hot!!! Ahhhhh! My mouth is on fire!

Ahhhh! That's hot too! Hot! Hot! Hot!

Huh? What...is this?!

Don't you get it? Your stupid goofing around has defiled the proud Quincy Cross!

But that's a shiitake mushroom!

I worked hard on that shiitake, so eat it with the respect that it deserves!

Uh... Yes, sir.

You guys! Nozomi just ran away!

What?! She's gone?!

Where are you, Nozomi?!

Oh, man. This is hopeless! Where the heck did that girl run off to this time?

Huh? Nozomi!

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

Wait, Nozomi. Where do you think you're going? Come have barbecue with us. It's great!

No, thanks.

Aw, don't be like that. Let's go back. Everyone made all that food. And just for you!

C'mon, Nozomi. Come back with me. You know, everybody's really worried about you.

Not my problem.

What is wrong with you?! We're only trying to cheer you up! We just thought that you'd be scared because those guys are coming after you!

How is that not your problem?! Is this how you repay other people's kindness?!

Not my problem.

Nng!

Hey, there. What are you doing?

What?!

Oh, Rangiku. Hi.

So, what's going on here?

You gotta hear this, Rangiku! That girl is stuck-up and violent. She just runs off on her own, and she doesn't listen to anyone but herself!

I mean, we're trying to look after her, but she's totally ungrateful!

Even I've had it with her, and you know how calm I am!

Oh... Whatever's going on, it sure seems like you're having trouble, huh?

You know what? Why don't you let me handle this one? I know how difficult girls her age can be. We'll talk, girl to girl. 'Kay?

What, seriously? Boy, would that help.

Oh. No, wait. Everyone else is looking for Nozomi too. Which means, if I come back without her, they'll just get on my case again.

It'll be fine. I'm sure I can convince her to come back.

Hmm... I don't know. I'm a man, and a man must keep his word.

Come on.

Huh?

Let me handle this. Pretty please?

All right, she's all yours!

Ah.

Come on, Nozomi. Let's take a walk and talk, okay? Come along.