5-3 Nozomi's Resolution

Come on. It's about time you filled me in on this whole thing. What exactly are you here for?

A Senkaimon.

Aha, so there's a Senkaimon here.

Wait, what do you mean there's a Senkaimon here?! Isn't that something only Soul Reapers can open?

Studying the Precipice World led to the discovery that many previously unknown Senkaimon actually exist right here in this world.

And that structure ahead of us is one of them.

Yeah? So, what are you gonna do when you get to the Senkaimon?

Now I got it! You're gonna open the Senkaimon and run away somewhere, right?

I'm not running anywhere.

Huh?

It's right here. It's a wrinkle in space.

There are countless Precipice Worlds connecting the Soul Society with the world of the living. Some are extremely dangerous because they flow way too fast. Some are tiny, some are gateways connected to who-knows-where.

This is one of them. If I enter this one and close the gateway, then no one will be able to find me.

Hey! This thing would be perfect for hide-and-seek. So, how long do you plan on hiding in there?

Forever.

Ohh...

For-what?! So then, are you...?!

That's how it is. Closing the gateway means I can never return to the same time and space.

Woah, hold it! Wait! Why do you have to make such a radical move as that?!

You don't have to go that far, do ya?! Ichigo and the others, all of us have said we'll protect you! Are you sure this is what you really want?

What I want?

Lots of good things will happen if you keep on living. Even I was able to keep on living, thanks to Ichigo.

I have to. This is the only way to stop his madness.

Nozomi...

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

Okay, then! You're right! If you're really that sure it'll work, then I'll go with you.

What?

Uh, it's not what you think! I'm not going 'cause I'm worried about you!

And I'm not worried you'll be lonely all by yourself either! For me, it's just a whim.

Y'know, lately I've found myself getting really fed up with this world. It might be nicer to spend my life in the Precipice World.

You'd do that?

Say, what's with you? You wanna kiss me? You don't have to thank me that much. Mmm.

Huh?!

Hey! What the hell?! Untie me, ya idiot!

I'm going alone, stupid.

Who you callin' stupid, ya cold-hearted weasel?!

But I do appreciate that you really care.

Nozomi, wait! Come on. Don't do it! Hey! Nozomi!

Stay here!!!

I got here just in time. So, were you about to go somewhere?

We need you to stop making your own decisions.

Are you gonna take all of us on, or just give up instead?

How did you find me?

You're asking us how? How naïve. Were you really under the impression you were the only one who knew about the existence of this Senkaimon?

You should realize that whatever you know, Kageroza knows as well. It'd be better if you came with us.

Let me go!

Hey, you bastards! You keep your hands off of that girl! Bring it on! I'll take on all of ya! What, are you too scared of me?!

Well, it's time to go.

I don't want to go! No way! Stop it! I won't go!

Oh yeah? So that's your choice!

Ichigo Kurosaki!

Why did you come?

Hand over Nozomi Kujo right now.

Not gonna happen.

There are six of us here and only one of you. And you think you can protect her?

That's two of us!

Yes, I can.

But why?

Because you should do what you wanna do.

Enough talk. We'll just take her from you, like it or not.

Let's get this over with quickly.

Damn those guys! Hey, Nozomi! Aren't you a Soul Reaper as well?! Don't you have a Zanpakuto or something?!

I don't.

Gahh! If ya had one, we'd at least take one of 'em out.

You sound worried.

If Ichigo were his usual self, he could probably manage. But right now...

I mean, c'mon! It's natural to worry about your friends, isn't it?!

Natural to worry? Do what I want. Fighting in order to protect your friends. Sacrificing...

Damn you all!

What's the matter? Your spirit energy is winding down.

It's only a matter of time now.

I have no choice. Here goes nothing.

But Ichigo! Your Soul Reaper powers can't handle this!

Just shut up! I'll make do with what I've got! Bankai!

*Pant* *Pant*

You have won...Ichigo...

Ichigo! Your spirit energy! It could've-

Run out. What of it?

Never mind! Forget it.

You fought them all off knowing that you'd risk losing your Soul Reaper powers? Why do that?

Because I made you a promise. I swore I'd protect you.

So don't even think about trying to disappear into the Precipice World.

You got that?

I got it.