The Invading Army Part 1, 6-1

Ichigo! You all right?

Yeah, Orihime. Just barely. And the others?

They're all here and accounted for. They have already been treated and are resting now.

Oh, great. Glad to hear that.

Gh-hh!

Are you all right, Ichigo?

Yeah, it's nothing.

Really?

Gwah!

One little kick sends you flying. I sure wouldn't call that "nothing."

I was just caught off guard! Anyone would've gone flying!

Besides, I thought you went to the Soul Society!

I'm on my way there right now.

What? Then, I'm going with you.

Forget it. If this is the condition you're in, you'll just end up getting killed.

Ah, shut up. Try not to get yourself killed.

He'll be just fine! There's no way Kenny's gonna die!

Relax. 'Til you and I fight again, I don't plan on dying. Even if I do get killed.

Okay, I get it. Hurry up and go.

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

About time!

You're late. We were going to leave without you two.

Don't worry about it. Now, before you go, here's a warning.

Don't need one. Can we just get going?

Aren't we running out of time?

Yeah, you're right. Okay, be careful.

Hm... Hm?

What? What is it?

Something isn't right.

A Restrictive Current!

That bastard Kageroza! He set a trap for us, didn't he?!

So what? We'll force our way through.

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

What do you think you're doing?! Come on!

Just leave this to me!

No, you fool! You're going to be swallowed by it!

Go!

Kisuke, I can't just sit here. You have to send me to the Soul Society.

What are you talking about?!

This isn't the time to be resting. I've gotta go help them!

Just calm down. Let the others handle the Soul Society!

There's almost no one who can put up a decent fight. If you leave, who knows what'll happen if we're attacked?!

You're the one who said you'd protect Nozomi, remember? You promised. How are you gonna do that if you're not around?

And besides, Ichigo, you really do need some rest.

Yeah, listen to Orihime! Be a good boy and stay right here!

Can I ask a question?

Why are you so determined to protect me? What's in it for you?

Who knows? I guess I don't really know myself.

Well, at first, it was less about protecting you, and more about protecting my friends and the world of the living by stopping Kageroza.

But then you always kept trying to take everything on yourself. I'm sorry, but I'm not gonna let you do that.

If you don't want to tell us your story, fine. I've told you that before.

But you knew that something terrible would happen if Kageroza caught you, didn't you, Nozomi?

You don't have to do this yourself. Look, you aren't alone anymore.

Not alone?

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

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

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

Hey. Hey! What's going on with you?

It's nothing.

Anyway, I don't know why I want to protect you...

...except that I heard a voice, and it told me I'm supposed to help you out.

Are you some kind of idiot? I didn't hear any voice.

Listen, kid. You're kinda missing the whole point here.

Haha. Boy, you really are an idiot, aren't you?

Stop calling me that. It's Ichigo.

This should help restore some of your spirit energy.

That's a form of Kido, isn't it?

And I thought you were just a kid with an attitude.

Stop calling me that. It's Nozomi Kujo.