The Invading Army Part 1, 7-5

There's a lot of fighting going on, and it seems the captains haven't made it to Kageroza's location yet.

Wait, how were you able to get that information from over here?

Well, we would be at a huge disadvantage if we couldn't tell what's going on over there.

So I placed devices on the captains that transmit back to us.

What about Ichigo?

He appears to be making good time on his way to the Soul Society.

That's a relief.

(Except it's all going too smoothly. Kageroza couldn't possibly have missed Ichigo's presence.)

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

What's with the provocative look, you lech! I know what you're up to, and you can stop stripping her with your eyes, buddy!

Hey, I'm not a perv like you! You and I need to talk.

So, what is it?

There's something I want to ask about.

When you were with Nozomi, did you notice anything different in the way that she behaved? Anything out of the ordinary?

What is it that's hidden inside of her? What is this secret that Kageroza needs that can control both the Soul Society and the world of the living?

Do you have any idea what it might be?

Hmm. Something hidden inside her body, you say?

All right, I admit it! I did see her naked, but it was an accident and it was just one time! You have to believe me.

It was a coincidence that I happened to walk in on her at the wrong moment! It wasn't like I was worried about her or anything!

Anyway, the bottom line is, if she knows about it and doesn't want to tell us, we can't force it out of her.

Well, obviously you like her and don't want to see her get hurt.

Wait a minute! What the hell are you talking about?! No! Are you out of your mind?! You've got to be kidding me! No way would I be attracted to her!

She's a violent smart-ass! I don't have any feelings for her, and I don't know anything! That's my final word!

This is way off the mark. Kisuke must have made a mistake in his calculations.

Not really. I summoned you here. Don't blame your friend. I tweaked the Precipice World a bit.

What the hell for?

Heh, heh, heh...

You said you'd eventually control both the Soul Society and the world of the living! How are you gonna pull that off? Why is Nozomi so important? What did you hide inside her?!

You're just full of questions, aren't you, young man? I'd love to answer them all, but I don't have the time. I'm on a tight schedule.

The more pressing question you should be asking yourself is, why did I summon you here?

The answer is really quite simple. To erase you.

Erase my existence? Why am I your target?

Heh, hahaha...

Answer me!

You are a great threat to my plan, Ichigo Kurosaki.

You are not human, nor are you a pure Soul Reaper or a Hollow. You're an anomaly. I'm not even able to create a Reigai of you from Reishi. It's upsetting, really.

You're the unaccountable variable, and frankly, a thorn in my side.

I bid you farewell, Ichigo Kurosaki.

What? Is this the Precipice World?

Huh?

Gh-hh!

Ah!

What is it? What's wrong?!

Ichigo's Spiritual Pressure... It just completely disappeared.

So just what do you mean by that?

Exactly what I said. All of a sudden, his Spiritual Pressure vanished.

He was in the Precipice World, but he entered as the Cleaner was approaching. It stands to reason he was probably swallowed.

But how?

It's...all my fault.

Nozomi...

Don't worry. It'll take a lot more than that to wipe out Ichigo!

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

Oh, come on! Are you telling me you don't believe what I just said?!

He's right, Nozomi. It would take more than just that to kill Ichigo.

Yeah. And besides, Ichigo was the one who made the decision to go out there. Don't feel like you were responsible.

Because you weren't. What everyone's been saying is true, so there's no point blaming yourself.

Nozomi, that rascal Ichigo always keeps his promise.

You gotta just trust him and wait.

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

Hey! Why are you looking at me like that for, Nozomi?!

Tell me. How can you have so much faith in him? The two of you are always at odds.

Uhh, don't go thinking that I actually believe in him or anything! We're not even friends!

Okay.

But the situation he's gotten himself into must be pretty bad. Maybe we should go to the Soul Society as well.

Now you're really worrying for nothing, Chad.

Yeah, you shouldn't underestimate our captains.