8-4 After the Battle

So, uh... That's the situation. Her family is going through some pretty hard times and had to live apart, and Rukia's the only relative she could go to.

Please, let her stay! It's so sad! It's just like in the movies!

You've got it, Yuzu! Even if her story wasn't like a movie, I'd let her stay here 'cuz it's so sad!

This is worse than any movie. Watching you two is like watching a bad rerun.

Don't mind us. It's just our way of saying we're happy to have you here.

Thank you.

So, we're gonna head out to do some shopping for a while.

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

*Beep Beep Beep*

Huh? Another one?

How many times is that today?

You stay here and watch TV or something, okay? Hey, Kon! Take my place!

Huh? Uh, all right.

So then, present your update.

Sir, we lost all contact with the captains that were there.

However, it's very unlikely that our captains would be defeated so easily.

And the transmission that Kisuke received may not reflect the situation completely.

The situation is dire.

In assessing our resources, besides the lieutenants in the world of the living, the only other battle-ready force we have is Ichigo Kurosaki and his group.

We must prepare at once to defend against an assault by the invading army.

Understood, sir.

Head Captain, we've also been receiving reports of an increase in Hollow sightings.

The balance of power between the world of the living and the Soul Society has changed. It's natural that more Hollows are appearing. What we have feared the most has now become reality.

Though our fighting force is small, we'll still stop them.

Defending the world of the living from Hollows is our sworn duty, but we must also stay alert for any possible attack by Inaba's invading army.

Yes, sir.

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

Hey there, Kon. What are you up to?

Oh, uhh, not too much...

Is Nozomi at home?

Uh, yeah. She's probably pretty bored. Would ya mind keeping her company?

Kon was acting kind of strange.

Hmm...

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

Out of all the Mod Souls that have been created, I was the first.

(So, what am I supposed to say to her now?)

Here you go! We're doing a promotion!

Oh, thanks.

What is this?

It's falling apart.

Why'd I even take one? This sucks.

If you're not going to make them right from the start, then don't make them.

Where the hell have you been?!

Oh, sorry...

Since you weren't here, I've had to stay a Soul Reaper this entire time. Hurry up and swap back, will ya?

Uh, sure.

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

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

Hey.

Hi.

Hey, Nozomi! C'mon!

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

She's waiting for you.

Uh, right.

Attention shoppers! Right now, everyone in our store gets a free "I'm the Man!" Lion!

Haha...

What's wrong?

Nothing, just looking at stuff.

Now we're all set.

All right. Let's go home, then, okay?