4-1 After Kageroza!

Ichigo, are you really sure about doing this?

Yeah, I'm sure. There's no time to waste worrying about stuff.

Hey, they're right to be worried about trying to restore your spirit energy. Even by just attempting to do this, you're taking a huge risk.

But the fact is, taking that gamble is our only hope. Well, Ichigo, we should probably go. Let's move out.

Wait.

I'm going too!

That's a noble thought, but... Well, you see...

I don't know if I'll be any kind of help, really. I mean... You know, since I'm soft like this.

But well, I wanna try to save Nozomi too. No, I will save her!

So, can I go?

Of course you can come with us. Well, you were the one who brought her to us, after all. I'd say it's your duty to see this thing to the end.

Thank you.

You better hold on to it this time. For good luck.

All right. Let's go!

But before we leave, there's something else. I've got a favor to ask of you.

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

I thought I'd come and greet you properly!

Hah!

Kenpachi! Come with me!

Hell if I will! You expect me to ignore our prey when it's right in front of me?!

You idiot! These guys are just decoys!

Heh.

I've got a favor to ask of you. My plan is that Ichigo, myself, and Kon... We three will make our way into the Soul Society.

I'd say it's safe to assume that the invading Reigai army has already set up a defense line around the Senkaimon to prevent us from getting through.

So how are we gonna get past their defense line? Ichigo and I are best suited to do it because I can shut down my own spirit energy, and he's unfortunately lost his.

I want all of you to get the Reigai to focus on you.

Let's go!

Hmph!

That's enough, Renji. We should fall back. All we can do now is hope for the best.

So far, so good.

We're almost there.

Let's begin, Lieutenant Ise. Time is of the essence.

Yes, sir. But considering your present state, are you sure you want to do this?

I'm aware of the risks. It's possible that the fusion might be rather unstable, but with my medications, I'll manage it.

All right, I'm counting on the two of you to make this succeed.

Heh...

Yushima?

What a surprise! I thought it was you. Somebody told me you were getting inducted. So then, it is true.

Seems to me when you were at the Soul Reaper Academy, you had a hard time graduating. I'm very glad things worked out for you.

We've confirmed the appearance of a Hollow in the Rukon District! Move out immediately and subdue it!

Excuse me, sir, but could I go along on this patrol too?

You're just not up to this. Subduing a Hollow is a real battle, son, and sending a rookie like you on a patrol where men's lives are on the line would be too reckless!

I can do this. I'm not weak.

Starting next week, you will be transferred to Squad 12, the Department of Research and Development.

But sir, I was just recently assigned here.

Yushima, you are simply not cut out for combat. Listen, young man. You're very smart and it's pretty obvious you're a hard worker.

Now, wouldn't you rather be assigned to a squad where you can use your unique talents?

No, wait! Please! I beg of you! I demand an explanation!

Open up! This research wing was ordered closed! You need to open this door and relinquish control immediately. Any resistance will be considered treason!

Open up right now! This is your last warning!

Hey, what happened?! Damn it! Call Squad 4, quickly!

Hide. Lose yourself among those incompetent Soul Reapers and hide your existence.

Heh...

(Kon... Ichigo...)