4-1 -

Where are we?

She probably didn't have time to designate any coordinates, which is why we ended up in this place.

No, you're wrong, my boy. This roof is where Miss Roka and I first met, this afternoon.

Why, Miss Roka? Why would you stay behind all alone in a place like that?!

She used herself as a decoy to let us escape, I'm sure.

Miss Roka probably had to make such a decision because I am so powerless.

If only I were a strong hero that could keep her safe and sound! Then, things wouldn't have come to such a sorrowful contusion!

(Contusion? Did he mean to say conclusion?)

Come, my boy! Let's head back down that dark path for round two and save her! For I have one final secret technique that Miss Roka isn't aware of!

I don't know what sort of secret technique that might be, but either way, it's impossible! She is the only one who can open the door back to that path!

Just leave the rest to me. I will find a way, somehow.

What are you saying?! I will help you think of a way, too! I must!

You know, you shouldn't be involved in an incident like this to start with. You may have some spirit energy, but you are no fighter.

I do not think you should have anything to do with the world she comes from, or with Hollows at all.

I thank you for your concern, my boy. But if I could keep myself out of it, I wouldn't have approached her in the first place.

It's true that I am weaker than you and my number one pupil. The only thing I have over you boys is the number of years that I've lived.

And I am no god. I cannot hold back all the world's many senseless deaths and despair on my own.

Kanonji...

But that is why! That is precisely why, my boy!

That is why I swore to myself that I would at least try to grab ahold of every hand that is within reach of my own!

I may not have the power to erase the wrongs of this world, but I can at least save the souls of those who have died needlessly.

I truly believe that this is my duty as a hero.

Perhaps it is true that Miss Roka is bound by a different set of rules than we are, and maybe she does, in fact, live in a different world!

But, you know what, my boy?! She is still within my reach!

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

I would never shake off someone's hand once I have taken hold of it. I could never forget how it felt in my own!

There is no way for us to go after her now, but I do know of someone who would know how to.

Whaaat?! Really?!

Yes, so please wait here for a little while.

(I wonder how Kisuke will react when I tell him we want to go save an Arrancar.)

(Wait. Before that, I need to deal with those Arrancar children.)

Huh? What happened to us?

Um, we were grabbed and squeezed tight by Cien and I got bit on the arm.

I thought...we'd get...eaten.

Oh! You're awake!

Oh, did you save us, Donkey Wonky?

No! And I mean that twice over! I am not a donkey, nor am I wonky! I am Don Kanonji!

Moreover, I am not the only one who saved you! It was all thanks to the teamwork of my number two pupil here and Karakura Platinum, also known as Miss Roka!

I'm sorry, what? Ignoring the fact that I've been downgraded from Sky Blue to a pupil now, what I really can't stand is being below Ichigo. Can you at least take that part back?

Oh, so it was that Roka lady who saved us.

By the way, where is she now?

Let's go find her! Thanks a bunch, Donkey Wonky!

Bye...bye...

Wait! There's still something I want to ask you.

And there they go. All right, I'll go after them while I get in contact with my colleague.

You just wait here, Kanonji!

But how am I supposed to get Jeanne d'Arc back on street level from here?

With her stuck up here like this, I won't be able to zoom to the aid of Miss Roka or any kids in need of help that I spot.

Hmm. What's this, now?