4-1 Rukia Returns

Orihime.

Oh, what is it, Ichigo?

Uh, well... Don't worry about it.

It's not important.

Please don't feel bad.

I wasn't thinking and I just jumped in. I have no one else to blame but myself for getting hurt like this.

It looks a lot worse than it really is.

So please don't look like that or act like you're the one who's responsible.

I don't know what I can do other than feel guilty.

This is the room. Go on, open the door.

Yo! What's going on, Ichigo!

Uh, R-Renji? Toshiro... Wait a minute! What are you guys doing here?!

That's Captain Hitsugaya to you!

Yeah, fine, but I don't understand why you're here.

Orders from above.

Looks like there's a major storm brewing with the Arrancars. We were sent here to join forces with the Substitute Soul Reaper and prepare for the battle.

Arrancar? What the hell is that?

Whaat?! You're not serious, are you? You mean you've been fighting these guys without any idea who you were dealing with?

You dummy!

He's talking about those guys who beat you up the other day!

Rukia...

It's been a while, Ichigo, hasn't it?

R-Rukia?

What's up with your pathetic face?!

What the hell was that for?

Come on!

So Rukia, what's all this about? And where are we going?

Be quiet. You just keep running and I'll navigate.

Found it. Right there!

Raaaahhhhhhh!!!

A Hollow!

Yes.

Now go get it!

Waahhh?!

What are you doing?

You shouldn't have any trouble at all defeating a Hollow like this one!

I know that! Don't tell me what to do.

What's wrong?

Shut up!

I think I know what happened.

You got beaten by the Arrancars. Now you can't function as a Soul Reaper.

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

What are you so afraid of?

I know they hurt Orihime. They got Chad too, Ichigo. So what?

Are you really so weak now that you would lose heart and give up over something like that?

Is it because you're afraid of losing? Or maybe you're afraid you won't be able to protect your friends.

Or is it...you're afraid of the Hollow that you know is inside you?!

Gh!

If you're afraid of losing, then you just have to get stronger.

If you're afraid you won't be able to protect your friends from harm, you have to get stronger and make a vow that you'll never let them down.

But if you're afraid of the Hollow within, then you must not only become strong enough to destroy it, but pledge to yourself that you will.

Even if no one believes in you, stick out your chest and scream your defiance!

For that is the kind of man you are!

I know it in my heart!

Tch...

You're awfully noisy, Rukia.

Orihime!!!

R-Rukia?

Oi! It's been a while.

How long are you going to be staying with us this time?

I'll tell you all about that later, okay?

Are you alright?

Orihime, I...

I'm sorry, Orihime. I'll get stronger. I will get stronger.

I promise you so that next time, I won't let them hurt you!

(Thank goodness. He's back to his old self again.)

Thank you, Ichigo.

Thank you too, Rukia.

And welcome back.