7-4 Urahara's Decision, Orihime's Hope

Huh?! Help Chad with his training? Why the hell should I?

I'm afraid the poor boy won't leave if we turn him down.

You're not answering my question. He asked you, so you should be the one that helps him. There's no need to drag me into this.

Chad needs to train against the power of a Bankai in order to get stronger.

Which is all the more reason why you should do it yourself, Kisuke. You have a Bankai, dontcha?

Oh stop! Why, I'm just a lowly but handsome merchant. How could I possibly perform Bankai?

Look. Don't you give me that lowly merchant lie, Urahara!

You used to be captain of Squad 12 and you're the one that created the Hogyoku, so don't tell me that you don't have a Bankai!

Actually, you're a better man for the job than I am.

To be quite honest, my Bankai isn't the kind that's exactly best suited for training people, or helping people for that matter.

Hmm...

Wait! I've got it. I know. How about we do this?

Look, Renji. You have a lot of questions for me, right?

Let's make a little deal.

You do chores for three months. Nothing major, just routine stuff, and in return, I'll answer any questions that you may have.

I wouldn't call being a training partner a "routine chore."

Yes, of course it is! Mopping the floor, putting your life on the line, it's all the same thing.

Or are you no longer curious about all those questions you had for me?

Ngh...

Come on! Running away won't help you get stronger!

Huahhh!

For all the fuss Renji was making, it sure seems like he's really getting into this.

Chad... There's still room for your power to grow. That much is for sure.

And by repeatedly fighting against a Bankai, you will certainly advance to the next level.

But one thing concerns me. Your power isn't like that of a Soul Reaper's. No, not even a Quincy's for that matter.

(Yes, it's almost as if your power is...)

Mr. Urahara...

Well, hello! Long time no see, Orihime!

Uh, Mr. Urahara...

Nngh!

Urahara! I'm pretty sure he's done. I'm gonna go ahead and finish up for today.

Oh, it's Chad. And Renji, too.

Tessai! Ururu! Kindly wake Chad up, please.

Huh?

Gh... Wait.

We're not done yet.

Don't get carried away. That tough guy act won't work with me.

Mr. Urahara, umm... What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?

Well, a little while ago, Rangiku Matsumoto came here for a visit.

Huh?

So you know about it, right? This new situation is sudden, and a little unexpected.

All of us, including the Soul Society, will have to focus and prepare for the upcoming battle this winter from here on out.

It's going to be all-out-war. More blood will be spilled than ever before.

Both we and the Soul Society will need more offensive power than we already have.

I...I want to become strong too!

Is that so? In that case, I'll say this.

Orihime, when war breaks out, I want you to stay out of the battle.

Uh...

Tsubaki. Since he was destroyed in the skirmish with the Arrancar the other day, you've been unable to restore him. Correct?

Yes, you're right. Tsubaki was so badly broken that I was unable to fix him.

I don't even know how I would begin to heal him if I could.

Tsubaki is your only means of attack, so without him, I'm afraid I can't allow you to participate in combat. It's only reasonable.

Wait! Hold on, Kisuke.

That's not fair. Orihime's our friend. Don't forget that she fought successfully in the Soul Society.

If she says that she wants to work on getting stronger, then you can't just cast her aside so easily!

You should think about this, Chad. Do you want to get her killed?

No! She has defensive and healing powers, which are more important than attacking abilities!

The defensive power of Santen Kesshun is quite limited. Most likely, they will be of no use in the upcoming battle.

As for healing abilities, we have Squad 4. This time, Captain Unohana and Lieutenant Kotetsu's squad members will be at the front lines.

They will compensate many times over for Orihime's absence.

But I don't understand!

No! That's enough.

A warrior who has lost her strength will only end up getting in our way.

But Urahara!

It's okay.

Orihime...

Thank you, Chad. But really, it's okay.

And thank you, Mr. Urahara. I appreciate it. I'm really glad that you've been so honest with me.

Guess I'll be going now!

Orihime!