7-5...

Orihime?

What's wrong? Why are you in such a rush?

Oh, Rukia...

*Sob*

Hey! What's the matter?! Orihime, what's wrong?

What? Kisuke... I can't believe he said that to you. He won't get away with it.

No... It's okay.

But you know what? I've kind of calmed down since you and I've been talking.

I think it's better this way. I'm sure. I mean, it's true that I really don't have enough power to help us win agains-

It's not okay!

Haven't you fought by our side all along up until now? You even came barging into the Soul Society and fought fiercely!

Aren't you furious at him for casting you aside so easily like that?

No, I... I'm not mad.

Stop lying to me like that.

I'm not lying, really! I feel lonely, but not mad!

But being lonely isn't nearly as bad as being in the way.

I feel lonely because while everyone else is fighting, I'll be all alone.

But if I'm only going to be a burden to Mr. Urahara and everyone else, then maybe it's better to just be lonely instead.

Orihime, listen.

In a battle, the ones who get in the way are not the ones that lack power.

They're the ones that lack resolve.

During our fight in the Soul Society, there wasn't a single person that became a burden to any of us.

Not Ichigo, not Chad, not Uryu... And not you either, Orihime.

If any single one of you weren't there, then I wouldn't be here today talking to you either.

I bet you we can find something for you to do that will help us in this fight. Let's work on it together, Orihime.

Thanks, Rukia.

Ah... Hiyori!

You're coming with me! Hachi wants to talk to you right now!

Okay, but who's Hachi?

Hachi is just a nickname. My real name is Hachigen Ushoda. Nice to meet you.

Uh heh... It's nice to meet you.

Um, so... What was it that you wanted to see me about?

Hmm. Just as I thought.

These hairpins are the real form of your power. They're like a Zanpakuto. This is truly rare.

But this one is chipped. I've been quite curious about it ever since you came here earlier to speak with Ichigo.

Yes. But I'm afraid I can't fix it because a part of it was shattered.

Well, would you like me to fix it for you?

What?! Can you really do that?!

Why, of course!

Oh, goodie! Thank you! Thank you so much!

It's nothing, really.

I see. He was broken so that not even a single splinter remained, and you were unable to fix him.

And as a result of that, you were asked to stay out of the upcoming battle. Do I have the situation correctly?

Um, not quite. But since I've already explained it like, five times, let's go with that.

However, this is still strange. From just looking at your Spiritual Pressure, you should have powers very similar to mine.

But if that were the case, you would still be able to return him to his original form, even without a shattered fragment.

I can't thank you enough for this, Hachi!

Orihime.

I have now fixed Tsubaki for you. And with this, you will be able to return to the front lines.

However, I have to agree with the others. I cannot recommend that you be allowed to fight alongside them.

If your powers are anything like mine, then you are definitely not suited for fighting. Especially when your opponents are Arrancars.

In spite of all that I've told you, are you sure you still wish to fight?

Yes. Yes, I still want to fight.

Well, you just have to get stronger then.

You have not yet mastered your own abilities, Orihime.

But surely, there is a means for you to fight. Always keep this thought in mind.

What's important is not how you should be, but rather, how you want to be.

Got it!