8-5...

Hm...

There you are. What are you doing here?

Oh, hi. How are you, Shuhei? I was just taking a break to watch the ladies train. Take a look.

They're in the middle of preparing for the winter showdown.

Hold it. That's Rukia and one of the humans, isn't it? Er, what was her name?

That's Orihime.

Hado 33: Sokatsui!

Santen Kesshun!

Don't hesitate! If you're indecisive, you can't hope to win.

Okay. Koten Zanshun!

Interesting. Looks like they might be enjoying their training too much.

Oh, you picked up on that too, huh?

Sorry to bother you, Captain Ukitake, but I have a personal request to ask of you.

A friend and I would like to use your training ground to train in preparation for the showdown this upcoming winter.

I was surprised when she showed up one day with that desperate look and asked me to open up the training grounds behind the barracks. But...

I'm happy for her. She found a friend.

I don't know. Even if that friend's a...human?

You shouldn't talk like that.

Please, forgive me.

No, it's okay. Even if they live in completely different worlds, friendship's always a fine thing to have.

So, tell me. What did you come here for anyway? Was there, um, something that you wanted?

Oh, yeah. That's right. It's this month's Seireitei Bulletin. The mail-order catalog's inside.

What the? What are you doing with this?

It's chaos around here. Squad 10 is still on assignment in the world of the living.

Squad 11's captain won't wake up.

And all of the members of Squad 12 are still in the lab. They won't come out.

Well, I guess I better get back to my duties.

No, no. Don't be in such a hurry. You should stay a while and relax.

Sorry, I can't. I still have a lot of work to do.

Although I wouldn't mind watching those two girls train for a while longer. Maybe later, when I have a little more free time.

The showdown...

Not much time to mend the heart, is it? Much less to build strength.

If only this fleeting peace could last a little longer...

Captain Ukitake! We've just received a report on the world of the living and...

Rukia!

Yessir! I just received the report on the Espada's recent activity!

The Kido Corps are working on opening up the gate! Go to the Senkaimon in front of the barracks!

Yessir!

Wait, Rukia! I'll go with you!

No, Orihime.

You don't have a Hell Butterfly. If you try to pass through the Senkaimon with me, you'll end up in the Dangai, the border between the world of the living and the Soul Society.

I just ordered the outer wall to be stabilized so you'll be able to pass through the Dangai safely.

It will take a little time, but now you can return to the world of the living.

I know you're in a hurry, but you have to stay calm. Understand?

Yes, sir.

Don't make that face, Orihime. I'll be waiting for you on the other side.

Mhm.

Inoue! Orihime Inoue! We have finished stabilizing the walls of the Dangai. You may now pass through.

Be careful.

Thank you for everything you've done. Good bye!

We shall accompany you!

Oh?! But I'll be fine on my own!

You're not an intruder anymore. You're our guest now.

Two Soul Reapers without Hell Butterflies customarily escort a guest when they travel between the two worlds. Sorry for the inconvenience, but you'll understand.

Sure! Alright, you lead the way then.

(If I can get there quickly, I know it'll be alright. During this past month, I feel like I've gotten stronger. Once I get there, I know I can help them.)

(So hang on, Ichigo! I'm coming.)

What's this? Only two guards?

The Soul Society's incompetence never ceases to amaze me. They just don't seem to understand that a person is most vulnerable when they're traveling.

The one from before!

Who the hell are you, anyway?! Are you an Arrancar?!

Gahhh!

Ah!

I came here to talk. I have something important to tell you.

Soten Kishun!

Ah...ah...

Huh. I must say, that's quite an impressive ability you possess, to heal wounds that deep.

Now, come with me, little girl.

Huh?

Don't speak.

Yes is all I want to hear. If you say anything other than that, people will die.

I don't mean you. I'm talking about those who are closest to you.

Ah!

Don't ask any questions. Don't tell me anything. You have no rights.

The only thing you do have is the rope holding the blade of the guillotine safely suspended above the necks of your friends.

Make no mistake, little girl. This is not a negotiation. It's an order.

Ah...

For some reason, Lord Aizen has decided he wants your power. He dispatched me here with orders to bring you back unharmed.

I'll only say this one more time. Come with me, little girl.