Part 5: Hueco Mundo Vol.1, 1-1

Shiiinjiii!!!

This was on the ground outside!

What is it?

I have no idea!

Don't pick up things if you don't know what they are!

But it was just sitting there all alone right in front of our place. I had to pick it up!

What's this inside...? Washed bandages? From Ichigo?

Why would he go through the trouble to send this?

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

That guy's an idiot.

Ichigo!

What is it? Tell me what's wrong.

It's Orihime. She's disappeared! She's not at home...or anywhere!

I've been looking all over the city for her...but I can't find her. She's gone!

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

But you know! You know where she went. Admit it!

What do you mean by that? Why would I know?

Besides, are you even sure she really disappeared?

Cut it out!

I've always been able to sense her, but her presence has disappeared! I can't sense her nearby!

Yesterday, she suddenly vanished without a trace! And you know something about this, don't you?!

Just cut it out. I told you already, I don't know.

And what's with you all of a sudden?! Sense? Disappeared? What are you talking about?!

You think I don't know?

Huh?

I've seen you when you wear that black robe and you go around fighting monsters, as well as other strange people wearing the same get up!

Tatsuki...

Ichigo... I've had it with all the lies. Tell me the truth! What are you trying to hide?!

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

Listen, it's none of your business.

Huh?!

What do you think I am?

Am I someone who even matters to you? Do you consider me your friend? Are you really my friend?!

You idiot!

Tatsuki...

Do yourself a favor and just stay away from me.

You idiot!

Ichigo...

Why don't you have some dinner? Otherwise Yuzu won't be able to clear the table.

I'm sorry. I don't really feel like eating today.

But Yuzu prepared all of your favorite dishes...

I'm sorry, Yuzu.

Oh, it's all right. Don't worry about it.

I'll put it in the refrigerator and you can eat it when you feel hungry!

Sorry about that.

Come on, let's go, Karin.

Okay...

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

That is amazing, Ichigo! You just apologized three whole times.

A new national record for being pathetic!

Sorry, but could you be quiet?

What's wrong, you're acting all gloomy again!

I know what it is. You're constipated! Well, believe me, there's plenty of other things to get down in the dumps about, if you'll pardon the expression!

Sorry...but could you move, please?

Oh... Sorry, sorry!

Hey, wait!!! You're acting like you're completely out of it!

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

Urgh...

Hey, welcome back... I've been waiting for you to show up here Ichigo.

Oh yeah? What made you think that?

Because you thought I would know a way...

...to get into Hueco Mundo.

And you would have been correct. Come inside, Ichigo. I've made some preparations.

I was afraid...afraid that Aizen would go after Orihime's power. So I left her out of this battle.

But I was too late.

Taking her feelings into consideration...it was my mistake to leave her out.

I shall do anything I can in order to try and help you.

You sure about that? I mean, after all, you'd be going against the Soul Society's decision.

Look, I'm here because I went against their rules in the first place.

Well, you sure are a sad sight, Ichigo.

Uryu?! What are you doing here?

Isn't it obvious? We're going to Hueco Mundo.

Chad!

Kisuke already gave us all of the details. We're going with you.

You can't! Look, I appreciate your concern...both of you...but you're just not strong enough.

Ichigo!

Huh?!

Now do you think that I'm still not strong enough?

Believe in us. Don't take this on by yourself.

This is what friends are for.

You guys...

It looks like everybody's ready. Finally.