4-1...

Hey, Rukia. I've got your dinner here.

Huh?

Dammit. Why does she always have to disappear right at dinner time?

I've remained in this world for far too long. It's time to move on.

Yes! You finally get it, don'tcha?

Huh?!

But you know, I really gotta hand it to you. I'm very impressed. By skulking around so long here in this world, you actually managed to prolong what little life you have left.

Rukia!

Renji! What in the world are you doing here?

So you're telling me you had two hunters from the Soul Society lurking right behind you, but you were so lost in thought that you didn't even notice?

I'll grant you that you spent the last few months in that Gigai, but still, don't you think you've grown just a little too lax?

Spit it out, Rukia. So where is the human who took all of your powers away from you?

What are you talking about? Just because I'm inside a Gigai right now, it doesn't mean I've lost any of my power.

And any way, why would you even think it was a human who took that power?

It was a human! It's obvious. Just look at you. Otherwise you wouldn't have that stupid human expression on your face.

Ah...!

You're a runt from the Rukon District like me. And yet, you were taken in by the noble house of Kuchiki.

They put a lot of time and money into making you the perfect Soul Reaper, one of the elite!

Huh, am I wrong? You're the great Rukia Kuchiki, aren't you? Gaping like some worthless human. What the hell is the matter with you?

Right, Captain Kuchiki?

Rukia...

Byakuya... It's you, brother.

Passing your Soul Reaper powers to a human is a grave sin.

Now, tell us where this human is, Rukia. It's over. We're taking you in. And then we're going to find the human who stole your powers...

...and kill him!

Ichigo! Rukia's in trouble!

Look at this right here!

What is it?

What's the matter with you? It's obviously a farewell note. You see, Rukia, she's left us. She's left us for good.

What do you mean? She left without even telling me she was going?

Shut up, shut up! How should I know?! I was right here with her when she decided to go. She just up and left here without offering even the slightest explanation.

Who the hell cares about you!

Aw man, just what is this? Damn Rukia, what the heck are you thinking?

Hmm... "For certain reasons, I must go."

Do not look for me and do not worry. After you read this, make sure that you burn it.

And also, if you can, keep yourself hidden for a while.

I don't get it. I mean, she doesn't even give a reason for leaving.

Something must have happened.

She said to burn the letter and keep ourselves hidden. What could be so terrible that got Rukia this worried about us?

Isn't it obvious? Something's happened between her and the Soul Society!

Use your head a little. Rukia's in the middle of something and she doesn't want us involved. So she...she struck out on her own!

Let's go, Kon.

I'm changing into a Reaper and finding Rukia.

Alright! I'm with ya, buddy! Uh, do you mean...again?

I don't have another choice. I've gotta get that Gikongan out of your belly.

No... No, wait! Ahhhh! Wahhhhh!!!

Boy, it looks to me like you're in a bit of a bind this evening.

You're that guy!

Is there anything I can do to help speed things along here?

It seems my customer's in a bit of a pinch. I don't usually do this, but I can put this one on the tab for you.