2-4...

Ah, it looks like we've arrived.

Wha--!

No way!

Oh, it's fantastic!

Like I said, you know it when you see it.

What kind of person would want to live in a house like that!

I don't know, but whoever he is, he sure doesn't care about keeping his identity a secret!

And building houses like this one, it's no wonder he doesn't live in town anymore!

Hmph. So this time the banner is held up by giant human arms. It's actually quite clever, don't you think?

That is one word for it, I guess.

Come on. Let's go.

Yeah!

(I can't let anyone see me walking into a house that ridiculous.)

What's the matter with you two? Hurry up!

Alright...

Well, it's been a long time, hasn't it Yoruichi?

Hmm? What's this? You seem to have brought a bunch of brats along with you.

I shall explain that. First though, I have a favor to ask of you, Kukaku.

That is usually the case when you look me up, Yoruichi.

Is it dangerous?

Probably.

Heh. It's been a long time since we talked like this.

Well well, my friend. Lucky for you, I enjoy danger.

Alright, I think I get the picture.

Ah, what the hell. I'll take the job.

However...

While I trust you completely, Yoruichi, I do not trust these kids accompanying you.

So I'm going to send an overseer with you, just to keep an eye on them for me.

You don't mind, do you?

That's fine.

Overseer?

Yeah. Well, I call him that but he's actually my kid brother.

He's still kind of a doofus and not all that useful, but he'll have to do.

Hey in there! Are you ready?

Yeah sis, I'm ready.

Alright, I'm opening the door, so behave yourself.

Kay, I promise.

It's an honor to meet you. My name is Ganju Shiba, and I'm pleased to be of service.

You two already know each other?

All right, everyone on your feet! Gather up your crap and follow me.

Wh-What is that thing?

It's huge!

So, did that scare you kids?

This is my one-and-only enhanced fireworks launch pad!

And that's the Flower-Crane Cannon!

That was my line!

You can quit worrying about getting through the wall.

With this launcher, I'll get you all into the Seireitei through the air!

Or my name's not Kukaku Shiba, fireworks expert of the Rukon District!

I know that you're supposed to be a pyrotechnical wizard, but I'm still not fully convinced of it.

The idea of shooting us up into the air is completel-hrg!

Now, pay close attention everyone.

You may think that the only thing guarding the Seireitei is that barrier, but you are dead wrong.

It isn't nearly that simple.

The Seireitei has a spherical barrier which surrounds them, protecting them not only from the sky above, but even below the ground.

From sky to ground?

We would instantly turn to dust if we were to simply jump in.

This cannonball is the Special Hard Spiritual Partition Penetration Device I invented.

In other words, if all four of you combined put your spirit energy into this Reishu-Kaku, you can create a temporary cannonball that can break through the barrier.

Then I'll use the Flower-Crane Cannon to shoot that cannonball into the sky, and it'll punch a hole straight through the barrier.

Might not be the most peaceful of strategies, but there's no other way! Any questions?

All right, then! Now, take them to the underground training room so they can practice concentrating their spirit energy.

Listen you guys. If any one of you loses concentration, then you'll blow up on the spot.

What?! Hey, you never mentioned that!

Sorry, brother...

I've decided to help that Soul Reaper who came to me.

A Soul Reaper not unlike the one who killed you.

If you were alive, and saw me not helping them...

...you'd be the first to scold me.

You, who loved Soul Reapers all your life, and also died as a Soul Reaper.

Hrr... Rahh... Urh... Ugh... *Pant*

I can see you're trying real hard.

She that important to you? That girl, the other Soul Reaper. You know, the one you came to save?

Not really.

Huh? I know why you're doing this. It's gotta be because you promised to save her, right?

No, that's not it.

Then it's money. That's gotta be it! She promised to pay you if you saved her, huh?

No way! How the hell am I supposed to use money from here in my world?

Then why the hell are you so damned determined?!

I owe her! You see, she saved my life. And I haven't repaid her yet.

She gave me her power in order to save me and my family, even though she'd just met me.

Because of that, she was captured, and now she's about to be executed.

I don't want to turn into some kind of deplorable guy who would just turn his back on her. Understand?

Ah!

Come on, it's time for us to get out of here.

Huh? We're leaving now?

Very well. Are we all here now?

Hey, wait. Why isn't Ganju here with the rest of you?

Hm? Last time I saw him...

Never fear! Ganju is here!

You should know, the hero's always the last one to make his entrance.

Okay, but what's with that outfit?

You like it, huh? This is my custom battle costume. Pretty sweet, right?

Hey wait, what battle? You're not coming!

Hmph...

My big brother was killed by a Soul Reaper!

Ganju, don't you dare.

Why don't you just listen and let me talk for a change?

I was still just a kid back then, so I don't remember all the details of what happened, but there are two things I'll never forget.

Faces. Those two faces. The cruel face of that Soul Reaper as he dragged my brother's mangled body back home.

And the face of my dear dying brother, happily giving thanks to that same Soul Reaper.

Why did he do that? Why would my brother be so forgiving? To this day, I just don't know. But there's one thing I do know for certain.

Somehow, my brother never blamed the Soul Reapers. And he never hated them.

But how?! Why didn't he hate the fiends who completely destroyed him?!

Why did he continue believing in them to the bitter end?!

Somehow you seem different from the other Soul Reapers. That's what I think.

I think that's what makes you different. And I think if I go with you, I might discover something important.

That's why I've decided I'm going to help you.

I'm willing to go along with you into the heart of enemy territory and try to learn what being a Soul Reaper really means.

Heh heh. Well it sounds like you've got your mind made up about this.

If you're all ready to go, then the final countdown begins now!

Get inside, everyone.

Far away, copper-colored greed desires the domination of 36 degrees.

72 pairs of legends, 13 pairs of horns.

The right paw of the monkey captures a star! Embraced by the 25 wheels of the sun, the cradle of sand will flow with blood!

Flower-Crane Cannon Number Two!

Kagizaki Blossom!

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

May the fates smile on you, Ganju.