Part 13: The Lost Agent Vol. 2, 8-3

Nice to see that you're alive.

I may as well be dead.

Jackie, your Fullbring, has it...?

Yeah.

I see. But that's a good thing.

I mean, you hated all this. You said your ability was a big pain.

I found Giriko. On the way here, I discovered his body and pocket watch. So I stopped and buried them both together.

While I am kinda relieved that I've lost my abilities...

...I do slightly envy Giriko for being able to die with his powers.

Maybe it's because somewhere along the way, I've realized something about our Fullbrings. They were the only thing that tied us together.

Yeah, whatever. I've never felt like my Fullbring was able to bring me together with anyone. I'm outta here.

Hold on. Let's walk together just a little while longer.

Three years.

Within three years, I'll become an adult and grow my company to three times what it is now. Then, I'll come back.

And once I'm back, I'll let all of you work under me.

I know you all need my money to live anyway. We're all incompatible with this world.

Yeah, sure. I'll be waiting.

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

Ichigo? I'm still alive?

Yeah, Kisuke showed up right after you passed out. But...

...we didn't find anyone else.

*Sniffle* I'm glad that you're okay.

Ginjo, Jackie, Yukio, Giriko, Sushigawara...

When I heard they didn't find any one of them, I was so sad. But you're still here...

That's why... I'm so glad. *Sniffle*

What about...Tsukishima?

Tsukishima? Who's that?

Riruka? Are you crying?

No, I'm not crying.

So, are you all alone?

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

Ah, I see. Well, looks like we're the same.

All right, come with me.

Starting today, it'll be the two of us.

You were there for me, Ginjo.

You taught me how to use my powers. You taught me how to fight. So why?

Why didn't you teach me what I should do when you died?

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

I'm glad you're still alive.

I've been thinking through all of this, but I couldn't do it. In my mind, you'll always be the strongest one around.

Mr. Tsukishima, you mustn't die! You're too smart for this setback to stop you! I won't let you die!

You are invincible, Mr. Tsukishima!

(Now I see, Ginjo.)

(Your being gone has forced me to finally be able to understand something.)

(Something important that you might have already known. I'm not alone.)

Thank you, Shishigawara.

Wuh?! You don't need to thank me, sir! It's only right that I help you, Mr. Tsukishima! After all, sir, I am your apprentice!

Oh, uh, hey! Look, it's morning!

What a beautiful day! That's a sight for sore eyes! I know you prefer night time, but the sun's pretty cool too!

Right, Mr. Tsukishima?

(Thank you.)

(I wasn't left to die alone after all.)