2-4 Message

He's been gone for a long time...

Who are you talking about?

What do you mean, "who are you talking about?" I'm talking about Ichigo! Shouldn't we be trying to find him and help him?

There's no need. The enemy's Spiritual Pressure is long gone. Besides, I can't imagine Ichigo needing any help against an opponent like that. We'd just be wasting our time going after him.

Are you sure? 'Cuz I'm not.

Heehee...

What's so amusing?

Oh, nothing. It's just that you pretend you don't care about Ichigo.

Wha, ?!

But I know that you and he have become such good friends.

I... I have no idea what you're talking about! Are you teasing me, or what?

I'm back.

Ah! Welcome back, Ichigo! You didn't get hurt, did you?

Nah, I'm all good. No worries.

Oh! Sorry. That's my Soul Phone.

Hello? This is Yuki, huh?

What is it?

It's, uh... They're saying it's a message for all squads.

The following is a brief summary of the current situation. I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully.

Fifty-seven minutes ago, seven unidentified intruders invaded the Squad 1 office. Five minutes later, they retreated. One squad member was killed, but the Head Captain is safe.

At roughly the same time, another intruder showed up near the Kokuryo Gate, where Squad 1 was standing guard. All one hundred sixteen squad members were killed in the approximately three-minute battle that ensued.

Lieutenant Sasakibe was seriously wounded and died in the Squad 1 office shortly thereafter.

No way!

But Lieutenant Sasakibe was one of the longest serving officers we've ever had! How could such a man be killed in battle?

Lastly, we've been unable to determine what entry and exit routes the intruders used. However, the Soul Shield Membrane surrounding the Seireitei doesn't appear to have been disturbed.

So we think they must possess some kind of method of transportation that can bypass it.

I can't take this... I need to patrol.

I-chi-go!

Ne-Nel?!

Super Acceleration!

Damn it, Nel... This is how you say hello to me again after all this time?!

Ichigo, it w-was horrible...

Huh?

You've got to help us, Ichigo... It's Hueco Mundo... Hueco Mundo is, !