2-5 The Meaning of War

Shino, this might be a strange time to ask this, but...

Yeah, what is it?

The Soul Reapers and the Quincies share the same goal of defeating Hollows, right?

So can you tell me why we're even fighting each other in the first place?

What?! You don't know that?!

Oh, uh... Well...

You know that in ancient times, Soul Reapers were referred to as Balancers, right?

Sixth Seat Kajomaru! It's an honor, sir!

Thank you. But since we have time, why don't we look into this question of yours for a bit?

You both understand the basic law of this world, don't you? That souls circulate between the World of the Living and the Soul Society?

Of course.

Definitely.

Good. When a living creature becomes a Hollow, however, they can't return to the Soul Society.

It is our job as Soul Reapers to purify these Hollows, and by delivering their souls to the Soul Society...

... lead them back to the normal circulation of souls. That is why we are called Balancers.

But Quincies seek to destroy and extinguish souls that have become Hollows... And what happens when they do that?

Those souls are never able to return to the Soul Society then?

That's right. Normally, a balance should be maintained between the number of souls that exist in the Soul Society and the number existing in the World of the Living.

But as Quincies extinguish more Hollows in the World of the Living, the number of souls is reduced, disrupting the natural balance.

If we don't stop them, the balance will eventually be irreparably damaged, causing the Soul Society to flow into the World of the Living...resulting in the ultimate destruction of both.

*Gasp*

To prevent such a catastrophe from happening, the Soul Society repeatedly tried to negotiate with the Quincies, but they were rebuffed every time.

The Soul Society could see that the world was heading toward destruction, so two hundred years ago, after endless discussion and debate...the Quincy Extermination Operation was initiated.

Our goals are antithetical and they'll never forgive us for the genocide we perpetrated on them. The Soul Reapers and Quincies have no choice but to fight.

Now do you understand, Squad Member Ryunosuke Yuki?

Just...one more question.

............?

Are we sure that...that we're the ones with justice on our side?

There are times when justice lies wholly on one side or the other. But we are at war.

Wars take place when both sides believe their cause is just.