6-1...

It's Renji!

When I found him, he was unconscious.

If only I'd gotten there in time to fight alongside him, then this never would've happened.

Don't blame yourself, Izuru. None of this is your fault. I'll go make the call for the emergency relief team.

Renji...

Don't worry about him. I'll call in Squad 4 so you won't get in trouble.

Captain Ichimaru!

Come on, Izuru.

Wow. Renji is in bad shape. What a mess.

Toshiro!

Hey, hey. Mind your manners now. You still have to address me as a captain, you know.

Oh, you can forget about that! What is it with you captains always creeping around silently, and what were you doing sneaking up behind me like that anyway?

Wait a sec. What are you doing here, Toshiro? Where's your lieutenant?

I have come here to warn you.

Be careful dealing with Squad 3.

What does that mean? You mean, Izuru?

Actually, what I meant was Ichimaru, but watch Izuru too. It's strange. I wish that I could give you more specifics. Just be careful.

The situation has become critical.

As a result of recent events, the 13 Court Guard Squads are now short by one lieutenant.

Obviously, we can no longer afford to leave these matters in the hands of lower ranked officers and members.

Subsequently, no disciplinary measures will be taken against Ichimaru for his earlier independent actions.

Thank you, sir.

Furthermore, senior officers, including lieutenants, shall hereby be allowed to carry their Zanpakuto at all times with full wartime usage of their powers.

Everyone, let us declare all-out war on these Ryoka.

What's the matter, Momo? Are you alright?

I know it's late.

It's either very late or it's very early, since it's almost daybreak now.

I know this is incredibly rude of me, but can I talk to you for a little while about some things?

If you say no, I'll understand, but I don't know who else to go to.

Momo, do you really think that I could possibly turn you away?

Surely you don't think I'm that heartless, even at this hour?

No, that's why I came here.

Why don't you come inside? Today was a difficult day for everybody. You can tell me all about it to your heart's content, Momo.

So what is it, Momo? Wasn't there something specific you wanted to talk about?

Yes, I was...

How is Lieutenant Abarai's recovery coming along?

Oh, um. He's stable and not in danger anymore.

That's good to hear. You're probably worried about what was decided at the meeting, aren't you.

Captain Kuchiki wanted Renji discharged, but then he backed down when there were objections.

So Renji will be allowed to return to his post once he's finally recovered.

I'm so glad! And I bet you were the one who objected, weren't you, Captain?

I wasn't alone. Most everyone recognizes that he's an excellent officer.

Despite their differences, no one in all the 13 Court Guard Squads would rejoice in Renji's dismissal.

Good!

Can I ask a favor? If it wouldn't bother you, and I promise no more questions. I'll just sit here and watch.

Could I stay with you a while longer?

Stay as long as you like, Momo.

Thank you.

Oh dear! I'm sorry, Captain! I was so tired, I fell asleep.

Captain?

Ten o'clock?! Look at how late I am! I don't know how I'm going to ever make it to the meeting on time.

Oh, I wish the captain would've woken me up before he left.

I actually made it.

Ah...

Ah... Ah...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!