7-4 A Reason for Fighting

Whoa! That was pretty good.

My name is Shunsui Kyoraku, Squad 8 Captain. It's a pleasure to meet you.

So, I take it you're that last guy's captain?

Mm hm. For what it's worth.

I'm in kind of a hurry. You seem like a decent enough guy. So if there's any way to avoid it, I'd rather not fight you.

Haha, then I guess we have a slight problem, since neither one of us is anxious for a fight, but of course I can't just let you through either.

I don't suppose you'd be willing to retreat, would you?

This whole thing will be over soon, now that the other captains are all on the move. Probably if you were smart, you would just–

The other captains?! Wait, you mean Ichigo and the others are being pursued by captains too?

Ah, should I not have said that?

That changes things, Mr. Kyoraku. So I suggest you move. Now.

Hmm, you are quite stubborn.

What's your purpose? Why did you come here in the first place?

I've come to save the life of Rukia Kuchiki.

Oh, come on.

You mean Rukia, the Soul Reaper who went missing in the world of the living a few months ago?

That's not enough time for a true friendship. A relationship like that can't be worth risking your life over.

I can't deny, I don't know very much about Rukia. That's not the point. I might not risk my life for her, but...

Ichigo wants to save her life. And that's all I need to know.

What may seem like an unworthy cause to you is more than enough reason for me.

Well, I tried. But if you're that determined, it would be insulting for me to ask you to back down.

I guess it can't be avoided.

Unfortunately, it means now I'm going to have to take your life.

I've got an idea, Chad.

How 'bout if you just stay the way you are and never throw a punch for yourself.

Instead, throw those punches for me.

I'll throw my punches for you. If there's ever anything so important you'd protect it with your life...

I'll protect it with mine as well.

Whaddya say?

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

I'm sorry.