The Invasion has Begun

[Ryouji Onigata]

It had been a week since he's seen the city. Once willing to protect it at all cost to preserve what purity it may have posessed. The opinions of one particular shinigami have changed drastically. Where he saw beauty, now he sees destruction. Death and hatred has become him and he will do what it takes to see that his new master is able to accomplish the what he seeks.

Extending his arm, the shinigami points sending hollows into the city to devour the souls of the citizens who occupy this town.

"Bring our leader the souls he requires in order to create a new key so that when the we invade the Soul Society, we can destroy its king and bring forth a new army"

As he watched the Hollows poor in to the town from the Hueco Mundo a devilish smirk formed to his face. It was going to be a sight to behold. Soon this city shall bathe in its own blood. For Aizen had a new commander...one to lead the armies of hollows while he continued to make preparations elsewhere.

[Flashback]

"How Unique yet another Shinigami who has crossed the barrier. You shall serve me. With the power of the Hougyoku, I shall turn you into an Arrancar. Far different from my previous servants, you shall be the first Hybrid. The Strength of a Shinigami, a hollow and an arrancar all wrapped into one. Ryouji Onigata...the eleventh Espada"

[End Flashback]


It was very much true, after days of experimentation, his new leader created the perfect Espada. While he was superior in terms of strength and skill, his number was what bothered him. Not that it mattered to him honestly, he had absolutely nothing to prove.

"General Onigata...the hollows have moved deep into the city's core, at this hour, its quite populated. In a weeks time we shall have the souls our leader requires to move forth with his plan"

Ryouji lifted his right hand and forced his hair back. It had grown longer due and he looked much older than before. While he is still aware of who he is and those he was once aligned with. Evil has dominated his heart and he truly could not wait for the chacne to face a strong Shinigami. He was actually hoping he could face his sister on the battlefield.

He continued to ignore the lesser Arrancar made to do his bidding. However he did have one more assignment for the lesser being.

"Scout the city, the old man will send someone in order to stop the attacks. Whoever it is you are to dispose of them at once."

The lesser Arrancar turned to face the Dark General with a look of concern. What if it was a captain, was the lesser Arrancar supposed to deal with him or her as well.

"Sir, what if its a captain of the Court Guard. Not to seem disrespectful, but I do not think I can handle a Captain ranked Shinigami alone..."

Ryouji narrowed his eyes before quickly gripping the hilt of his Zanpakuto, unsheathing it quickly. He turned around and swung the sword horizontally at a blinding speed. Once the slash was completed he turned away from the lesser Arrancar before slowly sliding the Zanpakuto into its sheath slowly. He closed his eyes slightly as he could hear the Arrancar gasping. Ryouji quickly slammed the blade into the sheath completely and in that instant the Arrancar split into two from the torso. Ryouji gripped the sheath of his Zanpakuto tightly in his left hand before lowering it back down to his side. He lifted his head slightly and opened his eyes.

He had become so cold, callous and malicious in his intent to achieve the goal in his leader's stead. Now the Dark Knight continued to oversee the actions of the hollow invasion.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Upon stepping into the living world, Yuri could see the chaos that was reigning. She has wasted no time coming here as it was her main goal to not only to stop the hollows but to find her captain as well. It was not before long before Hollows tried to take hr down. It wasn't hard to subdue them since they were minor hollows. But if there were this many, who knows if there any higher ups than the ones that she had just seen. "Captain..We'll find you.." She then flash stepped, running to the heart of the city. It's a common fact that Hollows devour souls. Even being under command, wouldn't they still feel that need to do so? If that was the case, they would need to go to a place where a lot of people would gather. Although Yuri doesn't know the way there, it would make perfect sense to try there first.

Of course, it would be considered reckless to do such a thing alone. She just couldn't wait for the others to show up. Finding Ryouji was on the top of her list and she would be sure to slay any Hollow she came across along the way. I would have to assume there could be a trap set up.. From what I understand, Aizen can be quite strategic. It's worth the try.. I refuse to die on this mission.. I have to find him.. I just have to.. The journey was long and many Hollows were defeated. But Yuri wasn't left unscathed. From time to time, she would be ambushed. Her tattered robe would prove of that. Still, she persevered.

Finally making it to her destination, the Shinigami came to a stop after making her way up onto a rooftop of a nearby building. Maybe having a higher ground would prove useful. She starts to scout the area, trying to find the person she was looking for. "Damn it captain.. Why do you have to be so hard to find?! Why can't you show up when I need you to? Well.. You have before.. but you know what I mean! This is rather ill-advised.. Here I am, yelling at thin air that could give myself away.. But if it meant finding you..I'd be glad to o it.."

[Shukumei Onigata]

Finally after returning and catching up to a determined Yuri, Shukumei flash stepped and appeared next to Yuri. Was she truly this determined to find Ryouji. She was aware that Yuri was fond of Ryouji for saving her and protecting her, but rushing wildly into a fight wasn't the best option. Shukumei herself hasn't recovered completely herself from the surgery.

"There are indeed a lot of them, to many Be careful Yuri. I figured Ronin would be here as well cleaning up. Poor guy he still thinks that I am not proud of him. I'm very much proud of him"

Shukumei glanced around, scouting the area. They were victims everywhere. She's never seen anything like this before.

"We have to clear this area and guide these poor individuals back to the soul society"

It was a good thing that the power limiter was once again lifted so that she too could fight at full strength. Even while preparing for battle she wondered what happened to Ryouji and if he was alright.

[Ronin]

Ronin had been destroying as many hollow as he possibly could. No matter how many he had slain, it seemed that there were more and more coming from an unknown source. He growled, not wanting to use his bankai just yet as he looked around for the next hollow to kill. He drew his zanpaktou, cleaving hollow after hollow in half. He wiped his forehead, stopping upon feeling something familiar. He widened his eyes, knowing that she did not know what had happened to her Captain. He had only seen his new form once, but it was unmistakable, the Captain belonged to Aizen now. He turned around, seeing a hollow there. The hollow knocked his blade from his hand, seeming to be at ease.

"Stupid hollow, I don't need that to defeat you!"

His fist became covered in red spirit energy, impaling his right fist into its gut. He then beat up several hollow that were between him and his blade. Once he reached his blade, the gloves faded off, grabbing it and running toward where he felt Yuri. On his way there, he cut through several more hollow. When he finally reached her, he saw a hollow sneaking up on her. He flash stepped to her, cutting the hollow in half. He shifted his eyes to her, certain she was still upset at him for siding with his former Captain. He turned to leave her presence, not sure if she wanted him to stay near her. He did not even notice his Captain there, he was so busy focusing on protecting his world from destrution.

[Yuri Nakayama]

The airs on Yuri's neck felt like they were standing on in as she Slowly turned around to see the Hollow, as it was too close, there was no way for her to react. Luckily, Ronin arrived just in time to save her. Before she could thank him, he turned his back to her as if he was about to leave. Reaching out after moving to him, she grabs hold of his hand, hoping he would stop. "I suppose.. I was being.. just as selfish.. I didn't realize you were in such conflict with yourself.. And I want to say.. I'm sorry.." She really did mean it. She was hoping that Ronin would forgive her for the way she acted. She now realized that he was only trying to get back what he had lost just like Shukumei and herself are looking for Ryouji.

"Since.. Since you're here, will you please stay? You know the city better than the both of us. We could use that to our advantage.." She then turned to Shukumei, having heard what she said. It was a sad sight to see. So many innocent people were hurt just because a truly evil man wanted to kill the King for his own selfish reasons. "While there's a bit of time, we should send as many souls as we can. If they linger here, they'll only attract more Hollows." With that, she finds her way onto the ground, helping the deceased have a safe journey. It was tearing up Yuri on the inside. Why did it have to be this way? Why did so many have to die? "And to think..someting like this could of happened to anyone in the Soul Society.. It may be a difficult task but.. being a shinigami is worth it if it means we can protect people from something like this.."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji continued to watch as the situation grew as he stood atop the building. The carnage, the sheer lust the Hollow had when it came to hunting,he could feel it all. He closed his eyes slightly and let out a stiffled breath before opening them again. He narrowed his eyes soon after. The spiritual pressure of another alerted him to the sudden situation change. The spiritual pressure was familiar in more ways than one, and it was then he made the decision to make his presense felt.

"Its time, another Shinigami shall become apart of this new...key. Continue to send them to me old man, and I shall deliver them to a far greater cause than your own"

Ryouji performed a flash step, and rematerialized and began to fall through the air hurling himself toward the ground. After a few minutes of extreme falling Ryouji landed a few yards away from the Shinigami with his back turned to the three of them and in a crouched position

"Return with what Souls you have devoured, I shall attend to this matter myself"

The hollows were all in their own world to busy continuing the plot of destruction laid out before them. Ryouji amongst going through his attitude change had forgotten all about his patience when it came to dealing with lesser beings.

Quickly gripping the hilt of Shinkuoremasu. He tightened his hand around the black fabric that served as a grip. Shinkuoremasu himself appeared standing behind Ryouji, his appearance had differed from before. His skin was all black ontop of the armor it wore and its eyes were blood red.

The two were completely in sync, both body's became cloaked in a black Reiastu. With the materialization of Shinkuoremasu, It was clear that Ryouji was going to destroy the hollows himself for their disobediance.

"I have no use for creatures who do not follow my orders. To Hueco Mundo with the lot of you."

Ryouji moved his left leg behind him while bending his right knee slightly all while keeping his right hand on the hilt of his Zanpakutou. Upon taking this stance, an enormous vortex opened in the center of the of the area. In Blinding speed he unsheathed the blade and shoved it back into sheath. He straightened up his stance before. In a delayed reaction, several hollows near the location in which the vortex opened up had vanished instantly. This technique was similar to his former Bankai ability completing Hundred of slashes in mere seconds.

Through the strength of the vortex, Ryouji amplified the strength of his slashes as well as the range. Meaning he could litterally destroy anything without moving an inch. This was his new power...his dark strength.

"I have no intentions of telling you further to return to the Hueco Mundo, should you chose to remain I shall dispose of all of you. Leave this place"

Keeping his hand on the sheath of his Zanpakutou Ryouji turned around slowly and glanced at the three out of the corner of his left eye. He was not smirking, nor was he happy to be reunited with the group. In fact staring upon them made him angry if anything for they were interfering with his operation.

Doing as instructed the remaining hollows in the area returned to the Hueco Mundo through their own personal created vortexs. Leaving the Dark Knight to address the court guard at his discretion.

His attention more so than his own flesh and blood was to that of his former Lieutenant. He kept his gaze on her however, seeing how weak she was acting, the willingness to help the victims was nothing but sheer disgust. He narrowed his eyes yet again and unleashed his spiritual pressure yet again as he stared at her.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As soon as Yuri felt the spiritual power that her captain was emitting, She turns her attention toward his direction. Was it really him? Was he there trying to help himself be found? Though she was warned by Shukumei to not be so reckless, she couldn't help herself. Finally after a week of separation, she had finally found Ryouji. She couldn't stand there and do nothing. Following the spiritual pressure he was releasing, Yuri skid to a stop when he was finally in her sights. He had become so different but yet she didn't need to be told that he is who he is. "C..Captain.. It''s really you.. Thank goodness you're alive.."

By now, her emotions have gotten the best of her, clouding her judgment of needing to be careful. All she was concerned about is if he was hurt and if there was anything she could do to help him. Though hesitantly, she took steps to him, stopping when she's just an arm length away from him. He looks so different.. What happened to him? Did Aizen do this to him? She was trying to resist the urge to hug him. She was trying to convince herself the moment she does, something would go wrong. But it was her captain and friend. The one who had given her courage and showed her that she could do anything as long as she focused on the task at hand. Giving in to her feelings, she allowed herself to get close and in doing so letting down her guard, hugging onto him.

"Captain.. We were so worried.. And we.. we missed you greatly.. Not a day went by that Shukumei and myself stopped thinking of you and your safety.. But now that we found you, it's going to be okay, right?" Maybe she was trying to put away any doubt that he would do something to harm her. After all, being away for a week and having a new look definitely puts questions into ones mind like if he severed his ties with the soul society. He wouldn't 't do that, right? At least not on his own accord. She slowly looks up to him, can't believing that one part of the mission was over already. "We..We can go back to the Soul society.. and we could.. train or something.. Yeah, we could do that! You said you would teach me Bankai! Well, you and Shukumei said that but still.. and and.. You can take your job as Captain back!"

Yuri even laughed a little from saying he could take his role as captain back. It made her think of all the stuff she had to do. All the paperwork, keeping the squad under control. It was something she wasn't yet ready to do. Well, keeping people other than herself under control that is. "I didn't realize being a Captain was so hard.. But that's all going to change.. Right? Please come back.."

[Ronin]

Ronin's eyes and hair turned black as he felt the presence of the rogue Captain. He turned to face him, pushing Yuri to his Captain. He looked to her, his expression dark and cruel, yet somehow warm at the same time.

"This man is no longer your Captain, Aizen has warped him. You are conflicted in your emotions, you are as well Captain. Unfortunately, neither half is powerful enough to hold him at bay for very long. Still, I am better suited for this fight, I will not hold back, not until he returns to normal, or I have drawn my last breath. I came here before you two so I have more information than you. Get this back to Soul Society, they need to see it..... Captain, please look after Yuri for me..... Don't worry... you will see me sooner than you think...... get going....."

He activated his Bankai so he could move easier, narrowing his eyes as his armor and cloak turned completely black. He handed Yuri a small book, containing all that he had discovered while he was destroying hollow before their arival. He looked at his opponent, knowing well that it would have best if he could fight the rogue Captain in his complete state. Unfortunately the best he could do was fight him in his fighter/ aggressive form. He hoped that they would leave soon, knowing that he was no match for his opponent as he was now.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri took the book, placing it in her Robe. It was needless to say that she felt insulted that Ronin said her Captain was warped. She knew he was trying to warn her, but she didn't want to believe it. With the enemy or not, he wouldn't do anything to harm her right? If Shukumei knew the bond that she shared with the captain, then Yuri would know of it as well. so what if Ryouji had a different look? So does Shukumei and she did that when she was undercover. Maybe her captain was doing the same. Just being undercover in order to help out the Soul Society. There's no way his personality could have shifted that much. Even if it did, it must be some kind of act.

"N.no.. Y..you're wrong.. Captain isn't warped! Captain is Captain! Captain Shukumei did something similar and she wasn't twisted! It's just.. some kind of plan to trick Aizen and get details for us! It has to be, right Captain?" She couldn't help but to tug on his arm to see if it would get him to react. He couldn't of actually betrayed them. Even if he did, it would be Aizen's fault, not Ryouji's. But would Soul Society see it that way? "Come on Captain.. Say that he's wrong.. Just let us know it's some kind of undercover thing.. Like Shukumei did, right? You're just trying to look the part.. Please.. just say something.. tell him he's wrong.."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji stared at the foolish human boy. It appears that the two have always had a problem with one another but after this day, Ryouji would see to it that this problem no longer plagued him. The way that he spoke to his sister and his former Lieutenant was as if he was certain he was going to die and he could be right.

"Run along Yuri, I am no longer your captain, in fact. The thirteen court squadrons and everyone in it will meet their end at my blade. That includes you."

Ryouji lowered his head as he lifted his left arm slowly, showing Shinkuoremasu. He gripped the sheath even tighter than before as he continued to glare. He held the sheathed Zanpakutou horizontally. Should he chose to unsheathe it all he had to do was use his right hand and grip the hilt of his blade. Not that he would need it.

"As for you human. Allow me to be your guide as I send you to the Soul Society!"

Ryouji kept his stance with his left arm extended outward and his left hand the sheath which held his sword at bay. With his monsterous transformation at the hands of Aizen, one thing was to be certain. He was far more dangerous now than ever before. Ronin at long last would be in for a true fight. Ryouji's body became shrouded in a black reiatsu once again as his spritual pressure increased dramatically from what it was previously.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri did seem hurt from him saying that he wasn't her captain anymore. She refused to believe that he was being serious. Even if it was some kind of ploy, she didn't want him and Ronin to hurt each other. Yuri slowly backed away from Ryouji, taking a stand between them. Okay.. So he's playing the part really well.. I'll just have to go along.. that's what he would want.. "C..Captain! Wait.. R..Remember..when you were trying to control your Hollow you asked me to kill you if things got out of control?" Of course, there was no way for her to beat him in his current condition. Maybe it was a subconscious move to get him to remember something from the past to snap him out of whatever was done to him.

Slowly unsheathing her Zanpakutou, she then points it toward Ryouji, hoping he would see it as a battle invitation. "At least grant me this.. Let me at least try to save you from what you've been turned into." Does it seem like suicide to Ronin and Shukumei? It's quite obvious the difference between their power. But that's something different. It was Yuri's way of trying to show her Captain that it's not too late to break free of whatever control Aizen has over him. Besides, dying doesn't seem like losing anyway. Ryouji was someone who knew her weaknesses and strengths. It would give her a weird sense of comfort that it would be her Captain that would be the one to kill her off.

"I know the three of you must think this is a stupid move on my part.. So what if it is?! Captain, I know that even if you seem different.. Captain is Captain.. You saved me so many times and I've done nothing to show for it.. But this time is different! I know we haven't done much training but I'll do my best!" Speaking the phrase for her Shikai command, her Zanpakutou transformed into a Swallow, holding it at ready. "I'll show you that I'm capable of holding my own! I don't care if I die! I'll bring you back one way or another!" It was a rather bold declaration. Maybe she was getting too far ahead of herself. She was terrified of dying. It would mean leaving the new friends she made behind and forgetting about them. It would be like she never existed.

"If you don't back down, I understand.. But you have to understand how much bringing you back means to me! I want more fun times like before.. Smiling, laughing.. Is that wrong?!" She had to be really careful, She could tell that he was going to be dangerous. Although he wasn't releasing all of his power, Yuri knew better than to think she could stand a chance. "I'll make you proud.. either by beating you or die trying.."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji stared at the girl as she spoke. She wanted to prove that she was able to hold her own against the very man who saved her? It was suicide indeed, but he had no qualms about ending her challenge rather quickly.

"Such an emotional fool. Do you really think you can sway me with words. I have no idea why I wasted the time it took saving you. A waste of time that is all you are and all you will ever be."

Ryouji kept his sheathed Zanpakuto in the air where he held it previously. He watched and started at her before narrowing his eyes slightly. He focused all of spiritual pressure before releasing every bit of it. For once he was going to show everyone the extent of his power and how much strength he's gained through the experiementation of his new leader Ryouji held out his hand as the full extent of his spiritual pressure was being released.

"If you can take my hand Yuri, I shall accept your challenge to me and face you one on one. If you defeat me I will return with you to the Sereitei no questions asked, but if you fail you die."

Ryouji tilted his head to the side as he watched and waited to see whether she would accept his challenge. Was his spiritual pressure affecting her at all or would he seriously have to kick it up a notch to endure that she dies where she stands.

[Yuri Nakayama]

A waste of time? did he really say something that cruel to her? So what if she knew in the corner of her mind that this wasn't the captain she grew to adore and admire? She still wanted to try, even if it meant doing something reckless and desperate. Usually people wanted to hold on to something old rather than give into something new. Why did it have to be this way? There sheer force of his fully released power made her drop to her knees, taking every bit of her strength to look up to him. "I always wondered that myself, Captain.. Maybe it would of been better if I wasn't saved from becoming a Hollow.. Being in a strange place with strange people.. You and Shukumei were the first people I met and befriended.. And then Ronin afterwards.."

She didn't understand why she was saying what she did. Perhaps she had made up her mind to take his offer to fight, knowing that she would lose and be killed. Might as well get her feelings out. "I'm terrified of dying.. but it's risk I'll gladly take if it means getting you back.. Call me an emotional fool. I don't care.." At that point, she tried to stand up, each effort failing as she was brought back down onto her knees. "W..what about your plans? Have.. have you forgotten?! What about Captain Unohana!?" If Yuri herself couldn't get him to realize what he was doing was wrong, maybe hearing Unohana's name would at least snap some sense into him. "The reason I was gone for so long is because.. I overheard you talking to her.."

Once again, the shinigami struggled to get to her feet, managing to get enough pressure on one while the other leg was on the ground (Best way I can explain this is to imagine how a knight kneels when he is knighted or something similar). "Are you..going to betray her by doing this?! Betray the very woman you confessed your love to?! The one who saved you?! You're going to let her efforts be in vain?!" Talking was taking a toll on her, but it didn't seem to matter. Nothing else seem to at this point in time. By the time she was finally on her feet, her legs were trembling as if they couldn't support her standing up. "I know it's selfish of me.. But let me be selfish one more time.." Slowly reaching for his hand, Yuri lost her balance, falling at her former captain's feet. It was obvious to her that there was no way he could reach out and grab his hand with him admitting so much of his power. So she did what she could: Slowly reach out and grab hold of his leg (Well, more so near the foot).

"S..See.. This proves.. you're not evil.. You're not bad.. If you wanted to kill me.. you had more than enough time.. to do so.. You may say all those cruel things.. But in your own way.. You're still protecting me from harm.."

[Ryouji Onigata]

She actually did it, she managed to grab one part of his body although the agreement was for her to take his hand. Ryouji slowly pulled his foot away and pressed it down on her hand. Bit by bit he started adding more of his weight onto his right foot while staring down at her. Then he heard the name of the woman he once claimed to love. He closed his eyes before opening them shortly after in anger. He leaned over slowly and grabbed Yuri by the throat before lifting her off of the ground.

"Dare you mention her name to me. That woman I confessed my love for disappeared on me, returned to the Soul Society without so much of a goodbye or a see you soon"

Ryouji tightened his hold on Yuri's throat as he stared at her. Why did she have to mention that name. He narrowed his eyes at he stared at her. Before long he released her and hit her in the stomach with the sheath of his Zanpakuto before lowering it back down to his side.

"Retsu is dead to me now just as the lot of you are. When we meet again. It will be on the battlefield and as for you Yuri, if you mention her name in my presense again, You will feel the full extent of my power"

Ryouji turned his back to the group before walking down the road and into the distance where he will contemplate what took place this day and be sure that he isn't so nice next time.

[Yuri Nakayama]

For the first time, Yuri truly believed that he was capable of actually killing her. When he lifted her up from the ground by her neck, she reflexively held onto his wrist with both her hands, When she felt his grip tightened, she squirmed as she tried to make him let go of her. She was quite surprised he had put her down, only to get hit in the stomach by his sheath. Holding her stomach as she dropped down onto her knees, she looks up to him as he spoke his threat. No, not a threat. A promise. As he walked away, she wanted to go after him. The only thing that stopped her was the pain that she felt. "Damn it.." It wasn't before long she leaned forward toward the ground, resting her forehead against the cold ground, moving one arm away from her stomach.

"Damn it.." Her free hand formed into a fist , pounding it hard against the ground as she could, feeling the stinging sensation pulsing through. " Dammit all!! Yuri didn't care about the physical pain. That can be healed within a few days. The emotional and mental pain from him saying those cruel things would last a lifetime. For what seemed forever, Yuri finally broke down. All the feelings that she kept inside for the past week was finally being let go. It was mostly crying. It was as if she was doing it not only for herself but for those who were also close to Ryouji. "How..How could this of happened..? Why did it..? How could a week away changed him? Why.. Why.." The questions weren't meant for neither Shukumei or Ronin. It was as if she was talking to herself.

When she couldn't continue any longer, she slowly gets up, rubbing her eyes. By now, she felt completely numb. Maybe it would be best if she had some time along. Yuri knew she wasn't the only one hurting. Shukumei has to be just as hurt as her. "It appears the invasion is over for now.." Sighing, Yuri soon steps over to Ronin, hugging onto him. If only she had listened to him. Maybe the pain wouldn't be this bad. "Sorry..I should of listened.. I just didn't want to believe it.. Anyway.. Thanks for the intel that you have done..." Then something came to mind. Doesn't Nori stay in the city as well? "Ronin, where is your house again? I thought you said something like you and Nori shared a house together. Even if that's not true, you must know where he is. May we go see him? I'm a bit worried.."

She knew Nori could take care of himself, but this was a full on invasion and battles may be back to back. It was only natural to be concerned. "This could give us to see where the Hollows are at and where we can set perimeters. After all, if more Shinigami are going to come, we need a headquarters here."

[Ronin]

Ronin had decided to let Yuri do this on her own. He knew it would probably be the death of her, but he knew why she needed to do it. When she couldn't, he narrowed his eyes as the rogue Captain her neck. He was about to make a move when he dropped her. What came next was no surprise to him, he knocked the wind out of her. When she finished venting, he turned to leave, only to have her hug him. The hug made his hair and eyes turn red, bringing him back to the person they knew as himself. When he heard her speak he thought for a second. It was true, he had not seen Nori in a while. He then noticed she was still hugging him.

"I'm sure I can find him. He's probably off fighting hollows somewhere. Uhhh you could.... let go now...."

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri blushes a little, letting go of Ronin as she rubs the back of her hea. She laughed a bit nervously, looking from Ronin to Shukumei. "Heh.. Sorry.. Just needed someone to hug, you know? Anyway, can you lead the way? I knd of don't remember where your house is.. Well, I know the general location.. but not what the house looks like.." Maybe resting there can help them figure out what can be done next. Anyway, they needed to report what happened and send in the book with all the information. "I guess we all can use a break to think things over."