Recovery

[Shukumei Onigata]

Opening her eyes for the first time since being attacked by Grimmjow, Shukumei shifts around before sitting up slowly. She quickly placed her hand on her head and groaned from the massive headache she was suffering from. She looked around and came to the conclusion that she was at the Urahara shop. How did I get here? She lowered her hand and recalled what happened, how easily she was tossed to the wayside. She's never come close to feeling anything close to the ammount of pain she was going through now, When Ryouji stabbed her, that was a lot less painful than what she was feeling now.

"You had us quite worried there for a while Shukumei, glad to see you've recovered already"

Shukumei turned her head slightly and saw Kisuke standing over her. She sighed before tossing back the small sheet they used to cover her up.

"Where is Ryouji...and Azumi..."

She remembered right before she passed out, she watched that Arrancar, Grimmjow, drag her into the garganta. Her best friend was kidnapped and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Now she knew what it felt like to be completely powerless.

"I have...to go to Hueco Mundo...Azumi is in terrible danger."

Shukumei began to sweat heavily Kisuke took notice how pale she looked and moved closer to her in order to keep her supported.

"We'll figure something out, right now you need your rest, you aren't looking so good Shukumei, you're pale and you're sweating."

Shukumei shook her head insisting that she was fine As she attempted to stand, she collapsed right back down on to the floor while continuing to sweat. Kisuke, placed the back of his hand on her forehead. She was burning up.

"You have a terrible fever. You or Ryouji are in no condition to head to Hueco Mundo. Your strength hasn't fully recovered. Rest a while and once you have fully recovered, we can worry about coming up with a plan to rescue Azumi."

She was in no position to argue. Shukumei laid down on the make shift bed and sighed before closing her eyes and falling asleep. Kisuke looked woried about her. As long as she was resting he knew she would be okay, it was Ryouji that was going to give him the most trouble when he finds out what has become of his wife.

[Ryouji Onigata]

After having left Shukumei to rest. Kisuke wondered down the hall to check in on Ryouji. He slid the door open and noticed Ryouji was already fully dressed. He secretly knew that Ryouji would act out like this, doing everything necessary to save his wife. Ryouji glanced over his right shoulder and stared at Kisuke.

"Talking me out of it is pointless. I failed my wife Kisuke, I couldn't protect her and if I have to slaughter thousands of Hollows to bring her back, then so be it. I will not fail her again"

Kisuke had to agree with Ryouji, there was nothing he could say to keep him from going after those who took Azumi away, but what about Shukumei, he didn't know about her being ill.

"You're right I can't stop you, before you go, please go and see Shukumei, she is not feeling very well. If you still desire to go after her once you've spoken with the head of the shrine then I will open a garganta gate for you to use"

Ryouji gripped the sheath which carried Shinkuoremasu.and gripped it tightly. He closed his eyes and walked passed Kiskuke and down the hall into Shukumei's room. Once entering. He placed Shinkuoremasu down on the floor in front of him and knelt down to see his sister resting.

He noticed how heavily taped her right hand was he knew it was from when he had gone rabid. He lowered his head before sitting down next to he he was the cause of a lot of problems that have gone badly. Namely Azumi's disappearance. If his inner hollow didn't come out, she would not be in the hands of the arrancar.

"Shukumei...I failed you too...again. I let her get taken....and you were hurt and now look at you. Rather than being up keeping me level headed you're laying here hurt. I'm sorry, truly but I have to rescue Azumi...without her there I do not exist. I know you don't want me to go alone but I have to."

Ryouji sighed and gripped Shinkuoremasu and attempted to stand up before his hand was grabbed by Shukumei who opened her eyes slightly before smiling slightly.

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei stared at Ryouji while still smiling. She could only imagine what he was going through and understood his need to bring Azumi back. It's hard to believe Shiva would stoop so low as to kidnapping someone who has nothing to do with their fueds with one another. In the end she could only hope to convince Ryouji to stay so they could rescue her together.

"Ryouji...I can't pretend to know how you're feeling. I can feel your...anger...and dissappointment. We were un prepared and in the end Azumi suffered for it. I want us to save her together...I know she is special to you, I know she's your wife. She is also very important to me as well and..and I want to help you."

Shukumei forced herself into a sitting position while gently looking away from Ryouji. They were hardly ever seperated from each other and even when they were, Shukumei never felt complete its a blessing and a curse. During each of their undercover stints, there was an emptiness that lingered like a bad stomach ache.

"I'm begging...you brother. Don't act with out me! I could never...go on if something happened to you too. I'm starting to feel a little better, soon I will return to full strength...and then we can rescue Azumi together!!"

She knew good and well that she couldn't keep him from going but he was smart enough to know the risks of his actions. If he did go alone he could easily be overwhelmed and be killed or they could easily manipulate him to doing whatever they desired for as long as they had Azumi or even worse, they could simply kill her out of spite. Azumi was far to stubborn to let the last option become a likelyhood however.

"You have to have faith in her willingness to come back to you and her friends. I have a feeling that she's going to be just fine."

A slight smirk formed to Shukumei's face, which prompted Ryouji to stare at her oddly. There was something Azumi was keeping from everyone out of a need to be protected by the man she loved if he wasn't around she was sure to hold her own of that she was certain.

"Azumi wants to be fight with us against Shiva and her arrancar. There is more to it than that I fear...there is a reason why she wants to fight with us rather than hang on the sidelines. On that of the battle, hundreds of Shinigami were sent to fight all but eight were slaughtered without remorse. It was decided by the central fourty-six that rather than attempt to destroy them, they needed to be sealed away for all eternity. The eight lured them into a trap and performed a the ritual sealing. All but one of the shinigami died. The one that lived left the soul society soon after and began a life here. His name is Karasuma, he is Eriko's father. It's also why she's able to sense reiatsu faintly."

Shukumei sighed heavily although it was pretty much exactly how she explained it there was still more that needed to be told. She would leave it to Ryouji to explain to the others.

"Azumi's older sister was shinigami who performed the sealing and sacrificed herself to ensure that those bastards were never freed. If it were not for Hina Kusanagi's sacrifice, the Sereitei and all of the Soul Society would have fallen. She wants to make sure that her sister's sacrifice was not in vain. Everything I know, Shiva knows as well. You are not to blame for this Ryouji...If only I hadn't created her with the Hougyoku...none of this would be happening right now. Its my fault Azumi was captured"

Shukumei buries her face into her hands. Shiva is a genius...everything she does has a rhythm to it and Shukumei needed to find out what that rhythm was if they were going to be sucessful in stoping her and the arrancar. The worst was yet to come as far as news went however.

"The reason she was captured...is simple. Azumi can release the seal that holds the original six. A while back before you faked your death. Shiva mentioned she needed your blood. Unfortunately she was incorrect, she thought your blood or rather our blood in general was the key. It was because you had came into contact with Azumi. Yeah she told me about how the two of you were supposed to plan your wedding that day before you took off. The scent of her reiatsu was on you. That was a miscaculation on her part. The miscaculation no longer applies. Now she has Azumi and its her blood that's needed to release the seal along with her mastery of Kido."

She didn't know how much longer she would need to rest, they could not hold out for much longer they had to stop the unsealing but she was in no condition to go at this moment in time.

"Give me three days to rest and full strength or not I will go with you. However I do believe that Yuri and Ronin need to be told what has happened and what is going to happen if we aren't careful. Please Ryouji, will you wait for me to get my strength back?"

Shukumei uncupped her hands from in front of her face before turning to Ryouji. She wanted him to stay more than anything out of fear of something happening to him but more importantly so he wouldn't risk anything bad happening to Azumi because of him.

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji lowered his head after learning the truth. That still shouldn't mean he shouldn't go after her now. Not only did he need to get her back but do all that he could to prevent the Original six from being freed. However that wasn't all he needed to prevent.

"Now it all makes sense. Why she was needed in the first place. Sometimes I wish you and Shiva were as dumb as rocks, but both of you have to have extrodinarily high I.Q.s. Its all the same to me, however that is not the only cause of my worry. Isn't there a seal you placed on Both Shiva and Kyouteki. We have to assume both of them know about those seals."

Shukumei's head sunk..but Ryouji tilted it back up with his fingers. There was no need for her to feel badly about. There was a good chance that they didn't know yet either.

"My main priority is getting Azumi back, I don't care about anything else that happens. You forget, I am not a member of gotei thirteen anymore, but at the same time I cannot abandon you or Yuri. You have three days if you aren't back to full health by then I'm going without you. I just hope we have three days to spare. Anyway I'm going to the shrine, to update Yuri and Ronin. You don't have to worry I will neglect to mention certain things. As far as I am concerned they don't need to know everything yet."

Ryouji closed his eyes, gripped his sheathed Zanpakutou and stood up. Naturally he didn't like the idea of withholding information, but knowing the truth wouldn't help them anymore than it would if they continued not to. He turned away from Shukumei and left the room. Truth be told even he wasn't fully recovered.

[Jiro Seiki]

While the twins were off resting, Jiro was helping around in the Shop since somehow he got tricked into it. Not like it mattered really. As long as he could keep track of Ryouji and Shukumei for his Captain, it would be worth it. Not only that, he couldn't remember if he called and told her about the situation or not. He recalled it was her who told him to come here, but other than that, it seemed like a blank. Shrugging it off, he decides to go see how they were doing, seeing both were up. "Oh, both of you are up. I'm glad to it."

Seeing the serious looks on their faces, he immediately knew something was wrong. He must of came in at the right time when he did as he heard about Ryouji heading to a Shrine. "Heading out somewhere? Please allow me to come. That way if something does happen, I can be of assistance." Then it came to him. He hadn't introduced himself to the twins yet. "Pardon me forgot to introduce myself. I am Jiro Seiki, lieutenant of Squad Three. I've heard a lot about you two from Captain. She seems to really adore both of you. Therefore, it's my duty as her lieutenant and fellow Shinigami to make sure you two stay safe."

Then he realized what he said sounded strange, making him laugh nervously. "Ha.. What I meant was.. I know you two are very strong, but you seem to be in bad condition still. If something happens to either of you, Captain would never let me hear the end of it."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji glanced down at Shukumei before directing his attention to the Lieutenant of Squad Three, this Jiro Seiki. He sighed before lowering his head and closing his eyes. He was good at back peddling.

"Its astounding how much you and Yuri are similar. Do you have a need to take pictures and obsess over memories and a camera too?"

Perhaps he was stepping over the line. He was just in a hurry to rescue his wife and to ensure her safety. He sighed again only much heavier than at first.

"Ugh, whatever. Just stay out of my way."

Ryouji pushed passed Jiro and left the candy shop. Truth be told he could have cared less if Jiro came or not, just as long as he didn't attempt to stop him from doing what he had to do to get answers. He needed to know exactly what to do in order to keep the seal intact and to do everything within his power to bring Azumi back unscathed. It would not be easy and it would probably be the biggest battle he's ever encountered but it was something that had to be done.

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei shook her head upon seeing the way Ryouji acted towards Jiro. Before Jiro left, Shukumei sat up and turned toward him. She couldn't imagine what Ryouji was going through nor could she try to understand it from his point of view but she knew deep down that he didn't mean it.

"Lieutenant, before you go, I must apologize on my brother's behalf. He is just upset that his wife was taken, he doesn't mean it I assure you. Thats not all I am afraid. I must ask a favor of you. Once you arrive, leave my brother to talk to Karasuma, have Yuri and Ronin, make preparations to leave the temple and report back here immediately to assist me in our preparations to leave for Hueco Mundo immediately."

Shukumei stood up slowly although she wasn't completely one-hundred percent, she couldn't lay around waiting until she had fully recovered, Azumi had to be rescued and soon or the Original Six would be released.

"Please go and hurry, the longer we take to leave, the closer we become to facing a truly nightmarish enemy"

Shukumei lowered her head...what if they had already been released, was Shiva and Kyouteki alright? Was Azumi okay? She hated not knowing exactly what was going on and she didn't know exactly what would happen and if push came to shove and the original six did not agree to work with Shiva and her companions, then an all out war would break lose. If that was a scenario that would come into play...then she would have no choice...but to break the Seal she placed upon Shiva...though she knew nothing good would come of it. It may be her only option however.

"Its going to be really tough from now on...I just hope we are all ready for it."

Shukumei left the room to find and talk to Urahara to begin their preparations to depart to Hueco Mundo via the Garganta Gate.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri stops just outside the candy store, looking it as she thought back to what just happened moments ago. She sighed, rubbing her neck a little. She didn't mean it the way it came out to sound and she was sure Ryouji knew it. He's just really upset with what happened with Azumi. Yeah, it's nothing to get too upset over. If you were in his situation, you probably would act the same. I can't let it get to me. Not now anyway. What matters is getting Azumi back. Yuri then stretches, walking inside.

She was looking around to find someone, but it seemed no one was around. So probably the best thing she could do was announce that she was there. Then again, Jiro did say they were preparing a way to get to Hueco Mundo. "Hello? Anyone around?"

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei poked her head up from the hole into the basement which lead down to Urahara's underground training area. She noticed Yuri standing there looking around. Hopping through the hole, Shukumei planted her feet on the ground. She slowly approached Yuri. She didn't even have to ask, just by looking at her and the fact that she arrived before anyone else told the story.

"I should have known that he would do something stupid. I suppose I can't blame him, after hearing him speak so passionately about Azumi and needing to get her back. Tell me what happened Yuri"

Shukumei sits down on the floor and pulls her knees into her chest while waiting to hear, but honestly there was really no need for her to hear it. It was just for Yuri to vent and feel better.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri noticed Shukumei sitting down on the floor. Deciding to do the same thing, Yuri sits beside her, taking in a deep breath and exhaling before she tried to explain. "I know he doesn't mean it. I understand he's hurting from Azumi being kidnapped but still, it hurts," She looks over to Shukumei, smiling a little. It felt nice to have someone to talk to. She would of tried to talk to Ronin, but he's probabl mad from what Ryouji had said and needed time to cool down. "I would of talked to Ronin, but I think he got mad at what Ryouji said. I had said something along the lines of try to think with a clear head and not act with haste, you know?'

He would always tell her that. Thinking with a clear mind was better than thinking with a clouded one. She wasn't trying to make it sound the way he must of taken it. In a way, it was like trying to show him she was keeping his teachings with her. "But he got mad because of how it came out. He said I didn't know what it felt like to lose someone since the important person I care for is still with me. 'If you want to help me, then take me to Eriko's father or get the hell out of my way'. Something along the lines. "

Yuri knew her feelings get hurt easily, but what is there she could do? She wouldn't be herself if she tried to cut herself from how she felt. "Maybe I'm just trying too hard. It's just that with my squad wanting to do as they see fit and not listen.. It's getting stressful. I try to understand from their point of view and I do. They've already lost two captains. I suppose it's hard to have faith in yourself when others don't have faith in you as well. I mean. don't get me wrong, I know you and the others do. It means a lot, but if my own squad won't believe in me.. Well, the only one that does have faith in me from the squad is Jiro.. Maybe I should show them that I don't plan on going anywhere. I gotta show them that they can trust me instead of doubting me. But I guess it's easier said than done.."

Then she realized she was probably babbling and it could be boring to hear. It's been a while since she ever told someone how she felt. It was probably because the way things have been going, she really didn't have the time to. Maybe when Ronin comes around, she could tell him if he wanted to hear. "You're probably tired of listening to my nonending babbling. Didn't you need us here to start preparing to head to Hueco Mundo?'

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei could do nothing but smile when Yuri opened up to her. If she could recall this was the first time she was ever openly honest about her feelings. Even captain's needed to vent and express feelings but Yuri was still so young to have so many problems, it was a bit unnatural but no one is without their problems regardless of age.

"He was right after all."

She stood up slowly and stretched before placing her hand on Yuri's shoulder. Ryouji once told her long ago in telling her that Yuri was learning and it seems like she finally got all of what he was attempting ot teach her after all.

"You're the first person Ryouji has ever taken a somewhat instant liking to. He's so hard on you because he cares. I know he may have said a lot of hurtful things to you today Yuri, but you have to remember, he isn't angry with you. He's angry with himself. He was right in the fact that eventually you would understand that believing in yourself is everything"

Upon hearing the things about Squad three and how she felt that she had to prove that she wasn't going to betray them like the three captains before them.

"They've always been that way, ever since Gin Ichimaru left. They are cautious you are not Ichimaru, Amagai, or Ryouji though technically Ryouji never betrayed them. You know people were very skeptical about me as well. I mean the very man who taught me everything I know is Sosuke Aizen. Unlike many captains, I allowed them to vent and complain and I even allowed them to challenge me to take over as the Captain of Squad Five and when I defeated them, they had nothing to complain about."

Shukumei giggled upon remember all the fights she had to go through as the new captain. It was a much simpler time back then, it wasn't as tense as it is now. All the same it was refreshing to see that she wasn't depending on Ryouji at all, not like she use to.

"Anywho just remember when we get back you should have a squad meeting and voice that to them and hear for yourself how they feel. They may surprise you and you just may be wrong about how they really feel and also, anytime you want to talk to me you are more than welcome to talk to me. We are girls you know if we don't talk, its just not natural when we've saved Azumi the three of us should have a sleep over and do girly things"

Shukumei giggled before releasing Yuri's shoulder before waving for her to follow her to the underground training area where she would finish making the preparations and helping Urahara with opening the garganta gate.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Maybe she was right. A squad meeting would do wonders. not only would she get to hear their side, but they can hear hers as well. They could all be open with one another. And who knows? Maybe they will finally understand she won't do anything to cause them harm. Seeing Shukumei wave, she heads down into the area, placing her feet on the ground. "A girls night out, huh? That sounds great. Maybe make it an often thing. Anyway, what can I do to help?" She may not be able to do much as of right now, but she could still help carry things around or do whatever is necessary to make things go smoothly. "I know he doesn't mean it the way it sounds. I know I take things too seriously.. I don't know how to change that. However, as long as I have you guys, it'll be fine. We will get Azumi back. I know it without a doubt."

[Shukumei Onigata]

After landing on the ground, Shukumei approached Urahara who was standing on top of a statue. Shukumei glanced up and saw that he had completed everything. Finally the time was right the only thing that was wrong with the situation is that most of the team was missing.

"It seems like things are complete. Ronin is still missing, I assume Nori will be coming, then again he may not. Jiro and Ryouji are still gone as well. Ryouji is on his way back, but we need to leave before he returns. It'll give us a chance to scout the area before he does to ensure we aren't walking into a trap. Since Jiro is out, he should be able to locate Ronin and bring him back. Better yet, I'll go myself, I shall return soon. If Ryouji does come, stall him and no matter what don't let him through that gate. If he attempts to overpower you. Just hug him, he can't fight someone who hugs him, its silly but it works."

It was best that she do it in person. With a flash step, she left the underground training area and the shop in general to find her Lieutenant.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri rubs the back of her head, standing in front of the gate. It seems like she was on guard duty more or less. Hopefuly the whole team will be back before Ryouji is. Though it seems faint, she could sense that he was getting closer and closer. "I guess I could try.. No.. That's not the right attitude.. I have to. Shukumei is counting on me. I know it's mean. He just wants to save Azumi as do I, but we can't rush in.. I have a feeling they'd expect that.."

It did make her nervous that she had to stall him. What if he would try anything to get by her? Then again, he wouldn't mean anything he would say, right? He just wants the person he loves so much to be back with him safe and sound. In a way, she felt jealous and yet somehow inspired. "I know I have someone that means a lot like she does to him.. But I guess it's because I'm unsure where we stand is all. Maybe when it's all done with, I can gain the courage to ask." It was around then she sensed someone, but wasn't sure if it was Ryouji or not. So for now, she would be on guard to see who it was.

[Ryouji Onigata]

"Have you not learned anything from me Yuri? I've always tried to teach you that you need to believe in yourself above all else, even when know one else seems to."

Ryouji jumped down from a rock formation and landed on the ground beside Yuri. He wondered if she always talked to herself like no one was listening. He didn't even make eye contact with her because he knew she was listening.

"Before you ask I haven't left the shop since Azumi was taken, I've allowed my shadow to do what needed to be done. Gathering information, standing in for me while I trained and kept my focus. Quite honestly I'm hardly ever with the group like I should be."

Ryouji turned and faced Yuri before smirking a slight bit. Even though he shouldn't be smiling with the situation they are about to jump into but if he was going to talk to her, this had to be it.

"I won't apologize for what I...or rather what my clone said to you at the Shrine. I can't aplogize because everything it said, was true and I don't apologize for telling the truth. However I will tell you this Yuri. I watched you grow from this confused, helpless girl to a strong and determined woman who is starting to finally believe in herself"

He placed his hand on top of her head. It was more than just a student teacher relationship to him. They were friends, a luxury he never really cared for.

"You accepted me, you didn't run from me when you realized what I was, and that was because you are a Visored as well. For that Yuri, I thank you for standing by me. For once, its time for me to stand by you. If you care that much about him, don't make him wait. I can't say I exactly approve of this but you can't help who you fall in love with. If you feel so strongly about it then you need to tell him immediately. You don't know if someone will be here tomorrow, so telling them how you feel today is the right thing to do."

Ryouji removed his hand from the top of her head and turned away from her. Hopefully what he said would sink in all though he himself didn't approve of it, but it would go against what he stood for if he said anything about it. He thought he would never fall for Azumi, but he did and he would go to hell and back to bring her home.

"I think if Azumi were here she would tell you the same thing..."

Ryouji lowered his head before walking away from her, into the depths of underground training area, to continue to wait when something...a feeling stopped him.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri couldn't help but to blush when Ryouji placed his hand on her head. In a strange way, it offered comfort. She knew she had to believe in herself. She just doesn't know how she can when others can't. But then again, it goes back to what he just said: you have to believe in yourself even if it seems like no one does. "I told Shukumei that it's not that I don't have confidence or not believe in myself, I guess it's jsut hard to when there are others who don't. But she also offered me to have a squad meeting so I can hear what they have to say. Maybe if I open up to them, they'll return the favor, you know?"

Then she blushed more about asking right away to the person she cared most about. Well, she did one time, but it seemed like he needed time to think or figure out what he needs to. "Well, I did some time before now. Maybe it was just out of the blue or he needs time to think. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to remind him perse. I thought that if I told him now, he'd be distracted, you know? Then again, I guess I would be too if I don't get it out in the open. I'll try when he and the others arrive."

When she saw him walk to the underground training room, she headed down with him. Maybe while they waited, they could have a sparing match or something. At least it wouldn't be boring anyway. "I know we have to wait, bu why not have a short match? It'll give us something to do." As she was about to take a stance, something caught her attention. It was like someone was there and was watching. It had her on edge. "You don't think they know about this area, do you?"

[karei]

The area around her seemed so new. Same for the colors, sights, and smells. Although she didn't understand how or why, but she knew there were others here. Were they playful or harmful? there was only one way to find out after all. As she walked further, she saw two people in the distance. "Huh.. I wonder if they can tell me where I am." She carefully walked up to the two, which were Ryouji and Yuri, not seeming to be scared of either for the time being. First she walked circles around each of them, taking in everything about them. It seemed kind of strange to her though. Why did it felt like she was drawn to them? "Wow, you two look really nice. How'd you find this place? I've been here for a while and it's the first time I've seen either of you."

What if they weren't friendly at all and were going to attack as they realize she's talking to them. It was then with that thought she slowly backed away. Maybe she could talk them out of harming her. "Uh.. Please don't hurt me? I've just been here minding my own business. Not my fault you started to look around and I happend to find you!"

[Ronin]

Ronin appeared at the shop, heading to the training area. He sensed Yuri, the rogue, and someone new. He headed to them, narrowing his eyes. He looked at the three, his eyes settling on the rogue. His pupils turned to flames, still pissed at him. His eyes them focused on the girl, having the expression of a confused puppy. It was then that his blunt nature took over.

"Who the hell are you?"

[Shukumei Onigata]

After having made sure Jiro and Ronin returned to the shop, Shukumei followed them as quickly as she could. Once reaching the shop, more importantly the underground training area.

"Good we've seem to have gotten back before Ryou....."

She saw him standing there with his back turned and that pretty much defeated the entire idea of leaving before he got back. Well with that plan out of the window she had to come up with something different.

"Well nevermind that, its safe to say that we are in for a lot of trouble if Shiva had Azumi release the original arrancar. Based on what I've learned, they are the ultimate threat against us and the soul society. We are the frontline in this battle and I will not accept failure from any one of you. Azumi is our priority, this is a rescue mission, if we have to fight then we fight. Ryouji, I know she's your wife, but as a former captain I expect you to remain calm and collected."

Shukumei turned to Urahara to ensure that everything was set and ready to go. Once she received the nod, it was time to move out.

"Once we have Azumi, we leave immediately. Ryouji and myself are the only ones who are able to open up garganta gates to get us back, once we are on the otherside anything can happen, whatever your problems are, whatever issues you have no longer matter, is that clear?"

Shukumei turned and stared at Ronin in particular since he seemed angry. It was then she caught wind of the other female. Shukumei stared at her. It didn't take long to realize that her spiritual pressure was different, it resembled Ryouji and Yuri's more closely because of what they it also reminded her a lot of Kai and Shiva.

"We'll deal with her once we've returned"

Kisuke uttered the incantation which ripped open a gate which remained high above the ground above the statues he was standing on. She hoped things would go according to plan but there was always something that prevented things from going perfectly.

"Lets go and bring her home."

Shukumei turned toward the gate and made her way toward it. She only hoped that they were truly ready for it

[van]

Nori dropped down next to Ronin's Captain, more than likely scaring some people there. He had followed Ronin from the start, making it to the shop shortly after he did. He then looked to them all scoffing.

"You are referring to Ronin, correct? You are better off finging him something to take his frustrations out on."

He got quiet again, waiting for the others to head into the portal.

[Yuri Nakayama]

When she was about to speak to Ronin, he spoke to the new woman that showed up, asking her who she was. The captain looked over to her, seeming confused as to why she was even here in the first place. There was something familiar about her but she couldn't exactly put a finger on it. Either way, it would have to wait. Seeing how everyone was gathering, she might as well speak what was on her mind. Like Shukumei said, once they stepped into Hueco Mundo or wherever they're going, their main focus is getting Azumi back safe and sound. "Well uh.. I know time isn't on our side, but I have to get something of my chest and mind. I know that if I don't, it'll cause trouble. I'm sure I've mentioned this before but.."

Why was it so hard t o say what she wanted? She may just have to blurt it out. It seemed like the only option. "The truth is.. We've been friends for a while Ronin.. I'm glad we met.. What I'm trying to say is.. I.. I love you!" How would he react? Would he accept it or just distance herself from him? Either way, she had to tell him how she felt. "The more time we spent together, I knew we were getting close. I..Want to spend more time with you.. Get to know you more.. share your burdens.. I understand if you don't accept my feelings. I just wanted them to be known.""

Then she turns to everyone else. She knew they were going to make it, but it wouldn't hurt to say what she needed to just in case something happens. "I know we will succeed, but I must say this anyway. I'm glad I met every single one of you. If it wasn't for Ryouji and Shukumei, I wouldn't be here now as a Captain. I wouldn't be here either if it wasn't for Nori and Ronin helping us out and well.. Just being there when I needed them. I love you all. Let's get through this together so we can laugh and share more fun times with each other. We'll bring Azumi back!"

[Ryouji Onigata]

When Ryouji heard Yuri speak, he was left rather dumbfounded and shocked to be honest. When he told her to tell him how she felt, he didn't think she would be so upfront about it. She really didn't hold anything back but everyone was quite and as her former captain and mentor perhaps he should say something.

"You uh...laid that on kind of thick didn't you Yuri?"

That didn't come out quite right he was thinking it but some how he didn't mean to say it. It didn't matter, she spoke how she felt and that was the important thing. Ryouji turned toward the portal when his clone appeared before him. Upon touching him, the clone turned black and eventually molded itself and became his shadow.

"I see...According to Karasuma, if the seal is broken on the original six...there is no way to reseal them. If Azumi has freed them, then it won't be easy. Shukumei, Jiro, Nori. Why don't we leave them be for now while we come up with a decent strategy. Just don't take all day"

Ryouji grabbed Shukumei's arm and forcefully pulled her because of her affinity for manga with love stories and well love stories in general and she would burst into tears if she heard Ronin declare her love for Yuri.

[Ronin]

Ronin blinked, looking to Yuri. He was taken back from what she said, unable to believe what she had just said. He opened his mouth, but no words seemed to come out. He smashed his head on the wall beside him, clearing his head a little.

"Wow... Well.... that was.... Ah hell Yuri! You wait until we are about to go into the lion's den to die to tell me this?"

He dug his knuckles into her head, letting her know that he was kidding. He scoffed, letting the others leave.

"Well Yuri... I...what I'm trying to say is...I... why is this so hard..."

Almost as if on cue, Yuri smacked his face, clearing his head again.

"Thanks... I needed that... I love you too Yuri, Now let's get this done... I have other things to do besides save the world.... again..."

He dug his knuckles into her head again, smirking before letting her up. It was now up to her to decide if they talk a litte more, or rejoin the others.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Whens he heard him say he loved her as well, she hugged him tightly. It meant so much to her to hear him say just those three words. Now that she knew how much he cared for her, it would give her the determination to return back with him and the others. "You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that. I'm sorry I put you on the spot like that, but I needed to know. Now that I do, I can fight with the best of my abilities. Let's come back together. Not just you and me. But Nori and the others. And if my lieutenant said something to make you mad, I'm sorry. He tries his best to look after me. He meant no harm."

She smiled as she lets go of him, looking to him. "Hoqw about afer all this is done, we head to the beach again? Maybe just you and me. What do you think? For now I guess, we better catch up to the others."

[Shukumei Onigata]

(yeah to prevent this going on any longer than it has to everyone is leaving the underground training area in this post. It will be short)

As happy as Shukumei was for Ronin and Yuri, time was still against them in the long run. She hated to seem like a bitch but they really needed to get moving if they wanted to save Azumi or prevent their release if they hadn't been already.

"Make your first date plans later. We have work to do now. You uh..whoever you are, don't go anywhere. When we return we'll deal with you then "

Shukumei turned toward the gate and jumped through it being followed by the others as they prepared to rescue Azumi and stop the Original six if they had been released.