Running out of Time

[Yuri Nakayama]

Along the way to the heart of the city, the still hollowfying Yuri would pass a hollow now and then. It seemed the reiatsu she was giving of was actually drawing the hollows to it. It was perfect. She then attacks and consumes the unfortunate Hollows, the hierro now covering her arms and the majority of her legs. When it sensed the others were getting close, it turned its head in their general direction. They were so damn persistent. "So they've managed to keep up. Let them catch up as far as I car. I'm just a few Hollows short of finally switching roles with my ever-so-gracious host. By that time, it should be too late for the 'heroes' to do anything! Who would of thought by that Shinigami handing me Yuri over to the other one would cause all this to happen? There's Ryouji as well that helped this out. Next time I should give them my thanks!"

As it finally made it to the heart of the city, it stopped, glancing around. Now all it had to do was just continuing to consume Hollows until it was enough to gain full control over Yuri's body. A few more Hollows were attracted, ready to consume her instead of the other way around. Eventually, all but one was consumed. The outer appearance was complete. It had the appearance of a white tiger, which should be a new sight for everyone. Well, to others other than Ryouji and Shiva of course. All that was left now was to more or less extinguish the remainder of Yuri's soul. It just stood there, purposefully letting it's reiatsu be sensed so that the ones following her would eventually catch up. It wanted Yuri's friend witness more or less the 'death' of Yuri and the birth of a Hollow.

By the time they arrived, the hollow turned its head to the others, chuckling a bit as it returned its attention back to the remaining Hollow. "Ah, welcome, my dear friends. Now is a wonderful time so don't look so down! You'll be witnessing a great sight, after all! The sight of your beloved Yuri becoming something you're afraid of: A complete Hollow. Worry not though. I'll be sure to kill you all swiftly. It's what Yuri would want, after all.". It chuckled as one of them looked like it was ready to jump in and try and fight. Not that she cared anyway. They may want to fight, but they didn't have the heart to carry it out since they were terrified that if they did try to fight, they would up hurting Yuri as well. When Shukumei stepped forward, The Hollow became slightly curious as to what the captain would do.

"Yuri, I know you're still in there somewhere.. Please fight back! If you don't, you will end up destroying everything you've tried to protect! Don't let it control you!"

At that moment, the Hollow lowered its head. The impression was given that Shukumei's words finally touched a part of Yuri's remaining soul. To elaborate more, the hollow would assume Yuri's role, speaking as her. "S..Shukumei? It..means a lot that..you're willing to save me.. But it's alright. I've..accepted the fact that.. in a matter of moments..I may cease to exist. I'm a little scared but..It's alright. I can stop worrying now. Soon I won't have to worry anymore about it breaking free.. It'll be like this.. So..as my last wish.. I ask that you let this happen."

The whole group seemed to be taken by the words Yuri chose to speak. It appeared that the Hollow hit a soft nerve or something. It was then Shizune spoke up.

"You...monster! How dare you pretend to speak as Lady Yuri! I know without a doubt that my mentor would never give in without a fight! She would never wish to become the monster you want her to!"

The Hollow then lifted its head up and back a little as it started to laugh. It was all to much. How would they feel if that one amongst them was the whole reason these events has transpired? She was now going to turn them against one another. Based on Yuri's knowledge, it seems everyone relationship other than Yuri's was already strained with Ronin. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it could actually break the small bond of friendship?

"So you say she doesn't want to be a monster like me? That's bullshit. You think you know Yuri that well? Don't make me laugh! I have access to her deepest secrets and thoughts! The Hollow turned its back to them, walking up to a Hollow who had just shown up due to sensing the reiatsu that was being leaked out. Of course, now that the Hollow had showed up, she wasn't going to neglect the others. It was enjoying trying its best to not only tarnish their bonds with Ronin, but with Yuri as well. With force, the hollowfied Yuri was able to easily subdue the hollow, but wasn't ready to devour it just yet. It held the Hollow down and began to speak once more.

"Tell me something, Ronin. Ryouji and Shizune know the truth as to why this is happening. But does Shukumei? The silence tells me all I need to know. Well, Shukumei, let me tell you. orders from his Captain requested him to gain information on a rouge shinigami by the name of Shin. At the time, he and Kyouteki were fighting. As a way to get to Ronin, Kyouteki injured Yuri. Did you know that even with Shizune there, he handed her over to Shin who is an enemy? Heh, that's right. He willingly handed her over to him".

The hollow turned its head to see the look on Shukumei's face. This was proving a lot more fun than it should be. Of course, she was going to tell the whole story and of course, make up information that could cause distrust with the whole group. "Shin took her to where his base of operations was and the two talked about why he was doing what he was. He didn't like the fact that Yuri turned down his offer to help him. Quite a surprise we had when we were pushed into a room full of hollows and Gillians. Soon, we had to right in order to survive. Yuri eventually couldn't fight anymore so I took over. It's a known fact that when Shinigami experience a great deal of spiritual pressure or is just worn out, they are hungry. Since the two of us are connected well, I was hungry too. That was the first time we ate a Gillian.

How do they feel now that one of their allies was the whole cause of this? She'll make mention of a few more things and conclude it. She was ready to put the rest of Yuri's soul to peace. "Now do you understand why she's willing to accept this? Ronin made her understand that as long a I wasn't in control, I would just make her consume Hollows as I am now to gain control? I can feel her hate and resentment to not only him, but to everyone here! She's telling me now to instead of giving you quick deaths, to draw them out and make you all suffer!"

When she turned her attention back to the hollow, its eyes narrowed when she saw it vanish from her grip. It just lowered its hand and started to laugh. It was about time the other piece of the puzzle to appear. "It's good to see you... Captain".

[Ryouji Onigata]

Appearing out of his flash step, Ryouji kept his back to everyone else. He could feel the hollow seething with hatred. It was beyond the point of reasoning...it was now attempting to provoke others in to fighting it. He turned around slowly and stared at the transformed Yuri and narrowed his eyes. That spiritual pressure she was putting out was monstrous in its own right. Why wasn't she fighting back? Did the hollow's words hold some truth to how Yuri was feeling? It was an emotionally tied hollow so maybe there was truth to it more truth than he needed to know. What exactly could he say to her..something that would help her regain control....even if it was for a moment. For the moment...he had to stop her from doing anymore than what she's already done.

"I'm not falling for it. No matter how hard you try, I know when its my pupil who speaks to me. You've been a bother for as long as I can remember...For the life of me I don't know why she hasn't gone on to defeat you."

Ryouji stepped closer to the hollow before standing directly in front of it. He glanced down at it. He would not be the one to show the hollow mercy vocally or otherwise. He knew Yuri was in there and he was going to do everything within his natural...or unnatural power to stop her and get her back to normal. Even if it meant fracturing her skull...a little.

"I'm disappointed in Yuri...to allow herself to be controlled by you for as long as she has is not only upsetting...but it shows her inability to tame such a pathetically emotion tied inner hollow with nothing better to do than to talk big and attempt to frighten everyone. I made a mistake the last time you and I met. I tried to stall for time hoping that Yuri would get her act together and get control of herself. I was wrong...she should want to ram her Zanpakutou into her stomach right this second...knowing that a Captain can't even endure such a pathetically insignificant Hollow"

Ryouji lifted his left hand slowly, raising his sheathed Zanpakutou up to his chest before extending it out in front of him. He glanced down at it before returning his attention to the hollowfied Yuri and closed his eyes.

"Don't worry Yuri...I'll put you out of your fucking misery here and now"

Ryouji quickly reached up with his right hand and grabbed the hilt of his sword and pulled it free from the scabbard and in the process unleashing a great deal of spiritual pressure to let everyone know he was dead set on doing away with this hollow or at least get Yuri to respond out of guilt, or anger. What else could he do to reach her at this point.

[Yuri Nakayama]

The way h e talked.. the way he presented himself.. It pissed off the hollow. It wasn't going to let him do anything that could cause it to lose the control it worked so hard to get. If he wanted to play mind games, it was going to play along. The Hollow Unsheathed Yuri's Zanpaktou, Using sonido to put some distance in between them. With him here now, it could work on removing the last anchor Yuri has. It was going to be a fun battle. "You show your true feelings at last, Ryouji. Now Yuri can hear for herself that hre precious mentor doesn't care!"

It then uses another Sonido to close the distance, bring the Zanpaktou down with great force. Of course, with him seeing the attack coming, Ryouji was able to raise his Zanpaktou to not only block the blow, but to keep the sword at bay. "I never had the chance to thank you properly!" Back and forth, the two clashed their weapons together. With the intensity of the clashes, sparks were seen. As of right now, the two seem to be on equal standing. "Don't tell me you're confused! Well, let me break it down for you! You brought Yuri to Hueco Mundo to keep me from getting control like this. To be honest, there were at least two times where I only broke loose before then. First was when You and Shukumei discovered that I existed. The other time was when Yuri believed Ronin was betraying her. Since that day you 'fixed' her, you opened up the door way for me! You're as much to blame as Ronin is for this!

Now at a stalemate again, the two of them were pushing with all their might trying to push the other back but neither were getting any leadway. It seems his previous words had caused Yuri to stir just slightly. If something wasn't done, it would be all over. What could the hollow use against Ryouji? It was going to be hard to deceive him since he was the one who taught Yuri all she knew. "You confuse, Ryouji. Do you really think that by killing me you'd be saving her? That's really a lie, isn't it? You just said you were disappointed in her. Isn't a mentor suppose to say encouraging words? You should be trying nonlethal force. However, your answers are ringing through my ears each time our Zanpaktou clash."

It was then, the Hollow was able to slowly push Ryouji back. Its words had finally reached the part of Yuri who was struggling to hold the Hollow back. It had made her both see and hear his resolve on not wanting to save her, but more or less kill her to prevent her from completely losing it. Would..it really be the best if that's what happened? Would..I be happy with just giving up? "I'd be careful on what you say next.. Our little Yuri is listening intently!"

[Ryouji Onigata]

After being fended off by the hollow Ryouji smirked a bit underneath his mask before straightening himself up and tilting his head while staring at the hollowfied Yuri. All this talking and it still hadn't said anything worthy enough for him to cease their battle.

"You won't stop me either hollow. Despite my best efforts to save Yuri from you...I simply wasn't strong enough at the time. I've had a lot of time to think about what I've done which was more than anyone standing here would have ever done for her. I could not save her...no one here will save her. Not me, not her boyfriend or anyone."

Ryouji glanced down at his Zanpakutou as it began to emit a black spiritual pressure of its own . He turned his attention back to Yuri before holding his Zanpakutou at and angle and changing his grip to one of an inverse style.

"Yuri is a damn fool and despite your best efforts to keep me civil, it won't work. I want Yuri to hear every word I am saying. As a Mentor it was my job to teach her, to guide her, to encourage her to be the best she could be. Where have my teachings gone...what has my encouragement gotten her? Where is she now? I've protected Yuri since I rescued her that day. All that I see is a mistake that I made. I thought I found a promising young Shinigami...but instead I found a mistake...she's not even willing to fight for control of her own body."

The Zapakutou began to emit a much darker Aura than before. The time had come for him to stop using words and hopes that something in there would piss Yuri off enough to want to fight for control. If not...he would have to injure her severely in order to keep her hollow from doing any serious damage to not only herself but anyone else here.

"Reap...Shinkuoremasu"

A giant wave of black reishi swallowed Ryouji and it wasn't long before a Giant blade cut through the veil of dark reishi revealing that he was wielding a gigantic Scythe which he rested on his shoulder. It was completely black with the exception of the blade which itself was two toned. The top half of the blade was black while the bottom was a polished Silver.

"Are you ready Shinkuoremasu?"

The blade responded by glowing. Ryouji jumped backwards and sliding into a stationary stance. He pulled the scythe down from his shoulder and gripped it with two hands. With a loud roar he threw the scythe directly toward the hollowfied Yuri. He wasn't sure how long he could continue the front...so he had no choice but to throw it with murderous intent to keep not only himself convinced but to convince the others. He only could hang on to hope that she would overcome not only his scythe but her own hollow.

[Yuri Nakayama]

The Hollow was about to move out of the way until something made it freeze in please. Due to that, not only did it get injured, but it got knocked to the ground. Luckily for the Hollow, the quick healing factor took care of the injury. That was besides the point though. With it just more or less stalling, that would mean that Yuri was starting to gain the courage to actually fight back. "I can't believe that.. I nearly forgot. You were trying so hard to..distance me from the people who you think can keep you under wraps. It is true that they do have a big influence on me.. but it's not necessary!"

The battle on the outside was still going on, but also due to the inner one, the Hollow was reacting a lot more slowly than usual. Of course, its attacks were still strong and still had the intent to kill. However, what good would it do if it wasn't fast enough to keep up with Ryouji? "What the hell are you talking about?! Didn't you just hear what he said? He's calling you a fool! A mistake! You constantly deal with disrespect from not only your so-called squad, but from your friends as well!" Yuri and the Hollow were clashing with all theri might, in a similar stalemate that the Hollow had with Ryouji. "The only reason.. That's the case is because I finally see..why they refused to listen to me! How can they follow a Captain who doesn't believe in him or herself? I was a fool to not seen it earlier. AS for Ryouji saying those things.. I'm pissed because I know he's right!"

Another blow had made the Hollow skid back, having to struggle in order to stand. Ryouji's wish for a struggle was at last granted."Even if I were to lose now.. I could accept it because I fought with all my might. I'll always remember what he told me that day.. To believe in myself even if no one does!"

[Future Shizune]

After watching this all transpire, her father and her mentor's hollow fighting it out. She came to the realization that her father was completely mean and saying such hurtful things about her mentor. Even though the hollow was struggling to stand it meant something was happening. Was all of what her father said getting to her. Why wasn't the hollow getting stronger? In any case she wasn't going to stand for it any further. Shizune grunted before flash stepping and appearing in front of her father whom was standing there looking down at her.

"You...you big meanieface!"

Shizune attempted to punch her father but he caught her fist before it could even connect with his mask. She glanced over at the way his hand caught her fist...he wasn't hurting her at all. It didn't make since. She pulled her hand free and looked down at it before getting a little emotional.

"She told me you were nice and you treated her well. You trained her...you trained her to one day fill the role she has as Captain of squad three...but none of it makes since. Why are you saying such hurtful and mean things to my mentor! Why would she lie to me! You aren't nice... you're mean and I won't let you berate the only family I've ever known!"

Maybe she just didn't understand why he could say the things he's said. Why Lady Yuri spoke so highly and proudly of him. She wanted to hit him so badly...but she couldn't strike her own father again...not since their fight before. His mask...was even more frightening then the words he spoke to her mentor. The look in his eyes was serious. Was he really planning on killing Lady Yuri...if he was that means Megumi would never exist in this world and she wouldn't let something like that happen. She would fight him and kill him herself if she had to.

[Yuri Nakayama]

The inner struggle was going on for a long time. Blow after blow, injury after Injury, neither Yuri or the Hollow could out do the other. Yuri was getting Exhausted while the Hollow had more than enough energy to keep going. "Where did all that courage go just now? Have you realized it's useless to defy me?!" It wasn't that she has lost courage, it was just that she never knew she had it to begin with. She wanted to keep going. She had so much that was on the line. Not only was it about regaining control of her body, it was about facing her fears that she thought she was able to bury deep down in the back of her mind and heart.

"I admit.. I'm afraid. I'm afraid of losing. Even so, I must fight. For..there is a greater fear than losing my body to you. The fear of losing the ones who are trying their best to help me!" The two of them run at each other, sparks being emitted from the clashing of their Zanpaktou. To say the least, the Hollow was confused as to why Yuri was struggling so hard for people who have openly admitted that they didn't care what happens to her. "It's unbelievable on how Naive you are! You heard what your mentor said. He's going to kill you! How can you call someone like that a friend let alone a mentor!?"

She couldn't deny that she heard him say that he was going to put her out of her misery. Yuri just had a feeling that told her that even though he's saying cruel things, he doesn't mean it. "I also have to admit..I felt jealous when I found out that he was alive and that he had married Azumi. I pushed the feeling away because I thought that would make me selfish because he would no longer be there when things were looking bad. But.." The more she got to know Azumi, the more happy she became. During her time as Ryouji's lieutenant, she had a small hunch that he wasn't truly happy. He only achieved that happiness through his 'death' and marriage. He may not look like it or express it like others would, but he is happy. After all, he was willing to throw away his own life just to get Azumi back when it was made public news that she was kidnapped. Once again, the two get into a stalemate, trying to push the other back.

"It made me realize that ever since that day he saved me, I depended on him. I knew that when things got bad, he would always be there. By depending on him, I wasn't able to grow like he wanted me to. I guess, in a way, I still depend on him. I mean, look how he's fighting right now. I'm depending on him to stop you if I am not able even if it does mean killing me. What Ryouji wants most other than for me to fight back is.." Yuri was slowly starting to push the Hollow back. This was shown on the outside by the Hollow roaring out, grasping its own face as if it was trying to tear its own mask off. It was during that time she heard Shizune speak. It was faint, but by concentrating hard enough, the captain was able to hear it. It gave her enough strength to speak, even if her voice was a mixture of her own and the Hollows.

"Shi..While your words...are justified.. Do not..be angry. I know..the real meaning of his words. I suggest to you..to either back away or..be prepared..to defend yourself." The Hollow was becoming unstable. Therefore, it was starting to roar out more before dropping down to all fours. It dug not only its hind claws into the ground but the forearm ones as well. As it opened its mouth, a small red ball had formed and only grew in size. Once the Cero was done charging, The Hollow fired it at the two Shinigami, not caring on who it hits. The internal struggle was turning towards Yuri's advantage. Her renewed strength had forced the Hollow down onto its knees. "He wants me..to be someone who can stand on their own feet without having their hand held! I will show him..I have become that person! What better way of doing that than to put you back into your place?!"

[Ryouji Onigata]

When the Cero was fired Ryouji narrowed his eyes and glanced down at Shi...he didn't have enough time to dodge without her catching all of the impact for herself. Ryouji quickly wrapped his arms around Shi and forced her around while and took the Cero blast in the back to protect her. He grunted as he was pushed forward but he kept his feet on the ground to keep himself and Shi from toppling over. He would feel that one when he took off his mask. Glancing down at Shi he sighed before releasing her.

"Are you alright Shi? I know you don't agree with my methods, hell I don't like them myself personally, but Yuri needs to learn to fight on her own. Ever since I saved her...Yuri has known that I would always be there for her to help her if she needed me. Even though that was quite some time ago...that fact remains true. I won't abandon her and when she needs me...I will be there to catch her if she falls. In that regard I will never abandon her. Just like I'm sure your mentor in your time realized...I won't always be here to save her. She needs to be able to stand on her own feet once in a while. If I haven't gotten that across to her...then I've failed her."

Ryouji gently pushes Shi aside before turning around to see that hollow wasn't nearly as active as before. She was actually doing it...fighting back. It seems like his idea worked but he doubted it would be enough to push her over the edge. He wouldn't have a choice if she isn't able to find the courage to win. He extended his right arm out to his side and his Scythe reacted by leaving the ground and jumping back into his hand. Once he gripped the scythe tightly. He rested it on his shoulder once again. Her life...depended on this battle...yet it still wasn't enough to push her over edge to secure a victory.

"She doesn't get it...even now with her life depending on her actions she has no idea what its going to mean if she allows herself to lose."

Ryouji kept his scythe on his shoulder as he slowly walked toward the struggling hollow. With everything he's said and taught her...what the hell was the problem. Ryouji raised the scythe from his shoulder and stood over the hollow as it remained on the ground with its hands implanted within the ground. He knew he had to do it. There was no point in waiting any further. He brought the scythe down at full speed and planted the blade in the ground right in front of the hollow. Instead, he grabbed the hollowfied Yuri by her neck and lifted her into the air and held her there while looking at me.

"Damn it Yuri...What is the matter with you! You think its okay to lose this battle. This battle is for your soul, If you lose this fight then I taught you nothing. If I have to kill you here and now, don't think for a second that I will hesitate. Yet I guess you've misinterpreted everything I've ever told you. Its okay to fight for yourself...but true strength..the will fight comes from not fighting for yourself but fighting for what you want to protect! If I kill you, think of all who it would affect. It would affect...it would affect Azumi...who adores you. It would affect Shukumei who also looked out for you. It would affect Shi who loves you like you are her family. Not disappointing you is a threshold she lives by. It would affect that boy you love so much. Mission or no mission...it was a dumbass idea to hand you over to the enemy...but I'm sure he still loves you. It would even affect me! Who would I have to tackle hug me when we haven't seen each other for a long time. The point is Yuri...its good that you want to fight for yourself but the thing that gives us all strength is fighting for each other! Its your turn now Yuri..its your turn to fight for us! Now you get up and and you kick that hollows ass FOR ALL OF US!!

Ryouji balled up his left fist and thrusts it into the hollows stomach over and over again before slamming it down onto the ground. It had to end and Yuri had to win this battle. Or she would risk losing everything she fights for every time she battles.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri had gotten distracted from listening to Ryouji was telling her. The Hollow took advantage of her stalling, stabbing the Zanpaktou into her shoulder. Yuri cried out in pain, but soon grasped the blade, holding it tight enough for the blade to cut her palm. She was never put into a situation where she had to fight for someone other than herself. Well, she remembered one time she stepped in front of Kyou's attack one time to protect Ronin. Was really fighting for someone else able to give a person strength they never knew they had? Then she remembered how Ryouji went as far as pretending to die in order to save them. Shukumei did her very best for everyone. Ronin even got mad when she got injured before being handed over to Shin. Finally, Shi was willing to go up against Ryouji just because of the things that he was saying to her.

"He's right.. This fight isn't just about me. If I don't end this.. everything I've worked hard for will be gone! Most importantly.. I'll be losing the people who matter the world to me!" Though it caused her some pain, Yuri was able to pull the blade out, resuming her battle. She was beginning to understand all that she was taught. It didn't matter if she had not physical strength. It didn't matter if others believed her. If she didn't have the will to fight, not just for herself but the sake of others, she would keep losing no matter what was going on. Yuri and the Hollow both Ran by each other, both taking a slash at each other. After running by, injuries had appeared, but it was Yuri who managed to stay up. This was symbolized on the outside by the hollow's hierro starting to crack. It reached up for the mask, struggling to pull it off.

"Don't get overconfident.. You may have won this battle.. There will be more.. And eventually.. I will consume your body and make it my own..

While it may be true, Yuri would just have to find out a way to keep the Hollow from gaining control. She would have enough time to figure out, hopefully. "That may be so.. But the outcome will always be the same.. I will be the victor.." The mask was torn off, the Hierro dropping off of Yuri, shattering and dissolving. There stood Yuri with a smile on her face. Though she was in pain from her injuries, it was all she could do. For the first time, she had fought for the others and not herself. Not only that, she did it all on her own.

"You..can stop your..tactics..Ryouji.. I'm here..standing before you all.. on my own two feet.. You and..everyone else..helped me realize a lot of things.. It's..kind of funny.. You're not my captain anymore but..you still..teach me the things I need.. Thank you..for being patient and.. helping.." She could longer stand up. She drops down onto the ground. Everything was getting all blurry. She didn't realize that the fight she had really took it out of her. Then again, she did consume a lot of Hollows. She was probably feeling a lot worse than she did when she just consumed that one Gillian. She thought about what she had just said. She gave a light chuckle, closing her eyes. It sounded like she was about to die or something. "If..I could defeat that hollow..this is nothing. All..I need is a bit of rest.."

Now was her time to rest and recover. Yuri soon loses consciousness but still kept her smile. Even if they thought it was strange, she felt really proud of herself. In a strange way, by them helping her, she was finally able to repay them back by subduing her hollow.

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji stood over Yuri while watching her rest. Finally she was able to subdue the one thing that was truly holding her back. Her hollow was a true menace and now she could train herself to become even stronger. Ryouji leaned over and grabbed his scythe and it quickly reverted itself back into its normal Zanpakutou form before he slid it into its Scabbard completely.

"I knew you could do it Yuri. Even though you're fast asleep. I have to tell you that I'm proud of you for overcoming your hollow. Enjoy your rest...now the real training begins."

Ryouji slowly moved his hand up to his face and pulled off his hollow mask. He narrowed his eyes before crushing it in his hands, thus returning himself to normal as well. He turned to look at Shi whom was standing there with a worried look on her face.

"She will be fine. She just needs time to recover her strength. I'm sure you remember what it was like to deal with your inner hollow. It wasn't easy to get right back into the groove of things. I will be taking her to the Seireitei with me. She needs a place with a lot of reishi to recover. This town push out enough. Its barely enough for any of us to maintain Bankai."

Ryouji grabbed Yuri by her Uniform and lifted her off of the ground and rested her over his left shoulder. He switched his Zanpakutou to his right hand so that he could use his left arm to keep her stationary.

"Azumi had the baby...a baby girl by the name of Shizune. When she is able to return, we will come back. I don't know how long Yuri will need, but she should be back on her feet in no time."

Ryouji turned away from both Shi and Shukumei and began flash stepping back to Urahara's shop where he would use the Senkaimon to return to the Sereitei to see how Azumi was doing, to check on Megumi and to ensure that Yuri got the rest she needed to get back on to her feet.

So much was happening so fast...there defense team was cut in half pretty much with Yuri needing to Recover. If Zetsumei were to attack, there was no guarantee that his sister nor Shi would survive. He would feel much better about the situation if he was able to remain here. However they still had the humans to assist them if it came down to that. Plus he was confident in knowing that if Shukumei truly needed help, she would reach out to Shiva for assistance.

Once reaching Urahara's shop. Ryouji was able to ask Kisuke to open the senkaimon for him and he made his return through the Dungai to the Soul Society to rejoin his wife and sister-in-law in waiting for her finish resting. In the mean time however he agreed to meet with the Captains of the other squad and update them on the situation on earth although it would be more far fetched than anything else; the fact that they probably wouldn't believe him made it rather difficult to report to begin with.