Preparation

Ichigo tiredly dragged himself back to his room after the long day of training. Quietly setting Zangetsu up on the sword mount and stripping down, he collapsed onto the bed, exhausted but satisfied with the day's work.

Kidō-wise, Ichigo was pretty happy with his progress. After some experimentation, Ichigo and Lisa had discovered that he could generate and manipulate chains on his own with some concentration. The downside was that without a preexisting Bakudō acting as a guide, Ichigo had a harder time directing his intent, making them move more slowly. In comparison to using Hainawa, the chains moved at a snail's pace.

Lisa thought, and Ichigo agreed, that it was probably just a matter of practice. It was an ability Ichigo had never used before, after all, so it was only natural that he needed to train himself in using it. In between training the chains, Lisa had lectured Ichigo on the difference between standard Bakudō and true seals.

**Flashback**

"Alright, Ichigo. Sit down and I'll explain it like it was explained to me," Lisa ordered. Seeing her student take a seat, she nodded. "Bakudō, as you probably already know, are supplementary spells. They don't usually do any direct damage, but the key thing to remember is that they are temporary. Let me give you an example. If a seated officer in the Gotei 13 used a Bakudō on someone who didn't try to break it, the spell would dissolve within minutes. If a fukutaicho cast, then it could last a few hours, maybe. If a taicho skilled at Kidō, like Kuchiki Byakuya, cast, perhaps a day or two if they really tried.

"The reason for this is that anything with reiryoku resists being bound by foreign reiryoku. For this reason, seals were invented. Seals are designed to completely subjugate the item or person being sealed, for as close to eternity as we can manage. They are not something used lightly, and only the very best can ever use them with any degree of effectiveness. To be sealed and thrown into prison is one of the harshest punishments that can be handed down by the Central 46."

Ichigo nodded. "But how do seals work for so much longer than normal Bakudō?"

"As I understand it… seals work by being empowered by the sealed," Lisa intoned gravely. "Think for a moment on your own seal. Your power is bound, kept at bay and unable to be utilized until you break the seal. And it is powered by the very energy it seals. This is the truth about seals."

Ichigo's eyes widened in sudden comprehension. "Oh! So that's why Urahara's seal against Aizen needed him to be weakened first! So that Urahara's power would be temporarily greater than Aizen's, so the seal could overpower Aizen's resistance! Once it was there, then it wouldn't matter if Aizen got any stronger, because the seal would grow stronger with him!"

"Exactly," Lisa confirmed, pleased. "However, that's all I know about seals. My control and power never even got close to enough to be able to try one out. You'll be better off talking to Hachi."

**End Flashback**

Nodding to himself, Ichigo mentally shifted gears to think about Hiyori and Love. They were doing well, and both could now use Cero consistently. Thankfully, as Nelliel was teaching them, there had been no danger since she could just eat their Cero and fire it in a safe direction. They were just getting started on Sonido when Lisa had willingly given control of her body back to her Inner Hollow and joined them.

They're starting to understand what it means to work together, Cazador mused. How long until we have them fight for each other's sword?

Ichigo shrugged. I was thinking about getting that started either tomorrow or the next day, really. I'd like to visit Hachi and get some tips about seals before we start though. It'd be nice if I could practice on their berserk forms.

Aww… I wanted to fight them.

We don't want to maim any of them, Cazador, Ichigo reminded. Tell you what, if any of them turn out to have regeneration, I'll let you fight them.

Works for me!

Silence fell for a minute, and Ichigo's eyes begin to flutter shut when he heard something too quiet to make out. Eh? Zangetsu, Cazador you guys say something?

No.

Nope. Why?

Forget it. Probably just my imagination. That decided, Ichigo closed his eyes and began to drift away…

The red and orange hues of sunset were soothing, relaxing to look at. They always had been. But the troubles of the world intruded even on this peaceful moment. "This world is imperfect," Ichigo said softly, leaning on the railing as he took in the view. "Why can't we all just live together in peace? Why must people always start conflict over stupid things?"

"Well," his friend thought aloud, "conflict shows people who they really are, and gives people a chance to grow, to change. Maybe that's the point. If all that exists is peace, then is there any reason to grow beyond what is already there? Maybe people know that, somewhere inside, and subconsciously want that chance?"

"A chance… to show who you really are… who you can become…" Ichigo took a minute to process that. It made sense, but at the same time… "But if all that exists is war, then only hate and prejudice and pain remain. What sort of existence is that?"

"I think the key, as with all things, is balance, Ayumu," his friend responded heavily. "Conflict inspires growth and makes people appreciate the calm of peace. Peace soothes the pain of conflict but fails to encourage change. In excess, neither is desirable. This balance is what people need and search for, even if they struggle to find it."

"Balance, huh?" Ichigo – no, Ayumu – murmured quietly, watching the sky paint mosaics upon the clouds that would never repeat themselves exactly. "Where does power fall into that balance, Akio? There are good people who suffer from evil men with power, without any means of fighting back. Where is the balance of conflict and peace there?"

Akio took a few moments to gather his thoughts before answering. "I believe that evil is always toppled, eventually. Even if there is a dynasty that rules cruelly for ten thousand years, the people ruled have the chance to grow, and the chance to overthrow their oppression. Then peace will reign for a while before conflict returns once more."

"Maybe. But no matter who they are, what they've done, they all come here to the afterlife, where they have the chance to do it all again."

Akio glanced at his friend with a sigh. "We've had this argument over and over for the last hundred years. You've made your point that there is no real punishment for being wicked and cruel in life."

Ayumu sighed as well. "And you've made yours that without contact with good people who can show a better way of living, there is little hope of them ever truly reforming."

They stood in silence for a time, watching as the sun finished setting.

"Perhaps the answer lies in segregation and rehabilitation. The men down there do it all the time – incarceration and punishment to fit the crime. They separate their evil from the masses, and some manage to make redeem themselves."

"Their law is frequently flawed and sometimes sends innocent men into punishment they do not deserve," Akio observed. "Also, very few of those they do imprison are truly evil."

"Yes, but they don't have access to the tools we do. They have to judge by evidence of their surroundings and testimony. We can examine their souls and memories, and sort them that way!" Ayumu's voice grew stronger, more excited as he thought more on the idea.

"For the sake of argument, who would do the judging? There are so very, very many people, after all, and even you and I are imperfect. Morality and the definitions of good and evil change and evolve so frequently. What is evil in one culture is encouraged in another. What being could objectively judge all spirits?"

Ayumu slumped, recognizing the truth of those words. "… perhaps you're right."

Ichigo opened his eyes, not sure at all what to think about what he'd just witnessed. Had that conversation really happened, or was it a product of his imagination and own feelings about the afterlife? If it had happened, who were Ayumu and Akio? And why was he dreaming about them? What possible connection could he have with them? Despite his admitted lack of memory for names, he was almost positive he knew no one with those particular names, especially anyone who theorized about the balance of conflict and peace.

It doesn't make sense. Ichigo rubbed his temples, trying to stave off a headache. And I felt like I WAS Ayumu… Who are they?

Ishida and Inoue stood in the secluded training grounds that were well within the Ishida property, silently paying their respects. Uryū bowed his head and prayed that his grandfather's soul was safe and happy wherever it was now. With any luck, he had already been born and was living as a happy child. I'm sorry, Grandpa Sōken. I know you told me to protect it. But I must destroy this contract.

Inoue was quiet, appreciating the serenity of the area. It was calm, undisturbed, almost detached from the world. She couldn't hear anything but the quiet sounds of nature. It was quite peaceful and relaxing, now that she thought about it. It's strange… how can a contract with Hell be in such a heavenly place like this?

Finally, Ishida raised his head. There was no use waiting any longer. Slowly, he walked over to the stump and set down his bag, pulling out a pair of spades. Taking one up, he began to dig.

Inoue opened her mouth to ask why Ishida wasn't just using his powers to blast the earth away from the stump, but shut it upon realizing that it wasn't her place to decide. This was Ishida Sōken's legacy to his grandson. It was up to Uryū on how to unearth it. Picking up the other spade and ignoring how tired she was, she got to work.

Half an hour later, Ishida held a simple wooden box with a single Quincy cross carved into the top. Hesitantly, Ishida opened it. Inside was a roll of parchment, not having yellowed at all despite its obvious age.

"Should I try to reject it now?"

Ishida bit his lip, then closed the lid. "No. We don't know if my powers will vanish when the contract does. We'll destroy it after Hell's put down for good. That way I can still send Togabito back to Hell."

Inoue nodded, accepting the decision. "Then let's go back to Urahara. He can keep it with the Hōgyoku, protected from Hell until it's time."

Ishida nodded in agreement. "And then let's get some rest. We've earned it."

A sudden spark of power made both of them whirl around, seeing a portal to Hell open. Outside came Hana, the Togabito that Ishida and Inoue had spoken with before the invasion. "Give me the contract, Quincy."

"Not a chance." Without warning, Ishida shoved it at Inoue, who took it reflexively. "Go, now! I'll keep her occupied!"

Nodding, Inoue instantly summoned her Santen Kesshun as a platform and leapt atop it. Grabbing onto an edge with one hand and the box with the other, she took off.

"Don't think I'm gonna let you get away!" Hana cried out, leaping to intercept before Ishida flashed in front of her with a burst of Hirenkyaku, already firing a burst of arrow from his bow. Hana brought her arms in front of her face, materializing her chains to block the shots. A quick flicker behind her, and Ishida shot a powerful arrow into and through her right shoulder.

Hana screamed, clutching her shoulder with her left hand. "Damn it," she gasped out. "Fine then, Quincy. You're faster and stronger than I expected, but I know when I've lost. Finish me and send me back to Hell."

"Not before I get some questions answered. How did you know the location of the contract?" he asked coldly.

"Did you really think that Hell doesn't keep track of his obligations?"

Ishida glowered at Hana. "Why does Hell want it back all of a sudden?"

"All of a sudden?" Hana did something unexpected then: she laughed. "He's wanted the contract within his own realm for as long as the contract has existed! The Quincy tricked him! The pact was made between a man and a small collection of Hell's soul fragments that had over the course of millennia managed to regain a humanoid form. He had every intention of hiding the contract in Hell!"

"Let me guess," Ishida interrupted dryly. "The first Quincy stole the contract and sealed it in that box, which hides its spiritual signature and keeps Hell from finding and reclaiming it. Then he somehow shattered the collection of fragments again to prevent the Quincy from being hunted down."

Hana sobered quickly, giving the archer a piercing look. "You're smarter than you look."

"No, it was only common sense," Ishida shot back. "The thing to remember when dealing with devils is that you should expect to be double-crossed. The only way to come out ahead then is to be the double-crosser. This also explains why you only just came after the contract – you couldn't find it until I opened the box and revealed its spiritual presence. Finally, I have the answer on why the contract even existed to begin with; I surmise that Hell wanted powerful spirits to be damned upon their death, so he could consume them and regain his former power."

"… You're a lot scarier than I thought you'd be. I'll remember that when we meet again."

"See that you do." And with that, Ishida shot her in the head, making her collapse, blood and brain matter leaking onto the grass below. As soon as the portal to Hell opened to reclaim the corpse, he turned on his heel and used Hirenkyaku to join up with Inoue. He had a contract to deal with.

"Shi no mai: Shirayuki," Rukia intoned, holding the hilt of her sword up to her face and allowing a cold wind to carry her Zanpakutō's ribbon around her. She felt her feet and legs transform into mere cold air and snowflakes, she felt the cold flow up her body and dissolve more and more of her. It felt good, refreshing even, like an icy-cold shower after a hot summer day. Finally, the technique reached her head, and it felt right, it felt easy, as though she were finally returning home. She began to relax, content with –

Rukia!

Startled, Rukia remembered Sode no Shirayuki's warning; she couldn't lose herself to the call of the cold, or she would never be able to rematerialize. Nor would she ever want to. Mentally slapping herself, Rukia focused and ended the technique, rematerializing exactly where she'd started.

Breath! Oh, sweet lungs, beating heart, blessed warmth that ran through her veins as her blood once more flowed hotly through her body. Rukia fell to her knees, overwhelmed with the sensation. How had she not been constantly aware of her own body before? She could feel every muscle in her body, tensing and relaxing as she simply breathed. She took another breath, delighting in how it was pulled into her lungs for her blood to take to the rest of her body. You definitely weren't kidding when you said this would endanger my life, she thought wearily.

There is a reason why you had to earn it, Rukia. You had to prove you had the mental strength to retain yourself while joining with nature.

And that's why I need to practice. If my first time trying that had been in the midst of battle…

Yes. Shirayuki's tone was concerned, but accepting. Please be careful.

You know I will. Deciding to give herself a few more minutes before trying the technique again, she glanced at Renji, who had unleashed his Bankai and was quietly meditating, communing with Hihiō Zabimaru. She wasn't sure why – all he had said was that he had an idea but needed to consult with the Bankai spirit to make sure. At the moment, Hihiō Zabimaru was coiled loosely around Renji, protecting him during their communion.

Frowning, Rukia returned her attentions back to the situation at hand. She had to master the Shi no mai. She wanted to prove that Sode no Shirayuki had not made a mistake in sharing the technique, that she was capable of using it effectively. Resolve filled her, and she once again held her Zanpakutō up to her face. "Shi no mai: Shirayuki."

Byakuya barely repressed a frown, hiding his frustration. His request for a meeting with Kumoi the previous day had been politely refused. He had been informed that Kumoi had been too busy at the time, already in a meeting with some buyers for the Kasumiōji weapons. As the heiress was not present, it had fallen to Kumoi to handle the matter. As meetings with buyers could take many hours as they negotiated an acceptable trade, Byakuya had decided to return the next day.

However, now he had been given a different excuse. "Could you repeat that?"

The servant of the Kasumiōji practically shook as he addressed the head of the Kuchiki directly. "I apologize, Kuchiki-sama, but Kumoi-sama is not here. He is currently in a meeting with Kannogi Shū-sama."

"I see." Byakuya took a moment to recall what he knew about the Kannogi. To his consternation, he knew very little, only that they were a family associated with the Kasumiōji. He vaguely remembered seeing a notice about an engagement, which he normally cared little for, but in this case the betrothed were obvious.

"Kannogi Shū is engaged to the Kasumiōji heiress, correct?" Byakuya half-questioned.

"Yes, Kuchiki-sama."

Nodding absently, Byakuya reevaluated his opinion of Kumoi. Not only was he intelligent, but also quite sly. By interacting with Kasumiōji Rurichiyo's fiancé, Kumoi was able to play both sides. Rurichiyo would be afraid for her fiancé's life. On the other hand, as the Kannogi boy was young, it would almost certainly be easy for Kumoi to install him as a puppet ruler. All in all, it was a very good move. Rurichiyo would have to return in order to retain control over her clan, and that was when Kumoi would strike.

But Kumoi was not the only fish in this political pond. Byakuya's mind was already calculating how to turn the new circumstance to his advantage. "Their meeting is fortuitous for me, then," Byakuya commented, "as I would speak with them both. The matter is somewhat time-sensitive, so I truly must meet with them."

The servant looked torn, before apparently coming to a decision. "Please wait here. I shall return shortly." He bowed deeply, then vanished through the door that had been behind him.

Byakuya did not have to wait long, as the same servant came back and guided him into a meeting room. Inside was only an old man with long grey hair and large reflective glasses. This must be Kumoi. Kannogi Shū was not present. Byakuya had expected no less, however, and as he sat at the table for tea he began the standard pleasantries. "Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice. You have been quite busy of late."

Kumoi smiled. "It is of course my pleasure to host the Head of the Kuchiki. But yes, I am afraid that my time has become something of a precious commodity in the clan recently."

Hardly one to leave an opening such as that, Byakuya switched gears momentarily. "Ah, yes. I heard from one of the servants yesterday that the heiress has gone missing."

To Kumoi's credit, his eyes only briefly reflected malice as his smile gave way to a just-somber-enough expression. Hardly anyone would have noticed, but Byakuya's eyes were accustomed to high speed movement and he'd been looking for such a reaction. "Yes, that is indeed the case. I had thought that she understood the responsibilities of her position, but she is young yet. There is time to learn, and I am capable of running the day-to-day clan matters until she can be found."

Smooth, Byakuya noted. Minimizing the problem, explaining it as follies of youth, and an implied promise that he'll help her grow into her position without overstepping his authority. It was no wonder that Kumoi had grown to such an influential position in the clan.

A servant came in then and served them both some tea. Byakuya sipped his tea lightly, using the brief silence to formulate how to continue. Coming to a decision, he set his tea down. "I have come regarding some particularly interesting rumors," he finally told the man.

"Oh? What rumors would these be?"

"Rumors about weapons with special abilities, not unlike a Zanpakutō in some ways."

"Creating such a thing would almost certainly be forbidden," Kumoi answered calmly, his pleasant expression cooling slightly.

Byakuya met his gaze evenly. "Naturally, it also follows that if such a thing were to be encountered by any member of the Gotei 13, then we would have to act upon it in accordance with Soul Society law. However, if such a thing were to be encountered by Kurosaki Ichigo or his affiliates…"

"Yes?"

"Aizen Sōsuke took his mother hostage after gaining the power of the Hōgyoku. The Berean banished his mother to Hell with forbidden knowledge. The Togabito kidnapped his sisters by taking advantage of the Chains of Hell. It is only natural that Kurosaki Ichigo is now paranoid about the wellbeing of his family. At this point, I believe it likely he would lash out at anyone who attempted to harm a woman of any age, or at anyone displaying strange new powers. Once the immediate threat was eliminated, he would almost certainly follow it to the top to ensure it would not happen again, and then… " Byakuya sighed. "Well, he is young, and does not yet understand that sometimes we must make allowances for nobility. I only just succeeded in curbing him from eradicating the Berean for the conspiracy of a few, and that was when we needed their knowledge. I have my doubts I could do it again so soon."

Judging from the slightly paler face Kumoi sported, Byakuya was certain he had made his point nicely. Rising to his feet, he inclined his head slightly towards the man who'd been convinced he held all the strings. "Have a pleasant day." With that, he turned on his heel and departed.

A few moments later, Kumoi angrily seized the teapot and made to throw it, but stopped himself at the last moment. He had an image to maintain, and evidence of his temper would not be wise to display. Carefully, with hands shaking from mingled anger and fear, he set the teapot back down.

They know. They know they know they know they know…! Kumoi shook his head. Of course they knew. As soon as Kurosaki Ichigo had made contact with the heiress and her two damnable bodyguards it was inevitable that word would make its way back to Soul Society. Thankfully, there was no proof of the Bakkōtō, which kept the Gotei 13 from accusing him of treason, but that could change if one of the assassins were killed, or worse yet, captured.

Sipping his tea, Kumoi tried to think of a solution. Kurosaki Ichigo had to be removed from the equation somehow. He hadn't thought the man had a capacity for vengeance, but now that it had been pointed out, it was quite obvious. Going after him or his family was apparently suicidal, as was directly going after the heiress. So instead of assassins, the death of the heiress needed to look like an accident, enough so to fool a suspicious mind. That would be difficult to arrange… very difficult, but not impossible.

Kumoi smiled. He had time. The Gotei 13 had begun some operation regarding the Dangai, making interdimensional travel risky at best. That meant that the heiress would not be able to stop him from ruling through her fiancé, Shū. With time and the clan's resources behind him, plus the Bakkōtō… yes, it could be done.

Hitsugaya panted heavily, his Bankai reverting back to Shikai as he recovered from the fight he'd just had with the Arrancar version of Shinji. He'd nearly died several times – it was only lucky that Shinji did not have his Zanpakutō in his Resurrección. If the ability to reverse his perceptions had been present, then he would have been crushed even more decisively than he had been.

To Hitsugaya's mild satisfaction, Shinji had not come out of the conflict unscathed. His robes had taken several hits, and although the ice-wielder had originally had difficulty cutting through Shinji's Hierro, he had eventually managed it.

However, Shinji had overwhelmed Hitsugaya completely with only the use of Cero and Hakuda after he had unleashed his Resurrección. Hitsugaya's ice dragons had been obliterated by Cero, and he'd been made aware of an important weakness. Namely, that he took too long gathering the power to do anything! Long enough that Shinji could tell with near-100% certainty exactly what Hitsugaya was about to do, and counter it.

"Hey, Tōshirō. Good fight. You're getting better. Might wanna focus some on your Shunpo, though." Shinji nodded, sealing his Resurrección and snagging Sakanade out of the air as it reappeared.

Finally managing to regain control of his own breathing, Hitsugaya straightened and nodded to the Arrancar. "Thanks." He decided not to bother with his standard correction about how he preferred to be addressed – Shinji had been a taicho long before he had, and frankly he felt that anyone who had proven they could kick his ass could call him what they liked.

Hitsugaya sat and leaned against a boulder. Once he felt up to it, he'd train on his Shunpo and the quickness of his techniques. How is it that I even became a taicho, if a taicho who can't use his Zanpakutō can beat me even with mine?

"You're feelin' pretty down about yourself now, aren't ya?" Shinji asked. Without waiting for an answer, he plopped down and sat next to his opponent. "Don't worry too much about it. You specialize in your Zanpakutō abiltiies, which ain't necessarily a bad thing. Most taicho-class Shinigami are specialists in some way or another, especially when they're somewhat new to the position."

"And you? What did you specialize in as a Shinigami?"

"Well, when Shinji didn't have me, he specialized in Kidō, believe it or not. He could even spot and break some of Aizen's illusions… when they weren't made with Kyoka Suigetsu, that is. Besides Kidō, he favored Zanjutsu. He was alright at Hakuda, mostly from sparring with Hiyori," Hollow Shinji scratched at his chin for a moment. "Didn't care much for Shunpo, though he got better at it when he became a taicho."

That made Hitsugaya feel a bit better. "And now?"

"Well, now Shinji's decent with the Kidō – harder now, with Hollow powers messing with the control needed – but he prefers using our mask and Zanjutsu with Shunpo. He worked pretty hard to bring his Shunpo up to snuff, just in case the Shinigami found us. As for me, though…" Hollow Shinji grinned. "Me, I like screwing with people's heads before I get up close, so I'm working on my Sonido. I'm looking forward to being able to use Sakanade in Resurrección."

Hitsugaya grimaced at the thought. "So, I need to round myself out a bit?"

"Something like that. Shinji says that you should work on your Zanjutsu so you can swing faster and harder. Hyōrinmaru's abilities are great but if they get in close you have to be able to handle that too. Oh, and Shunpo – speed up your movements a bit more."

Nodding in understanding, the 10th Division leader stood. "Alright. Thanks again."

"No problem." Hollow Shinji waved him off. As the diminutive taicho left to go train some more, he leaned back against the boulder. The fight with the kid had tired him, but he had to push Tōshirō to greater heights. The kid had potential, and with some effort he could even make it to Yamamoto's level… in a few centuries of course, but everyone had to start somewhere.

And of course, it doesn't hurt that training him also trains us, Shinji pointed out. And you're making an ally out of him.

What can I say? We've gotta be strong enough to survive, and we don't trust Yamamoto. Having Tōshirō on our side can only help.

I'm not criticizing. You're doing a good job.

You sound surprised. I am a part of you, after all.

Well… yeah, I'm surprised. I never thought that we could get along so well. I wonder if this is how Ichigo and Cazador work together?

Suddenly, alarms sounded, signaling that another Togabito or group thereof had entered the living world. Hollow Shinji tensed, waiting for Urahara's instructions. If the numbers were too many for Ichigo's human friends and the Shinigami allies to handle, Urahara would order them to help out. Was now the time?

The speaker crackled with static before Urahara's voice came through. "There are three Togabito this time. Kurosaki Isshin has already dispatched one of them. Abarai Renji, Kuchiki Rukia and Sado Yasutora are fighting the remaining two. Patching them in now." More static, then it cleared up. "Sado, report."

"Togabito at the school grounds. I punched him in the face to get his attention. Now he's following me to the forest."

"Difficulty level on a scale of 1 to 10?"

"4. Slightly slower than me, and he's pissed off. Should be easy to surprise him once I have some cover."

"Good. Abarai?"

"Ours just went down. I distracted it while Rukia used her new technique to sneak up on and assassinate it."

"It?"

"Ambiguous gender."

"Fair enough. Isshin?"

"After what happened last time, I took no chances. As soon as she appeared I Shunpo-ed behind her and Getsuga-ed her head off. Yuzu's going to kill me for upending the table, though. She'd just set down dinner, too…"

"I'll send Rukia to pick up the corpse." Urahara sounded vaguely amused. "Sado, how are you doing?"

"La Muerte!" There was a pause. "He's dead."

"Got him by surprise, then?"

"Yes."

"Well done. Sensors confirm that all Togabito presence has vanished from the living world. Excellent work, everyone."

The speaker crackled then shut down. Hollow Shinji scowled. Something ain't right. I can feel it.

I agree. Hollow Shinji could feel the Inner Shinigami frown pensively. Why send so few people? And so easily killed? There's another agenda here. The attack feels like a distraction.

Yeah. But a distraction from what?

I wish I knew. But if it's not in the living world, it's gotta be in Hueco Mundo or inside the Hell dimension itself.

Then let's get back to work. We've gotta be strong enough for when the time comes.

You got it.