Ichigo huffs frantically as he dashes down the street. He fumbles, speeding across the neighborhood's sharp corners till he makes it to the excluded shop. Ichigo practically beats through the shoji doors till one of its occupants slides them open. He pummels through the small visibly annoyed Jinta and slams into Tessai's massive build. He clings to Tessai's form fitting shirt. "What news of Rukia?'' Ichigo demands.

"Kurosaki," The shopkeeper intervenes, slapping his closed fan into the palm of his hand. "I texted you that we would discuss this this evening…together."

"You should know better, Kisuke." Adds Yoruichi, perched against the wall, studying her long nails.

"I can't wait that long!" Ichigo's grasp on the large man's clothing tightens ever so slightly before it ultimately weakens and his fingers release. He searches Urahara's gray blank eyes for a hint of what is to come.

"But the others…"

"Dammit, Urahara." His chest heaves with each ragged breath but for a moment, he inhales a large guff of air before swallowing his words. "...please."

Urahara's eyes soften and glances at Yoruichi before returning his gaze back to Ichigo. "Sit." He commands, signaling towards his chabudai. "Tessai, if you could, please bring some tea for our guest." Urahara shoos away his employee. "Tea is good for the nerves."

Ichigo accepts the invitation, seating himself on a nearby zabuton. "What news do you bring back?" He questions calmly, remaining deathly still and emotionless.

"A bomb was set off in the Seireitei." Yoruichi replies, turning her attention to the orange-haired young man.

Ichigo clenches his fists within his lap.

"The Central 46 were murdered."

"The Central 46?"

The older man sighs. "Kuchiki-san didn't tell you about the 46?"

"I think I got the cliff note version in regards to the Soul Society, if that even. My knowledge doesn't exceed beyond your enemies being the Hollows, which you guys sorta protect the rest of Japan and beyond from and that you have your own base. I think I remember Rukia mentioning something about her brother being in a royal family and something about Gotei something, it's a little hazy. And I remember you saying something about captains and lieutenants."

Urahara tears off his hat to rub furiously at his forehead. "Seems she didn't tell you much at all."

"I think there was a reason for that, Kisuke." Interjects his counterpart, perching herself across Ichigo. "Ichigo, we wanted to save this information for tonight, when we were to get together to discuss a plan but since you're so eager," Her eyes meet with Urahara's before returning them back to peer at Ichigo. "We will tell you now."

"And we did not know the extent of your knowledge in regards to the Soul Society." Added Urahara, joining the two at the chabudai.

"The Soul Society is made up of the Central 46 and Gotei 13. The Central 46 is the governing body while the Gotei 13 is the muscle that carries out and enforces what the 46 puts in place. Think of the 46 as the legislature and the 13 as the police force. So what you and your friends are going up against by storming the base, or better known as the Seireitei, are those 13."

"Understand this Kurosaki, those aren't 13 people, those are 13 separate divisions or squads made up of hundreds of foot soldiers with each their own specialty."

"Each division is made up of a hierarchy similar to that of the Soul Society. There is a captain, a vice captain, seated officials and non-seated underneath them."

"Similar to the Hollows, right?"

Yourichi's eyebrows rise.

"I remember Rukia saying something about Espada and Arrancar."

"Yes." She nods.

"So what does the passing of the Central 46 have to do with Rukia?"

"The 46 are the judges in her case and if they are removed, the jurisdiction is then bestowed to the Head Captain of the Gotei 13. He is a man of old who believes in swift justice, especially at a time like this." Urahara interposes. "It is unlikely that he will allow her trial and execution to be prolonged, so we are working on borrowed time.

"That is why we called for a meeting this evening. There is no better time than right now to sneak into the Seireitei. The bombing of the 46's compound has caused further confusion and distraction for the Gotei 13. As we speak, the 13 are attempting to clean up the mess and make sense of the situation." Yoruichi crosses her arms in front of her. "They have their hands full enough at the moment. So we need to prepare to sneak in by either tonight or tomorrow night. We have sources inside that can aid our efforts and guide you to the prisoner's holdings."

Ichigo's heart suddenly beats irregularly and fast. His palms go sweaty with anticipation. He rubs his palms together, hoping the sweat would dissipate. Finally. "Wait, you're not coming?"

"I must stay here to keep up with appearances but Yoriuchi will be your guide to the Seiretei."

"I will go as far as I can go without catching attention. You're not the only ones not supposed to be there." She winks at Ichigo.

Ichigo scrunches up his nose trying to make sense of the dark-skinned woman's quick remarks but decides it better for another time given the amount of information he was just force fed. "Yoruichi-sensei," He begins. "One more question."

"Hmm?"

"About Rukia's brother, something you called him the other day made me think you knew him more closely."

She smirks. "I grew up with the kid. I was, at one point, his mentor."

Ichigo's body hovers over the chabudai as he closes the distance between himself and the others, intently listening. "He's a part of a royal family? Does that mean…"

"Yes. Rukia is also part of that very royal family. But Bya-boo isn't just part of the family, he is the Head of that royal family."

"What do you mean by 'that' royal family? There are others?"

Urahara tosses out his fan and fans himself, a coy smile painted across his face. "Why yes, contrary to popular belief, the 46 are not quite the founders of the organization. Rather it was the first heads of the five families that created the Soul Society and spurred the Central 46 and the Gotei 13."

She's in deeper than I thought. Ichigo chews on his index finger nail, his eyes turn to the floor. And he is a Captain which explains his immense speed. I didn't even see him move, it was almost like he glided past me.

"So, do you see what you're going up against? Her brother is a proud leader and an even prouder man. Even if you were to retrieve Rukia successfully, I have no doubts that he would not rest until she would be eliminated out of spite of his clan."

"Brother of the fucking year." Ichigo comments beneath his breath.

"I just may be a little old shopkeeper, but do you want to know whether I think you all are ready or not?"

One of Ichigo's eyebrows rises as he looks over toward said man before he turns his head away from the pair and peers at the ground. "No." He states sternly.

"My, we're going to be arrogant to the very end, are we?"

"It's worth trying."

"What about dying?" Yoruichi intercedes, watching Ichigo intently.

"Ha." He lets out a brittle laugh as he stands up from the chabudai and makes way for the door to the shop. He spots Chad hovering by Tessai but avoids eye contact with his friend in favor of the front door. Ichigo steps out and perches himself on the small steps that decorate the front of the shop. He sighs deeply and rests his head between his hands. His ears perk at the sound of the door behind him opening but he doesn't bother roving his head about to see the figure responsible. Ichigo's head finally rustles when the person plops themselves next to him. Ichigo peeks an eye out, seeing Chad nestled to his left. "Chad." He lets out softly.

His friend studies him for a moment before looking forward.

"I feel so…"

"Powerless?"

Ichigo nods. "Do you think I'm crazy too? Willing to sacrifice for a girl I hardly know?"

Chad chuckles slightly, maintaining his gaze forward. "No, I would say that sounds pretty on the nose for you. But this time it's different."

Ichigo releases his grip on his head and turns towards his friend.

"She isn't some girl." Chad ruffles his chin-length hair to get a better look at his counterpart. "She is our friend." He states after a brief moment of silence. Chad swears he sees a glint behind Ichigo's dismayed eyes. He smirks. "She sacrificed her life for me, for a guy she barely knew. She sacrificed her life for you, hasn't she?"

Ichigo blinks for a minute before he turns his head toward the ground once more. "Rukia…she is in this predicament because of me." His fist tightened. "Even down to that last moment." Visions of that night flash across his mind and weigh heavy on his heart. "She saved me again."

"What would she say if she saw you now?"

This time Ichigo lets out a genuine snicker. A smile creeps from the corner of his lips. "She'd tell me how pathetic I am being. And," Ichigo picks up his head. "She's right. I'm being a regular ol' wuss, worrying about the bug that others put in my ear when I know deep down that I believe. I believe we can do it."

"I believe in you, Ichigo. And I will follow you until the ends of the earth."

Ichigo rests his hand on his comrade's shoulder and smiles back at him.

"Boy, was that quite a spoonful, huh?" Uryu nervously banters, raising his lenses to his with his forefinger.

Orihime gulps and grips her bags tightly.

"You know, Inoue-san, you don't have to do this. You are risking your life when you have so much ahead of you."

"I do?" She peeps.

A small warm smile appears on Uryu's pale face. "Yes you do. I hear you like to cook and sew and sing and dance."

"Do you like to do any of those things, Ishida-kun?"

"I…" He clears his throat. "I enjoy sewing, myself."

Orihime's gray eyes brighten as they glance over Ishida. "I do have to do this Ishida-kun." Her voice is soft and shaky but defiant.

"For Kurosaki?" Uryu knits his eyebrows.

"No…well not really." She confesses, a bit ashamed at her admission. "I'm tired, Ishida-kun, I'm tired of being the damsel in distress. I'm tired of being the one protected. I'm tired of hiding. I feel like all my life, I've been hiding and because of it, no one can see me."

Uryu kicks at the ground. "I see you, Inoue-san."

"Y…you do?" Her eyes widen.

"And as much as I want to get into this fight to right my own wrongs, I also want to fight beside you. As your partner… and your friend."

Tears gathers at the corners of Orihime's eyes. "Thank you… thank you for believing in me. I feel like everyone wants to shield me from things as if I were a child. I'm not a kid anymore. I want to go to protect Kurosaki-kun and Kuchiki-san. They protected me."

Uryu nods, peering into the distance. "I don't doubt your abilities, Inoue-san." He turns and catches her eyes. "I know you will. I know you will protect them both."

"I'll protect you too, Ishida-san." Her lips curl up to form a timid smile.

Heat rushes into his hollow cheeks. He instinctively perches his glasses closer towards his eyes, allowing his hand to hide his face. "I know you will." He smiles. "Is it okay if I walk you home Inoue-san? Ju…just because I enjoy your company."

"I'd like that. I do like to cook, in fact I just recently invented a new meal and if you'd like, I'd love for you to try some!"

"I would very much like that."

The pair walk into the moonlight, not pondering on their worries nor the battles ahead of them. They are content with their companionship and their faith in one another. Yourichi, perched against a nearby wall, watches contently as she spies the distance between the two young people closens.