'We were born to protect you.' But it was funny how often Orihime was around to protect others. The Soukyoku had just been released, Aizen had just betrayed the whole of Soul Society, and she had immediately begun her work. Victim after innocent victim, she went about healing everyone she could reach. The strain was difficult, but every time they were called out, Shun'ou and Ayame helped her to bear the pain of it all. "She hates to see innocent people get hurt; she's not a fighter at all just yet." Shun'ou took to making conversation with Ayame whenever Orihime was too focused to listen in. She finally dropped to her knees and threw her hands over Ichigo's body, calling the duo out for the umpteenth time.
Nearby, some members of the fourth division were chattering about Orihime's skill. "Nobody asked her to help us out, but she's so kind to lessen our workload, and so quiet to be doing it all alone person after person. She's so much like Unohana-taichou." Shun'ou's mouth curled into a small smile. "Of course she is you fools! This girl is more of a leader than anyone could hope to be in a lifetime, you don't need to tell her what to do." Ayame looked up. She was always so silent that it surprised her partner when she spoke up against had been said. "But Shun'ou, she has a lonely heart, you can't deny that. Even if she's surrounded by people, she's happiest on the outside. Inside we can feel what she feels. You and I can feel the pain she shares with those who should never have been hurt to begin with."
"Ayame, are you sure you're Orihime's gentleness? Truer words were never spoken in her defense." The two of them could feel Orihime's arm falter, it was taking longer than usual to heal Ichigo's wounds. "See that Ayame?" Shun'ou said, looking up to stare into Orihime's misty eyes, "That's the mark of a leader. She cares about her allies and she keeps them all at ease." At this, Ayame took a look at the young woman, tearing up herself. "Shun'ou, it hurts so much for her to heal him more than the rest. She has more than just respect for him." The understanding that passed between the duo then was so complete that she didn't finish the sentence.
As much as her silent resolve remained strong she couldn't help but pause to breathe. "There's no way she can properly heal his injuries." Shun'ou said. But he knew that Orihime knew it too and also knew that she wouldn't stop trying anyway. Even with all the Fourth Division members present, she would stick this one out alone. She would spend hours here if she had to. Another wave of understanding swept between Shun'ou and Ayame, they looked up to Orihime together and smiled. Before them was a brilliant cherry blossom that led happiness into the hearts of others, an iris with a gentleness that shone from her own.