Itachi proceeded to the tenth division from the fourth after being cleared by Toshiro, who advised him to rest for the remainder of the day due to its length, a suggestion which the young Uchiha welcomed.
He expressed his intent to freshen up and possibly have a meal. It didn't take him long to return to the tenth squad as he utilized flash stepping. Upon arriving back, he was en route to his room. 'Itachi.' Stopped by the voice, Itachi turned around to see Brooke approaching him and couldn't help but smile at her.
'Hi, Brooke, how can I assist you?' He inquired, intrigued by the brunette's approach. Brooke smiled back as she walked towards him. 'I was wondering if you would like to hang out. I could give you a tour of the second squad; I'm feeling bored,' she proposed.
Itachi inquired, 'Why are you unable to socialize with Captain Hitsuyagya or Kiyone?' Brooke responded with amusement, 'For one, Toshiro is boring to hang out with, and regarding Kiyone, I do not wish to listen to her mourn about Jushiro being away for so long.'
Itachi chuckled at Brooke's remarks. 'Moreover, you are more entertaining, and it is essential to take a break from this environment. Who else will aid you in having a good time?' Brooke inquired playfully.
'Me,' she answered on his behalf. Itachi, as Brooke led him to the Second Division, asked, 'Alright, besides showing me my sister's squad, what other activities do you have in mind?'
He certainly preferred not to upset the brunette. Following Brooke to her squad, Itachi inquired, 'Do you plan to take me to this "maggots nest" as well?' 'Maybe,' Brooke said with a grin.
Brooke conveyed her opinion on the matter by stating, 'I do not believe we will visit that location today. I have just completed my duty of overseeing that facility, and I have observed enough unkempt prisoners who neglect their hygiene.'
Itachi chuckled at the expression on the brunette's face and replied, 'I am certain it is not as severe as you make it sound,' prompting Brooke to playfully hit him in the chest. She jokingly challenged him, 'Alright, tough guy, let's go there together so you can experience it for yourself.'
Leading him towards the Maggots Nest, Brooke expressed her astonishment at how Kisuke managed to handle the malodorous and unsightly prisoners. Walking alongside Itachi in silence, she muttered her thoughts aloud. Itachi, observing their surroundings as they passed the third division, raised an eyebrow when Brooke halted.
Greeting Izuru with a smile as he exited the 3rd squad gate, she exclaimed, 'Hey, Izuru!' The blond lieutenant reciprocated the greeting, looking slightly surprised, and watched as Brooke quickly approached him.
She inquired, 'Where are you off to?' attempting to embrace the third lieutenant, who skillfully evaded her embrace to avoid colliding with the second squad 3rd seat.
Brooke gasped as she almost fell on her face, expressing, 'That was cruel, Izuru.' She proceeded to pout and glare at the blond individual, stating, 'I apologize, Brooke, but I was not in a position to be vulnerable to an attack,' Izuru responded.
'I had no intention of attacking you, Izuru,' Brooke gasped, 'I merely desired a hug,' she said, while glaring at Izuru who looked back at her expressionless. 'How can I be certain of that? You came running towards me at full speed,' the blond stated.
Itachi couldn't resist chuckling at their interaction, and mentioned, 'Very well, if that is your perception, then I suppose a hug is out of the question.' Brooke then addressed Itachi, 'Let's go, Itachi,' and swiftly moved towards the second division.
Itachi bid Izuru goodbye with a faint smile and trailed after Brooke, who was awaiting him near the gates of the second squad, questioning, 'Are you prepared to visit the Maggots Nest?' Itachi pondered briefly as he gazed upon the second squad barracks, then turned to Brooke and cheerfully affirmed, 'Certainly,' allowing the brunette to lead the way to the Maggots Nest.
Brooke smiled as she guided him, cautioning him not to be frightened as she opened the prison gates upon their arrival. Itachi responded with a grin, expressing his confidence by stating, 'Me scared? Never.'
Brooke playfully added, 'Well, if you happen to be scared, I suppose I am here to protect you,' leading him down the stairs. Itachi, in return, countered by suggesting that it might as easily be the other way around.
As they proceeded, Brooke chuckled, stating, 'I have been overseeing these prisoners for several years, so it would take a lot more to frighten me.' Itachi laughed as they navigated through the Maggots Nest, noticing the distinctiveness of this prison compared to others he had seen and observing numerous souls wandering the vast space.
'So, this is the Maggots Nest,' he remarked. 'Yes,' Brooke confirmed, adding that it was not the minor prisoners but rather the sealed-away prisoners that one should be concerned about, as she pushed a prisoner who had approached her out of her way.
Observing as the prisoner grumbled and departed, Itachi noted, 'Stupid idiot, thinking he can touch me with those dirty hands.' Brooke echoed her discontent as she cleaned her hands on her shorts.
'How is the progress of your bankai training?' Brooke inquired as she escorted Itachi through the Maggots' Nest. 'It's going okay, proving more challenging than anticipated,' Itachi responded, staying close to the brunette.
Coming to a halt alongside Brooke, Itachi paused, listening to her statement, 'It will either become easier or more difficult depending on how your Zanpakuto functions.'
Turning towards the Uchiha, Brooke emphasized. 'Indeed, but I am determined not to abandon it,' Itachi affirmed, casually leaning against the wall while observing Brooke converse with another prison guard who reassured her that all was well.
Glancing back at him with a smile, Brooke proposed, 'That's commendable, but what if I assist you? It could be an enjoyable experience.' Leading Itachi out of the Maggots' Nest, she decided against exposing him to the most perilous Soul Reapers.
Itachi accompanied her out of the Maggots Nest and inquired as they reached the second division's double doors, 'You would be willing to do that?' Brooke responded with a smile, 'Certainly, I can. Also, it will be enjoyable to observe your fighting skills.'
Itachi expressed his acceptance of the assistance, acknowledging, 'I believe having someone provide me with tips on achieving bankai would be beneficial.'
Interested in determining Brooke's strength, Itachi welcomed the training assistance. Brooke cheerfully confirmed, 'Then I will assist you in attaining bankai,' extending her arms in a stretch. She then concluded, 'I will see you in the morning, handsome,' playfully, as Itachi shot her a look.
Itachi agreed, 'Alright, I will meet you in the morning,' before proceeding back to the tenth squad. Brooke instructed, 'Meet me here in the morning, and I will guide you to a location where we will not be interrupted,' walking into the division as Itachi walked away.