You Said It Was Quite a Coincidence

Shinki Ichinose said indifferently, "Udagawa is an arrogant bastard, but he's not weak."

"His arrogance is precisely why he lost." Caryatid God had both hands in his pockets, his expression calm. "What a pity. I'd originally wanted to see what he could do."

"Being easily defeated by a Soul Reaper proves he was only capable of that much."

Shinki Ichinose asked, "Should we take precautions in advance?"

"Soul Society has probably already discovered our trail."

"No need." Caryatid God left the window and sat down on the sofa. "I'm more concerned about Yoshino's situation."

"That woman—she's currently in the hands of that Substitute Soul Reaper?"

"There were indeed traces she left behind." Shinki Ichinose's voice turned solemn. "Perhaps she has already sided with the other party."

"I see." Caryatid God spread his arms and leaned back against the sofa, crossing his legs. His scarlet eyes flickered with an inscrutable meaning. "It doesn't matter. That woman is smart."

After a pause, Caryatid God continued, "Then, have you found the Quincies' trail?"

Shinki Ichinose nodded slightly. "Yes. We found it."

Caryatid God's expression grew more solemn. "Is that so? Then let's begin."

"Yes, Mr. Caryatid."

The second floor of Yuko's house.

"I see. So that's why they sent me here." After hearing the whole story, Rukia finally understood her situation. "Normally, the standard for dispatching Soul Reapers is one Soul Reaper responsible for every fifty thousand people."

"But including the Substitute Soul Reaper, there are three people here."

"Soul Society must have taken this incident into consideration."

Ichigo teased, "More accurately, shouldn't it be two and a half?"

The kanji mark on Rukia's forehead twitched. "Who are you calling half?"

Yuko rubbed her temples with a headache. "Please, now that everything's been explained, hurry up and leave."

"It's already very late."