The Gap Between Us Isn't That Great

"Don't use this kind of suicidal attack the moment we meet." Yuko patted at the nonexistent dust on her sleeve, her sharp tongue in full form. "I'm not stupid enough to fall for a trick like that, unlike that bald guy."

"Hey, hey, hey! Why are you suddenly calling me bald just like that idiot?!"

"Who are you calling an idiot, you moron Shinji!"

Boom!

Shinji was kicked flying again.

Hina Mori watched Yuko's completely unyielding attitude and stomped her feet angrily. "Yuko's still as boring as ever! It's been so long since everyone last saw each other!"

"Boring?" Shinji hunched over as he returned from the crater, pounding his knees with both hands. His face was filled with speechlessness. "I think she's pretty good at tormenting people."

"And then?" Hiyori jumped in front of Ichigo and circled him once, her eyes full of scrutiny. "This guy is that whoever?"

"He has the power of Hollowfication, just like us?"

The corners of Shinji's mouth lifted slightly. "Yeah. Don't underestimate him. He's pretty strong."

Although he was somewhat dissatisfied with Yuko saying Ichigo could defeat him after going berserk, even without Yuko explaining anything, he could still sense the powerful aura coming from Ichigo.

Ichigo's mouth twitched, and he forced a faint smile. "My name is Ichigo Kurosaki, not that whoever."

At least he was Aunt's friend, so he couldn't...

"Pfft~" Hiyori suddenly snickered and looked at Yuko. "This guy actually answered honestly. Could he really be an idiot?"

The smile on Ichigo's face froze. He heard Yuko's voice answer without the slightest hesitation.

"Yeah, he's an idiot."

"..."

Aside from Shinji, Hiyori, Kensei, and Hina Mori, the others also jumped down from the platform upstairs.

"Long time no see, Miss Yuko." Toshiro Hanamaki, a refined-looking man with golden hair, gave