When Yuko got home, she reached out with her senses through the door to Rukia's room.
At this hour, the two of them were still huddled under the covers, whispering.
Are they elementary schoolers?
Yuko knocked lightly. "Get to sleep. We have to get up early tomorrow."
She wasn't even sure whether a Memory Rosary needed sleep.
No answer came from the room. Yuko hadn't expected one; she washed up and went to bed.
Lying with her hands behind her head, Yuko thought about Senna.
Since Senna was the enemy's target, having Ichigo with her was reassuring enough.
But what exactly could a Memory Rosary, a blend of memories and spiritual energy, do?
The spiritual power inside Senna wasn't particularly strong. Perhaps most of the souls lost in Karakura Town had been ordinary Pluses. Or perhaps, as a Memory Rosary, she still needed to absorb more memories and energy.
The night passed quietly.
"Wake up, Teacher!"
"Idiot! Don't do that! Do you want to die?!"
Yuko opened her eyes to find Rukia holding Senna's arm. Senna... was tugging at her blanket.
"Huh? Why?"
"Why..." Rukia opened her mouth to explain, then saw that Yuko was awake and thought better of it.
Senna followed her gaze. Seeing Yuko awake, she lit up.
"Oh! Teacher, you're finally awake!" Senna grinned. "When are we going to school?"
"You certainly have energy." Yuko rubbed her temples and sat up.
"Hehe." Senna stepped back and spread her arms. "Look, Teacher! How's this outfit? Do I look cool?"
Only then did Yuko notice she was wearing the Karakura First High School uniform.
Rukia explained, "I lent her my spare uniform."
"Mm. Looks great," Yuko said absently. "Since you're up, get your things together. Let's go."
The two followed her downstairs.
There were already customers in