It has been a month since I returned. "Toshiro-san~" I smiled as I opened the door. "Can I go out to the rukongai?" I asked.

"Captain Hitsugaya." he said sternly glaring at me as I just continued smiling. ".. Be careful out there." he said and I nodded. I found out Captain HItsugaya and I were practically the same age at 150, give or take a few years, so I decided by myself to call him by his first name. Knowing it irritates him, but also knowing he wouldn't actually punish me for not calling him by his title. I knew he wouldn't punish me, not because of my family relations, but just because he doesn't seem like that type of person. Besides, I only call him that in the office, when out in important meetings, I call him by his title.

I went out to the rukongai, visited some shops, and bought little trinkets, sweets and snacks. I found a watermelon gummy candy. "Ah, Miss, would you like to buy some candy? It's modeled after the ones from the human world. It's a fair price." the sales woman offered.

"Oh.. sure." I smiled and bough 2 handfuls of the candy and payed her. I then began making my way back to Seireitei, but I saw in the distance the gates surrounding Seireitei were down, and I saw a Soul Reaper who I believe was Jidanbo, the gate keeper. It was then I noticed the familiar reiatsu of Ishida, Ichigo, Yoruichi, and 2 new ones. I hurried my pace and met up with Orihime and Chad. "What are you guys doing here?" I asked looking at them.

"(Y/n)-san!" Orihime smiled and ran to hug me and I smiled nervously as she hugged me tightly. "What are you doing here? And why are you wearing that?" Orihime asked me, looking over my clothes.

"Oh yeah, you guys don't know yet." I said and then I heard some grunting and turned to see Jidanbo had decided to open the gate for Ichigo and his friends. I began walking towards him.

"Jidanbo!" I yelled and he paused in his actions, the gate was already a good enough height off the ground, probably already half way up.

"K-Kuchiki-d-dono!" He nervously stuttered my name. "I-I was.." he stuttered.

"I know, but-" I stopped sensing an overwhelming presence. "Captain Ichimaru.." I muttered turning my head looking at the Squad 3 Captain.

"Oh, this isn't good?" Captain Ichimaru said and cut one of Jidanbo's arms. "Unacceptable. A guardian of the gate isn't supposed to open the gates." Captain Ichimaru said.

"Ugh, I lost. Opening the gate is what is expected of a gatekeeper who has lost!" Jidanbo said.

"What are you saying? A gatekeeper who lost isn't opening any gates. When a gatekeeper loses.. it means, death." Captain Ichimaru smiled.

Ichigo immediately jumped in. "What the hell are you doing?" Ichigo asked him. "Don't come in and try to but in, you fox face! Anyone who'd attack an unarmed guy... will be killed by me." Ichigo declared.

I hurried over next to Ichigo, and held his arm, making him look at me. "Ichigo, stop it." I said shaking my head.

"So, you're Kurosaki Ichigo.. I see." Captain Ichimaru then stepped back and pulled out his Zanpakuto. "Kuchiki-san, please move away from them. I would hate to have you caught up in the mess as well." he said.

I glanced at Ichigo and tried telling him to leave with my eyes. "Yes, Captain." I bowed and I walked past Ichigo and next to Captain Ichiaru. "May I request that you don't kill Jidanbo?" I said and he sighed and agreed not to kill Jidanbo. He quickly turned around and activated his Zanpakuto, pushing Ichigo out, and Jidanbo with him.

Captain Ichimaru bid them a goodbye. He then turned to me, "I won't tell anyone of this incident." he said and I bowed in thanks. He left and I sighed in relief.

"I hope you guys are okay." I mumbled and then returned to my barracks, knowing that Ichigo won't be giving up this easily, and knowing he was most likely here for Rukia.