Bleach (BLEACH)

The pendulum swings backwards.

Time moves in reverse at lightning speed.

Although our story has progressed deep

into the future, we will stop temporarily and turn back

to the past.

Years and years and years ago, it must be known.

And yet, it must never be known.

For in the past, we will find the truth of The Mask.

Good morning, Lieutenant.

Morning.

Good morning, sir.

Morning.

Good morning, Lieutenant.

Morning.

Captain, are you ready yet?

Almost.

Come on in.

Yes, sir.

Huh?

You're still dressed in your usual garb.

It's festival time.

I told you to dress to the nines, Sosuke.

-Capt. Hirako, you're dressed as usual as well, sir.

-I don't have to dress up, I'm a captain.

-You're trying to make me be the only one who dresses up funny,

but it won't work.

In the first place, it's not a festival, it's a ceremony.

-I think any auspicious occasion is like a festival.

You would be wrong.

You are so picky.

By the way, Captain.

Would you mind if I ask what type of music

you're listening to today?

-It's new music from the world of the living.

Pretty good, huh?

I really wouldn't know.

Then why'd you bring it up?

Hello?

It's Capt. Shinji Hirako of Squad 5.

Can someone open up?

There's nothing I hate more than having

to visit the Squad 1 barracks.

Always trying to intimidate.

The whole squad makes me so nervous.

-Funny, you certainly don't look like you're feeling nervous.

Just because these ceremonies are a bore to you,

please don't make such a fuss.

Oh, shut up.

You can't even see my expression from back there.

By the way, the door is open.

I can see-- ugh!

Good to see you again, Shinji.

Nice to see that face of yours is as flat as ever.

What's wrong with you, Hiyori?

I'm not apologizing!

I haven't asked you to yet.

Good.

Then we're both in agreement that I have nothing

to say sorry for.

Ugh!

Say you're sorry, idiot.

You are hopeless.

What's the big idea, Love?

You can't just go pounding the head

of a lieutenant from another squad!

Your captain's not here.

Someone has to make sure you're behaving.

-Don't talk to me like I'm a kid.

I'm under no obligation to apologize to a guy like that!

Just look at that flat face!

It really annoys me!

OK, I get it.

Hey, let me go, you big ape!

Hrrh!

Oh!

When I get my hands on you!

How unbecoming for a captain.

Sir, I really don't think you should be making faces

at other squad members.

Is everyone here?

Just about.

Squad 11 isn't here yet.

They left.

Their captain does whatever he wants.

-Jeez, he may be a 10th generation Kenpachi,

but what an irritating guy.

Why did they ever promote a pig like him

to captain in the first place?

Captain, please.

Because they had no choice.

For decades, whoever becomes captain of Squad 12

becomes a Kenpachi.

That's just their custom, I guess.

If anyone's to blame for that, it's

the previous Kenpachi who lost to him.

You're right.

It's such a pity, I could cry.

-Now, now, I don't approve of this criticism.

-Hello, you're early today, Shunsui.

What are you talking about?

I'm usually the first one to arrive.

-He sleeps late, but I kicked him out of his bed

this morning.

-I wish you wouldn't speak so casually

to the other captains like that.

Wait, where's Kirio?

Don't tell me she's not coming today?

Hm.

She's already started her new position.

What was her hurry?

It's not like it's urgent or anything.

She could have taken her time, you know.

Oh, boy, I'll say.

-But, man, there's been such a turnover of captains lately,

I mean, seriously.

Rose just joined Squad 3 two years ago.

Ahchoo!

And now, Squad 12.

Which makes me wonder if everything's

going to be all right.

Don't worry about it.

Change is inevitable in everything, you know.

We just have to deal with it.

When you think about it, the only ones

who've been captains for over 100 years

are myself, Jushiro, and Old Man Yamamoto, right?

-I believe you're forgetting about Capt. Unohana.

Oh, yeah.

That's right.

I might get scolded for forgetting my great senior.

Now, I'm scared.

What are you so scared of?

Uh.

We were just talking about how it's such a nice day outside,

that it's scary.

That's all.

Right?

Uh, yeah.

-Our captain is such a complete idiot sometimes.

Squad 3 had a retirement.

Squad 12 had a promotion.

Unlike Squad 10, they didn't have a death within the ranks.

In that sense, I'd say Squad 12 has been lucky.

Yeah.

Promotion?

Hm?

Huh?

Hey, back in rank, Sosuke.

Pardon me.

I couldn't help but overhear.

Oh, that's OK, Sosuke.

Go ahead.

What is it?

Sorry to interrupt.

But we, lieutenants, haven't been told anything.

Was Capt. Hikifune of Squad 12 promoted?

Because I was under the assumption she retired.

Yes?

-Then was she promoted from captain to Central 46?

That would be quite an accomplishment.

In fact, I've never heard of it happening before.

Not Central 46.

Instead, she went to the Royal Guard, Squad 0.

The-- the Royal Guard?

What's this?

Why are you all blocking the corridor?

Pardon me, I didn't realize.

Tell him, congratulations.

-If you have a congratulatory message,

tell him in person, Capt. Unohana.

Say what?

The newcomer's that guy from Squad 2?

-You call that hiding your spiritual pressure, Kisuke?

-Um, I totally let you notice on purpose.

You're too cocky.

Huh?

My dentist thanks you for pulling your punch

and not knocking my teeth out.

-You're welcome, but I was just loosening the tightness

in my shoulder.

-He-he, looks like you're a little more stressed out

than usual.

I'm at that tender age where one has lots of worries, you know?

Worries?

Don't tease me.

I'm sure someone like you doesn't

have a worry in the world.

Ugh!

But enough about me.

How's everything going with you?

Huh?

Well, things seem to be moving along accordingly.

Excellent.

I'm counting on you, Third Seat.

Hm?

Right.

By the way, Captain.

What did you want to see me about anyway?

-Oh, the head captain summoned me.

Huh?