Ichigo’s battle ended with a victory over Grimmjow
and the rescue of Orihime.
The fight against the Arrancars continues,
but that is a story to be told later.
From here on, a totally new story unfolds.
Now the curtain rises on a currently unknown battle.
Did you hear, Captain?
Squad 3 is getting a new captain!
I’m a captain. I’ve already been told.
The official announcement is to be made at tomorrow’s squad leaders’ meeting.
That Kira…
When did he learn to do a Bankai anyway?
Kira is not the new captain.
What?!
He’s not?!
Don’t scatter the documents!
I don’t know the details about the new captain.
Is that right?
Well, I didn’t think Kira was suited to be captain anyway.
I wonder who it’s going to be then.
We’ll find out tomorrow.
Never mind that, get back to work!
I’m so curious.
Yesterday our Expedition Unit returned after completing a long-term assignment.
Without suffering a single casualty, I may add.
That is a great achievement.
At the present time, Squads 3, 5, and 9 are without captains.
As the Thirteen Court Guard Squads,
we cannot allow this situation to remain unresolved.
Therefore… Yesterday the man in charge of the Expedition Unit was summoned.
Under the attendance of I, Yamamoto, and two other captains,
we deliberated over his capabilities as a squad captain.
Our decision was unanimous.
Hence, I shall now introduce you all to the new captain
who will be replacing former Captain Gin Ichimaru.
The new Squad 3 Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads,
Shusuke Amagai, enter!
Shusuke Amagai… Ever heard of him?
Nope.
A new face we’ve never even heard of is gonna be our captain.
I hear he’s been away on a long expedition to suppress Hollows.
Who cares about that?
The point is that a total stranger will suddenly be our captain.
Can we follow such a guy?
I know, but Lieutenant Kira’s no better.
Yeah.
‘Morning.
I hope the new captain is nice.
You’re right. We can’t depend on him.
He wields… two Zanpakuto?
A solid presence.
I’m Amagai.
I’ll do my very best.
I lack experience, so I ask for your guidance.
When you’re a captain,
there’s a lot of protocol and it may be hard to get used to at first.
Just come to me if you have any questions.
Yes sir! Thank you very much.
Who were the two captains who sat in on the deliberations?
Does it even matter?
One empty post has been filled now. We should be glad.
Well, you’re right about that.
In time, we’ll see just how good Shusuke Amagai is.
Finally, one position has been filled.
That means nothing. There are still two more to fill.
At any time, or any place, a void causes discord.
One who is evil tries to display its power
by targeting the most vulnerable spot, by targeting such a void.
Is he…the new captain?
Let’s see… Who’s the Lieutenant?
I’m Squad 3 Lieutenant, Izuru Kira.
I’m Shusuke Amagai.
I’m the newly appointed Squad 3 Captain.
Nice to meet you.
Same here. A pleasure to meet you.
And he is Makoto Kibune.
Like myself, he’ll be joining Squad 3 starting today.
He belonged to one of my Expedition Units.
But he’s skilled, so I recruited him.
He’ll be the Third Seat.
I’m Kibune. Pleased to meet you.
So that’s him?
He’s wearing the captain’s coat. He’s the one, all right.
Well…
Compared to the other captains he’s kind of…
What’s the matter?
Well…
You see, Squad 3 was fine without a captain until yesterday.
Stop!
Well, I know how you all feel.
After all, someone you don’t even know suddenly shows up and tells you,
“Hey, I’ll be your captain starting today.”
I don’t blame you for feeling put off.
But, I will say this much.
As long as I’m your captain, I will protect you.
That is a captain’s duty.
But you don’t even know how good this captain is, right?
Well, you’re right, but…
As far as the squad is concerned,
there’s a huge feeling of uncertainty towards the captain.
And the thought of having to pull them all together tomorrow is…
I’m not sure.
Jeez, what’s the big deal?
It’s just a case of them teaching the cocky new transfer student a lesson.
I know. But I’m the one who’ll be caught in between.
Okay, okay. You’re nervous about the whole thing.
Well then…
Here. Good ol’ sake.
Drink away your worries.
I can’t drink in broad daylight.
Silly…
That’s why it tastes so good!
Oh, yeah. Why not have a party with all the Squad 3 members?
A few drinks and you’ll all be buddies in no time.
Is that how it works?
Just take my word for it and try.
I see.
So that’s where you hide your sake bottles, eh?!
Captain…
This is… I mean…Kira was…
Matsumoto!
This is…
It’s a welcome party for you and Third Seat Kibune, sir.
Huh? For us?
Well, thank you everyone.
I received some advice that this will help solidify our bond.
Please, sir. Let me pour for you.
Huh? Oh, I…
Is something the matter?
Sure.
– So much… – Huh?
Oh, nothing.
All right! Okay, everyone!
Let’s begin the welcome party for Captain Amagai and Third Seat Kibune.
This is bad. I’ve never been to a party this depressing.
It’s having the opposite effect.
Now, a toast from Captain Amagai!
Sir, take a shot of sake.
O-Okay. Everyone, I’m counting on you all!
Captain, I see you’re one who can drink!
Not really.
A-Are you all right?
Jeez…
Throwing a party like this for me.
I’m so happy.
Yup. I feel great.
Captain? What’s wrong?
Captain Amagai!
What happened?
– What’s going on? – Is he…
Captain! Captain!
Actually, the captain has zero tolerance for alcohol.
Huh? He just had one shot.
He gets drunk on pickles made from sake yeast.
Then why didn’t he just refuse?
Well… I think he read the mood and felt he shouldn’t refuse.
Someone! Get me a pail of water and a towel.
Yes sir!
What’ll we do, Lieutenant?
I guess we can’t continue the party with Captain Amagai in this condition.
Shall we wrap it up?
Now, now…
Since you set up this opportunity for us,
why don’t we talk a bit more and get to know one another?
I’d like to learn all of your names and faces as much as I can.
I hear Squad 3 is having a party.
Yes, in broad daylight.
It’s a welcome party for Captain Amagai.
How nice.
What’s nice?
Sake tastes best when you start drinking during the day, Nanao.
‘Cuz you can get really plastered.
I wonder if this Captain Amagai is a drinker.
I wouldn’t know.
I wonder if we can become friends.
Who knows?
You’re no fun, Nanao.
Thank you.
What’ll we do?
Ignore him.
After all, we’ve managed until now with just Lieutenant Kira.
Who needs a captain like that?
That’s true.
I was a fool for taking Matsumoto’s advice.
Lieutenant Kira.
Third Seat Kibune.
The solidarity of Squad 3 is very strong.
You think so?
I understand you’ve kept the squad together
in the absence of a captain.
I’m very impressed.
It was nothing.
A directive for Squad 3 of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads!
This is an emergency!
Menos have appeared in the Precipice World in Area 0035!
Presently, they are headed towards Soul Society!
There are 13 of them!
Thirteen?!
That many Menos in the Precipice World?!
That’s impossible.
I am ordering
Squad 3 of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads
to defeat the Menos who have infiltrated the Precipice World!
Make preparations immediately and go to the Precipice World!
Well?
What should we do?
I don’t know.
Lieutenant! We must go!
But…
It can’t be helped!
I will request that the Restrictive Current be quarantined!
You must take command!
All right.
We will now enter the Precipice World to destroy the Menos!
It seems Squad 3 will be going.
Perhaps the Seireitei is on the verge of change.
What?
A man who distinguished himself in an expedition assignment
is suddenly named as captain.
That never happened before.
I know, but…
Who were the two captains
who participated in Shusuke Amagai’s appointment?
I don’t know. But I do know this much…
Something new is beginning.
We will split into small groups of four and confront the enemy.
Our enemies are Menos! Take every precaution!
Enter!
They’re coming!
Each group spread out!
Raise your head, Wabisuke!
Out of thirteen Menos, five have been destroyed!
Eight remain.
Everyone, just a few more! Hang in there!
Yes sir!
What’s that?
The Restrictive Current is back!
Why?!
It’s supposed to be quarantined!
The Restrictive Current.
That’s impossible! What’s going on?!
The Restrictive Current Cleaner has appeared!
Distance to Squad 3… 200 meters!
The cause is unknown!
It can’t be stopped!
Third Seat Kibune! What’s the meaning of this?!
I don’t know.
I know my request to quarantine the Restrictive Current was received.
Retreat!
I will cover the rear! We must hurry!
Thanks, Third Seat Kibune!
Hurry!
We can’t outrun it!
Move!
Captain Amagai!
Stay back!
Are you nuts?
I thought I told you…
As long as I’m your captain, I will protect you!
Please take a good look at Captain Amagai’s true power.
Kibune…
You’re sure you requested that the Restrictive Current be quarantined?
Yes.
I can’t believe the Department of Research and Development
would miss such a request.
Something is strange about this.
But, whatever.
Anyone hurt?
N-No sir!
Good.
Kira!
Yes sir!
Good work.
Just what I’d expect from someone who filled in during a captain’s absence.
No… It’s nothing.
I’m glad you’re all okay.
Let’s go back!
He’s an extraordinary guy.
Yeah, he’s amazing.
Captain Amagai!
Are you ok?
He’s…
This man… He did that while still drunk.
Someone, help me.
R-Right!
Let’s go back. Lieutenant Kira!
R-Right.
Why did you choose to send out Squad 3?
It was the perfect opportunity for the newcomer to show his skills.
According to the report, Squad 3 was in the midst of a party.
Was there a reason you sent them into battle drunk?
It was an initiation!
Arrancar Encyclopedia!
ARRANCAR ENCYCLOPEDIA
Today, we’ll talk about Ichigo Kurosaki’s Hollowfication.
When Ichigo Kurosaki hollowfies,
the frightening Spiritual Pressure is like an Espada’s.
Why am I in this corner?!
Why? You’re more like an Arrancar than a Soul Reaper.
Not!
By the way, is it true that Squad 3 has a new captain?
Yup, seems like it.
Oh, it’s him.
I see. Well, it’ll be tough.
Huh? You know him?!
As if!
Hang in there, Izuru.