Chapter 61 - Regroup (1/2)

Itachi slowly opened his eyes as the sunlight hit them. Remembering what had just happened, he quickly sprung up, and realized he was in Urahara's shop.

”Ah, Itachi you're awake. That was one hell of a battle you had, I could sense it while I was helping Captain Hitsugaya fight the other arrancar that showed up.” Urahara said as Itachi rubbed his eyes.

”Uchiha, you are finally awake.” Toshiro said.

”How long was I out.” Itachi asked.

”Just a day.” Toshiro replied.

”I see. Then Miss Orihime…” Itachi continued. However from their attitudes he could already deduce what happened.

”That Espada was too strong. He defeated both Renji win a single blow.” Toshiro said.

”Mr. Uchiha, don't worry. You don't have too many physical injuries, it seems like it was mainly over exhaustion of your reiatsu.” Urahara commented.

”I see. Thank you for bringing me here.” Itachi replied.

”It was no trouble.”

”Uchiha, I know you just woke up, but I need you to come with me, the Captain Commander would like to have a word with us regarding the situation.” Toshiro interrupted.

Itachi nodded wearily as he shakily got up from the bed, with Toshiro helping him up and mounting his arm over his shoulder for support before flash stepping away.

Itachi and Toshiro arrived at Inoue's house. As they entered into an empty room with a large monitor setup for communication to Soul Society, Itachi saw the faces of Rukia, Renji, Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Matsumoto standing there. Itachi noticed the solemn atmosphere in the air as he entered. Renji had an especially downcast appearance. He noticed Itachi enter the room and walked up to him in greeting.

”Itachi, are you alright?” Renji asked.

”Yes, I'm fine. What about you?” Itachi asked.

”I…” Renji looked down and clenched his fist. He was unable to stop the Espada from capturing Orihime.

”Renji, it's not your fault.” Rukia came up to console him.

”She is right, don't beat yourself up over it.” Itachi added.

”Uchiha stay here, I'm going to go get Kurosaki.” Toshiro said as he vanished from the spot.

”Lieutenant Uchiha, I'm glad you're alright.” Rukia said with relief in her voice. Both she and Renji were bandaged up but seemed generally okay. Itachi nodded silently in response as he began to piece together that Orihime was not there and something happened to her, which explained Renji and Rukia's injuries.

A few moments later, Toshiro arrived with Ichigo with him.

”Matsumoto, connect us.” Toshiro ordered. Rangiku nodded and turned on the monitor.

Suddenly, the Captain Commander's face showed up.

”Please report.” He said sternly. Toshiro bowed before giving his report.

”Several of the Espada appeared and attacked us. At first the reason for their attack was unclear but it was a diversion as according to Kuchiki, another group of Espada showed up with the intent of kidnapping Inoue, to which they succeeded.” Toshiro finished.

”What…” Ichigo said in disbelief as he clenched his fists.