As Takasugi focused on his escape, Rentaro—slung over his shoulder—fud with rage.
If this guy had arrived sooner, he wouldn't have been beaten so badly.
His ambition would have been fulfilled. He would have beco a noble, standing above everyone else.
And even now, there was still a chance to turn things around. Masatsuki Aozaki's life was within reach.
Yet this coward chose to flee?
Running away from a heavily wounded, Reiryoku-drained Lieutenant-class Shinigami?
A captain-level warrior, retreating at the slightest sign of trouble—what a disgrace.
Jolted by the rough movent, Rentaro coughed up a mouthful of blood. Gritting his teeth, he snapped, "Why are you running? That guy was bluffing! He's on his last legs!"
Before Takasugi could answer, a shout rang out from behind.
"Are you alright, 3rd Seat Aozaki?"
Rentaro turned his head. To his shock, the two Seated Officers from the 2nd Division—who had previously fled—were now running toward Masatsuki Aozaki.
They imdiately crowded around him, their faces full of concern.
Looking at Masatsuki Aozaki, who was covered in blood, Ryuuseki spoke anxiously.
"Aozaki-sama, your injuries are too severe. Please rest—we'll call the 4th Division right away."
Masatsuki Aozaki glanced up and noticed that the barrier covering the Sixth District had been lifted. His expression turned to surprise.
"You two did this? From the way the attackers spoke, I thought you were dead."
"I didn't expect you to not only survive a captain-level traitor but also break the barrier. Well done!"
Hearing this, the two Seated Officers scratched their heads in embarrassnt.
Izumo let out a wry smile. "Honestly, we didn't stand a chance against him. We barely escaped with our lives."
"But soone saved us. They were the ones who took down the barrier."
"Soone saved you?" Masatsuki Aozaki's eyes widened. "Who was it? I owe them my thanks."
"No need for that. If anything, I should be the one thanking you—you saved my life."
A familiar voice ca from behind. Masatsuki Aozaki turned around.
It was a face he knew well—Sōjun Kuchiki.
Wrapped in bandages, he stood there with a gentle smile, his gaze warm.
"So, how are you feeling? Need to carry you to the 4th Division?"
"Oh, it's Kuchiki-sensei!"
With a captain-level warrior by his side, Masatsuki Aozaki finally felt a real sense of security.
"No need to carry . I'm fine. This kind of wound won't kill ."
"Alright, then at least get so rest." Sōjun Kuchiki paused, then added, "Also, can you stop calling Kuchiki-sensei'? It sounds weird."
"Now that you're part of the Gotei 13, just call Captain Kuchiki, Lieutenant Sōjun—or just my na."
"You don't get it. Calling you Sensei makes it feel more personal," Masatsuki said with a grin. "But if you don't like it, then fine, Lieutenant Sōjun."
Sōjun Kuchiki chuckled, shaking his head. "You little brat..."
Hearing the way Masatsuki Aozaki addressed him, sothing seed to cross his mind.
"Co to think of it, this is the first ti we've t in person since you joined the Gotei 13. I heard you beca the 3rd Seat of the 2nd Division."
"Then, I look forward to working with you, 3rd Seat Aozaki."
"Likewise." Masatsuki Aozaki nodded with a smile.
After saving Sōjun Kuchiki last ti, the man had been recovering at ho. This was indeed their first eting since Masatsuki Aozaki joined the Gotei 13.
The night wind blew between them, carrying the lingering scent of blood.
He suddenly snapped back to his senses.
"Wait..."
Sōjun Kuchiki blinked in confusion. "What's wrong?"
"Those two were captain-level Shinigami. Capturing them would be a huge achievent," Masatsuki Aozaki said. "Aren't you going after them?"
"One of them was seriously injured. They can't have gotten far—there's still ti to catch up."
Sōjun Kuchiki humd in thought. "With my current condition, I doubt I'd be able to keep up."
"But don't worry. They won't get away. I'm not the only one who's looking for you."
Masatsuki paused, montarily stunned.
...
anwhile, on the other side—
Rentaro gritted his teeth, seething with anger.
"What the hell happened? Why aren't those two dead?"
He was truly furious.
All this ti, and this guy couldn't even kill two mid-to-high-ranked Seated Officers?
How useless could he be?
Or... were Seated Officers as terrifying as Masatsuki Aozaki now?
At this rate, anyone could be a disciple of Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
"Rentaro, is there sothing wrong with your head?"
Takasugi's eye twitched as he frowned, his tone laced with irritation.
"Didn't I already tell you? I ran into so trouble."
His expression was just as unpleasant.
He had saved this guy's life, and instead of being grateful, Rentaro had the audacity to question him?
If it weren't for the fact that Rentaro was an important captain-level combatant—and that letting him die might lead to repercussions—Takasugi would have abandoned him long ago.
He sneered. "If you want to die so badly, just say the word. I'd be more than happy to leave you here and never give a damn about you again."
Rentaro let out a cold snort but didn't argue further.
He was willing to die for his ambition, but wanting to die and not fearing death were two different things.
Now that he had barely escaped with his life, there was no point in throwing it away.
Still, an uneasy feeling gnawed at him.
Soone had managed to save those two Seated Officers from Takasugi's grasp.
At the very least, that ant they were dealing with a captain-level Shinigami.
And if that Shinigami caught up...
Rentaro had no doubt that Takasugi would ditch him without hesitation.
In his current state, if he was left behind, he wouldn't stand a chance.
Takasugi, however, had no ti to worry about Rentaro's thoughts.
All that mattered now was getting out of here—fast.
Before long, the two of them were just a step away from leaving the Sixth District.
Unknowingly, dawn had arrived. The sun rose steadily, its golden light spilling across the land, making the world feel fresh, almost hopeful.
Caught up in the mont, both of them exhaled in relief.
Finally—it was over.
That thought echoed in their minds.
Watching the sun rise, they couldn't help but smile.
All the anger, all the resentnt—it faded in an instant.
Takasugi decided not to waste another second. He stepped forward, ready to leave this wretched place behind.
But in the next instant—
Splurt!
Blood sprayed into the air.
Takasugi's leg gave out beneath him, and he collapsed onto the ground.
"What!?"
A sharp, searing pain shot through his foot. Shocked, he looked down—
The mont he had taken a step forward, sothing had pierced straight through the sole of his foot.
Whipping his head around, his eyes landed on a pitch-black blade, erging from the shadows behind him.
"Trying to run after doing sothing bad?"
A lazy voice rang out, echoing in their ears.
Cold. rciless.
It sent a chill straight to their bones—like being dragged into an abyss.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake
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