After encountering a formidable enemy, everyone looked unusually exhausted...
"Everyone, carry the bodies back in an orderly fashion. Next comes rest time~"
Brother Araki, the famously "heartless" captain of the Soul Society, descended from the sky and landed before the gathered squad members, speaking with a cheerful smile.
"We can finally rest."
Upon hearing this, the 11th Division members were so moved they nearly cried.
Clearly, everyone had felt Araki's painstaking consideration for them...
"Carry the bodies back!"
For a time, the squad members orderly carried the remains of the Menos on the ground out of the Forest of Menos.
"Captain Araki, when the Menos invaded just now, where exactly did you run off to?!"
As Araki watched the hardworking 11th Division members with a smile, Shijima Tomokiri approached him and asked expressionlessly.
"Hm? What did you just say? The wind was too loud. I don't think I heard you clearly..."
Araki gave Shijima Tomokiri a gentle smile, then draped his right arm over Shijima's shoulder.
"Gulp~"
Seeing Araki's left hand stroking the Zanpakuto at his waist, sweat seemed to bead on Shijima's forehead.
"Actually, it's nothing important. I won't trouble Captain Araki with it..."
Shijima looked at Araki's hand resting on the sword hilt. After a brief silence, a rare smile appeared on his usually gloomy face.
"You're nervous?"
Araki did not let Shijima leave. He kept his arm around Shijima's shoulder and asked.
"Not at all. With you here, what could I possibly be nervous about? Don't you agree, Captain Araki?"
Shijima's mind raced as he answered repeatedly.
"Your face has gone pale, and you still say you're not nervous?"
Araki still wore a smile, looking every bit the gentle captain.
"I-I'm really not nervous..."
Though Shijima said so, his eyes remained fixed on Araki's hand gripping the