Beneath the pale gray sky, the rain softened the edges of everything around them. Corners that had once been sharp and distinct now seemed blurred and gentle.
Mixed with the rain, the scent of blood carried a faint rusty tang. On the ground, several Adjuchas corpses were rapidly breaking down. In barely any time at all, nearly half their bodies had already dissipated.
As their corpses decomposed, the Reishi Density in the surrounding air grew much thicker. Carried by the wind with its faint bloody odor, it made Asano Kiyoshi feel as though he had returned to Hueco Mundo.
The Reishi Bow in Ishida Soken's hand slowly dissipated, turning into a small five-pointed-star-shaped pendant. He reached up and pushed his slightly slipping glasses back into place, then silently watched Asano Kiyoshi without saying a word.
Asano Kiyoshi had also released his Shunko. As the pure black flames dispersed from his body, they revealed a face marked by faint exhaustion.
When he noticed Ishida Soken staring at him, Asano Kiyoshi merely smiled at him amicably. Then he extended his arm toward Ishida Soken and said,
"Thank you for your help just now. I'll always remember this kindness. My name is Asano Kiyoshi, and I'm a Shinigami. What about you? What's your name?"
Hearing Asano Kiyoshi's words and seeing the smile on his face, Ishida Soken paused for a moment. However, as he looked at Asano Kiyoshi's outstretched hand, he thought for a while before ultimately choosing not to take it. He only said to Asano Kiyoshi,
"I am a Quincy..."
After speaking, Ishida Soken showed little expression. He merely looked at Asano Kiyoshi, the light faintly reflecting off his glasses and obscuring whatever emotions lay in his eyes.
Upon hearing Ishida Soken's answer, Asano Kiyoshi did not withdraw his extended hand.