The sun was bright today, the temperature pleasant. A gentle breeze broke the neat sunlight into fragments, scattering it over everyone with equal mercy.
Asano Kiyoshi and Nel stood below the First Squad Barracks, both dressed in crisp, clean Shinigami Uniforms. The morning light was slightly dazzling, yet it softly painted a faint golden edge along their sleeves.
More and more people gathered around them. Nel grew slightly nervous, and her breathing unconsciously quickened.
Seeing this, Asano Kiyoshi spoke to Nel gently.
"Nel, don't be too nervous. Take a few deep breaths and calm yourself down."
Hearing Asano Kiyoshi's reassurance, Nel nodded. After taking two deep breaths, she indeed felt much more at ease.
Just as she was about to say something to Asano Kiyoshi, a member of the Inner Courtyard Squad suddenly emerged from the First Squad Barracks. Holding a scroll, he approached Asano Kiyoshi and said to him and Nel, "Asano Kiyoshi and Nel, the Captain-Commander requires you to proceed to Sōkyoku Hill immediately for the succession ceremony of the Chief Kido Master and Combat Squad Captain. Please head there at once."
With that, the Inner Courtyard Squad member respectfully handed the document to Asano Kiyoshi. Asano Kiyoshi accepted it with both hands and thanked him before quickly heading toward Sōkyoku Hill with Nel.
Sōkyoku Hill was no longer as desolate and quiet as it had once been. Instead, it was filled everywhere with clamor and noise.
Countless civilians streamed into the Seireitei through the four open gates, and along their path stood a Shinigami holding a Zanpakuto every few steps.
The crowds walked down the streets in ragged clothes. Their tattered garments formed a stark contrast against the clean, orderly streets of the Seireitei. On the surface, it seemed that the crowds were stepping on the streets,