Black longswords filled the sky, as though they were divine punishment upon mortal men.
There was not the slightest trace of emotion upon their blades, no impurity mixed within them. Only endless sorrow and deathly stillness represented everything.
Yoshida Tomoya looked at the impenetrable sword formation that had nearly surrounded him. His face turned pale as he exhausted his strength to construct a giant made of flesh and blood around himself, shouting at Asano Kiyoshi:
"Asano Kiyoshi, you can't kill me! You don't dare kill me! You have no right to kill me! You can't kill me either! This is only a spar! A sparring match for the succession ceremony! Do you intend to wipe out the current Chief Kido Master at an occasion like this?!"
By the end, Yoshida Tomoya's words had already revealed fear and pleading. Although his plea had been delivered in the rather unique tone of a threat, anyone could see that Yoshida Tomoya was afraid. He feared death!
Asano Kiyoshi looked at Yoshida Tomoya, who had curled up within the giant's embrace, and revealed a faint smile as he said softly:
"Mm, by both reason and sentiment, I shouldn't kill the current Chief Kido Master in a battle of a sparring nature like this succession ceremony. It wouldn't benefit the Soul Society's stability and harmony..."
Hearing Asano Kiyoshi's words, clarity finally returned to Yoshida Tomoya's face. Looking at Asano Kiyoshi, he seemed to regain his calm demeanor and said with a false smile:
"Right. Since that's the case, then please withdraw your Kido, Asano Kiyoshi. I concede this match. I admit that I am no match for you. I willingly relinquish the position of Chief Kido Master and pass it on to you. From this day forward, you will..."
But before Yoshida Tomoya could finish,