Time met in the eyes of the old man and the youth, then swiftly parted after a brief overlap.
But everyone knew that whether it was the aged eyes or the young heart, each had already been marked by the other. In the lives that followed, the other's shadow would appear in every corner of their days.
Looking at the Captain-Commander like that, Asano Kiyoshi did not know why, but he felt an inexplicable urge to cry. He could not put this feeling into words.
Perhaps it was the recognition of an elder after seeing your achievements, or perhaps it was the expectations of an elder once you understood what growing up meant.
But more than that, it seemed to be the feeling of knowing that even though you had grown up and could face the world alone, the elders of your family would still shield you behind them. That responsibility and expectation, that protection and companionship—perhaps that was the truest culmination of this emotion.
Then, the Captain-Commander made a move that no one in all of Soul Society had anticipated.
With a slight shift of his feet, the Captain-Commander instantly appeared beside Asano Kiyoshi, who was still bent over in a bow.
When Asano Kiyoshi saw him, he instinctively wanted to say something, but the Captain-Commander merely smiled at him before turning his head and cutting him off.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Asano Kiyoshi heard the Captain-Commander's deep, steady voice ring out:
"This Bakuyō Sword case occurred within my jurisdiction, yet I failed to address and prevent it in time, resulting in so many casualties. This old man is deeply ashamed. Here, together with the current Chief Kido Master, Asano Kiyoshi, I sincerely apologize to all of you. Furthermore, notices regarding this matter will be hung