In the heavy rain, Soul Society's distinctive white brick walls had turned a silent gray after being soaked through.
Asano Kiyoshi's figure looked exceptionally lonely and small amid the downpour. He clutched his head as his vision darkened.
It felt as though needles were stabbing into his brain, waves of pain constantly surging through it. Asano Kiyoshi felt as if he had forgotten something, but no matter how hard he tried to remember, he could not recall it.
A crimson petal sliced through several strands of rain and shot straight for Asano Kiyoshi's throat.
Though the crimson petal came fiercely, it did not strike to kill. That was precisely why Asano Kiyoshi had enough time to react and evade.
The instant he saw the crimson petal, he drew the Zanpakuto at his waist. Sparks flashed through the curtain of rain. One hand pressed against his shoulder, which was still bleeding, while the other held his Zanpakuto as Asano Kiyoshi looked toward the approaching figure in the distance.
Byakuya wore a Captain's Haori, his face carrying an indescribable sorrow and regret. Looking at Asano Kiyoshi, he spoke slowly.
"Asano Kiyoshi, Chief Kido Master, if possible, please surrender and cooperate with our investigation."
Asano Kiyoshi said nothing in response. He merely raised an arm and fired a Sōren Sōkatsui directly at Byakuya.
Watching the Kido rush toward him, Byakuya Kuchiki shook his head. The Zanpakuto in his hand turned into countless pink petals, tearing the entire Kido apart in an instant.
Taking advantage of that moment, Asano Kiyoshi had already fled elsewhere.
Byakuya said nothing. Watching Asano Kiyoshi escape, his expression remained cold as he slightly raised an arm. The crimson petals instantly accelerated to more than twice their previous speed, catching up with Asano Kiyoshi as he fled ahead.
Sensing Senbonzakura