The scent of blood drifted toward Asano Kiyoshi beneath the pale moonlight, carried by the faint windblown sand.
He took a deep breath, and the slightly cloying smell of blood filled his lungs. Asano Kiyoshi looked at the two figures before him and gave a faint smile as he said softly,
"Greetings, powerhouse of Hueco Mundo. My name is Asano Kiyoshi. I am a Shinigami."
Upon hearing Asano Kiyoshi's words, the smaller of the two suddenly jumped out. She wore a tattered cloak and stared at him with a grave expression, baring her teeth as she said,
"You bastard! You're not welcome here! Get out of here now!"
With that, the girl spread her arms and stood before the Uncle behind her like a mother hen protecting her chicks.
However, before the girl could even settle into position, the Uncle behind her grabbed her by the collar and pulled her behind him. He rubbed her head, speaking with a hint of helplessness.
"Lilynette, don't be so rude to people. Leave this to me."
Without waiting for Ninny to say anything, he greeted Asano Kiyoshi directly.
"Hello, Shinigami kid. I'm Stark, and she's Ninny. If you just want to pass through here, then ignore us and go on your way. Don't worry, we have no designs on you either. We merely happened to run into each other."
With that, Stark pulled the displeased Ninny aside slightly, seemingly intending to make way for Asano Kiyoshi.
Yet Asano Kiyoshi did not move at all in response to Stark's half-step aside. He had no intention of leaving. Seeing this, Stark's expression gradually turned serious. His gentle gray-blue eyes sharpened, like those of a wolf about to hunt.
Then he placed a hand at his waist. The spiritual pressure around him began to stir, and