He worked so hard he forgot to eat, found joy enough to forget his worries, and never noticed old age approaching—that was all.
As a long, ancient bell toll rang out, Asano Kiyoshi slowly lifted his head from his book. Deep-blue light streamed in from every direction, gently wrapping around him and carrying him back to the ground.
The sunlight was lovely. Asano Kiyoshi narrowed his eyes slightly. Beneath the azure sky in the distance, an old man stood waiting for him with a smile.
The old man and the youth walked side by side along the road. The youth's face was full of excitement as he chattered endlessly to the elder beside him.
Listening to the youth, the old man smiled from time to time, his eyes and brows filled with affection.
The day was warm and the breeze gentle. Beneath a sky as clear as a washed jewel, the wind in the Seireitei was exceptionally soft.
The Captain-Commander listened to Asano Kiyoshi's report and nodded lightly, then signaled with his eyes for Asano Kiyoshi not to say too much for now.
Naturally, Asano Kiyoshi understood what the Captain-Commander meant. He also knew that surveillance was everywhere within the Seireitei—not only from their own people, but also from eyes hidden in the shadows.
However, that level of spying was limited. Especially near the Captain-Commander, the sensation of being watched nearly vanished.
Perhaps those in the Wandenreich understood perfectly well that excessive scrutiny of certain terrifying beings would inevitably draw their attention.
Asano Kiyoshi changed the subject and began chatting with the Captain-Commander about insignificant everyday matters, such as some of Captain Shunsui's embarrassing history...
The two chatted as they walked. Today was the day the Captain-Commander would take Asano Kiyoshi to visit the Kuchiki Clan, one of the Five