Above the deathly silent, empty silver-white desert, only a cold, clear moon illuminated the land overflowing with pain.
Kyokkō blanketed the entire cave, and the trembling spiritual pressure startled Pesche and Dondochakka awake. They looked at Asano Kiyoshi, confusion appearing on their faces at first. Then, upon hearing the rustling sounds outside the cave, they immediately understood what was happening.
Their long years of fleeing had taught them that at a time like this, they had to remain absolutely silent!
Dondochakka placed his hand on Bawabawa, and the giant worm instantly entered a near-dormant state, making not a single sound.
As for Nel, Asano Kiyoshi kept her behind him, allowing her to sleep peacefully.
The sounds outside the cave gradually became clearer. They were the voices of Baji Taro and the other Shinigami:
"Everyone, work together and search! Asano Kiyoshi must be nearby. Even if we only find his Zanpakuto, we can't let him be buried in Hueco Mundo!"
"He should be around here. Don't split up, or we might be ambushed by Hollows..."
Hearing those voices, faint confusion appeared on Pesche and Dondochakka's faces. They looked at Asano Kiyoshi, their eyes seeming to ask:
"Aren't they your companions? If they're looking for you, why don't you go to them?"
Asano Kiyoshi said nothing. He merely shook his head gently at them.
Seeing this, the two understood what he meant. They remained silent until the spiritual pressure and presence of those Shinigami had completely vanished, and only then did the oppressive atmosphere inside the cave ease somewhat.
Only after even his Spiritual Sense could no longer detect the Shinigami's movements did Asano Kiyoshi finally relax completely. He explained to Pesche and Dondochakka, "There's a traitor among them. For now, I can't let them discover my location. This place isn't safe