Arrival at Last

"Stop!"

Just as Shunsui Kyoraku turned around, the sound of something cutting through the air rang out again.

Tosen Kaname's shadow, clinging to him like a festering parasite, blocked his path once more. This time, his Zanpakuto had been fully drawn, its tip aimed directly at Shunsui Kyoraku's brow as he spoke with utmost severity:

"Shunsui Kyoraku! This concerns the safety of Soul Society. Today, you must give all of us a clear explanation! Otherwise..."

"I told you, stop bothering me..."

Shunsui Kyoraku suddenly raised his head. His usual lazy, carefree air had vanished completely, replaced by the chilling pressure of a veteran Captain who had stood for a century.

However, before he could finish speaking, something changed abruptly.

The air changed.

If the previous moment had carried the chill of a late autumn night, then in this instant, the entire space seemed to have been cast into the crater of an erupting volcano.

The previously tranquil Spirit Particles around them began to rage violently. Every breath drawn into their lungs became scorching hot, as though it would burn their throats raw.

The puddles left on the ground evaporated in the blink of an eye, letting out sharp hissing sounds.

Sensing that terrifying Spiritual Pressure, so familiar it was etched into his bones, Shunsui Kyoraku's taut nerves first relaxed, only for his heart to sink sharply the next moment.

The old man had finally arrived!

But the violence and instability within that Spiritual Pressure, along with the delicate timing of his intervention...

A powerful sense of foreboding instantly surged through Shunsui Kyoraku's heart.

"Captain Tosen, what explanation do you expect my foolish disciple to give you?"

An aged, hoarse voice, yet still as majestic as a tolling bell, exploded beside everyone's ears.

As the words fell, a stooped yet iron-hard