The Late Arrival

"Are you planning to stay here a while longer?"

Ross walked over to Kūkaku Shiba, his gaze sweeping across the lingering melancholy on her face as he asked bluntly.

Just moments ago, when she had swung her blade and killed Yushiro, she had not hesitated for even half a second, cold as a killing machine.

Now that the dust had settled and the battlefield had become a graveyard, she instead found herself feeling somewhat nostalgic.

Still, such conflicting emotions were only natural.

After all, no matter how many times she had made up her mind or how prepared she had been, personally killing the younger brother of an old friend was bound to stir strange feelings within her.

"Yes. Is that all right?"

Kūkaku Shiba looked at Ross hesitantly, a trace of inquiry in her eyes.

The tumultuous emotions following the slaughter had long since subsided. The fundamental reason she insisted on staying was that she wanted to see that woman.

Here, before the gates of the Shihoin Clan, now reduced to ruins, atop the pools of blood where its relatives had been buried alongside it, she wanted to meet Yoruichi Shihoin.

"Of course."

Ross chuckled. Not only did he not object, he waved his hand generously.

"Whatever you want to do is your freedom. Even if you reveal Captain-level strength in the process, it doesn't matter."

After saying that, he lightly patted Kūkaku Shiba on the shoulder and turned to leave, leaving behind only a carefree silhouette.

Actually, he also wanted to see Yoruichi Shihoin's expression when she rushed back later.

But on second thought, his presence might have the opposite effect.

If Yoruichi Shihoin could not let loose, this show would be no fun.

Rather than being a third wheel at the scene, he might as well go