After that, Ichigo seemed to have returned to normal on the surface. At least, in everyone else's eyes, she was no different from usual. Only Hiro noticed that something had changed in her relationship with him. Ever since that confession, he had realized that Ichigo had changed. Although she still spoke to him, and her attitude seemed unchanged, Hiro could always sense a cold distance that kept him at arm's length...
In contrast, 02 had gradually become more integrated into the team. Although her relationship with Ichigo was still somewhat stiff, to everyone else, 02 was already one of them.
However, at that moment, a group of unexpected uninvited guests suddenly appeared.
"They're the 9's, members of APE's personal guard unit."
Seventh Sister raised her hand and introduced Fang Zheng and the others to the youths standing across from them, who looked about the same age as they were. The youths wore white uniforms and smiled at the members of Thirteenth Squad.
"Hello, Thirteenth Squad."
"What a surprise. What are members of the personal guard doing here?"
Fang Zheng glanced at the group opposite them and asked in a low voice. The blond youth at their head merely smiled.
"It's nothing much. The Sages just asked us to come and take a look, especially..."
As he spoke, the blond youth looked toward 02, who stood among the group glaring at them with an irritated expression. When she saw him looking over, 02 snorted and turned to leave. The blond youth did not seem bothered in the slightest. He smiled, then turned to Fang Zheng.
"Hello. Nice to meet you. You're the captain of Thirteenth Squad, aren't you? I'm quite interested in you."
"I'm not interested in you at all."
Fang Zheng stared at the blond youth and replied flatly. The