Kuchiki Byakuya's strike succeeded, and Shiba Zhu strode forward, intending to release her Zanpakuto as well.
But a fierce wind suddenly rose behind her. A claw's gleam flashed out as a small Hollow somehow slipped behind Shiba Zhu and launched a sneak attack.
"Watch out!" Number One Shinigami cried out. At that moment, she had completely forgotten what fear was. She bravely rushed out and threw herself in front of Shiba Zhu, intending to block the attack with her own flesh and blood.
Shiba Zhu was deeply shaken. She had not expected this teammate to risk her life to save her.
"Kidō #61: Six Rods of Light!"
A beam of light shot down from midair and split into six, instantly binding the Hollow. At the critical moment, it shattered all of the Hollow's attacks and forcefully pinned it in place.
That fierce claw had been less than ten centimeters away from Number One.
Ronglin turned and gave the two shaken female team members a carefree smile. "Don't let your guard down. Take this seriously. We came here together and fought here together, so naturally, we have to return alive together!"
Shiba Zhu pursed her lips and said nothing, feeling stifled.
Number One, however, looked at Ronglin with gratitude and nodded excitedly. "Yes! We have to return alive together!"
Abnormal Situation! ### Even while dealing with the emergency, Ronglin had still been able to spare a hand to help them resolve their crisis. This undoubtedly gave everyone's anxious hearts a much-needed reassurance. Even while trapped in an encirclement, their unease gradually settled.
The blue flames on Kuchiki Byakuya's Zanpakuto turned into a ring of shimmering light and swept outward. The Hollows all knew how formidable Kuchiki Byakuya's Cold Sparrow was, and for the moment, none dared approach.
"Are you all right?"