Shiba Zhu shook her head, but her nose had reddened, and her voice was choked with sobs. "Number Two committed suicide this morning. Kuchiki Byakuya received word and went to deal with it. He should be taking his body back to the Rukon District now."
Ronglin's expression changed. That team member had been just as quiet and reserved, always following steadfastly behind him. Only when Ronglin occasionally felt humorous enough to tell a joke or two would he reveal a shy smile. Ronglin had never expected that this teammate who had fought alongside them for three months would die as well.
"Pfft!" Ronglin felt an agonizing, stifling pain in his chest. A metallic sweetness rose in his throat, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Are you all right?" Shiba Zhu was startled and hurriedly reached out to support Ronglin. Everyone around them changed expression as well.
Tenjirō Kirinji was even more anxious to examine Ronglin, but Ronglin waved away his kindness.
Everyone could read the fury in Ronglin's eyes. Yet beneath that extreme anger, he remained incomparably calm. He raised his sleeve and slowly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth before turning his gaze toward the gates of the Shihoin Family.
At that moment, everyone who saw Ronglin's cold, shadowy aura felt a chill run through their hearts. They had the illusion that Ronglin might do something terrifying next.
Ronglin strode toward the gates of the Shihoin Family. A dark mass of people followed behind him. They had no idea what Ronglin intended to do, but no one dared let down their guard.
Looking at the tightly shut vermilion gates, Shiba Zhu said to Ronglin, "Ever since the Captain-General gave the order, they've sealed the gates and refused to come out. They've also used the