Faced with the question, Kenryu still wore a faint expression. "Wouldn't you know just by looking into it?"
Investigate?
Ichigo flew into a rage. "What did you say?"
"Impudent fool!" Kenryu extended a hand and blocked Ichigo with one palm. "Haven't you noticed the insurmountable gap between you and us?"
Ichigo stared at the palm aimed at him, utterly baffled. He had no idea what Kenryu was talking about.
"If necessary, I'll pay you a visit."
Kenryu withdrew his hand, ignored Ichigo, and turned toward the courtyard.
In the courtyard, Rurichiyo still wanted to come out and greet Ichigo, but Enryu stopped her, looking rather agitated.
"Hey~ Enryu, what are you doing?!"
Enryu said nothing. He simply crouched down in front of Rurichiyo and let her pummel his chest with her tiny fists.
Kenryu crouched down in front of her and soothed her. "Lady Rurichiyo, the sun is about to set. When that happens, Hollows like the ones from daytime may appear again."
"Go back to your room while you still can."
"Really? Then I suppose it can't be helped." Rurichiyo showed a hint of disappointment, then jumped up and waved at Ichigo. "Ichigo, see you next time."
With that, the two of them escorted Rurichiyo inside, leaving Ichigo and Rukia standing outside in the wind, completely bewildered.
Ichigo couldn't help complaining. "Aren't the Hollows something they created?!"
"And who the hell was that guy?! Byakuya? He had such a smug look on his face."
A vein throbbed twice at Rukia's temple. She bent low and drove an elbow into Ichigo's stomach.
"Ugh~"
Ichigo doubled over like a cooked shrimp.
Rukia's expression remained blank. "Don't badmouth my brother."
Ichigo clutched his stomach and rolled his eyes at her. Just as he was about to speak, Kenryu suddenly returned.
Ichigo stepped