West Rukongai, District 7, outskirts.
As one of the earlier-numbered districts, even the outskirts of West District 7 had a broad avenue leading straight to Seireitei.
Dense forests stretched along both sides of the avenue, spreading into the distance along the mountain ridgeline. At the horizon, the ridgeline connected to Kofusan in West District 3, forming a vast mountain range that enclosed all five districts from District 3 to District 7.
Though the mountains were vast, people generally did not get lost there. After all, the districts were all located in basins among the mountains, and walking downhill would eventually lead to an inhabited area. There were also many cultivated fields scattered throughout the mountains.
Without a sound, a breeze swept past.
Four figures appeared on a path beside the mountain fields. They were the four members of Duan Mu's group, who had immediately hurried here after receiving the news.
"Were those brats just now talking about this place?"
Ikkaku Madarame looked at the fields where the autumn harvest had already ended and chuckled. "This scenery really brings back memories. In recent years, it's become rare to see fields planted on such a large scale in Seireitei."
"Heh, isn't that a good thing?"
Ayasegawa Chikao stroked the feather ornaments at the corner of his eye. "If even Soul Reapers have to farm, then I really ought to consider learning from Boss Duan Mu. Someone as beautiful as me absolutely, definitely, will not do this dusty kind of work!"
"If you hate the dirt, then don't eat."
Duan Mu replied casually, his gaze fixed on the fields.
He was not unfamiliar with this place. The crops across this entire stretch of land had been harvested by Duan Mu alone.
According to the children who had played with Kosuke, they had been