The four of them threaded through the dense forest.
The change in the nature of the incident had dispelled their earlier ease, leaving all of them with solemn expressions.
Duan Mu had strapped his Zanpakuto across his waist. As he hurried along, he considered how he should respond if they encountered a fight next.
He was in no condition to participate in a high-intensity battle. Although he had retrieved his Zanpakuto from the Supervision Team just in case, it might not be of much use in the battles to come.
Current experience points: 5,172.
This was all the experience points Duan Mu had accumulated over the past week.
Of that total, 3,200 had come from Yachiru's affection rising from zero to 14 points. Of the remaining amount, 1,920 had come from Soi Fon's six affection points just now. The extra 52 had been gained from ordinary squad members and residents of Rukongai.
His experience points were fairly abundant, but no matter which attribute he invested them in, they would not immediately improve his physical condition.
Duan Mu glanced at Ikkaku Madarame from the corner of his eye. When necessary, the only person he could rely on was this man—provided he did not pull some stunt like I'd rather die than use Bankai...
"How much farther?"
As if he had noticed Duan Mu's gaze, Ikkaku Madarame asked.
"The place I detected earlier should be near that conspicuously protruding ridge."
Duan Mu did not conceal anything. He pointed out the general location to the other three and continued, "The enemy may very well notice our arrival, so from now on, no matter what happens, don't split up."
"Relax. I'm not so confident that I can take on a captain alone..." Ikkaku Madarame said.
Duan Mu's pupils contracted, and an inexplicable sense of