Dust churned as a figure tumbled out of it, looking utterly bedraggled.
Scorching Reishi flames blazed beneath the moonlight. Mottled black shadows showed through the azure glasslike radiance, like a painting depicting death and despair.
Renji Abarai crashed heavily to the ground, the exposed skin on his body charred black.
He endured the pain wracking his body, only to suddenly notice a shadow before him. Looking up, the first thing he saw was that striking mop of fine silver hair.
The silver strands swayed in the gentle breeze, blending into the soft moonlight.
"Shinigami, this isn't a place you should be."
The silver-haired youth walked up to Renji Abarai. "Leave the Arrancar to me. I'll spare your life this time..."
Before he could finish, Renji Abarai suddenly rolled to his feet. His gleaming blade drew a murderous arc through the air.
The silver-haired youth stepped back, his light movements suggesting he had anticipated the sudden attack.
"Quit joking around!"
Renji Abarai ignored his injuries. "No matter who you are, ambushing a Shinigami is a grave crime!"
"Besides, exterminating Arrancar that invade the Human World is the duty of us Shinigami! A human like you has no business interfering!"
As his words fell, he thrust out his right arm and ran his left hand lightly across the blade.
"Roar, Zabimaru!"
Crimson spiritual pressure erupted across the street, its immense force surging outward and instantly engulfing the entire block.
Within the light, the twin-bladed segmented sword emerged. Silver-white and jet-black faced one another, merging as they gave off a sharp, icy gleam.
Beneath the moonlight, the red-haired figure leaped high into the air. The twin-bladed segmented sword abruptly extended, lashing forward like a chain.
Boom!
The silver-haired youth darted aside, evading to the edge of the street. Where he had stood was