Rukongai, West District 3, Kofuku Mountain.
Against the clear azure sky, black rifts hung among the drifting clouds like the gaping, bloodied maws of beasts.
Massive currents of air visibly erupted from within them.
The Rukongai civilians stared skyward in shock. The immense pressure spilling from the rifts made them shudder, as if their very souls might collapse.
Sensing the threat within, the civilians scattered into their homes and shops. They moved so quickly that they nearly rivaled a Shinigami's Shunpo.
When faced with danger, people could always unleash unexpected potential.
For a moment, dust billowed through the streets as though an army of thousands were charging in.
In the blink of an eye, the once bustling streets were empty and utterly silent.
BOOM!
A tremendous roar rang out above the district. Billowing smoke replaced the clouds as dazzling light burst from the black rifts.
Several meteors streaked across the sky and slammed into the streets at terrifying speed.
Dust and smoke filled the air.
The Rukongai civilians strained to peer through the haze, trying to satisfy their overflowing curiosity.
Since West District 3 was closer to the center, public order here had always been excellent, and incidents like this rarely occurred.
A little curiosity about something so unusual was only natural.
"Not bad luck."
Within the smoke, Renji Abarai rose to his feet, dusting off the dirt clinging to him. He looked around, observing his surroundings. "There aren't any Shinigami patrols in this area. We avoided the first wave of detection."
Ichigo looked around. Ancient, low-rise houses and shopfronts resembling those of an old era filled his view. The streets were deserted, seemingly devoid of people.
Yet active souls filled the buildings, radiating traces of Spiritual Power outward.
"This is Rukongai, located outside the Seireitei, where the Shinigami live."