Inside a blood-soaked building.
Severed limbs and chunks of flesh were piled throughout the room, and bloodstains covered every surface.
Hyuga Minato stood at the center, drenched in blood. The blood mist in the air had yet to disperse. With veins bulging across his pale eyes, he looked like a demon descended from Hell.
Yet the moment he looked at Sosuke, the murderous intent churning in his eyes vanished, replaced by a reverent gaze.
He seemed like an emissary of Hell prostrating himself before a saint's radiance, afraid that even a trace of his impurity might taint such purity.
A remorseful expression appeared on his face. He lowered his head and addressed Sosuke reverently.
"I'm sorry, Captain Aizen... I've made a mess of things again..."
At his words, Sosuke's lips curled slightly, and a glint of amusement flashed in his eyes. He spoke softly and warmly.
"There's no need to apologize, Minato. Without that will born of hatred, mere loyalty and a sense of duty wouldn't be enough to create a powerful attack."
"You seem to have a good grasp of both Hakuda and Flash Step. Perhaps your hatred of this corrupt world is what made you improve so quickly?"
There was a hint of laughter in his voice.
At Sosuke's words, Hyuga Minato's expression tightened, and he answered respectfully.
"It's all thanks to Captain Aizen's guidance!"
"Choosing to follow you was the most important decision of my life!"
Sosuke smiled warmly and spoke softly.
"I'm glad you made that choice, Minato. This filthy, corrupt world needs to be cleansed. I'm short one sharp blade, Minato. Are you willing to become the blade that purges this chaos?"
His rich, magnetic voice faded into silence. Amusement glimmered in Sosuke's eyes behind his glasses as he smiled at Hyuga Minato.
Hearing Sosuke's