Meanwhile, at the edge of the continent.
Dark clouds blanketed the sky, and wind and thunder rumbled.
A dazzling streak of blue-white lightning flashed through the pitch-black clouds, followed by a deafening BOOM! BOOM!
Far below lay the boundless, deep-blue sea.
Sosuke appeared atop the reefs along the shore.
The sea wind was fierce, billowing the haori he wore. As the damp breeze swept over him, the corner of his mouth curled into a smile.
He gazed intently at the horizon, his eyes glimmering as if he were lost in thought.
The thick clouds completely blocked out the sun, leaving the world below dim.
Standing alone on the shore's rocky outcrop, he looked utterly lonely.
"Suigetsu, don't I remember telling you not to show yourself in the World of the Living so easily?"
Sosuke turned his face slightly. A faint smile touched his lips as he spoke softly, without a trace of reproach.
Behind him, beneath the gloomy sky, a stunning figure in a Cherry Blossom Kimono appeared.
Standing on the reef, Suigetsu looked like a saintly angel, out of place in the world around her—so beautiful she seemed unreal.
Her flawless face, the kind that could captivate all who laid eyes on it, wore a playful smile. She gazed at Sosuke with her deep, doe-like eyes and giggled.
"It's so rare to have a trip with only you, Sosuke. Can't I come out for some fresh air and a change of scenery?"
At her words, Sosuke's smile faded. He glanced at her and spoke more sternly.
"I told you not to pry into my thoughts."
In response, Kyoka Suigetsu, her features exquisite, stuck out her tongue like a bashful little girl.
Then she took a few small steps toward Sosuke, wrapped her arms around his waist, and buried her