Kagerōza was sneaking around.
The red-gold dust left by the explosion billowed through the ruins, obscuring most people's vision.
Nozomi Kujō stood behind Ichigo, gripping Benihikō tightly.
Her attention, too, had been drawn to the battle in the distance.
The Reigai who looked exactly like Yoriichi Tsugikuni now had the real Yoriichi's blade at his throat.
It looked as though everything was about to end.
Amid the dust, Inaba Kagerōza had appeared a short distance behind her.
A smile twisted with madness spread across his face, and the monocle over his right eye reflected a cold gleam.
"Nozomi Kujō."
"I've finally caught you."
Ichigo's expression changed abruptly.
"Nozomi!"
He immediately turned, trying to put himself in front of Nozomi Kujō.
But Kagerōza had already raised Laikū.
Ripples in space spread beneath Ichigo's feet.
Ichigo was instantly transported dozens of meters away and slammed into a broken wall.
"Damn it!"
Ichigo gritted his teeth and pushed himself up.
He was in far too poor a state now.
Kagerōza did not look at him.
His eyes held only Nozomi Kujō.
"Don't be afraid."
"You were part of me to begin with."
"As long as we merge, we can become whole again."
Nozomi Kujō tightened her grip on her Zanpakuto, her red eyes filled with disgust.
"Who wants to merge with you, idiot!"
"I am who I am."
"I'm not your property!"
The smile on Kagerōza's face froze for an instant.
Then his expression grew even darker.
"You still don't understand."
"You're merely the half that was split off."
"Without me, your existence has no meaning at all."
Nozomi Kujō raised Benihikō, her voice trembling slightly, but she did not retreat.
"I don't want that kind of meaning."
"I'd rather be an idiot with no past than turn into someone like you."
Kagerōza