A shrill alarm rang throughout the Seireitei.
The next moment, a voice amplified by Kidō carried from above the First Division to all thirteen divisions.
"Emergency orders."
"The high-security prisoner of Muken, the Eighth Kenpachi, Sōya Azashiro, has broken free of his seal. All members of the Gotei 13 are to enter level-one alert. Upon locating the target, do not engage alone. Report immediately!"
Inside the Third Division barracks, Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked up.
Izuru Kira hurried into the courtyard, carrying the intelligence that had just been compiled.
"Captain, three abnormal Reishi fluctuations have been detected in East Rukongai. Two locations have been confirmed empty. The remaining one is on the edge of District Two."
"I'll take a look."
Yoriichi grasped Hekyō, and his figure vanished in an instant.
East Rukongai, District Two.
The residents had long since been evacuated from the streets. Among the empty houses, only a man in pure white restraints remained.
Sōya Azashiro stood on a rooftop, calmly watching Yoriichi land opposite him.
"You arrived sooner than I expected."
Yoriichi did not draw his sword.
The body of the man before him was one with the surrounding Reishi. The same Reiatsu existed in the roof tiles, the walls, and even the air.
"Are you Sōya Azashiro?"
"Yes."
Sōya Azashiro watched him, then suddenly said, "Do you know, Yoriichi? I envy you."
"I was born into a noble family. My family was wealthy and held an exalted status. From childhood, I never had to worry about anything."
His voice remained flat, as though he were recounting someone else's past.
"I had an older sister. She was kind, and she was powerful. Others in the family envied her talent, so they plotted against us."
"That day, they broke into our home. My parents, my relatives, and everyone willing