Because Riruka's chin was lifted up, she was forced to raise her head and look at Yuta.
Her heart pounded uncontrollably, like a startled deer. In that moment, she began to realize Yuta's intentions. He had locked her up here not out of malice, but because he didn't want her to become involved with the other Fullbringers and risk danger. This also meant that Ginjo Kūgo and the others might already be in trouble. Even so, she still blamed him for keeping her confined. To her, he was overbearing and unreasonable. Yet despite her irritation, she couldn't deny how handsome he was. The closer he came, the dizzier she felt. She silently begged herself not to faint. She silently begged him not to come any closer.
"I didn't expect you to be this cute." Yuta tilted her chin upward and spoke softly.
"I... I... I'll just get some water for washing feet." Riruka turned abruptly after speaking, rushing into the room as if to escape. She threw herself onto the bed, clutched the small bunny doll lying there, and twisted about restlessly on the mattress. Hugging the doll firmly with both arms and legs, she imagined herself strangling a stand-in for the infuriating devil who had unsettled her so easily.
"He's so strong and handsome... but why is he this gentle only with me?" she whispered into the doll's fur.
Her cheeks flushed hot as she hugged the rabbit tightly and muttered under her breath.
---
Time passed quietly.
Far away, in his grand palace, Yhwach finally opened his eyes. His presence alone carried overwhelming authority. His mustache twitched slightly as he declared, "Come. It is time to lead this world into peace."
Beneath him, the Sternritter stirred restlessly, ready for battle. Their voices overlapped in determination.
"The millennium has ended. The time for our vengeance has come."
"Arrogant Shinigami, prepare for your downfall."
The horns of their armies sounded, filling the air with a heavy call to war. The beating of military boots echoed like approaching thunder. Their first target was Hueco Mundo.
---
"Mu... Yuki Ryūnosuke!"
The young Shinigami in a standard black shihakushō startled awake where he had been standing. Drool clung to the corner of his mouth as he blinked in confusion, still half-asleep despite his name being called. "S-sorry... I didn't hear that just now."
His superior, Kuramadani Zennosuke, stood before him with his hands on his hips, his afro bobbing as he scowled. "Really now. Sleeping on your feet on the very first day of your assignment? Right when your senior is giving you instructions?"
"I-I'm sorry... I was so nervous last night that I couldn't sleep. I was too restless..." Ryūnosuke rubbed his eyes groggily, his lids still heavy as though glued shut.
Kuramadani clicked his tongue. "What kind of excuse is that? It sounds like you think the only solution is to catch up on your sleep here. I've heard this before, and I'm not letting it pass."
"You're amazing, Kuramadani-senpai..."
"Flattery won't work! Keep your eyes open."
---
Fully awake at last, Yuki Ryūnosuke prepared for duty. His hair carried five white discs attached to it, resembling small electrodes. He explained that they could be detonated at will to destroy Hollows along with himself. Five discs meant five detonations. Yet in practice, this strange invention seemed nearly useless.
"You got scolded again?" a female voice came from his side, though when he turned his head there was no one there. Suddenly, a stinging slap struck his cheek from the opposite side as Shino Madarame appeared. "Over here, idiot!"
"Miss Shino... stop hitting me without warning," Ryūnosuke complained, holding his cheek.
"If I didn't hit you, you wouldn't notice me at all," she said sharply. Shino Madarame stood with her slender frame and distinctive red umbrella-shaped hat that barely shaded her head. Both she and Ryūnosuke were members of the Thirteenth Division. They had come to replace Kuramadani Zennosuke and take up the task of guarding Karakura Town. "Stay focused. We'll be heading to the mission area together this afternoon."
Ryūnosuke lowered his gaze. "I know... but aren't you afraid?"
"What's there to be afraid of when I'm here with you?" Shino crossed her arms firmly.
"That's not what I meant," he muttered. "I heard Karakura Town has one of the highest Hollow appearance rates. Is it really okay to send someone like me? And... isn't there already a powerful Captain Yuta stationed there? Why do I even need to-"
Before he could finish, Shino grabbed him by the collar and shouted, "What nonsense are you spouting? The reason they sent two people is because Hollows here appear in greater numbers than most places. And you were chosen as one of them because your ability was recognized. Do you think so little of yourself?" She hesitated only briefly before adding, "Even if others doubt you, you still have to work hard to prove yourself."
Ryūnosuke smirked faintly.
"What are you laughing at?" Shino glared at him suspiciously.
"Hehe... it's nothing." He crossed his arms and added quickly, "It's just... when you said to 'hold my head up high'... Miss Shino, you don't exactly have much up top to hold high."
Her fist struck his face before he could breathe another word.
---
Karakura Town.
Hueco powder was dispersed into the air-a bait meant to lure Hollows to the area.
Kuramadani Zennosuke folded his arms across his chest as he stepped out of the gate, trying to carry himself like a mentor. "Very good. We've arrived." His tone was inflated with a sense of authority he didn't truly hold. He glanced back at Ryūnosuke and frowned. "By the way, Yuki, what happened to your face?"
Ryūnosuke's face was swollen badly from Shino's punch, puffed up as though attacked by a swarm of bees.
"M-my face? It's always looked like this," he stammered unconvincingly.
"Really? Well, if you say so." Kuramadani rubbed his chin as though considering it seriously. Then, with a wave of his hand, he stepped back into the gate. "My mission ends here. From this point on, it's up to the two of you. Remember-you are not to fight each other under any circumstances. Your task is to fight Hollows, not waste energy clashing with one another."
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