"Time flies like an arrow," as the saying goes.
Before I knew it, quite a bit of time had passed.
Many things happened during that interval.
Notable events included... let's see...
Abarai-kun became the Lieutenant of the Sixth Division.
Byakuya doted on him, after all. I suspect they will eventually become in-laws.
That said, he didn't become Lieutenant just because of his connection to Byakuya; it was the result of his own considerable effort.
Even in the Eleventh Division, he became strong enough to be second only to Ikkaku, and he even achieved Bankai. Rukia-san is only a step away herself, but... Bankai...
She seemed quite frustrated that he beat her to it.
He looked remarkably innocent and cute as he happily showed off his Bankai to Byakuya.
Next is Ikkaku... or rather, the Eleventh Division.
Perhaps because the Captain and Lieutenant tightened things up, the overall level of the squad seems to have been raised significantly.
After all, the First Kenpachi—albeit while training Vice-Captain Zaraki—is training them as well. They have a compelling reason to get stronger: if they don't, they might actually be killed.
Perhaps because of that...
I lost for the first time recently.
To Ikkaku.
He has really mastered the use of his Bankai. When he utilizes Ryumon Hozukimaru and what lies beyond it, my Shikai alone was simply not enough to handle him.
Also.
Fifth Seat Ayasegawa attacked me with a Shikai I knew nothing about.
That ability like plant vines! That's against the rules, isn't it?! Absorbing Reiatsu is a total "first-sight killer" move!
Although I was surprised, I rushed him in a single breath, punched him, and knocked him out.
There is too much of a time lag between that ability's activation and its completion.
As for the crucial Vice-Captain Zaraki.
Rumor has it he is preparing for Bankai, or maybe he isn't. It seems to be something like that.
When I attended the Women's Shinigami Association, Third Seat Kusajishi told me about it happily.
She seems unable to contain her joy that Vice-Captain Zaraki is becoming stronger.
And then there is Rukia-san.
To my surprise, it seems she has gone to the World of the Living.
Is this what they call the compelling force of history?
When I asked for the detailed reason, it seems she was ordered from above to go "regarding a replacement for the resident agent in the World of the Living." At that time, it seems a strict order was issued stating, "Rukia Kuchiki must be the one to go."
Despite harboring various dissatisfactions and suspicions, she obeyed and departed for the World of the Living.
However, before she left—ever since the official order came down—I was consulted about various things.
...By Byakuya.
I heard the specific details at that time too. From Byakuya.
As I was being consulted by a Byakuya who looked like he was about to cry, I had a thought.
Rukia-san is going to the World of the Living.
'In other words.'
The incident is about to happen soon.
And that means I will be able to do something about Orihime too!
'Alright!!'
'Our battle is just beginning!!'
[Please look forward to My Lord's next work!!]
...We could just end it like that, couldn't we? It is already over 100 chapters...
People are getting bored by now. Let's just end it.
Eh? I can't...!?
"Haa... anyway..."
I muttered as I looked up at the heavens.
"The sky of Tokyo... It has been a long time since I saw it, but was it always like this? It feels somewhat... dull..."
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]