She floated there, feet off the ground.
But beneath her wasn't wind—it was lightning exploding upward in constant bursts.
Her bare feet looked submerged in a thunderstorm.
Her light blue hair hung down, the soft glow gone. Golden light flashed at every strand's tip.
No smile. Cold as ice.
The moment she appeared, the space around her trembled.
Spiritual pressure crushing the air itself.
Yet her gaze stayed locked on Aning.
Aning stood beside Shigure, completely lost.
She could control these lightning bolts easily.
But she remembered—Shigure told her not to use her Resurrección. That was the deal for bringing her into the Seireitei.
So even terrified, she wouldn't upset him.
Voices suddenly rang from the gate.
"C-Captain!!"
"Is it an enemy?!"
"Captain... what is that...?!"
Shigure glanced over. The patrol team, led by Third Seat Shintani Takashi.
They'd noticed the spiritual pressure spike.
Another figure appeared—Rukia Kuchiki.
She hadn't been badly hurt at Sōkyoku Hill. Byakuya blocked most attacks. After quick bandaging, she'd returned to Fifth Division.
She'd barely been back when she came to see Shigure—then spotted lightning flashing from his quarters.
She flash-stepped over immediately.
When she saw inside, she froze.
The girl facing Shigure—she knew her.
Candle Dragon.
Those wind-thunder wings were unmistakable.
But this wasn't the gentle girl from Sōkyoku Hill.
Pride. Violence. Coldness. Fury.
Rukia almost couldn't connect them.
If not for those wings...
She looked at Shigure's back. "C-Captain! This..."
Shigure didn't turn. "It's fine."
"Rukia, take everyone and withdraw. I'll handle this."
"B-but..."
She stopped herself.
Shigure's back looked the same as always.
Composed. Calm.
The situation was under control.
Nothing to worry about.
She straightened. "Yes, Captain!"
She turned to the squad. "Everyone, withdraw. Don't disturb the Captain."
"Yes, Vice-Captain!"
They left immediately.
The squad continued patrol. Rukia stayed at the gate.
Shigure wanted no interruptions.
She'd make sure of it.
Just then, someone rushed over at extreme speed.
Soi Fon landed in front of her.
Rukia bowed. "Captain Soi Fon!"
The Second Division captain had noticed too.
Soi Fon nodded, then moved to enter.
Rukia blocked her path.
Soi Fon's brow furrowed.
"My apologies, Captain Soi Fon!" Rukia's voice was steady. "I cannot let you enter. The Captain can handle this himself. Please wait outside."
Soi Fon had never seen this expression on the Kuchiki vice-captain.
Her eyes flickered. She turned around. "Understood. I'll wait here."
"Thank you for your understanding."
Inside the courtyard.
Shigure noticed what happened outside. He knew Soi Fon arrived.
But right now, he had bigger problems.
The atmosphere here was explosive.
Candle Dragon stared coldly at Aning. Silent.
Aning didn't move. Her hands clutched her black feathers. But her gaze didn't back down.
Shigure looked at Candle Dragon.
Others might see draconic pride and coldness.
He saw something different.
She was angry.
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