Chapter 3

Wait, I don't understand. These were taken off way over there.

How could they have been removed with the sash still tied? How could they have taken off their socks with their sandals still on?

Hmm... Hrrr?

Shinobu! Contact Central 46! Souls have vanished, and we have our first Soul Reaper casualties!

Izaemon! There's a possibility of an unknown pathogen that disintegrates souls. Request that Squad 12 send lab personnel!

Heizo! Have the rest of the squad standing by, and send for tents. We'll set up camp here tonight.

You and I will check the area. Let's go, Kaname.

If this is the work of an enemy targeting Soul Reapers, then they will eventually target the Seireitei as well.

We'll crush them here before they get anywhere near the Seireitei.

Sir!

Interesting. I understand. I'll select personnel immediately and send them tonight. In the meantime, I would like you to go back and help your captain.

Yes, sir. Thank you very much.

Now then, time to select personnel. Go on, Hiyori, go.

Why the hell do I have to go there?! Can't you send someone lower in rank than me?

Sorry, Hiyori, but you're the only person I can confidently entrust with a task as important as this one.

Take anything you think you're going to need, even if you have to take something from the captain's office.

Remember, get a sample from the site of the souls that vanished. It'll prove to be very valuable. I'm counting on you, Hiyori. Don't let me down.

............

Goddammit. Okay, but I'm gonna need a pretty big expense account! Remember that!

I must say, when all is said and done, that I got off pretty cheap!

How could she fall asleep so nonchalantly under a condition like this one?

Hey, your collar fell open.

Kensei, you're such a pervert!

You're even annoying while asleep!

Whoa!

Gah!

Huh?

What happened?!

Izaemon? What in the world?

Izaemon!

Damn!

Keep your guard up, Heizo! The enemy is still nearby! Mashiro! Wake up, Mashiro!

Gngh!

Heizo!

What? What is this?

You... Not you...