Chapter 366: Mr. Black Ant

"I don't know. Also, my name is Black Ant." replied Black Ant, shaking his head. He had just emerged from Hell and had no idea where he was. He had grown tired of the hellish environment, feeling that he had learned all he could there. So, he decided to leave and explore, seeking to gain new knowledge and broaden his understanding.

As for having any specific goal? He didn't have much of one, not even the intention to search for his past. He wasn't in any hurry. Eventually, his strength would inevitably cause all of his past to return to him.

Hearing that Black Ant did not know this was the Seireitei, Uryu Ishida's eyes, reflected in his glasses, showed a complex expression. He began to wonder whether Black Ant was telling the truth or lying, or perhaps he was a Shinigami trying to deceive them to capture him and Orihime. Who exactly was Black Ant? And how did he control spirit particles like a Quincy? Would he get in the way of their mission to rescue Rukia?

While Uryu was lost in thought, preparing to probe for more information, Orihime's straightforward approach proved to be unexpectedly effective. "Aren't you a Shinigami?" she asked innocently, after confirming the solidity of the spirit platform by tapping on it with her fist.

Her appearance was indeed adorable, with large, unblemished eyes filled with a stubborn determination. She wore a tight red T-shirt and slim gray pants, which complemented her good figure, giving her a look of a sweet and straightforward young woman.

"I'm not," Black Ant responded.

"That's good," Orihime sighed with relief, patting her chest. "We're about to do something that will make us enemies of the Shinigami, and we don't want you to be caught up in it," she explained. "Could you please put us down on the ground? We need to rescue a friend."

"I see, that's a noble cause," Black Ant nodded, his face serious, clearly admiring such a loyal and courageous gesture. He respected the bravery of this young girl who, despite her weakness, was unafraid of danger and determined to move forward. In this place, more than 95% of those she might encounter could easily kill her, yet she remained resolute in her mission to save her friend.

Uryu, standing nearby, could only twitch at the corners of his eyes while witnessing this exchange.

Black Ant guided the spirit platform, descending like a shooting star into a less guarded alley below. In an instant, they were on solid ground.

"So fast!" Uryu was stunned. They had descended without so much as a breeze brushing against them. The spirit platform had protected them, landing smoothly without a hitch.

'This guy... he's incredibly strong, ridiculously so!' Uryu thought, his pupils dilated in shock as he stood frozen until Orihime tugged at his sleeve.

"Uryu, let's go." Orihime urged, pulling on his shirt and snapping him back to reality. She seemed unaffected by Black Ant's display of strength, merely glad they had reached the ground safely. She was unaware of the true significance of what she had just witnessed.

Uryu wasn't entirely sure either, but he was certain of one thing—Black Ant was incredibly powerful, unnervingly so. He felt a subconscious sense of wariness and vigilance in the presence of such a formidable person.

Orihime, on the other hand, felt no such apprehension. "Mr. Black Ant, thank you," she said sincerely. "I hope everything goes well for you. We're off to save our friend."

Black Ant nodded, "Alright, go ahead. I wish you the best of luck in rescuing your friend." He waved at her as she ran off, smiling with her bright, genuine demeanor, which he found refreshing.

Just as Black Ant was feeling a rare sense of admiration for this straightforward young girl, Orihime and Uryu came running back from around the corner, their faces filled with anxiety.

"Huh?" Black Ant's face showed confusion as Orihime and Uryu grabbed his arms, pulling him along as they ran.

He did not resist, allowing them to drag him. Then he heard the sound of many footsteps approaching, along with the clamoring of a group of Shinigami, chasing them down.

Orihime and Uryu, panting heavily, pulled Black Ant into a plaza and hid behind some wooden boards to shield themselves from view. Hearing the Shinigami's footsteps grow distant, they finally allowed themselves to breathe more freely.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Black Ant," Orihime apologized, "We couldn't leave you there; they would have seen you as an enemy."

"It doesn't matter," Black Ant shrugged. "But why are you running? I could easily kill them."

"No killing, Mr. Black Ant," Orihime said sternly. "Killing would only breed more hatred. We're here to save a friend, and killing would make our mission much harder."

"Kill? But don't they come back to life?" Black Ant asked, confused.

"Come back to life? No, they don't. You only get one life," Orihime explained patiently.

Black Ant was shocked. In this place, death was final.

Uryu was equally shocked. So, he was indeed a deadly adversary. Orihime began explaining to Black Ant about the nature of human life, unaware that a tall figure was approaching them, a shadow looming over them, raising a Zanpakuto to strike down.

°°°

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