Chapter 1: Aozaki-oyabun
AD 1878.
District 62, East Rukongai—Kagarashi.
The sun shone brightly, and a cool breeze rustled the leaves along the street.
Two children in clean clothes walked along, enjoying the wind. Their presence stood out sharply against the harsh environment surrounding them.
"Ichimaru... Ichimaru, hurry up! The registration for Shin'ō Academy is about to close. I don't want to wait until tomorrow!"
A lively young girl with orange hair, dressed in a white yukata, hopped and skipped ahead excitedly.
Behind her, a silver-haired boy with narrowed eyes strolled at a leisurely pace. Letting out a sigh, he finally quickened his steps, clearly not used to her boundless enthusiasm. He had no choice—he hadn't known the girl for long, and they weren't exactly close. Their connection existed only because of one man.
"That's Rangiku Matsumoto and Gin Ichimaru!"
"Shut up! Do you have a death wish? Those two aren't people you want to mess with!"
"..."
As the two of them walked further away, some souls hiding in the dilapidated houses let out relieved sighs, while others gazed at them with greed in their eyes...