He hadn’t expected the task to be so easy, but here he was— even stronger than before. A grin couldn’t contain itself as it spread over the teen’s face, sheathing the larger blade at his back once more. However, as quickly as it had come, he sensed something amiss.
"Did I wake up the whole neighborhood?" He frowned, before stepping through and into the forest. The collective hollow moans were easily heard, but he couldn’t remember if that was normal of them to do in their habitat, or if they were searching..
I should stay on higher ground. If they sensed me, then he should, too.
Deciding on his current game plan, Ichigo took a wide leap for a branch of the nearest white tree. He paused to survey the surrounding area— stopping to watch a heap of sand fall from the dark ceiling— before moving up and onward, hoping to sense some sort reiatsu if he traversed further within.
"Ashido.. where are you?"
After one last shunpo, bare feet firmly stood in place on an ashen branch well above the Menos, who were already searching the area for the intruder. Ashido soon followed suit and scanned the area for any clues as well-- Anything to confirm his suspicions before jumping to conclusions would determine his next action.
And that's when he noticed the tear in the wall where a cave had once collapsed.
Although the feeling would hardly reach his facial features from behind his mask, Ashido could never deny the slightest urge of hope. The feeling proved fleeting, however, as he quickly shut it out in favor for more rational thoughts.
All sights then turned to look in level within the branches of the forest. The boy was probably trying to search for his reiatsu, no doubt. It's a good start but-- Ashido glanced once more at the Gillian-- he shouldn't do it here.
Turning away from their only exit, the lone Shinigami disappeared to get as far away as possible.
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