Botobai unleashed a powerful punch at Loki.
The Nen surging around his fist was intense.
A metallic clang echoed as their blows met.
Loki took a few steps back, his Zanpakutō, Shinigami, held defensively across his chest.
The force of the punch ruffled Loki's crimson hair.
Loki smirked. "Trying to trade blows? Such a naive idea."
Ignoring Loki, Botobai glanced at Mizaistom. "Can you still fight?"
Mizaistom tried to get up, but his broken arm and fractured ribs, from a previous attack, were serious injuries, causing internal bleeding. He was utterly exhausted, his face pale, his lips blue.
Seeing Mizaistom's state, Botobai's expression darkened. He glared at Loki.
"You go. I'll hold him off!"
Botobai immediately charged. Loki's eyes widened slightly, Shinigami dancing in his hand, flames flickering on his white cloak.
"Kill him, Shinigami!" Swish! The blade suddenly extended as its tip aimed at Botobai.
Botobai could easily dodge, but he realized that doing so would leave Mizaistom exposed. In a hundredth of a second, he decided to use all his Nen to grab the blade.
Loki's eyes flashed with a predatory gleam as he saw Botobai's move. 'Trying to catch Shinigami's attack?' Sizzle! Shinigami pierced Botobai's hand. Blood splattered.
Botobai, his face grim, looked at Loki. His aura was significantly weaker, but at least Mizaistom was safe. Botobai breathed a sigh of relief. Fighting with a comrade present hampered his fighting style, forcing him into a defensive position. He could have dodged, but he couldn't.
Mizaistom gave Botobai a grateful look; he wanted to escape and not hinder the fight. As he rose, a large shadow enveloped him. Mizaistom froze.
'Damn it! I forgot about that kid's Nen beast!' Goki, sent flying by Botobai earlier, had been waiting for its opportunity. Loki's use of Shinigami had drawn everyone's attention, leaving the Nen beast hidden in the shadows.
Goki raised its left arm and brought it down hard on Mizaistom's head. Botobai saw Goki but was helpless; Loki's flames were advancing towards him.
"Trying to save someone, only to get yourself involved," Loki laughed. "You're strong, a real problem for me. But..."
Boom! Loki casually tossed a fireball at Botobai, forcing him to react. Goki's attack was imminent.
Mizaistom slowly turned his head. He saw Goki's massive arm, mere inches from his face. It was too late to dodge.
Bang! A tremendous sound echoed as Goki smashed into the wall, dissolving into white light. Dust erupted behind Mizaistom.
"You've grown considerably, little Loki."
Mizaistom blinked, looking at the figure that suddenly appeared.
"You're quite a sorry sight, reduced to this by a latecomer."
Botobai leaped back, looking towards Mizaistom, silent. Loki slowly lowered Shinigami, focusing on the source of the voice.
The dust settled, revealing a familiar figure: Chairman Netero! The moment Loki saw Netero, his aura seemed to calm.
Seeing Netero and the powerful aura surrounding him, Loki smiled.
"Chairman Netero, I'm back."
This caused Netero's stern expression to soften momentarily, as past memories flickered in his mind. But the gentle expression vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Looking at Loki, his white robe, red hair, and Shinigami in hand, Netero felt a mix of emotions. But the bodies of Saiyu and Ginta lay on the ground, both killed by Loki.
Killing members of the Twelve Zodiacs made Loki undeniably a top-priority fugitive, beyond anyone's protection, even Netero's.
Glancing at Saiyu's lifeless body, Netero chuckled dryly.
"I never expected to hear those words under these circumstances." He looked at Loki. "Why did you return?"
Loki smiled faintly, an expression that pained Netero. He wished Loki would angrily demand why he was a top-priority fugitive. Netero would have been happier with that anger. Loki's calm made Netero's heart heavy.
Loki walked to the edge of the building, the cold wind whipping around him.
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