After leaving the First Division headquarters, Kurotsuki Renya returned to the Fifth Division barracks.
Ordinarily, a captain was expected to remain within his division's compound at all times unless summoned or on assignment. The responsibility was heavy, and the position allowed little freedom.
As he walked through the familiar corridors, Renya couldn't help but think
If I ever get married… am I supposed to live here forever?
The thought made him frown.
Living in Seireitei was one thing, but living permanently inside a military compound was another. He would have to resolve that eventually.
For now, however, there were more pressing matters.
The Decision of the Captains
The next morning, Head-Captain Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni summoned all captains.
The purpose was clear.
To support Kurotsuki Renya's long-term boundary training.
Due to Unohana Retsu's duties as Head of the Fourth Division and Ukitake Jūshirō's deteriorating health, both were exempted from participation.
That left:
• Kyōraku Shunsui
• Kuchiki Byakuya
• Komamura Sajin
• Zaraki Kenpachi
• Shiba Kaien
• And Yamamoto himself
Six captains would rotate in stabilizing the boundary space, while Yamamoto alone would maintain the highest-tier compression field.
Each captain would maintain stability for approximately 1,000 hours, equating to roughly forty days in the outside world.
Yamamoto alone would handle the most demanding section—6,000 internal hours, equivalent to nearly eight months externally.
With the assistance of Kidō-enhanced stabilization arrays and Mayuri Kurotsuchi's modified temporal anchors, the total internal time Renya could gain would exceed twenty years.
This was not training.
It was preparation for war.
The Fifth Division
Returning to his division, Renya immediately gave an order.
"Send Hinamori Momo to me."
The order was carried out quickly.
Moments later, Hinamori was escorted into the chamber. Her face was pale, eyes tired—clearly exhausted from confinement and emotional strain.
"Captain…" she said softly.
"Sit."
She obeyed.
Renya studied her in silence for a moment before speaking.
"You were detained for a month following the incident. I've reviewed your condition."
She nodded.
"My injuries have healed."
"Good." His voice was calm. "However, I have decided to remove you from the position of Vice-Captain."
Her fingers tightened.
"I understand."
He continued, "You will retain your rank, but you are to step down. You will serve under supervision until further notice."
She lowered her head. "Yes, Captain."
Then she hesitated.
"…May I speak?"
Renya gestured for her to continue.
"Captain Aizen… I don't believe he betrayed us."
The room went silent.
A sudden flash
Steel cut through the air.
Blood splattered across the tatami.
Hinamori collapsed to her knees, clutching her shoulder in agony.
"Captain…?"
Renya stood over her, blade lowered but eyes cold.
"You still say that?"
Her lips trembled. "He… he wouldn't—"
"Enough."
Renya turned away.
"Take her to the medical division. Confine her. She is not to leave without my permission."
"Yes, sir!"
As the guards carried her away, Renya remained motionless.
He stared at the bloodstained floor.
A Captain's Resolve
Later that night, Tōshirō Hitsugaya arrived.
"Why did you do that?" he demanded. "She trusts you."
Renya did not turn.
"She still believes in Aizen," he replied quietly. "That belief will destroy her."
"That doesn't justify"
"She defended him," Renya interrupted. "Even after everything. Even after Soul Society nearly collapsed. Even after Rukia nearly died."
Hitsugaya clenched his fists.
"She's your subordinate."
"She's a danger," Renya said coldly. "To herself. To others."
Silence stretched between them.
Finally, Hitsugaya spoke, his voice low.
"I won't forgive you if you hurt her again."
Renya turned slightly.
"I won't need to."
Hitsugaya left without another word.
Aftermath
Alone in his quarters, Renya sat in silence.
His blade rested beside him.
He had done what needed to be done.
But the cost weighed heavily.
If even those closest to me cannot see the truth…
He closed his eyes.
Then I will walk this path alone.