With Rukia-san's transfer complete and the report submitted, the mission is officially over! Time to go home!!
...is what I would like to say.
However, even though the mission is over, there are still many personal tasks I need to attend to.
You could call it complete meddling and leave it at that, but...
"I suppose I should do what I can."
Honestly, it is better to have as many allies as possible.
Putting aside how effective it will be, I should make every move available to me.
If even one of them succeeds, it will be a gain.
...Who was it that said that? I feel like it was some sort of military strategist.
Anyway, considering obligations and positions, the first place I should go is—
"That place, right? I'm used to going there, but it's a bit far... still, I should go there first..."
Ah, the Fourth Squad's work is going to pile up again...
Even just going to the World of the Living, arresting her, and coming back took quite a bit of time...
Immediately after transferring Rukia-san to the prison, I made my way through the Seireitei, lamenting lightly as I went.
---
"Good grief, I've finally arrived."
After walking for a while, I reached my destination: the Thirteenth Squad barracks.
As expected, this should be my first stop.
After all, Rukia-san belongs to the Thirteenth Squad. The news that a member of their own squad is to be executed—they must have received at least that much by now.
Naturally, the next thought upon learning this would be, 'Why? Why must she receive such a severe punishment?'
Captain Ukitake and the others are likely anxious right now.
As a party involved, I must deliver the latest information to them.
In addition to that.
I thought that if it was Kaien-san, once I explained the reason, he would almost certainly take our side.
It is a choice made with the calculation of wanting to increase our allies by even one person.
And so.
"I have come to explain the matter regarding Kuchiki Rukia-san."
"Ah, I'm sorry to trouble you, Captain Yukawa. But please, go ahead."
I announced the purpose of my visit to a nearby squad member, asked to be announced to the Captain, and was guided to the Captain's office of the Thirteenth Squad, where we could finally talk.
Facing me were a total of four people: Captain Ukitake, Lieutenant Kaien, and the Third Seat duo, Kiyone and Sentaro.
I judged that it might still be too early to let a needlessly large number of people hear this.
"First, I will speak about the content of Rukia-san's sentence and the details up to her arrest. That is because—"
I explained the official story to the four of them—from what was conveyed by the Head Captain to going to the World of the Living and capturing her.
"Currently, she is confined in a prison within the Sixth Squad barracks. After completing my mission, I came straight here to inform you."
"I see... I am sorry, Captain Yukawa."
"No, I imagine you were all worried about a colleague ending up in such a situation."
When I finished the general explanation, Captain Ukitake was the first to offer words of appreciation.
Well, in a Captain's position, this is how the exchange usually starts.
"...I don't accept it."
And then, perhaps because of his position as Lieutenant, or perhaps due to his nature, Kaien-san voiced his dissatisfaction immediately.
"What the hell is that!! Why did Kuchiki get such a heavy sentence!? Capital punishment!? That's crazy no matter how you think about it!!"
"Yeah, yeah! It's definitely crazy!!"
"I agree completely!! Captain!! It's a protest; let's lodge a firm protest!!"
"Ah, Sentaro!! I'll protest too, Captain!! Let's appeal, let's appeal!!"
"You guys... No, I understand how you feel, but calm down a little."
Captain Ukitake is flinching at the fierce attack from Kaien-san and the other two.
Actually, where did Kiyone-san learn the word 'appeal'...?
"I have my own thoughts on the matter... but this is the Central 46's ruling. I wonder how much can be overturned..."
"...Tch."
As Captain Ukitake spoke pessimistic words, Kaien-san sighed and clicked his tongue.
"Captain! That might be true!! But, I can't just abandon her to die!! Even if it might be useless, we have to act! She's a comrade of our squad!!"
Ooh, so cool.
It's a sound argument, just like a protagonist.
"Now, now, Lieutenant Kaien. Please calm down. Apart from this discussion, I brought this."
Riding on the momentum he created, I pulled a letter from my chest and presented it.
"Hm? This is...?"
"Here, please read this first. Ah, everyone else, please join in."
Captain Ukitake looked suspicious as he took the letter, but he opened the seal, and the other three peered at the letter from behind him.
...Kiyone-san and Sentaro-kun are resting their faces on the Captain's shoulders and practically sticking to his back; is that really okay...?
Even if they're trying to appeal to him, I think that's a bit much...
"Let's see... 'Do not read this letter out lou—'...!!?"
After reading the first sentence—just those few characters—aloud, Captain Ukitake hurriedly covered his mouth.
Yes, this letter is something I wrote before departing for the World of the Living.
The content describes the circumstances behind the scenes—specifically, the plan for Rukia-san's escape. It also includes details on how Byakuya and the others will move, so it is absolutely not something that can be read aloud in public.
To deceive the eyes of surveillance and wiretapping, I conveyed it in the form of a letter, and moreover, I included a warning at the beginning: "Please read this letter without voicing it."
And so, they must have finished reading it.
Kaien-san looked up with determination in his eyes.
"Captain! I'm going to do it after all!! I can't just sit here in silence!!"
"Kaien... Ah, that's right. I feel the same way."
"Captain, of course, I'm the same!! Kuchiki is—Gueh!!"
"I will cooperate too!! It's absolutely absurd for such a good girl to get the death penalty!!"
While Sentaro-kun was speaking, Kiyone-san pushed his face aside and stepped forward.
Ah, now he's starting to complain to her about being pushed.
And since she's the type to pick a fight right back...
"It's lively here."
"Hahaha... They're both thinking of me, though."
Seeing how weak his follow-up was, it seems Captain Ukitake is also a bit fed up.
Watching those two quarrel, I remembered that I had forgotten to convey something important.
"Oh right, I am terribly sorry. There was one more thing... no, two things I had to tell you."
"Hm? Is there something else?"
"Yes. This is a top-secret matter among top secrets, so please lend me your ears. You too, Kiyone-san, come here."
"What is it, what is it?"
"What is it?"
Wait until all five of us, including myself, had our faces close together as if holding a secret conference, ready to whisper, I opened my mouth.
"Actually... Renji Abarai-kun of the Sixth Squad and Rukia-san have become lovers."
""""Whaaaaaaaaaaaat!?!?""""
Oh my, what a surprise.
The loudest shout of the day echoed through the room.
"Kuchiki did!? That Kuchiki!?"
"Kyaa!! Eh, seriously, seriously!? Is it true, Captain Yukawa!? A confession... eh, was it a confession!? Who asked whom!?"
"Abarai of the Sixth Squad... That guy, right!? The one with red hair and weird goggles!! I've seen him in the Rukongai sometimes!! Seriously!? What kind of relationship is it, Captain Yukawa!!"
"H-Hey, you guys..."
The three young ones really have good reactions...
Especially the Third Seat duo; their appetite for this kind of gossip is extraordinary.
Captain Ukitake has been completely left behind.
"Yes, well... but please ask the individuals themselves for the details later."
"Ask them ourselves... Captain Yukawa... that's..."
"I see, I understand, Captain Yukawa!! In other words, we just have to get Kuchiki-san out of prison!!"
"I see, so that's it!! Alriiight!! Kuchiki!! For the sake of your happiness, I will definitely do something about it!!"
Really, the momentum of this Third Seat duo is amazing...
"Ah... well, I suppose so. For the sake of the young couple, I guess us elders have to step up!!"
And Kaien-san wrapped it up.
...But have they forgotten? I said there were two things.
"And, regarding the other matter."
"Hm? There was still more?"
"Come to think of it, you did say there were two things."
"Yes. This is also a story in a similar vein to the first one, but... Lieutenant Kaien!!"
"W-What is it..."
When I asked a bit forcefully, he backed away slightly, looking overwhelmed.
"You aren't cheating on your wife, are you?"
"...Haaaaaaah!? Cheating!?!?"
He showed me a face like a pigeon that had been shot by a peashooter.
"Yukawa!! What the hell does that mean!!"
He's flustered. He dropped the 'Captain' when addressing me.
"Actually, when I went to the World of the Living, there was a human who looked exactly like the Lieutenant."
"Hah! Exactly like me!?"
"Yes, that human is the one Rukia-san transferred her Soul Reaper powers to—but he looked so similar that I assumed he was Lieutenant Kaien's hidden child."
"Hidden child!? Don't screw with me!! I am devoted solely to Miyako!!"
""Ooooh!!""
At Kaien-san's very manly words, the Third Seat duo involuntarily cheered and applauded.
"But Lieutenant, surprisingly, with a passing woman when you were young... right? Didn't it happen? One or two mistakes? The Lieutenant is handsome, after all..."
"Captain Yukawa, what kind of person was he!? Eh, did someone like that really exist!?"
"Sentaro!! You, are you picking a fight with me!?"
"Let's see... The biggest feature is that he looks like a younger Kaien-san with a nastier look in his eyes and orange hair."
Kiyone-san and I, and Kaien-san and Sentaro-kun are talking over each other... is this confusing...?
"Also, his age was about sixteen, so if Lieutenant Kaien has no recollection of that time—"
"There's no way I would!! No, wait... sixteen, you say...!?"
"Oh! So it was a one-night mistake after all... Gubuh!!"
Sentaro-kun was silently punched flying.
"That was your fault just now, Sentaro. You're dragging the same joke out too long."
"Gu... gugu..."
Sorry that you're twitching, but I won't heal that.
"Could it be... Isshin of the branch family...?"
"Most likely. When I mentioned his name, there was a reaction."
"Isshin... You don't mean the former Captain of the Tenth Squad!?"
Captain Ukitake also joined the conversation.
"He went missing about twenty years ago. The highest possibility is..."
"I see. I would have liked to talk to him if I had the chance... But, Captain Yukawa destroyed that human's Soul Chain and Soul Sleep, didn't you?"
At that question, I slowly nodded.
"I see... It couldn't be helped, I suppose..."
"...Hm? Wait a minute... If you had confirmed it was about Isshin, why did you ask me about 'hidden children' and 'cheating', Yukawa...!!"
"Well, that was... how should I put it..."
I averted my eyes from Kaien-san, who was simmering with anger.
"I'm sorry! I have to go now!!"
"Hey, wait, Yukawa!! You bastard, you were totally teasing me!!"
"Calm down, Kaien!!"
"That's right, Lieutenant!! Don't get angry... Pfft!!"
"You were able to confirm your love for your wife, so wasn't it a good thing!!"
Saved by the grinning Third Seat duo, I left the Thirteenth Squad behind.
---
"Now then, next is—"
Leaving the Thirteenth Squad as if fleeing, I headed next to the Eleventh Squad.
...This one is, in a sense, the most dangerous.
If I recall correctly, after entering the Seireitei, he fights Ikkaku first. Then he fights Captain Zaraki—well, strictly speaking, he's the Lieutenant right now—after that.
If things go poorly, Ichigo loses here and it's over.
Because...
I might accidentally train Ikkaku.
I might accidentally fight Kenpachi Zaraki and make him stronger.
Accidentally, Captain Unohana might become the Captain of the Eleventh Squad and train Kenpachi Zaraki to her liking.
'That's at the level of being attacked by a secret dungeon boss!! We're only around level 15 here!? We can't win, we can't win!! Save us, Golden-haired little girl TAS-san!!'
That's the level of danger we're talking about.
The moment they meet, it's a confirmed instant death route following defeat.
To suppress the situation to the point where simply saying "I'll do anything, just spare my life" might be enough to get forgiveness, I need to do some groundwork with the people he's scheduled to contact first.
So, I came to the Eleventh Squad barracks, but—
"They're out!?"
"Yeah, that's right. Both the Captain and Lieutenant are working. Work."
—Even though I worked up the courage to come, only Ikkaku was here.
"Is it some urgent business?"
"Urgent... not exactly, but..."
Well, one of the involved parties is here, so let's say it's OK.
"Then I'll tell you, Ikkaku. Could you pass it on when the two of them return?"
"Hah? Why should I do something like that..."
"Abarai-kun was wounded by a Soul Reaper opponent in the World of the Living."
"!?"
For now, I'll present a topic that seems brief and interesting.
"What do you mean?"
"To be precise—"
Now, the second explanation of the day.
Setting Rukia-san aside, I'll make Ichigo the center of the topic here.
In addition, just like with the Thirteenth Squad, I'll hand over a letter detailing Ichigo's features.
"—That's the gist of it. But can you believe it? Even though his Spiritual Pressure was limited, Abarai-kun was cut, albeit just a scratch, by a human who had just become a Soul Reaper three months ago, untrained and inexperienced."
"I can't believe it offhand... but I don't think you'd lie... Is it a fact?"
"Yes."
As expected, he took the bait.
Basically, the squad members belonging to the Eleventh Squad can be easily hooked if you use a strong opponent or someone with plenty of potential as bait.
It's like fishing for goby.
"But, then it's all the more a pity. Such an interesting-sounding opponent; I wanted to fight him once. Why did you erase his spiritual power? What a waste!!"
"It couldn't be helped! It was my mission."
"Even though it sounded a bit enticing, what a real waste..."
Ikkaku dropped his shoulders in disappointment.
True, being told "the fish that got away was big" leaves the listener with nothing to do.
"That's true... But what if that human regained his spiritual power?"
"Hah? That's impossible."
"A human stole a Soul Reaper's power and repelled a Menos Grande—he did such an impossible thing, you know?"
"..."
The bite is getting bigger.
"That human might 'regain his Soul Reaper powers'. And he might 'invade Seireitei' for Rukia-san's sake."
"...Is that true? Can I trust that?"
"I can't promise it, but..."
"Then it's not worth talking about."
Ikkaku shrugged his shoulders.
Persuasion, did I fail...?
"But still... if he was like that after three months without proper training, I wonder how strong he'd get if he trained properly..."
"Ikkaku?"
"A Soul Reaper with tangerine-colored hair, was it? Just in case, I'll keep it in mind. I'll pass it on to the Captain and the others, including this letter."
"...Thank you for believing me."
Thank goodness.
With this, the Eleventh Squad should be somewhat manageable.
At the very least, I want to believe the probability of the "Instant kill, happily ever after" ending has decreased.
---
"Yoruichi-sama... will...?"
Now, the remaining one is Soifon of the Second Squad.
The bait to hook her is, of course, information on that brown-skinned beauty.
"Is that true!?"
"Yes, when I went to the World of the Living for the mission. I didn't actually see her, but I felt her Spiritual Pressure."
"Is that so..."
She showed a complicated expression—disappointed, yet somehow happy.
"Fufu... ufufu..."
"Soifon...?"
"Yukawa-sama, thank you very much. I have urgent business, so..."
"No, no, wait a moment!!"
Ah, this... is the pattern where she charges into the location.
"I said it earlier, but there's the matter of the Thirteenth Squad's Kuchiki Rukia-san. I want you to cooperate with that too, Soifon."
"...Ah! T-That's right. My apologies!!"
A brooding yandere probably feels something like this.
It felt like an icicle was being pressed against my spine.
"Besides, it's possible that Yoruichi-san might come to Soul Society. Rather than going to the World of the Living with limited Spiritual Pressure, wouldn't it be better to face her at full power... right?"
"I see... That might save me the trouble."
Wow... she's making a really evil face...
Back when she was called Shaolin, she was so innocent and cute.
Though the current Soifon is cute too.
---
"I'm exhausted..."
Well, the groundwork is mostly done now.
Shall I head home soon...?
...Ah!
I haven't talked to the Kuchiki family itself—or rather, Hisana-san and the others yet!!
...No, no.
Byakuya surely would have explained things properly on that front.
He is the current head of the Kuchiki family, and the father of Tokiya-kun and the others, after all.
It's fine... right...
Really... it's fine... isn't it...?
...
...
...
"I'm a little worried after all, so let's stop by the Kuchiki household too."
Ah, I really am a worrier...
And lastly.
Let me just record that stopping by was the correct decision.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]