Regarding the report of the Ryoka invasion, they appeared in West Rukongai—specifically, outside the gate.
Although Jidanbo, the Gatekeeper of the West Gate, engaged the Ryoka, he was defeated.
Afterward, in an unthinkable move, Jidanbo opened the gate himself and attempted to invite the Ryoka into the Seireitei, but Captain Gin Ichimaru of the Third Division intervened.
The gate was defended to the last, and the Ryoka were pushed back into Rukongai.
While the subsequent whereabouts of the Ryoka are unknown, it was judged that since they are trapped on the other side of the wall—in Rukongai—and have not infiltrated the Seireitei, it is not currently an issue.
According to the observations of the Twelfth Division, there are five invaders.
Captain Gin Ichimaru reported that "one of them was a Shinigami with orange hair."
Details regarding the appearance or demeanor of the other four remain unknown.
Furthermore, Jidanbo's safety is also unknown.
However, it is certain he sustained injuries—Captain Gin Ichimaru testified that he cut off Jidanbo's arm both to prevent the Ryoka's intrusion into the Seireitei and as punishment for inviting them in.
Details and follow-up reports are currently under investigation.
---
"Good grief... Dealing with Rukia-san's situation is hard enough, and now Ryoka are coming... It's so restless."
That was the initial report following this Ryoka invasion.
I had just finished reading the report distributed to all Captains in the Division Head's office.
"...Are you worried?"
"Well, of course. My head and hands are full just with Rukia-san's matter right now."
I nodded at Isane's words.
"I want to do something for her... There are less than fourteen days left until the scheduled date..."
"Fourteen days... Ah! T-That means, surely...!!"
By custom, when there are less than fourteen days until the execution, the felon is transferred to the Shrine of Penitence.
The cell is designed so that the execution tool called the Sokyoku is visible from the window, and by gazing at it every day, one is meant to repent for the sins they have committed—that is why it is called the Shrine of Penitence.
...The purpose is to mentally corner them by forcing them to look at the execution tool all day long, making them think, 'Before long, I will be killed by that... What a foolish thing I have done...' It is a prison with an outrageously sadistic purpose.
I've never been in there, though.
It seems Isane knew about it too, and realizing this, her face turned pale.
"Yes, the Shrine of Penitence. Except for the door, the only thing in the cell is a window. But all you can see from that window is the execution tool waiting for the moment to take your life..."
"Ugh... I feel depressed just thinking about it..."
It's no wonder she's frightened.
If Isane feels this way just imagining it, I wonder how much Rukia-san's spirit is being worn down as she experiences it right now.
It seems Renji-kun was present for the transfer, but it must be painful for him too.
"...If only the Ryoka in question would stick around a little longer... If they confused the situation, it might be a good opportunity to stir things up..."
"C-Captain!!"
Oh, oops.
I accidentally said that out loud. Tee-hee, Airi-chan is such a scatterbrain.
The moment my mutterings reached her ears, Isane raised her voice in surprise.
"I... I always want to be of help to you, Captain! I will cooperate with the matter regarding Rukia Kuchiki to the best of my ability! B-But... I-I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that just now!!"
"Fufu, thank you. I'm happy to have a reliable Lieutenant."
"Ehehe..."
'You casually gauged Isane-dono's reaction and acted to draw her to your side... Master, you truly have become bold—'
—CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG!!
'Wh-What is it, what is it?! The bells are ringing like crazy!!'
Nubatama reacts first!? That's supposed to be my role!!
...Ahem.
Just as the two of us were talking in the Squad 4 Captain's office like this, the sound of bells announcing an emergency resonated.
Even though Denreishinki have become widespread, sometimes things are so analog.
"Notification to all Captains! Convening an emergency Captains' meeting immediately!! I repeat—"
The announcement continued in a desperate tone, but we no longer had the composure to worry about that.
"A Captains' meeting!? And an emergency one!? That means the agenda is probably... about that."
I glanced briefly at the report sitting on the executive desk.
"Well, I wonder what will happen... Come on, you too, Isane."
"Auu... I-I have to go... don't I..."
"It's an emergency Captains' meeting, you know? It's decided that Lieutenants have to go too."
"Yesss..."
Basically, Captains attend Captains' meetings accompanied by their Lieutenants.
While the Captains are in conference, the Lieutenants of each division wait in a room called the Anteroom.
Well, some Lieutenants sneak out without waiting and secretly listen to the meeting, but basically, they wait.
As for the reason Isane is reluctant.
...It's a story from a little while ago, but a small incident occurred where the Lieutenants of each division were exhausted every time a Captains' meeting was held.
The cause goes without saying.
I mean, look, please remember. The Lieutenant of the Eleventh Division...
'Apparently, it's a tension like high school students who have a dangerous delinquent in the same class! Even during break time, they can't make noise freely, just sitting in their chairs in dead silence! That's the image!!'
It's not like Lieutenant Zaraki is a mad dog who bites anyone indiscriminately, so there's no need to worry that much.
But even knowing that, his intimidating appearance is just...
Even if it's guaranteed that "he absolutely won't bite or attack," not many people can pet a lion. That is the situation.
Perhaps Captain Unohana understands this, as she seems to have 3rd Seat Kusajishi attend with him after a while.
Also, Lieutenant Kaien seems to be considerate in various ways, so I heard it has improved considerably... but Isane still doesn't seem used to it...
And so, soothing a tearful Isane, we departed.
---
"Captain Kuchiki, hello."
"Ah, Captain Yukawa."
When we headed to the venue for the Captains' meeting, the Head Captain and Byakuya were already waiting there.
Just the two of them; no other Captains seemed to be there yet.
The Head Captain is the one who convened this meeting, so it's natural for him to be first.
As for Byakuya, he has been taking time off work for a while now, staying at home and constantly sending petitions saying "I want you to reconsider Rukia-san's execution," so it seems he arrived early too.
"You look... a bit tired..."
"Yes, well... I have too many worries, and sleepless nights continue..."
...Oh?
I feel like we had a conversation like this a little while ago...
"—Ahem."
" "...!!" "
The moment the Head Captain cleared his throat once, we straightened our backs and shut our mouths.
Strict prohibition of private talk, I suppose.
But only three people have gathered yet, so surely a little bit is fine...
In the first place, this is an emergency Captains' meeting that doesn't consider the Captains' schedules.
Captains might be on the outskirts of Rukongai! In that case, how much time will it take before we start...
" ...You're here."
Sure enough, by the time everyone had gathered, the sun had set.
When I arrived, the sun was still high in the sky... I'm tired of waiting...
After a long time, the Captains gathered one by one, and when the last person finally arrived, the Head Captain, sensing it, spoke heavily.
"Now, let us have an explanation for your actions this time! Captain of the Third Division, Gin Ichimaru!"
Twelve—twenty-four eyes pierced Gin Ichimaru as he revealed himself.
'One of them is blind, so wouldn't it not be twenty-four eyes?'
...That is true. let's leave Tosen's share out of the count.
"What is it? Calling me out so suddenly, making such a big deal out of it..."
Despite being glared at with sharp gazes, Ichimaru did not break his aloof attitude. With a fearless smile plastered on his face, he began his exchange with the Head Captain.
The agenda is about the blunder of letting Ichigo and the others escape the other day.
Incidentally, his acting alone is also a problem, but if he had captured Ichigo and the others, that would likely have been offset and gone unpunished.
So, "You're a Captain, right? Why did you fail? Explain yourself," is the purpose of this Captains' meeting.
"Well? Do you have any explanation... Ichimaru?"
After stating the purpose of the summons, the Head Captain waited for Ichimaru's reply while displaying intense pressure, but Ichimaru, the target of it, kept a cool face.
"I have none."
"...What did you say?"
"I don't have an explanation. It was my careless mistake; there's no excuse to make."
"...Wait a minute, Ichimaru..."
As Ichimaru admitted his mistake simply, and Aizen was about to say something upon seeing that—
—CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG!!
"Emergency Alert!! Emergency Alert!! Intruders within the Seireitei!! All squads, please take defensive positions!!"
An alarm sounded, ringing with a tone even heavier and more intense than the one that rang when the emergency Captains' meeting was convened during the day, and an announcement informing us of intruders echoed.
"Intruders!?"
"Could it be the Ryoka from before!?"
The Captains are surprised.
But, surely this is the warning that Ichigo and the others have arrived, right?
"...It cannot be helped..."
While his face clouded over at the loudly ringing alarm, the Head Captain spoke, seeming somewhat unconvinced.
"The Captains' meeting is dismissed for now! The disposition of Ichimaru will be communicated later. All squads, immediately take defensive positions within the Court—"
"Um, Head Captain."
"What is it?"
Blocking the words the Head Captain was about to say, I spoke up.
"I apologize for interrupting you. But I have a thought... May I make a proposal?"
"...Speak."
"Thank you."
Receiving permission from the Head Captain, I voiced my plan.
---
*Irregular Series: Ichigo Today*
Ichigo-kun and his friends have arrived at Rukongai.
Although they survived the battle with Jidanbo and Gin Ichimaru at the West Gate, the aftermath is difficult.
It is not hard to imagine that security inside the Seireitei has become strict due to the presence of intruders.
Therefore, Yoruichi-san in cat form proposed entering from somewhere other than the gate.
"Elder, do you know the whereabouts of a person named Kukaku Shiba? If things remain as they were before, I remember she lived in this Rukongai..."
"Kukaku Shiba... Aah! You mean Miyako-dono's sister-in-law!!"
"...Huh?"
At the sight of the Elder of West Rukongai showing an expression that somehow looked like he was smitten, Yoruichi-san let out a foolish voice.
"Oh my, you know of the Shiba clan, but you did not know of Miyako-dono? She is Kaien-dono's wife!"
"What!! Wife!? H-He got married!! That Kaien did!?"
It seems that for Yoruichi-san, everything the Elder said was news to her.
Her voice cracked as she screamed.
"Ah! That name 'Kaien' came up again!! Who the hell is that!!"
"Shut up!! Be quiet for a moment!!"
Ichigo-kun reacted sharply to the name "Kaien," but the result was "Yoruichi's Fury Swipes! It's super effective!"
Ignoring Ichigo-kun, who was rolling around screaming "Guoooooo!!" in pain, Yoruichi-san continued the conversation.
"I didn't know that at all... No, well, considering the situation, it is natural that I wouldn't know... Gununu, just what is going on...?"
"Um... Nyanko-dono...? If it is the house where the Shiba family lives, I know it..."
"Mu! You know it!!"
"Yes, of course! Or rather, anyone living in this West Rukongai knows it!"
"...What?"
Yoruichi-san dropped her shoulders as if defeated by the words "everyone knows."
But it can't be helped.
Since people in Rukongai, regardless of age or gender, are captivated by Miyako-san's popularity, there was no opportunity to know about it in the World of the Living.
Even if she feels foolish for asking so seriously, she didn't know, so it can't be helped.
Oh right, and regarding Ichigo-kun.
"Are you okay, Ichigo..."
"S-Should I heal you...?"
"...You've become handsome, Kurosaki."
"Ishida! Which part of this is handsome!!"
Although he had been sunk by the Fury Swipes, seeing him immediately react and retort properly to Uryu-kun's words, he really is the protagonist.
---
After that, since it was getting late and walking unfamiliar roads at night is dangerous, they decided to stay at the Elder's house for the night before departing for the Shiba house.
...Ah, when they stayed over, Ganju-kun didn't appear.
Kaien-san is alive.
Kukaku-san hasn't lost an arm.
There is a sister-in-law named Miyako-san.
He has been cared for by Miyako-san since he was a child.
There is no way a guy in this situation would show up saying "Self-proclaimed hater of Shinigami number one in West Rukongai!"
There isn't even the foundation for him to grow into a twisted personality that would straddle a giant boar named Bonnie-chan and act like a biker gang member.
"Now, according to the map, it's around here..."
"Mmm... strange."
While walking toward the Shiba house, Yoruichi-san raised a suspicious voice.
I wonder what happened?
"Are we really close?"
"Yes, we should be. Look."
"Then... why can't I find the banner-bearing object?"
After checking the map Uryu-kun showed, she muttered as if truly puzzled.
((What is a banner-bearing object—?!))
Ichigo and Uryu, the two of them, retorted intensely in their minds.
"Mu... By banner-bearing, do you mean that...?"
Chad-kun, who was listening to the conversation, seemed to have spotted something keenly and pointed.
Ahead of them, a single so-called "nobori flag" with "Shiba Kukaku" written on it was fluttering.
"What is that...? It is quite shabby this time..."
(Banner-bearing object...? Is that an object...?)
(Shabby implies that there were times when it was flashier...!?)
"It feels kind of like when a ramen shop opens."
Furthermore, the Shiba house is behind the flag.
So Orihime-chan's expression also has a point.
Anyway.
They passed through the check of Koganehiko and Ginhiko simply with Yoruichi-san's face pass, were shown into the Shiba house, and the meeting with Kukaku-san was realized.
"Yo, it's been a while, Yoruichi."
Kukaku-san greeted Ichigo-kun, who had been shown into her room.
"Oh my, are you Kukaku's friends? Nice to meet you, I am Miyako Shiba."
And next to her sat Miyako-san, who just happened to be visiting Kukaku's room to hang out.
"W-Woman!?"
"Wait, by Miyako, do you mean that one everyone was talking about in Rukongai!? This person!?"
"Then is this one here Kukaku!?"
"Come to think of it, I think someone said it was a sister..."
"If it's such important information, why didn't you realize it sooner, Ishida!!"
"Shut up, Kurosaki! You didn't realize it either!!"
The two designated straight-men are making a racket.
And as for Orihime-chan and Chad-kun—
"Beautiful person..."
"I don't know... where to look..."
—They were spilling their impressions of Miyako-san and Kukaku-san.
It was Orihime-chan, unable to take her eyes off Miyako-san, whom even women would admire, and Chad-kun, desperately averting his eyes from the overly exposed Kukaku-san.
"You brats are noisy!! ...Hm? Hey, that guy is..."
"Oh? Oh my, oh my...?"
"W-What is it...?"
Kukaku-san and Miyako-san, the two of them stared intently at Ichigo-kun together.
"Big Brother!?"
"Kaien!?"
"That name again!! Just what is going on!!"
Was it stress accumulating from being constantly mistaken for someone with a similar appearance whom he doesn't even know? Ichigo-kun's soul-filled scream echoed through the Shiba household.
---
"By the way, Kukaku, what on earth is that banner-bearing object...?"
"Ah, Big Sis hates the flashy ones... It was a struggle just to get her to approve a flag like that..."
"I-Is that so..."
It seems there were hardships unknown to others.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]