The capture of Airi Yukawa and the execution of Rukia Kuchiki.
These two events, announced almost simultaneously, brought shock and confusion to various parts of the Seireitei.
In the case of the 11th Division:
"This is bad!"
It started with a shout from Yumichika Ayasegawa.
Diving at full speed into the underground space where Ichigo Kurosaki continued his training, he screamed at the top of his lungs to signal that an emergency had occurred.
His frantic demeanor was enough to make Ichigo instinctively stop his practice.
"What is it? What happened?"
"What is the matter, Fifth Seat Ayasegawa? You are being quite noisy."
"Ah, Captain... wait, it is not about that! Something terrible has happened!"
Because he had rushed in so quickly, Yumichika forced his slightly breathless body into a state of calm as he spoke the following words.
"Captain Yukawa was captured just moments ago."
"What did you say!?"
"What!?"
"Huh!? What do you mean by that!?"
"Whaaaat!?"
"Hey! What the hell are you talking about!?"
At that shocking news, everyone present turned toward Yumichika at once. Kenpachi even grabbed him by the collar.
"Do not ask me for details...!!"
"Wait, Kenpachi. Release him so we can hear the full story."
"Hmph... fine, you are right."
Admonished by Retsu Unohana, Kenpachi obediently let go. Had she not intervened, the strength in his hand might have crushed Yumichika.
Having finally been released, Yumichika coughed as he continued.
"Alright, speak."
"Cough, cough... ah, ow... okay, I can still talk. I said she was captured, but I have not heard much in the way of details either. However—"
"However!? What!?"
"—However, it seems there was a scuffle in a location away from the 11th Division barracks. Remember? I received a report from a low-ranking soldier about a 'dispute' and went to investigate. That was it."
"Ah, now that you mention it... you did go somewhere after we finished eating the food Airi Yukawa made, did you not?"
To Ichigo, who was pestering him for more information like a child, Yumichika explained the reason for his absence from the space.
"You... well, never mind. It seems that very commotion was the act of capturing her."
"Oh, how strange. If there were such a disturbance, it is unlikely I would not have noticed..."
Unohana tilted her head at the explanation of a scuffle.
To put it mildly, her spiritual pressure perception was far beyond that of an average captain.
If even Unohana had not noticed... after following that train of thought, she lightly clapped her hands.
"—Could it be that someone was hiding it?"
"I do not know that much... but according to those nearby, four captains were present."
"Four captains to restrain her... even using tricks to disrupt spiritual perception... that girl has finally become quite a handful, has she not?"
"A... handful? Is that how you use that word, Yoruichi-san...?"
"Do not ask me..."
While the two of them, still unaccustomed to Unohana's unique standards of evaluation, held their heads in their hands, Yumichika glanced at Ichigo and the others before speaking to Unohana and Kenpachi.
"There is one more piece of bad news! The higher-ups found out we were sheltering them!"
"What...!"
"They found us... no, considering the state of the Seireitei, perhaps it was inevitable."
At those words, Yoruichi nodded as if it made sense.
Her energetic movements might have appeared peculiar to others. If anything, things had been going too well until now.
"The Central 46 has already sent a document giving the Ryoka a final ultimatum. I shall read it."
After that preface, Yumichika looked down at the document.
[NOTIFICATION]
It has been determined that the 11th Division is harboring the Ryoka in question.
However, the mastermind, Airi Yukawa, has already been captured and her motives revealed.
There is no longer any need to capture or interrogate the Ryoka to ascertain their purpose.
Therefore, the 11th Division is hereby ordered:
Kill those Ryoka.
Wash away the stain of suspicion with your own hands and prove your pride as Soul Reapers.
Failure to comply will result in the 11th Division being branded as rebels, and force will be used without hesitation.
We expect rational behavior.
"—Or so it says."
The text was read in a monotone, emotionless voice, much like a machine.
The first person to laugh it off was right there.
"Ha! 'Rational behavior,' they say!! Of all the people to say that to, they picked us!!"
"Ikkaku!? What has gotten into you all of a sudden!"
"Nothing's gotten into me! I came here because I have business!"
In Yumichika's memory, Ikkaku was supposed to be leading the 11th Division today, so he wondered what happened.
Ignoring Yumichika, who was surprised by the sudden arrival, Ikkaku Madarame showed a serious expression.
"...Captain, I have bad news and more bad news."
"Wait, they're both bad!?"
"Shut up and listen, Ichigo!!"
Ichigo had instinctively retorted, but realizing this was not the time to interrupt Ikkaku's attitude, he also tightened his expression.
"Let us hear it. What happened?"
"First of all, Airi Yukawa has been caught. The charges are... well... using the Ryoka to try and destroy the Seireitei, or something like that. It is so stupid that no one would believe it, it is absolutely impossible..."
This news had also been sent to each division in writing.
As the person currently in charge on the scene, Ikkaku had glanced through the document and snorted at the memory.
"The problem isn't that. Apparently, she was snatched up by the Central 46, and after an interrogation, she's to be executed."
As soon as he said that, the surroundings began to buzz.
"Impossible, that is far too hasty!!"
"Yoruichi-san, is this really as strange as it sounds!?"
"Of course... hm, though I cannot say for certain... considering what happened a hundred years ago... hmmm... but it is still irregular... is there something behind this...?"
"Hey, hey, give me a break..."
Because she had experienced something similar with Kisuke Urahara and the others a hundred years ago, Yoruichi couldn't help but fall into deep thought, and seeing that, Ichigo's shoulders slumped.
"Let us set that aside for now. So, what is the other piece of bad news?"
"This one concerns you more, Ichigo."
"Huh? Me...?"
Suddenly being put on the spot, Ichigo gave a distracted reply.
"Yeah. The execution of Rukia Kuchiki has been rescheduled."
"What... what does that mean!? I thought Byakuya and Renji said Rukia's case was temporarily postponed!!"
"They say it's resuming because they caught the person responsible for the postponement. And to make it even better, they said the sentence will be carried out today."
"!!?"
At those words, Ichigo was finally lost for words.
"This stinks..."
In contrast to Ichigo, Kenpachi wore a menacing grin.
"Yes, indeed. To show such intentional and calculated moves so openly..."
Unohana also agreed with Kenpachi's opinion—while wearing a smile that was gentle yet chilling to the bone.
"Hey, hey, Ken-chan. Let's go help Airin."
And only Yachiru Kusajishi raised a carefree voice, ignoring the murderous atmosphere entirely.
"If we help Airin, she'll owe us big time! Then we might get lots and lots of candy!!"
"A favor, huh... I see. You've got a point. Since the Seireitei has been so lively since yesterday... this is an opportunity like no other..."
"That's right, that's right, Ken-chan! So let's go! Please, please!?"
"That sounds lovely. It is just as Third Seat Kusajishi says. And—"
"And... what is it?"
Ikkaku asked timidly at Unohana's suggestive phrasing.
"—Based on Yoruichi-san's explanation, we might even get to cross blades with Captain Aizen."
"Ooh! That sounds great!! I've wanted to try cutting him once since I heard he was a bit of a mystery!!"
"Ha, haha... they're so reliable it's scary..."
The first Kenpachi and the current Kenpachi.
Ichigo was stunned to see the two strongest people hitting it off and targeting Sosuke Aizen.
Ichigo knew nothing about the Central 46, nor did he know the face of a Soul Reaper named Sosuke Aizen.
But he felt a tiny bit of sympathy for this opponent whose face he didn't even know.
"Sorry, Ichigo. I'm going to Airi Yukawa's side too! I'd normally want to help you, but... I've got some thoughts of my own about this..."
"O-Oh. Don't worry about it, Ikkaku."
"I see. It is a pity we cannot have Kenpachi's help... but at least the 6th and 13th Divisions will likely cooperate."
While Yoruichi was doing the math in her head, Ichigo flatly denied her.
"What are you saying, Yoruichi-san! I'm going to save Rukia even if I'm alone!!"
"Hm! That is right. We came this far with that intention from the start. To cower now would be the height of folly."
While the two of them talked...
"Of course, I am going with Ikkaku."
"You don't have to push yourself, Yumichika."
"Yay! Everyone's going on an outing!!"
...a conversation like that was taking place.
In the case of the 13th Division:
"Wha!? What the hell is that!!"
Kaien Shiba's angry voice echoed through the 13th Division barracks.
"This is crazy! This is absolutely insane!!"
"B-Brother?"
"What on earth...?"
"What is it, Vice-Captain? If you get that angry, you'll die young."
It started with two documents that arrived at the 13th Division.
After Jushiro Ukitake looked them over, Kaien read them and had this reaction.
It was only natural for Ganju and the subordinates nearby to be surprised.
"Read this!"
"Whoa... let's see, what is it..."
To their reaction, Kaien threw the documents as if to say, "It's too much trouble to explain."
Catching them in a hurry, they sat in a circle and read for a while.
"B-Brother! This is...!!"
"Yeah, exactly what it says."
"Then is Airi-neesan really!?"
"This one says Rukia-san is going to be executed right now!?"
"What!? It says that!?"
"...Wait, Sentaro, hadn't you read it yet?"
"I hadn't read that one yet! Hey!! Don't look at me like I'm an idiot!"
A great commotion broke out immediately.
Setting that aside, Ukitake and Kaien began to consult with solemn faces.
"The timing is almost simultaneous. Normally I would want to cover both, but that is impossible. In other words, to help one, we must abandon the other."
"You're right..."
Kaien furrowed his brow, thought for a moment, and then spoke his answer.
"Well! Airi Yukawa can probably handle herself, right? I can't imagine that girl dying. Right, Captain?"
"Yes, you are right. It hurts my heart to seem like we are abandoning her, but our goal is Rukia. We cannot lose sight of that."
It seemed the two of them had already made up their minds.
They had only hesitated for a few seconds.
"Besides, even if we do not go, she is who she is. Most likely..."
"Yeah, you're right. That girl—"
But the reason they could decide immediately was not that they were abandoning Airi Yukawa.
They knew very well that they didn't need to lend a hand.
"—Her nickname as the 'Seireitei's Number One Kenpachi Caretaker' isn't just for show."
It was a nickname that had begun to be spoken naturally by people from somewhere, at some point.
They say there is someone who can control the Kenpachi of the 11th Division.
They say she has the strength to be swung around by Kenpachi while simultaneously swinging him around herself.
They say she is the one who can always serve as Kenpachi's playmate.
Such rumors had spread throughout the Seireitei over the past ten years.
To someone who was the subject of such rumors, unnecessary worry—no, it might even be an obstacle.
Therefore, their minds were made up.
The 13th Division would head to rescue Rukia Kuchiki.
That was also in the hearts of everyone present.
"Um, Brother... I'm going to help Airi-neesan..."
"Now, now, Ganju, think about it for a second. Look, we were originally moving to save Rukia Kuchiki because of Yoruichi, right?"
"Y-Yeah..."
"In other words, heading toward Rukia Kuchiki is staying true to our original purpose! A man doesn't change his mind once it's made up, right? Because she'd fall for you all over again if she saw you like that, wouldn't she?"
"F-Fall for me again... Alright! I get it!!"
"So easy... for my own brother, he's so easy..."
It seems this sister and brother will also participate.
...I feel like he's being tricked, though...
"That's right, Vice-Captain! I have a suggestion..."
"Huh? Wait, Kiyone! You—"
"Bwahahahaha!!"
It seems a mysterious exchange also took place just before departure...
In the case of the 6th Division:
"Captain, Captain Kuchiki!"
"What is it, Renji? You are noisy."
Byakuya Kuchiki greeted Renji Abarai, who had arrived with enough momentum to kick down the door of the Captain's office, with a calm tone.
"It's not 'what is it'! Rukia and Sensei are...!!"
"Ah, that. I already know."
"Eh...?"
Having been told that much, Renji noticed.
Byakuya's appearance was more solemn than usual.
While he normally maintained the dress and posture that were the model of a high-ranking noble, today something was different.
There wasn't a huge difference in what he was wearing, but he tilted his head, wondering what had happened.
"We are going, Renji."
"Going... where?"
"To Rukia's side, of course—because I must save my sister."
"...Yes!! I will accompany you!!"
Renji finally understood the reason.
The level of resolve was different. Right now, Byakuya looked as if he were heading to a battlefield, determined to return alive.
Not wanting to lose to that resolve, Renji also let his fighting spirit flare up in his heart—only to suddenly realize something.
"But, um... is it okay to leave Sensei?"
"Yukawa-dono... of course, I am not unconcerned. But most likely, Yukawa-dono herself would not want that."
"You're... right. If we went to Sensei's side for no reason, she'd probably scold us instead."
Renji found himself nodding.
Everyone has priorities they cannot compromise on. Choosing someone other than Rukia here was impossible for him.
In addition, he could somehow see it.
If—just purely if—he had chosen Airi Yukawa... she would surely be as angry as a raging fire.
"Besides... it feels like people more reliable than us are going to Sensei's side..."
"Indeed. The nickname 'Best Kenpachi Handler in the Seireitei' is neither a lie nor an exaggeration. It is the pure truth."
"On the flip side, it means if you meddle poorly, you'll end up making enemies out of Captain Unohana and Vice-Captain Zaraki... how terrifying... I'd definitely hate that."
The Best Kenpachi Handler... it seems she is called that as well.
In the case of the 4th Division:
"Vice-Captain! A document like this arrived!"
"And an ultimatum from the Central 46 as well!!"
"E-Eeeek!? W-What should I do..."
Isane Kotetsu was in a state of complete panic at the contents suddenly reported by the soldiers.
But that was only natural.
First her own Captain disappears and is captured, and then an execution is announced.
And almost immediately after, she is told to kill the Ryoka they are holding.
Furthermore, those Ryoka were brought here by the Captain in question, and thanks to her mediation, they have been accepted within the division to varying degrees.
With the person in charge, Airi Yukawa, absent, asking her as Vice-Captain to make those decisions was a very heavy burden.
"This means we have to kill Orihime-san and the others! I absolutely hate that!!"
"Well, you say that, Hinamori-kun... but it's an order from above. To disobey it would be..."
"Then are you saying, Third Seat Iemura, that we should just let them die!? Orihime-san and the others! And the Captain!!"
"I didn't say that... V-Vice-Captain, what shall we do..."
"Uuu... let's see, let's see..."
Although Isane had high spiritual pressure, her timid personality made her poor at "taking charge and making firm decisions."
Hardliners and cautious voices clashed there, and her head was already on the verge of exploding.
Wouldn't anyone be offended by whatever she chose? Her heart, which considered others' feelings too much, continued to slow her decision-making.
—I-In a time like this, if it were the Captain...
The moment she thought that, her mind was made up.
"The 4th Division will!! Trust Captain Yukawa!"
"Um, Vice-Captain... what do you mean by 'trust'...?"
"Ah! I-I made a mistake! I said 'trust'!!"
Although her opening line didn't quite land, Isane desperately spun her words.
"I saw the moment the Captain desperately saved her comrades when I was still a new recruit! Because I saw that, I wanted to be of use to the Captain!! There is no way such a Captain would do anything wrong!! Therefore, the 4th Division will not obey such an order!!"
Furthermore, as a sign of her resolve, she tore the ultimatum and threw it on the floor.
"And everyone in charge of the sewing room! Prepare three sets of Shihakusho!! Two for men and one for a woman! Oh, and please make one of the men's sets extra-large!!"
Two sets for men and one for a woman.
Everyone present understood what that order meant.
"We will disguise Orihime-san and the others as soldiers and let them escape! Hinamori-san, please act as their escort! I will go save the Captain!! This is an order issued by me as the Vice-Captain and Acting Captain!! Therefore, I take full responsibility!!"
"「「「「YES!!」」」」"
While many in the room responded to Isane's desperate resolve and order, only Momo Hinamori continued to hold her head and worry.
"I-I want to save the Captain too... ugh, but I can't abandon Orihime-san either... ugh..."
"Um, Hinamori-san...?"
"...I understand! But Vice-Captain! No stealing a march on me, okay!?"
It seems there was some kind of conflict.
In the case of the 2nd Division:
...? Wait, is there no 2nd Division?
Eh, be quiet? Take a peek from a distance...?
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! Airi-sama was captured by the Central 46!? And she's the mastermind of this incident!? Normally I should head to Airi-sama's side... but at the same time, Rukia Kuchiki is to be executed!! Judging from the information I received beforehand, those Ryoka are bound to attempt a rescue! If that's the case, there's a high probability that Yoruichi-sama is there too!? Isn't this a golden opportunity to capture Yoruichi-sama again!?"
"Um~ Captain...?"
"But if I do that, I'll be leaving Airi-sama to die!! What should I do, what should I do!! Think, think, Soifon!! Yoruichi-sama or Airi-sama!? Airi-sama or Yoruichi-sama!? No!! I can't find an answer!! Why, why don't I have two bodies!! If I had two bodies... I could serve Airi-sama while spending time with Yoruichi-sama at the same time...!? Could such a dream-like thing really be allowed to happen!?!? Ggh! Why didn't the Kido Corps develop a Kido that allows one to split into two!! If they had, I would have mastered it for sure!!"
"They've ordered the captains and vice-captains of each division to attend the execution of this prisoner, Rukia Kuchiki... No good, she's not listening..."
"I am listening!! Third Seat Omaeda!!"
"Hieee!! S-Sorry, sorry!! Also, why have you been calling me Third Seat every now and then for a while... I'm the Vice-Captain, you know..."
"Because a new Vice-Captain has been decided! Ah, Yoruichi-sama... Vice-Captain..."
"That's not fair!! Eh, why the sudden demotion!? Without a single word to the person himself!?"
"Don't be noisy!! You're loud!!"
...It is bringing... shock and confusion... more than enough... yeah...
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]