In a remote corner of the Noble District, within a deserted alleyway.
Shihōin Buji's expression twitched as white hair hung from his temples. His aged face was stained with blood, and he stared in a disheveled mess at Naraku Sora, who had suddenly appeared before him.
Although the overwhelming murderous intent from before had dissipated, in his eyes, this youth was no different from a demon. Just moments ago, he had been envisioning a bright future; even the scenery outside the window had looked beautiful.
Yet in the blink of an eye, everything was destroyed.
Those high-and-mighty Shihōin elders had died pathetic deaths amidst the ruins, stripped of all dignity—just like the residents of Rukongai. It turned out that when nobles died, they looked no different from anyone else.
As Naraku Sora drew closer, Shihōin Buji smelled the scent of death. In his terror, he clenched his teeth and squeezed a voice from his throat:
"You have no idea what you're doing!"
"As personnel of a Seireitei institution, attacking and killing members of the nobility... you will absolutely be wanted by the Soul Reapers of the Gotei 13! If you kill me, you will never escape!"
Shihōin Buji was already beginning to regret his previous decision. Why had he sent people to assassinate such a monster in the first place?!
The boy was like a mindless madman who didn't care for rules or decorum. I send an assassin for you during the day, and by night, you're at my front door with a blade, slaughtering everyone without a word. He didn't even care if there were innocents inside.
"You're a strange one," Naraku Sora said, sounding puzzled. "Someone wants to kill me, and I'm supposed to just surrender and hand over my life on a silver platter?"
At that moment, someone approached from outside the alley. A heavy Reiatsu instantly covered the entire area, enveloping the two of them.
Shihōin Buji was overjoyed and hurriedly cried out:
"I'm over here! Someone is committing treason and attacking members of the Five Great Noble Houses!"
The moment his voice fell, a ripple vibrated through the air. Like a roar of thunder, a dazzling light erupted at the edge of their vision and streaked toward them.
A figure descended from the sky, kicking up a violent gust of wind and a thunderous boom.
Deep green eyes, shoulder-length black hair, and a handsome face. He wore the Kenseikan—a symbol of noble status—on one side of his head, and a red Ginrei Shirogane Sae was tied around his neck.
Seeing this person, Naraku Sora raised an eyebrow and subtly shifted his Zanpakutō behind him. He recognized this man's identity.
A rising star of the Seireitei who had made a name for himself in the Soul Society long ago, known for wiping out large numbers of rebellious Soul Reapers on the battlefield—almost the most brilliant Soul Reaper of the era.
Kuchiki Kōga.
He hadn't expected Kōga to be the first to arrive, but considering this was the Noble District and the Kuchiki Manor was nearby, it made sense.
"As a Soul Reaper of the Inner Court, offending the nobility warrants death. Will you surrender quietly, or must I personally break your limbs before handing you over to the Central 46 for judgment?"
Kuchiki Kōga was a man who lived strictly by the rules. To be precise, since marrying into the Kuchiki family, he took great pride in their honor. He spent every day yearning to achieve great deeds to earn the recognition of the Head of the Kuchiki House.
"Well now, there's no need to trouble yourself, Lord Kōga."
From above the secluded alley, a crisp voice suddenly rang out.
The group looked toward the sound to see a charming figure standing with hands on her hips, her black cape fluttering behind her as she looked down upon them.
As Yoruichi leapt down from the wall, other Soul Reapers arrived late to the scene, quickly filling the silent alley to capacity.
Although the commotion at the Shihōin Manor tonight had been massive, it had been hindered by someone's swift and decisive actions—coupled with an accomplice providing cover from behind to divert nearby patrol squads. By the time they reached the manor, nothing remained but desolate ruins.
Now, though they had cornered the culprit, the situation on the field seemed to have changed again.
Is this some gossip from the Great Noble Houses?
The patrolling Soul Reapers surrounded the alley entrance. While maintaining serious expressions, they pricked up their ears, their eyes darting toward the central figures.
Kuchiki Kōga furrowed his brows, a flash of dissatisfaction flickering in his eyes. The facts were right in front of them; what was the point of delaying? A mere Soul Reaper of the Inner Court, acting recklessly in the Noble District just because he had a bit of talent—shouldn't such behavior be suppressed on the spot?
Despite his inner impatience, Kuchiki Kōga adhered to his training and said in a heavy voice:
"Does Lady Yoruichi intend to shield such a criminal?"
Yoruichi grinned, completely ignoring Shihōin Buji's pleading gaze. She stated bluntly:
"First of all, there is no 'criminal' here as you describe."
"Secondly, what happened tonight is merely a private family matter of our Shihōin House. Though the commotion was a bit loud, it is still within our control."
A family matter?
The Soul Reapers' ears perked up even more. Although night patrol was hard work, being able to hear the secrets of a Noble House made it well worth the price!
Kuchiki Kōga's frown deepened.
"What family matter? I only see an ordinary Soul Reaper committing an act of insubordination against his superiors..."
Before he could finish, Yoruichi waved him off. The girl walked to the youth's side and draped her arm around his shoulder. Her movements were intimate and natural, as if they had practiced it countless times.
"Sora isn't just some ordinary Soul Reaper. He is my future husband, and likewise a member of the Shihōin House."
As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar broke out.
The Soul Reapers forgot all about status and decorum. They stared wide-eyed at Naraku Sora, who was being held by the girl; the word 'envy' was practically written on their faces. They were just one step away from shouting, "On what grounds?!"
Everyone was a Soul Reaper protecting the Seireitei. Here they were, patrolling the streets like bitter laborers, while this guy had suddenly skipped the social ladder and landed right at the peak of the Soul Society.
Kuchiki Kōga's expression stiffened. He opened his mouth, wanting to speak but stopping himself, then starting again.
When he looked at Naraku Sora again, his eyes held a sudden sense of understanding.
'So, you're a son-in-law who married into the family too!'
Having realized they shared a similar status, Kuchiki Kōga's expression instantly softened and became much more approachable.
"I see."
"Since it is a family matter, we won't interfere further. However, I must ask Lady Yoruichi to provide an explanation to the Assembly of Golden-Signed Nobles when the time comes."
Yoruichi nodded.
Kuchiki Kōga gave Shihōin Buji a look that suggested he was powerless to help, then promptly led the group of Soul Reapers away. From the excited expressions of that crowd, it wasn't hard to guess that by tomorrow at the latest, tonight's events would spread throughout the Seireitei.
Shihōin Buji watched the back of his departing lifeline in despair, his aged face filled with utter dejection.
Never in his wildest dreams did he think the Head of the Shihōin House would actually recognize a brat who wasn't even a noble. A century of planning had collapsed in a single day, leaving not a shred of hope.
He opened his dull eyes and stared blankly at the man and woman before him:
"Can we... settle this peacefully?"