Then, the Captains' Meeting concluded. Everyone dispersed.
After leaving the meeting room, Byakuya, who had previously volunteered with a stern expression to capture Rukia, immediately turned grim. His steps wavered as he walked.
Byakuya volunteered primarily out of concern for Rukia.
If someone else went, any unforeseen event, like Rukia resisting, could be disastrous.
After all, the Central 46's order stated that if Rukia resisted, she could be killed on sight.
If Byakuya went, he could at least show some leniency without violating the order.
But regarding what to do after capturing Rukia, Byakuya had no idea.
Rukia severely violated Soul Society's regulations this time. Without intervention, she would face severe punishment.
But intervening to save Rukia would mean violating regulations himself.
Byakuya couldn't help but recall his promise to Hisana and the oath sworn before his parents' graves.
He promised Hisana to protect Rukia well, but also swore before his parents never to violate regulations again.
When the two conflicted, which to choose… 'Protect Rukia' or 'Obey Regulations'?
For a moment, Byakuya fell into confusion.
Meanwhile, Ukitake nearby approached Byakuya and comforted, "Byakuya, don't worry too much. With Rukia's personality, how could she willingly violate regulations? There must be some misunderstanding. Once we bring Rukia back and clarify matters, she'll be fine."
"Worried? Hmph. I'm not worried about her. I'm just thinking of capturing Rukia quickly to cleanse the disgrace she brought upon the Kuchiki Clan." Byakuya pretended to be cold.
Although deeply concerned about Rukia, his pride wouldn't allow him to appear weak.
With that, Byakuya turned and left.
"Byakuya..." Ukitake called.
But Byakuya ignored him.
However, after a few steps, Byakuya suddenly saw Toshiro ahead.
Byakuya's heart stirred, recalling Toshiro once asking him how he'd choose between 'Obeying Regulations' and 'Protecting Rukia' if they conflicted.
'Could Hitsugaya Toshiro have known something like today would happen?' Byakuya couldn't help but think.
"Captain Hitsugaya." Byakuya called out to Toshiro.
"What is it?" Toshiro turned back.
"Rukia..." Byakuya hesitated.
Although not explicitly stated, Toshiro understood.
"No need for hesitation. Do what you feel you must. Just trust that Rukia will ultimately be fine." Toshiro said with certainty.
"Is that so?" Byakuya said, half-believing, half-doubting.
"Of course. I guarantee it!"
Then Toshiro bid farewell to Byakuya.
…
10th Division, Captain's Office.
Toshiro sat on his Captain's seat, eyes closed, contemplating upcoming plot events.
'Next, Rukia will be captured and brought back to the Soul Society. Then Ichigo will invade the Soul Society to save Rukia. However...'
'By now, Aizen should have already acted against the Central 46, right?' Toshiro thought.
Toshiro recalled Aizen mentioning in the original work that upon discovering Rukia's presence in the Living World, he immediately slaughtered the entire Central 46, then issued orders impersonating them.
'Now that Rukia's been discovered, the Central 46 should be slaughtered by Aizen. It's a pity I can't personally witness such a satisfying scene.'
Toshiro felt somewhat regretful.
Just as Toshiro sighed, Aizen had already begun acting.
Central 46 Compound.
Since no one could approach without being summoned, aside from Central 46's members and some guards, this vast place remained deserted, usually very quiet.
But today, three uninvited guests arrived.
Aizen, Ichimaru Gin, and Tisen Kaname walked to the Central 46 Compound's main gate.
Creak!
The gates suddenly opened, and two guards emerged.
"Who are you?! Don't you know no one can approach here casually?!" One guard shouted sternly.
"Greetings. I am 5th Division's Captain, Aizen Sosuke." Aizen said with a smile.
"5th Division's Captain?"
The guard's expression softened slightly but still said, "Even as a Gotei 13's Captain, without Central 46 summons, you cannot approach here arbitrarily. We'll let it slide this time. Please return."
"Thank you." Aizen suddenly said.
"What?" the guard asked, puzzled.
Aizen still smiled gently. "Thank you for opening the door for me, saving me some trouble. As thanks..."
Swish!
A blade light suddenly flashed.
Schlick!
Schlick!
Both guards were sliced in two.
Clang!
Aizen sheathed his Zanpakuto, still smiling. "As thanks, I'll let you die painlessly."
"Let's go, Gin, Kaname."
Aizen entered first, followed closely by Gin and Tosen.
Underground Assembly Hall.
At this moment, Central 46's members were handling work.
While the Gotei 13 managed Seireitei and Soul Society security, judicial and administrative affairs fell under the Central 46.
Now, some Central 46's members discussed among themselves… others worked silently, unaware of impending danger.
Bam!
The underground assembly hall doors suddenly opened.
The Central 46's members were startled.
"You are... 5th Division's Captain, Aizen Sosuke, 3rd Division's Captain Ichimaru Gin, 9th Division's Captain Tosen Kaname." Someone recognized the three.
However, Central 46's members immediately berated loudly, "Who allowed you in?!"
"Really! The Gotei 13 grows more audacious, daring to barge into the Central 46!"
"This behavior must be severely punished!"
"Correct! Their Captain positions must be revoked!!"
"Moreover, Yamamoto, as Captain-Commander, failed to discipline properly. He must also be harshly reprimanded!"
Central 46's members arrogantly pointed at Aizen and the others, severely scolding them.
"Are you finished?" Aizen suddenly spoke.
Though still smiling, Aizen's eyes were icy cold.
"If you're finished, then please die!"
With that, Aizen waved a hand. Tosen immediately charged forward.
Gin hesitated momentarily, then also followed Tosen.
Cold blade lights lit up throughout the underground assembly hall.
Schlick, schlick, schlick...
Sounds of blades piercing flesh echoed continuously.
"Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhh...!!"
Screams reverberated throughout the underground assembly hall.