A few days later.
In the 6th Division's prison.
"Hey, Rukia, are you going to keep being stubborn like this? If you don't eat, your body will break down."
Renji spoke to Rukia through the bars of her cell.
According to the guards, since being captured and brought back, Rukia hadn't been eating properly. Worried, Renji came to check on her.
"I'm not being stubborn. I'm just not hungry, Lieutenant."
Rukia denied.
"Ah? What do you mean? Do you have a problem with me as Lieutenant?"
Renji frowned, displeased.
"Hmph, how would I dare? In the two-plus months I've been gone, you worked so hard to rise up and become Lieutenant. I admire you for it."
Rukia teased.
"You... Rukia, you..." Renji gritted his teeth.
"Hey... Renji."
Rukia suddenly called out.
"What?"
Renji asked, puzzled.
"Will I really die?"
Rukia's tone was strange.
"Idiot, why even ask that? You're going to be sentenced to death soon!"
Renji mocked.
"I see... You're right..."
Rukia said dejectedly.
Seeing Rukia's downcast expression, Renji raised his voice. "Idiot! I was lying just now! Who knows what will actually happen?"
"Captain Kuchiki has reported to headquarters. He should be requesting a sentence reduction for you. After all, he's your brother. He won't just watch you be executed."
Renji said, though he sounded somewhat uncertain himself.
"No. He will have me killed."
Rukia stated firmly.
"I know exactly what kind of person he is. I've been adopted by the Kuchiki Clan for over forty years, so I know very well how much that man values rules. As long as someone violates the Soul Society's rules, he will act without hesitation… even if it's his own family!"
Rukia said calmly.
"Oh? It seems you understand me quite well."
A voice suddenly spoke.
Renji turned to see Byakuya approaching slowly.
Byakuya walked up to the cell and looked at Rukia. "The decision regarding your handling has been issued."
"First-degree major crime! Kuchiki Rukia, as a condemned prisoner, will be executed by Sokyoku on the 25th day at the Central Great Underground Prison's execution grounds. This is the Soul Society's final decision."
Byakuya said expressionlessly.
"What?!"
Renji said incredulously. "Captain Kuchiki, you mean..."
"Just as you heard. I won't repeat it."
Byakuya said gravely.
Upon hearing the sentence, Rukia fell into silence.
Although she had guessed this might happen, having it confirmed made Rukia feel confused, scared, and fearful.
"This will likely be the last time I speak with you, Rukia. The next time we meet will be on the execution platform."
Byakuya said indifferently.
With that, Byakuya turned and left, his steps hurried.
Between 'protecting Rukia' and 'upholding the rules', Byakuya ultimately chose the latter.
But the guilt towards his wife Hisana and Rukia in his heart made Byakuya feel that if he stayed any longer, his already-made decision might waver again.
After leaving the prison, Byakuya wandered aimlessly in the corridor of the 6th Division's barracks.
However, at that moment, two voices suddenly reached him.
"The 6th Division Captain is really calm, isn't he!"
"Admirable, truly admirable!"
Byakuya's steps halted, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"Your own sister is about to die, yet you remain so cold. As expected of the 6th Division's Captain, truly a model Shinigami!"
A mocking voice continued.
"It's hilarious! Shinigami who fear death… that's probably just you and the 9th Division's Captain!"
Another voice retorted to its 'companion'.
"Oh? Is that so?" The first voice said.
"So it's the 3rd Division's Captain and the 11th Division's Captain. The two of you came without your Lieutenants. Do you need something?"
Byakuya turned to face the newcomers, his voice cold.
The newcomers were none other than Gin, Captain of the 3rd Division, and Zaraki, Captain of the 11th Division.
"Ara ara, upon hearing that the 6th Division's Captain's sister is to be executed, we were worried the Captain might be sad and despondent. So we came specifically to check on you."
Gin said with a smile, his eyes narrowed.
"What does that have to do with you?" Byakuya said unfavorably.
Zaraki's mouth twisted into a ferocious smile on his scarred face. "Sad and despondent? Probably unavoidable! As a noble family, how could it tolerate having a criminal among its members?"
"Oh? I never thought a mere commoner could understand the feelings of nobility!"
Byakuya said haughtily.
"Can't say that. Who told me I'm clever like that? So, how about it? In light of my cleverness..."
"Before she's executed, let me take care of that criminal!!"
Zaraki stared fiercely at Byakuya.
"Oh! I really didn't know you were capable of killing anyone!"
Byakuya's eyes flashed with a cold light.
"Want to give it a try?"
Zaraki placed his hand on his Zanpakuto hilt, staring intently at Byakuya.
"Do you truly wish to try?"
Byakuya also gripped the Zanpakuto at his waist.
Just as Byakuya and Zaraki were at a standoff, on the verge of drawing their swords, a voice suddenly rang out!
"Stop this!!"
Swish!
Before the sound faded, a figure abruptly appeared between Byakuya and Zaraki, pressing down on each of their sword-drawing right hands.
"Byakuya, Kenpachi! What are you doing?! As Captain-class Shinigami, engaging in a private clash… what kind of behavior is that?!"
The newcomer loudly reprimanded.
"Tch! What's this? It's just Toshiro. Don't stop me!"
Zaraki complained unhappily.
"Captain Hitsugaya, as you can see, it was not my intention to fight. The 11th Division's Captain has been provoking me all along."
Byakuya said.
"Alright, Kenpachi, stop causing trouble. And Byakuya, you should back down a bit too."
Toshiro said, feeling a headache coming on.
Toshiro had come to the 6th Division intending to visit Rukia, who was temporarily detained there. But he never expected to find Byakuya and Zaraki at a standoff, looking ready to fight.
"Hey! Toshiro, why am I the one causing trouble?! I just wanted to help the 6th Division's Captain by cutting down that criminal! What's wrong with that?!"
Zaraki retorted, unconvinced.
"Enough! Shut up, Kenpachi!"
Toshiro said, displeased.
Then, Toshiro looked at Gin, who had been watching the show. "Captain Ichimaru, stop spectating. Help me take Kenpachi back."
"Yes, yes, Vice-Captain-Commander."
Gin agreed with a smile.
Swish!
Gin's figure flashed, appearing directly beside Zaraki.
Then, Gin flicked his hand, and a stream of bandages instantly wrapped Zaraki tightly from head to toe, leaving only his head exposed.
"Please excuse us this time, 6th Division's Captain. I had no intention of opposing you. Oh, and give my regards to your sister."
Gin said to Byakuya.
With that, Gin dragged Zaraki away.