Upon hearing the Captain-Commander's words, the assembled captains remained silent. A palpable tension filled the room. None of them wished
Upon hearing the Captain-Commander's words, the assembled captains remained silent. A palpable tension filled the room.
None of them wished to pursue such a minor infraction. The consequences of pursuing this case were far greater than the offense itself.
Publicly pursuing this matter would negatively impact their image and reputation within the Gotei 13. Their reputations were at stake.
As Rukia Kuchiki's direct superior, Jūshirō Ukitake, captain of the Thirteenth Division, would naturally not allow his subordinate to be executed. He was fiercely loyal to his division.
However, his position as captain made his intervention delicate; interceding on his subordinate's behalf might appear biased. He subtly signaled to Kyōraku Shunsui, who stood opposite him. He sought a subtle solution.
Kyōraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake were long-time friends and partners. Even without Jūshirō Ukitake explicitly stating it, Kyōraku Shunsui understood the desired course of action. Their partnership was strong.
Kyōraku Shunsui stepped forward, adopting a lighthearted tone. "It's merely the transformation of a human into a Shinigami; the impact is negligible. I believe little Rukia must have encountered some difficulty, prompting her to resort to such a measure." He sought to minimize the severity of the infraction.
Yamamoto Genryūsai turned to Kyōraku Shunsui. "Then, Captain Kyōraku, what is your proposed course of action?"
Yamamoto Genryūsai himself had no intention of pursuing this matter rigorously. Punishment was unavoidable, but execution was entirely unnecessary. He had called this meeting to find a way to resolve the situation without excessive punishment.
He had convened this meeting to provide a path forward, hoping for a consensus among the captains to issue a lenient punishment to Rukia Kuchiki. A compromise was needed.
Kyōraku Shunsui smiled. "In my humble opinion, let's recall little Rukia Kuchiki to the Seireitei and confine her for three months as punishment, serving as a cautionary measure. As for that Shinigami in the Human World, let's recruit him as a provisional Shinigami. If he refuses, then we'll strip him of his spiritual power." He proposed a measured response.
Yamamoto Genryūsai nodded, finding Kyōraku Shunsui's proposal suitable. It was a reasonable compromise.
Seeing that the Captain-Commander had no intention of executing Rukia Kuchiki, Byakuya Kuchiki breathed a sigh of relief, nodding towards Kyōraku Shunsui in silent acknowledgment of his assistance. He was grateful for his help.
At that moment, however, Tōsen Kaname unexpectedly intervened.
"I do not concur with this lenient punishment!"
His expression was exceptionally grave, as if Rukia Kuchiki had committed an unforgivable crime. His tone was severe.
"Laws, once established, should be enforced without compromise! If all laws are treated so casually, with punishments arbitrarily altered, then what meaning do the Seireitei's rules hold?!" Tōsen Kaname declared emphatically, his words resonating with unwavering conviction.
While his stance seemed unyielding and inflexible, his argument wasn't entirely unreasonable. His actions were consistent with his character.
Even if this matter became public knowledge, the Gotei 13 would only perceive him as someone rigidly adhering to legal principles, rather than someone deliberately targeting Rukia Kuchiki. His motives would be misconstrued.
Byakuya Kuchiki said coldly, "Does Captain Tōsen intend to execute a seated officer who, while acting in the Seireitei's best interests, made a minor error due to extenuating circumstances?" He challenged Tōsen Kaname's position.
Tōsen Kaname remained unyielding. "Captain Kuchiki, please understand. My judgment is impartial; regardless of the offender, the Seireitei's regulations must be upheld. Or is it that because the offender is Captain Kuchiki's sister, we should disregard justice?" He was unwavering in his stance.
Tōsen Kaname's persistence brought the discussion to an impasse.
Most captains considered execution excessive, but Tōsen Kaname was adamant; even the Captain-Commander couldn't disregard the regulations to exonerate Rukia Kuchiki. The situation was at a standstill.
As Byakuya Kuchiki and Tōsen Kaname stood in opposition, members of the Central 46 unexpectedly arrived in the Captain's meeting hall. The individual who arrived had a history of conflict with the Kuchiki clan. A deliberate action.
"Captain Kuchiki, I hear your sister has committed an unforgivable crime. I'm quite astonished. Given the Kuchiki clan's reputation for upholding justice, I trust you won't shield the culprit?" the newcomer said with a sly smile, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He was clearly seeking to exploit the situation.
Tōsen Kaname's persistence and the Central 46's intervention were orchestrated by Aizen.
To extract the Hōgyoku from Rukia Kuchiki, he needed to push for the Sōkyoku execution. He was manipulating events.
With the Central 46 involved, even Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai couldn't overrule the decision. His power was limited.
Seeing Byakuya Kuchiki ignore him, the Central 46 representative chuckled, turning to Yamamoto Genryūsai. "Captain-Commander Yamamoto, the Central 46 is aware of the situation regarding Shinigami Rukia Kuchiki. Seireitei regulations must be enforced without exception; that is the Central 46's decision." He was unwavering.
Byakuya Kuchiki immediately rose to object, but Yamamoto Genryūsai stopped him. "Captain Kuchiki, heed your position. No one can change the fact that Rukia Kuchiki committed this crime. The Central 46 has made its decision; as a member of the Gotei 13, you must abide by and execute it." His tone was firm and final.
Byakuya Kuchiki stood stunned, while Kyōraku Shunsui shook his head and returned to his place, offering a wry smile to a grim-faced Jūshirō Ukitake. Their hopes had been dashed.
Yamamoto Genryūsai addressed Tōsen Kaname. "Captain Tōsen, you will apprehend Rukia Kuchiki and bring her back to the Seireitei, simultaneously stripping the Shinigami in the Human World of his spiritual power. Until the Sōkyoku execution, she will be under the Ninth Division's custody." He assigned the task.
The Ninth Division was responsible for the Seireitei's prison; guarding prisoners was their duty.
As Aizen's subordinate, Tōsen Kaname readily accepted Yamamoto Genryūsai's assignment.
No one noticed Aizen's subtle smile; events were unfolding precisely as he had planned. He was pleased.
After the meeting, Tōsen Kaname, accompanied by his lieutenant, Shūhei Hisagi, went to the Technical Development Bureau to use the Senkaimon to travel to the Human World.
Before their departure, Aizen summoned Tōsen Kaname to his office.
"Tōsen, while in the Human World, assess Ichigo Kurosaki's strength; determine if he can utilize Vizard White's power," Aizen instructed Tōsen Kaname, his tone carefully measured.
Tōsen Kaname looked puzzled. "Lord Aizen, do you still harbor illusions about Vizard White? It's clearly a failure; let me eliminate it and Ichigo Kurosaki." He was impatient.
Aizen glanced at Tōsen Kaname, his tone flat. "Tōsen, simply follow my instructions."
Although Aizen's tone was calm, the coldness in his gaze chilled Tōsen Kaname to the bone. A warning.
Knowing Aizen disliked being questioned, Tōsen Kaname immediately knelt. "I apologize, Lord Aizen. I will carry out your orders."
Aizen nodded, satisfied. He helped Tōsen Kaname to his feet, smiling. "Good. As for Vizard White's usefulness, I will be the judge of that." He was in control.
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