Central 46's methodology demonstrated their position as Seireitei's supreme regulatory authority.
Shigure secured the secret order.
Though Aizen had forged and issued this directive, Shigure harbored no intention of defiance.
Understanding Aizen's machinations, compliance with the stratagem represented optimal response methodology.
Since you desire my participation, I shall not expose the deception.
Throughout the subsequent day's entirety, Shigure managed divisional affairs as customarily.
At evening's approach, Shigure finally departed the Thirteenth Division barracks, proceeding toward the Sixth Division to locate Byakuya Kuchiki.
He remained, ultimately, the Kuchiki family patriarch—foremost among the four great noble houses—and an authentic captain.
Shigure, as lieutenant, would naturally function as Byakuya Kuchiki's subordinate throughout this mission.
Therefore, approaching Byakuya Kuchiki personally was entirely appropriate.
What Shigure hadn't anticipated was encountering a familiar figure immediately upon reaching the Sixth Division barracks.
Renji Abarai.
However, he hadn't observed Shigure, preparing to proceed laterally.
Shigure advanced one step, calling out: "Lieutenant Abarai."
Upon hearing this address, Renji halted, turning to observe.
Upon clearly recognizing Shigure's form, he appeared somewhat surprised: "Lieutenant Segawa... do you have business here?"
Shigure smiled cordially: "I've come to visit Captain Kuchiki. Could I trouble you for guidance?"
Following his words, Renji's expression displayed momentary transformation before he nodded, turning around.
"Follow me, Captain Segawa."
"Much appreciated." Shigure inclined his head slightly, following forward.
He observed that today's Renji differed completely from usual circumstances.
His typically flamboyant personality had been entirely suppressed.
Presumably due to Rukia Kuchiki's situation.
Following Renji for one minute, they arrived at the captain's office entrance.
The door remained tightly sealed. Renji exhaled imperceptibly before calling loudly: "Captain, Thirteenth Division Captain Segawa has arrived."
Upon his words' conclusion, extended silence followed.
Renji's gaze shifted, again calling loudly: "Captain, Thirteenth Division Segawa..."
However, mid-sentence, Byakuya Kuchiki's voice emerged.
"Enter, Lieutenant Segawa."
Upon hearing this, Shigure responded immediately: "Yes."
Subsequently, he nodded slightly toward Renji Abarai beside him, pushing open the door to enter.
The instant the door opened, Renji peered inside.
Byakuya Kuchiki maintained his back toward the entrance, expression invisible.
"Abarai, you may withdraw." Byakuya Kuchiki's indifferent voice emerged once more.
Renji's gaze lowered, head bowing: "Yes... Captain Kuchiki."
Observing Renji's departure, Shigure closed the door, finally turning to position himself within one meter of Byakuya Kuchiki's vicinity, speaking respectfully:
"Captain Kuchiki, I've come regarding Central 46's judgment mission."
He addressed the matter directly.
Byakuya Kuchiki raised his eyes slightly: "Please be seated initially."
"Yes."
Shigure circulated to the tea table's left side before Byakuya Kuchiki, taking his position.
He lowered his head marginally, awaiting Byakuya Kuchiki's discourse.
However, following a tea service's duration, Byakuya Kuchiki maintained his silence.
Precisely as Shigure raised his eyes slightly, preparing to initiate conversation, Byakuya finally spoke:
"Lieutenant Segawa."
"Yes."
"What constitutes your perspective regarding this mission?" Byakuya Kuchiki inquired with characteristic detachment.
Upon hearing this question, Shigure experienced momentary bewilderment.
He never anticipated Byakuya Kuchiki would pose such an apparently random inquiry.
Consequently, his mind focused, and he responded directly:
"Given this represents a decision issued by Central 46, I shall exert maximum effort toward completion, retrieving Rukia Kuchiki."
Having resided within Seireitei extensively, he had naturally mastered various diplomatic formulations.
Upon hearing his response, Byakuya's eyelids appeared to twitch once.
Subsequently, he lowered his gaze, lifting the long-cooled tea from the table for a sip.
Shigure waited with patience.
Byakuya Kuchiki replaced the teacup, only then speaking with characteristic indifference:
"Your words possess accuracy. Soul Society's regulations were designed fundamentally to constrain us Soul Reapers."
"Therefore, all regulatory violations... cannot receive forgiveness."
"Rukia Kuchiki..."
"Is a criminal."
Following this declaration, he rose slowly.
Shigure immediately stood as well.
Turning toward the exit, his back to Shigure, he spoke quietly:
"Let us proceed. We shall visit the First Division, report our mission, then depart immediately."
"Yes, Captain Kuchiki."
...
Following their departure from the Sixth Division, both proceeded toward the First Division barracks.
Throughout their journey, all observers appeared somewhat bewildered.
During greetings, some even subconsciously called out "Captain Kuchiki! Lieutenant Abarai!"
However, upon clear observation, they discovered that today's figure following Byakuya Kuchiki was not the crimson-haired Renji Abarai.
Rather, the recently highly esteemed Thirteenth Division Lieutenant Shigure Segawa.
Regarding these squad members' salutations, Byakuya's expression remained unchanged as he continued forward.
Shigure responded with standardized courteous smiles.
Five minutes thereafter, both arrived at the First Division barracks.
Upon observing this unusual pairing, numerous squad members developed curiosity.
However, given Byakuya Kuchiki's noble status, none dared approach with inquiries.
Only upon their arrival at Yamamoto Genryusai's captain's office did Chojiro Sasakibe voice questioning.
"Captain Kuchiki... and Lieutenant Segawa?"
Byakuya Kuchiki's expression remained composed as he spoke peacefully: "Lieutenant Sasakibe, please notify the Captain-Commander."
Upon completing his statement, before Chojiro Sasakibe could respond, Yamamoto Genryusai's voice emerged directly from within.
"Captain Kuchiki may enter immediately."
Byakuya Kuchiki turned, facing the primary entrance directly, inclining his head slightly: "Pardon this intrusion."
Subsequently, he opened the door, both stepping inside as Chojiro Sasakibe immediately comprehended and closed the entrance.
Byakuya Kuchiki proactively seeking the Captain-Commander constituted a rare occurrence, particularly alongside Shigure Segawa.
The matter was undoubtedly significant.
Upon entering the chamber, Byakuya Kuchiki eschewed preliminaries, directly stating his purpose:
"Captain-Commander, Central 46 has issued a judgment secret order for myself and Lieutenant Shigure Segawa to proceed to the World of the Living, apprehending Rukia Kuchiki who has violated regulations."
Upon hearing this declaration, Yamamoto Genryusai raised his eyes slightly.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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