LightReader

Chapter 125 - Bleach: Soul Society-125 Release of the Sōkyoku!

Thirty minutes remained until the execution. Rukia was bound directly beneath the Sōkyoku.

She faced a colossal spear.

This was merely the Sōkyoku's sealed form.

Rukia's vacant gaze stared into the distance, searching for a face she desperately hoped to see.

When her eyes found Shigure, she was startled to see him offer her a gentle smile.

Rukia's heart trembled.

Impossible...

Who would show such kindness to a condemned prisoner moments before execution?

Rukia lowered her head, unable to comprehend Shigure's intention.

It no longer mattered. Hope had nearly abandoned her.

Meanwhile, though positioned on Sōkyoku Hill, Shigure had activated his Resonance Vision to maximum capacity.

He continuously monitored every detail around him, ensuring no unexpected incidents would disrupt the proceedings.

Throughout Seireitei, various major disturbances were unfolding.

However, Yamamoto Genryūsai's primary objective on Sōkyoku Hill remained unchanged: completing the execution.

Therefore, he ignored those distant spiritual pressures entirely.

At this moment, another solitary figure approached from the front of Sōkyoku Hill.

He wore the Kenseikan hair ornament and the Ginpaku Kazahana no Uzuginu scarf, his expression coldly indifferent as he approached.

6th Division Captain, Byakuya Kuchiki.

Seeing him arrive alone, Kyōraku Shunsui couldn't help but inquire:

"Captain Kuchiki... didn't Vice-Captain Abarai accompany you?"

Byakuya Kuchiki slightly lowered his eyes, offering no response.

Rukia also looked up at this moment, meeting Byakuya's emotionless gaze.

Even now, she could detect no warmth or recognition within it.

After a moment, Rukia lowered her head once more.

Time passed relentlessly, the execution drawing ever nearer.

No additional figures appeared on Sōkyoku Hill.

Meanwhile, within the Seijōtōkyorin.

This sacred ground housed Central 46—Seireitei's most forbidden sanctuary.

A place that should never be violated.

Yet several intruders now occupied this hallowed space.

Fresh blood pooled across the floor, and within that crimson stain lay the unconscious form of Hitsugaya Tōshirō.

Though his eyes were closed, terror still etched his features.

The reality had differed catastrophically from his expectations.

Beside the blood pool stood two figures: Aizen Sōsuke and Ichimaru Gin.

Aizen gracefully flicked his blade clean before sheathing it, his smile serene:

"The plan has encountered... complications. The troublesome ones failed to appear."

Ichimaru Gin immediately inquired: "Who does Captain Aizen mean?"

Aizen turned his gaze, speaking with measured calm: "Unohana Retsu. Segawa Shigure."

He pivoted and began walking toward the exit, continuing: "However, it's of little consequence."

"I've already acquired all necessary intelligence from the Great Spirit Book Gallery. Even should the Sōkyoku execution fail, alternative methods exist to obtain the Hōgyoku."

"Next, it's time for direct confrontation."

Ichimaru Gin followed in silent compliance.

Aizen maintained his leisurely pace while instructing:

"Gin, notify Kaname to cease his engagement with those intruders."

"Should the Sōkyoku execution fail, have him extract Rukia Kuchiki to our predetermined location."

"...Understood."

Ichimaru Gin nodded curtly before vanishing via Shunpo.

Aizen continued his unhurried advance, that enigmatic smile never wavering.

"Urahara Kisuke, such waste of potential..."

"To attempt sealing away such a 'magnificent existence' permanently..."

"But your defeat is inevitable."

On Sōkyoku Hill, the appointed hour finally arrived.

Head Captain Yamamoto Genryūsai raised his eyes, his voice resonating with authority:

"Though several captains remain absent, the execution time decreed by Central 46 has arrived."

"Therefore..."

"The activation ritual shall now commence."

His words cast a pall of solemnity over the assembly.

Yamamoto Genryūsai fixed his gaze upon Rukia Kuchiki: "Before we proceed... do you have final words?"

Rukia looked up with surprise, then bowed her head once more.

After a moment of contemplative silence, she spoke softly:

"Yes... only one request."

"I understand... I am an unforgivable criminal... I offer no defense..."

"But please... allow those who risked everything to reach Soul Society for my sake... to return home safely..."

"This is... my final plea."

Rukia bowed deeply, her voice barely above a whisper.

Upon hearing this, Byakuya Kuchiki's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.

Yamamoto Genryūsai considered her words in silence before responding: "Very well... it shall be as you wish."

Rukia's face brightened with a bittersweet smile.

"Thank... thank you for your mercy."

Kotetsu Isane, observing from a distance, lowered her head and whispered:

"This is so cruel... when we know they can never return..."

Unohana Retsu glanced toward her vice-captain, speaking with gentle correction:

"This isn't cruelty, Isane... this is the Head Captain's compassion."

Her words drifted softly, as fragile as morning mist.

Yamamoto Genryūsai gripped his staff with both hands, his eyes opening with resolute purpose.

"Then... release the Sōkyoku."

At his command, the massive spear's binding chains unfastened with metallic precision.

Overwhelmingly oppressive crimson spiritual pressure erupted outward,

whipping dust and debris into violent spirals around the execution ground.

In that instant, the Sōkyoku platform beneath Rukia began its transformation.

The structure dissolved into countless transparent crystalline blocks,

instantly encasing Rukia's arms within their ethereal prison.

The blocks beneath her feet ascended rapidly,

elevating her toward the heavens until she was suspended upon the execution scaffold.

Massive heat waves emanated from the Sōkyoku spear,

generating an otherworldly howling that echoed across the hill.

Shigure observed the spectacle, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The system's notification had materialized in his consciousness:

"Ding! Host has successfully reached Sōkyoku Hill. Sōkyoku release in progress!"

"Upon completion of release, sign-in protocol will activate!"

"Destroy the Sōkyoku to complete sign-in and receive system rewards!"

~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~ 

The story isn't over...

🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters? 

🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world? 

✍️ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?

✨patreon.com/DarkGolds

More Chapters