Cold wind swept across everyone's faces on Sōkyoku Hill.
Shigure kept his expression calm. He told Yamamoto and the surrounding captains everything he knew. Complete and straightforward. This included his plan with Retsu Unohana. He left nothing out.
No point in lying now.
"That's everything I know," Shigure said. "You can confirm it all with Captain Unohana later."
He lowered his eyes slightly. Waited for Yamamoto's reaction.
Even Yamamoto looked shocked for a moment. The captains and lieutenants around them went speechless. Their minds blanked out.
What Shigure told them was too much to process. But the evidence was clear—he was telling the truth. Otherwise Aizen's plan never could have gotten this far.
Heavy silence fell.
After a moment, Yamamoto looked up. His gaze burned with determination.
"However you learned this..."
"Since Captain Unohana trusted you with this... I trust your judgment!"
His words hit like a hammer blow. No room for argument. He'd made his decision.
Ukitake and Kyōraku both froze. Then Kyōraku let out a dry laugh.
"That's our old man for you. Still decisive as ever."
Yamamoto ignored him. His voice turned grave.
"Our priority now—suppress these three!"
"We use all of Seireitei's power to execute these treacherous rebels!"
Killing intent blazed in his eyes. Several lieutenants felt their souls shake under that declaration. A thousand-year-old Captain-Commander's murderous aura was terrifying.
Kyōraku's face went serious. He couldn't remember the last time Yamamoto looked this grim. It showed how furious he was about Aizen's betrayal.
Yamamoto turned to Shigure.
"Segawa. You said you can resist Aizen's Zanpakutō."
"Then you're authorized to fight with the captains!"
Shigure's heart stirred. He bowed seriously.
"Yes, Captain-Commander."
Yamamoto looked at the captains.
"Kyōraku, Ukitake, Kuchiki—go immediately!"
"Those three are unforgivable criminals!"
"If you get a chance to kill them, take it!"
His words were absolute.
"Understood," Byakuya said immediately.
Ukitake nodded. Kyōraku pulled down his hat and sighed.
"Former Gotei captains fighting each other... Not exactly motivating, but can't be helped."
He glanced at Shigure with a lazy smile.
"Let's go, Segawa."
All four vanished with Flash Step. No hesitation.
Everyone knew this wasn't the time to delay.
Nanao's heart clenched watching them disappear. She wanted to fight alongside Kyōraku and Shigure. But she knew she couldn't handle this level of combat. None of the lieutenants could.
Shigure could only participate because he was strong enough. Someone who destroyed the Sōkyoku with just Shikai was definitely captain-level.
"Please be safe..."
Meanwhile, at the wasteland behind the 13th Division barracks.
This fell within the 13th Division's patrol area. But no one ever came here normally. Aizen chose this spot for exactly that reason.
Not that he feared visitors.
"Surprisingly small... quite shocking."
Aizen smiled faintly as he pulled his hand from Rukia's chest. A blue-purple orb sat in his palm.
The Hōgyoku.
The black hole in Rukia's chest healed rapidly. Aizen raised an eyebrow.
"Even extracted this way, the soul remains undamaged..."
"Superior technical skill, Kisuke Urahara."
"But unfortunately..."
"You're useless now."
He dropped his hand. Rukia hit the ground. Her eyes went hollow—nothing but despair.
Aizen turned away and walked forward casually.
"Kill her, Gin."
Rukia's heart clenched.
Gin smiled and slowly drew his Zanpakutō.
"Can't be helped. Guess I'll shoot you down..."
"Shinsō."
Silver light erupted from his blade.
Whoosh!
The blade shot forward at incredible speed. Brilliant light aimed straight at Rukia.
Then a figure dropped down with crushing spiritual pressure!
CLANG!
Dust flew. Metal rang against metal. Gin's blade stopped one inch from Rukia.
A hand blocked it!
Gin blinked. Aizen turned to look.
Rukia's eyes went wide as she stared at the figure.
"...Segawa?!"
Shigure stood with one hand out, shielding her. His palm caught Gin's Zanpakutō directly.
He glanced back with a faint smile.
"Looks like I made it in time."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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