Inside the dimly lit chambers of the Central 46, Tsunayashiro Sōsuke's face looked so dark it could almost drip water as he stared at Asano Kiyoshi.
This brat — he'd just put him right on the fire!Sōsuke's lips twitched as he tried to force a smile, wanting to speak some conciliatory words, to offer Kiyoshi a way down from the ledge so they could both retreat with some dignity.
If Kiyoshi would agree, then the Tsunayashiro family's cases from the past decade wouldn't be dragged into the open before everyone.They'd still lose face, of course — but at least the honor of the nobility would remain mostly intact.And Kiyoshi wouldn't have to go into Hueco Mundo — that barren, deadly place where death could come at any moment. He could stay here, grow stronger in Soul Society. It would be a compromise that served both sides.
But if he did that, everything Sōsuke had plotted would amount to nothing — worse yet, he'd take a loss!Yet at this point, there were no better options.It was all because of that damned missing day!
Whoever had messed with his plan, he swore he'd skin them alive once he found them!Just as Sōsuke was about to swallow his pride and speak those words, a sudden spark flashed in his mind like spring thunder:
Wait!Why did Asano Kiyoshi dare to accept the Hueco Mundo mission so readily?!
From the start, Sōsuke never thought Kiyoshi would agree. He'd only proposed it to raise the stakes, not expecting the boy to jump!Yamamoto would never let his direct heir venture into such danger — at least, not while he was still so young and untested.
But now, Yamamoto had silently agreed — and Kiyoshi actually dared to accept this "self-proving" mission.That could only mean…
Kiyoshi must have gotten something from the Grand Spirit Book Corridor — something that gave him the confidence to face Hueco Mundo!And what in that vault could do that?The answer was obvious.
It had to be the treasure placed there by the Royal Family over a decade ago — the Royal Seal!
Realizing this, Sōsuke's breathing quickened slightly.If that was true, then the Tsunayashiro clan's link to the Royal Seal wasn't severed yet. They still had a chance to seize that ultimate power — a treasure that could let them dominate Soul Society itself! Whatever the cost, they would have to reclaim it.
Compared to that, any fleeting benefit — even the Tsunayashiro clan's current honor — was meaningless!With absolute power, no one would dare dredge up these humiliations. If they did, they'd just be killed.
With that, Sōsuke forced down the soft words he'd almost spoken, and that mild, confident smile returned to his face.Yamamoto saw this subtle shift and shook his head slightly.He knew exactly what Sōsuke had just realized.Yamamoto had already learned from Kyoraku that what the Tsunayashiro clan wanted from the Book Corridor was the Royal Seal — and from Kiyoshi's refusal of his help earlier, it was clear that Kiyoshi likely had it now.
But once you make a choice, you must shoulder its consequences — and taking a few lumps was good for a man.Yamamoto could see that Kiyoshi, pushed by grief over Kojirō's death and the dirty trap laid for him, was letting his emotions run high.And that was fine. Young men were allowed to be reckless sometimes.
This, too, was why Yamamoto chose to respect Kiyoshi's decision.
Aizen watched the subtle shift in Sōsuke's expression and a faintly amused smile curved his lips.
"Oh? Seems there's still something here I didn't know about. Now it's getting interesting again."
Facing Kiyoshi's calm gaze, Tsunayashiro Sōsuke smiled politely:
"Of course. As the foremost noble clan in Soul Society, the Tsunayashiro family must set an example by rooting out corruption within its own ranks under the eyes of all. Such actions are noble and selfless — and recognizing one's mistakes is its own form of noble honor, wouldn't you agree?"
Byakuya's expression showed a trace of cold disgust.To turn such disgrace into "honor" and wear it like a crown — what a vile insect. How could nobles hope to govern justly when such vermin festered among them?
But Byakuya was also surprised. The Tsunayashiro clan really dared to accept a public investigation?These cases alone might not destroy them, but they'd surely shed a layer of skin.Was that worth sending Kiyoshi into Hueco Mundo?
He said nothing more, simply standing behind Yamamoto — his position clear.Major decisions like this were not for Byakuya to make. His silent support was enough.
Kiyoshi, watching Sōsuke's performance, also understood a piece of it now. But there was no regret on his face — just a growing wariness.For the Central 46, this outcome was perfect: they had done nothing and gained everything.They'd pocket the fines and boost their reputations — a win-win all around!Only one fool had taken the Tsunayashiro clan's bait and earned Yamamoto's anger — ending up filthy from head to toe.
Finally, the Chief Councillor announced:
"By unanimous decision of the Central 46, Asano Kiyoshi shall join this expedition to Hueco Mundo, while the Tsunayashiro family will undergo a public investigation by the Gotei 13 under our supervision!""Any objections?"
Both Kiyoshi and Sōsuke replied in unison:
"None."
A crisp crack of the wooden mallet echoed through the chamber — the verdict in Kiyoshi's trial was settled!
Two attendants in white stepped forward, removing the heavy chains from Kiyoshi's wrists and ankles.Feeling that long-forgotten lightness again, Kiyoshi let out a slow breath.When he left the special passageway out of the Central 46, the weather outside was gloomy — a fine drizzle fell, mixed with muggy heat that made the air feel oppressive.
And at the end of that corridor, a refined man with gentle eyes and spectacles stood waiting with an umbrella — smiling warmly at him.
But when Kiyoshi saw that man, his breath caught in his throat. His pupils shrank sharply as a chill raced over his scalp:
"What's he doing here?!"
Aizen Sōsuke!
T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle