Outskirts of the Thirteenth Division, Captain's Office.
After wrapping up his discussion with Urahara Kisuke-san in the Human World, Amamiya Miyako took the necessary items and stepped back into the familiar skies of the Soul Society.
"That's all the intel I managed to gather from the Human World," Miyako said, placing a stack of papers onto Ukitake Jūshirō-taichō's desk.
Ukitake's calm eyes scanned each page, his brows knitting into a deep frown. "Indeed… it's full of strange inconsistencies," he murmured. "I even asked Rukia herself, and her account… matches much of what you've uncovered."
"Miyako, there's something else you need to know." His voice grew heavier. "The official judgment from the Central 46 on Rukia has been released."
Miyako's gaze sharpened. "And?"
"Rukia has been sentenced for a first-degree grave offense," Ukitake said grimly. "She will be executed by Sōkyoku in the Central Execution Grounds… twenty-five days from now."
Miyako's expression hardened. "Sōkyoku execution…"
"That's right," Ukitake nodded. "The Sōkyoku's seal is only broken during an execution. When unleashed, its power multiplies dozens of times—its destructive force is said to be equal to a million Zanpakutō. Its true form manifests as the Shōkyoku no Ōhō-ō—the 'Destroying Phoenix King.' Once it pierces the body of the condemned, the execution is absolute."
He shook his head. "The Soul Society almost never uses the Sōkyoku. Rukia's supposed crime… it isn't nearly severe enough to justify it."
Miyako crossed his arms. "If the execution really happens… is there a way to stop it?"
Ukitake looked up sharply. "Miyako, you're not thinking of—"
"Jūshirō-taichō," Miyako cut in, his tone unwavering, "we should prepare for the worst-case scenario now, instead of dealing with this step-by-step. If this execution proceeds, it's probably exactly what the one pulling the strings wants."
"You suspect someone is manipulating this from the shadows?" Ukitake asked, surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Yeah," Miyako said firmly. "But even if I'm wrong, I still intend to save Rukia-chan."
"…I understand. I'll think this through carefully," Ukitake replied after a pause, though his face betrayed unease.
"This matter is too important," Miyako added. "About my speculation on the mastermind—don't tell anyone. Especially not Aizen."
Ukitake's expression stiffened. "…I'll do as you say. If someone in the Soul Society is truly capable of influencing Central 46, then the fewer who know, the better."
Miyako nodded. "Then, Jūshirō-taichō… I'll take my leave."
Leaving the Captain's Office, he made his way toward the Thirteenth Division's detention area. Rukia's confinement was technically under her own Division's watch, but the perimeter was surrounded by Onmitsukidō operatives—clearly to prevent any escape attempt.
He found Kiyone-chan, ever diligent, standing guard. "Kiyone, could you step out for a bit? I need to speak with Rukia in private."
Kiyone-chan blinked but quickly nodded. "Of course, Amamiya-san." She left without complaint.
Only after confirming there were no prying ears did Miyako approach Rukia's cell.
"Miyako! You're finally back from the Human World!" Rukia stepped forward quickly, her eyes bright with worry. "How are Ichigo and the others? Are they safe?"
"Kurosaki Ichigo and the others are fine," Miyako reassured her.
Her shoulders sagged with relief. "Is that so… yokatta…" She almost collapsed where she stood, the tension draining out of her small frame. She didn't want anyone else to be hurt because of her.
"Hmph," Miyako snorted, narrowing his eyes. "You're celebrating too early, Rukia-chan."
She blinked in confusion.
"Kurosaki Ichigo isn't just alive—he's planning to break into the Soul Society from the Human World to save you."
"Nani?! Why would Ichigo…? I clearly warned him! No—he lost his Shinigami powers, so he shouldn't be able to come to Soul Society on his own!" Rukia said in a rush, her voice trembling. But even as she spoke, the thought struck her—it should be impossible… shouldn't it?
"Who said he couldn't?" Miyako replied coolly. "Have you forgotten the person who gave you the Gikongan?"
"Urahara…? He's just a small shop owner. Even if he has strange tricks, he can't just—"
"Kisuke Urahara," Miyako interrupted, his eyes narrowing, "is the former Captain of the Twelfth Division… and the very first Director of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute."
"Na–nani…?!" Rukia's eyes widened, shock written across her face. That eccentric shopkeeper… a former Taichō and the founder of the SRDI? She had never imagined such a connection.
"Have you still not noticed the problem, Rukia-san?" Miyako's voice turned serious. "Think carefully. After you gave Kurosaki Ichigo your Reiryoku, why has your own never recovered? Not even a little?"
"Could it be…?" She bit her lip, refusing to believe it. Even now, she wanted to think Urahara had genuinely tried to help her back then.
"In any case," Miyako continued firmly, "I won't let you just throw your life away. If you die like this, I won't accept it. And neither will Captain Ukitake… or the rest of your comrades."
Her eyes reddened slightly, the faint ember of her will to live flickering back to life.
"Also…" Miyako added, his tone softening, "have you forgotten my pride? I will never allow my comrades to be executed without cause. I won't stand for such an absurd hanketsu."
Hearing his words—words so familiar in spirit—Rukia couldn't help but smile faintly through the threat of tears.
"Miyako… you're right. I can't die here. If I must fall, it should be on the battlefield, after fighting with everything I have for my nakama—then, and only then, could I die with honor."
Seeing the stubborn fire return to her eyes, Miyako finally exhaled, a small weight lifting from his shoulders. It had taken effort to get her to this point; he wouldn't allow her to sink into despair again.
"Then, Rukia-san… before the execution date comes, I need you to keep this conversation between us. Don't breathe a word of it to anyone," Miyako said with quiet gravity.
"Eh? But why—?"
"Just trust me," Miyako cut her off gently. "When the time comes, I'll explain everything." He couldn't reveal more now—not without putting her in even greater danger.
Moments later, Kiyone Kotetsu's voice came from outside the cell. "Vice-Captain Amamiya! Vice-Captain Abarai Renji of the Sixth Division is here to visit!"
"Renji…?" Rukia blinked. Since being captured and brought back to Soul Society, she hadn't seen him once.
Renji stepped into view, his eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of Rukia in the white prisoner's garb. "Rukia… are you… alright?"
"Me? I'm fine," she answered naturally. Thanks to Miyako's words, she truly meant it—but the lingering redness in her eyes told a different story, and Renji's gaze hardened as though he thought she was just putting on a brave face.
"Don't be too disheartened," Renji said, voice steady. "There's still a chance this could change. Don't give up, Rukia."
"Ah… I—" Rukia faltered for a moment, realizing he was trying to encourage her. A quiet warmth spread through her chest.
"Arigatō, Renji… but as for me…" She glanced at Miyako, uncertain whether to reveal her resolve.
Miyako gave a small shake of his head, signaling for her to hold her tongue.
Renji eventually left, shoulders tight with unspoken concern.
"…I think Renji misunderstood something," Rukia admitted awkwardly once he was gone.
"Let him misunderstand," Miyako replied. "Renji will find his own path. No matter how torn he is now, he'll resist in the end."
But in truth, Miyako couldn't risk telling him anything. Aizen's eyes were on Renji too closely, and even the smallest hint could reach his ears. In fact, Aizen would probably nudge Renji toward rebellion himself—feeding the chaos in Soul Society for his own ends, so he could move unseen in the storm.