Soul Society.
"Does anyone here have any idea why Kuchiki Rukia has disappeared from our radars?" – asked Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto in a calm voice that carried a warning no one could ignore, while his heavy wooden staff rested against the floor with slow, deliberate weight.
Before him stood twelve captains, clad in their white Haori, silent, exchanging glances.
The Captain's Council chamber was vast, partially shrouded in shadow, with streams of light filtering through the tall windows, emphasizing the gravity of the moment. Even the wind outside seemed to hold its breath.
One captain stepped forward – Kyoraku Shunsui, with his tilted hat and pink robe that felt utterly out of place in such a solemn setting. He spoke in his usual calm, relaxed tone:
"I think we should consider the possibility that the spiritual communication device has malfunctioned due to frequency interference from the human world… though I admit, that's rare."
"Rare?" – snapped Soi Fon, the 2nd Division Captain – "She's been untraceable for nearly two months. That only means she's either dead… or she's betrayed Soul Society."
A heavy silence filled the chamber, tension thickening the air.
"That's a hasty conclusion, Soi Fon." – replied Ukitake Jushiro, his tone calm yet sharp – "Rukia isn't the type to run or betray, especially after everything she's endured."
"Emotions have no place here, Ukitake." – Soi Fon said coldly – "I'm merely laying out the possibilities. Blindly assuming innocence without proof is not one of them."
"It's truly insulting to speak of a noble clan member as though she were a common suspect." – said Byakuya Kuchiki, who had remained silent until then.
All eyes turned to him.
Byakuya continued, staring directly at Yamamoto without blinking:
"If you intend to accuse Rukia of treason, then the Kuchiki Clan will demand a formal investigation… and there will be political consequences."
"That's enough." – Yamamoto's low but decisive voice rumbled, shaking the ground of the chamber. – "We are not here to trade accusations or threats. We are here to uncover the truth."
"Captain-Commander." – Mayuri Kurotsuchi raised his hand with a twisted smile – "Despite Rukia Kuchiki's disappearance, Hollows in Karakura are still being eliminated. Yet… there is no reiatsu data for the one who's been slaying them, even though it's certain the other party is a Shinigami."
"Are you suggesting that Kuchiki Rukia has transferred her powers to someone else?" – Yamamoto opened one eye slightly, his features shifting for an instant, a mix of anger and astonishment, rippling even through his composed tone.
"It's one possibility, yes." – Mayuri said, his long fingers twitching as if playing with an invisible puzzle – "The phenomenon is almost identical to the incident more than a decade ago, when a Shinigami granted his powers to the human known as Ginjō Kūgo."
Mayuri went on, staring into the void with hidden mockery:
"But the difference here is that Kuchiki Rukia is hardly the reckless type to hand over her powers to just any human. At least… not without a very strong reason."
"Whatever her reason may be, if she truly transferred her powers to a human…" – Komamura's deep voice cut in – "then she has violated Law 17 of Soul Society, which forbids the complete transfer of spiritual power to a human."
"An offense punishable by execution." – added Soi Fon coldly, her voice sharp as a blade.
"A team will be dispatched to the Human World to confirm this matter, retrieve Kuchiki Rukia, and bring her back to Soul Society for further investigation and the appropriate punishment for her crime." – Yamamoto declared after a pause, striking his wooden staff against the marble floor.
The sound echoed through the vast chamber like an unyielding decree, reverberating as though it were a merciless verdict.
The captains lowered their heads respectfully, though some exchanged silent glances, each trying to interpret the deeper implications of the order and what consequences might follow.
"Since Kuchiki Rukia is a noble of the Kuchiki Clan, individuals from the 6th Division will be dispatched." – Yamamoto added coldly, for since the foundation of Soul Society, only nobles were deemed qualified to handle matters of the nobility. That was the very reason for the 6th Division's existence.
"I will lead the investigation myself, accompanied by the Lieutenant of the 6th Division." – Byakuya said quietly, seemingly resigned to his adopted sister's fate, for if she had broken the law, he would have been the one to execute her himself.
"This meeting is adjourned." – Yamamoto struck his staff once more and rose to leave first.
"…" – Aizen gazed at Byakuya and the departing Yamamoto, adjusting his glasses with that same gentle look on his face.
"…" – Gin stared at the retreating figures with his false smile and snake-like expression, unable to feel anything but pity for them. For it was clear to him that everything they were doing was nothing more than part of Aizen's plan. And by the time they realized it… it would already be far too late.
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