Leaving the underground cave, the three of them headed toward the headquarters of the Gotei Thirteen. According to the current situation, Kuchiki Rukia had already been imprisoned in Muken, the deepest level of the Central Underground Prison, and Kurotsuki Renya decided to see her first.
At the same time, Shiba Ganju's elder brother Shiba Kaien had long since died, while Abarai Renji and Hinamori Momo were still severely injured and undergoing treatment. Madarame Ikkaku had mostly recovered but was still receiving observation and care from the Fourth Division.
Accompanied by Soi Fon and Shihōin Yoruichi, Kurotsuki Renya arrived at the First Division headquarters and formally requested an audience with the Captain-Commander.
After a short wait, the three were led into the main hall.
"Captain-Commander."
Soi Fon and Kurotsuki Renya bowed simultaneously.
Yoruichi, on the other hand, smiled casually and said, "Long time no see, old man. Still standing strong, I see."
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni nodded slowly and said in a deep voice,
"So it is you, Yoruichi Shihōin. If Renya had not informed me, I would never have known that you and the other exiled captains were all still residing in the World of the Living."
Yoruichi smiled faintly and replied,
"There's no longer a place for us in Soul Society. Naturally, the World of the Living became our only refuge."
Her tone was relaxed, but the helplessness beneath her words was impossible to miss.
Yamamoto fell silent for a long moment before speaking again, his voice lower than before.
"What happened one hundred and ten years ago… was the failure of Seireitei. For that, I offer you my apology."
Yoruichi shook her head.
"The ones who owe us an apology are Central 46 and Aizen Sōsuke. You were never the one at fault."
Indeed, Yamamoto had not been responsible. The judgment had come from Central 46, and Aizen was the one who orchestrated the betrayal and framing.
Moreover, most of the members of Central 46 from that era had already died over the past century, and the current Central 46 had been completely slaughtered by Aizen during his rebellion.
After a moment, Yamamoto said,
"There are two matters I wish to entrust to you."
Yoruichi nodded.
"Go on."
"The first," Yamamoto continued, "is to inform Urahara Kisuke and have him return to Seireitei."
Yoruichi frowned slightly.
"For what purpose?"
"I need him," Yamamoto explained, "to extract the Hōgyoku from Kuchiki Rukia's soul, and then seal it permanently within Muken."
Yoruichi nodded.
"I'll inform him."
Yamamoto then added,
"Secondly, I want you to ask the former captains whether they are willing to return. If they agree, I will personally authorize the creation of two new divisions. Combined with the vacancies left by Aizen Sōsuke and Ichimaru Gin, that would make three captain positions available."
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"Creating two new divisions? The Gotei Thirteen has existed for over two thousand years."
Yamamoto let out a long sigh.
"Times have changed. Compensation must be made for past injustices."
Indeed, after Aizen's rebellion and Kurosaki Ichigo's involvement, Seireitei had already begun to change—recognizing Ichigo's status as a Substitute Shinigami, tolerating Ishida Uryū's Quincy heritage, and stationing Shinigami in Karakura Town.
Yoruichi shook her head slightly.
"They probably won't agree… but I'll ask."
After a pause, she asked curiously,
"Old man, Aizen and Gin are gone, and you're creating two new divisions. That's three captain seats. Who's the third one for?"
Yamamoto's gaze shifted to Kurotsuki Renya.
"For him."
Renya was taken aback.
"His strength," Yamamoto continued, "is already sufficient for a captain."
"That's true," Yoruichi said with a grin.
But Renya immediately shook his head.
"I refuse. I don't intend to become a captain."
Yamamoto frowned.
"Explain."
Renya scratched his head awkwardly.
"I want to remain in the Second Division and the Onmitsukidō. I want to continue serving under Captain Soi Fon. I don't want to leave her."
Yamamoto snorted.
"Ridiculous. Do you think Seireitei is a place for romance?"
Soi Fon tugged at Renya's sleeve and said quietly,
"Hurry up and accept. This will only benefit you."
She genuinely believed that becoming a captain would secure Renya's future.
Yamamoto nodded.
"Being in different divisions does not prevent marriage."
Soi Fon's face instantly flushed red.
"We—we haven't discussed marriage yet."
Though she had already made up her mind, hearing it spoken so directly still embarrassed her.
Renya chuckled.
"Fine. I'll accept the position—but on one condition. When Captain Soi Fon and I are married, you must serve as our witness."
"Outrageous," Soi Fon exclaimed.
Given Yamamoto's status—revered even among great nobles—such a request was almost unthinkable.
Yet Yamamoto replied calmly,
"Very well. If you marry, I will bear witness."
Soi Fon froze, then felt an unexpected surge of happiness.
Renya bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Captain-Commander."
⸻
After a brief exchange, Yoruichi stretched and said,
"I'll head back to the Shihōin estate first, then find Urahara."
With that, she vanished in a flash.
Renya then said,
"I wish to see Rukia."
Yamamoto nodded.
"I will take you to Muken—but first, I must confirm your identity."
Renya understood. Aizen's illusionary abilities made caution necessary.
"Please," Renya said.
Yamamoto asked,
"When you fought me in Muken, you used Bankai. What was its name?"
Renya smiled faintly.
"I never used Bankai."
Yamamoto nodded.
"Then follow me."
The key to Muken was normally held by Yamamoto, though Unohana Retsu had escorted Rukia there earlier.
The three descended into the underground prison and arrived at the Eighth Level—Muken.
Upon opening the massive doors, two figures appeared within.
One was Kuchiki Rukia.
The other was Unohana Retsu.
Rukia's eyes immediately locked onto the shortest figure.
"Renya?! What are you—am I dreaming?!"
Renya smiled gently.
"I'm not dead, Rukia."
She rushed forward and hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face.
"That's wonderful… you're alive."
Renya patted her back.
"I'm not that easy to kill."
In truth, he had died—but he did not say that.
"Thank you, Rukia," Renya said softly.
"You saved me… again."
(Revision note: The protective necklace was lost during Renya's battle with Zaraki Kenpachi. After learning this, Soi Fon personally retrieved it and returned it to Renya.)