Soul Society didn't exactly have a good time for the past few days after Captain Aizen's death. Investigation was launched to all divisions under Central 46's and Yamamoto's command.
No one was spared from the investigation. Everyone, including Lieutenants and Captains were interrogated and forced to tell everything they knew about the case.
Even Kurotsuchi Mayuri was asked about his knowledge, even though it was clear he had nothing to do with the murder. Though the man requested to dissect Aizen's body a few times for research purposes, which was refused by Yamamoto.
Naturally, everything was a mess. Nothing came up from the investigation, which made the Captain Commander become even more grumpy and frustrated.
He finally announced something at the Captain's meeting.
"The investigation result on Aizen's murder was... disappointing, to say the least." He looked around the meeting room and sighed, "But we have a suspect, the Ryoka. We will capture and interrogate them thoroughly. Murdering a Captain isn't just a simple crime."
In the end, they blamed those who they hadn't investigated yet. It wasn't surprising.
And so, everyone went on with their mission to find the intruders. The wartime order was released to the Gotei 13.
While there was no sign of war from the outside, the inside of Soul Society was already a mess with many Captains not trusting their fellow comrades. Some believed Captain Aizen was killed by a fellow Captain, not an intruder.
Not only that, Renji who was released from the 4th Division healing ward received bad news.
"Rukia's execution is pushed forward?!" He shouted in surprise, "Why?! When?!"
Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu of 4th Division flinched slightly when Renji shouted, but she didn't move an inch.
"Her execution date is moved to noon tomorrow. The reason was unknown, but I suspect it was related to Captain Aizen's death as well as suspicion toward Ryoka. Central 46 might want to focus on the case."
Renji tried his best not to react violently. He had to think about his plan carefully, especially since his mission was to save Rukia.
If he made a commotion here, then he would be held. That would spell the end for him, in both career and life.
"Thank you, Lieutenant Isane. I will return to my barrack now." He bowed slightly before leaving the place. He needed to make contact with the Ryoka and report about the execution. If they were late, then the chance to save Rukia would disappear.
In a few minutes, he reached the secret hideout. And he was surprised when seeing no one but Shirou there.
"Where is the other?"
Shirou didn't appear to be surprised when Renji suddenly barged in. Instead, he just answered as if it was normal.
"Training. Yoruichi-san wanted to push them to the limit, increasing Ichigo's reiatsu control and the others' abilities." He said, turning to Renji, "Why are you here, by the way? Did something happen?"
"Yeah, something really bad." Renji closed the door behind him and sat on the ground.
Noticing the dark expression in the red-haired Shinigami, Shirou sighed and stopped training. He walked over and stood in front of the man, arms crossed over his chest, waiting for him to say what was bothering him.
"The execution is pushed to tomorrow by Central 46."
Surprised, Shirou narrowed his eyes to see whether the man was joking or not. From the trembling lips and shaking hands of Renji, he seemed serious.
The execution had been pushed to tomorrow.
"I will tell the others." He stood up and called Yoruichi and the others.
Shouting into a hole wasn't exactly a preferred method, but going down would require him to climb tall ladders so this was his only choice.
"They will be up in a while. So, you said that the execution was moved to noon tomorrow?"
"Yeah." Renji nodded, looking grimly at him, "It's too sudden, so we have no time to plan. What are we gonna do now?"
"We will have to move fast, won't we?" Shirou replied flatly.
Nothing had ever gone smoothly for him, so unexpected stuff like this wasn't exactly surprising. It was everyday stuff that happened in his life. And this was nothing compared to what happened when he was suddenly thrust into a Holy Grail War.
Before long, Yoruichi appeared from the hole, followed by beaten up Ichigo, Ganju, and Sado behind. Orihime was last, struggling to climb the tall ladders.
"So, what's this urgent news?" Yoruichi crossed her arms, clearly displeased that her tortu- training session was interrupted by something she knew would come, "I don't have all day, you know."
Shirou glanced at Renji. He didn't say anything and let Shirou tell the others about the execution.
"The execution date is pushed to tomorrow. It seems like the higher-ups have made a decision."
Ichigo, who was panting in fatigue and bruises all over his face, looked up in shock. He alternated between his brother and Renji.
"Y-You're kidding right?!"
"I am not." Renji answered solemnly.
"Tch!" Ichigo gritted his teeth. His hand tightened into a fist, and his entire body tensed up.
The boy seemed to be on the verge of losing control. He was so angry, he was shaking with rage.
"Tomorrow, huh?" Yoruichi put her hand on her chin deep in thought while Ichigo was busy calming himself.
Orihime looked pale as she looked back and forth at the men around her, trying to process what they were talking about. Her face turned white from fear.
Sado, on the other hand, didn't react at all. His face remained calm and collected, and he simply waited for someone to say something. His trust toward his comrade was pretty amazing.
"We can just stop it tomorrow, no?" Shirou asked Yoruichi. He had a feeling they could.
All the training Yoruichi did in the underground secret base was mostly about increasing reiatsu control, something that took a long time to achieve in normal situations.
Spending more days there would benefit them, but time wasn't on their side.
Ganju looked unsure, his face contorted with worry. "Are you sure we're ready? We can still train a little longer, you know..."
"There is no time." Shirou pressed on, looking straight at Ichigo, who stared back at him.
The orange haired boy seemed to calm down, and his gaze was steady. There wasn't any hint of doubt in his eyes anymore.
"What's the plan?" Ichigo asked firmly. His voice was firm, and his expression serious.
"Each of you has a mission, including myself." Shirou answered, turning to Yoruichi. She nodded at him, prompting him to continue.
"It goes like this..."
***
In a garden located in Seireitei, a man with long white hair stood in front of a flower. His haori fluttered against the wind as he looked at Sokyoku Hill with a melancholy gaze.
"What are you doing here, Juushiro?"
A voice called out to him.
Turning around, Captain Ukitake saw his friend, a Captain dressed in flowery haori with tied black hair and beard.
"Kyoraku..." He greeted his friend, a sad smile appeared on his lips, "It's a beautiful place, isn't it? I was admiring the view from here."
"Definitely." Captain Kyouraku Shunsui stopped next to his friend, crossing his arms. He was silent for a few seconds, before sighing.
"Tell me honestly. What are you going to do?" Kyouraku asked.
"I don't understand."
"Don't play dumb. You're trying to save her, aren't you? Your subordinate."
Silence was his answer, as the white-haired man turned to look at his friend. He looked troubled and hesitant. After a long while, he finally spoke.
"Are you trying to stop me, Shunsui?"
"Yama-jii will be furious, you know?" A short laugh escaped the bearded man. "He won't forgive you easily if you try to help Rukia. And he definitely will punish you harshly if you let the Ryoka go free."
"It's still wrong. I tried to ask Central 46 about their decision after Aizen's death, but I was denied a meeting." He looked at the hill again. "Something is wrong with the execution, and I won't stand by and watch it."
"Well, that was certainly strange." Kyouraku nodded in agreement, "The order was so sudden. I can only guess something happened in the Compound. Too many things happened at once that I don't know if I can believe anything anymore."
Ukitake hummed in response. "Maybe we can do something, don't you think so? To stop this nonsense?"
"Hmmm, I don't know, old friend. You know how strict Yama-jii can be."
"Even if it means sacrificing a young soul?"
"Well, I don't like to create a problem, you know?"
A heavy silence descended upon the garden.
No one said anything, only gazing at the lonely Sokyoku Hill. A box stood between them, sporting a crest of the Shihouin family on its surface.
***
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We have reached chapter 86 in pat -reon / ShuviLily.