Shiraha nodded slightly and continued, "That's right. According to what Urahara Kisuke told me, the superior Menos Grande—Vasto Lorde—was likely created by Aizen himself. After I defeated the Vasto Lorde, Captain Kyōraku and Captain Zaraki arrived in the Human World. It was then I learned from Kyōraku that a riot had broken out in the Muken, the underground prison."
He paused, his tone calm yet weighted. "That was when Urahara's words truly began to shake me. But since Urahara Kisuke and Shihouin Yoruichi are considered defectors of the Soul Society, there was no substantive evidence to support their claims, even if I had spoken up."
"So, after returning to the Soul Society, I began searching for proof myself."
Everyone in the meeting hall could imagine how difficult such a solitary investigation must have been—tracking clues without evidence, walking a line between suspicion and treason.
Shiraha's voice remained composed. "I encountered Shihouin Yoruichi again when Aizen Sōsuke faked his death after Rukia's capture and the chaos that followed in Seireitei. Together with Yoruichi, I went to the Fourth Division and learned from Captain Unohana herself that Aizen's body was strange—unnatural, almost deliberately staged."
He looked around the table. "After Tōsen Kaname and Vice-Captain Komamura departed that day, I informed Captain Kyōraku and Captain Unohana of everything regarding Aizen and his possible collaborators. The day before Central 46 announced Kuchiki Rukia's early execution, Captain Unohana, Captain Kyōraku, and Captain Ukitake came to meet me, and I once again revealed all I knew about Aizen."
"Aizen's Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu, is far too dangerous. To avoid unnecessary losses in Seireitei and to force Aizen and his allies into exposing themselves, I requested that Captains Unohana, Kyōraku, and Ukitake withhold this information temporarily from you, Head-Captain."
He straightened slightly, his tone unwavering. "Everything I have said is the truth."
When Shiraha finished, he stepped back, standing beside Byakuya Kuchiki, and bowed slightly toward Yamamoto Genryūsai.
The hall fell into absolute silence. A heavy pressure settled upon everyone present.
Much of what Shiraha had said was fabricated—nine parts fiction, one part truth—but even if Yamamoto Genryūsai went to Yoruichi to verify his story, Shiraha would show no fear. His current relationship with Yoruichi ensured she would never speak against him. As for confirmation from Urahara Kisuke, that was impossible. Urahara had hidden in the Human World for years; if he lacked the means to conceal himself, Seireitei would have found him long ago.
"Captain Unohana, Captain Ukitake, Captain Kyōraku," Yamamoto's deep voice broke the silence. "Do you have any objections to what Captain Shiraha has just stated? Did he truly inform you of Aizen and his subordinates in advance?"
A sharp gleam flickered in Yamamoto's eyes as his gaze swept across the three captains. He already understood why Shiraha had not reported directly to him. If he had been placed under Aizen's complete hypnosis, even Ryūjin Jakka's flames could have destroyed all of Seireitei. The risk was unacceptable.
Even during the Sōkyoku Hill incident, Yamamoto had sensed a Reiatsu equal to his own emerging from Aizen's position. Kyōka Suigetsu's power was real—Aizen could indeed deceive even the Head-Captain. That was the very reason Yamamoto had refrained from confronting Aizen personally.
Unohana bowed her head. "Captain-Commander, Shiraha did indeed tell the three of us about Aizen's actions beforehand. And with our agreement, we chose to conceal it temporarily. The countermeasures against Aizen were also decided after discussions with Captain Shiraha."
Kyōraku tilted his hat and added, "Well, old man Yama, Shiraha acted for your own good. You know your temper better than anyone. If you'd learned Aizen was behind everything, you might've charged in yourself—and that could've brought disaster."
Ukitake coughed lightly before speaking. "Head-Captain, it's true. We failed to consider all the consequences. Please punish us as you see fit."
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the four of them. He held no doubts about their loyalty. Unohana had been his comrade for nearly a thousand years. Kyōraku and Ukitake were his own disciples. Shiraha, heir of the Kuchiki family and head of one of the Four Noble Houses, had proven his devotion to Seireitei time and again.
Yamamoto's anger stemmed not from betrayal but from their silence.
"Captains," his voice rumbled like distant thunder, "how do you believe Captain Shiraha should be punished?"
Whenever the Head-Captain used that tone, everyone knew he no longer sought condemnation but formality. The decision was already made; the rest was ceremony.
Zaraki Kenpachi folded his arms, a toothy grin splitting his face. "Punish him? Hah! I say he did damn well this time. Been wanting to fight Aizen myself." He laughed. "Hey, Kuchiki Shiraha! Next time you run into someone that strong, call me. I'll slice him up myself."
Shiraha's lips curved faintly. "I'll remember that, Captain Zaraki."
"I agree," said Suì-Fēng sharply. "Captain Shiraha is not guilty."
Shiraha met her gaze and smiled. Suì-Fēng immediately turned her head away, expression stiff, refusing to meet his eyes again.
Then, one after another, Unohana, Byakuya, and Kyōraku voiced their support, each affirming Shiraha's innocence.
Only Kurotsuchi Mayuri remained silent, a crooked smirk twisting his painted face. His eyes rolled with mechanical eeriness before he finally spoke, his tone dripping with venom. "Captain-Commander, I disagree. Kuchiki Shiraha is guilty. Concealing information of this magnitude is unacceptable. He should be stripped of his captaincy."
The room darkened under the weight of his words.
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