As soon as the words left Kurotsuchi Mayuri's mouth, the entire assembly froze.
Every captain except him frowned, exchanging skeptical glances.
Deprived of his captaincy?
That accusation was beyond reckless. Such a penalty was reserved for only the gravest crimes against Seireitei.
"Ah, Captain Kurotsuchi, you can't make statements like that so casually," Kyōraku Shunsui said with an easy smile, though his tone carried a warning edge.
"Yes, Captain Kurotsuchi, perhaps this is a misunderstanding?" Ukitake Jūshirō added gently.
"Captain Kurotsuchi, please refrain from such disrespectful remarks."
Unohana Retsu's brows furrowed slightly as she spoke, her calm voice layered with quiet authority.
Byakuya Kuchiki's expression remained cold and impassive, though the faintest flicker of disdain crossed his eyes. If Kurotsuchi failed to justify such words, he would face more than reprimand—he would face the wrath of Seireitei's elite.
Even Shiraha found himself questioning Kurotsuchi's motive. Why say this now, and why against him?
Yamamoto Genryūsai's deep voice cut through the tension. "Captain Kurotsuchi, you claim Captain Shiraha is concealing something. What is your evidence?"
Kurotsuchi adjusted his collar and let out a low chuckle. "Evidence? Of course. Recently, I've been reviewing materials left behind by Urahara Kisuke—the former Director of the Twelfth Division's Technology Development Bureau. Among them, I found records concerning the Hōgyoku."
At that word, the captains' expressions hardened. The name Hōgyoku was infamous—an artifact of forbidden science capable of blurring the line between Shinigami and Hollow. Its very mention drew memories of the "Hollowfication Incident" and the "Vanishing Souls" case over a century ago.
Kurotsuchi continued, voice oily with satisfaction. "According to those records, only one person in Soul Society has ever created a Hōgyoku—Urahara Kisuke. My theory is this: Aizen Sōsuke sought Rukia Kuchiki's execution because the Hōgyoku was hidden within her. If Captain Kuchiki Shiraha knew this and deliberately kept it secret, his loyalty to Seireitei must be questioned. It's even possible that he has already aligned himself with Aizen."
Murmurs stirred across the room. His speculation hung heavy in the air.
What Kurotsuchi didn't realize was that Aizen had also created a Hōgyoku—his own version, forged in secrecy. That truth lay buried deep within the Great Spirit Book Corridor, beyond the reach of anyone who hadn't seen it firsthand.
"Captain Kurotsuchi," Unohana said softly, though her tone was sharper than a blade, "all of this is conjecture. You've presented no proof."
She looked at Shiraha with quiet conviction. She did not believe for a moment that he would betray Soul Society.
Kurotsuchi's smirk faltered. "Then let him answer for himself. Kuchiki Shiraha, when you confronted Aizen and his followers, what did you say? What exactly did you see? Speak."
Shiraha's eyes narrowed, his composure unshaken. "Kurotsuchi Mayuri, you and I hold equal rank. I am not a prisoner to be interrogated. You have no authority to question me."
In an instant, a surge of Reiatsu—brilliant violet laced with blue—burst from Shiraha's body, flooding the chamber. The crushing pressure pinned Kurotsuchi to the floor before he could react.
He tried to counter with his own spiritual pressure, but Shiraha's force was overwhelming. Within seconds, Kurotsuchi's knees hit the ground, his face pressed low under the weight.
"Enough!"
Yamamoto's wooden staff slammed against the floor. A wave of ancient, fiery Reiatsu—dense and suffocating—rose to smother the clashing powers.
Both captains instantly withdrew their energy.
The Head-Captain's voice rumbled like distant thunder. "The two of you—control yourselves. I will not have this hall reduced to ash over speculation."
Even as the oppressive atmosphere lifted, most captains felt no sympathy for Kurotsuchi. To accuse a peer without evidence was foolish, even for someone as eccentric as him.
"If you ever attempt that again, Kurotsuchi Mayuri," Shiraha said coolly, "I'll make sure you never speak another word."
Kurotsuchi dusted off his coat and let out a low, rasping chuckle. "Hmph."
"Don't think I don't see through you, Mayuri," Zaraki Kenpachi growled, his grin wide and dangerous. "You're still holding a grudge from that Fourth Division incident, aren't you? You're not fit to frame Kuchiki Shiraha. Keep it up, and I'll cut you in half myself."
Even Zaraki's bloodlust couldn't hide the truth—he understood Mayuri's motive perfectly. The last time they clashed, Shiraha had humiliated Mayuri. Now, Aizen's defection gave him the perfect excuse for revenge.
Kurotsuchi's eyes twitched. He gave a thin, crooked smile. "Oh, Zaraki, you misunderstand me. I was merely offering a hypothesis."
But everyone could see the gleam of malice in his gaze. If Shiraha fell because of this, it would be to Kurotsuchi's delight. If not, he would lose nothing.
"Captain Shiraha," Yamamoto's tone was grave but calm, "for Captain Kurotsuchi's sake, clarify this matter."
Shiraha inclined his head. "It seems Captain Kurotsuchi has indeed misunderstood. When I arrived before Aizen and his followers, Rukia Kuchiki had already lost consciousness. I do not know what they did to her. If you doubt my words, I welcome an investigation in the Great Spirit Book Corridor."
A faint smile touched his lips as he finished.
Yamamoto's brows lowered, then he nodded. "Very well. That settles it."
His tone left no room for dispute.
If Shiraha was confident enough to invite direct inspection, his innocence was beyond question. Kurotsuchi's claims collapsed under their own weight.
Byakuya glanced at Kurotsuchi, his cold gaze laced with silent warning.
Kurotsuchi met it with an unnerving grin and said nothing more.
"Today's Captain Meeting is concluded," Yamamoto declared, his eyes narrowing with command. "Aizen and his two followers have defected. That leaves three vacancies among the Thirteen Court Guard Divisions. Do any of you have recommendations?"
Zaraki snorted. "Do we even need to discuss it? Among all vice-captains, only that beast-looking one has achieved Bankai. The rest are too weak."
He was referring to Komamura Sajin. During the battle at Sōkyoku Hill, Tōsen Kaname and Komamura had attempted to block Zaraki's path—but both were defeated, their strength shattered. Komamura's iron mask had even been broken, revealing the face he had long hidden.
Shiraha stepped forward, his tone even. "Then I recommend Komamura Sajin for promotion—to serve as Captain of the Ninth Division."
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