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With the permission of the Sages and Judges, Yoruichi, Kyōraku Shunsui, and Shiba Isshin quickly appeared in the Central 46 meeting hall.
Facing the head of the Shihōin Family and the head of the Shiba branch family, the administrators of Soul Society rarely put on airs; even when facing ordinary high-ranking noble members, they maintained sufficient patience.
The three stood scattered, and three floor tiles in the meeting hall lit up with white light, while the rest of the area was pitch black, as if taking a wrong step would lead to an endless abyss.
However, none of the three present cared about such a small trick designed to increase psychological pressure on people.
After everyone quieted down, the Tsunayashiro Family Judge coldly asked, "We need to understand the full story."
Shiba Isshin did not hesitate and immediately recounted the results of his investigation to the Sages and Judges present, finally adding:
"There is indeed something strange about this incident. According to our detailed investigation, Captain Kuchiki Kōga had no similar behavior before this, and the injured Squad members had contact with unknown individuals before carrying out their mission."
Upon hearing this, the Sages and Judges immediately fell into contemplation. They all knew in their hearts who these unknown individuals referred to.
The Sages and Judges of the Tsunayashiro Family sneered, clearly knowing better than Kuchiki Kōga himself how wronged he was.
After a period of deliberation, a Sage from the Tsunayashiro Family asked, "So you have evidence that Kuchiki Kōga was framed?"
Shiba Isshin shook his head.
The Tsunayashiro Family Judge then asked:
"Then how can you say there's something strange? The Central 46 is a judicial body; everything relies on evidence. If we made subjective judgments without proof, Soul Society would have been in chaos long ago."
Shiba Isshin shook his head with a difficult expression, saying:
"But Kuchiki Kōga's accusers have a conflict of interest with him, and their testimonies cannot be fully trusted."
The Tsunayashiro Family Judge frowned, a hint of fierce light appearing in his eyes.
Evidently, Shiba Isshin's words did not please him.
At this moment, a neutral Sage suddenly coughed, drawing everyone's attention, and asked Shiba Isshin:
"Is everything you just said true?"
Shiba Isshin nodded, saying in a deep voice, "Of course. All evidence and materials have been submitted to you."
A Tsunayashiro Family Sage spoke, "Since that is the case, Kuchiki Kōga, for harming fellow Shinigami, should be sentenced to death."
The Kuchiki Family Judge finally spoke, "I disagree. The full details of the matter have not been investigated. How can we sentence him to death without clarity?"
"What else isn't clear?"
"We still don't know if the deceased Squad members deliberately framed him, nor do we know who they contacted before that mission!"
"Is that important?"
"Isn't it important? How can such an act of framing a comrade not be important? Do all of you Sages and Judges think this kind of thing isn't important?"
As the Kuchiki Family Judge asked this, the meeting room immediately fell silent.
This matter was, of course, important. If someone could just claim you harmed a comrade the moment you stepped out, wouldn't everyone be in danger?
Then, the Central 46 meetings might as well stop; they could just work in Seijotokyorin and communicate via Kido.
Actually, forget Kido too; who knows if someone might say your Kido is aggressive?
A neutral Sage suddenly spoke, "Since that is the case, Kuchiki Kōga did indeed kill the Squad members, but the witnesses' testimonies cannot be entirely trusted."
"How about we follow the precedent and spare him from death, confining him to the Kuchiki Family, and then sealing his Zanpakuto as punishment."
The Sages and Judges of the Tsunayashiro Family's expressions changed slightly.
What "following the precedent"? Wasn't that just hinting at Tsunayashiro Tokinada!?
Wasn't that matter concluded? Why keep bringing it up? Is there no end to it?
The Judges and Sages of the Shihōin Family all curled their lips into mocking smiles.
Some things, once started, truly never end!
The Kuchiki Family Judges and Sages also had grim expressions.
This looked like sparing Kuchiki Kōga's life, but it was essentially no different from killing him, especially since anyone with eyes could see he was framed.
These neutral factions and the Tsunayashiro Family had joined forces, aiming to seal Kuchiki Kōga's Zanpakuto; they feared the power of the Zanpakuto Muramasa!
The Tsunayashiro Family Judge replied almost without thinking, "I support this judgment. What do you all think?"
A Tsunayashiro Family Sage waved his hand, "I agree with this judgment!"
One after another, Sages followed, saying, "Agreed!"
......
Second Division prison.
Learning that the Central 46 had convened a meeting for him, Kuchiki Kōga was very excited.
He thought that since the Tsunayashiro branch family member who killed his wife was fine, even if he killed a comrade, it shouldn't be a big deal, especially since it was self-defense.
Creak!
At this moment, the prison door slowly opened.
Kuchiki Kōga, who had already been waiting in the cell, stared intently at his longed-for father-in-law, his green eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Father-in-law, can I leave now?" Kuchiki Kōga asked. He gripped the prison bars, behind which was a luxuriously decorated room.
"Not for now," Kuchiki Ginrei said in a deep voice.
"Why? They attacked me first! I was clearly just defending myself. I shouldn't be locked up here. Please let me out."
Kuchiki Kōga looked at Kuchiki Ginrei, his voice pleading. He was truly fed up with being treated like a criminal here.
"Do even you not believe me?"
"I…" Kuchiki Ginrei looked at his son-in-law, whom he regarded as his own son, and sighed deeply, "This old man believes you."
"But the Central 46 has issued an order; your punishment has been decided: one hundred years of house arrest, and the power of the Zanpakuto Muramasa is too dangerous, so it will be permanently sealed."
Kuchiki Kōga's eyes widened, seemingly in disbelief.
Without his Zanpakuto, could he still be called a Shinigami? Would he still have a chance to gain Kuchiki Ginrei's approval in the future?
"Why!?" Kuchiki Kōga screamed hoarsely.
"You were too impulsive, Kōga!" Kuchiki Ginrei explained, "The problem isn't with you, but with your ability."
"They aren't afraid of you, but of Muramasa's rampage!"
Kuchiki Kōga looked up, "What did you say? Not because of me, but for Muramasa?"
Kuchiki Ginrei earnestly advised, "Kōga, I told you before, didn't I? Those who possess power must also have a strong heart. You rely too much on your Zanpakuto's ability!"
Kuchiki Kōga tried to retort, "But…"
Kuchiki Ginrei interrupted, "Why did you use Bankai? I know your strength; at that time, it wasn't necessary to use Bankai, was it?"
"This…" Kuchiki Kōga was suddenly rendered speechless.
That's right, the problem was exactly here.
Why use Bankai against those weaker opponents?
Thinking about it now, he was truly blinded by anger at the time!
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