When the Central 46 learned the results of the decisive battle in the World of the Living, they immediately reached a decision.
No matter what, they had to gain control and custody of Aizen.
And Segawa Shigure—a young captain who'd been in office mere months—wasn't trustworthy enough.
So by evening they'd agreed to summon Shigure under the pretense of "consultation."
Then use Seireitei law to find a way to control his Zanpakutō.
Since Aizen was imprisoned in the Zanpakutō, they only needed to control the Zanpakutō to basically achieve their goal.
But—
They never imagined that from the moment Segawa Shigure entered, he'd completely disregard Seireitei law.
Not just the law—he mocked and belittled even the Central 46, the Seireitei's supreme authority.
Most of them came from noble families. Now holding these positions, besides their lives, they valued honor and reputation most!
After Shigure's provocation, they naturally changed their initial plan.
Since Segawa Shigure wouldn't cooperate by offering his Zanpakutō, they'd strip him of his captain position. Remove him from the Gotei 13!
That way, his Zanpakutō would inevitably be confiscated. Achieving their original goal.
But they never expected that at this moment, Segawa Shigure below would suddenly raise his hand. Seemingly about to use his power.
Instantly, behind the forty-six white screens, all forty sages and six judges erupted!
Horror flashed in their eyes as they rapidly spoke:
"What are you doing?! Segawa Shigure! I order you to stop!!"
"Are you... planning to rebel like Aizen?!"
"There are Sekkiseki walls and spirit-suppressing barriers here! Don't get cocky!!"
"Quick! Notify the Head Captain!!!"
They were starting to panic.
After all, they never imagined a captain who'd protected the Seireitei's safety would suddenly attack them—the ruling authority!
Hearing about Aizen's massacre of the previous Central 46 had already made them uneasy.
That's why they'd installed so many protective measures. But unexpectedly, even under these conditions, Segawa Shigure still dared to act!
Hearing the chaotic voices in the assembly hall, Shigure's expression remained unchanged. He smiled lightly and pressed his hand down:
"Quiet."
BOOM!!!
Invisible pressure suddenly descended!
In that instant, all noise in the assembly hall vanished!
With less than one ten-thousandth of his spiritual pressure covering them, Shigure had already made them nearly suffocate!!
They couldn't utter a word. Their bodies couldn't move!
Even breathing became extraordinarily slow!
They could directly hear their heartbeats. Blood flowing through their vessels!
In this moment, they truly understood the meaning of "death"!
This... this is Segawa Shigure's spiritual pressure...?!
Why...?!
Why, despite the Sekkiseki and spirit-suppressing barriers... can he still freely release spiritual pressure?!
These questions filled their minds. But were quickly replaced by the terror and despair of impending death.
In the silent stillness, some broke into cold sweats. Some trembled uncontrollably. Some shed tears and mucus together.
They began to regret.
Regret making such an unwise decision regarding Segawa Shigure.
Regret summoning Segawa Shigure here alone at this time.
They even regretted accepting these Central 46 positions.
Though they'd been nominated, their hearts had craved this honor and power.
But now, facing death—
Honor? Power?
All utterly useless!
Once dead, consciousness gone, those things would become completely meaningless!
"Mmm... ngh..."
Under this massive, silent pressure, people began making incoherent sounds.
Looking down at Shigure, their eyes no longer held disdain, anger, or other emotions.
Only soul-deep fear remained.
But just then, suddenly—
Whoosh.
Shigure lowered his hand. All pressure vanished.
Realizing this, nearly everyone's bodies went limp. Collapsing beside their chairs.
Like drowning victims rescued, they opened their mouths wide. Gasping desperately.
"Hah... huff..."
The assembly hall filled with these sounds.
Their eyes showed greed for air. For breath. For life itself.
After a long while, they slowly began recovering.
In this moment, everyone realized that just before death, Shigure had suddenly spared them.
So all eyes turned fearfully downward.
No one spoke. No one gave instructions to the outside. They had no idea what Shigure wanted.
At this moment, Shigure below still wore a light smile. His gaze sweeping across the screens:
"Everyone, how was it?"
"That feeling of being 'slaughtered'... did it awaken the 'awe' in your hearts?"
"!!"
As his words fell, everyone jolted simultaneously.
But no one responded. Only the sound of swallowing echoed.
They realized Shigure had just toyed with them.
But the terror lingering in their souls still kept them silent.
In their eyes, Shigure now... was more terrifying than anyone!
After a moment, Shigure's smile deepened:
"Seems you understand."
"Then now, it's time to discuss... the power dynamic between the Central 46 and the Gotei 13."
"What do you... think?"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (100+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!