{🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please support me.🥰 You can access upto 70+ advance chapter through Patreon by using the link:
Yamamoto Genryūsai's words fell like iron into the chamber, and the air instantly grew heavy, pressing on every captain's shoulders.
Kyoraku Shunsui tilted the brim of his bamboo hat, his tone light but edged with unease. "Ah, ah, old man Yama… we only lost a vice-captain, yet you're declaring full-scale war already?"
"Total war…" Shiraha murmured under his breath, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Before coming to the meeting, he had entrusted Yoruichi—still in her feline form—to the Seventh Division barracks, leaving her in Hinamori Momo's care. The thought of wartime liberation stirred something sharp inside him.
Zaraki Kenpachi grinned, the scar on his face twitching with excitement. "Heh. About time. Being allowed to fight at full power is what makes war worth it." He had already learned from Madarame Ikkaku that Kurosaki Ichigo and his allies had headed toward the Senzaikyū, the Repentance Palace where Kuchiki Rukia awaited execution. With Yachiru perched on his shoulder, Kenpachi had stormed there, only to find nothing but silence. The lack of battle left him smoldering with irritation.
Kurotsuchi Mayuri's voice cut in, sharp as a blade dipped in venom. "In the end, this chaos stems from certain individuals who allowed the ryoka to slip through, and even moved without authorization. We wouldn't be here otherwise." His words left no doubt who he was aiming at: Shiraha and Ichimaru Gin.
Earlier that day, Mayuri had tried to extract information from Ikkaku, only to be intercepted and humiliated by Shiraha. That grudge now spilled openly into his tone. "Commander, perhaps it's time to punish Captain Ichimaru and Captain Shiraha for their recklessness."
The hall went still. Yamamoto's gaze burned across the captains, pausing heavily on Mayuri. His voice thundered like a drawn blade. "The ryoka invasion has escalated beyond containment. Because of that, I will not pursue the matter of Captain Ichimaru or Captain Shiraha's actions. Discipline can wait. Battle cannot."
Ichimaru Gin inclined his head with that ever-slippery smile, though his eyes flickered briefly toward Aizen, catching the faintest glimmer of surprise. Hitsugaya Tōshirō noticed it. The image etched itself into his memory.
"Much obliged," Gin said softly.
Shiraha bowed his head slightly as well. "Thank you, Commander."
"Hmph," Mayuri snapped, frustrated that his attempt had been crushed so bluntly. He fell silent, hands twitching at his sleeves.
"The meeting is concluded," Yamamoto barked, slamming his staff to the floor. His gaze swept the room one last time, lingering on Shiraha and Gin before he turned and departed.
Afterward, Shiraha returned to the Seventh Division compound. There, he found Hinamori Momo fast asleep outside his quarters, cradling Yoruichi in her arms, with Kira Izuru standing guard.
"Captain Shiraha," Kira said immediately, bowing.
"Captain…" Hinamori startled awake, nearly dropping Yoruichi before realizing Shiraha stood before her. The cat wasted no time, leaping from her grasp straight into Shiraha's chest, curling comfortably against him.
"You've both worked hard today," Shiraha said warmly.
"It wasn't hard at all. Yoruichi is very gentle," Hinamori answered with a tired smile, unaware of the truth beneath Yoruichi's guise.
Neither she nor Kira suspected anything beyond the ordinary—Shiraha's companion was to them nothing more than an eccentric pet.
Kira's expression darkened. "Captain Shiraha… Vice-Captain Abarai was defeated today. Have the ryoka been captured?"
Shiraha shook his head. "Not yet. But the Commander has authorized full wartime liberation. Soon, every division will know."
Kira stiffened. "Full liberation… within the Court? This is more serious than anything I've ever seen."
Indeed, the rule had always been absolute: no Shinigami could release their Zanpakutō within Seireitei's walls unless under the direst circumstances. For such an order to be given now… it spoke volumes.
"Almost as serious as it gets," Shiraha replied calmly.
"Captain Shiraha…" Hinamori's voice was quiet, hesitant. "Is there no way to save Rukia? If possible, shouldn't we…" Her voice faltered. "…shouldn't we help the ryoka?"
"Hinamori!" Kira cut her off sharply. "Do you realize what you're saying? If anyone overheard that, it could mean charges of treason!" His words were fierce, though his heart wavered, because the thought had already haunted him as well. It was why, after finding Renji broken and bleeding, he had carried him to Fourth Division instead of chasing the ryoka further.
Hinamori bowed her head quickly. "I'm sorry, Captain. I spoke recklessly."
"It's fine." Shiraha raised a hand, his tone gentle but resolute. "Don't worry. I won't allow Rukia to die like this."
Both Kira and Hinamori exhaled in relief, gratitude etched across their faces.
"Thank you, Captain," they said together.
"Now, it's late. Go rest. Kira, come with me tomorrow—we'll visit Rukia at the Senzaikyū." Shiraha gave them a faint smile before retreating into his quarters, Yoruichi tucked beneath his arm.
The night slipped by.
By morning, the Tenth Division stirred. Matsumoto Rangiku stretched languidly, sunlight cutting through her window, then gasped in alarm. "Ah! I'm late already?!" She scrambled into her uniform, muttering curses about time, only to step outside and run into her captain.
"Captain, why didn't you wake me?!" she huffed.
Hitsugaya Tōshirō's brow twitched. "Matsumoto… I had people call for you repeatedly. You slept like a rock."
"Really? Must have forgotten…" she said breezily, already darting off. "No time! The vice-captains' meeting is starting, I'll cut across by Shunpo!"
Hitsugaya sighed, shaking his head as she vanished. "Hopeless." He turned back toward the barracks.
Meanwhile, Rangiku rushed past the East Holy Wall near First Division headquarters—only to freeze.
The metallic tang of blood filled the air. Droplets stained the stones behind her, a crimson trail leading her eyes upward.
There, nailed to the towering wall by his own Zanpakutō, hung the body of Aizen Sōsuke.
Blood streamed down in dark rivulets, pooling on the white stone floor. His lifeless face tilted toward the ground, glasses cracked, smile forever gone.
"Captain… Aizen…" Rangiku's voice broke in disbelief. The sight before her was too cruel, too impossible to grasp.
The Fifth Division captain… dead.
{ Enjoying the chapters? Please Support me on Patreon and unlock 70+ advanced chapters, with 3 new chapters released every two days!
The fanfic is also available for one-time purchase on Patreon – unlock lifetime access to the full collection, no membership needed! Don't miss out –support and own it forever!
patreon.com/Oreski}