Hearing the wail behind him, Gin curled his lips into a smile of satisfaction.
The truth was, Gin's visit to Rukia wasn't out of boredom. He wasn't that bored. The reason he came to torment Rukia was entirely on Aizen's orders.
Although Aizen himself saw no flaws in his plan, to be safe, he sent Gin to completely destroy Rukia's will to live.
Only if Rukia fell into complete despair, stopped resisting, and willingly accepted execution by Sokyoku, could Aizen naturally extract the Hogyoku from her soul.
Hence this unnecessary move of sending Gin.
Sokyoku Hill.
After Gin's departure, no further incidents occurred. Rukia, her faith shattered and plunged into despair, was successfully escorted to Sokyoku Hill.
Now, Rukia stood beside the Sokyoku. Not far away were Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryusai, Captain Sui-Feng of the 2nd Division, Captain Unohana of the 4th Division, Captain Kyoraku of the 8th Division, and other Captains and their Lieutenants.
"Now then… it will begin..."
"Activate the ritual!"
Yamamoto ordered.
As the Sokyoku's release was prepared, Sui-Feng couldn't help but wonder, "Why are so few people here?"
"Only the Captains of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th Divisions are present. The Captains of the 5th, 10th, 11th, and 12th can't make it for various reasons. But where are the others?"
Sui-Feng counted and found only four Captains including herself. Besides those absent for various reasons, attendance was still severely lacking.
"Rustle, rustle, rustle..."
Just as Sui-Feng spoke, footsteps suddenly came.
Everyone instinctively turned to look, including Rukia about to be executed.
Seeing who it was, Rukia's heart shook, and she said bitterly, "Nii-sama... it's you..."
In this life, due to Toshiro's influence, Byakuya had been extremely kind to Rukia. So Rukia was very grateful to Byakuya as her brother.
She even felt some shame for bringing disgrace to the Kuchiki Clan's name because of her matter. Therefore, seeing Byakuya now, she didn't resent him… she just felt a complex mix of pain, shame, and other emotions.
"Rukia..."
Hearing her call, Byakuya closed his eyes in sorrow and murmured, unable to look at her. He feared his hard-won resolve would waver again.
"Kuchiki Rukia, is there anything you wish to say at the end?"
Yamamoto asked.
"Yes… just one thing. I hope the Gotei 13 can let Ichigo and the others go. They only wanted to save me, not invade the Seireitei. So I hope after the execution, you will let them return."
Rukia pleaded.
"Very well. As you wish, after the execution, let those Ryoka return."
Yamamoto said expressionlessly.
"Th-thank you so much."
Rukia said happily.
However, after their conversation, Kotetsu Isane, Lieutenant of the 4th Division not far away, couldn't help but complain: "That's so cruel... They clearly didn't intend to let the Ryoka return alive..."
Unohana shook her head: "That's not cruelty, Isane."
"It's compassion. Since the ending is fixed, at least let her have no attachments... let her depart peacefully."
As she spoke, Unohana revealed a gentle, compassionate expression like that of the Virgin Mary.
Just then, the release of the Sokyoku was complete.
"Release the Sokyoku!"
After defeating Tosen, Zaraki, who was fighting Komamura, suddenly stopped. Komamura didn't press the attack either. Both looked towards Sokyoku Hill.
They both sensed the Sokyoku's Reiatsu.
Komamura: "This is..."
Zaraki: "Hmm... looks like..."
"It's about to start soon."
…
13th Division.
"Damn, Kiyone! The execution is about to start! Where's Captain?"
Kotsubaki Sentaro said frantically.
"Shut up! I can hear you! Stop yelling your head off, you smelly, goateed monkey!"
Kotetsu Kiyone, equally anxious, snapped irritably.
"Captain!"
Kiyone called out.
"You're yelling and screaming too!"
Sentaro muttered discontentedly.
Ignoring Sentaro, Kiyone went to Ukitake's door and knocked: "Captain! Are you ready? They're about to execute Kuchiki-san! If we don't hurry..."
Swoosh!
The door slid open. Ukitake stepped out, holding a special rectangular artifact.
Ukitake said solemnly: "Let's go!"
"To destroy the Sokyoku!!"
Kiyone and Sentaro shouted in unison: "Yes, Captain!!"
Injured by Byakuya's Bankai, covered in blood and utterly miserable, Renji slowly opened his eyes.
"I'm still alive? Am I..."
"You are!"
Renji suddenly saw a somewhat familiar face appear in his vision.
"He... hello..."
Yamada Hanataro greeted Renji weakly.
"Aren't you the 4th Division's member who was with Ichigo? Why save me?"
Renji asked.
"I called him here."
A voice suddenly sounded beside him. Renji turned his head and saw another person there.
"Riki?"
This Shinigami named Riki appearing here surprised Renji greatly. This was one of the 6th Division's members who had blocked Renji earlier and been beaten down by him.
Renji asked, puzzled: "You..."
Riki explained voluntarily: "I heard Hanataro was locked up for trying to save Kuchiki-san, and you're also trying to save her, so I thought he would treat your injuries..."
Hanataro added: "The 11th Division turned the Combined Relief Station upside down. He took the chance to sneak into the cell and open the door."
Riki said emotionally: "I joined the Gotei 13 because I admired you, Renji-san! No matter what, I want you to live! That's why I brought Hanataro here!"
"Riki..."
Renji couldn't help but feel grateful and guilty.
"Umm... Renji-san, I'll leave saving Kuchiki-san to you!"
Hanataro bowed deeply.
"No problem!!"
Renji promised solemnly.