Within the Gotei 13, the 2nd and 6th Divisions were two special entities.
Because these two divisions were noble-exclusive divisions, their Captains were generally from the Shihoin and Kuchiki Clans among the Four Great Noble Families.
Although the current Captain of the 2nd Division, Sui-Feng, was not from the Shihoin Clan, that was because after Yoruichi left the Soul Society, there was no suitable person in the Shihoin Clan to succeed as Captain. They had to appoint Sui-Feng, who was from a lower noble family under the Shihoin's jurisdiction, as Captain.
To some extent, the Kuchiki and Shihoin Clans could be considered the noble representatives within the Gotei 13. So under normal circumstances, their stance would slightly lean towards the nobles.
That's why Kumoi invited Sui-Feng to personally send troops to maintain order at the wedding.
In Kumoi's view, with another Gotei 13's Captain like Sui-Feng present, Toshiro would certainly be deterred and wouldn't dare to cause trouble.
Under normal circumstances, Kumoi's move was indeed a clever ploy. Sui-Feng wouldn't mind helping the Kasumioji Clan with a small favor. But he hadn't considered that if Sui-Feng learned that the Kasumioji Clan was secretly manufacturing Bakkoto, committing a serious crime, would she still help him?
As early as two days ago, Yamamoto had secretly summoned Sui-Feng and instructed her to cooperate with Toshiro in this operation.
As soon as Toshiro obtained evidence, Sui-Feng would cooperate with him to take down the entire Kasumioji Residence.
As for Kumoi inviting Sui-Feng to maintain order, it was simply helping Sui-Feng find an excuse to legitimately bring her troops into the Kasumioji Residence.
After all, the high-level combat power Toshiro brought this time were all from the 10th Division, at the Lieutenant level and above. Eliminating Kumoi's forces would naturally not be difficult for them, but sealing off the Kasumioji Residence to prevent anyone from escaping would be a bit challenging.
The Onmitsukido that Sui-Feng brought happened to be able to help. It could be said that Kumoi inviting Sui-Feng to maintain order was simply suicidal.
"Hitsugaya-dono, Captain Sui-Feng, this old man still has wedding preparations to attend to, so I won't keep you company."
After exchanging pleasantries with Toshiro and Sui-Feng, Kumoi left the reception room.
After Kumoi left, Toshiro and Sui-Feng exchanged glances.
"Omaeda, go direct the Onmitsukido in maintaining order at the wedding. Don't stay here."
Sui-Feng suddenly said to Omaeda.
"Huh? Captain, I'd rather stay here and protect your safety."
Omaeda obviously didn't want to work and wanted to stay and rest.
"Hmph, so much nonsense. Go quickly!"
Sui-Feng scolded.
"Yes!"
Omaeda shrank his neck.
Just as Omaeda was about to leave, Toshiro suddenly spoke: "Wait a moment, Sojiro, Ashido, you two go with Lieutenant Omaeda to help."
Omaeda didn't agree directly but looked at Sui-Feng.
"Then thank you for your kindness, Captain Hitsugaya."
Sui-Feng nodded.
With Sui-Feng's agreement, Omaeda naturally had no objection. So Sojiro and Ashido also went out.
…
Two hours later.
"The auspicious time has arrived. Please follow me, esteemed guests, to observe the ceremony."
A maid entered the reception room and said to Toshiro and the others.
"Then let's go."
Toshiro glanced at Sui-Feng and followed the maid's guidance.
Along the way, Toshiro noticed that the Kasumioji Residence was bustling with people coming and going, music playing everywhere… a lively and festive atmosphere.
'Heh, Kumoi might as well consider this music the funeral dirge for his downfall.'
Toshiro thought with a sneer in his heart.
"This hall is really huge."
Toshiro looked around the hall used for the wedding from a corner, couldn't help but marvel.
The entire hall was ornately decorated and incredibly spacious, easily accommodating several hundred to a thousand people.
"No, this is nothing. It's still far inferior to the main hall of the Shihoin Residence."
Sui-Feng was very calm, not at all surprised.
"Tsk tsk, you nobles really live decadent lives. This hall alone is bigger than the 10th Division's training ground. And from what I can tell, the entire Kasumioji Residence isn't much smaller than the 10th Division's barracks, let alone the Shihoin and Kuchiki Estates."
Toshiro couldn't help but say somewhat sarcastically.
Toshiro, born in the Rukongai, had lived a very difficult life since childhood. This was still because he lived in the district closest to the Seireitei. In the more remote districts, merely surviving was a struggle.
Now seeing such luxury among the nobles, he couldn't help but feel a bit unbalanced, which is why his words came out a bit sharply.
"Hitsugaya, what do you mean by that?"
Hearing Toshiro's words, Sui-Feng frowned.
Sui-Feng was also of noble birth, though only the lowest rank of lower nobility.
"Sorry, sorry. I was just joking."
Toshiro apologized.
"By the way, Sui-Feng, I see quite a few people here today. But aside from some middle and lower nobles, most of the upper nobles and the Four Great Noble Families only sent representatives… the family heads didn't attend in person. And besides us, none of the other Gotei 13's Captains are here either."
Toshiro changed the subject.
"Mm. Because the position of family head is too important, they generally don't go out easily. So only the middle and lower nobles, seeking to nurture relations with the Kasumioji Clan, would have their heads attend the wedding in person."
"As for upper nobles, great nobles like the Shihoin Clan, and the Captains of the Gotei 13, their status is not lower than the Kasumioji Clan's, and in some cases even higher. So generally, their heads won't attend in person. Sending a representative is already a show of courtesy. Incidentally, this time I am also representing the Shihoin Clan at the wedding."
Sui-Feng explained.
"Is that so? It's a pity today's wedding is probably going to be ruined by us."
Toshiro couldn't help but chuckle lightly.
"Alright, Hitsugaya, the wedding is about to start."
Sui-Feng suddenly became serious.
Hearing this, Toshiro saw Rurichiyo and Shu enter, accompanied by Kenryu, Enryu, and the maids.
Rurichiyo wore a long, trailing red dress. Behind her, two maids specifically bent over to hold up the long train.
Rurichiyo and Shu walked to a low platform at the very front of the hall.
Kumoi, standing in front of the platform, announced loudly: "Now, I declare the wedding of Kannogi Shu-sama and Princess Rurichiyo… begun!"
However, Kumoi did not notice that Rangiku and Momo, whom Toshiro had sent to protect Rurichiyo earlier, were nowhere to be seen.
…
Meanwhile, at the back gate of the Kasumioji Residence.
Nukui, the leader of the Kasumioji Clan's assassination squad, silently slipped out with his three most elite subordinates.
Under Kumoi's orders, Nukui was going to the designated location to hand over the Bakkoto to Shusuke. Besides each carrying a Bakkoto as their weapon, Nukui and his men also carried two more on their backs.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
The moment Nukui and his men stepped out of the Kasumioji Residence, dozens of figures instantly appeared, surrounding them.
"What! The Onmitsukido!!"
Nukui exclaimed in shock.
Then several more figures leisurely walked out. They were Sojiro and Ashido, who were supposed to be maintaining order at the wedding with Omaeda, as well as Rangiku and Momo, who were supposed to be protecting Rurichiyo.
Rangiku then stepped forward and announced: "The Kasumioji Clan has secretly forged Bakkoto and plotted rebellion! By order of Yamamoto Shigekuni Genryusai, Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, and Vice-Captain-Commander Hitsugaya Toshiro, we hereby arrest the Kasumioji Clan! Surrender immediately!"