Even though everyone knew this was an obvious conspiracy aimed at the Fifth Division, the order from Captain-Commander Yamamoto had already been issued. No matter what they felt inside, whether it was frustration, suspicion, or simply wanting to watch the show, the four captains had no choice but to head toward the Fifth Division.
.
.
.
Ten minutes later—
The midday sun over the Seireitei was a little glaring, casting four long shadows in front of the vermilion gates of the Fifth Division.
The four captains arrived at the same time, as if by unspoken agreement.
The atmosphere instantly turned subtle and heavy.
"Everyone."
The one who broke the silence was the shortest among them, Hitsugaya Toshiro.
The young genius captain folded his arms, his icy eyes sweeping coldly over the three colleagues beside him.
He stood less than one meter forty tall. In front of the tall and imposing Kuchiki Byakuya and Tosen Kaname, he looked especially small, not to mention standing next to the mountain-like giant Komamura Sajin.
Yet when he stood there, the sharp chill radiating from him made his presence no weaker than anyone else's.
"Since this is the Captain-Commander's order, let's not waste time. Who's taking charge today?"
Hitsugaya's voice carried the clarity and pride unique to youth.
As someone personally cultivated by Rosse, his stance needed no hiding.
This was originally an order from the Captain-Commander's side. He was here today just to go through the motions and to prevent anyone from doing something out of line.
"Captain Kuchiki, aren't you planning to go in personally?"
The silent Tosen Kaname suddenly spoke.
Wearing his visor, his eyes could not be seen, but the slight tilt of his head toward Kuchiki Byakuya, along with his calm yet pointed tone, instantly pushed all the pressure onto Byakuya.
"After all, the information delivered by the Hell Butterfly was very clear. The reason for this search originated from your real-name report."
"..."
Kuchiki Byakuya's expression immediately darkened. The silver-white scarf around his neck stirred without wind, showing just how unsettled he was inside.
He had never reported the Fifth Division.
Just last night, he had spoken pleasantly with Aizen and had even reached a certain tacit understanding. Yet in the blink of an eye, he had been slapped with the charge of stabbing an ally in the back.
What would the Fifth Division think? What would Rosse think?
Faced with this situation all of a sudden, his mood was extremely bad.
"This incident is a malicious frame-up against the Kuchiki family."
Byakuya's voice was as cold as a bitter winter wind, each word squeezed out through clenched teeth.
"After the matter of the Fifth Division is resolved, I will personally bring Captain Rosse and Captain-Commander Yamamoto to Central 46 to question this thoroughly."
He had originally planned to expose the issue of Central 46 on the day of judgment. But since whoever was behind this insisted on dragging the Kuchiki family into the water early, then he would not show any courtesy.
"A frame-up?", Komamura Sajin, who stood like an iron tower, frowned slightly. Beneath the mask and straw hat, a trace of displeasure flashed across his furry face.
The captain of the Seventh Division was known for loyalty and justice. He deeply despised this kind of backhanded scheming.
As for Kuchiki Byakuya's credibility as a noble captain, he trusted it.
Since Byakuya had said so, this was most likely a conspiracy aimed at both the Fifth Division and the Kuchiki family.
Perhaps there was even a shadow of struggle between Rosse and the Captain-Commander behind it.
But no matter which side was using such petty tactics, Komamura could not respect it.
"In that case, to avoid suspicion and to ensure fairness, I will preside over this search."
Komamura said in a deep voice. It boomed like a great bell, making the air tremble slightly.
He did not care about factional struggles or who was right or wrong.
In his code, as long as it was an act of justice and an order from the Seireitei, he had to carry it out, and carry it out fairly and strictly.
The Captain-Commander had shown him kindness. Rosse had shown kindness to the Seventh Division and to Soul Society.
Until he knew exactly who was acting like a petty villain, he would follow orders from both sides.
He moved his massive body forward step by step toward the gates of the Fifth Division.
The injuries he had suffered in the chaotic battle a few days ago had not fully healed. Each step still caused a faint pain, but it did nothing to shake his mountain-like determination.
When the time truly came to fight, Komamura Sajin would still be the first to charge to the front.
"Captains..."
Before Komamura could get close, a slightly flustered voice came from inside the gates of the Fifth Division.
The members of the Fifth Division had long sensed the disturbance outside and had already informed the division's management.
Lieutenant Hinamori Momo had been waiting at the entrance for some time. Seeing that the captains were talking, she had hesitated to step forward and had only watched from a distance.
But now that Komamura was about to enter, she no longer dared delay and hurried out to meet them.
Looking at the four captains in front of her, figures rarely seen together in daily life, now standing there with imposing pressure and without their lieutenants, Momo's small face turned pale. A strong sense of unease rose in her heart.
"May I ask why the captains have suddenly come?"
"First Division Headquarters has issued a search warrant!"
Komamura looked down at the petite lieutenant, his face stern, his tone as serious as if reading out a verdict.
"According to reliable intelligence, the human from the World of the Living who was abducted yesterday by the serious criminal Shihoin Yoruichi is suspected to be hiding within your Fifth Division barracks! We have come under orders to conduct a search!"
As an honest man, he deliberately left out the part about the Kuchiki family's real-name report, giving Byakuya a bit of dignity.
Even so, the words hit like a bomb, leaving Momo's mind buzzing.
"A human? Hiding in the Fifth Division?"
Momo widened her eyes and immediately raised her voice in protest, her face flushing from agitation.
"That's impossible! I've never seen any human inside the barracks! This is absolutely slander!"
She knew very well that Lieutenant Nanao from the Eighth Division next door had just been arrested on charges of hiding a human, becoming a scapegoat, and was now sitting in a cell next to Rukia.
Even if she would do anything for Captain Aizen, how could such a baseless charge of treason be pinned on the always gentle and law-abiding Captain Aizen?
"Whether there is or not isn't something a little girl like you gets to decide."
Komamura ignored her defense and turned to look at the three captains behind him.
"Since Lieutenant Hinamori claims she has no knowledge of it, for the sake of fairness and to avoid unnecessary conflict, the four of us will jointly cast a high-level Kido to temporarily seal off the entire Fifth Division."
"After that, all registered members of the Fifth Division will conduct an immediate internal inspection. We will supervise."
This was the most balanced and dignified solution he could think of.
A division's grounds were important territory. They would not force their way in, giving Aizen face.
But since they had come, the matter had to be investigated thoroughly.
If that kid Hitsugaya were presiding, he might just turn a blind eye and brush it off.
If Byakuya presided, trying to clear suspicion, it might end in chaos.
Only he, Komamura Sajin, under the witness of his close friend Tosen Kaname, could give everyone the fairest explanation.
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