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Central 46āarbiter of law, enforcer of punishmentāmoves only when the scales of judgment tip toward sin. When that threshold is crossed, a verdict is cast behind closed doors, and orders are passed through a lone emissary, silent and absolute.
The emissary stood before Byakuya Kuchiki, expression unreadable beneath the robe that veiled everything but his eyes. "Captain Kuchiki of the Sixth Division, this is a secret order issued by Central 46. Please review its contents."
Byakuya accepted the envelope without a word. The emissary gave a shallow bow, then vanished from the chamber, leaving behind only the silence of duty fulfilled. For a moment, Byakuya stared at the letter in his hand. Central 46 did not send secret orders lightlyāsuch directives were reserved for matters of grave significance. As he broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, a flicker of something unreadable crossed his face.
"Judgment Order.
Rukia Kuchiki, former seated officer of the Thirteenth Division, has been located in the World of the Living. She unlawfully transferred her Shinigami powers to a human and concealed herself in a Gigai, evading detection. Her actions constitute high treason and a severe breach of Soul Society law.
The following order is issued to the Captain of the Sixth Division, Byakuya Kuchiki:
Upon completion of daily squad duties, proceed to Karakura Town. Apprehend Rukia Kuchiki and return her to Soul Society as a criminal.
This order is mirrored to Vice-Captain Abarai Renji.
The matter is of utmost importance. Execute the mission without error.
āCentral 46"
Byakuya read every line without shifting expression, then slowly folded the letter and stood. Whatever lingered in his heart was sealed behind a mask of unwavering indifference. The decision had been made.
---
Second Division Quarters ā Captain's Office
Omaeda, pouring tea with two hands and a face full of flattery, beamed up at Su Li. "Captain, how did you know there'd be big news today? Couldn't keep a little secret from your vice-captain, could you?"
Su Li reclined in his chair, sunflower seeds in hand, eyes half-lidded with a lazy grin. "Heaven's secrets can't be leaked so easily, Omaeda."
"Oh come on, Captain, you know the curiosity's eating me aliveā¦"
Su Li smirked. "I told you I figured it out, didn't I?"
Omaeda gasped as if he'd witnessed divine revelation. "WaitāCaptain, don't tell meā¦ you mastered Feng Shui Divination?"
Su Li tapped his temple and grinned. "Just some small tricks."
Omaeda leaned in eagerly, nearly toppling the tea tray. "Please teach me! I've always believed in spiritual fortune! LookāI even carry this safety charm every day!"
Amused and mildly regretful about his lie, Su Li grabbed a pen, drew a basic Eight Trigrams diagram on scrap paper, and slid it across the table. "Memorize these eight hexagrams first. Then we'll talk."
Omaeda took the paper like it was a family heirloom, eyes glittering with fanaticism. Su Li chuckled, knowing full well the Omaeda clan's superstitious obsession with luck and charmsāunsurprising for a noble family built on wealth and fear.
Just then, a voice called from the door. "Reporting! Vice-Captain Abarai Renji is here for a visit!"
Su Li's smile widened. "Let him in."
Omaeda blinked in awe. "Captainā¦ did you foresee this too?"
Su Li's eyelid twitched. I'm not a prophet, he thought. I just know the script.
Still, Renji's sudden visit was slightly ahead of schedule. According to canon, today should've been the day he and Byakuya received their orders. That meant something had shifted. Curious.
Renji entered moments later, red hair wild, tension wrapped around every motion. "Captain Su Liā¦"
Su Li greeted him casually. "Aha, Renji. Long time no see. What brings you here?"
Renji hesitated, glancing uneasily at Omaeda.
"Omaeda, step out for a moment," Su Li said without looking up. "Renji and I need to speak alone."
"Yes, Captain!" Omaeda bowed, eyes still lingering suspiciously as he shut the door behind him.
Su Li gestured toward the seat. "So, Renji. What's on your mind?"
Renji stood for a moment, fingers clenching and unclenching at his sides, before finally speaking. "I cameā¦ because of Rukia."
Su Li met his eyes calmly.
"You've heard, haven't you? She's been found. Butā¦ she's in real trouble."
"I know," Su Li said softly.
Renji's jaw clenched as he leaned forward. "Captain Su Liā¦ do you have any thoughts on this? Any idea what's going to happen?"
Su Li didn't answer right away. He watched Renji carefully before replying, "Why ask me? This doesn't concern me directly."
Renji's voice dropped to a near whisper. "She was your classmateā¦ you met her before, in the Academyā¦ and Captain Kuchikiāhe's not going to lift a finger. I didn't know who else to ask. But you, Captain Su Liā¦ you've always been reliable. I just hopedā¦ maybe you'd understand."
His voice cracked under the weight of pride and desperation. There was longing in it, and shame, and hope twisted up in the memory of academy days where Su Li's strength had always been something untouchable. Renji had never quite figured him outāfeared him, admired him, envied himāand now needed him.
Su Li tilted his head. "You sure it's smart to rely on a so-called salted fish captain?"
Renji offered a rueful smile. "Those kids don't understand. I know you're not like that. I trust you."
Su Li's expression softened. "Then trust me now. Rukia will be fine."
Renji's eyes widened. "You mean it? Really?!"
The name slipped from his mouth without the honorifics, but Su Li let it slide. The raw hope was enough.
For a few moments, silence stretched as Renji calmed. Somehow, when Su Li said it, it sounded true. He didn't just speak with confidenceāhe made the future feel like something he had already seen.
Renji stood up and bowed low. "Thank youā¦ Captain Su Li."
Before Su Li could answer, the door swung open.
"Renji. What are you doing?"
That voice, cold as frost, needed no introduction.
"Captain Kuchiki!" Renji gasped, eyes snapping to the entrance.
Byakuya Kuchiki stood beneath the doorway, robes pristine, gaze unreadable.
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