Matsumoto Rangiku's Decision
The evening breeze pressed heavily against the city, stifling even inside the hospital ward.
Unohana Retsu's words had made the atmosphere even more oppressive. Matsumoto Rangiku suddenly felt as if she had been swept into a crisis far larger than herself.
The Gotei 13 was not a fully disciplined military force. Aside from Divisions 1, 2, and 7, the captains of other divisions often followed their own principles, bending the orders of the Central 46 and the Captain-Commander Yamamoto to suit their judgments.
Following a captain with strong morals, Rangiku had often witnessed how personal values could override law. She had seen criminals escape who should have been punished, hidden by clever maneuvering and flexible interpretation of the rules.
She wondered, did Captain Unohana also despise involving innocents in these matters? Perhaps not.
Rangiku, hailing from the lower ranks of Rukongai, had a natural sensitivity to human morality—good and evil were never hidden from her.
Only one person eluded her insight: Gin. Her feelings for him were too deep to allow conjecture.
Thoughts raced through her mind like the relentless chirping of summer cicadas, doubts and questions piling one upon another.
She exhaled, steadying herself. "Captain Unohana, what is your suggestion?"
"Inform Shiraishi of Mad King Munemasa's plan. He must be prepared to prevent Shiba Ganju's capture," Unohana said calmly.
Rangiku raised an eyebrow. "What if Shiraishi avoids confrontation with Munemasa? Wouldn't that conflict with Captain Kyoraku's plan?"
Unohana cut her off, his face serious. "What are you afraid of? When did the Gotei 13 fall so far that it needed outsiders to resolve its threats? Captain Yamamoto compromised his pride to act for the greater good. That is mercy… and also our shame."
Rangiku's heart tightened. The duties of a Shinigami should be borne by Shinigami themselves, not left to outsiders.
"Then, what must I do?" she asked.
Unohana glanced at Nemu lying in bed. "Escort her through the Baidao Gate. She will notify Shiraishi, then close the door behind her."
Nemu blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Rangiku brushed back her hair. "I'll explain everything." After a brief summary, Nemu understood. She leaped from the bed, her delicate features calm but her voice hurried.
"Then let's go. You go through the window. We must return before dawn to avoid detection. Matsumoto, follow me through the door."
Unohana had arranged everything carefully. "I've checked with Vice Captain Nirvana. Nothing will interfere. Stand guard and ensure she rests undisturbed. Understood?"
"Yes, Captain." The two soldiers agreed without hesitation.
In the Fourth Division, everyone either admired Unohana, was obsessed with him, or was in the process of becoming a devoted follower. His charisma alone could drive the entire team.
Rangiku's thoughts drifted to her own captain, absent in this crisis. Her heart felt heavy.
The Central 46 claimed Shiba had fled to the living world to escape punishment. Rangiku did not believe it. He must have been caught in some grave trouble that prevented his return.
Sighing softly, Rangiku pushed aside her concerns. Gin was unreachable, so she focused on the immediate task: protect Captain Shiba's nephew.
In a flash, she left the corridor and reached the street outside the general emergency room. Nemu waited, and together they headed for the White Gate.
Entry and exit from the Seireitei were strictly controlled. A pass was required to open the gates from outside, and the Household Registration Bureau's approval was necessary for side doors. Without one, the vice-captain of the Tenth Division could grant passage.
Before sunset, Rangiku arrived at the western White Gate. She pressed her epaulettes against the side door. A faint glow from the daffodil emblem spread, and the door clicked open. Nemu dashed through.
Rangiku stayed, guarding the door.
"Matsumoto, what are you doing?"
Hitsugaya Toshiro appeared, alarmed. She was sending someone from another division outside—if caught, he knew, a reprimand would be the least of the consequences.
"Why aren't you in the team?" Rangiku asked, hands on her hips.
"I'm investigating a murder," he replied. "The Fifth Division found a deceased woman in Mao District. The circumstances are… unclear."
"She might have fallen accidentally," Rangiku suggested.
"Impossible," Hitsugaya shook his head. "That area is undamaged and uninhabited. Her death doesn't make sense."
"Not your concern this time. Who did you just send out?"
"Oh, Hitsugaya, trust me." Rangiku's voice was firm. "Just let this go."
"Just this once," he relented, turning away.
"Thanks. I'll buy you a drink another time."
"I don't drink." And with that, Hitsugaya vanished.
Leaning against the door, Rangiku gazed into the distance, her mind in turmoil. Waiting like this was torturous—but necessary.
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