Escape from Seireitei
The Fourth Division lived by benevolence. Whether Shinigami or enemy, anyone gravely injured would receive treatment.
The difference was simple: Shinigami were given private recovery rooms above ground.
Enemies were confined in the underground medical cells.
The space was spacious enough, with two bunks, but the high barred windows let in no sunlight.
Shiba Kūkaku had once tried to drag the bed under the window, hoping for escape, but the iron bars made it impossible. With cuffs suppressing her spiritual pressure, she was no stronger than an ordinary Rukongai resident—powerless to break free.
She sighed and flopped back onto the lower bunk. Her chest no longer ached; the wounds had healed. Soon, she would be transferred. But where? The fourth floor of the Central Underground Prison again? Or somewhere even deeper?
Could Shiraishi really come for her?
Last time, it had taken a Muken prisoner disrupting Seireitei's defenses for her to escape. Another miracle like that wouldn't happen. If Shiraishi tried, he might be caught himself.
Perhaps it was better if he didn't come… and yet, she couldn't stop hoping he would. After fighting side by side so many times, she felt a strange confidence he could somehow do it.
"Ah, never mind," she muttered, slapping her cheeks. "Leave it to fate."
Footsteps approached. Not the usual single set, but several.
Kotetsu Isane appeared, leading four members of the Kidō Corps. They wore holy white robes and turbans, only their cold eyes showing. Each carried a restraining instrument resembling a fork, long white straps dangling.
"Prisoner Shiba Kūkaku," Isane announced, producing the captain's order, "your wounds are healed. By command, you will be transferred to the fourth level of the Repentance Cell."
The Kidō Corps entered. One fixed a collar around her neck, with four holes to connect the straps. Any resistance, and the spiritual energy through those bindings would tighten until she submitted.
"Move," one of them ordered.
Kūkaku understood well enough. She followed obediently through the quiet corridors, up the stairs to the ground.
Warm sunlight and cicadas greeted her. Narrowing her eyes, she stepped outside. The twin peaks of Sōkyoku Hill and the towering Senzaikyū shone like molten gold in the summer sun.
The restraining forks pressed against her, forcing her forward. The barrier around her shifted—then suddenly, four sharp impacts rang out.
The Kidō Corps members collapsed. The collar and cuffs snapped open.
Kūkaku froze. Spiritual particles swirled, shaping into a tall figure.
"You're… still in Seireitei?"
Zaraki Sōya stood calmly on the rooftop. "Always. You're healed. Let's go."
"Why?" she demanded. "Why help me?"
"Because Shiraishi and I are companions," Sōya replied flatly. "And you are his friend. I'll see you free. Otherwise, your capture may drag his emotions into the mission—and ruin everything."
Kūkaku stared, then smiled faintly. She hadn't expected to be saved like this. "Thank you."
"No need. Follow."
He moved confidently through Seireitei, his awareness spread everywhere. Every patrol, every empty street—he knew it all. Even dead ends bent before him like open paths.
Explosions thundered above the city—likely diversions marking her escape. Yet no Shinigami intercepted them.
Finally, Kūkaku frowned. "But how do we get out? There's no opening between Seireitei and the sky."
"Straight ahead," Sōya answered calmly. "Push through. Shiraishi is waiting in West District 10."
She gritted her teeth, charged forward—and broke through as if piercing stretched film. One moment she was inside, the next she stood outside the barrier, grass beneath her feet.
She touched the wall behind her. Hard as stone. Yet Sōya had made passage possible.
The talents of those in Muken truly defied belief. No wonder Soul Society panicked when they escaped.
But she didn't linger. She needed to return to the Shiba family home to reassure Jinhiko, Ginhiko, and Ganju. Their base wasn't hard to guess—outskirts of Runlin'an, where their fireworks wouldn't disturb the crowds.
Sure enough, she spotted the banner and the disguised cannon chimney.
She knocked hard at the door. "Jinhiko! Ginhiko! Ganju! I'm back!"
Crashes, hurried footsteps—and then two large figures and a small one tumbled out.
"Lady Kūkaku!"
"Big sis!"
"Don't cry," she laughed, ruffling their heads. "Or I'll beat you up."
Then she grew serious. "I can't stay. Change clothes and prepare to move. Look after Jinhiko, Ginhiko, and Ganju for me."
"Big sis, where are you going?"
"West District 10," she replied. "Shiraishi and I have an agreement to fulfill."
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