Gosuke Shigure returned to the Eleventh Division.
He did not tell the other members what had happened to Kenpachi Azashiro.
Most of them didn't even know that their captain had gone to Central 46 to surrender himself for his crimes.
As vice-captain, Shigure continued handling the team's affairs as usual, maintaining calm amid the quiet unease spreading through the division.
Before long, an old acquaintance arrived at the Eleventh Division — Kyoraku Shunsui.
"You're calmer than I imagined." Shunsui said, adjusting the brim of his bamboo hat as his eyes fell on Shigure. "Although I don't know what exactly Kenpachi Azashiro did, judging from his voluntary request to meet Central 46 — and from old man Yamamoto's expression — it's obviously no small matter. You were the last one with him, and you even fought beside him. That puts you under suspicion as well."
He paused and gave a faint smile. "You've thought about that, haven't you?"
While handling paperwork, Shigure said evenly, "Since something has already happened, we can only accept its existence. Compared to blind worry, I believe the truth will clear itself. This matter of captain has nothing to do with me."
His tone was quiet but carried a weight of absolute conviction.
Shunsui was momentarily surprised.
He knew better than anyone what sort of people filled Central 46 — nobles, every one of them. And as the head of a noble house himself, he knew that the word justice often sounded hollow coming from their mouths.
Of course, such a thing couldn't be said aloud. Outwardly, Central 46 represented the highest authority and absolute justice.
"I hope you're right." Shunsui said finally, voice softening. "For your sake. But remember — the members of Central 46 are extremely old-fashioned. When they summon you, don't take their tone to heart, no matter how condescending they sound."
He looked directly at Shigure. "If what you say is true, and this has nothing to do with you, I'll do what I can to clear your name."
Shigure inclined his head. "Thank you."
…
The peace didn't last long.
Only a few days later, a squad of shinigami clad in black garb and masks appeared before Shigure. Their presence carried an icy, formal pressure that immediately silenced the air around the Eleventh Division barracks.
They were the Punishment Force — the law enforcement arm of Soul Society, responsible for detaining and escorting criminals.
"The Vice-Captain of the Eleventh Division, Gosuke Shigure — you are summoned by Central 46." their leader announced coldly.
"I see." Shigure replied calmly, setting down his brush. He rose to his feet and followed without protest.
On the way, the enforcers confiscated his Zanpakutō and bound his wrists in a special restraint. The material of the cuffs shimmered faintly, forged to suppress spiritual energy. Then, multiple layers of Bakudō were cast upon him — an excessive measure to ensure that even a captain-level Shinigami could not resist.
It was standard procedure when leading someone before Central 46.
Shigure offered no resistance.
…
Before long, they reached the gates of Central 46.
The towering black doors loomed ahead, plain yet radiating authority.
Though they bore no ornate symbols or carvings, the atmosphere around them carried an unshakable weight — the pressure of absolute power.
This was the Soul Society's highest authority.
If the Gotei 13 wielded control, then Central 46 wielded something greater than control itself — power.
Standing before the gates, Shigure lifted his gaze. His expression remained composed, but his eyes flickered with quiet thought.
In his first life, the Gotei 13 had never existed. There had been no separation between Seireitei and Rukongai.
Back then, nobles and commoners had lived together. Nobles held influence, yes, but commoners still had paths to rise beyond them. There had been no such institution as Central 46 — no wall between privilege and ordinary souls.
But now, that wall stood tall and immovable.
Central 46 sat high above the world, while common souls struggled for existence in Rukongai. Only those who became Shinigami could cross that divide and step into Seireitei.
It was proof enough that in the invisible struggle long ago, the nobles had won — and even shinigami like Yamamoto Genryusai had been forced to compromise.
Shigure exhaled softly. "I wonder how I'll be judged."
Even now, his face showed no panic — only quiet acceptance.
With a deep rumble, the great doors opened.
The Punishment Force led him through the threshold into the darkness beyond.
…
Inside, the oppressive air grew heavier with each step.
A dense barrier sealed the interior, suppressing all reiatsu within. The deeper they went, the thicker the pressure became — as though the air itself rejected those who entered.
Soon, they reached the central hall of judgment.
At the center lay a circular platform — the lowest point of the chamber. Around it, tiers of steps spiraled upward into darkness. Silhouettes sat upon those steps — forty-six of them, cloaked in shadow. Only faint glimmers of light reflected from their cold, watchful eyes.
"Vice-captain of Eleventh Division, Gosuke Shigure." came a detached voice from above.
"Present." Shigure answered, standing straight.
A sage's voice echoed through the chamber. "Recently, souls from Rukongai have been disappearing in great numbers. The Gotei 13 conducted a thorough investigation. Earlier today, Azashiro Soya — the captain of the Eleventh Division — surrendered himself and confessed to being responsible for these disappearances. The nature of his actions is far worse than initially believed."
There was a pause, the air heavy with implication.
"Before his surrender, you were the last person known to be in contact with him. Therefore, you have been summoned here for interrogation."
Another voice followed, colder. "Were you involved in the incident along with Azashiro Soya?"
The weight of forty-six gazes fell upon him all at once.
And beneath those unseen eyes, Shigure could sense additional presences hidden in the dark — an elite guard unit surrounding the chamber, ready to strike at any moment. Their purpose was clear: to protect the nobles from whoever stood in the center.
He spoke evenly. "No."
"You are lying!" one of the sages barked immediately.
The voice was sharp and accusatory. "As vice-captain of the Eleventh Division, you were deeply trusted by Azashiro Soya. He entrusted all team affairs to you. Before his surrender, you alone maintained contact with him, and you were sighted together in North Rukongai's Zaraki District. Based on this, we believe you were aware of his actions."
"I'll ask you again." the sage said coldly. "Were you involved?"
The echo of the question reverberated through the chamber like a hammer.
Shigure felt their suspicion sharpen into hostility — but he didn't waver.
Now he understood exactly why Shunsui had warned him beforehand.
The sages of Central 46 were not seeking truth.
They were seeking confession.
*****
Support me on my Ko-fi page and gain early access to my creations.
https://ko fi.com/rroy28 (put a "-" between "ko" and "fi")
You can access up to 30 advanced chapters.
You can read 30 advanced chapters of the following:
✓ Killed For 100 Years in Hueco Mundo, Aizen Invited Me To Soul Society!
✓ Naruto: Senmei Asahi
✓ Naruto: Uchiha's Intelligence Dealer
✓ Naruto: The Fifth Hokage Is Naruto's Uncle
✓ Naruto: Who Made Him a Ninja?
✓ Bleach: In My Second Reincarnation, I Became The Ninth Kenpachi