"What?"

Hearing Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni himself say that there was something more serious than Urahara Kisuke's defection, the smile on Kyōraku Shunsui's face immediately stiffened.

Even though he appeared casual and lazy before walking in, he had actually been very calm inside.

For no other reason than this—he had the advantage.

The Aiyan brothers were ahead, Hikifune Kirio and Shutara Senjumaru were heading to the Zero Division, and any one of them could crush an opponent with a single blow at the Captain-Commander level.

Moreover, it had been confirmed that Urahara Kisuke was behind everything, so there was no need to worry about Yamamoto Genryūsai rejuvenating and turning his anger on them after the incident.

Besides, more than a month had passed. If there had really been any settling of accounts to be done, it could have been done long ago—there was no reason to wait until today.

"Shunsui, Jūshirō."

"I'll say something unpleasant in advance. No matter what you see or hear in the 1st Division's office today, it can enter your eyes and ears, but it must never leave your mouth."

"Otherwise, don't blame me for showing no mercy… even with Ryūjin Jakka."

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's penetrating gaze locked onto his two most beloved disciples.

"Including Aiyan?"

Jūshirō Ukitake's face became solemn.

"Even Aizen is no exception."

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's words instantly made both men's expressions change.

Others might not know, but as his disciples, they knew very well how much their teacher valued Aizen.

It could be said that had Aizen been taken under his wing earlier, the combined importance of both of them would not match even a single finger of the new disciple in Yamamoto Genryūsai's eyes.

As for appointing a successor as Captain-Commander—there was no doubt Aizen was the most likely choice.

But now…?

Yamamoto Genryūsai was actually saying he had hidden something from Aizen, yet was revealing it to them.

"Why?"

Kyōraku Shunsui's expression turned heavy. He felt neither pleased nor proud that Yamamoto had chosen to confide in him and Jūshirō instead of Aizen or Aiyan.

That was because he knew his teacher's nature too well.

This wasn't about their special importance—it was simply because the matter directly involved the Sōsuke brothers.

As expected…

Yamamoto Genryūsai's next words proved his suspicion correct.

"Yesterday, Central 46 was rebuilt.

"The selection of new sages and judges has also been completed."

"This was the first order issued by the newly reformed Central 46."

Yamamoto Genryūsai said this as he pulled out a top-secret document, sealed with special Kidō, from his desk drawer.

"Only captains may read this. If anyone else tries to force it open, it will be destroyed immediately."

He recited a special incantation, causing the Kidō around the file to dissipate—no, to be temporarily lifted.

Then he opened the document in front of them and placed it on the desk.

Kyōraku and Jūshirō immediately leaned forward to read.

"Former Gotei Captains: Muguruma Kensei, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō, Aikawa Love."

"Former Gotei Lieutenants: Yadōmaru Lisa, Kuna Mashiro, Sarugaki Hiyori."

"Former Grand Kidō Chief: Tsukabishi Tomioka."

"Former Kidō Corps Lieutenant: Hachigen Ushōda."

"This group acted without authorization, disrupted an execution, destroyed the underground central assembly hall and the Purification Tower Sōkyoku Hill. All former judges and sages were killed. The crimes are unforgivable."

"After deliberation and decision by Central 46, all Shinigami positions are hereby revoked, and the above individuals are sentenced to public execution."

In a moment, the two of them had clearly read every line of the top-secret file.

By the time they reached the final word, Kyōraku's smile had completely frozen into stillness, and Jūshirō was already sweating—any trace of a smile gone.

They never imagined that despite replacing the Second Generation of sages and judges, Central 46's style was still the same—arbitrary, domineering, and even more ruthless than before.

Knowing that Yadōmaru Lisa, Muguruma Kensei, and the others were now under the protection of Hikifune Kirio and Shutara Senjumaru—already on their way to the Soul King Palace to become Zero Division members—they still chose to order their execution, and not secretly, but as an unprecedented public execution in Seireitei.

"Aiyan and Aizen are both away—one in the Human World, the other in District 80."

"If Central 46's verdict was to execute these people quietly, it would be difficult. But with both Aiyan and Aizen gone from Seireitei, and with Hikifune and Shutara in the Zero Division, it becomes possible to act before anyone can interfere—executing Yadōmaru Lisa, Muguruma Kensei, and the rest swiftly and decisively."

Yamamoto Genryūsai's tone was calm, but his words were chilling. Even Kyōraku and Jūshirō felt an unfamiliar sense of dread toward their teacher.

"Is this because of Urahara Kisuke?"

"Central 46 was destroyed, and that trampled the very responsibilities and laws you've upheld your entire life. So now you've decided to use Lisa, Kensei, and the others to make an example."

Kyōraku saw through it immediately.

If Central 46 wanted to vent its anger but could not punish the "dead" Urahara Kisuke, it would turn to Love Aikawa, Hachigen, and the others—those who had unknowingly become pawns—to satisfy that desire for retribution.

Yamamoto, in turn, would use the opportunity to reinforce the principle that Soul Society's laws and responsibilities stand above all else, untouchable and absolute.

There would be no such thing as "the law does not punish the multitude."

Even if you are a Gotei captain—or several captains—you cannot escape judgment if you violate the law.

"Genryūsai-sensei, their crimes are not deserving of death."

No sooner had Jūshirō spoken than Yamamoto's gaze, sharp as a blade, cut into him.

"It is not for you to decide whether they deserve death."

"You are captains of the Gotei 13. I am the Captain-Commander. Your duty is to uphold Soul Society's laws—not to oppose its assigned responsibilities."

"Central 46 decides whether a Shinigami is guilty or not. As captains, you follow their judgment. No objections will be tolerated."

Yamamoto slammed his Zanpakutō onto the desk, delivering an unprecedentedly stern warning.

"Besides… you were also involved last time. Strictly speaking, you are guilty as well. What you should be doing is reforming yourself and fulfilling your duties."

"If there's a next time, even as my disciples, I will show no leniency."

His dagger-like eyes swept over them both.

"Last time, Aizen chose to uphold justice and fulfill his responsibilities, while you two chose to disobey and resist."

"Sensei, why hide this from Aizen but tell us? Logically, you trust Aizen more than us."

Kyōraku frowned deeply. Something felt off—it didn't match Yamamoto's usual way of doing things.

"Teacher Genryūsai, besides the execution order for Lisa and Rōjūrō, did Central 46 also issue another order?"

"Does it involve Aizen?"

Hearing this, Jūshirō's heart skipped a beat.

Although not as quick to read the subtleties of people as Shunsui, as one of the longest-serving captains in the Gotei 13, combined with his teacher's demeanor and Shunsui's hint, he immediately sensed there was more to this.

"Yes."

"And it's not just Aizen—it's Aiyan as well."

...

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