Chapter 30

A surge of blue electricity pierced directly through Kurotsuchi Mayuri's chest, leaving a gaping hole.

Kyoraku Shunsui stiffened as he reached out, then let out a long sigh.

"Shinji… you really are something."

Having seen this technique before, Kyoraku Shunsui knew full well, it was a move meant to kill.

Yet, he hesitated.

And in that brief moment of hesitation, it was already too late.

With a swift Shunpo, he transported Kurotsuchi Mayuri's lifeless body elsewhere, then turned back, adjusting his bamboo hat as he exhaled.

"Hey, Kuchiki Shinji, you do realize what you've just done, right?"

"You've broken the Soul Society's greatest taboo, unleashing your Zanpakutō and activating Bankai within the Seireitei."

"You also released deadly toxins inside the Shin'ō Academy, putting many innocent lives at risk."

"Even if you hadn't killed him, the Central 46 and Old Man Yamamoto would have still punished you for your actions."

"And yet… you still chose to kill him?"

Kyoraku Shunsui's eyes held a mixture of confusion and disappointment.

Shinji slowly sheathed his Zanpakutō, his expression unwavering.

"I just don't like the feeling of being threatened."

Kurotsuchi Mayuri was too unpredictable. He would always scheme, always target Shinji and those close to him. As long as he lived, he remained a threat.

So Shinji simply erased that threat.

"Ahh… why must you make things so difficult? I was hoping to just take it easy…"

Kyoraku Shunsui scratched his head, but when he looked up again, his gaze sharpened.

"Kuchiki Shinji, I personally like you, and if possible, I'd rather stand on your side. But given everything that's happened, you need to surrender and accept Soul Society's investigation."

"And that Arrancar girl over there… you won't deny your relationship with her, will you?"

Kyoraku Shunsui pointed toward Nelliel, who ran toward Shinji, her small legs trembling, tears streaming down her face.

"You mean Nilu? She's my companion."

Shinji's voice was firm.

Hearing this, Nilu sobbed even harder.

Even if she had lost her memories, she wasn't oblivious.

She knew Shinji had fought against some of Soul Society's strongest just because of her. He had even taken a life for her sake.

"Then there's no helping it."

Kyoraku Shunsui sighed once more and stepped toward Shinji.

At that moment, a cold voice rang out.

"Captain Kyoraku, I suggest you stop where you are. If you take another step forward, I will consider it an act of hostility against the Kuchiki family."

Swish!

Byakuya Kuchiki appeared in front of Shinji, blocking Kyoraku Shunsui's path. His right hand gently rested on the hilt of his Zanpakutō.

He was… protecting Kuchiki Shinji?

"Captain Kuchiki…"

Kyoraku Shunsui's eyes filled with complicated emotions.

"You realize what you're doing, don't you? Kuchiki Shinji has committed a grave offense. If this continues,"

"Even if Kuchiki Shinji is guilty, he remains a member of the Kuchiki family."

Byakuya cut him off, his voice unwavering.

"And as such, it is our family's right to decide his fate, not the Gotei 13."

Kyoraku Shunsui narrowed his eyes.

The tension in the air grew thick.

Shua! Shua! Shua!

The sound of Shunpo echoed as several figures flickered into view, their movements leaving afterimages in their wake.

More captains had arrived.

"Shunsui?"

"What's going on here?"

Jūshirō Ukitake glanced between the opposing sides before stepping beside his longtime friend.

He didn't fully understand the situation, but he trusted Kyoraku Shunsui's judgment.

"You killed Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri?"

"This cannot be allowed. The balance of the Soul Society must not be disturbed."

Komamura Sajin, clad in his signature helmet, stood firmly with Kyoraku Shunsui.

Three against two.

The odds were shifting against Shinji.

"Yo, so you actually killed that annoying trash, Kurotsuchi Mayuri?"

A low, amused voice interrupted.

Zaraki Kenpachi glanced at Mayuri's lifeless body, then grinned.

"Kuchiki Shinji, right?"

"Come on, any last words? Or do you wanna fight?"

He wasn't interested in Soul Society politics.

Zaraki Kenpachi just wanted a good battle.

With his massive sword resting on his shoulder, he took a step forward, right beside Shinji.

Three against three.

The battlefield was balanced once more.

"Captain Zaraki! Are you seriously supporting the criminal Kuchiki Shinji?"

"Eh? I'm just bored. Figured I'd join the fun."

While the others argued, Sui-Feng remained silent, her sharp gaze fixed on Shinji.

Then, without a word, she stepped beside Kyoraku Shunsui.

Four against three.

The balance shifted again.

"Man, this is getting out of hand. Kuchiki Shinji has mastered Bankai, huh? What a terrifying kid."

A sly voice chimed in.

Ichimaru Gin stood at a distance, smiling as usual.

Beside him, Aizen Sosuke watched the scene with calculating eyes, his gaze briefly lingering on the sealed Tousen Kaname.

"Captain Ichimaru, Captain Aizen?"

Jūshirō Ukitake frowned.

"Ara, don't look at me."

Ichimaru Gin raised his hands in mock surrender, his fox-like grin widening.

"I'm neutral on this one."

"So am I."

Aizen adjusted his glasses, speaking in a slow, composed manner, like a kind elder.

"More importantly, I believe there must be a reason why Kuchiki Shinji acted this way."

"That Arrancar… she must be special, right?"

Aizen smiled faintly as he pointed at the green-haired girl clinging to Shinji's leg, fear evident on her face, yet refusing to leave his side.

Nelliel?

How interesting… to see her here.

"Neutral? Enough of this."

"Four against three. Even if you fight, you won't win."

Kyoraku Shunsui paused for a few seconds, then looked at Byakuya and Shinji.

"Personally, I don't think Kuchiki Shinji is a criminal. But with what's happened, the best course of action is to take him into custody for now."

"I'll speak on his behalf to Old Man Yamamoto."

Kyoraku Shunsui's voice was sincere.

Things had escalated enough already.

If a battle broke out here, it would only bring unnecessary destruction to the Soul Society.

"You don't need to speak for Kuchiki Shinji, Captain Kyoraku."

A soft yet commanding voice interrupted.

Kyoraku Shunsui's expression shifted instantly.

That voice… Unohana Retsu?!

Unohana stood there, her hands gently folded in front of her like a graceful, nurturing figure. She positioned herself next to Shinji.

Seeing this, Kyoraku Shunsui frowned even deeper.

Even Unohana Retsu was supporting Kuchiki Shinji?

Since when had Shinji gained the favor of so many captains?

"Don't misunderstand my actions, Captain Kyoraku."

Unohana smiled softly as she spoke.

"I'm merely delivering a message from the Captain-Commander."

"He is already aware of what has happened here."

"And he wishes to see Kuchiki Shinji."

That was all she said.

Afterward, she looked at Shinji, her gentle smile still in place.

But to Shinji, it felt utterly terrifying.

No way… Unohana isn't eyeing me, is she?

Wiping away nonexistent sweat, Shinji hesitated.

"What does the Captain-Commander want with me?"

"That is something I do not know."

Unohana shook her head, her polite business-like smile unwavering.

"Old Man Yamamoto…"

Kyoraku Shunsui thought for a few seconds before exhaling lightly.

The tense atmosphere instantly dissolved.

Since the Captain-Commander had taken an interest in this matter, there was no longer a need for Kyoraku to play the villain.

First Division Barracks, Captain Yamamoto's Room

Kuchiki Shinji sat cross-legged on the floor, a cup of hot tea placed in front of him.

Across from him, Captain Yamamoto was silently writing something on his desk.

The room remained quiet for a long time.

Finally, Captain Yamamoto put down his brush and lifted his sharp gaze toward Shinji.

"Kuchiki Shinji… you released your Zanpakutō in the Soul Society and openly killed the captain of the 12th Division."

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Though not physically imposing, Yamamoto carried an overwhelming presence, like an unmovable mountain.

He was the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society's thousand-year history.

No spiritual pressure was needed, just his sheer existence alone exuded an oppressive might.

To be honest…

Shinji was already considering making a run for it.

Are you kidding me? Fighting Old Man Yamamoto at this stage?

Even if Shinji was in his "Third Fusion" state, there was no way he could take on this old man.

If Yamamoto activated his Bankai… it would be game over.

To even think of challenging him, Shinji would at least need to reach the "Constant Flow Fusion" stage, only then would he have the necessary power to compete.

Shinji exhaled and nodded.

"He attacked people close to me. That's all there is to it."

Shinji didn't hesitate to bring up Kurotsuchi Mayuri's past crimes.

"Actually, when I was stationed in Karakura Town, Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri had already secretly infiltrated the human world once, attempting to hunt down the Quincy."

Shinji glanced at Yamamoto, who remained unreadable, and continued.

"During that time, Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri tried to kill me and kidnap my companions for his research."

"We fought then."

"And this time, he sought revenge and attacked me again during my assessment."

Shinji's expression was righteous, his voice filled with conviction.

His face practically radiated justice.

After all, Kurotsuchi Mayuri was already dead, what was the harm in throwing some extra blame on him?

Not happy about it?

Then bring him back from the dead to argue with me!

Kuchiki Shinji has a clear conscience!

"Hmm…"

Captain Yamamoto made a thoughtful sound.

Then, his gaze shifted.

"The Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar in the human world… if I had to guess, you were the one who eliminated it, weren't you, boy from the Kuchiki family?"

Shinji: "…"

Wait a minute, didn't I already credit that kill to Shiba?

Why bring it up now?

"You don't need to try those childish tricks on me."

Yamamoto sipped his tea, his eyes sharp.

"I have lived for a thousand years. There is nothing I have not seen."

He set his cup down, then looked at Shinji with the weight of an era behind his gaze.

"During your assessment, you fought against two captains at once."

"One of them may have been sealed without his Bankai, but the captain of the 12th Division did have his Bankai available."

"The fact that you defeated them both is undeniable."

"There is no doubt, you already possess the combat strength of a captain-class Shinigami."

Captain Yamamoto's words were heavy.

Shinji remained silent, his thoughts racing.

"The Captain-Commander means… I won't be punished?"

Shinji asked cautiously.

If he could avoid becoming a wanted fugitive, that was obviously the best outcome.

Being hunted by the Soul Society would be far too dangerous.

"This matter will be settled by weighing your merits against your faults."

Captain Yamamoto glanced at him before adding in a deeper tone.

"But you must still face punishment."

"Sending you to the human world was a proposal made by Shiba, the former captain of the 10th Division."

"And I approved it."

"This was for your protection."

Captain Yamamoto's gaze darkened slightly.

"Soul Society… is not as peaceful as it seems."

Hearing this, Shinji lowered his eyes slightly, but his pupils contracted.

So, Captain Yamamoto has already noticed it?!

This seemingly stubborn and rigid old man had actually sensed the strange atmosphere within Soul Society.

Even if he hadn't identified Aizen as the mastermind, he wasn't completely oblivious!

"You did not disappoint me, nor did you betray the unwavering expectations of Shiba, the former captain of the 10th Division," Yamamoto said gravely.

"In just one month, your strength has grown far too much."

"Perhaps, during this time, you've completely mastered your Bankai."

"Now, you are truly qualified to be a captain."

For a moment, though it was fleeting, an expression of surprise and shock flashed in Yamamoto's eyes.

To fully master a Bankai in just one month…

Even in his thousand years of life, he had never seen such a thing.

Even he had not reached such a level of mastery so quickly.

Yet, Kuchiki Shinji had done it.

So, could he… one day surpass even Yamamoto himself?

Shinji's expression crumbled.

"Captain, are you saying… you still want me to be the captain of the 10th Division?"

His whole body slumped as if he had lost his soul.

So there was no escaping this nightmare after all?

This is hell…

"Youth requires motivation," Yamamoto reprimanded, shaking his head.

"Don't be so tense all the time, as if you're constantly facing some kind of looming threat."

"With your strength, you already stand at the pinnacle of Soul Society."

"And as both the heir of the Kuchiki family and a captain, you must take responsibility for your position."

As he spoke, Yamamoto's gaze softened slightly.

Shinji's figure… for a brief moment, it overlapped with Kyoraku Shunsui's in Yamamoto's mind.

Almost instinctively, Yamamoto reprimanded him again.

Though it was a scolding, it carried a tone of affection.

Neither of them realized it.

"Yeah, yeah…" Shinji nodded weakly.

At that moment, Yamamoto's expression turned thoughtful.

"As for the Arrancar beside you…"

Shinji tensed.

"Captain, please listen to my reasoning, no, listen to my explanation about Nilu,"

He grew a little anxious.

But Yamamoto simply waved a hand, cutting him off, before handing over a document and a badge.

"This is…"

Shinji glanced at them, and was stunned.

The badge of a vice-captain.

An official appointment document for a vice-captain.

And the name and photo on it were unmistakable.

Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck.

Captain Yamamoto had appointed Nilu as the vice-captain of the 10th Division!

Shinji's face went blank with disbelief.

To be honest, he had imagined countless possibilities.

Perhaps Captain Yamamoto would mercilessly decide to execute Nilu on the spot. If that happened, Shinji was fully prepared to flip the table and make a run for it with her.

Maybe she'd be captured, detained, or even put on a dissection table in Kurotsuchi Mayuri's lab.

The best-case scenario Shinji had considered was that Nilu would either be sent back to Hueco Mundo or placed under surveillance for a time before eventually being released.

But this?

This outcome had never even crossed his mind!

The old man had simply handed Nilu an official ID, and at the vice-captain level, no less!

Good lord…

With the Captain-Commander's approval, who would dare question Nilu's identity now?

If anyone so much as raised an objection, they might as well kiss their hands goodbye.

"Regarding her origins, Shiba personally convinced me," Yamamoto said calmly.

"He made this request, and I am simply granting it on his behalf."

Shinji's expression grew complicated.

After a long silence, Yamamoto watched Shinji leave, his sharp gaze carrying a trace of expectation.

"Soul Society… is not at peace."

"We may not have much time left."

"Kuchiki Shinji, don't let me down."

—

As Shinji walked along the path outside the 1st Division's barracks, his expression remained conflicted.

Ignoring the captain's appointment document in his hand, he picked up Nilu's vice-captain badge instead.

With a sigh, he murmured,

"Shiba really put his whole heart into this…"

"He chose to leave, but now I owe him a massive favor."

With her vice-captain status and the Captain-Commander's approval, Nilu was now completely safe in Soul Society.

As long as she didn't do anything that directly harmed the Soul Society's interests, no one would dare touch her.

Because doing so would mean facing not only the wrath of the strongest Shinigami in a millennium, but also…

The relentless fury of Kuchiki Shinji himself.

By killing Kurotsuchi Mayuri in front of Kyoraku Shunsui, Shinji had made it clear: his people were his bottom line.

Mess with them, and you'd pay the price in blood.

With that in mind, he muttered to himself,

"Well, since things have settled here… why not pay a visit to the Shiba family?"

"After all, I did promise him I'd look after his younger generation…"

Touching his chin in thought, Shinji hesitated for a moment.

Then, he turned and changed direction.