Chapter 150: Why Use Bankai?

With the permission of the wise men and judges, Yoruichi Shihōin, Shunsui Kyōraku, and Isshin Shiba soon arrived at the Central 46 Compound's council chamber.

Faced with the head of the Shihōin Clan and the head of the Shiba branch family, the administrators of Soul Society, for once, refrained from putting on airs. Even when dealing with ordinary upper nobles, they maintained a rare display of patience.

The three stood apart. Three sections of the chamber's floor lit up with white light, while the rest remained in darkness, as if one misstep would plunge them into an abyss.

However, none of the three paid any mind to this psychological intimidation tactic.

Once the room fell silent, a judge from the Tsunayashiro Clan spoke coldly. "We want to hear the full account of what happened."

Without hesitation, Isshin Shiba recounted the findings of his investigation to the gathered wise men and judges, concluding,

"There's something suspicious about this case. Based on our thorough investigation, Kōga Kuchiki has no history of such behavior. Additionally, before their assignments, the deceased squad members had contact with an unknown individual."

At these words, the wise men and judges fell into deep thought. They all knew exactly who this "unknown individual" referred to.

The wise men and judges of the Tsunayashiro Clan sneered, clearly understanding even better than Kōga Kuchiki himself how unjust this accusation was.

After a brief silence, one of the Tsunayashiro wise men asked, "So you have evidence proving that Kōga Kuchiki was framed?"

Isshin Shiba shook his head.

The Tsunayashiro judge pressed further.

"Then on what grounds do you claim something is suspicious? The Central 46 Compound is the judiciary body of Soul Society—everything must be based on evidence. If we relied on baseless assumptions, the entire system would collapse."

Isshin Shiba's expression darkened slightly as he shook his head again.

"But Kōga Kuchiki's accusers have clear conflicts of interest. Their testimony cannot be fully trusted."

The Tsunayashiro judge's brow furrowed, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. Clearly, he was not pleased with this response.

At that moment, a neutral wise man coughed lightly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room before addressing Isshin Shiba.

"Is everything you just said the truth?"

Isshin nodded firmly. "Of course. All relevant evidence and reports have been submitted to you."

A Tsunayashiro wise man then declared, "In that case, Kōga Kuchiki is guilty of murdering fellow Shinigami and should be sentenced to death."

At last, a judge from the Kuchiki Clan spoke. "I disagree. The full circumstances have yet to be investigated—how can we issue a death sentence so recklessly?"

"What more is there to investigate?"

"We don't know if the deceased squad members were deliberately framing him. Nor do we know who they were in contact with before their mission."

"Does that really matter?"

"How could it not? Are you telling me that an act of framing one's comrade doesn't matter? Do you wise men and judges truly believe that?"

The Kuchiki judge's challenge brought the chamber to a sudden silence.

Of course, it mattered. If accusations of murdering comrades could be thrown around so easily, then who wouldn't be constantly on edge?

At that rate, why even hold Central 46 meetings? Just manage everything remotely from Seijōtōkyorin and use Kidō for communication.

Actually, scratch that—better not use Kidō either. Who knows if someone might claim it was an attack?

Finally, the neutral sage spoke up again. "If that's the case, then while it's true that Kōga Kuchiki killed his squad members, the witness testimonies are not entirely reliable."

"In that case, why not follow precedent? Spare his life, place him under house arrest at the Kuchiki estate, and seal his Zanpakutō as punishment."

The Tsunayashiro wise men and judges visibly tensed.

"Follow precedent"? Was that a veiled reference to Tokinada Tsunayashiro?

Wasn't this case already decided? Why bring up the past again? Was this never going to end?

The judges and wise men of the Shihōin Clan smirked in mockery.

Once something starts, it never truly ends.

Meanwhile, the Kuchiki Clan's representatives looked equally displeased.

On the surface, this seemed like a reprieve, but in reality, it was no different from a death sentence. Anyone could see that Kōga Kuchiki had been framed.

The so-called neutral faction had clearly sided with the Tsunayashiro Clan. Their goal was obvious—they feared Muramasa's power and wanted Kōga Kuchiki's Zanpakutō sealed.

The Tsunayashiro judge responded almost immediately. "I support this verdict. What does everyone else think?"

One of the Tsunayashiro wise men waved a hand. "I agree."

One after another, the wise men followed suit.

"Agreed."

…

2nd Division Prison.

Kōga Kuchiki was thrilled when he heard that Central 46 had convened a meeting about his case.

In his mind, if the Tsunayashiro family could get away with murdering a wife, then killing a comrade shouldn't be a big deal—especially when it was self-defense.

Creak!

The cell door slowly opened.

Kōga, who had been waiting inside for a long time, locked his gaze onto the person he had been longing to see—his father-in-law. His green eyes shimmered with anticipation.

"Father-in-law, can I leave now?" Kōga asked, gripping the bars of his cell. Behind him, the room was lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to his confinement.

"Not yet," Ginrei Kuchiki said in a deep voice.

"Why? They attacked me first! I was only defending myself! I shouldn't be locked up in here—please, let me out."

Kōga looked at Ginrei, desperation laced in his voice. He had had enough of being treated like a criminal.

"Do you not believe me either?"

Ginrei sighed, his expression heavy as he looked at the son-in-law he had always regarded as his own.

"I believe you," he said.

"But Central 46 has already passed judgment. Your punishment is final—100 years of house arrest. And because Muramasa's abilities are too dangerous, your Zanpakutō will be permanently sealed."

Kōga's eyes widened in shock.

Without his Zanpakutō, could he even call himself a Shinigami anymore? Would he ever earn Ginrei's approval again?

"Why!?" Kōga shouted, his voice raw with frustration.

"You're too impulsive, Kōga!" Ginrei said firmly. "The problem isn't you—it's your ability."

"They're not afraid of you… they're afraid of Muramasa losing control."

Kōga lifted his head. "What? It's not about me… it's about Muramasa?"

Ginrei's voice softened, but his words carried weight.

"Kōga, I've told you before—those with great power must have a strong heart. You rely too much on your Zanpakutō's abilities."

Kōga started to protest. "But—"

Ginrei cut him off.

"Why did you use Bankai? I know your strength, and you weren't in a situation that required it, were you?"

Kōga fell silent.

That was the issue.

Why had he used Bankai against such weak opponents?

Looking back, he had completely lost himself to his anger.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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