Chapter 151: Paying the Price

As he watched Ginrei Kuchiki's figure disappear, Kōga Kuchiki sat on the floor, his head hanging low in defeat. He couldn't stop himself from sinking into deep thought.

After a long silence, he stared blankly at the ground and murmured, "Did I go too far?"

"But… is this really my fault? Why won't Ginrei-sama acknowledge me? If he did… I wouldn't have—"

"You wouldn't have ended up like this, is that what you're trying to say?"

A sudden, unfamiliar voice made Kōga freeze.

Just then, the prison door creaked open as a Shinigami guard stepped aside, allowing a young man draped in a haori to enter, accompanied by another Shinigami.

Sitting in the corner, Kōga kept his hands over his face, seemingly oblivious to their arrival.

The young man spoke in a deep, steady tone, a faint smile on his lips. "I know about you, and I know the truth. Do you need help?"

Slowly, Kōga rose to his feet, turning his gaze toward the young man. There was something familiar about him, and that white haori made his identity clear.

"How do you know? Are you… from the Tsunayashiro Clan?"

His chest burned with fury. As his anger swelled, a white figure gradually took shape beside him.

The young man paused in mild surprise before letting out a chuckle. "What a unique Zanpakutō… but no, we're not from the Tsunayashiro Clan."

"In fact… to be precise, we're just like you—enemies of the Tsunayashiro."

"Enemies?" Kōga narrowed his eyes. "How can you prove it?"

His gaze flicked toward Muramasa, who had now materialized beside him. With a wave of his hand, he scoffed, "Forget it. I'll see for myself."

A moment later, his expression shifted in shock.

"Muramasa… how is this possible…?"

"You were hoping to use your Zanpakutō to read my memories?" The young man's voice remained calm and assured. "I'm afraid that won't work."

He crossed his arms, his confidence unwavering.

"If I've come to you, don't you think I would've already studied your abilities? Now… are you ready to sit down and have a proper conversation?"

Kōga let out a long sigh. With a flick of his hand, Muramasa faded from sight.

"What do you want to say?" he muttered, resigned.

...

Masatsuki Aozaki strolled leisurely down the street, dressed in his captain's uniform, his hands resting behind his head in a relaxed manner.

Ahead of him, Sōjun Kuchiki walked with a furrowed brow, his face clouded with concern.

"Sōjun, isn't Kōga getting released soon? What's with all the worrying?" Masatsuki asked casually.

Sōjun shot him an irritated glance. "Released? He may have left the 2nd Division, but he's still under house arrest!"

Masatsuki cast him a sidelong look.

"Why are you Kuchiki types always so uptight? It's just house arrest. If the Kuchiki Clan wants him out, they can just let him out whenever they want, right?"

Sōjun rolled his eyes.

The Kuchiki Clan upholds strict traditions. Did you really think everyone was as shameless as you?

Masatsuki chuckled, unconcerned. "You Kuchiki really love pretending to be all proper. If I didn't know that you and your wife are so close that every day you—"

Sōjun's body stiffened. In a flash, he clamped a hand over Masatsuki's mouth, glancing around in alarm. Only after confirming that no one had overheard did he exhale in relief.

"You brat! Stop running your mouth!"

...

2nd Division Prison.

"You can get Central 46 to overturn my sentence… declare me innocent?"

Kōga Kuchiki repeated the young man's words slowly, his expression dazed.

At that moment, he glanced at the figure standing beside the young man—an exact replica of himself. Yet, instead of feeling relieved or excited, a deep unease crept over him.

If this person could create a copy of him so perfect that even he himself struggled to tell the difference… then what did that mean? Could he be replaced just as easily?

He didn't know what to do.

Following this man was clearly a path of no return. But if he refused his "help," he would lose his power forever and remain imprisoned within his own family.

The young man smiled, his voice as gentle and affable as ever. "I can prove my sincerity first."

Kōga frowned slightly. "Sincerity? What do you mean?"

Lowering his voice, but with unwavering certainty, the young man replied,

"The Tsunayashiro Clan framed you. Don't you want them to pay for it?"

Kōga murmured the words under his breath. "Pay for it…"

His gaze sharpened. Memories of the injustices he had suffered came rushing back.

It was because of those damn people that he had ended up like this!

...

When Masatsuki Aozaki arrived at the entrance of the 2nd Division prison, passing squad members glanced his way with curiosity and admiration.

Sōjun Kuchiki smirked. "Masatsuki, looks like you're quite popular here."

Masatsuki grinned. "Naturally."

He threw a playful wink at a group of young girls nearby, who instantly blushed.

Sōjun shook his head in exasperation.

Young girls these days are too easily swayed by appearances. Worse still, Masatsuki had the kind of looks that could charm anyone—and he wasn't exactly the most virtuous person.

Kōga is just as handsome, but at least he knows how to handle relationships properly. He treats my sister well, but his relationship with Father is a mess.

Thinking about the ongoing tension between Kōga Kuchiki and Ginrei Kuchiki, Sōjun felt a headache coming on.

"I wonder how Kōga's doing right now?"

Masatsuki waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. Thanks to me, the 2nd Division is taking good care of him. Their food's great—he might even have put on some weight by now."

Sōjun sighed in relief before stepping into the prison.

After obtaining permission from the new 3rd Seat of the 2nd Division, he and Masatsuki were led directly to Kōga's cell.

Inside, Kōga sat in the corner, head lowered in silence.

Sōjun quickly spoke. "Kōga, I brought Masatsuki with me to see you. I came to explain about Father—"

Before he could finish, Kōga slowly lifted his head, his face devoid of expression. He cast a cold glance at Sōjun before shifting his gaze toward Masatsuki.

But what was unexpected… was that his gaze didn't linger on Masatsuki for long. Instead, he quickly looked away, his demeanor becoming even more distant—detached, icy, completely unapproachable.

Sōjun frowned.

This wasn't right.

Kōga Kuchiki was not a cold-hearted person.

If anything, he was sensitive, deeply emotional—someone who felt things keenly. For him to show nothing now was completely out of character.

In the past, Kōga had often sought Masatsuki out to spar, considering him a close friend. Whenever they met, he had always been warm, eager to engage.

Sōjun knew this well.

"This isn't normal."

Masatsuki and Sōjun exchanged a glance, immediately recognizing the same concern in each other's eyes.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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