Chapter 53: The Official Judgment

Shigure Segawa walked leisurely through the long corridors of the 1st Division barracks.

Even though Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and the others had sensed the existence of a conspiracy, Shigure had no intention of revealing the truth to them.

Firstly, Shigure had no way of proving his claims to be true.

Secondly, his primary objective remained unchanged: to steadily grow stronger and complete more sign-in tasks.

Thus, until he possessed an absolutely secure and overwhelming power, he had no intention of placing himself in a chaotic situation.

It was better to follow along with Aizen and the others' plans, advancing step by step toward his goals.

Just then, a voice suddenly echoed across the skies of Seireitei—it was Retsu Unohana's voice.

Her voice seemed to come from the heavens and yet felt as if it were speaking directly into one's ear.

Bakudō #77: Tenteikūra.

A Kido spell designed for communication, it allowed the caster to spread their spiritual pressure in a net-like pattern, searching for specific targets and enabling simultaneous transmission of messages to multiple people. Those not targeted could sense the vibrations of the spiritual pressure but could not eavesdrop on the content.

However, what Unohana was announcing this time was clearly meant for everyone in Seireitei. After all, the recent deaths within Seireitei were no small matter, and everyone needed an explanation.

"To all noble members, captains, vice-captains, and Gotei officers who can hear this voice, this is Retsu Unohana, Captain of the 4th Division, delivering the judgment issued by the Central 46."

The moment her voice reached them, everyone paused their work.

A judgment from the highest judicial authority, conveyed by the experienced Captain Unohana herself, underscored the gravity of the matter.

"Yesterday morning, within the 5th Division's patrol district in the central courtyard of Seireitei, a tragic incident occurred—six patrol officers of the 5th Division lost their lives."

"After an investigation by the 1st Division's search unit, it has been confirmed that the cause was a massive spiritual particle turbulence. Noble members and Gotei officers, please rest assured and do not be overly alarmed."

Hearing this, Shigure's eyes flickered.

It seemed that the search unit couldn't uncover the real cause and could only attribute the incident to spiritual particle turbulence.

This was understandable. To reassure the nobles living in Seireitei and to calm the old officials of the Central 46, fabricating a lie was the only option.

After all, if they knew the real culprit was still lurking in Seireitei, they would surely lose sleep over it.

"Next, I will relay the official judgment from the Central 46."

"Vice-Captain Shigure Segawa, responsible for patrolling the 5th Division district, left his assigned patrol area during his duties."

"His dereliction of duty resulted in the deaths of six officers due to the spiritual particle turbulence."

"This tragedy, which could have been avoided, became a reality due to his negligence."

"Gotei officers are entrusted with maintaining the peace of Seireitei."

"As a vice-captain, one must adhere strictly to their responsibilities and uphold the rules of the Gotei."

"However, Vice-Captain Shigure Segawa, on the very first day of his appointment, blatantly violated these regulations."

"We question his loyalty!"

"Therefore, the judgment is as follows:"

At this point, Unohana's voice paused slightly.

Everywhere, people focused their attention.

Among them were those like Jūshirō Ukitake, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, and Rangiku Matsumoto, who were genuinely concerned for Shigure.

There were also those waiting to see the "genius" fall from grace.

Even Aizen put down his brush and listened quietly.

Unohana's voice resumed:

"Shigure Segawa, for dereliction of duty and suspected disloyalty to Seireitei—"

"You are hereby temporarily expelled from the Gotei 13 and stripped of your position as the 5th Division Vice-Captain."

"You will be sent to the third level of the underground prison, Black Corrosion Hell, for a seven-day term as a warden."

"If, after seven days, you pass the trials of Black Corrosion and remain steadfast in your duties, your loyalty will be proven, and you will be eligible to rejoin the Gotei."

"Should you fail, you will be permanently imprisoned in Black Corrosion Hell."

"This judgment is to be executed at sunrise tomorrow."

"That is all."

With that, Unohana's spiritual pressure transmission ceased, and the effects of Tenteikūra dissipated.

After hearing the judgment, Aizen lowered his head and smiled faintly.

"It seems that Shigure Segawa… has been granted a reprieve by the Head Captain."

His words seemed to be both an observation and a muttered thought.

Suddenly, a playful voice echoed in the room.

"Is this okay? Doesn't this ruin the plan to send him to the Origin of Death?"

Aizen turned his head toward the seemingly empty air and smiled. "It's fine, Gin. As long as he's no longer in the 5th Division, he poses no threat to our plans."

The hidden figure in the room was none other than Gin Ichimaru, clad in a spiritual concealment cloak.

"Really? But… that guy's power isn't exactly weak," Gin said with a sly tone.

Aizen's smile deepened, his glasses reflecting a cold gleam.

"I already have a plan to show him the release of Kyōka Suigetsu."

"He's already… in the palm of my hand."

Elsewhere, both Rangiku and Hitsugaya let out a sigh of relief simultaneously.

Seeing Hitsugaya's expression, Rangiku chuckled. "Captain, you seem pretty worried about Shigure, huh?"

Hitsugaya pouted and replied coolly, "I just don't want to see him treated unfairly because of my stubbornness."

"But now it seems it's just a matter of guarding Black Corrosion Hell. For someone like him, this level of trial shouldn't be a problem."

Shigure exited the 1st Division barracks and headed toward the 5th Division barracks.

From the moment he heard the announcement, a smile had been playing on his lips.

Two objectives had essentially been achieved simultaneously.

The first: leaving the 5th Division.

The second: signing in at Black Corrosion Hell.

The moment the judgment was issued, he was no longer the Vice-Captain of the 5th Division but a wandering Soul Reaper awaiting trial.

Upon returning from the trial, he would theoretically have the opportunity to choose a new division.

At that time, he would unhesitatingly choose the 13th Division under Jūshirō Ukitake.

Firstly, Shigure had a very favorable impression of Ukitake.

Moreover, the 13th Division's Vice-Captain position had been vacant since Kaien Shiba's death.

Given that Ukitake had once extended an olive branch to him, joining the 13th Division would likely be welcomed.

Secondly, the 13th Division specialized in soul burials.

Although all Gotei 13 officers were skilled in performing soul burials in the World of the Living, the 13th Division was dedicated to this task.

Most of its members spent their time in the World of the Living conducting soul burials, and Ukitake's poor health often meant the division wasn't burdened with many responsibilities in Seireitei.

Joining such a division would undoubtedly facilitate Shigure's future plans.

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