CHAPTER 17

Gosuke Shigure returned to the 11th Division barracks.

He did not disclose the details of what had happened to Kenpachi Shuangye Mocheng to most of the squad members.

Most of them were still unaware that Kenpachi, formerly of Mole City, had voluntarily turned himself in to Central 46 to confess to his crimes.

As vice-captain, Gosuke Shigure resumed handling the division's routine operations in the captain's absence.

It wasn't long before an unexpected visitor arrived at the barracks.

That visitor was none other than Kyoraku Shunsui.

"You're calmer than I expected," Kyoraku remarked lightly. "I still don't know exactly what Kenpachi from Mole City did, but judging by his request to appear before Central 46—coupled with Captain-Commander Yamamoto's heavy expression—it's clearly serious. You were the only person with Shuangye when it all unfolded, and since you engaged him directly in battle, you're under obvious suspicion. As expected, Central 46 will summon you after dealing with him."

"Have you prepared yourself mentally?"

While reviewing documents, Gosuke Shigure said quietly, "Some things, once they happen, can't be undone. There's no sense in panic or regret. If I'm innocent, the truth will vindicate me."

"The events involving Kenpachi have nothing to do with me."

His words were spoken with conviction.

Kyoraku Shunsui raised an eyebrow slightly. He hadn't expected Gosuke's tone to be that firm.

He, of all people, knew how Central 46 operated. As the scion of the noble Kyoraku family and current Captain-Commander, he understood both the bureaucracy and the power dynamics at play.

The nobility that dominated Central 46 weren't necessarily driven by justice alone.

But such matters couldn't be stated openly.

At least on the surface, Central 46 was still the embodiment of Soul Society's law and order.

"I hope what you're saying is true," Kyoraku said sincerely. "You're a good officer, Gosuke. But Central 46... they're a conservative bunch. When they summon you, be careful not to let their tone provoke you."

"If you really weren't involved in Shuangye's crimes, I'll personally make every effort to see your name cleared."

"Thank you."

Gosuke Shigure bowed his head in sincere gratitude.

...

However, the brief calm did not last.

Before long, a group of masked Shinigami clad in black arrived at the 11th Division.

They were the Kejōtai—the Detention Corps.

An elite subdivision under the Omnitsukidō, they were tasked with arresting and escorting suspects summoned by Central 46.

"Vice-Captain of the 11th Division, Gosuke Shigure. Central 46 summons you!"

Gosuke stood up without hesitation. "Understood."

As standard procedure, the Kejōtai confiscated his Zanpakutō.

Next, they secured him with specialized bindings crafted from Sekkiseki stone, which suppressed spiritual pressure.

That wasn't all.

The squad also cast multiple Bakudō on him, layering spiritual suppression techniques to prevent him from using Kido or even summoning his Zanpakutō spirit.

These extreme precautions were customary for any soul brought before Central 46—especially when the suspect was a combatant ranked as high as vice-captain.

Gosuke Shigure didn't resist.

Soon, they arrived before the towering sealed gates of Central 46.

Though simple in design, the immense gates radiated a chilling authority.

This place represented the highest echelon of Soul Society's law.

While the Gotei 13 maintained military strength, Central 46 held something far greater: control over fate.

Standing before the gates, Gosuke Shigure tilted his head back.

In another lifetime, long before the formation of the Gotei 13, Seireitei and Rukongai had not yet been divided.

Nobles and commoners once lived side by side.

Back then, power wasn't monopolized by the noble clans, and Central 46 didn't even exist.

But that era was long gone.

Today, Central 46 ruled from above, and most commoners were relegated to the outer Rukongai districts. Only those who became Shinigami could step into Seireitei.

That was the price of compromise—when even Yamamoto Genryūsai, a commoner by birth, accepted the new world order created by the noble class.

"I wonder what judgment awaits me," Gosuke thought quietly.

But his expression didn't show the slightest fear.

The gate groaned as it opened.

Gosuke was led inside by the Kejōtai.

Darkness engulfed him.

Inside, the air grew heavy. Spiritual barriers within the chamber immediately bore down on his soul, restricting movement and spiritual flow.

At last, he reached the inner sanctum: the trial floor.

This platform was sunken, the lowest point in the vast circular hall.

Around it, towering staircases rose steeply, and seated within the shadows were dozens of Central 46's members—forty sages and six judges.

Though they remained cloaked in darkness, their eyes gleamed coldly from within.

They might not wield Zanpakutō, but their authority superseded almost all.

"Gosuke Shigure," came a dispassionate voice.

"Present," Gosuke answered clearly.

"Recently, there has been a troubling incident—souls vanishing across multiple districts in Rukongai. After investigation by the Gotei 13, Captain Shuangye Mocheng of the 11th Division voluntarily confessed earlier today to being the cause."

"Given the seriousness of this crime, and the fact that you were the last individual in contact with Captain Shuangye—particularly your presence with him in North Rukongai's 80th District—you have been summoned for formal inquiry."

"Are you complicit in his actions?"

All eyes locked on him. Gosuke could feel their scrutiny like spiritual weight pressing down.

More than just Central 46 was watching.

Hidden within the shadows, he could sense elite security forces stationed to prevent any potential attack.

Gosuke spoke calmly. "No."

"You are lying!"

Another voice rang out from the darkness.

"As vice-captain of the 11th Division, you were the most trusted subordinate of Captain Shuangye. You handled virtually all internal affairs during his command."

"You were with him shortly before his confession. You fought beside him in Zaraki District. We find it hard to believe that you knew nothing of his crimes."

"So we ask you again—were you involved?"

The tone was cold. Accusatory. Laced with judgment before the verdict was even reached.

In that moment, Gosuke understood why Kyoraku had warned him earlier.

If he lost control now, he would lose everything.