...Then Central 46 listen to his verdict instead.

"Captain-Commander, although the criminal Kōga has been stripped of the Kuchiki name and expelled from our clan, he was once a member of the Kuchiki family and my son-in-law. His betrayal has shocked all of Seireitei. I respectfully request that you execute Kuchiki Kōga for his crimes."

"The Kuchiki family has produced such a disgrace. As the head of the family, I cannot avoid responsibility. It is inappropriate for me to continue leading the Sixth Division."

"Please permit me to resign as Captain of Squad Six and return to the family estate to reflect on my failings."

With just a few words, Kuchiki Ginrei effectively severed the Kuchiki family's ties with Kōga and assumed responsibility in advance—before Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni could even pronounce judgment.

Kōga would be punished.

Ginrei resigned.

And returned home in disgrace.

Everyone who could take the blame, took it.

Everyone who could be punished, was punished.

After all, it would be unreasonable to drag the entire Kuchiki family down because of a single rogue Shinigami who had once married into it.

Seireitei did not press the issue further.

…Except for the Shiba Clan.

"No wonder the Kuchiki family managed to replace the Tsunayashiro Clan as the head of the Four Great Noble Houses."

"Everyone thinks it's because of Kōga and Muramasa."

"But in truth—it's because of Kuchiki Ginrei."

Aiyan silently admired Ginrei's methods. He understood clearly.

In the past, the title of highest noble house belonged to the Tsunayashiro family.

But now?

The Kuchiki family had taken that title.

Most nobles and Gotei 13 members believed it was thanks to Kōga and the unique Zanpakutō Muramasa, which could suppress all others.

But Aiyan knew better.

Kōga and Muramasa were only tools, The real power behind the rise was Ginrei.

Even if Kōga was executed… Even if Byakuya, the heir, died… As long as Ginrei lived, the Tsunayashiro family wouldn't regain their place.

"Although Kōga's rebellion is a grave offense, he is still not my own son."

"As for Squad Six, Captain Ginrei will temporarily resume command. When a suitable replacement is found, I will reassign the position."

"As for the criminal Kōga…"

Yamamoto glanced at Ginrei, who subtly signaled with his eyes, acknowledging the situation and yielding. The Captain-Commander decided to raise the blade high… but let it fall gently.

It appeared as punishment.

But in truth—nothing was punished.

Even if a new candidate appeared, it would undoubtedly be Byakuya who would eventually take over the Sixth Division.

The other captains present saw through this as well, but they knew this was the limit.

If Kōga hadn't interfered with their Zanpakutō, even this resignation wouldn't have been necessary.

The entire display was a political appeasement.

Because Ginrei was not just a captain, He was the head of the Kuchiki family, and now, the most powerful noble in Soul Society.

"In accordance with Seireitei law," Yamamoto finally said, "I sentence Kōga to blood burial—to be sealed for three thousand years."

Normally, punishing a noble affiliated with the Kuchiki family would require approval from Central 46, along with a full hearing.

But only if Yamamoto Genryūsai was in the mood to wait.

If he wasn't? Then Central 46 would listen to his verdict instead.

Clearly, Yamamoto was not pleased with Kōga's role in the recent Zanpakutō rebellion.

So Central 46 had no say.

"It's over," Kyoraku Shunsui muttered, shaking his head.

A genius Shinigami, once shining so brightly... now ended up like this.

"Three thousand years?" Ukitake Jūshirō sighed to himself.

The captains and lieutenants present all understood—Kōga's life was, for all intents and purposes, over.

Execution wasn't necessary.

Blood burial was worse than death.

Sealed in total darkness.

Unable to move his limbs.

No contact with the outside world.

He would grow old, waste away, and die alone—forgotten in a hidden prison beneath Seireitei.

Three thousand years.

A lifespan even most Shinigami wouldn't reach.

Unless one was part of Squad Zero, Reiatsu usually dictated lifespan. And during the blood burial, Reiatsu couldn't grow.

Not everyone could be like Aizen—imprisoned in the deepest depths of Muken, yet growing more powerful by the day.

For Kōga, only a broken body would remain.

"...Kōga..." Ginrei muttered.

Although Kōga had been part of the family for over fifty years, and his loss saddened him, Ginrei quietly exhaled in relief.

This outcome… was acceptable.

Execution was avoided, thanks to the Kuchiki name—though he had already revoked it.

And blood burial?

A secret location, limbs immobile…

It would make extracting the Soul King fragment from Kōga's body much easier.

That's how Kuchiki Ginrei operated.

The noble who raised his clan to the top, And toppled the Tsunayashiro legacy.

"Today's meeting is over," Yamamoto declared.

"All captains may return to their duties."

"Captain Aiyan, remain."

As the verdict settled, captains and lieutenants departed one by one. Kōga was handed over to the Onmitsukidō for processing.

Shiba Isshin gave Aiyan a look and gestured as he passed—he'd go ahead to the restaurant and open a table.

"I'm sorry about what happened to Aizen," Yamamoto began quietly, once they were alone. His tone had lost its previous authority.

"I didn't expect Kōga's ambitions to be so low. As the Kuchiki family's son-in-law, he still rebelled… all for a position in the Special Forces."

"If you wish, I can transfer Aizen back to Squad Five immediately."

For the first time, Yamamoto apologized.

After all, it was to protect Aizen that Aiyan had removed Hirako Shinji from the captain's seat.

Yamamoto feared Aiyan might feel betrayed and take Aizen away from him.

"If one wishes to wear the crown, he must bear its weight."

"In the end, Aizen still lacks the strength needed to lead. Unless he's willing to stay under protection… he'll continue to face trials like today."

Aiyan gave a faint smile, brushing off Yamamoto's concern.

"He chose this path. We can protect him for a while—but not forever."

"Let him stay in Squad One, and train with you, Principal."

"You think that way… the old man is relieved."

"Aizen needs more polishing. He'll grow faster here in Squad One than in Squad Five."

"Don't worry—once he recovers, I'll personally train him in Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Shunpo, and Kidō—so he can catch up with you."

"And when the time comes… the two of you will be the first-ever Double Captain Guard Seireitei has ever seen."

Yamamoto's heavy heart lifted at last, a small smile forming beneath his beard.

As long as Aiyan wasn't taking Aizen away, everything else could be worked out.

He'd even made a silent promise—

As soon as the captain's seat opened…

Aizen would have it.

...

I completely understand and really appreciate your humility, But I'd honestly love to include you.That said, no pressure at all. If you feel comfortable, join the Discord and we can craft a cameo together.

And If not, I totally respect your choice, and I'll take care of the character design myself.