Chapter 25
Rukia returned to reality, her gaze gradually growing resolute.
Thank you, Miyako.
I'm sorry, Captain Ukitake, Lieutenant Kaien. Even now, I still don't understand what it means to fight for honor. Rukia aimed her hand at Grand Fisher, chanting under her breath.
But I don't want to see my comrades die anymore!
"Destroy yourself, Black Dog of Rondanini! Look upon yourself and burn to ashes! Cut your own throat!"
"Bakudō No. 9: Geki!" Rukia used every last bit of Reiryoku she had left to unleash red ropes at Grand Fisher, binding him.
"Now, Ichigo!"
Seeing this, Ichigo Kurosaki seized the opportunity and swung hard at Grand Fisher's head. In the end, Grand Fisher's head and body were split cleanly in two, and he fell limply to the ground.
Ichigo looked at Grand Fisher before him, lowered his head, and demanded in a low voice, "Hey, didn't I tell you to stay out of it?"
"Sorry. Whether you want to yell at me or hit me, go ahead. I just... don't want to see my comrades die anymore," Rukia said with a smile.
"Is that so... you idiot..." Ichigo muttered weakly, then lay down.
Ichigo's anger lasted only a short while, because he understood how Rukia felt, too.
Raindrops fell on Ichigo's face, mingling with his tears. His expression seemed both relieved and helpless.
Before long, Ukitake brought the worst possible news.
In the Captain's Office, Ukitake told Miyako Amamiya, his face ashen, "The Stealth Force's Fourth Division, the Intelligence Corps, has sent word. Rukia Kuchiki, 6th Seat of the Thirteenth Division, has been confirmed to have lost all her Reiryoku."
"What's more, the Stealth Force found a Soul Reaper near Rukia who wasn't registered in Soul Society. Their investigation revealed that this Soul Reaper is actually an ordinary human."
"How could this... Transferring Soul Reaper powers to an ordinary human is a serious crime in Soul Society..." Kiyone Kotetsu slumped to the floor, unable to believe what she had heard.
"Why would Kuchiki do something like that?" Sentarō Kotsubaki didn't look well either.
Only Miyako Amamiya remained calm. "Captain Ukitake, please allow me to go to the World of the Living to investigate, just as we discussed before."
"...I understand. I'll allow you to go to the World of the Living to investigate. But the task of arresting Rukia has already been assigned to the captain and lieutenant of the Sixth Division. You must not interfere with them."
"...I understand. But Captain Ukitate, although the Sixth Division is making the arrest, please make sure the Thirteenth Division is given custody of Rukia afterward." Miyako Amamiya made her request to Ukitake.
"Have us guard Rukia?" Ukitake didn't yet understand the point of doing so.
"Yes, Captain," Miyako Amamiya replied calmly. "Captain Ukitake, there are far too many unnatural things about this incident. That's why we have to keep Rukia under our own watch. Otherwise, it'll be hard to find any room for leniency in her case."
"Unnatural things?" Ukitake thought it over carefully.
"Captain Ukitake, people in the other divisions might not know how strong Rukia is, but we do."
"Rukia is a Seated Officer capable of using Shikai. Add to that her talent for Kidō, and she's a match for a lieutenant. Yet a Soul Reaper like that gave her powers to a human in the World of the Living. That's highly abnormal."
"True..." Ukitake had to admit that Miyako Amamiya's words made a great deal of sense.
"There's one more thing. After Rukia gave her Reiryoku to a human, she should, in theory, have recovered it long ago. But from the time her Reiatsu disappeared until now, it still hasn't been detected. That's extremely unreasonable."
Ukitake's frown deepened. Miyako Amamiya's words reminded him that what had happened to Rukia was indeed very strange.
"I understand. I'll go submit a request shortly, so that when Rukia is sent back to Soul Society, she'll be placed in the Thirteenth Division's custody." Ukitake made a prompt decision and agreed. After all, he didn't want to see a member of his division executed for breaking the rules.
"In that case, Captain, there's no time to lose. I'll go find Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Abarai of the Sixth Division now and confirm when they're leaving." Miyako Amamiya took his leave of Ukitake, preparing to go to the Sixth Division.
"Mm, I understand. Don't worry, Miyako. I'll make sure you're allowed to go to the World of the Living to investigate." Ukitake knew this was a serious matter, and Central 46 might not approve it easily. He might have to seek out Shunsui Kyōraku, or even invoke his status as Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's disciple, to get it done.
Kiyone and Sentarō Kotsubaki had no right to interrupt as they watched Miyako Amamiya and Ukitake arrange everything in a short time.
Watching Miyako Amamiya leave, Kiyone couldn't help expressing her admiration.
"Lieutenant Miyako Amamiya... is amazing." Kiyone was utterly impressed by Miyako Amamiya's exceptional ability to get things done. For the first time, she had seen his authority as a lieutenant.
"Yeah, but is there really still hope for Kuchiki...?" Sentarō Kotsubaki asked worriedly.
"Don't worry, Kiyone, Sentarō. Since Miyako has already noticed so many details, he must have some confidence," Ukitake said, comforting them.
"And as her captain, I won't give up on a member of my division so easily, either." Ukitake thought back to Kaien. If he were here, he would surely be just like Miyako Amamiya now, never giving up on a comrade easily.
"Come with me, Kiyone, Sentarō. I'm afraid things won't be so simple from here on." Ukitake set off with the two Third Seats, first to apply for permission for Miyako Amamiya to go to the World of the Living.
At the Sixth Division Barracks, Renji Abarai was also extremely agitated.
"Captain Kuchiki! Are you sure the information from the Stealth Force is accurate?" Renji couldn't believe what he had heard and hurriedly asked again.
"Don't make me repeat myself, Renji," Byakuya Kuchiki said calmly, though the documents crumpled in his grip betrayed his inner turmoil.
Why, Rukia? Why did this have to happen to you...? I had already decided... Byakuya had been unable to believe it when he first heard the news, but once it was confirmed, he was powerless to dispute it.
"Rukia Kuchiki's actions constitute a serious crime. Central 46 has issued a preliminary order for her arrest. You and I will personally go to the World of the Living to apprehend her."
"Damn it... Captain Kuchiki, isn't Rukia your adopted sister? How can you be so calm?!" Renji couldn't help demanding.
"Rules are rules. Even my sister cannot break them." Byakuya knew full well that Rukia was far more than just his adopted sister. His late wife's final wish had been for Rukia to be safe, but...
Renji clenched his fists, at a complete loss.
"Captain Kuchiki, Lieutenant Abarai, Lieutenant Miyako Amamiya of the Thirteenth Division is here to discuss an important matter," someone announced from outside the door.
"The Thirteenth Division's lieutenant?" Byakuya frowned, wondering what had brought him here at a time like this.
"Miyako?" Renji exclaimed in surprise.
Byakuya then agreed to see Miyako Amamiya, and the division members escorted Miyako Amamiya to the Sixth Division Captain's Office.
When Miyako Amamiya arrived at the Sixth Division Captain's Office, he met Byakuya Kuchiki formally for the first time, in addition to Renji Abarai, whom he already knew well.
Byakuya wore Kenseikan, hair ornaments only great nobles were entitled to wear, on his head and around his neck, as well as a white scarf and a captain's uniform. His expression was cold.
"Miyako, are you here to ask about Rukia?" Renji hurriedly asked when he saw him.
"Be quiet, Renji." Byakuya cut him off and turned to Miyako Amamiya. "What business brings the Thirteenth Division's lieutenant here? If it's about Rukia Kuchiki, Central 46 has already formally ordered her arrest, to be carried out by the Sixth Division."
"Captain Kuchiki, I'm not here to interfere with the Sixth Division's arrest of Rukia," Miyako Amamiya said.
"Miyako, you too?! Don't you know what'll happen to Rukia after she's arrested?" Renji asked urgently.
"Don't be hasty, Renji." Miyako Amamiya shook his head, then looked at Byakuya and said, "An official notice should be issued shortly. I'll be going to the World of the Living to investigate the reason Rukia Kuchiki lost her powers there."
"I came to the Sixth Division hoping you could tell me when you're leaving for the World of the Living, Captain Kuchiki. I'll go with you."
Byakuya frowned. Investigate the reason? Whatever the reason, it was an indisputable fact that Rukia, a Soul Reaper, had given a human her Reiryoku.
"A pointless endeavor, but I have no authority to interfere with the Thirteenth Division's actions. Do as you please," Byakuya said. "The official arrest is scheduled for tomorrow. Renji and I will go to the Senkaimon to personally arrest Rukia Kuchiki. As long as you can obtain permission, I don't care."
"I understand. Thank you for telling me, Captain Kuchiki. I'll take my leave, then." Having heard the answer, Miyako Amamiya had no intention of staying. Instead, he prepared to go to Central 46 to see whether Ukitake's request had been approved.
After leaving the Sixth Division, Miyako Amamiya hurried to Central 46.
Outside the Central 46 chamber, Kiyone and Sentarō Kotsubaki waited anxiously. Beside them stood an intellectual-looking woman wearing glasses. Miyako Amamiya recognized her; she should be Shunsui Kyōraku's lieutenant, Nanao Ise.
When Miyako Amamiya arrived, he found that Ukitake had yet to come out.
"Lieutenant Miyako!" The two hurried over when they saw him.
"Has Captain Ukitake still not come out?" Miyako Amamiya asked with a frown. In theory, investigating the reason Rukia had lost her Soul Reaper powers in the World of the Living would benefit both Aizen and Central 46. They should have no reason to refuse.
Miyako Amamiya couldn't be sure exactly when Aizen had slaughtered everyone in Central 46. If Central 46 was still operating normally, there was no way this request would be denied. After all, given Ukitake's status, a mere investigation permit wouldn't be subject to such strict restrictions.
And if Aizen was already in control, he should try to prevent others from noticing anything amiss as long as the request was reasonable, rather than deliberately putting obstacles in the way.
"Yes. Captain Ukitake has been in there for quite a while," Kiyone said worriedly.
"If that's what you're worried about, please rest assured," Nanao said calmly from the side.
"You're Captain Kyōraku's lieutenant, Nanao Ise, aren't you? Your presence here means..." Miyako Amamiya looked at her.
"That's right. Captain Ukitake went in with our captain. Our captain may be unserious most of the time, but he does have some influence among the nobles."
"...Thank you very much." Miyako Amamiya thought Ukitake had made the right choice in bringing Shunsui Kyōraku along. As a high-ranking noble, a captain, and one of Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's first students, Shunsui certainly had enough influence. With the two of them going together, there shouldn't be any problems.
"No, it's nothing. I also heard about what happened to 6th Seat Kuchiki. In the captain's view, this matter is indeed worth investigating." Nanao adjusted her glasses, agreeing with Shunsui.
The group waited outside for a while before Ukitake and Shunsui emerged.
Ukitake nodded to Miyako Amamiya and handed him the permit.
Only then did Kiyone and Sentarō Kotsubaki breathe sighs of relief.
"It's thanks to Shunsui coming with me. Otherwise, it's hard to say how this would have gone," Ukitake told them.
"Don't say that, Jūshirō. I only did a little something," Shunsui said with a smile.
"No, a member of our division's life is at stake, after all. We're very grateful to you, Captain Kyōraku," Miyako Amamiya said politely.
"No, it's nothing. After all, I'm also very curious that a second incident has occurred in the World of the Living in which a Soul Reaper transferred their powers to a human." Shunsui reached up and lightly gripped his straw hat, tilting it down slightly as he spoke meaningfully.
Nanao did not interrupt her captain. Though Shunsui was unserious most of the time, he was always calm and reliable at crucial moments.
"Miyako, I'll leave Rukia's case to you, then," Ukitake said from the side. "As for where Rukia will be held, Shunsui and I also managed to get them to agree to place her in the Thirteenth Division's custody."
"But if Rukia is found guilty, she'll still be transferred to the Senzaikyū afterward..." Ukitake said.
"That's enough, Captain. As long as Rukia is still with us, we can get clear answers about many things. Once I return from the World of the Living, and you ask Rukia about the details, we'll surely be able to uncover what's hidden behind this incident," Miyako Amamiya said gravely.
The next day, Miyako Amamiya went to the Sixth Division and met up with Byakuya and Renji.
Before going to the World of the Living, all three had Limitation Seals applied to prevent their Reiatsu from affecting it.
"We have two objectives in the World of the Living," Byakuya told Renji. "First, arrest Rukia Kuchiki for transferring her powers to an ordinary human. If she resists, killing her outright is also permitted."
Hearing this, Renji couldn't help protesting, "Captain Kuchiki! Killing her is too..."
"Then have Rukia confess to her crime and refrain from resisting," Byakuya said coldly. "Second, find the human to whom Rukia Kuchiki gave her Reiryoku and destroy their Saketsu and Hakusui, causing them to lose their Reiryoku. Killing that person is also permitted."
Renji didn't object to this.
"As for the Thirteenth Division's investigation..." Byakuya glanced at Miyako Amamiya. "The Sixth Division will not interfere with the Thirteenth Division's actions. Likewise, the Thirteenth Division must not interfere with the Sixth Division's arrest."
Miyako Amamiya naturally had no objection. "I understand, Captain Kuchiki."
The Senkaimon opened, and the three stepped inside. Guided by a Hell Butterfly, they quickly passed through the Dangai and arrived in the World of the Living.
"Renji, use the Hell Butterfly to search for Rukia," Byakuya ordered. "The Technology Development Bureau provided the relevant information. We should find her soon."
"Yes, Captain." Renji released the Hell Butterfly and began searching Karakura Town for signs of Rukia.
The two waited quietly. Miyako Amamiya didn't leave either, unwilling to go to great trouble searching for Rukia, Ichigo, and the others himself.
"Lieutenant Miyako Amamiya of the Thirteenth Division, if you're conducting an investigation, you may set out now," Byakuya said, urging him to leave quickly.
"Thank you for your concern, Captain Kuchiki. But once we find Rukia, we'll have found the people involved. You needn't mind me."
"...Do as you please. But if you interfere with the arrest..." Byakuya warned.
"Don't worry, Captain Kuchiki. I won't interfere with what you're doing. I might even help you." Miyako Amamiya's words carried a deeper meaning.
Byakuya frowned at that, unsure what Miyako was planning. Still, as long as he didn't break the rules, Byakuya wouldn't stop him.
As time passed, night fell over Karakura Town. The stars were sparse and dim in the deep night sky, and the entire world seemed unbearably lonely beneath the heavy darkness, inspiring a sense of endless oppression.
Rukia walked beneath the night sky, seemingly feeling the oppressive atmosphere as well, as though something bad was about to happen.
"Captain Kuchiki, I've found... Rukia's whereabouts." Renji saw the information relayed by the Hell Butterfly and spoke slowly, his expression complicated.
"I see... Then let's go."
Miyako Amamiya followed the two in silence.
At the Fifth Division Barracks, Gin Ichimaru asked him, "Is it really all right, Captain Aizen, to grant Ukitake and the others' request?"
"It's fine. In fact, this is exactly what I wanted to see, Gin." Aizen smiled.
"Although Rukia Kuchiki has been found, no one knows why her Reiryoku disappeared. If Ukitake sends Amamiya-kun to the World of the Living to investigate, surely he'll cause Kisuke Urahara a little trouble."
"At a time like this, it would be even better if we could keep Kisuke Urahara from interfering in Soul Society's affairs." To Aizen, letting Miyako Amamiya go to the World of the Living to investigate was merely a spare move. It wouldn't hurt the overall plan, and might even help him.
"As for placing her with the Thirteenth Division... that's nothing more than Ukitake's final, desperate struggle. What harm is there in agreeing?"