Beneath the pure white haori lay the pitch-black Shinigami Uniform.
It was a haori that meant "bleaching," or perhaps, a haori of atonement.
And now, more than a dozen white haori bearing the names of their respective divisions on their backs all bowed toward that group of lowly commoners.
Among those haori, the one bearing the character "Six" on its back was especially conspicuous.
When they saw the wearer of that "Six" haori bow, everyone froze. As they looked at the most noble man in all of Soul Society, an immensely complicated emotion welled up within them.
Even the other Captains clad in white haori kindly tried to dissuade him upon seeing Byakuya.
"Kuchiki Captain, you don't need to go this far over this matter..."
Because of Byakuya's special status, he was actually in a rather awkward position in this matter.
If he did not apologize to the commoners, they would look upon him differently. But if Byakuya apologized alongside the others to ordinary civilians, his position as the Squad Leader representing the nobles would place him at odds with noble interests.
Yet Byakuya seemed not to care about such things. He nodded at Captain Shunsui, who had reminded him, and said softly, "Thank you, Captain Kyoraku. But if even I, as the leader of the nobles, cannot uphold the justice of Soul Society fairly, then with what mindset and honor can the remaining nobles continue down this path?"
"Furthermore, serious problems have already emerged within the nobility itself. I think... it is time for some changes."
After hearing Byakuya's words, even Shunsui revealed a look of surprise. Looking at Byakuya's cold, stern face, Shunsui suddenly recalled the rebellious youth and immature features of his younger days. So many years had passed, yet it seemed that heart of his, so