Impartial Handling

"An... internal investigation?"

Momo Hinamori was truly panicking this time.

Helplessly, she looked back at the silent barracks, then at the four unquestionable Captains before her.

Whether it was an internal investigation or an investigation led by several Captains, how could a decision of this level be made by a mere Lieutenant Captain like her?

"This... I need to report to the Captain first."

"No need, Hinamori."

At that moment, a gentle voice, as warm as jade and as soothing as a spring breeze, slowly drifted out from the depths of the barracks, instantly calming all of Momo Hinamori's agitation and unease.

"A straight body casts no crooked shadow. Since our colleagues have come under orders, let everyone search."

As the voice fell, Sosuke Aizen's tall figure emerged from the shadows.

He still wore his immaculate Captain's haori, that signature springlike smile resting on his face, as though being surrounded at the gate by four Captains was nothing more than a tea gathering among old friends.

"Captain Aizen!"

Seeing the pillar of support for her division appear, Momo Hinamori's eyes reddened. As though she had finally found something to lean on, her entire body relaxed at once.

In her eyes, Captain Aizen was an omnipotent god. As long as he was there, she did not need to fear even if the sky fell.

"Since the Captain has said so."

Momo Hinamori wiped the corners of her eyes, turned, and loudly ordered the Fifth Division members:

"All personnel, listen up! Immediately split into groups and conduct a thorough search of the barracks! We must prove our innocence!"

"Yes!"

Though the Fifth Division members were dissatisfied with the First Division's search warrant, under their Captain's gaze, they swiftly sprang into action.

The four Captains outside, seeing that the man in question had