Gathering Forces

Two days passed in a hurry amid countless people's unease and calculations.

Execution day, dawn.

An unusual dampness and heaviness hung in the air, as though even the skies above the Seireitei knew of the bloody spectacle about to unfold today, pressing down so heavily that it was hard to breathe.

Outside the gates of the Ninth Division barracks.

Ross wore the Captain's haori of the Tenth Division and walked at the front with a composed expression.

Tōshirō, Kūkaku Shiba, and Rangiku Matsumoto followed closely behind him.

"Captain Ross, Captain Hitsugaya, and the two Lieutenant Captains."

Shūhei Hisagi, the Ninth Division's Lieutenant Captain, had been waiting at the gates for some time. He showed no great surprise at the sight of this group.

He bowed respectfully and stepped aside to clear the way.

"Captain Tosen has been waiting at the special prison for quite some time. The prisoners can be handed over at any moment. Please follow me."

By convention, when a criminal was to be subjected to the ultimate punishment at Sōkyoku Hill, they would usually be moved several days in advance from the temporary prison to the Shrine of Penitence, which was closer to the execution grounds.

But this time, the situation was far too turbulent.

And with Byakuya Kuchiki's forceful proposal on the grounds of security, Rukia ultimately remained in the Ninth Division's temporary prison.

After all, compared to the Shrine of Penitence, which was now unguarded and little more than an empty shell, Byakuya clearly believed it was safer to have Tosen Kaname, a Captain who appeared neutral, just, and dependable, personally guard her.

"Much appreciated."

Ross nodded slightly without slowing, leading the group into the Ninth Division.

At this point, the game board had been laid bare.

After the Captains' final discussion last night, the