The Sealed Passage

"Indeed."

Ross nodded slightly.

"In fact, we have a common enemy. They were once comrades who shed blood for Soul Society, too. I don't think our differences are beyond reconciliation."

"The Thirteenth Division has taken a severe blow, and two captain positions are vacant. We can use this opportunity to bring them back, restore our strength, and face our enemy together."

After that lofty speech, Ross turned his gaze to Yoruichi Shihoin.

"I'll leave this to you, Yoruichi."

Of course, he had no intention of bringing them back. That would make the show far less interesting.

He wanted to see what surprises Kisuke Urahara might have for him once he had the information Shunsui Kyoraku had given him.

Words were one thing. Whether Yoruichi could return to the Human World or invite anyone back was another.

"Huh? What a stubborn bunch."

Yoruichi Shihoin laughed heartily and patted her chest, looking ready to take it all on.

"Fine, leave it to me. Once I'm back in the Human World, I'll explain everything to Urahara."

"Tch. He was the one who trusted the wrong person and let that bastard Kyoraku use him. Good thing I was sharp enough to see the truth."

"I'm sorry about what happened to the Shihoin Clan."

Byakuya Kuchiki spoke again, his tone as flat as ever. "But I don't regret what I did. That was the position I had to take as Head of the Kuchiki Clan."

"Save it, little Byakuya."

Yoruichi Shihoin waved him off without even looking him in the eye. Her voice cooled.

"I don't need your meaningless apologies or your false guilt."

"Shunsui Kyoraku was behind all of this. He planned it and turned people who should have been allies against each other."

"As for the blood debt owed to the Shihoin Clan..."