The Philosopher's Stone and the Hogyoku (Part 2)

"Looks like we have visitors."

Just as Hanatarō was trying to persuade Rukia to leave, Shen Fei suddenly turned to look at the suspension bridge before the Repentance Cell. Byakuya Kuchiki, wearing a captain's haori, was slowly making his way toward them.

The Repentance Cell was a lonely white tower. From its rooms, one could see Sōkyoku Hill, the execution grounds on the other side, where the Soul Society executed Shinigami guilty of grave crimes. The death penalty still existed in the Soul Society, but under normal circumstances, criminals sentenced to death were not actually executed. Most were sent to the Nest of Maggots instead.

But occasionally, there were criminals whose crimes had too great an impact, and execution was needed as a warning to others.

As a place for holding serious offenders, the Repentance Cell had only one way in and out: a long suspension bridge. So even without many guards, prisoners generally had no chance of escaping.

"Captain Kuchiki."

After hearing Shen Fei's words, Hanatarō immediately turned around. The moment he saw that the newcomer was Byakuya Kuchiki, he collapsed to the ground in fright, cold sweat breaking out across his face. He was clearly terrified.

Byakuya Kuchiki, who always walked through the Gotei 13 with a stern expression, was one of the captains most feared by the lower-ranking Shinigami, second only to Gin Ichimaru. Not to mention his status as a member of one of the Four Great Noble Families.

"Brother, I won't leave. Please let Teacher Shen go."

As Rukia spoke, Byakuya Kuchiki, who had still been some distance away, had already arrived roughly ten meters before the three of them. He had used Flash Step to cover the distance.

Hanatarō had already opened the gate, allowing Rukia to leave the prison. The moment she saw