Unfortunately, although Kaien Shiba was delighted to see Ganju Shiba, he ultimately refused to return to the Shiba Clan.
Clearly, Miyako Shiba's death had dealt Kaien Shiba a devastating blow.
Kaien Shiba and Miyako Shiba had been in love for more than twenty years. The depth of their feelings for each other went without saying.
But the deeper the love, the stronger the hatred.
Well, the love was for Miyako Shiba.
The hatred was directed at those nobles.
Over the years, Kaien Shiba had trained relentlessly and had finally achieved Bankai.
Of course, Kaien Shiba also knew that with his strength alone, killing the nobles involved in the assassination that night was unlikely.
The nobles, in order to preserve their rule, and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, in order to maintain the Seireitei's stability, would never allow Kaien Shiba to lay hands on the nobles.
But—
There was one person who stood beyond the restrictions of both the nobles and the Gotei 13.
The Eleventh Division Captain, Ailin Kenpachi!
As far as Kaien Shiba knew, after Captain Ailin's disciple Rukia was attacked, Captain Ailin had once considered slaughtering the Seireitei's nobles.
But in the end, Rukia persuaded him to let her take action herself.
Kaien Shiba knew that if he wanted revenge, he had to follow behind Rukia.
Only Rukia, backed by Captain Ailin, could withstand the backlash of the nobles and Captain-Commander Yamamoto.
Within the Thirteenth Division, a white haori flashed past.
Kaien Shiba caught sight of a corner of white cloth, and a trace of doubt suddenly rose in his heart.
Hadn't Captain Ukitake just been in the Captain's office? How had he gotten here already?
And judging by the direction, wasn't this where Rukia often trained?
After hesitating for a moment, Kaien Shiba still turned and followed.
"Teacher."