North of the Chamber of Penance, Sokyoku Hill.
Clouds drifted across the azure sky, floating over the execution scaffold like wisps of gauze.
The moment Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, prepared to act, the overall situation had already been completely decided.
By the time he escorted Isshin Shiba and the others to the Central Execution Grounds, several captains were already waiting there.
"Just as expected of Old Man Yama. You're quite vigorous for your age."
Shunsui Kyoraku stood with both hands tucked into his sleeves like a dried salted fish, possessing none of a captain's proper bearing. Yet when his gaze slid toward Isshin Shiba and the others, a glint flashed through his eyes.
"With a casual intervention, you captured the Ryoka who threw the Seireitei into chaos without suffering a single casualty."
"As subordinates, the one thing we should never doubt is the Captain-Commander's ability."
A cool voice sounded from nearby, immediately drawing Shunsui Kyoraku's attention away.
"My, Captain Soi Fon, you certainly trust Old Man Yama."
Soi Fon remained silent. She merely frowned slightly as she looked toward the division barracks below.
The person she cared about had not appeared at the Central Execution Grounds with the others.
"Execution by the Sōkyoku. What an unfamiliar term."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi stared at the massive scaffold piercing the clouds. "Since this captain took office, I have never witnessed this punishment being used."
"If I remember correctly, the Sōkyoku is only used on Shinigami below captain level. Isn't that right, Captain Unohana?"
At his side, Retsu Unohana lowered her eyes. Her gentle demeanor made it seem as though nothing in the outside world could disturb her thoughts.
In truth, she herself was precisely in that state.
Ever since Su Feng had entrusted her with performing a deep autopsy on