After that day, everything remained peaceful.
The Shiba Clan gathered their strength, preparing to draw their blades, while Byakuya Kuchiki slowly emerged from the grief of losing his wife and stood in opposition to Shiba Kazuo.
In the blink of an eye, more than half a year passed.
One day, Matsumoto Rangiku came to the captain's office with a mysterious air, closed the door, and delivered her report in private.
"Huh? Someone caused trouble in Rukongai, and only after they were thrown in jail did you discover they were students from Shin'ō Academy?"
"Why tell me about something like that? Just coordinate directly with Headmaster Hasegawa."
"What did you say? One of the students looks just like the Kuchiki Clan head's late wife?"
Uchiha Yato put down his pen, looking thoughtful.
"She definitely does. I took a look before coming here, Captain. They're practically identical!"
"-How do you know what Byakuya's wife looked like?"
"Captain, that lady was a very kind member of the high nobility. She often went to Rukongai to help the poor, and she even invited me to her tea parties~"
Yato nodded, put on his Pure White Haori, and headed to Rukongai with Rangiku.
"Where are they being held?"
"South District 78, Inuzuri No. 2 The Jail."
"Then there's no mistake-"
"Huh? Captain, do you know something? That student and Lady Kuchiki-"
"You're not to mention this again. Understood?" Uchiha Yato shot his blond subordinate a glare. "Stay out of noble affairs."
"I know, I know. They love doing whatever they please."
Racing through the air, the two soon arrived in South District 78 of Rukongai.
It was little different from the Zaraki District. The ground was riddled with potholes, and the place had gone unmanaged for years. Sword-wearing ronin and samurai roamed unchecked, looking ready