Just then, a Hell Butterfly flew in from outside the courtyard wall and gently landed in front of Nanao Ise.
Nanao Ise raised her hand, the Hell Butterfly landing on her fingertip, and a new notification entered her ears.
Her expression quickly changed.
“Captain, Central 46 has issued another order: Rukia Kuchiki’s execution time has been moved up.” Shunsui Kyōraku adjusted his straw hat.
“Moved up to when?” “Tomorrow at noon.” Hearing this answer, Shunsui Kyōraku fell silent.
A Captain had suddenly died, a Ryoka had just entered the Seireitei, and Rukia’s execution time had been moved up.
Everything had come together.
It was too much of a coincidence.
So much so that Shunsui Kyōraku found it hard to believe that it was all just an accident.
It seems the one hiding in the shadows can no longer remain still.
Continuing to fight Yoriichi here would only result in the destruction of the Eighth Division’s territory; it would be utterly pointless.
He was far more interested in knowing the truth behind Aizen’s death than capturing a boy of unknown origin who showed no murderous intent.
“Young man.” Shunsui Kyōraku sheathed his Zanpakutō, reverting to his usual languid demeanor.
“You can go now.” Nanao Ise turned sharply.
“Captain?” Yoriichi wasn’t surprised, simply looking at Shunsui Kyōraku, waiting for his next words.
“However, I have one condition.” Shunsui Kyōraku touched the brim of his hat, saying helplessly, “If you encounter members of other divisions, try to show mercy.
We’re just following orders; there’s no need to kill anyone.” “I said, I’m only here to save people.” Yoriichi said calmly, “As long as I can control the situation, I won’t kill.” “Young man, remember what you just said.” Shunsui Kyōraku smiled, then turned and walked towards the courtyard gate.
After taking a few steps, he seemed to suddenly remember something, and his steps faltered slightly.
“Oh, right, I have another piece of news for you.” “Rukia Kuchiki’s execution time has been moved up.
Tomorrow at noon, she will be subjected to the most severe punishment at Sōkyoku Hill.” Yoriichi’s eyes showed a subtle change.
“Tomorrow at noon?” “That’s right.” Shunsui Kyōraku didn’t turn around, but simply waved his hand.
“Nanao, let’s go.” Nanao Ise stood there, seemingly still not having reacted.
“Captain, are we really going to abandon him?” “If we keep fighting, this area won’t be safe.” Shunsui Kyōraku glanced at the cracked courtyard, then touched his hat, a piece of which had been chipped off.
More importantly, he wasn’t confident he could defeat Yoriichi.
From the start of their fight until now, not a single strike from Yoriichi had been aimed at a vital point.
Even so, he was still forced to retreat.
If this boy didn’t hold back, what the outcome would be, even Shunsui Kyōraku himself couldn’t be sure.
“Besides, Nanao Ise has more important things to do now.” Nanao Ise adjusted her glasses.
“Investigating Captain Aizen’s death?” “And Rukia’s execution.” Shunsui Kyōraku said softly, “The scheduled time has been moved forward again and again.
What is Central 46 so anxious about?” Nanao Ise opened her mouth, but didn’t answer immediately.
She also felt that something was wrong.
Allowing the Ryoka to roam freely within the Seireitei was simply against the rules of the Gotei 13.
“But…” “Don’t worry, Nanao.” Shunsui Kyōraku interrupted her, his tone still languid.
“I don’t think he’s a bad person; he knows what he should do.” “Making a judgment based solely on intuition is too hasty.” “Sometimes, intuition is still very important.” Shunsui Kyōraku continued walking forward.
Nanao Ise glanced at Yoriichi, but ultimately quickly followed her Captain.
The two figures soon disappeared outside the courtyard gate.
Yoriichi stood still, not leaving immediately.
Tomorrow at noon.
They only had less than a day left.
According to the original plan, Ichigo should have mastered Bankai before the execution and rescued Rukia at Sōkyoku Hill.
But the timeline had changed.
Rukia’s execution was brought forward, and no one could be sure whether things would unfold as originally planned.
Yoriichi didn’t like entrusting his comrades’ lives to the so-called plot.
He only trusted the sword in his hand.
Thinking this, Yoriichi turned and walked to a corner of the courtyard.
Several fallen wooden frames lay there, and there was no movement behind them.
“They’re gone.” Still no response.
Yoriichi stopped and looked behind the wooden frames.
“Inoue, Chad, you can come out now.” After a few seconds, Orihime Inoue cautiously peeked out.
She first looked at the courtyard gate, then at Yoriichi, before letting out a sigh of relief.
“Tsugikuni-kun, are you finished fighting?” “Yes.” Chad emerged from the other side, carrying a plank of wood that had been blown over by spiritual pressure.
During the battle, Orihime Inoue was almost hit by it, and he had shielded her from it.
“Yoriichi, are you injured?” “No.” Yoriichi looked at the two of them and said directly, “Rukia’s execution has been moved up; it’s tomorrow at noon.” Orihime Inoue’s smile vanished instantly.
“How could it be so soon?” “Someone wants her dead as quickly as possible.” Yoriichi turned and looked at the towering white structure in the distance.
That was the Tower of Repentance.
Even from a distance, he could still feel the increasing spiritual pressure of the Shinigami around him.
After news of Aizen’s death spread, all the divisions were on high alert.
The road ahead wouldn’t be peaceful.
“We must hurry.” Chad put down the plank and asked in a deep voice, “Go find Kurosaki?” “Go to the Tower of Repentance first.” Yoriichi gripped the hilt of his sword and walked forward.
“If Ichigo is already there, we’ll meet him.” “What if he’s not there yet?” Orihime Inoue quickly followed.
Yoriichi didn’t stop.
“Then we’ll rescue Rukia.” Orihime Inoue hesitated for a moment, then nodded vigorously.
“Okay.” Chad didn’t speak, simply following quietly behind the two.
The three of them crossed the dilapidated courtyard and headed towards the Tower of Repentance.