XX-level Hokage

Kyoraku Shunsui quietly reminded Hitsugaya Toshiro, patiently teaching him the rules of survival in the Seireitei.

Chapter 78: Massacre

"...We've already reported the information that Rukia Kuchiki has disappeared from the Third Division's prison and was suspected of being kidnapped by the Ryoka to the Central 46, right? Has the Central 46 not received it?"

Even Unohana Retsu couldn't remain silent now, demonstrating just how absurd the order from Central Chamber 46 was. ...It seems that what Central Chamber 46 is saying is...

Omaeda Nozomi hesitated for a moment, but she knew that this was not something she could simply refuse to say, so in the end she had no choice but to grit her teeth and say the rest of her words.

"They believe that we took this opportunity to harbor Rukia Kuchiki and help her escape punishment. They think that the Ryoka are not strong enough to take Rukia Kuchiki away from the Gotei 13. Therefore, they refuse to acknowledge the information we provided and order us to hand over Rukia Kuchiki immediately."

"It's like arguing with a child," said Patsumura Sajin, rubbing his head in exasperation.

They're ignoring the reality and evidence right in front of them. They're all just going to listen to me, regardless of what I think.

Ultimately... why is Central 46 so obsessed with Rukia? What did Rukia do to offend them? This question has probably been lingering in the minds of the captains for a long time, and they've only now finally been able to voice it out loud.

The Central 46 Chambers are said to be the highest decision-making group in the world of spirits, and once they make a decision, even the Captain-Commander cannot disobey it.

But those who truly understand this system know that what matters isn't the decisions made by the Central 46, but rather the decisions they make. The Central 46 isn't a perfect decision-making machine; they are human, and because they are human, they have their own thoughts and can be influenced. All their seemingly unreasonable and excessive decisions ultimately demonstrate only one thing: the absence of any related forces or...

The character fought for it.

If any powerful figures or individuals advocate for it, things will tend to escalate from major issues to minor ones, or they may appear serious on the surface but are actually unavoidable, and not making a public announcement would be just as easy as going with the flow.

This is precisely why those familiar with the system find the recent moves and decisions of the Central 46th Bureau unbelievable.

Their first priority was to win over Rukia Kuchiki, and they began their efforts as soon as Rukia was brought back to Tokami.

Then, in the ensuing negotiations and standoff, neither side yielded an inch, showing none of the usual tacit understanding and de-escalation, as if the Central 46th Bureau had always been like that.

While invading Soul Society, they also used the fact that unknown individuals had invaded Soul Society to pin the blame on Rukia Kuchiki and convict her. Now that Rukia Kuchiki has disappeared, they believe that the Gotei 13 has framed her and demand that the Gotei 13 hand her over.

Considering everything that has happened, it's quite clear that the Central 46 is overly obsessed with Kuchiki Rukia. The moment this question was uttered, everyone involuntarily turned to look at Kuchiki Byakuya.

They believed that Rukia Kuchiki herself was nothing special, just an ordinary member of the 13th Division.

Is this targeting of Rukia Kuchiki a sign that Byakuya Kuchiki did something that touched a nerve with the Central 46, and they're trying to make an example of her?

However, this speculation vanished when he saw Byakuya Kuchiki's unusually bewildered expression.

While seeing Byakuya Kuchiki's composed expression was worth the price of admission, Rukia Kuchiki's situation was once again shrouded in mystery.

"So, how should we respond to them? Those stubborn old men can be quite difficult to deal with once they start acting up," Kyoraku Shunsui asked.

Toshiro Hitsugaya frowned deeply; he was also somewhat at a loss.

He always felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't figure out exactly what it was.

"Oh dear, if that person were here, I doubt the Central 46 would dare to be so arrogant," Gin Ichimaru suddenly said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the conference room fell silent instantly. They naturally knew who Ichimaru Gin was referring to.

Aizen, who had been standing quietly in the corner, gave Gin Ichimaru a meaningful look after hearing his words.

At this time, I am residing in the Qingjingta Forest.

"Wait, what are you doing?!"

"Weren't you banished?! Why have you reappeared in the Soul Realm?!" "Pure Tower Retreat Forest!! No one is allowed to approach without permission from the Central 46!!"

"Stop being so stubborn! Step down now, and I might forgive you!"

Dressed in black, the strong and muscular guards, wielding six-foot steel clubs, formed a line and shouted angrily. However, contrary to their serious and intimidating words, they did not advance, but instead retreated continuously.

More and more guards arrived after receiving orders to provide support, but the number of those who joined the retreating ranks also increased.

It was as if there was an invisible barrier in front of them, and they had no way to break through it, so they were forced to retreat.

But in reality, such a thing does not exist. There is no sacred and inviolable sanctuary ahead; there is only fear that makes people hesitate to move forward or even retreat.

That's it.

This is the area where the First Division barracks and many administrative offices are located in the Central First Ward—collectively known as "Shin-Ichi Ward."

It can be said to be the core of Guanting Street, the most crucial and important area in the Zhenyang District, and the area where the sages and judges of the Central Forty-Six Chambers reside—the Seijingtajurin.

This area is usually heavily guarded, and even the captain of the Gotei 13 cannot go there without orders from the Central 46.

The chaos unfolding in this region is, in a sense, worthy of being recorded in the annals of Seireitei and the Tokishin world.

One of the thirteen guards of the Pure Tower Forest had actually trespassed today, and showed no intention of stopping when stopped by the guards.

And he was just one person, which was overwhelmingly few compared to the vast, dark mass of guards that filled the other side of the road.

However, despite this, it's undeniable that the majority of the guards retreated. It was all simply because...

The arrogant girl walking at the very front was named Mashiro. "As noisy as ever," Mashiro muttered.

She raised her hand and stretched it forward, as if to push aside something blocking her way, and gently pushed it aside.

Splash splash ...

The dark mass of guards blocking his way was instantly blown away by an unseen force, with the man as the center line. A large number of guards were sent flying into the sky and thrown aside like trash.

The cuts were so clean and precise, as if the guards on the left side had been sliced ​​open with a knife; they seemed to have realized something. But before they could...

They reacted, and the same thing happened again.

They too flew into the sky and were left behind!

Upon seeing this scene, the guards who were still rushing to provide support from a greater distance immediately stopped in their tracks. Their legs trembled, and they almost wanted to run away. They didn't even have the courage to turn around and flee, let alone continue forward. They were like wooden chickens with their necks outstretched, ready to be slaughtered.

The seemingly continuous, incessant shouts and reprimands vanished without a trace, as if they had been muted. "It's quiet now."

Chapter 79: Conspiracy

"Lord Mashiro, this is enough. Let's not go any further. The Central 46 Chambers are extremely important to the Tokage World. If nothing unexpected happens, we will have to return to the Tokage World. If we go any further, there will truly be no room for retreat." Yoruichi suddenly appeared, stretched out her hands, and stared sternly at Mashiro.

"Yoruichi, you're here too."

"I only happened to see you leave Captain Unohana's place and head towards the Seijōta Forest. I was just a little worried, and sure enough, you..."

Yoruichi was interrupted by Mashiro before she could finish speaking. "Alright, alright, since you're here, let's come together."

Mashiro made the decision on her own, but Yoruichi's expression suddenly changed, and she sensed something was wrong.

"Wait, that's not what I meant." "You can be a witness too."

Mashiro grabbed Yoruichi's shoulder and walked past her, pushing open the doors behind her one by one.

The two of them disappeared into the darkness behind the door.

Yoruichi followed along, intending to stop Mashiro from doing something irrational.

To my utter surprise, not only could she not stop him, but when Mashiro's hand pressed against her, she didn't even have the strength to resist. As expected of Captain Mashiro.

It was as if a kitten had encountered a lion; all her power instantly receded into her body, and she could no longer mobilize it by her own will.

Therefore, she didn't even have a chance to struggle before being led by Mashiro into the council hall where the Central Room 46 was located. The giant door was easily pushed open, and the forbidden boundary was crossed.

Generally speaking, only the Central 46 issues extremely strict orders to the Gotei 13. Therefore, during Mashiro's time as captain, her relationship with the Central 46 was very poor.

Often, the Central 46 would issue a forceful order, and Mashiro would immediately show up at their door wanting to reason with them. In Yoruichi's imagination, the moment that door opened, she would be met with countless accusations and furious shouts. However, after waiting for quite a while, no such sounds came from her.

Mashiro didn't intend to make things difficult for Yoruichi. After forcibly bringing Yoruichi into the council chamber where the Central 46 was located, she let go of her hand. She gently patted Yoruichi, as if showing her the reality of this world.

She spoke as if fulfilling her slightly odd promise to "serve as a witness." "Take a look, Yoruichi."

Before Yoruichi could turn around and look back, the first thing she saw was Shiba Kukaku, who was eagerly following behind.

Yoruichi was forcibly brought in. At that time, he was facing Mashiro with his back to the door, so she was dragged in and could not see what was happening behind her.

Kukaku Shiba caught up with Yoruichi, so she had a clear view of the situation inside. She even had a clearer understanding of the situation than Yoruichi, who had entered first.

However, Shiba Kukaku's expression did not reassure Yoruichi at all. On Shiba Kukaku's beautiful face was a mixture of disbelief and shock as if the door had collapsed.

Besides that, there was even a hint of regret. It was regret for having come along.

Even Yoruichi couldn't help but swallow hard; her heart felt as if it were being gripped by an invisible hand.

It wasn't just Shiba Kukaku's expression; the deathly silence that led them all the way here, Mashiro's reaction, and the faint smell of blood in the air—all of these were actually telling Yoruichi what had happened here.

Like a broken toy, she turned her head, both aroused and helpless, unable to stop herself, and looked behind her.

Even though she had made thorough preparations in her mind beforehand, Yoruichi still couldn't help but hold her breath the moment the imagined scene became reality.

It appeared before her eyes.

Forty sages and six judges were present, arranged in orderly ranks. However, none of them could utter a sound again.

These people were either slumped over the table or leaning back in their chairs.

Without exception, the blood gushing from their bodies completely robbed them of their life force.

The barriers in front of them were stained red, and for some, the barriers collapsed into the ground below during their brief struggle before death.

The entire Central 46, who had just given orders to the Gotei 13... are all dead?!

...What...what exactly is going on?

As expected of the former head of the Shihouin family, one of the four noble families, Yoruichi quickly regained her composure after the initial shock.

Even the words squeezed out with difficulty from her throat signified that she was gradually regaining her reason and ability to think. She was rationally considering the fact that all members of Central Room 46 had been murdered.

In contrast to Yoruichi's shock, Mashiro, whether due to her strong mental fortitude or some other reason, remained unmoved by the shocking fact that the Central 46 had been wiped out.

She looked almost exactly the same as usual.

Without any respect whatsoever, her self-glow swept across every corner of the council chamber, and she clicked her tongue slightly, letting out a low, displeased sound.

"Did they escape?" Mashiro muttered to herself. "Mashiro-sama... what's this?"

As Shiba Kukaku watched Mashiro approach the location of the nearest dead sage, he saw Mashiro reach out and touch the blood-stained tabletop.

However, there was no red mark on Mashiro's raised finger. This meant that these sages weren't killed before they broke in, but rather before that.

"Judging from the dried bloodstains, it probably happened within the last day or two,"

The blood may have settled, but it will undergo a noticeable color change over time. Experienced people can judge a general time period at a glance by the color of the blood.

"...Then who was it that just gave the orders to the Gotei 13?!"

The sages of the Central 46 have been murdered, and someone is impersonating the Central 46 to deliver false orders! These two things combined are enough to send chills down Shiba Kukaku's spine, leaving him speechless with fear.

The Qingjing Tower, where the Central Forty-Six Chambers are located, is not allowed to enter unless summoned. In other words, even if it takes a month or two, as long as no one steps into this council hall, they will not know the reality that the sages have been killed.

If this continues, how many orders will those with ulterior motives issue by taking advantage of the authority of the Central 46th Bureau?