Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

"..."

There was no immediate response.

Yoruichi simply stared at Seiya, her gaze carrying an indescribable glint.

"…Do you realize what you're saying?"

Of course.

How could he not?

Speculating on a noble's intentions was, by nature, an act of great offense.

"If I have misspoken, I ask for your forgiveness, Lady Yoruichi."

His words were not mere formality but carried genuine sincerity.

"But on the other hand, if you truly plan to leave, please take a moment to consider the thoughts of those who care about you."

Under normal circumstances, Seiya might have chosen to stay out of such troublesome matters.

But after thinking it over, he ultimately felt…

Some people were simply too pitiful.

Yūshirō was still too young to hold the household together. If Yoruichi left, the Shihōin family would be in complete turmoil.

The little crossdresser wouldn't even be considered truly capable until the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc.

And as for Sui-Fēng—

That was an even bigger mess.

Her resentment and love were intertwined.

Even a hundred years later, when they met again, she put on a smug front, but it was all an act—just two sentences in, and she completely broke down.

In the end, she was crying, demanding to know why she wasn't taken along.

Even Yoruichi had been caught off guard.

She had never expected Sui-Fēng's feelings to be that intense.

Considering all this, why avoid saying just a few simple words that could resolve everything?

Seiya couldn't understand it.

That was exactly why he spoke up.

"Lady Yoruichi, please think this through."

"..."

Yoruichi stared at Seiya for a long moment.

At that instant, she radiated an unmistakable sense of danger—

Like she might attack him at any moment.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Was she really about to beat him up?!

Just as the tension reached its peak, Yoruichi let out a light sigh.

It was as if she had given up on something.

Shaking her head helplessly, she muttered,

"Seriously… Your level of perceptiveness is ridiculous."

—You're impossible to ignore.

Urahara Kisuke was smart.

But just like what had happened yesterday, his intelligence didn't always apply when it came to schemes and conspiracies.

She had to follow him—only by doing so could she keep that idiot from falling into another trap.

In truth, when she first heard Urahara's plan, Yoruichi had already made up her mind.

She was definitely going with him.

She just hadn't expected that the person who would realize it first…

Would be Seiya—the one she had the weakest bond with.

Raising a hand, she rubbed the back of her neck.

A troubled expression crossed her face.

"Even Kisuke didn't pick up on it. How did you figure it out?"

Because I read the original story!

"I guess it's just easier to see things from an outsider's perspective."

Yoruichi shrugged lightly and sighed.

"I know disappearing without a word is awful, but… some things are just hard to say."

Being carefree didn't mean being heartless.

Yoruichi understood what she had to do.

That was precisely why she hesitated, why she held back, why she wasn't acting like her usual self.

What could she even say?

Tell Yūshirō—You're the new family head now. Stand tall and take care of everything on your own from now on.

Tell Sui-Fēng—I'm leaving with the person you hate most, Urahara Kisuke. Stay behind and serve Yūshirō. Don't think about me anymore.

How could she say that out loud?

Even the most thick-skinned person wouldn't have the guts for something like that.

As countless thoughts raced through her mind, Yoruichi inadvertently voiced her true feelings.

"I… don't have the face to see them."

Like a defeated general, a stray dog.

Her selfishness was already disgraceful enough. Now she had to expose it to others?

It was humiliating.

Hearing this, Seiya furrowed his brows slightly.

There was nothing more to say.

If she wasn't willing to speak, he had no right to force her.

He had done his part. The rest was up to fate.

Taking a deep breath, Seiya took a step back and bowed slightly.

"Lady Yoruichi, then I'll take my leave."

Just as he turned to go—

Yoruichi suddenly called out.

"Wait."

Seiya stopped and turned around.

Yoruichi's troubled expression had disappeared, replaced by a mischievous smile.

"If I can't say it myself… I can just have you say it for me!"

You were close to Yūshirō.

You could talk to Sui-Fēng.

No problem, Seiya—you were born to be a messenger!

Realizing what was happening, Seiya let out a horrified "Eh?!"

Wait—how did this end up on me again?!

I don't want this job!

Three days later.

In the long corridors of the First Division.

Holding the latest reports, Chōjirō Sasakibe walked briskly, his expression tense.

Pushing open the paper doors, he immediately lowered himself to one knee.

With his right hand clenched into a fist and pressed against the tatami, he spoke in a respectful and steady tone.

"Captain-Commander, we have received new information."

The spacious hall was eerily empty.

Only one person stood at its center—

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.

Clad in his captain's haori, he leaned slightly on his long staff, his gaze fixed on the enormous kanji character "心" (kokoro, meaning "heart") written on the wall.

"…Speak."

"As you command."

Spreading the documents before him, Chōjirō began his report.

Although he had already read them countless times—

This was something that could never be taken lightly.

Because this was his duty.

"The following individuals have been confirmed to have fled:

Former Third Division Captain, Kensei Muguruma.

Former Fifth Division Captain, Shinji Hirako.

Former Seventh Division Captain, Love Aikawa.

Former Ninth Division Captain, Kensei Muguruma.

Former Twelfth Division Captain, Urahara Kisuke.

Former Grand Kido Chief, Tessai."

"These individuals have defied Central 46's judgment and are now fugitives of Soul Society."

"In accordance with Central 46's deliberation and ruling, official warrants have been issued for their capture."

Each name carried the weight of duty, etched into Yamamoto's memory—

Once symbols of service to Soul Society.

Now, all of it was gone.

Silence.

The heavy atmosphere lingered.

After ten seconds of pause, Yamamoto's voice finally broke the stillness.

"Understood. Any other updates?"

Without questioning or investigating further—

He refused to dwell on the past.

Chōjirō respectfully nodded and continued.

"In other matters—

Yoruichi Shihōin has been missing for twenty-four hours and is now officially classified as a missing person."

"Personnel have been dispatched to the Shihōin estate for inquiries. So far, no new information has surfaced."

Yamamoto remained unmoved, but his posture seemed slightly more hunched.

"…Continue."

Chōjirō's voice remained as respectful as ever.

"Seiya turned himself in two days ago."

"Upon further deliberation, Central 46 has determined that his escape was due to coercion and has chosen not to pursue further punishment."

"His original sentence remains unchanged… He is to be imprisoned in the Maggot's Nest for reflection."

Yamamoto slowly turned.

His eyes, clouded with age, revealed no emotion.

His voice remained steady.

"Was a time frame mentioned?"

"Five years."

Yamamoto's lips pressed together. After a brief pause, he sighed lightly.

"…Very well."

For a spirit, five years was but a fleeting moment.

Given all that had transpired, allowing this young man time for reflection, growth, and self-discovery… was not unreasonable.

However—

Chōjirō hesitated. Then, in a low voice, he spoke.

"But… Seiya does not accept the ruling."

"He has filed an appeal."

"He is invoking the Gotei 13's internal laws and statutes."

After another brief hesitation, Chōjirō finally delivered the key point.

"He wishes to contest for a captain's seat."

"He claims he can atone through service, and…"

"…He has achieved Bankai."

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Powerstones?

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