At the Tower of Repentance, inside Rukia's cell—
Rukia opened her eyes.
She looked spirited, completely unlike her despondent state in the original timeline. With a blade in hand, her heart was steady.
Today was the day of her execution.
If nothing unexpected happened, she would be taken to Sōkyoku Hill—and Ichigo and the others would definitely come.
Footsteps sounded from outside.
Rukia composed herself and looked up. It was the Shinigami assigned to guard her.
The cell door opened.
"Kuchiki Rukia. Today is the day of your execution. Come out."
Rukia didn't resist.
She calmly stood and followed the two guards out.
They walked slowly, and the guards didn't urge her, allowing her to leave the Tower of Repentance at her own pace.
Seeing only two escorts, Rukia briefly thought—
This might be her best chance to escape.
But… should she?
Even if she escaped, could she handle pursuit by captains?
The moment she stepped outside, she realized how unnecessary that thought was.
A massive formation of Shinigami stood in perfect order at the entrance.
They were there to escort her to the Sōkyoku.
Even nobles didn't receive such treatment.
Rukia gave a faint, bitter smile.
What a grand procession.
Of course, she had no idea that Tsunayoshi's group had already taken down nearly half the captains in the Seireitei.
This was all arranged by Squad 1.
They feared the Ryoka might attempt a rescue.
Not only that—
Even Sasakibe Chōjirō, the lieutenant of Squad 1, personally led the escort.
They were leaving no room for error.
Sasakibe stepped forward, holding a document—the official record of Rukia's crimes, complete with her portrait.
He carefully compared it to her face.
"Identity confirmed. Kuchiki Rukia. Proceed."
He didn't spare her another glance.
Rukia didn't argue either.
Her sentence had already been decided—there was no point in protesting now.
Under heavy escort, she slowly made her way toward the Sōkyoku.
There was no carriage.
She walked the entire way.
It was almost like a public parade—meant to intimidate any restless elements within the Seireitei.
At the moment Rukia stepped out—
Back at the Shihōin family's training ground, a familiar man appeared.
"Everyone, Rukia is already on her way to the Sōkyoku. It's time for us to move."
It was Urahara Kisuke, wearing a faint, knowing smile.
"Shopkeeper! Weren't you supposed to stay and watch the store?! Why are you in Soul Society?!" Ichigo shouted.
He had invited Urahara before—and been refused.
"Oh, I just happened to finish my work," Urahara said casually.
"Liar! That's definitely a lie!" Even Ichigo didn't buy it this time. "Tsunayoshi, tell him!"
"Stop messing around. Get ready. You all remember your assignments, right?" Tsunayoshi said.
"I remember—but why do I have to be the one to rescue Rukia?" Ichigo complained.
Tsunayoshi had assigned everyone roles to prevent chaos—and to keep Aizen from taking advantage of the situation.
The key was to maintain a stalemate.
"Weren't you the one who wanted to repay her? Or we can switch—Renji would gladly take your place," Tsunayoshi said.
Renji stepped forward instinctively—but hesitated.
"…Forget it. Ichigo should go. I'm not strong enough to face something with the power of a million Zanpakutō."
He knew the gap between them.
Ichigo had defeated him without even using Bankai.
If his own recklessness caused harm to Rukia—
He wouldn't be able to live with it.
The Sōkyoku was said to possess the destructive power of a million Zanpakutō once released.
A Shinigami struck by it had zero chance of survival.
This was absolute execution.
Understanding that, Renji backed down.
Ichigo, on the other hand, looked excited—almost eager to test such power.
While they talked, everyone from the Human World had already gathered.
Soi Fon and Unohana had left earlier for an emergency captain's meeting.
All captains were required to attend the execution to prevent interference.
As for Ginjō and Tsukishima, Tsunayoshi had specifically told them to stay out of it.
The less attention their Reiatsu drew, the more time Ukitake would have to investigate the Tsunayashiro family.
"Alright, line up and put these on."
Yoruichi arrived carrying a large box, tossing each of them a cloak.
"These can conceal your presence. You'll all be lying in ambush near the Sōkyoku. That old man won't be easy to fool."
"With something this useful, why didn't you give it to us earlier?" Ichigo asked.
"Because then you'd miss out on valuable training opportunities," Urahara replied. "At least you're stronger now, aren't you, Kurosaki-san?"
While everyone put on their cloaks, Tsunayoshi quietly approached Urahara.
"Everything ready?"
"Of course. I've already passed the method along," Urahara said, covering his mouth.
"Isn't that a bit cruel?"
"I want to see whether he still has any emotions left… after all these years," Urahara said, glancing at Orihime. "Besides, with Inoue-san here, there's no need to worry."
"Let's just hope he doesn't break completely."
"Without the heart of a strong person… one can only fall back into mediocrity."
"What are you two whispering about?" Ichigo suddenly leaned in suspiciously.
"I was asking if he contacted Hirako and the others," Tsunayoshi replied instantly.
"Oh right! Where are they? I didn't see them blast into the Seireitei," Ichigo said.
"Relax. Veterans like them have their own ways," Tsunayoshi said. "For example—did you notice when Urahara got here?"
"…Fair point."
Ignoring him, Tsunayoshi walked over to Tatsuki and adjusted her cloak.
"Do your best—but don't force it. If you can't stop someone, let them pass. There are plenty of strong fighters there. Don't risk your life."
"I know. I've got you, don't I?" Tatsuki smiled.
No matter how slowly she walked, Rukia eventually reached her destination.
The execution site—Sōkyoku Hill, a semi-pyramidal cliff.
The escorting Shinigami stopped at its base.
They had no authority to go further.
The formation parted.
Sasakibe stepped forward, silently signaling Rukia to continue.
Under Squad 1's arrangements, no one below captain level was allowed on the hill.
Even Sasakibe's presence was not only due to his rank—but also because he possessed Bankai, giving him the ability to defend himself.
Under his supervision, Rukia walked step by step up the hill.
Meanwhile, the escorting Shinigami retreated—again, to avoid unnecessary casualties.
Halfway up, Rukia saw them—
All the captains were already waiting.
They stood in two rows.
At the center stood the Head Captain, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, leaning on his staff.
Behind him stood the execution spear—
A massive weapon several stories tall, wrapped in thick rope, mounted on a triangular frame.
Behind it stood the enormous execution structure capable of withstanding the Sōkyoku's power.
Rukia stopped before the captains.
Sasakibe began the formal declaration:
"Kuchiki Rukia, former member of Squad 13—"
"For the crime of transferring Shinigami powers to a human during her mission in the Human World…"
"By judgment of the Central 46 Chambers—"
"You are sentenced to execution by Sōkyoku. Sentence to be carried out today."
Rukia's expression remained calm.
She seemed not to hear a word.
Her gaze rested on an empty spot among the captains.
No one had told her the truth—
But she instinctively felt something was wrong.
Why was Aizen Sōsuke, captain of Squad 5, absent?
Ichigo and the others wouldn't kill a captain.
So why was Aizen missing?
"Move."
Sasakibe's voice snapped her back.
Rukia nodded and continued forward, walking past the captains.
Ukitake Jūshirō almost spoke—but caught Kyoraku's warning glance.
Not yet.
With Tsunayoshi present, there was no need to fear for Rukia's life.
As Rukia passed, each captain showed a different expression—
Ukitake: worried
Mayuri: amused, as if studying the Sōkyoku
Kenpachi: bored
Hitsugaya: eyes closed, seemingly indifferent
Tōsen: unreadable
Kyoraku: quietly restraining Ukitake
Komamura: watching silently
Byakuya: expressionless—but his legs subtly tensed
Squad 5's position remained empty.
Unohana watched that empty space.
Gin narrowed his eyes, watching Unohana.
Even if she had noticed something—Aizen didn't care.
Soi Fon tapped her foot impatiently, already bored.
If only Yūshirō would grow up faster—then she could pass Squad 2 to him and travel the world with Yoruichi.
Among everyone present—
Only Yamamoto and Sasakibe were fully focused.
Yamamoto's eyes opened slightly, filled with anger.
It was Rukia who had broken the law—and brought chaos to the Seireitei.
At the execution platform, Sasakibe secured two cubic restraints onto Rukia's wrists.
Guided by spiritual power, her arms spread out like a cross—
And she slowly rose toward the execution frame.
Once she was fixed in place—
Yamamoto gave the order:
"Commence the execution."
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