As difficult as it was to speak up, Kōe had no other choice. Given Suì-Fēng's obsession with Yoruichi, if he didn't explain things clearly, she would probably annoy him to death.
Naturally, Kōe kept any topics involving Byakuya as brief as possible. He could feel the murderous intent in Byakuya's eyes, and he understood perfectly well how that killing intent had been provoked.
But no matter how true the explanation was, to Suì-Fēng, it sounded like a joke. Losing his balance and falling off the roof because of a headbutt?
Captain Kuchiki extending a helping hand just in time to prevent Kōe from getting hurt again?! *'Are you performing a comedy routine here?'*
This reaction was perfectly normal. Even Ukitake, who had seen it with his own eyes, felt it was surreal, let alone Suì-Fēng, who was only hearing about it.
"It is the truth. Yoruichi... always manages to do things that exceed people's expectations, doesn't she?"
Ukitake's testimony seemed to add a shred of credibility, but only a shred. Suì-Fēng still needed to verify it with someone else. "Is that true, Captain Kuchiki?"
Letting a criminal escape because he was worried about someone else? Was Kuchiki Byakuya really that kind of person? Almost everyone present secretly cast their gazes toward Byakuya. Kōe, however, was a bit different; with slightly lowered eyelids, he naturally aimed his gaze at Byakuya's waistband.
*'Even though it's embarrassing, I'll still tell the truth if necessary...'*
"Constantly dwelling on things that have already happened is truly tedious."
Byakuya read the threatening meaning in Kōe's eyes. Unfortunately, he really had no other choice. "There is no point in staying here any longer. If you wish to argue, continue on your own. I have lost interest."
"Captain Kuchiki!"
"Let him go, Captain Suì-Fēng. Right now, we really need to discuss how to handle Kaien and this group of Ryoka."
Ukitake stepped forward once again to smooth things over. Suì-Fēng could also understand that Byakuya's words just now were essentially an admission of what Kōe had said. Given Byakuya's past behavior, the possibility of him covering for someone was almost nonexistent, so the credibility was very high.
"I don't care about the Ryoka, but I will be taking Shiba Kaien with me."
"Reasonable and fair!" Kōe nodded solemnly, thoroughly agreeing with Suì-Fēng's statement.
Ukitake glanced at Kōe. Earlier, Kaien had claimed to already know the truth. Combined with his sudden attack on Kōe, it proved that in the truth Kaien knew, Kōe played a dishonorable role.
Afterward, whether facing Kaien or Rukia, Kōe had acted far too ruthlessly. And just now, regarding the handling of Kaien, he was far too eager—eager to send Kaien back to Squad 2.
Of course, it was beyond reproach that a person lost by Squad 2 should be returned to Squad 2. But right now, Kaien had clearly been in contact with Yoruichi, so subjecting him to a public investigation was also justifiable.
However, once handed over to Squad 2, there was a high probability that Kaien would be sent back to the Maggot's Nest. Even if there was an interrogation, Suì-Fēng would define him as an enemy and only ask about matters related to the Ryoka. The truth Kaien spoke of would likely never come out, and even if it did, Suì-Fēng would absolutely not believe it.
Therefore, Kōe was actually trying to cover something up, wasn't he? Ukitake could see that Kōe really did not want to see Kaien. He absolutely did not want to!
"It would be best if Kaien's matter was handled jointly by all the squads, Captain Suì-Fēng."
"Hmm?" Suì-Fēng furrowed her brows. "Do you think you can interfere in the affairs of Squad 2, Ukitake?"
"It's not about interfering in Squad 2's affairs, but rather..." Ukitake met Kōe's gaze and said sternly, "The things he knows perhaps need to be listened to with a more impartial attitude."
"Does Captain Ukitake believe that Squad 2 cannot guarantee an impartial attitude?" Kōe replied slowly. Suì-Fēng gave a slight nod before realizing it: *'Did I need you to say that for me?!'*
However, before she could speak, Kyōraku Shunsui interjected once again. "Since Shihouin Yoruichi has already appeared, naturally, anyone connected to her cannot guarantee absolute impartiality. Ukitake and I cannot, and neither can you."
"What do you say, Captain Suì-Fēng?"
Suì-Fēng curled her lip. *'You've already said everything, what else is there for me to say?'*
"Wouldn't such impartiality just evolve into deception?" Kōe spread his hands and said with a smile. "If they say Rukia is innocent, are we just going to release Rukia?"
"They don't just want to save Rukia, you know. They also rescued Shiba Kaien, and might even be connected to Captain Aizen's death. But did they really do all of these things?" Shunsui turned to look at Kōe, replying with a light chuckle, "Perhaps we are the ones being deceived right now."
Hearing this, Hitsugaya finally turned serious. "Does Captain Kyōraku mean that someone is taking advantage of the Ryoka to fish in troubled waters?"
"Who can say for sure? It's just that whether such a person exists requires an investigation by someone who isn't so sensitive to history. I think Captain Hitsugaya would be very suitable."
Shunsui glanced at Hitsugaya, then shifted his gaze back to Kōe. "This arrangement is much more reasonable, isn't it, Kōe?"
Letting Kaien become the center of attention would be very troublesome for him, but if he didn't let him become the center of attention... Kōe looked at Shunsui, then turned to look at Ukitake. He figured he would be in even more trouble.
"Why should the decisions made by you captains care about my thoughts?"
*'Decisions? When did I decide anything!'* Suì-Fēng felt inexplicably ignored. Shunsui seemed to notice her abnormality and asked aloud, "What does Captain Suì-Fēng think?"
*'I don't think much of it!'* Even though she really wanted to answer that way, what finally came out of her mouth was, "I have no problem with it."
She had no choice. If she kept stubbornly objecting now, wouldn't it just prove that she couldn't maintain her impartiality? Blocking off all her paths and then coming to ask her—what a shameless old ghost!
"Then we will leave it to you, Captain Hitsugaya!"
The next arranged victim quickly appeared, and Shunsui, looking completely devoid of any guilt for troubling others, walked up to Ukitake and suggested, "I was originally planning to go see Aizen one last time. Now, do you want to go together?"
Ukitake nodded, but before that, he still had one matter to handle. "Hey, Sentarō, Kiyone, come out!"
"You called for us, Captain?"
*'These two guys really followed me,'* Ukitake patted his head helplessly. *'Am I really that worrisome?'*
"Go contact Squad 4. Tell them there are two people with severe injuries and request the immediate dispatch of a high-level relief squad. Then, assist Captain Hitsugaya in escorting Kaien to Squad 10..."
"C-Captain..."
"Execute it immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Oh, right. Take that Squad 4 member who was taken hostage by the Ryoka back as well. He is innocent."
He believed Sentarō and Kiyone could understand the meaning behind his words. This time, he would definitely help Kaien find the truth. Definitely!
*'Even though he can't drink, Ukitake wouldn't hate the alcohol I like.'* Shunsui narrowed his eyes and turned to look at Kōe once again. "Do you want to come along?"
"Me?" Kōe shook his head. "Forget it. I don't like looking at corpses."
"Is that so..."
*'Just as I thought...'*
"Then I understand."