The green-haired Judge gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, a mix of doubt and confusion flickering in his heart.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, as the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, had always demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Seireitei. His dedication was highly esteemed among the members of Central 46, even surpassing that of the noble families. In every past meeting, he had never once defied or questioned their orders.
And yet, today, he openly challenged the Wise Men and Judges of Central 46. This was highly unusual.
Yamamoto gazed at the silent Wise Men and Judges before speaking slowly, "I will dispatch members of the Gotei 13 to investigate this incident. You need only wait for the results."
The assembly was momentarily stunned.
Masatsuki Aozaki... Was he truly worth this level of concern?
The green-haired Judge, now composed, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, took a deep breath and said evenly, "Leave this matter to the Gotei 13. This is your responsibility."
"The deaths of the Four Noble Clans affect the prestige of the Seireitei. The truth must be uncovered."
"I trust that His Excellency the Captain-Commander will do his utmost to provide us with a satisfactory answer."
"Furthermore, this incident must remain confidential. The information must not spread."
"What do you all think?"
"Agreed," Masayo Shihōin spoke.
The Judge beside him, wearing a Kenseikan, followed up. "Seconded."
"Agreed."
"..."
One after another, voices rang out in agreement. At this point, they all understood that continuing the meeting would serve no purpose.
The Tsunayashiro Clan was infamous for its madness, but that didn't mean they were fools.
On the contrary, as one of the Five Great Noble Clans, each generation produced a select few with exceptional abilities and formidable Reiatsu. These individuals received top-tier elite education, trained by the finest masters in various disciplines, and underwent rigorous selection processes.
Only after proving their worth did they gradually ascend to seats among the Wise Men and Judges of Central 46.
If the Tsunayashiro Clan were merely a band of lunatics, they would have long since fallen into ruin, never securing their place as the most powerful noble house in the Seireitei.
The Judges and Wise Men of Central 46, who represented the highest authority in Seireitei, were the elite among nobles. Their privileged upbringing ensured they would always safeguard the rule and dominance of the aristocracy.
It was inevitable.
Aside from the "King" who resided in the heavens, the nobles were the supreme rulers of Soul Society.
This was their unshakable law—their absolute bottom line. It could never be crossed, nor was it ever open for debate.
...
World of the Living.
Shin'ō Academy's Konsō Training Area.
The sun shone brightly in the cloudless sky, casting light over the endless forest.
"Yes, Captain-Commander... According to the information provided by Shin'ō Academy, I have arrived at the scene."
Standing on the grass, Isshin Shiba used Kidō to report back, his face weary. He scratched at himself absentmindedly while quickly scanning the area.
"There aren't many obvious traces at the scene."
"Yes, I understand."
After disconnecting the communication Kidō, Isshin let out a long, frustrated sigh.
"Sending all of us here... The Captain-Commander must really be taking this incident seriously."
A woman with braided hair, dressed in a Shihakushō and wearing pink-framed glasses, appeared beside him. Tied to her arm was the emblem of the "Bird of Paradise" unit.
Isshin nodded but inwardly found it excessive.
The grass was clean, with only a few scattered pieces of clothing. The occasional slash mark from a blade could be seen, but there was no way to discern what had actually happened here.
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