Alright, Renya, you can be discharged from the hospital today."
Isane Kotetsu carefully checked Kurotsuki Renya's condition with her healing Kidō, then straightened up with a gentle smile.
"Thank you, Lieutenant Kotetsu."
Renya gave a small bow as he slipped back into his shihakushō.
After seven days of treatment in the 4th Division barracks, his wounds were completely healed. The flesh wounds had closed within three or four days, but the extra time was necessary for full bone repair and organ recovery.
"This is just my duty," Isane said warmly. Despite her tall, imposing frame—close to 1.9 meters—her soft expression and gentle tone made her approachable.
"Goodbye, Lieutenant Kotetsu."
Renya slung his Zanpakutō at his side, bowed respectfully, and turned toward the door. Standing at the entrance with her arms folded was his captain.
"Captain Suì-Fēng, let's go."
At his words, Suì-Fēng turned sharply and walked ahead without a word, her usual expression unreadable. Renya quickly followed her out.
In the corridor outside, Captain Unohana sat seiza-style with a teacup in her hand. She glanced at them as they stepped out.
Suì-Fēng stopped, lowering her head slightly. "Captain Unohana, thank you for your assistance during this time."
Renya bowed as well. "I'm grateful for your care, Captain Unohana."
"You're welcome." Unohana's serene smile carried both kindness and quiet authority.
"We'll take our leave," Suì-Fēng said curtly, before leading Renya out of the 4th Division barracks.
"Go safely." Unohana tilted her head slightly, her calm gaze following them as they left.
Once they were clear of the 4th Division, Suì-Fēng finally spoke. "Return to the barracks and rest. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the Underground Detention Facility."
Renya shook his head. "I've been lying in a bed for days. I've rested more than enough. Let's go now."
Suì-Fēng gave a quiet hum, then nodded. "Fine. I'll take you immediately."
The two headed back to the 2nd Division compound, making their way toward the mountainside. Hidden behind the ridges was the heavily-guarded entrance to the Nest of Maggots—the secret prison operated by the 2nd Division.
Two Onmitsukidō guards in black uniforms stood before the massive gate, flanked by thick black stone pillars. At the sight of their captain, the guards bowed slightly.
"This," Suì-Fēng explained, pointing to the gate, "is the Nest of Maggots. Dangerous individuals are confined here."
Renya nodded solemnly.
Before entering, Suì-Fēng unstrapped her Zanpakutō and handed it to one of the guards. "No one is permitted to enter with their blade. Renya, hand over yours as well."
Renya hesitated briefly as he unsheathed his Zanpakutō and handed it over. The Onmitsukidō guards were strong, but compared to a true seated officer or captain, they could be overwhelmed. He worried what might happen if someone tried to snatch his blade.
Seeing his doubt, Suì-Fēng said calmly, "This is the 2nd Division's heart. Security is absolute. Hidden operatives are stationed throughout the valley. Your Zanpakutō is safe."
"…Understood." Renya gave a small nod.
Suì-Fēng produced a large key and slid it into the lock. With a heavy click, the mechanism released. The guards pulled the iron gate open with effort, its weight echoing like thunder.
Together, Suì-Fēng and Renya stepped inside, descending a long staircase carved into the stone. The passage stretched nearly twenty meters, lined with stalactites, until they reached a second, heavier gate.
Suì-Fēng inserted another key and unlocked it, then handed both keys to Renya. "From now on, you are responsible for these locks. No one else may carry them."
Renya secured the keys at his waist. "I'll remember."
The massive double doors creaked open as Suì-Fēng pushed them with one hand, her small frame belying the immense strength she carried.
Inside was a vast stone chamber, filled with crude tables and chairs. Dozens of prisoners lounged around, playing games or staring vacantly into space. Most didn't bother looking up at the newcomers.
"This is their common hall," Suì-Fēng explained. "It also serves as their living quarters. They spend most of their time here."
Renya scanned the room. Despite the entertainment at hand, the place felt bleak—oppressive, without hope. Many of these prisoners had already been here for decades, some for centuries.
Is it truly right to keep them locked away like this, stripped of freedom, simply for being dangerous?
He had no answer. Perhaps he didn't have the right to decide. All he could do was uphold his role.
As they moved deeper inside, the sudden rush of air signaled danger. A massive figure lunged at Renya, fist raised.
Renya stepped forward and struck with his own fist.
Boom!
The impact shook the chamber. The towering prisoner—his body as massive as a Gillian—was hurled back, crashing to the floor.
Renya's opponent had tremendous physical power, but Renya's Reiatsu, already at the level of a seated officer, gave his strikes overwhelming force.
"When attacked," Suì-Fēng said calmly, "respond decisively. Restrain if possible, but killing is permitted if necessary."
Renya asked, "So it's acceptable to kill?"
"Yes," Suì-Fēng confirmed. "But many of these individuals have long since lost their sanity. They lash out instinctively. If you can subdue without killing, do so. But remember—if you hesitate, you die."
Renya nodded. "Understood."
She continued, her voice sharp. "You must also remember this: you alone hold the authority to release them. Some will try to manipulate you—plead their suffering, bargain, threaten. You must remain absolutely rational. If you let one out, you bear responsibility for whatever destruction they cause."
Her words weighed heavily on him.
Suì-Fēng gestured toward another corridor. "That passage leads to isolation cells for particularly dangerous criminals. Only one has been held there in the past century. He was released decades ago."
Renya's eyes narrowed. "Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Division… once confined here."
"That's right." Suì-Fēng's voice hardened. "Sixty-two years ago, Urahara Kisuke authorized his release. I objected. But Yoruichi… trusted Urahara completely. Even now, I believe it was a mistake."
Her tone carried lingering bitterness. Yoruichi's trust in Urahara—and her eventual defection alongside him—remained a scar on Suì-Fēng's heart.
Yet, Renya knew the outcome. Mayuri Kurotsuchi's cruelty was infamous, but his contributions to Soul Society were undeniable. He slew Szayelaporro Granz, neutralized the Sternritter Giselle Gewelle and Pernida Parnkgjas, and rescued comrades such as Hitsugaya Tōshirō, Renji Abarai, and even Kenpachi Zaraki.
History had proven that his release brought both peril and salvation.
"From now on," Suì-Fēng said firmly, "you will come here daily to check the roster and ensure no escapes. Beyond that, your true duty is greater. You have the authority to monitor, arrest, and investigate anyone within Seireitei who poses a threat. The records of all detainees will be in your office. Study them carefully."
She turned, already heading toward the exit. "Come. I'll show you your office and explain the rest of your duties."
Renya glanced back at the chamber one last time. The prisoners lived like shadows of their former selves—yet his path demanded he oversee them without falter.
He followed after his captain, the weight of responsibility pressing down upon him.