Central 46 Chambers - Seireitei
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The air was cold inside the subterranean council hall. Shadows fell heavily across the towering walls, broken only by pale lantern light and the glow of faintly burning braziers. Rows of judges and sages, the faceless elders of Central 46, sat high upon raised seats, their expressions hidden in shadow, their authority suffocating.
Beneath them, in the cavernous space of the chamber, the Captains of the Gotei 13 stood in two lines facing one another, while their Liuetenants stood on one side, group together and watching the trial with all seriousness.
Their white haori gleamed starkly in the dim light, the air thick with tension and whispered speculation.
At the center, bound tightly in kido-forged restraints, was the man of the moment. He was forced into a kneeling position, by the restraints. His golden hair hung over his face, casting a shadow over his expression.
Silence reigned, oppressive and unyielding. The only sound was the soft shuffle of Captain-Commander Yamamoto's staff as he stepped forward to address both Central 46 and the assembled captains.
"Minato Namikaze," Yamamoto's voice boomed like thunder, "you stand accused of grave offenses committed within Seireitei jurisdiction. You interfered in matters beyond your station. You trespassed into a restricted sector. You raised your hand against captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13."
His fiery gaze swept the hall. "For these crimes, you will answer before the Central 46."
A murmur spread through the captains, quickly silenced when one of the veiled elders leaned forward. His voice was cold, detached.
But...
"Whew!" A relieved voice sounded out, as three figures came rushing through. Yoruichi with a frown, seeing the state Minato was in, Kisuke with an awkward smile and Shinji with his lieutenants. "We apologize to the elders for our lateness.." They bowed solemnly and stood at their designated stations.
One elder coldly harrumphed and then took out a report and began.
"The charges are as follows: While living in the Rukongai, you interfered in a Hollow incursion an incident in which you should have remained uninvolved. Following your recovery, you intruded upon a restricted area and struck down Captain Kensei Muguruma. When reinforced by Lieutenant Mashiro Kuna and the Captain of the Second Division's protégé, Soi Fon, you responded with brutal force, leaving both incapacitated, and killing two others.
The unlawful possession of a Zanpankutou without being named Seated officer or student of the Academy and possession of a banned technique resembling Quincy sorcery, one that gathers ambient Reishi from the environment for battle!"
Another elder continued:
"Subsequently, Captain Yoruichi Shihōin and Captain Isshin Shiba, along with Lieutenants Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, and Rangiku Matsumoto, pursued you. In the conflict, Captain Shiba and two lieutenants suffered critical wounds. While several members of the Omnitsukido were left dead or injured by you. These acts cannot be tolerated."
The chamber fell silent again, all eyes falling on the bound figure in the center.
Yoruichi stepped forward, her golden eyes narrowing, her voice cutting through the oppressive stillness.
"With respect, Central 46, I was present for the latter battle. Minato fought because he was cornered. He did not initiate hostilities with Kensei. Kensei struck first. And as for Soi Fon and Mashiro, their injuries were a result of charging recklessly.
If not for Minato, Rukongai civilians would have been slaughtered in the Hollow attack. He saved lives when no one else was there."
The Captain's revealed surprised faces after she spoke. Kensei who was still bandaged up shifted uncomfortably and grunted. "Yoruichi.." Kisuke called out, his hands reaching to stop here, but she shrugged him off with a look and stood in their middle, sending a glance to Minato.
*
Flashback.
The battle within the forest had taken a halt. Minato gave up, sitting and resting against a tree and then his eyes turned to Yoruichi who was tending to their wounds and then to Rangiku.
"I can't let them harm the boy.." Sorasen dropped to the ground beside him and then he covered his face with his palms. 'Minato.. hear me. He is not your son. He is not Naruto.' Her voice resounded within his consciousness and he sighed again. 'I couldn't help, Naruto, Sorasen. I couldn't be there for him. The guilt for that is already too great for me to handle. I'm not about to abandon Genma when he needs me..' He choked on words.
'Do you have nothing to live for, Minato? That you're throwing away your life in such a manner?' Her voice seemed to trail with a hint of sorrow. "If a man lives only for himself, Sorasen, then what kind of life does he have. I do what I do for the people I love because I live for them...'
Yoruichi and Rangiku walked to him. "I'll come with you, but you need to promise me that nothing will happen to the boy!" He growled, staring at them with a pleading gaze.
"I swear on my honor as a Captain! I'll protect your boy!" Yoruichi nodded and then Minato nodded back accepting her word..
Flash back over ....
*
One of the elders' hands twitched dismissively.
"His intentions are irrelevant. A common soul has no right to trespass into our affairs, much less raise his hand against captains."
Captains Shunsui and Ukitake exchanged glances recognizing the helplessness in each others eyes. Criminal or not, Minato could be an incredibly valuable asset to the Soul Society. His talent was unparalleled. Normally they would've voiced out their opinions, but the old fogeys didn't take likely to interference and interruption of the law.
Across the chamber, Captain Kenpachi Zaraki broke into a wide grin, his spiritual pressure rippling with excitement. He let out a laugh that echoed in the chamber.
"Keh-heh-heh… so this is the that runt beat down Isshin and his brats, and even flattened Muguruma? Heh. That's all I needed to hear. Oi, Old Man," Kenpachi tilted his head toward Yamamoto, his single visible eye gleaming. "Forget trials. Hand him over to me. If he's strong enough to survive against that lot, then I want him."
A few captains shot Kenpachi sharp glares. Ginrei Kuchiki and Rose. Sneers plaster all over their faces. To them, especially Ginrei, Kenpachi Zaraki was the dirt that stained the proud name of the Gotei 13.
Shinji Hirako rolled his eyes and gave a low chuckle, speaking softly but with weight.
"Kenpachi… this isn't a game. The boy's strength is undeniable, but this is about more than power. He raised his blade against our own. That's something the Central 46 won't let slide so easily."
Kenpachi smirked wider, unconcerned. "Don't care what they 'let slide.' He's mine sooner or later."
Minato finally lifted his head, golden hair falling aside to reveal piercing blue eyes that scanned the room calmly. His voice was quiet, but it carried across the hall.
"I didn't ask for this fight. I just wanted to save my people. But I don't care. You can do whatever you want with me, but leave my boy out of this!"
The elders bristled, some audibly gasping at his insolence. Yamamoto's staff cracked against the ground, silencing the uproar.
"Enough!" the Captain-Commander roared. His gaze burned into Minato, then swept across the Captains.
"This council will decide his fate. Until then, no further interruptions."
The weight of his authority pressed down on all present, smothering even Kenpachi's excitement. The trial was far from over, and the air only grew heavier.
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Sorry guys. Bonus chapter incoming.