Chapter 152: Surrounding Tsunayashiro
With the Shihōin faction's vote cast, this bloodless struggle finally reached its conclusion.
Two of the six judges rose without hesitation:
"Based on the voting results, we hereby announce the decision of this assembly!"
"The Tsunayashiro Clan has colluded with rebels, conspired to incite rebellion—their crimes are grave!"
"It is hereby decided that effective immediately, all members of the Tsunayashiro Clan are forbidden from leaving their family compound!"
"Tsunayashiro Clan head, Tsunayashiro Senzaemon, shall be arrested by the Sixth Division for interrogation!"
As the orders were issued, the communication squad members vanished to announce the results throughout the realm.
Yoruichi softly pumped her fist.
"Yes!"
With the Tsunayashiro Clan's downfall, the Soul Society could finally return to its former stability.
As for the Soul King... some ancient relic from a million years ago wasn't worth worrying about.
She was more curious about Satoru and the Shadow Killer than the grudges between the Soul King and the Five Great Noble Families.
Turning to Satoru, she saw him yawn.
During the tense situation earlier, he hadn't felt it much.
Now that everything was settled, all the fatigue came rushing back.
Under Yoruichi's watchful gaze, Satoru swayed and began collapsing sideways.
She instantly used Shunpo, appearing behind him to catch his fall.
Yamamoto approached.
"This old man will escort you to the Fourth Division."
Yoruichi blinked at his words.
She knew exactly how Satoru was doing.
Truthfully, he should have collapsed back in Hueco Mundo right after defeating Kōga Kuchiki.
This guy had purely forced himself to return just to ensure final victory.
Right now, going to the Fourth Division would only preserve his life—it wouldn't heal his limbs.
How should she explain this to Yamamoto...
As she hesitated, Yamamoto seemed to understand.
The old man said calmly, "If you have a better place for treatment, lead the way."
"Don't worry, this old man won't inquire or remember the location. Consider me an ordinary guard."
Yoruichi looked at Yamamoto with surprise.
She never expected Yamamoto to say such things.
"Thank you, Captain-Commander."
She nodded, heading toward the hot spring base with Satoru.
Just after passing through the Sekkiseki stone outer walls, she sensed Reiatsu fluctuations erupting everywhere outside.
Yamamoto followed alongside: "Before this assembly began, this old man had already arranged cleanup operations against the rebels."
"No need to worry, it'll be over soon."
Hearing this, Yoruichi felt somewhat emotional.
Truly worthy of being the one who has presided over the Soul Society for nearly a thousand years... When the time comes to take action, Captain-Commander shows absolutely no intention of holding back.
Seeing Yoruichi emerge, Suì-Fēng, who was guarding the entrance, quickly approached with several members of the Punishment Force.
"Lady Yoruichi!"
Then she noticed Satoru sleeping soundly on Yoruichi's back.
Suì-Fēng showed a somewhat astonished expression.
Did this guy just fight with the Captain-Commander?
How did he end up in such a miserable state?
"Suì-Fēng, perfect timing. Come with me."
"The rest of you return to your units and follow Ōmaeda's orders."
Taking Suì-Fēng and Yamamoto with her, Yoruichi quickly arrived at the hot spring facility located in the remote outskirts of Rukongai.
Looking at the red and white hot springs before him, Yamamoto showed a look of realization.
Last time, when Satoru's hand bones were shattered, he recovered completely in just a few days, which he had found somewhat strange.
So it was Kirinji's hot springs...
With this thing here, it seems Satoru won't have any problems for the time being.
Yoruichi threw Satoru into the water.
Then she looked at the young girl following her:
"Suì-Fēng, go into the hot spring and help stabilize Satoru's body. Make sure his fractured areas don't come into contact with anything."
Suì-Fēng nodded and quickly headed toward the hot spring.
Seeing this, Yamamoto didn't linger either.
"You all, be careful. If anything happens, send someone to the First Division to find me."
After speaking, he flashed away and disappeared from the spot.
Before leaving, he also checked the barrier outside the hot spring base that was used to conceal internal Reiatsu.
The barrier was crafted by a master and was quite well-made.
After making some minor repairs, he hurried off toward the First Division.
...
...
Above the Tsunayashiro mansion.
At this moment, four Captains had gathered here.
Fifth Division Captain, Shinji Hirako.
Sixth Division Captain, Ginrei Kuchiki.
Seventh Division Captain, Love Aikawa.
Ninth Division Captain, Kensei Muguruma.
Around the four of them, both in the sky and on the ground, Shinigami stood everywhere.
Over two hundred people had surrounded the Tsunayashiro Clan, leaving no room to escape!
As the highest-ranking and most senior among the four Captains, Ginrei stepped forward and spoke loudly:
"Senzaemon! You've already lost!"
"Step forward, show the dignity of a noble, and accept your defeat!"
After speaking, he quietly waited for a response.
However, after nearly a minute, no reply came.
Shinji scratched his ear: "He couldn't have already run away..."
Ginrei shook his head. "I had people stationed here even before the Central 46 meeting began."
"Senzaemon must still be here."
"Ooh, how scary."
Shinji grinned.
As expected of conflicts between top nobles - they'd been monitoring each other since that early on...
Suddenly, a low chuckle was heard.
"Ginrei, are you so certain you can keep me here?"
Hearing this voice, the Captains all assumed guarded expressions.
The Shinigami surrounding the scene also tightened their grips on their swords.
Under everyone's gaze, a man wearing a black and green checkered kimono slowly emerged from the main residence.
He had long silver hair and wore a red tengu mask on his face.
In his hand, he carried a long black case.
"Tsunayashiro Senzaemon!"
"Target spotted!"
"All squads, prepare!"
Senzaemon looked up, surveying the tightly surrounded Shinigami both in the sky and on the ground.
He removed his mask, revealing an aged face.
Though his skin was sagging, his eyes were exceptionally sharp.
At this moment, those hawk-like eyes carried a trace of disdain.
"Yamamoto Shigekuni... after hiding for hundreds of years, he's finally mustered some of his former courage, though only a fraction."
"I thought he would come personally."
"But in the end, he only sent you people."
Kensei said discontentedly: "Old man, I alone am enough to deal with you!"
"Having four of us come already gives you plenty of face!"
Senzaemon looked at him.
Then he said nothing, merely casting a pitying glance before looking away.
Next, he thumped the case in his hand onto the ground.
The case opened automatically, revealing a katana inside.
Feeling Senzaemon's contempt, a vein bulged on Kensei's forehead.
He was about to charge forward when Ginrei stopped him.
"Hey! Old man, why are you stopping me? That guy has no intention of surrendering at all!"
Kensei said discontentedly.
Ginrei didn't respond.
His eyes were fixed on the Zanpakutō in the box.
Could this sword be?!