Yamamoto kept his eyes closed.
For a thousand years, he had been the highest commander of Soul Society—the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13.
He had seen countless extraordinary people, but Shinju was the most unique of them all.
Shinju was not a Shinigami, not a Hollow, not a Quincy.
Yet the power he displayed surpassed anyone Yamamoto had ever seen in his millennium-long life.
Creating something from nothing. Twisting causality.
Yamamoto even saw in that boy a kind of order completely different from Seireitei's—yet far more efficient.
It made him feel threatened.
But Shinju's purpose in opposing Aizen was clear.
On that point, he and the Gotei 13 were aligned.
Aizen Sōsuke toyed with hearts—he was a criminal who sought to overturn the Three Realms and crush them flat.
To stand with him was the ultimate blasphemy against the "justice" the Gotei 13 had protected for a thousand years.
Aizen had to be judged.
And the virus Shinju brought was likewise a disaster Soul Society could not bear.
The unknown was the greatest fear.
On both ends of the scale lay weights heavy enough to shatter the world.
Just then, an abnormal fluctuation of spiritual pressure tore open space itself.
A Senkaimon was forcibly opened in the center of the encampment.
From within stepped several figures in white robes, their presence perfectly still—without the slightest ripple.
Stamped on their clothing was the emblem of Central 46.
The lead white-robed man's gaze skipped over the captains in the courtyard and locked directly onto Yamamoto.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto."
Shunsui moved, stepping in front of them.
"Honored sages, what a rare visit. What urgent situation requires Central 46 to personally come to the front lines?"
The lead white-robed man didn't even glance at Shunsui.
"Shunsui Kyōraku, stand down. You have no authority to question this."
"We are here to deliver Central 46's highest resolution to the Captain-Commander."
Shunsui didn't move.
Yamamoto finally opened his eyes.
"Let them approach."
Shunsui shrugged and stepped aside.
The white-robed men walked up to Yamamoto, still carrying that lofty, superior posture.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto,"
the leader spoke.
"Regarding the anomaly—Shinju—Central 46 has concluded an emergency deliberation and reached its final judgment."
"His source of power is unknown. His nature is extremely unstable. He has already posed an immeasurable threat to the inherent balance of the Three Realms: Soul Society, the Living World, and Hueco Mundo."
"The unknown virus he spreads is an act of blasphemy and pollution against souls. This is a great crime, unforgivable."
"We, in the name of Central 46, hereby issue an order to the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13—Yamamoto."
"Immediately form a temporary alliance with Aizen Sōsuke!"
"Gather all forces, and completely eradicate Shinju—along with all contamination he has caused—from the Three Realms!"
Those "sages" hiding in Seireitei's deepest shadows, people who couldn't even see the sun, issued the harshest sentence upon an existence they had never once witnessed with their own eyes.
They were even willing to stand with Aizen.
How ridiculous.
Yamamoto said nothing.
He simply stared at the white-robed man.
To them, this was the only choice—the necessary act to preserve Soul Society's eternal order.
Any sacrifice would be worth it.
Even the Gotei 13's dignity.
Even Yamamoto's justice.
Silence.
The captains waited.
Waiting for the Captain-Commander's decision.
If he accepted the order, the Gotei 13 would become the greatest laughingstock in a thousand-year history.
They would become exactly what they had always despised.
But if he refused, it would be open defiance of Central 46—shaking the foundation of Soul Society's rule.
"Yare yare…"
Shunsui sighed lazily.
"Old man, this is a real headache."
"On one side, an incomprehensible monster. On the other, a fathomless god."
"No matter which you choose… it's hell."
The white-robed man's face darkened.
"Shunsui Kyōraku! Watch your words! This is—"
"Enough."
Yamamoto cut him off.
The Captain-Commander slowly rose to his feet.
"I have commanded the Gotei 13 for over a thousand years."
"In that thousand years, the enemies I have slain are beyond counting."
"What I have protected is the balance of the Three Realms, the order of Seireitei, and the peace of the weak."
"This is my justice."
His gaze swept over the white-robed men, and the leader unconsciously took half a step back.
"Aizen Sōsuke is a traitor to Soul Society. His crimes must be settled by the Gotei 13. That is beyond dispute."
"Shinju is an anomaly. His existence has indeed shaken the inherent balance. I cannot deny that either."
"My justice will not be shaken."
"Until that boy resolves his own instability… and until Aizen's sins receive their judgment…"
"The Gotei 13 will remain neutral."
The white-robed man couldn't believe his ears.
"Captain-Commander! What do you mean—neutral?! Are you defying Central 46's highest resolution? You—"
"My decision is the Gotei 13's decision."
Yamamoto gave him no chance to continue.
"I am not defying you. My justice simply does not permit me to join hands with a criminal. And my duty does not permit me to ignore a massive threat at my side."
"Before the situation becomes clear, before the scales return to balance—the Gotei 13 will not favor either side."
"Pass down the order."
His voice turned toward the captains behind him.
"The main force of the Gotei 13 will withdraw immediately—return to Seireitei and strengthen homeland defenses."
"Observe, and wait."
This decision was colder than choosing either side.
It meant the Gotei 13 would completely abandon interference in the battle.
They would watch—eyes open—as Aizen's coalition and Shinju fought a battle to the death.
That, too, was a betrayal.
A betrayal of the boy who faced Aizen alone.
But to Yamamoto…
This was the only choice.
The most painful choice—one that preserved the Gotei 13, and preserved Soul Society's foundation.
"You're playing with fire, Yamamoto!" the white-robed man screamed in fury.
Yamamoto closed his eyes again, no longer looking at him.
"See them out."
Shunsui appeared before the white-robed man, the lazy smile on his face now gone.
"Sages, please. If you don't leave now, this fire might singe your robes."
The white-robed man stared at him—and at the silent captains—then finally could only sweep his sleeve and leave with rage and unwillingness.
The Senkaimon closed.
The encampment returned to dead silence.
Yamamoto's order spread through Hell Butterflies to every captain.
One by one, figures vanished into Senkaimon gates, disappearing from the Living World.
The Gotei 13—third party strong enough to decide the battle—withdrew from the stage just like that.
Shunsui walked to Yamamoto's side and looked toward the rift in the distant sky.
"Old man… if we do this, that kid is really going to be completely alone."
Yamamoto didn't answer.
He only tightened his grip on his sword.
With the Gotei 13's withdrawal, the fragile balance on the battlefield was shattered in an instant.
Aizen's coalition… no longer had anything to fear.
(End of Chapter)
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