Bab 142: Chapter 143: The Decision of Central 46
The moment these words were spoken, the members of Fourth Division, who had specifically gathered to welcome back the temporary medical unit, all simultaneously displayed expressions of anger and resentment.
This "Hollowfication Incident" had occurred during Unohana's birthday banquet. Not only did it severely tarnish the reputation of Fourth Division, but it also led to catastrophic consequences for multiple squads. Seated officers, Vice-captains, and even captains had been affected, ensuring Fourth Division would be scorned and ostracized by other divisions from this point forward.
More critically, Fourth Division itself had suffered massive casualties, with more than half of their comrades—people they had worked alongside for decades—lost forever.
How could the members of Fourth Division not be filled with rage?
The barracks, still echoing with exhaustion after a night of grueling effort, quickly turned into a hub of condemnation, as voices harshly criticized Captain Kisuke Urahara of Twelfth Division for his unforgivable actions.
Although Makoto had spent the entire night rescuing injured comrades, he had ensured that Urozakuro monitored the unfolding events surrounding the "Hollowfication Incident" and kept him informed.
Under the command of Captain-Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the Seireitei went into lockdown. Four squads combed the area, and it wasn't long before faint traces of Hollow spiritual pressure were detected near the Twelfth Division captain's quarters.
With Captains Shunsui Kyoraku, Jushiro Ukitake, and Ginrei Kuchiki as witnesses, a hidden underground chamber within the Twelfth Division captain's quarters was forcibly uncovered. Inside, they discovered a subterranean research lab where multiple Shinigami—whose Hollowfication had been temporarily suppressed—lay unconscious, each donning the signature masks of Hollows.
Yoruichi Shihouin, Love Aikawa, Kensei Muguruma, Shinji Hirako, Lisa Yadomaru, Rose Otoribashi, Hiyori Sarugaki, Hachigen Ushoda...
Four captains, Four Vice-captains, and numerous seated officers—all bearing traces of residual Hollow spiritual pressure.
This left no doubt: Captain Kisuke Urahara of
Twelfth Division had conducted a Hollowfication experiment, using his fellow Shinigami as test subjects.
There was no denying it—this was one of the most egregious incidents to occur in the Soul Society in a millennium, implicating six captains and two Kido Chiefs.
Furthermore, due to the deceptive abilities of Aizen's Zanpakuto, Kyoka Suigetsu, any defense Urahara might have offered was dismissed as silence in the eyes of other Shinigami.
Arrest him!
Under Captain-Commander Yamamoto's enraged command, Kisuke Urahara, Tessai Tsukabishi, and Hiyori Sarugaki were immediately detained. Subsequent investigations by Central 46 uncovered nearly a year's worth of records and evidence detailing Hollowfication experiments conducted in the underground lab.
It was damning evidence, leaving no room for doubt in convicting Kisuke Urahara.
Even so, Makoto meticulously questioned the temporary medical unit about every detail of the incident, ensuring nothing was overlooked or misunderstood.
As Vice-Captain of Fourth Division, Makoto publicly condemned Urahara's heinous actions, expressing confidence that Central 46 would mete out strict justice. He also pledged to do everything possible to treat and save the Hollowfied Shinigami.
This speech resonated deeply with the members of Fourth Division, as if Makoto had voiced their collective anger and frustration. Even if Central 46 were present, they would surely praise Makoto for his righteousness, cementing his reputation as a shining exemplar of the Gotei 13.
Yet, the decisions made by those in power often ran contrary to the values of the Gotei 13.
Though the final verdict regarding Kisuke Urahara's punishment had yet to be determined, Makoto was aware of the decision Central 46 had reached regarding the Hollowfied Shinigami—a unanimous decree: "Purification."
In essence, they had resolved to eradicate all Hollowfied Shinigami.
What could be more detestable than a mortal enemy? Surely, it was heresy.
To Central 46, the Hollowfied Shinigami were heretics—threats to the structural integrity of the Soul Society's upper echelons.
Though Makoto had long anticipated this outcome due to memories of his previous life, hearing Urozakuro recount the deliberations of Central 46 still ignited a fury within him.
"How should we handle the Hollowfied Shinigami? This includes four captains and four Vice-captains; we must tread carefully…"
"Do you mean to suggest treatment? That's unnecessary."
"Agreed. Further research or treatment of Hollowfication would only introduce more risks."
"However, these four captains and four Vice-captains are well-regarded within the Seireitei. Their execution may spark controversy, and Captain-Commander Yamamoto will likely object."
"No matter. Publicly declare that they've fully transformed into Hollows. Purifying them as such would be entirely in accordance with protocol, leaving Captain-Commander Yamamoto with no grounds to oppose."
"Ahem… Among these captains is Lady Yoruichi Shihouin…"
"Of course, Lady Yoruichi Shihouin shall be excluded. Efforts will be made to heal her, which will serve as proof that Central 46 attempted treatment for all Hollowfied Shinigami, thus mitigating unnecessary disputes."
"Then let's proceed to a vote: purification for all Hollowfied Shinigami, excluding Lady Yoruichi Shihouin."
"Agreed, agreed, agreed…"
Many Shinigami had dedicated their lives to defending the Seireitei, fighting Hollows with unwavering loyalty and duty. Yet, the institution ostensibly composed of forty sages and six judges, tasked with upholding justice, was now ruthlessly betraying the Gotei 13.
The Hollowfied Shinigami, once heroes of the Seireitei, were being condemned simply for the potential threat they posed to the establishment.
In stark contrast, Yoruichi, as head of the noble Shihouin Clan, was granted a special exemption and the chance for treatment.
Disgusting.
Even though Makoto had never harbored any illusions about Central 46, standing as a member of the Gotei 13 from Rukongai made him acutely feel the injustice—a sense of shared fate with the victims.
Would he, too, be erased by Central 46 someday, merely for showing the potential to threaten their authority, even without taking any action?
Ultimately, in the eyes of Central 46, the Gotei 13 were nothing more than tools—indispensable for maintaining the Soul Society's security but dangerous enough to warrant constant vigilance.
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