Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Chapter 322: NZNT: Chapter 322

After Rukia Kuchiki was brought back to Soul Society, she was immediately imprisoned, her confinement overseen by the Ninth Division, respon

After Rukia Kuchiki was brought back to Soul Society, she was immediately imprisoned, her confinement overseen by the Ninth Division, responsible for the Seireitei’s prisons.

Soon after her imprisonment, Byakuya Kuchiki came to visit her, but was stopped by Ninth Division members.

The confrontation almost escalated into a fight between Byakuya Kuchiki and Tōsen Kaname. A tense situation.

However, Jūshirō Ukitake, captain of the Thirteenth Division, arrived just in time to prevent a violent conflict. He diffused the situation.

Under pressure from the two captains, Tōsen Kaname finally relented, allowing Byakuya Kuchiki to see Rukia Kuchiki. He was forced to comply.

Upon seeing Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia Kuchiki’s composure crumbled; she threw herself into his arms and wept uncontrollably. Her emotions overwhelmed her.

Despite her calm demeanor in front of Ichigo Kurosaki, the prospect of death was a terrifying ordeal. She was facing her mortality.

”Brother, am I really going to die?” Rukia Kuchiki asked Byakuya Kuchiki after a period of intense weeping, her voice trembling.

For once, Byakuya Kuchiki’s usual stoic expression softened; his eyes held a mixture of tenderness and unwavering determination. He was determined to save his sister.

After several days of relentless effort, Byakuya Kuchiki realized he couldn’t persuade the Central 46 to overturn Rukia Kuchiki’s sentence. He had prepared himself for the worst-case scenario. He was resigned to the possibility of having to resort to drastic measures.

Rukia Kuchiki felt a measure of reassurance at Byakuya Kuchiki’s words. Bowing her head, she said, ”I’m sorry, I’ve caused you trouble again, Brother.” She was filled with regret.

Byakuya Kuchiki stroked Rukia Kuchiki’s head. ”Just rest. Soon, Brother will bring you home to be reunited with Hisana.” He was offering comfort and hope.

After visiting Rukia Kuchiki, Byakuya Kuchiki went to the prison tower’s exterior, where Kōga Kuchiki was waiting. He was not alone.

Byakuya Kuchiki’s demeanor had changed; the gentleness he had shown Rukia Kuchiki was replaced by coldness and resolve. His aura shifted dramatically.

The palpable shift in Byakuya Kuchiki’s demeanor was evident to Kōga Kuchiki and Tōsen Kaname, who hadn’t yet departed. They sensed a change.

”Lieutenant Kōga, let’s go.”

Byakuya Kuchiki didn’t look at Tōsen Kaname, leaving the prison tower with Kōga Kuchiki. He was leaving.

Once they were alone, Kōga Kuchiki, who had been following behind, asked, ”Byakuya, you’re not planning to break Rukia Kuchiki out, are you? The Seireitei’s security is extremely tight; even as a captain, you couldn’t escape with her.” He was concerned.

Upon seeing Byakuya Kuchiki emerge, Kōga Kuchiki had sensed something was amiss in his demeanor and expression. He had waited for an opportune moment to speak.

Byakuya Kuchiki didn’t directly answer Kōga Kuchiki’s question, instead asking, ”What would you do?” He was seeking advice.

Kōga Kuchiki paused, sighing. ”Asking me that, I don’t know what I’d do. But I have a suggestion, one I hope you’ll consider, Byakuya.” He was offering a suggestion.

”What suggestion?” Byakuya Kuchiki inquired.

Kōga Kuchiki’s expression turned reflective. He said slowly, ”I suggest you consult Captain Yusuke and seek his counsel. I once nearly succumbed to self-destruction, but Captain Yusuke’s intervention saved me.” He was recommending a course of action.

Byakuya Kuchiki stopped, his brow furrowed, considering whether to seek Yusuke’s advice. He was contemplating the situation.

He deeply respected Yusuke, but a prison break was an extremely serious matter. It was a high-risk endeavor.

Consulting Yusuke would place him in a difficult position, forcing a choice between his loyalty to Yusuke and his loyalty to the Seireitei. It was a difficult decision.

After a night of contemplation, Byakuya Kuchiki arrived at the Sixth Division barracks, ultimately deciding to meet with Yusuke. He had made his decision.

Yusuke was in his office, handling official duties, assisted by Yū.

Upon seeing Byakuya Kuchiki, Yusuke instructed Yū to guard the office entrance, preventing anyone from approaching. He wanted privacy.

”Honestly, I’ve been expecting you these past two days. I also considered that you might not come, given your personality,” Yusuke said with a smile, his words revealing his insight into Byakuya Kuchiki’s character. He had anticipated this meeting.

Yusuke had considered visiting Byakuya Kuchiki personally, using Rukia Kuchiki’s impending execution as an opportunity to bring Byakuya Kuchiki, and indeed the entire Kuchiki clan, under his wing. It was a strategic move.

With Ginrei Kuchiki’s death, Byakuya Kuchiki held absolute authority within the Kuchiki clan. His decision was paramount.

If Byakuya Kuchiki joined his cause, there would be no internal resistance within the Kuchiki clan. Moreover, Kōga Kuchiki, the Kuchiki clan’s second-strongest member, already followed Yusuke’s lead. He had allies within the clan.

The only variable was Byakuya Kuchiki himself. In the original story, he was only moved to act decisively after his defeat by Ichigo Kurosaki.

Therefore, Yusuke wasn’t entirely certain whether Byakuya Kuchiki would choose to actively rescue Rukia Kuchiki. The outcome was uncertain.

However, Byakuya Kuchiki’s visit confirmed his resolve. Once Byakuya Kuchiki made a decision, he would not waver. He was a man of unwavering resolve.

Byakuya Kuchiki was startled by Yusuke’s words, realizing he had been seen through.

Sighing deeply, Byakuya Kuchiki said slowly, ”I didn’t want to trouble you, nor involve you in the Kuchiki clan’s affairs. But your strength far surpasses mine. I feared that if you intervened during my operation, I would have no chance of success.” He was seeking Yusuke’s cooperation, not his help.

”So, you’ve decided to rescue Rukia Kuchiki?” Yusuke asked, his tone confirming his suspicions.

Byakuya Kuchiki nodded firmly. ”As head of the Kuchiki clan, I must protect every member of my family! If Rukia Kuchiki had truly committed a heinous crime, I would accept her punishment. But this outcome... I cannot accept it.” His resolve was unshakeable.

Byakuya Kuchiki looked directly at Yusuke. ”I’m not asking for your help, only that you don’t interfere if I act.” He was seeking his tacit approval.

Yusuke said slowly, ”What if I must fulfill my duties as a captain of the Gotei 13?” He was testing Byakuya Kuchiki’s resolve.

Byakuya Kuchiki’s gaze was resolute. ”Even if you, Captain Yusuke, intervene, I will proceed regardless!” He was unwavering.

Yusuke adjusted his glasses, a glint in his eyes. ”Byakuya, it seems you’re prepared to burn your bridges. But after rescuing Rukia Kuchiki, how will you protect her and the Kuchiki clan?” He was considering the practical implications.

Byakuya Kuchiki replied, ”Soul Society is vast; the Kuchiki clan will find a place to settle.” He had a plan.

Yusuke stood, placing a hand on Byakuya Kuchiki’s shoulder. ”Rescuing Rukia Kuchiki won’t be easy, but rest assured, I will assist you.” He was offering his support.

Byakuya Kuchiki looked up at Yusuke in disbelief, seeing a meaningful smile.

Yusuke and Byakuya Kuchiki spoke for over an hour, their conversation remaining private. Their discussion was confidential.

When Byakuya Kuchiki left the Third Division barracks, his expression was once again stoic and impassive.

However, his inner turmoil was far greater than his outward appearance suggested. He was deeply troubled.

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