Chapter 95: Complaints from Central 46

Seireitei, Central 46 temporary station.

The surviving sages exchanged wary glances. Was this year cursed? First, the Gotei 13 rose, nearly eclipsing Central 46’s authority. Then, a feral woman—Unohana Yachiru—carved through Seireitei, slaughtering over half their ranks. And Yamabuki Haruto, that insolent Vice-Captain, showed them no respect!

The sages huddled, plotting their next move.

“This insolence cannot stand. Defying Central 46 is defying Soul Society itself. Such behavior must be stopped,” a Great Sage said coldly. “But… so many vacant seats could be an opportunity.”

Another sage scoffed. “Opportunity? Nobles now flock to the Gotei 13. We’ve lost all face, carved up by a woman! Unohana must be executed, no exceptions. And Yamabuki Haruto, publicly executing one of us? He mocks our authority. He must face severe punishment.”

Unohana’s rampage exposed their weakness, a bitter pill they could swallow. But Haruto’s actions—slaying a sage and dismissing their ranks as replaceable—were a direct insult. Noble bloodlines, trivialized by a commoner? Outrageous!

“How about assassination?” one sage suggested.

The others stared as if he’d lost his mind. “You want to assassinate Haruto? Go ahead, take a sword and try tonight,” a Great Sage retorted.

They knew Unohana’s strength—Haruto had defeated her outright. Assassination? With Yamamoto Shigekuni absent, Haruto’s volatile nature could leave their heads in a row by dawn.

As they scrambled for a plan, a subordinate burst in. “Sirs, Yamamoto Shigekuni has returned!”

The sages’ eyes lit up. Finally, someone to rein in Haruto.

“I have a plan,” a Great Sage declared. “We pressure Yamamoto. Killing a Central 46 member is unforgivable—worse, by a Gotei officer! Even Yamamoto can’t defend that. We demand Haruto’s expulsion from the Gotei 13. Once he’s out, he’s ours to deal with.”

“Brilliant!” another exclaimed. “Let’s report him now!”

Like bullies bested by a defiant child, they ran to tattle to the parent, their only recourse.

At the First Division barracks, Haruto and Sasakibe Chōjirō arrived to find Yamamoto Shigekuni standing with a grim expression. Haruto knew that look—trouble. Best to stay quiet and meek.

“Captain-Commander, you summoned me?” Haruto asked softly.

Thump! Yamamoto’s cane struck the ground. “Disastrous! Haruto, I tasked you with protecting Seireitei. Look at it now!”

Haruto stood meekly, eyes darting. Beside the captains, a Central 46 sage stood, smug. So, they snitched.

“Not only that, Lord Yamamoto,” the sage interjected. “Yamabuki Haruto executed a Central 46 member and spouted outrageous words! His crime is unforgivable. He must be expelled from the Gotei 13. Such a dangerous man cannot protect Seireitei!”

Yamamoto’s gaze bore into Haruto. “Is this true?”

Too many witnesses—denial was futile. Haruto gritted his teeth. “It was an accident.”

“Accident?” the sage roared. “Your blade decapitated a sage! Premeditated murder of Soul Society’s highest authority! You deserve death!”

“Do you admit to the killing?” Yamamoto asked.

Haruto sighed. “I admit it.”

“Then punishment is due…” Yamamoto closed his eyes.

“Lord Yamamoto, such a madman must be executed to appease the public—” The sage’s words were cut off as Yamamoto’s scorching Reiatsu erupted, suffocating the room.

“Central 46 has no authority over Gotei 13’s internal affairs,” Yamamoto said coldly, glaring at the sage. “I will judge fairly. You do not dictate here.” The sage shrank, silenced by the overwhelming pressure.

“Yamabuki Haruto,” Yamamoto continued, “executing a Central 46 member and speaking recklessly is a grave offense. However, considering your service to the Gotei, you will write a letter of apology and issue a public apology. Additionally, the damage around Central 46 is severe. You’re fined half a year’s salary for repairs. Any objections?”

“Captain-Commander, half a year’s salary? I haven’t been paid a day since I started!” Haruto whined.

Thump! Yamamoto’s cane slammed down. “Enough. Accept your punishment.”

The sage stood dumbfounded. That’s it? A letter and an apology for killing a sage? If it were anyone else, they’d be executed ten times over. This is favoritism!

“What? You object to my judgment?” Yamamoto asked, eyes narrowing.

“No, no! It’s fair! Haruto’s service is commendable… perhaps the fine could be waived?” the sage stammered, nearly in tears.