3-1...

What is it now, Renji? Have they moved up my execution date?

Yes, it's less than 14 days from now. We're here to transfer you to the Repentance Cell.

Can you see it, Rukia?

The instruments of your execution. The Sokyoku.

You can stand at that window and gaze out at the Sokyoku to repent your sins.

I want to leave you with some unconfirmed information.

They say that a group of intruders attempted to enter the Soul Society yesterday. Five of them.

Now my sources say one of them carries a sword as long as his body. A Soul Reaper with orange-colored hair.

!!!

Unfortunately, it was Gin Ichimaru who met them at the gate. So the Substitute Soul Reaper is probably dead already. It's probably a good thing I didn't tell her that.

Hey there.

Captain Aizen.

I haven't seen you for a while, Renji. Do you happen to have a minute to spare?

Sure.

Renji, would it be accurate to say that you are fairly close to the prisoner, Rukia Kuchiki.

Uh... Huh?

You can tell me the truth. Weren't the two of you good friends in your younger days back in the Rukon District?

Yes?

In that case, I'll get right to the point. In your personal opinion, does Rukia deserve to die?

How...How can you ask such a thing?

Doesn't it seem a little strange?

Her crime was the unauthorized transfer and the subsequent loss of her spiritual powers, and then refusing to return.

Serious offenses to be sure, but does this punishment fit the crime?

The lessening of the grace period from 35 to 25 days and the use of the Sokyoku on a Soul Reaper ranked lower than captain. All these measures are outside the norm.

I have a strong suspicion that these things are happening as the result of the will of a single person.

What are you suggesting, Captain? You're not saying that-

I'm suggesting only that you keep your eyes open. Be careful. There's something not right about all this.

It seems you acted independently and permitted the target to escape.

Would you care to defend your actions, Captain of Squad 3, Gin Ichimaru?

An unexpected summons. Tell me, should I be appalled or impressed? And look at this distinguished crowd.

The captains who control the Soul Society all here just for me?

Quit joking around. It's my understanding that you went and played with that Ryoka by yourself, didn't you?

And I also hear that you failed. Explain yourself. You should have no trouble dealing with four or five Ryokas without backup.

I see. So then you're saying that they survived?

Stop all this monkey business right now.

There's absolutely no way that captains such as us could fail to instantly tell whether an opponent's spirit has ceased to exist.

Can you not see? Your petty accusations seem to imply that I let them go on purpose.

Shut up, Kurotsuchi! Can't you see I was the one who was talking to him first?

Or perhaps you'd rather be done in by me.

Wow, whaddya know. Tempers are running high today.

Oh no, not again. Old fools caught up in stupid bickering.

So stupid...

............

Stop! Enough of this foolishness!

I think the true reason for which you have been summoned here to stand before your peers has been made abundantly clear.

It is the fact that you acted alone. That, coupled with the fact that you also permitted the target to escape. So then, how do you defend your actions, Ichimaru?

I cannot.

What?

Well you see, there's nothing to say. I made a simple mistake. I'm not going to stand here and make excuses.

I'll accept whatever punishme–

Just a minute, Ichimaru.

Intruders in the Seireitei? It must be those Ryokas...

This is most unfortunate, but such a major disruption leaves me with no choice in the matter.

This Squad Captain meeting is hereby dismissed. All squads are to heed the alert and report immediately to their battle stations.

Saved by the security alert. Convenient timing, eh, Ichimaru?

Why don't you just come out and say it? You're not making much sense.

You don't really think you'll get away with this, do you? Just remember. Don't underestimate me, Ichimaru.

............