Naruto: Sasuke Uchiha Returns from Soul Society

He opened the paper door and walked straight out of the barracks.

......

Unlike the tranquility of the Thirteenth Division, the Eighth Division's barracks always exudes a perfect blend of languor and elegance.

The air seemed to be filled with a faint aroma of wine and a unique floral fragrance.

Jushiro Ukitake appeared in front of the door of the Eighth Division Captain's Office.

He didn't have anyone announce his arrival; he stood there quietly, raised his hand, and prepared to push open the heavy wooden door.

However, his hand had not yet fallen.

The door was pulled open from the inside.

A tall, languid figure appeared behind the door.

She wore a flamboyant pink haori with a rose pattern and a conical hat with the ties hanging loosely on her chin, hiding most of her face in shadow, revealing only her sharp jawline and signature stubble.

It was none other than the captain of the 8th Division, Kyoraku Shunsui.

He didn't speak, but raised the wine jug to his lips, tilted his head back, and took a swig.

He seemed to be about to go out when he saw the bamboo tree by the door. He wasn't surprised at all; he simply lifted his straw hat up to reveal his eyes, which always seemed to carry a hint of drunkenness.

"Oh my, Shisoro." A lazy voice rang out, tinged with a hint of teasing.

Kyoraku Shunsui slowly put down the sake bottle, turned his head, and smiled.

"What a rare guest! To actually come to a drunkard's place on your own initiative, have you finally come to your senses and are planning to come and have a drink with me?"

Looking at his old friend, whom he knew so well, Ukitake felt a little lighter and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"Are you about to leave?"

"Yes."

Kyoraku Shunsui shook the sake bottle in his hand and said matter-of-factly, "The weather is so nice, it would be a waste not to have a drink."

The two stood at the doorway, chatting about trivial matters.

They didn't mention anything about Rukia, nor did they ask why she came.

But the exchange of glances had already told the whole story.

The two have known each other for hundreds of years, graduated from the True Central Academy of Spiritual Arts together, became disciples of the Captain-Commander together, and rose to the position of Captain together.

This tacit understanding has long transcended words.

Fuzhu knew that Shunsui had long anticipated his arrival.

Shunsui also understood that Ukitake's purpose for this trip coincided with his own.

Finally, Kyoraku Shunsui hung the sake jug back on his waist and lazily yawned.

"Ugh, this is such a hassle."

He stepped aside, making way for the doorway, and said in a helpless tone, "I was planning to go alone, but it seems there's no way to avoid it now."

Ukitake's smile widened even further.

"It's always better to be together than alone."

"That makes sense, let's go together then."

Kyoraku Shunsui scratched his slightly messy stubble, straightened his straw hat, and walked side by side with Ukitake toward the First Division. "Perfect timing," he said. "I also felt that the sake I drank this time didn't taste quite right."

"Ah."

The two exchanged no more words, leaving only the crisp sound of their wooden clogs tapping on the stone pavement.

......

First Division barracks, Captain-Commander's office.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni sat upright in the main seat with his eyes closed, his spiritual pressure restrained, seemingly just an ordinary old man.

"teacher."

Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jushiro knelt side by side below, their expressions solemn.

After a long while, Captain-Commander Yamamoto slowly opened his tightly closed eyes a crack.

"What brings you two here together?"

"It's about the execution of Rukia Kuchiki, a member of the 13th Division," Ukitake said first, his tone respectful.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto narrowed his eyes slightly but remained silent.

Ukitake continued, "Teacher, there's something strange about this whole thing."

"Although Rukia committed a serious crime, it did not warrant the death penalty. The Central 46's verdict was too hasty and too harsh. There must be more to the story!"

"Is there something else going on?"

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's voice was authoritative, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes. "The Central 46 is the highest judicial body in Soul Society. Their judgments are the law of Soul Society."

"As captains of the Gotei 13, are you now questioning the law?"

Jushiro Ukitake: "But..."

"That's enough, Shishiro."

Kyoraku Shunsui interrupted him, slowly raising his head, his voice now tinged with seriousness.

"Old man Yamamoto, let's not beat around the bush."

He paused, his tone becoming serious. "This verdict is indeed abnormal. Both the sentencing and the trial process are too unusual. We suspect there may be some internal problems within the Central 46 Bureau."

"Therefore, Shisilang and I implore you to allow us to go to the Central 46th Chamber to raise our objections and have this case retried!"

"madness!"

Captain-Commander Yamamoto slammed his cane heavily on the ground, unleashing a tremendous surge of spiritual pressure that shook the air throughout the office.

"Kyoraku Shunsui! Ukitake Jushiro!"

He suddenly opened his eyes, and his cloudy eyes were now burning with raging anger.

"Have you forgotten your responsibilities as captains?!"

His voice boomed like thunder, “The captain’s duty is to uphold the laws of Seireitei and implement the resolutions of the Central 46! Not to question or shake them based on personal feelings!”

"But teacher!" Ukitake wanted to argue.

"No buts!"

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's eyes turned icy. "The truth is, Rukia Kuchiki has tarnished the honor of the Shinigami and shaken the laws of Soul Society! Such crimes must be punished with the most severe penalties!"

"Those who disrupt order must be punished; this is the ironclad rule of Soul Society!"

"I don't want to hear any more talk about this."

Captain-Commander Yamamoto slowly closed his eyes and issued his final ultimatum.

"Go back."

"......Yes."

Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jushiro exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of helplessness and a deeper resolve in each other's eyes.

The two said no more, slowly rose, bowed, and then left the oppressive office.

After leaving, Ukitake couldn't help but cough softly twice.

Kyoraku Shunsui stopped and turned around, saying in a half-joking tone, "Hey, Jushiro, your body can't handle going head-to-head with old man Yamamoto."

Ukitake straightened up, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and smiled.

“A direct confrontation is never the only way.”

He looked at Shunsui and said, "Teacher, he is upholding the 'Iron Rules' of Seireitei."

Kyoraku Shunsui raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.

"But even the most ironclad rule..."

Ukitake's tone became meaningful, "There will always be one or two 'backdoors' that are forgotten, won't there?"

Kyoraku Shunsui's languid expression vanished, and he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, this is the first time I've ever heard you say something that sounds like a 'criminal'!"

He straightened his straw hat, a hint of eagerness in his eyes.

Chapter 100 Toshiro: Tell me how to grow up, and I'll trade you our team's funds.

As dusk fell, the sky above Seireitei was tinged with a warm orange-red, softening the oppressive atmosphere.

Uchiha Sasuke walked alone through the gradually quieting streets, his destination clear: the Palace of Penitence.

Although there is still some time before the operation, it is never a bad thing to scout the terrain in advance.

Just as he was about to turn a corner and enter the main road leading to the White Path Gate, two figures came towards him.

The leader was a boy who was much shorter than Sasuke.

He had striking short, silver-white hair, and his emerald green eyes held a seriousness that seemed incongruous with his appearance.

He wore a captain's haori that was slightly too big for him, with a black cross engraved on it, signifying his identity.

Captain of the 10th Division, Toshiro Hitsugaya.

Behind him followed a tall, voluptuous woman with orange wavy hair; she was his vice-captain, Matsumoto Rangiku.

She was following behind her captain with a helpless expression, constantly complaining.

"...So, Captain, work is never-ending. You need to relax sometimes, right? I heard there's a nice new tavern that opened in West Rukongai..."

"Shut up, Rangiku!"

Hitsugaya Toshiro frowned and impatiently interrupted her, "If you want to drink, go by yourself. Don't forget how many documents you still have to process this afternoon!"

"Ugh—more documents!" Matsumoto Rangiku's face fell instantly, and she exuded an aura of utter despair.

Sasuke didn't stop walking, preparing to pass them by.