Sins of the Exiled

Chapter 10: 5th Law

Toshiro stands slowly from his desk. Matsumoto moves quickly to her Captain's side and both watch as Soi-Fon walks in with five stealth force officers behind her. She's blanked faces as she crosses her arms over her chest and waits for the officers to file in and spread out.

"Captain Soi-Fon, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Toshiro's words are calm as he moves from around his desk to stand before it. Matsumoto follows and keeps close to her Captain.

"By order of the Head Captain, I am to confiscate Captain Hitsugayas and Lieutenant Matsumoto's Zanpaktous. They will be placed within the vault and you will join the Captains meeting." Two officers step forward, one in front of Toshiro and the other Matsumoto.

"For what reason?"

" To ensure the orders and laws of the Soul Society are carried out as ordered by the heads of Central 46. You will know the details from the meeting." Toshiro glares at the other Captain before finally looking at the men before him.

"We can do this peacefully, Captain, if you choose to deny this request. I will have to arrest you." Soi-Fon seems confident as she relaxes. Minutes tick by and Matsumoto gasps as she watches her Captain undo the clasp over his chest and pulls his blade from the back. He holds it out before him and a man takes the blade.

Turning to Matsumoto, he makes a gesture and doesn't look at her. She pulls her blade from her hip and holds it out, letting the soldiers take away their other halves. Matsumoto crumbles as she watches them go, the world is caving down on them and no one has an answer. The soldiers file out of the room and Soi-Fon moves to a profile stance. She gestures out to the hall, waiting for Toshiro and Matsumoto to leave before her.

The walk to the meeting is quiet. Reapers from squad 10 whisper as they watch their Captain and Lieutenant be escorted out. All eyes are on them even as they make their way out of Squad 10. People bolt, others stand and stare, but Toshiro keeps his head held high as he walks into the lion's den unarmed.

The other Captains are already present and anger courses through his veins. Toshiro looks at the Head Captain and he simply gestures to his normal spot. Toshiro hesitates and Shunsui simply raises an eyebrow. The tension is high and Soi-Fon moves to her spot. Matsumoto hangs by the door and waits.

"Thank you for joining us Captain. Please take your spot and we will begin the meeting."

"Seems you've already started." Toshiro's words are cold and he makes no move to get into place. He stays along the edge and waits.

"Central 46 has issued their decree. Will you listen as a Captain of the Gotei 13 or will you abandon your title?" Matsumoto gasps at the implication. Reluctantly Toshiro wills his feet to move and he takes his spot. He doesn't look at the Head Captain but straight forward, just past Kenpachi.

"Kaito Ryuzaki, Juno's father, is to be killed upon site. If at any moment you are able to take him alive, do so, once he has been brought before Central 46, he will be executed." No one moves, they've heard this news already. They do it as a courtesy to Toshiro and he balls his fist.

"Juno Ryuzaki, if possible, will be captured. She will be interrogated on her involvement with the traitor. The only standing order with Juno, is that her Zanpaktou will be taken upon capture and destroyed as it should have been years ago under the former Head Captain." Matsumoto gasps and Shunsui frowns. Toshiro says nothing, does not move, doesn't give a reaction and Matsumoto feels fear eat at her.

No one speaks, nothing can be said and Toshiro closes his eyes. Hyorinmaru screams within his inner world and Toshiro feels ready to do so himself. What else is he to lose now? Yes the order is to capture her, but if she were to fight back, no one would hesitate.

"When the next attack comes, I expect you all to be ready. We have two Tengu's dead, we keep destroying them till we get to the head of the snake." The Head Captain stands and everyone bows but Toshiro. He keeps his back straight as he opens his eyes to glare down at the Head Captain.

"Hyorinmaru and Hinako will stay in lock up till you are needed. I cannot trust you with them in hand right now." The Head Captain's words cut deep and Toshiro turns his back and looks to Matsumoto. The normally strong woman looks frail in the dark and Toshiro bites his tongue.

"Oh, my daughter." Lord Kaito smiles as Juno comes to stand with him at the top of the stairs. He holds his hand out for her and Juno lays her hand in his. She stands in the kimono from her dreams going as far to even cut her hair. Yume No Kiseichu is strapped to her hip, the blue sheath shining. Down below, the three Tengu kneel.

"Ashi, Gomo, it is your turn my pets. Take Kiseichu one last time and try to clear a better path." Kaito lets go of Juno and she reaches for her blade. Pulling it off she walks down the steps and hands over the blade to the middle Tengu.

Behind Kaito rumbles and they all watch as he becomes his skeletal form again. Now muscles and tendons connect all over his body and Juno feels ready to puke. The scene is not pretty but Lord Kaito seems happy as he stands.

"Bring me what I need so that we can finally destroy them all."