Chapter Eighteen: The Use of the Law

The sound of screams had become commonplace over the past few weeks. Third Seat Hiyori had gotten used to them, but that didn't mean she liked them. Another particularly horrific death rattle came forth.

'Uryu!' the scream went. 'Uryu!" And then he fell silent.

'How long has he been at this?' asked Hiyori.

Lieutenant Nemu had the answer. 'Subject Soken Ishida has been under experimentation without sedation for three hours-'

'Shut up, Nemu.' said Hiyori. 'I don't care.'

'I do not understand.' said Nemu. 'If you were not interested in my assessment, why did you ask?'

'I wasn't asking!' said Hiyori. 'Goddamn it Kisuke might have been a fucking psycho, but at least he kept his experiments quiet! We've been putting up with this racket for years!'

'I must admit, Hiyori has a point.' said Akon, a monstrous looking scientist. 'It would be easier to work if Captain Kuroschutchi would pay for sedation.'

'Master Mayuri believes that the money spent on such products-,' said Nemu.

'I know why he isn't buying it!' roared Hiyori. 'But I can't do my work like this! Akon, do remember back when we didn't have to hear the horrified screams of the innocent every fucking day?!'

'Sometimes, I dream of those days.' said Akon. 'Now it's-'

The door was thrown open and into the room walked Byakuya Kuchiki. With him was his Lieutenant and several hundred Squad 6 soldiers. Hiyori got up and drew her sword. Not again. 'Hey, just who the hell do you think you-'

A scroll was unrolled before her eyes. 'By order of Captain-Commander Yamamoto, you are all placed under arrest. This is an official investigation of your illegal experimentation. Surrender and you will be given a chance for trial.

'Fail to do so at your own peril.'

Hiyori put her hand to her sword. 'You really think-'

'Stand down.' said Nemu.

'What?!' said Hiyori.

'Our orders are to surrender.' said Nemu. 'Do so.'

'Oh some Lieutenant of Squad 12 you are, Nemu!' roared Hiyori. 'I knew it was insane to give my job to-' Nemu moved and Hiyori dodged away. Almost at once she found a sword to her throat.

She'd hardly even seen Kuchiki move. Hiyori dropped her sword.

Then Captain Soi Fon arrived through the door leading into the department. 'Kuchiki, we've secured the outlying labs. Kuroschutchi has been busy.'

'What?!' said Hiyori. 'How did you people get in here?!'

'I am Captain of the Stealth force.' said Soi Fon. 'The name speaks for itself.'

There was another, final, bloodcurdling shriek. Byakuya looked up, then narrowed his eyes and looked to Nemu. 'Where is Kuroschutchi?'

'Master Mayuri is presently occupied and has given orders not to be disturbed.' said Nemu. 'If you will come back at a later time I'm sure-'

Byakuya's blade went to her throat.

'-threatening me will not change Master Mayuri's orders.' said Nemu, her expression not changing.

'I am here by orders from a higher authority to arrest Kuroschutchi, Lieutenant.' said Byakuya.

'A… higher authority than Master Mayuri?' asked Nemu, perplexed.

'Okay, don't listen to her, I'll show you the way.' said Hiyori. 'Nemu was only created a month or two ago.'

'Lieutenant Kuroschutchi,' said Soi Fon, 'you will bring me to your records. I require all of them. Now.'

'…I understand.' said Nemu. 'Right this way.'

Nemu Kuroschutchi had been aware that there were higher authorities than Master Mayuri. However, until now, she had never concerned herself with them. Now she had to.

She led Soi Fon through the labs. As she did, she noticed that there were stealth force operatives everywhere. One of them, large and fat, approached Soi Fon. 'Captain, we've found a whole lot of hollows down here.'

'Hollows?' asked Soi Fon. 'Is this another one of your faulty reports Omaeda?' Her voice was a low snarl.

'No, Captain! Their Hollows!' said Omaeda, cowering. 'Though they're like nothing we've ever seen!'

'The hollows in question are experimental prototypes.' said Nemu. 'Master Mayuri has been working on isolating different aspects of their nature.'

'You have been experimenting with hollows?' asked Soi Fon, her threatening aura turning to Nemu.

Nemu realized that before her was a woman who could kill her in a thousand ways with her thumb. She didn't feel afraid, Nemu was not programmed to be afraid. Yet flight or fight responses in her brain told her that what Master Mayuri had been doing was illegal. What should her response be?

Honesty seemed in order. 'Master Mayuri believes that the laws of the Soul Society are an inconvenience.'

Soi Fon's hand move and wrapped its fingers around Nemu's throat. 'You dare? Mayuri Kuroschutchi was sealed away once before. This time we will not be so restrained.' Her hand tightened.

'Killing me will prevent me from showing you the way to the records.' said Nemu.

Soi Fon stared at her for a moment, then released her grip. 'You don't scare easily.'

'I was created for Master Mayuri's use.' said Nemu. 'Fear is not a part of my purpose.'

Nemu led her into the room with the files and opened a drawer. The file cabinets stretched nearly two stories high and took up a space nearly that of a small warehouse. Nemu turned to Captain Soi Fon. 'These are the documents of all our experiments to date.'

'I am surprised you were so quick to assist me.' said Soi Fon.

'I am a Lieutenant of Squad 12. In this circumstance, I am obligated to cooperate fully with your investigation.' said Nemu.

Stealth Force troops rushed into the room and kneeled before Soi Fon. 'Captain, what are your orders?'

'Take everything.' said Soi Fon. 'If anyone resists, summarily execute them.'

'What about the experiments?' asked the Stealth Force operative.

'Destroy them all.' said Soi Fon.

'Wait,' said Nemu.

'Yes?' asked Soi Fon.

'Those experiments may be the key to multiple technological breakthroughs.' said Nemu. 'If they are destroyed our research will be ground to a halt. Set back by hundreds of years.'

'Your research is illegal.' said Soi Fon. 'Kisuke Urahara was nearly executed for his experimentation with hollows. If your research is destroyed, so much the better.'

This was true. 'Master Mayuri will be furious with me if… if all this is destroyed.'

'Kuroschutchi will die by Sogyoku if there is any justice in this Seretei.' said Soi Fon. 'So you needn't concern yourself.'

Nemu had to stop this. She couldn't let everything which Master Mayuri had worked for be destroyed. 'It may be relevant to the investigation.'

Silence. Soi Fon looked at her. 'Very well. Keep the experiments contained. Escort Nemu Kuroschutchi to a cell. Keep her there.'

Nemu went quietly. She had little else to do.

Soken Ishida had died screaming the name of his student. He had been one of those defiant to the end sorts as he breathed his last. Now his dissected and brutalized corpse was lying still and powerless. It had been one of the last Quincy, which meant the data he gathered would not be of much use. Even so, it made it all the more valuable.

The door opened. Someone had disobeyed his expressed orders! Turning around, he glared at whoever it was. 'Did that idiot Nemu not tell you that I was not to be disturbed! Get out, before I make you my next experiment-'

A blade went to his throat. Byakuya Kuchiki had moved forward in a movement so smooth and swift that he had not been able to follow it. The Captain of the 6th division stood there, radiating quiet power. And Kuroschutchi realized that if he had wanted to, Byakuya could have killed him in one stroke.

'…What is the meaning of this?' he asked. 'This is my division! You have no right-'

'By order of Captain-Commander Yamamoto, you are hereby placed under arrest.' said Byakuya, before looking to the corpse of Soken Ishida. 'The charges of murder of innocent human souls and unlawful experiments. Surrender, and you will receive a fair trial.'

Mayuri narrowed his eyes. 'Do you believe that you can hold me just because you are a noble?'

'When Central Forty-Six learns of your actions you will die by Sogyoku.' said Byakuya.

'You ignorant fool!' roared Kuroschutchi. 'They ordered me to do it!'

Byakuya's eyes narrowed, and he shook in fury. 'You lie.'

'Do I?' asked Kuroschutchi. 'The Quincies were an unknown variable. In time they might have repopulated and become a threat. Yet to destroy them openly would have been inconvenient. The last time they tried that on the Bounts a group of Soul Reapers under Ran Tao led a rebellion to save them.

'I approached Central Forty-Six; it is true. I asked to begin experimentation on Quincy Souls. They ordered that I turn my research into ethnic cleansing.'

'You are merely trying to cast blame on others.' said Byakuya.

'Don't insult my intelligence, Captain Kuchiki.' said Mayuri. 'Think. My pursuit is science at any cost. How would my experimentation on Quincies have been of any value at all if all they were destroyed?

'If anything I should want to preserve their speices so I could make use of my research. However, I operate on a higher authority than Captain-Commander Yamamoto. So, now that this absurd little conversation is done kindly get out of my office so I may-'

Byakuya brought his sword round to strike Kuroschutchi and everything went black.

Mayuri Kurochutchi collapsed senseless to the ground. Byakuya stared down at body, sword upraised to strike. He had almost taken the law into his own hands and cut his head off.

Byakuya turned to where Soken Ishida lay, his corpse ruined and defiled. To slay Kuroschutchi would have been just. He could still do it. All he had to do was cut his head from his shoulders right now. To slay the foul creature beneath him.

He could say that Mayuri resisted arrest. Even if the truth came out, no one would have blamed him. Not after what Kuroshutchi did. He had to do it. He had to kill…

No.

To kill him like this would be nothing less than murder. Kuroschutchi would receive a fair trial and then die by Sogyoku. His lies would accomplish nothing in a court of law.

Soi Fon appeared behind him. 'We have all the data. Kuroschutchi has been busy. Did you kill him?'

'No.' said Byakuya.

'A pity.' said Soi Fon. 'We've got everything we need here. I'll make a full report to Central Forty-Six. You should, as well.'

'I understand.' said Byakuya.

It was over.

Shunsui Kyroku was resting on a grassing hill, enjoying the day from the shade of an oak tree. Then Lieutenant Nanao found him. She rushed breathlessly up and kneeled. 'Captain sir, we've got urgent news.'

'Eh,' Shunsui took the straw from his mouth. 'what is it little Nanao?'

That she didn't flare up at that name showed that Nanao was serious. 'Captain Kuroschutchi has been arrested by the Stealth Force and the 6th division.' said Nanao. 'They are accusing Kuroschutchi of illegal experimentation and of genociding the Quincy.'

'Well,' said Shunsui. 'Central Forty-Six isn't gonna be happy about that.'

'There is talk of using the Sogyoku.' said Nanao.

'Not that, no.' said Shunsui. 'I mean about all this getting out into the open. They're not blind. If this was going on, somebody in high places knew it was happening and let it happen.

'Now they are going to have to acknowledge their dirty work. Central Forty-Six is going to have to jump through some hoops to pardon Kuroschutchi.'

'Pardon?' asked Nanao. 'But why would they-'

'Nanao,' said Shunsui, 'I've lived a lot longer than I look. Central Forty-Six will never execute a captain. Not for something as trivial as mass murder anyway. If Kuroschutchi had been working contrary to their interests maybe, but not like this.' He sighed. 'I just hope Kuchiki doesn't take it too hard.'

The three Captains met inside Aizen's house to discuss the matter. All of them had one opinion they were united in. Tosen said it best. 'The arrest of Captain Kuroschutchi is to my mind and act of pure justice.'

'They aren't going to burn him.' said Gin, who was not smiling.

'Of course, they aren't.' said Aizen. 'However, the situation may be turned to our advantage none the less.'

'Do you intend to recruit Kuchiki?' asked Tosen. 'He may well come to understand our cause by this.'

'Understand, perhaps, but not agree with.' said Aizen. 'I think it would be for the best if we sewed the seeds of doubt, and reap the rewards later, however.' He looked to Gin. 'And don't even think about it, Gin. When the situation allows for it, I will give Kuroschutchi into your hands. Until then, you are to compose yourself and keep in character.' Gin had demonstrated a much more open hatred of Kuroschutchi since that day.

Gin's eyes opened slightly. Then they closed, and he smiled. 'Oh, of course, Captain Aizen. I don't know what I was thinking.'

There was a knock on the door. Aizen glanced up and saw Momo entering the room. The girl halted as she saw them. 'Oh, I'm sorry Captain Aizen, I didn't mean to barge in.'

'Momo, please,' said Aizen, 'it's no trouble really. We were just discussing the situation with Kuroschutchi.'

'Yes, I was just going to talk to you about that.' said Momo. 'The Stealth Force has arrested everyone in the 12th division. Everyone. No one can get in or out.'

'Well that is to be expected,' said Aizen, 'these are very serious charges. The last time something like this happened, we lost a large portion of our ranking officers. Including my Captain, Hirako Shinji.' And hadn't that been a satisfying day. Ah, old triumphs.

'What should we do?' asked Momo.

'Nothing for now.' said Aizen. 'Present any relevant information and hope for the best. This is a legal matter and out of our hands.' He paused. 'Momo, in your personal opinion, does Mayuri Kuroschutchi deserve to die?'

'I…' Momo paused. 'I don't know, really. I haven't seen the evidence. But... experimenting on hollow and killing human souls just so he could experiment on them. I mean… he's broken almost every law the Soul Society has.'

'Yes.' said Aizen. 'Men have been executed for far less. However, not captains.'

'What do you mean?' asked Momo.

'We Captains are given special treatment.' said Aizen. 'Kenpachi Zaraki, for instance, is a murderous serial killer. He slaughtered his way through many innocents before coming here. Any other Soul Reaper who acted the way he does would have been killed long ago.

'However, Kenpachi has a captain level spiritual pressure. So he is allowed to do more or less everything short of treason. And Mayuri has not committed treason either.'

'So you think he'll get off?' said Momo.

'It is unfortunate,' admitted Aizen, 'but our system is not flawless. I would have made an example of him. However, I am not. We all have our places.'

'Right,' said Momo, 'I'll get back to the division.' She raced out.

Gin gave Aizen a look. 'My Captain Aizen, if anything one might think you disapproved of Kuroschutchi's actions? It's like looking into a mirror, isn't it?'

Aizen ignored him. 'I have a meeting to attend.'

Captain Soi Fon looked up from her desk and saw Chojiro Sasikibe. He stood before her, dignified and strong and saluted. She returned the gesture. 'I apologize, Lieutenant. However, we have a great many things we must do.'

'We are aware.' said Chojiro. 'I understand that you have confiscated all the research data of the 12th division.'

'Yes,' said Soi Fon, 'we are still going through it.'

'We will be taking all of it.' said Chojiro. 'As of this moment, all findings within that data is classified. Personnel who speak of the contents will be prosecuted.'

'This is highly irregular.' said Soi Fon. 'My division's whole purpose is to police the other divisions.'

'The investigation is moving to Central Forty-Six.' said Chojiro. 'I apologize Captain, but this order comes from the highest levels of the soul society.'

'I understand.' said Soi Fon. 'I'll have the data sent by.' She paused. 'A decision has already been reached, hasn't it?'

'…Yes.' said Chojiro. And then he said what was going to happen.

It was impossible.

Such a decision should be overturned, yet it could be overturned. Byakuya controlled himself as he looked up at the men around him. 'You intend to let Kuroschutchi escape justice.' It was not a question.

'It is unfortunate,' said the judge, 'however Kuroschutchi is in possession of skills we need. His research is essential to the future of the Soul Society.'

'With respect,' said Byakuya, 'Captain Kuroschutchi has broken the law. To allow him to escape unscathed will send a… unfortunate precedent.'

'The matter will be controlled.' said the judge. 'Even now our agents are collecting all relevant data and testimony. The illegal experiments will have been the work of an isolated few within the 12th division. These scientists then attempted to frame Kuroschutchi via various forged documents. These will be executed.

'Our credibility will remain intact, and our operations will be unimpeded.'

Byakuya looked up, not sure how to say what he needed to say. 'Captain Kuroschutchi said something else. He stated that you specifically ordered him to initiate a purge of the Quincies.'

'Captain Kuroschutchi is highly unstable.' said the judge. 'We… indicated that we did not want the Quincies repopulating. He took matters into his own hands.'

Meaning that they could not be held accountable. Yet they were still responsible. 'This is not justice.' said Byakuya finally. 'Nor is it lawful.'

'Ut isn't.' admitted the judge. 'It is true that a respect for the law is essential in soldiers, and in peasants and in those who serve. Yet we who rule are held to higher callings. We must sometimes sacrifice justice, and even the law for the greater good.'

'I understand.' said Byakuya. 'With your permission, I will ensure that the 12th division are released.'

'There is no need to release Kuroschutchi immediately.' said the judge. 'We'll keep him in prison for a week and let him wonder whether we still need him. It should keep him from overstepping his boundaries again.'

There were murmurs of agreement as Byakuya left the room. Central Forty-Six had been involved in Kuroschutchi's actions. Whether or not they had meant for things to go as far as they did, it did not change the fact that they were responsible. And protecting their agent.

'This is not justice.' said Senbonzakura. 'This is not the law. This is the circumvention of the law for the sake of convenience. We both know this. So why aren't you taking action?'

It would have no effect. This was not the time or place to act. In time perhaps things could change…

'When?' asked Senbonzakura. 'What if Central Forty-Six doesn't want to change? Our entire career has been spent trying to keep them out of our business. They let the Rukongai rot. Are they really worthy rulers? Why shouldn't we-'

No! That was treason! Byakuya would not even consider it!

'Byakuya!' came a call.

Aizen approached with a wave. As he got nearer his sighed. 'I'm guessing from your face that it did not go well. What was the verdict?'

'Kuroschutchi will be pardoned. A scapegoat will be executed.' said Byakuya. 'The matter is concluded.'

'Central Forty-Six may say so, but it isn't.' said Aizen.

Byakuya looked up. 'Explain yourself.'

'People will talk.' said Aizen. 'Even if the truth is ever officially reported the true story always gets out. Kuroschutchi broke the law. He committed genocide, and Central Forty Six allowed him to escape.'

'That is small comfort.' said Byakuya.

'No, you are right, of course.' said Aizen. 'However, at this stage, there is no lawful means by which justice can be enacted.' He set a hand to his shoulder. 'I'm sorry Byakuya.'

'You have nothing to apologize for.' said Byakuya.

The corpses of several hundred other Quincies were found in mass graves beneath Squad 12. With them were thousands of bodies. They belonged to various people who went missing in the Rukongai. Woman, children, men, old and young, no one had been spared. All significant witnesses were sworn to secrecy.

A number of scientists of little significance were blamed and executed via beheading. Mayuri Kuroschutchi was allowed to return to his research with a stern warning. Central Forty Six regarded the situation as an unfortunate turn of events. One that had turned out for the best. The Quincies were mostly destroyed, credibility had been restored and all was as it should be from a political perspective.

From any other perspective what had happened was a disgusting misuse of the powers of the law. The law, the great equalizer, and bringer of order, or so the 6th division called it. It had been used to kill the innocent and save the guilty.

Renji Abarai had seen the bodies of the dead, seen the way the 12th division regarding it as business as usual. He was sure as hell that this was not the first massacre the 12th division had done. And he was pissed as hell that nothing had been done about it.

He opened the door and entered his Captain's office. 'You called for me, Captain?'

Byakuya Kuchiki looked up, his face that perfect mask of nobility. What did he think of all this? Renji could never read the guy, even years after becoming his Lieutenant.

'Are you interested in becoming a Captain, Renji Abarai?' asked Byakuya.

The question took Renji by surprise. Mostly because he'd never even considered that angle, he wanted to be a Lieutenant for a very specific reason. 'That is… I don't know.' said Renji. 'Maybe, eventually.'

Byakuya nodded. Had Renji made the right choice? 'There is an obscure law.' said Byakuya. 'That one who kills a Captain in front of two hundred of his subordinates will take that Captain's place.'

'Right, like Kenpachi Zaraki did.' said Renji. Did Kuchiki think Renji was planning to invoke that right on him? Renji knew exactly how that would go, Kuchiki was a legend.

'There is a precedent.' said Byakuya. 'If you are willing, I will train you to kill Captains. One Captain in particular.'

Wait, Byakuya Kuchiki was planning to use Renji to assassinate one of his rivals legally? Renji had never thought the man the sort to use loopholes. Unless maybe if the circumstances were extreme enough. '…Is this about Kuroschutchi?'

'Yes.' said Byakuya. 'He is a disgrace to the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and must be removed for the betterment of the Soul Society. Are you willing to slay him?'

'Willing yeah.' said Renji. 'Able? No. I mean Kuroschutchi is probably lower tier, but I'm nowhere near a Captain's level.'

'Your understanding of your abilities does you credit.' said Byakuya. 'I will train you until you achieve bankai.'

'What?' said Renji.

'I will force you to attain a level of power that makes what you are capable of now pale in comparison.' continued the Captain of Squad 6. 'I will teach you every technique I have learned in my career. I will force you to overcome your weaknesses. When I judge you ready, you will kill Mayuri Kuroschutchi.

'Do you understand?'

Renji paused. This could be a chance to grow in power. At the very least he'd get an idea of Kuchiki's strengths and weaknesses. 'Yeah, sure.'

'Good.' said Byakuya 'Then we can begin.'

Authors Note:

Coming to you now from the distant land of Scotland, we have the latest chapter of On the Rukongai. I had the general outline for this chapter planned out for a while. Getting the details down was the hard part, and by the time I did, I found myself in Scotland. So yeah, enjoy.

Unless of course, I can't find a decent internet connection while I'm in Scotland. Then I guess you guys are out of luck.