"Silent Night"
Byakuya exited the squad while every Shinigami in the vicinity remained on edge, wondering if the leader of the Kuchiki clan and captain of Squad 6 would do something to save his adopted sister. Such an action would inevitably cause a fallout between the noble clans and the Gotei 13.
Byakuya then attended the captains' meeting without another word, his expression unreadable. Even his fellow captains were waiting for something to erupt as the Captain-Commander instructed him to serve as the main guard for Rukia's execution.
Even Unohana found the situation ironic. For decades, they had all known how protective Byakuya was of Rukia, yet now, he was the one assigned to ensure her execution. The Central 46 was being especially ruthless this time.
After the meeting, Byakuya returned home, where the Kuchiki elders held their breath and swallowed their words. Byakuya's silence was a warning—one wrong move, and they would face his wrath, though his stoic face betrayed nothing.
Byakuya remained in his study, silent. Though his exterior was calm, his mind was racing, and his heart was in turmoil. But his decision was final. He would not save Rukia this time. The law and the safety of Soul Society came before both himself and Rukia.
That afternoon, Rukia was transported to the White Tower, overlooking the Sōkyoku execution grounds.
Later, Byakuya learned of Renji's defeat at the hands of the Ryoka who had stolen Rukia's Shinigami powers—the very one responsible for her impending execution. Anger filled every fiber of his being, and he rushed to the Squad 6 barracks.
There, he locked Renji up for the crime of allowing the Ryoka to escape and for bringing shame to Squad 6 by being defeated. Yet, deep inside, he couldn't help but feel a sliver of admiration—the Ryoka had managed to overpower his lieutenant in order to save Rukia.
Unlike him.
Morning came to the Kuchiki manor, but Byakuya had not caught a single moment of sleep since Rukia had been sentenced to death.
Unbeknownst to everyone, a greater plot was already in motion. That very night, Captain Aizen Sosuke had been mercilessly killed, and by morning, his body was discovered by a distraught Momo, the lieutenant of Squad 5.
That afternoon, Rukia was escorted by the noble guards toward the White Tower, her steps heavy, her heart numb with guilt.
If only she had been stronger.
If only she hadn't dragged Ichigo into this—hadn't ruined his normal life by giving him her Shinigami powers.
But it was too late now.
She could only hope that the Gotei 13 would assume him dead and let him go. That they wouldn't interfere with his life any further.
Renji, walking beside her, suddenly leaned in when the guards fell a few steps behind.
"Rukia," he whispered, hesitant, torn between duty and the urge to give her hope. "He's come to save you."
Was he doing the right thing by telling her? He didn't know. But it was the least he could do—to offer her even a sliver of comfort.
After all, she was still his childhood friend. The girl he had loved for so many years.
Then he stepped away, swallowed by despair and resentment—resentment toward himself for his weakness. No matter how hard he trained, he wasn't strong enough to protect Rukia.
Unlike that boy.
That reckless, powerless boy who was willing to risk everything to save her.
Soon, the light from outside was cut off, leaving only the dim flicker of torches and the faint glow of daylight filtering through the tower's small window. Shadows danced along the cold stone walls of Rukia's prison.
The silence pressed in, yet her heartbeat thundered in her chest.
Ichigo…
She lay down on the hard floor, staring at the ceiling, her mind consumed with worry.
Why?
Why would he come to save someone like her?
She clenched her fists, shutting her eyes as a painful thought crept in.
I don't deserve to be saved.
Tears welled, threatening to spill, but she forced them back.
to be continued...