Sorcerer of Heaven Chapter 6: Sentencing of Rukia Kuchiki (Patreon)

Harry let out a satisfied hum as he finished the draft application seeking clemency on behalf of Rukia Kuchiki. It was to be filed with the Central 46 before tomorrow evening, but first, it needed to be vetted by Captain Ukitake. It was Captain Ukitake’s idea to file an appeal with the Central 46 on the case against Rukia. While there was no hope of a suspension of prison term, the hope was that they could reduce the sentencing period by half if they appealed.

Even Central 46 understands how depleted the Gotei 13 were. They couldn’t afford to lose a strong shinigami like Rukia to a charge like this. According to the interrogation reports filed by Squad 6, Rukia Kuchiki was grievously injured fighting a hollow, and she only passed along her powers to a spiritually aware human to safeguard other human souls close by. So, it could be argued that Rukia’s actions were out of desperation rather than malice or a preplanned act of defiance of the natural laws.

Interfering in human lives was one of the highest offences a shinigami could commit in their line of duty. There were very few provisions in the law that allowed exceptions, and unfortunately, Rukia’s case was not included in one of those exceptions. The simple fact was that in Rukia’s situation, the only thing left for her to do was die an honourable death or even use herself as bait for the hollow while calling for reinforcements. The fact that she chose to transfer her powers and interfere in the natural life of a human made the charges against her stick.

Their only recourse was to appeal to the sympathies of the Central 46 members. After all, despite her actions, Rukia managed to save the lives of humans under duress, and the hollow was safely purified. A shinigami's ultimate duty was to purify hollows and keep the balance in the spirit world. So, looking holistically at Rukia's actions, she did her job even though there was a whole circus of problems that followed her act of transferring her powers to a human.

The place where the blowback will happen is Rukia’s stupid decision to be forthright with the squad about the ground reality.

Her action of hiding the fact that her shinigami powers were transferred was a great crime. But the biggest crime of all was Rukia kept up a charade of doing her duty by forcing a human to work in the capacity of a shinigami. Harry saw that little tidbit as the biggest hurdle to get any consideration from the Central 46 in their judgment. But all was not lost.  

The fact that Rukia was also a member of one of the five noble clans was something in her favour.

Harry hoped her noble status would give his subordinate some political cover from a full conviction. After a cursory reading of the file he prepared, he picked up the bell on his table and rang it.

“Sir, how may I be of service?” Kiyone immediately appeared before his table with a bowed head.

“Please give this report to Captain Ukitake. It is regarding Rukia.” said Harry, holding out the file for the third-seat officer.

“Sir, do we have a chance to save Rukia-San?” Kiyone asked after taking the report into her hands.

Harry eyed the third-seat officer for a moment before sighing.

“She'll be punished. Her actions in the world of the living are against the natural laws. The only thing we can do is to convince the Central 46 to give her a reduced sentence.”

“Will they consider a lesser sentencing, sir?” Kotetsu asked, her brown eyes shining with curiosity and hope.

“They might if we can find some technical error with her communication device during the initial days of her posting.” Harry said, tapping the desk before him while humming thoughtfully. 

“Kiyone-san.”

“Yes, sir.” she perked up.

“Tell Captain Ukitake that I’m paying a visit to Squad 12. I need a second opinion on the technical report with Rukia’s communicator.” Harry suddenly said.

“Right away, sir.” Kotetsu immediately disappeared using shunpo from his office, leaving Harry alone once again.

He looked out the window and saw his squad members training diligently. There were some rumours of favouritism and whatnot being floated around and he had done his best to curb such talk from affecting the internal cohesion of Squad 13. There was bound to exist some jealousy and scrutiny because of Rukia’s position. But in Harry’s eyes, he’d have done the same for any of his fellow shinigami as he did for Rukia. There was also the fact that the Gotei 13 were stretched thin with their duties. They couldn’t afford to lose a skilled seated officer like Rukia Kuchiki for a crime like this. It was a stretch of logic, but he went with it for peace of mind and to maintain cohesion within Squad 13.

He walked out of his office and disappeared into the wind as he used shunpo.

*****

“Why the long face?” Rangiku asked as she slid in next to Harry at the table and ordered herself a cup of sake.

Harry eyed the woman out of the corner of his eyes before ordering another cup of sake.

“I went to Squad 12 to reexamine Rukia Kuchiki’s equipment.”

“You hoped to find some defect with her equipment to seek a reduced sentence.” Rangiku said with a knowing look.

Harry just nodded as he took a sip from the sake delivered by the bartender.

“I take it there was no defect as you hoped.”

“Nothing actionable. There was a glitch in the spirit sensor when she was assigned the post, but other than that…” Harry sighed.

“Well, that is a shame. I suppose Kuchiki-san will get a harsher sentencing.” Rangiku hummed, taking a sip from her cup.

“That is the most likely outcome unless the Kuchiki clan exert some sort of influence on the sentencing.” Harry said with a snort.

“Hmm… Have you talked to Captain Kuchiki?” Rangiku asked curiously.

“No, not yet.”

“Wait till you meet him. You’ll not be so confident of Rukia-san’s brother bailing her out once you meet said brother.”

Harry frowned at Rangiku.

“What do you mean?” Harry asked.

Rangiku suddenly winked and let out a tinkling laughter.

“I’m sure you’ll find out on your own.” Rangiku said with a playful smile.

“You know how I loathe surprises. Please let me know so that I can act accordingly. I don’t like to see one of my subordinates get chucked into prison for centuries, especially a seated officer. Squad 13 is already short on enough skilled shinigami.”

“Since you asked so nicely, I suppose I could be forthcoming, but it’ll cost you.” Rangiku turned up her nose and observed him from the corner of her eyes.

“Maybe I could even ask Toshiro-kun to write a wee recommendation letter to the Central 46 in support of Rukia-san.” Rangiku added with a playful wink, sweetening her offer.

Harry thought for a moment and eventually decided to cave into Rangiku’s demand for the sake of one of his subordinates. He disliked getting those under his authority in trouble. If he could help it, he wanted Rukia Kuchiki to serve a mild sentence, and he felt guilty about sending her to Karakura Town in the first place.

“Fine.” Harry sighed. “What do you want?”

Rangiku now sported a victorious grin and leaned forward so that she could whisper what she wanted in his ear.

*****

Harry bowed his head in shame as the Central 46 proclaimed their final verdict. He had no voice here as he was only under the capacity of an aide to his Captain.

Besides, his voice wouldn’t have made any difference. If someone as influential as Captain Ukitake couldn’t influence the final verdict of the Central 46, then he stood no chance. He couldn’t help but stare at Byakuya Kuchiki and scowl. The man had sat amongst the viewers in the viewer box without a hint of expression.

When Rangiku came clean with him about the character of Captain Kuchiki, he hoped she was exaggerating a little bit. But her words didn’t do justice to the current head of the Kuchiki clan. Byakuya Kuchiki did not lift a finger to influence the trial in favour of his sister. Instead, the man sent a representative from the Kuchiki clan to read a statement on their behalf.

‘Those who break the law of Soul Society must be punished regardless of their stature and rank.’

What kind of bullshit spiel was that? Harry had to struggle not to break into a run and kill that insufferable smug son of a bitch right then and there. It was one thing not to help one’s own sister but quite another to torpedo Captain Ukitake’s attempt to gain clemency for Rukia. That single statement crushed their case as the Central 46, and anyone observing the trial was informed that the Kuchiki clan was not a stakeholder in the trial. It didn’t help that Rukia-san was an adopted sister. That fact placed her in a unique position where the nobles and the commoners hated her existence.

So, when Harry heard the Central 46 proclaimed their verdict to be execution, he was devastated. It eerily reminded him of his own trial in the Ministry of Magic.

“This is so wrong. Rukia-san was not even allowed to defend herself. They didn’t even give the common courtesy to allow her to speak.” Harry muttered to his Captain while the court adjourned.  

“It couldn’t be helped. She accepted her guilt on all counts, waiving away her rights to be heard before the Central 46.” Captain Ukitake said with a disappointed sigh. “I really thought we had a chance to reduce her sentence, but Byakuya’s actions shocked me.”

“It shocked everyone, sir. I think that statement from the Kuchiki clan emboldened the Central 46 to impose the death penalty.” Harry scowled at the viewer box where Byakuya Kuchiki was sitting.

For a brief instance, Harry’s emerald green eyes locked in with Byakuya’s steel grey eyes. They held that stare for a moment until Byakuya turned away without a hint of emotion.

“Cold-hearted bastard.” Harry muttered under his breath.

“Come, Harry-san. There is no point in staying here.” Captain Ukitake said.

Harry didn’t forget to thank Rangiku and Captain Hitsugaya for the letter of recommendation. Even though it didn’t carry much weight in the trial, it was still a nice gesture he was honour bound to repay. Rangiku was only all too happy to remind him of the deal they made. In the wake of losing the case so horribly, he supposed spending some quality time with Rangiku in a bar wasn't a bad idea, even if it’d be his pocket that suffered from her vices.  

But first, he needed to see Rukia Kuchiki. No doubt, she’d be informed of the sentencing by someone in Squad 6, but he wanted to be there for his subordinate.

But he couldn’t just clandestinely walk into the prison cells of Squad 6. He had to go to the Squad 6 barracks, gain a pass from one of the seated officers, and after filling out a form which detailed the reason for his visit, he was allowed into the holding cells of Squad 6.  When he finally reached the holding cells, he stood witness to a strange scene.

He saw Captain Byakuya Kuchiki standing at the entrance of the holding cells, with Lieutenant Renji Abarai standing just inches from the cell. Beyond those two, behind bars of steel and in the darkness of the cell, he could see Rukia Kuchiki dressed in a white robe.

“Twenty-five days from now, Rukia Kuchiki will be brought to the central execution grounds and executed for her crimes. That is the decision of Seireitei.” Byakuya Kuchiki said coldly.

“This will be the last time you and I shall ever exchange words. The next time that we meet will be at your execution.”

Harry watched as the Squad 6 Captain moved out of the prison without casting a glance at Rukia. The man didn’t even deign to look at him, and he watched silently as Captain Kuchiki walked away. The awkward silence that consumed the cell was uncomfortable. He could see Lieutenant Abarai's wide-eyed look as the redhead stared at the back of his captain.  

“He must be wrong, right?” Lieutenant Abarai asked, looking at Harry hopefully.

“I’m afraid not.” Harry shook his head, “Captain Ukitake asked for leniency with the support of Captain Hitsugaya, but our arguments were rejected by the Central 46.”

“Then… what are you saying? Rukia is going to be executed, and we can do nothing!” Renji asked, his hands twitching while all colour drained from his face.

Harry just looked at the Squad 6 Lieutenant grimly. He sighed before moving closer to the bars of the cell.

“I’m so sorry, Rukia. This wouldn't have happened if I hadn’t assigned you to Karakura town.” Harry bowed his head before his imprisoned subordinate.

“Please don’t blame yourself, sir. My choices were my own, and the consequences of those actions are mine to bear.” said Rukia.

Harry struggled to say something consoling to the imprisoned woman. What could he say anyway? No matter what he said, the Gotei 13 was charged to conduct the execution. An order from the Central 46 was unquestionable and rarely challenged by the Gotei 13. To go against that order was treason against Soul Society and the sacred duty of Shinigami.

“Do you want me to do anything on your behalf, Rukia-san?” Harry asked.

“There is nothing that I want. Truly, I’m prepared to face the verdict.” Rukia said with a sigh and withdrew herself further into the darkness of her cell. “Please tell Captain Ukitake that I appreciate his efforts on my behalf, and please send my best regards to Kiyone-san and Sentaro-san.” 

Harry stared into the dark abyss and took a deep breath.

‘It seems we have more in common than I knew, Rukia Kuchiki. We’re both loners in this twisted imitation of heaven.’ Harry thought before turning away from the cell.

******

Yourouchi Shihoin wanted to palm her face, but she was in her cat form, so the expression was inappropriate. Therefore, she settled for the next best thing, which was scratching the back of her ears in frustration.

‘These idiots. Why am I stuck with these children while Kisuke gets to train Ichigo?’ Yoruichi bemoaned in the safety of her mind as she watched Chad and Inoue try to manifest their powers.

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes while watching Inoue jump, shout and throw her hands out as if that would manifest her powers. On the other hand, Sado was flexing his muscles and shadowboxing around the room, trying to manifest his powers.

“If this continues, you’ll not be allowed to enter Soul Society.” Yoruichi deadpanned.

“Wait! That’s not fair. We want to help rescue Rukia-san.” Inoue whined.

Sado hummed in agreement with his friend.

“Oh, shut up. Unless you can manifest your powers at will, you do not stand a chance in Soul Society.” Yoruichi snorted. “Do you understand?”

“I guess.” Inoue mumbled despondently.

“Just try to remember the first time you activated your powers. What were you feeling then?” Yoruichi tried a different approach.

“Well, I was so desperate at that time. A hollow was attacking me and Tatsuki-chan.” Inoue said with a thoughtful frown.

“So, you were trying to protect your friend. That’s good. That’s how all powers are manifested within any normal person.”

“Huh? What do you mean, Yoruichi-san?” Inoue asked curiously.

“Think about it this way. A person takes up a sword to protect something he cares about. It might be his family, his friends, his pride or honour. Whatever motive is behind it, if its something worth protecting, that desire manifests a strength within the body and the soul.” Yoruichi explained, “Now think back to the moment your powers manifested. What were you trying to protect?”

Yoruichi saw Inoue close her eyes and tried to concentrate. Suddenly, the hairpin on Inoue Orihime’s luscious red hair flared up with a light. She sensed a sliver of spirit energy spike, and suddenly, small fairy-like creatures popped into existence around Inoue.

“Well done Inoue-san.” Yoruichi said even as she watched Inoue getting chased by one of the creatures for summoning them when there was no danger around.

‘It looks like you’ll need to learn to control your powers.’ Yoruichi thought with a shake of her head.

Her eyes fell on the huge boy standing there.

“Now, tell me Sado. Why are you going to the Soul Society?” Yoruichi asked, making Sado ponder.

“You must find a reason strong enough to manifest your powers. If you can’t, then I suggest you abandon…” Yoruchi paused as she felt a subtle change in Sado's spirit energy.

Sado grunted and looked to be in some discomfort. His right arm suddenly shifted, and an armoured arm replaced his normal human arm.

‘Hmm. I see. So, you know what you want to protect. That’s good. A strong heart is necessary for a strong spirit. Now, I need to train these two before the deadline.’ Yoruichi thought.

She cast her sense out and zeroed in on the Ishida Uryu training on the other side of Karakura town.

‘I guess I’ll have to pick him up as well.’

*****

Kisuke’s Urahara sapped his hat against his head as Ichigo expelled huge spiritual pressure from the Shattered Shaft. He watched the white liquid burst out of Ichigo’s eyes and mouth as the hollowfication process started. The chain of fate had eroded completely, and a small hollow hole was present at the centre of Ichigo’s chest.

Usually, when a soul starts to become a Hollow, it begins with the soul exploding, and a Hollow’s body starts to form. But in Ichigo’s case, it was the opposite. It was the mask that was forming first. He had seen that only once, with his old friends in Soul Society forced to undergo hollowfication. These captains and lieutenants forced to undergo Aizen’s hollowfication experiment had also formed their masks first.

“Come on, Ichigo. All you need to do is to fight back and call forth your Zanpakuto.” Kisuke muttered under his breath as he watched Tessai bind hollowfying Ichigo with Kido.

His eyes widened as the spiritual pressure fluctuated suddenly, and there was a bright light followed by an explosion. Ichigo shot out of the Shattered Shaft and fell on the ground across from him. When the dust settled, he saw Ichigo with a hollow mask but also wearing a shihakusho.  

‘A Shinigami with the hollow mask. You’re not so different after all. But there is so much more to you than meets the eye, Ichigo.’ Kisuke thought as he watched Ichigo break the mask using his destroyed zanpakuto’s hilt.

“Congratulations Ichigo. You have successfully reclaimed your Shinigami powers. Lesson two is completed!” Kisuke’s declared while clapping.

But now it was time for lesson three. That broken Zanpakuto wouldn’t be much of a use in Soul Society. So, now, he had to force Ichigo’s Zanpakuto to connect with Ichigo before sending off the kid to the lair of Gotei 13.