Temptation and Punishment

The overwhelming pressure gradually subsided, and everyone felt a sense of relief in their hearts. Even their breathing became lighter.

The members of the Central 46 Chambers didn't seem too happy with this as they were glaring at Tokikaze.

They never imagined that someone would dare to challenge the Central 46 here!

To treat the highest judicial institute of the Soul Society as if it were nothing, to trample on the faces of these powerful figures.

The person that Tokikaze targeted was panting heavily, showing no trace of his usual arrogance. Even in his gaze towards Tokikaze, there was an unmistakable fear.

It felt as if he had almost seen death beckoning to him!

Tokikaze's eyes narrowed slightly with his hands resting on the armrests. He lightly tapped his right index finger, producing a rhythmic knocking sound that echoed conspicuously in the silent room.

They should have anticipated this when they issued the secret order.

A significant portion of the Central 46 consisted of members of the Tsunayashiro Clan, and those people should have been aware of the consequences of their actions. However, perhaps due to their arrogance, they subconsciously overlooked Tokikaze's identity beyond being the captain of the Ninth Division, which led to the current situation.

Compared to Noble Clan like the Shiba Clan, who had fewer members, the Tsunayashiro Clan was the opposite. They even had multiple heirs, with Tokikaze just happened to be the most prominent one.

In the plot, Tsunayashiro Tokinada spent a considerable amount of time orchestrating the murder of his own Clan members before taking over as the head of the Clan.

In a Clan with abundant members, on top of being part of the Central 46 Chambers, some of them were also part of the Noble Assembly and the upper echelons of the Kido Corps.

Of course, such a big Clan wasn't without internal conflicts. If Tokikaze remembered correctly, they had at least a dozen factions.

Some factions cooperated with each other and opposed each other, leading to a chaotic situation that was worse the current state of the Soul Society.

In contrast, under Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto's rule, the Gotei 13 appeared more stable on the surface.

"Continuing where we left off, many nobles agreed that, ahem...," Tsunayashiro Akutagawa realized that his words were inappropriate and promptly changed his phrasing, "Anyway, as the Commander-Captain, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, you should handle this matter appropriately. Restore the Soul Society to its previous tranquility as soon as possible."

As the words fell, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto opened his slightly closed eyes with indifferent gaze.

"I understand."

Tsunayashiro Akutagawa was dissatisfied with Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto's response. However, just as he was about to speak again, he noticed the rhythmic tapping sound and the warning gaze from the side.

"Alright, the meeting ends here."

Tsunayashiro Akutagawa said discontentedly, "We will convey the detailed information later."

"Tsk, coward."

Tokikaze stood up and sneered disdainfully before walking out.

Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto nodded slightly. "Since that's the case, I'll take my leave."

As the two figures hadn't walked far, a noisy argument erupted in the assembly hall.

"Whose idiotic suggestion was this?"

"Logically speaking, Tsunayashiro Tokikaze should have become more docile after becoming the Captain of the Gotei 13."

"Don't use your shallow way of thinking to assess that kind of lunatics. The regulations of the Soul Society mean nothing to him!"

"Leave the rest to Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto to handle, and we will..."

Listening to the voices from behind, Tokikaze smirked.

Seizing the opportunity to confront the Central 46 was indeed a rare occurrence.

If it weren't for these fools trying to assert their authority over him, the situation wouldn't have escalated to this extent.

The fall of several nobles led the panic-stricken Central 46 Chambers to use their usual tactics to exert pressure on him, even enlisting Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto to intimidate him.

However, what they never expected was that Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto remained neutral until the very end, not even saying a word to stop Tokikaze.

After all, his loyalty wasn't to the Central 46 but to the rules of the Soul Society and the lofty Spirit King.

Although, in a sense, the Central 46 symbolized the highest judicial authority in the Soul Society, Tokikaze's actions did not violate any regulations. Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto was not foolish; he adhered to a conservative stance, not stupidity. He wouldn't target Tokikaze simply because of his disrespect towards the Central 46.

...

In the Palace of Penitence, the Sixth Deep Prison.

Several jailers dressed in all white, with their faces concealed, walked through the deep corridors. They held chains, leading fourteen disheveled figures towards the direction of the rope bridge.

These criminals had spent less than a day in the Palace of Penitence before being escorted to Sokyoku Hill for their execution.

The nobles, now devoid of their usual vigor, walked with a lifeless demeanor, step by step, heading towards the end of their lives.

Sokyoku Hill.

On the vast cliff, towering spears towered to the sky.

Several figures stood near the execution platform, gazing at the jailers and criminals approaching from a distance.

"This should be your first time witnessing an execution, right?"

Kyoraku Shunsui, looked towards the sky while holding his straw hat and adjusted his haori.

"The scenes that follow are quite spectacular!"

Tokikaze crossed his arms. "Actually, I'm more curious about whether Sokyoku truly possessed the power of a million Zanpakuto. Who set the standard for a Zanpakuto's destructive power anyway?"

"If the Zanpakuto we're talking about is Ryujin Jakka, wouldn't this execution destroy not only the entire Soul Society but also two other words?"

Kyoraku Shunsui stroked his scruffy chin, contemplating. "The way you young people think is really something."

"No one has ever set relevant standards. However, judging from past executions, it should be just the power of the most basic Shikai form of the Zanpakuto."

"It's just for show."

Tokikaze, with a hint of disdain, remarked, "It seems boasting has become a tradition."

Dismissively waving his hands, Kyoraku Shunsui smirked and said, "Keep it down a bit. Cut old man Yama some slack."

"He was the one who personally set up Sokyoku, after all..."