Chapter 289 - 289 Decision to Act!
"You two, get lost! I'm not going with you."
Having understood Aizen's goal, Toshiro decisively rejected the messengers' demand.
No matter what, Toshiro could not agree to their request to bind his own hands and restrict his freedom.
Otherwise, if he were unable to act, how could he stop Aizen's schemes? If Aizen caused some major incident later, Toshiro would have nothing but regrets.
"Vice-Captain-Commander Hitsugaya, are you truly not reconsidering cooperating with our investigation? Even if you are the Vice-Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, opposing the Central 46 would be..." The other party's tone carried a hint of threat.
"Hmph! What do you think you are, daring to threaten me?" Toshiro scoffed disdainfully.
"You... Fine! Fine! Don't you regret it!" The messenger said angrily.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto! Hitsugaya Toshiro's resistance to cooperating with the investigation clearly indicates he has something to hide! We ask you to immediately apprehend him and confine him to the Fourth Underground Prison of Senzaikyu!" The messenger loudly addressed Yamamoto.
"Hmph, what right do you two have to command me?!" Yamamoto snorted coldly.
"We are merely messengers conveying orders. Naturally, we have no authority to command you, Captain-Commander. But what if it's the Central 46?" one of them said with a thin smile.
"This is the Central 46's order: Hitsugaya Toshiro must, by all means, return with us to cooperate with the investigation. Otherwise, he will be considered a traitor and apprehended immediately!" As he spoke, the messenger pulled a document from his robes and handed it to Yamamoto.
Yamamoto glanced at it and fell silent.
"Even the Central 46 has no authority to deal with the Vice-Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13," Yamamoto refuted after a moment's hesitation.
"Has the Captain-Commander not thoroughly studied the Soul Society's regulations?"
"While the Central 46 indeed lacks the authority to punish the Vice-Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, if that individual harbors intentions or commits acts that threaten to destroy the Seireitei, betray the Soul Society, or otherwise endanger the entire Soul Society, then according to regulations, the Central 46 has the authority to temporarily restrict their freedom and report to the Soul King Palace, requesting permission to try them. Isn't that correct?" The messenger retorted.
Yamamoto was left speechless by this, as the regulations indeed stated as such.
The Captain-Commander and Vice-Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 were indeed high-ranking and powerful. Even the Central 46 couldn't punish them. However, if they reported to the Soul King Palace and received permission from the Soul King, then it would be permissible.
And during the period of reporting to the Soul King Palace and awaiting a response, the Central 46 had the authority to temporarily restrict their freedom of movement.
Of course, it was only restricting movement. They could not conduct trials or punishments. The matter would likely develop to the point where the Royal Guard descended to personally investigate.
However, individuals of Yamamoto's level generally wouldn't harbor thoughts or commit acts intending to destroy the Seireitei and Soul Society. So, the Central 46 had never invoked this regulation before.
But what Yamamoto never expected was a captain reporting the Vice-Captain-Commander. Moreover, on the surface, it appeared there was 'ample evidence', making it impossible for Yamamoto to speak in Toshiro's defense.
"Toshiro, why don't you go with them first and cooperate with the investigation? I believe you would not betray the Soul Society. I will investigate this matter as quickly as possible to clear your name," Yamamoto advised somewhat helplessly.
"Apologies, Captain-Commander. I will not go with them," Toshiro refused.
Even though it was only cooperating with the investigation, not a trial or punishment, Toshiro would be unable to act freely during that period. If Aizen made any moves then, Toshiro would be too late to stop him.
"Why? It's just cooperating with the investigation. It's not a punishment," Yamamoto said, somewhat confused.
In Yamamoto's view, it was merely cooperating with an investigation. As the Vice-Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, even the Central 46 wouldn't dare to falsely accuse Toshiro. If Toshiro were truly innocent, then nothing would happen.
"Could it be... you really killed Aizen and intend to destroy the Seireitei and betray the Soul Society? Toshiro!" Yamamoto's expression turned severe.
Although, in his heart, Yamamoto believed in Toshiro, the evidence was heavily against Toshiro. Combined with Toshiro's strong resistance to cooperating with the investigation, Yamamoto couldn't help but waver, unsure whether to continue trusting Toshiro.
"Apologies, Captain-Commander. I have my own pride and dignity. Even if it's just cooperating with an investigation, I cannot accept it!" Toshiro said firmly.
Of course, this wasn't the main reason. The main reason was that this was all Aizen's scheme. If Toshiro foolishly went along with the investigation, what about Aizen? Should he just let Aizen recklessly manipulate the entire Soul Society and then leave unscathed?
But Toshiro couldn't immediately explain all this to Yamamoto. Although he had decided earlier to reveal Aizen's schemes to Yamamoto, doing so in front of everyone would undoubtedly alert Aizen.
Once Aizen was on guard, it would be nearly impossible for Toshiro to deal with him.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Hitsugaya Toshiro's resistance to cooperating with the investigation clearly indicates a problem. Will you not apprehend him?" The two Central 46's messengers pressed.
After a moment's hesitation, Yamamoto finally stepped forward.
"Toshiro, listen to me. If you cooperate with the investigation properly, even the Central 46 can't do anything to you. But if you continue to resist, you'll only give them a handle to use against you."
Yet, Toshiro remained unmoved by Yamamoto's words. No matter what, he would not cooperate with the investigation.
"Is that so? Is this your stance? Could you truly be the mastermind behind all this, Toshiro?" Yamamoto narrowed his eyes.
"Alas! You have truly disappointed me!" Yamamoto sighed deeply, forcefully tapping his cane on the ground.
Clang!
The wooden sheath of the cane shattered, revealing the Zanpakuto within.
"Old Man Yama!"
"Genryusai-sensei!"
"Captain-Commander!"
The captains couldn't help but exclaim in shock.
Judging by Yamamoto's demeanor, they wondered if he about to attack Toshiro.
The Captain-Commander and Vice-Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 fighting... that would certainly be explosive.
"All of you, stand down!" Yamamoto ordered with a wave of his hand.
"Toshiro, since you refuse to cooperate with the investigation, I have no choice but to force you to comply!" Yamamoto declared solemnly.
Despite his close personal relationship with Toshiro, Yamamoto ultimately chose to take action against him.
In a way, Yamamoto was a man who highly valued rules, somewhat rigid in his thinking.
In Yamamoto's heart, the safety of the Seireitei and the Soul Society always came first. Now, Toshiro was a major suspect and unwilling to follow regulations and cooperate with the investigation. All of this ultimately led Yamamoto to decide to use force to compel Toshiro to cooperate.