The tragedy of Shin'etsu's 'rampage, murder of comrades, and attack on the Captain-Commander' was like a boulder cast into a lake, stirring up unending ripples.
In just a few days, various rumors ran rampant, shrouding the Gotei 13 in an oppressive atmosphere of suspicion, restlessness, and tension.
One rumor claimed: Shin'etsu had long suffered unfair treatment and covert suppression within the 1st Division. His ambitions were thwarted, festering in his heart until he was driven to a mental breakdown, ultimately leading to the catastrophe.
Another rumor claimed: Shin'etsu was inherently vicious. His usual diligence and deference were merely a facade. Once his reverse scale was touched or he encountered pressure, his true, cruel, and insane nature would be exposed.
Even more insidious were certain nobles who, publicly or privately, continuously questioned the overall reliability of the Gotei 13:
"Even the Captain-Commander's own disciple, a high-ranking seated officer of the 1st Division, can suddenly go mad, murder his comrades, and even attack the Captain-Commander!"
"Does such an organization truly have the ability to protect the safety of us nobles and safeguard the stability of the Seireitei?"
"Are there major problems with the internal management of the Gotei 13? Are there more hidden 'Kisaragi Shin'etsus' out there?"
Although these voices were harsh and jarring, they precisely struck the long-standing apprehension and dissatisfaction some nobles harbored towards the Gotei 13, forming a considerable force of public opinion pressure.
Internally, the Gotei 13 also became somewhat restless and unsettled as a result.
On one hand, there was grief and confusion over a comrade's tragic death and Shin'etsu's 'fall from grace'-
On the other hand, the external distrust and accusations added to their pressure and sense of grievance.
Soldiers whispered among themselves, and morale inevitably suffered.
Three days later. Late night.
By the pond at the Shin'o Academy, a young boy stood alone beneath a willow tree.
The moonlight was pallid, illuminating the undried tear tracks and deep despair on his face. It was Kisaragi Shusuke, the one who had previously sought advice from Setsuna.
These past few days had been like living in hell for him.
His father's crimes were being spread far and wide. The once loving, upright father he had been so proud of had, overnight, become a universally reviled murderous maniac and a traitor who attacked the Captain-Commander.
His classmates quickly shifted from initial shock and sympathy to alienation, fear, and finally, unbridled insults and bullying.
"Son of a sinner," "The madman's son," "Stay away from him"... Every word pierced his heart like a knife.
He wanted to argue, to tell everyone his father wasn't that kind of person.
His father had gently taught him swordsmanship, had diligently handled every official duty, and his eyes always filled with respect when he spoke of Yamamoto...
But what proof did he have?
Arguments were pale and powerless against the facts witnessed by all.
He even began to doubt himself. Had the father in his memories truly been just a facade?
Burdened by the heavy shackles of being a sinner's son, enduring endless malice and isolation, remembering his father dying in such a dishonorable way, unable to preserve even his final dignity...
The last supporting thread within him finally snapped.
With trembling hands, he drew the Asauchi issued by the Academy.
His gaze fixed on the Asauchi, hesitating whether to take his own life.
At that moment, a voice sounded not far behind him:
"Without trying to clear your father's name, you would bear such a stain and take your own life? That is not what a son should do, Kisaragi Shusuke."
Shusuke's entire body shook violently. He spun around.
In the moonlight, a tall figure wearing a Captain's Haori had appeared there at some point.
"Setsuna-senpai!" Shusuke's voice carried a sob and an incredulous excitement.
"You... you're saying my father was wronged? Really? My father truly didn't go mad, didn't betray anyone?"
Setsuna did not answer directly. Instead, he asked back:
"Shusuke, you lived with him day in and day out for so many years. In your heart, is your father the kind of man who would, because of unfair treatment, madly slaughter his comrades and even draw his sword against Captain-Commander Yamamoto?"
"No! Absolutely not!" Shusuke shouted without hesitation, tears streaming down his face once more.
"Father respected the Captain-Commander more than anyone! He often said the Captain-Commander's teachings were the guide of his life! He was strict with his comrades, but always tried his best to help them! He was definitely not that kind of person! But... but everyone saw it..."
"What the eyes see is not necessarily the whole truth." Setsuna's voice was steady and powerful.
"Come with me. Crying and despairing here alone won't solve anything. Since you believe in your father, muster your courage and ask Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Ask him if he truly believes Kisaragi Shin'etsu was a traitor."
Shusuke's eyes gradually became resolute. "I'll go with you. I believe my father was absolutely not that kind of person!"
...
Late at night, the 1st Division's barracks was still brightly lit, yet shrouded in solemnity and suppression.
The Shinigami's expressions were grave as they came and went. The air was thick with undissipated sorrow and vigilance.
Setsuna, leading Shusuke, arrived at the barracks' main gate.
The 1st Division's member on duty, though surprised by Setsuna's late-night visit, dared not be negligent.
"Captain Chiaki, visiting late at night, may I ask what urgent matter brings you here?" A seated officer approached and inquired.
"I have business requiring a face-to-face meeting with Captain-Commander Yamamoto." Setsuna was succinct.
The seated officer looked troubled. "The Captain-Commander has been working hard lately and has already retired for the night."
Setsuna's gaze was firm. "The matter is of great importance. Please trouble yourself to announce me. Should the Captain-Commander take offense, I will bear full responsibility."
Seeing Setsuna's determined attitude, the officer hesitated for a moment, then turned and went inside to report. After all, the other party was the Captain of the Eleventh Division; his strength and status spoke for themselves.
Before long, the officer returned. "The Captain-Commander agrees to see you, Captain Chiaki. Please follow me."
He led the two through the silent corridors to the tearoom where the Captain-Commander usually handled official business and engaged in quiet contemplation.
Inside, only a single lamp was lit. Yamamoto had not retired as the officer had claimed, but was sitting formally erect in the main seat. Before him sat a cup of tea that had long gone cold.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto." Setsuna gave a slight nod in greeting.
Shusuke, on the other hand, was so nervous his entire body was stiff, his head bowed low.
"Sit, Captain Chiaki." Yamamoto's voice was somewhat hoarse. "Visiting late at night, what is the reason?"
Setsuna did not sit. Instead, he came straight to the point: "Captain-Commander, regarding the matter of your disciple, Sixth Seat Kisaragi Shin'etsu, I wish to hear your true opinion."
Yamamoto fell silent.
The air within the tearoom seemed to freeze, broken only by the occasional faint crackle of the lamp wick.
After a long while, he finally spoke slowly, his voice deep and low:
"This matter... involves secrets. It is internal classified information of the Gotei 13. Captain Chiaki, you are neither the party concerned nor the one responsible for the investigation. There is no need for you to delve deeper."
He looked towards the slightly trembling youth:
"There are some truths that are better left unknown. Knowing too much can sometimes be a burden, or even a danger."