The Captains’ Judgment
The First Division’s grand meeting hall was silent, save for the faint crackling of the torches lining the walls. The entire Gotei 13 stood assembled, the air thick with anticipation.
Harry stood in the center of the room, his Zanpakutō strapped to his back, its chain resting lightly at his side. Though he kept his expression neutral, he could feel the weight of every captain’s gaze on him.
At the head of the room, Captain-Commander Yamamoto sat, his imposing presence radiating absolute authority. He had not spoken yet, simply studying Harry with those ancient, unreadable eyes.
Finally, he spoke.
“You wield a Zanpakutō unlike any before seen in the Soul Society.” His voice was deep, commanding. “Explain.”
Harry met his gaze without flinching. “My Zanpakutō’s name is Mors Vincula—Chains of Death. It binds and severs, cutting through fate itself. In Hueco Mundo, I used it to erase a dangerous enemy permanently.”
A ripple of murmurs spread through the captains.
Soi Fon of the Second Division frowned. “Erase? Not purify?”
Harry nodded. “Yes. There was nothing left behind.”
Her eyes narrowed. “That is not how Zanpakutō function.”
Kurotsuchi Mayuri, the twisted scientist of the Twelfth Division, let out a dry chuckle. “Fascinating… A blade that can erase a soul completely… Such a thing should not exist.” His golden eyes glowed with intrigue. “I would very much like to study it.”
Harry resisted the urge to step back. He had already decided he didn’t like this man.
Kenpachi Zaraki, the brute of the Eleventh Division, grinned, resting a hand on his sword. “So, what I’m hearing is… you’re dangerous.” His single eye glinted with interest. “Sounds fun.”
Captain Byakuya Kuchiki of the Sixth Division studied Harry with his usual impassive expression. “An ability of that magnitude could disrupt the balance of souls.”
Jūshiro Ukitake spoke then, his voice calm but firm. “Balance or not, what concerns me more is that Mors Vincula seems to have an existence beyond what we understand.” He turned to Harry. “Did your Zanpakutō explain what it truly is?”
Harry hesitated. The voice of Mors Vincula still echoed in his mind, but its full truth… he didn’t understand yet.
“No,” he admitted. “But I know it’s not just a weapon. It’s… something older. Something that doesn’t belong to the Soul Society.”
The murmurs grew louder.
Yamamoto’s cane struck the floor once. Silence.
The old man’s eyes bore into Harry’s, unreadable. “Then the question remains—what shall be done with you?”
A heavy pause filled the air.
Soi Fon’s gaze was sharp. “A power like his cannot be left unchecked. We should consider containment.”
Harry’s jaw tightened.
Kenpachi laughed. “Containment? Oh, come on. That’s boring. Just let him fight.”
Byakuya’s tone was emotionless. “We cannot make a decision based on fear. He has done nothing to betray the Soul Society.”
Hitsugaya Tōshirō, the youngest captain, frowned. “Yet. That kind of power could easily become a threat.”
Harry finally spoke. “I fought alongside your Soul Reapers. I killed an enemy who could have caused far more damage if left unchecked. I didn’t ask for this power—but I have it. And I will not be locked away for something I didn’t choose.”
Silence again.
Then Yamamoto leaned forward slightly. “Then prove it.”
Harry stiffened. “What?”
The old man’s gaze was unwavering. “You will undergo a test. A challenge to determine whether you are a blessing to the Soul Society… or a curse upon it.”
Harry exhaled slowly. He had expected something like this.
“What kind of test?” he asked.
Yamamoto closed his eyes for a brief moment. Then, when they opened, his decision was final.
“You will face a Captain.”
A hum of approval rippled through the room.
Harry didn’t flinch. “Who?”
Yamamoto’s gaze shifted slightly.
“You will fight Captain Kuchiki.”
Harry turned to Byakuya, whose face remained unreadable.
Renji, standing in the shadows behind his captain, tensed. He knew exactly what that meant.
Byakuya stepped forward, his cold, noble presence radiating discipline and immense power.
“As you command, Head Captain,” he said simply.
Harry felt the shift in the air.
This was no simple test.
This was a judgment.
And if he failed…
He wouldn’t be given another chance.