[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Central Seireitei

[BSD]

Northeast Seireitei ------------------> To Central Seireitei
Along the way, a lurking wind pestered Jatiri while he stared off into the distance, pondering upon his ability to protect and serve as a faithful member of the Ninth. The wind whipped across his face causing him to blink excessively. “You’re weak. WEAK!” He clenched his fists upon distinguishing these troubling thoughts. They played on and on until he recognized a familiarity in the choice of words. Perhaps, he remembered something from a former life. Before he could reach a thorough conclusion, the wind cradled him, sheltering him like a new born. He rocked back and forth, embracing the currents while searching for an answer in the skies as he lifted his chin. He squinted his eyes as the sun seemed to size him up, taunting him with it’s harmful rays. After a couple of deep breaths, he placed a single hand on his forehead, shutting his eyes for a moment while he trailed behind the Captain and Lieutenant.
When he opened them, he staggered from a sharp pain rooted in his upper back. The pain flushed through his entire body, holding him static in the center of a dark alleyway. He merged with the lingering shadows, warding off any source of light. Still, moonlight graced the area before him, as vibrations began to travel around with the greatest haste. A gang of over a dozen men emerged from no where. They equipped themselves with katanas while shouting aloud, but Jatiri couldn’t quite make out what was being said. They halted in front of him and all he could do was watch. Each man uttered some words before they drew their swords, wielding their blades vertically. They charged like a pack of starving hyenas as Jatiri gazed intently. He scoured for openings but there was no use. He couldn’t move a muscle. Before they could reach him, the men altered their trajectory, shifting slightly towards Jatiri’s right. He narrowed his eyes, hindered by a veil of darkness. Hidden under a pile of trash, a small boy trembled beneath. A few men kicked aside the trash which he used to cloak himself, as they continued on, kicking him savagely. The brutal beatdown urged Jatiri to look away, but he couldn’t. He already recognized the boy as well as the familiar scenery. The pain in his body seemed to skyrocket. His vision began to blur although he managed to detect an additional presence. A dread haired figure seemed to tower over the men as a massive hand swept them up into the air, before squeezing them to death. Then, everything went black.
He opened his eyes again, only to discover that a few minutes had passed. The captain and lieutenant gained some distance, and he dashed towards them, taking no time to bridge the gap. He glanced over at the Dragon, before looking straight ahead.
”I wasn’t able to protect myself then..but I’m stronger now.” He uttered quietly, while the Dragon walked away, heading to the meeting. He lifted his left hand, throwing up a peace sign, with his two fingers joined together as the captain turned to wave at them. He stood beside the lieutenant waiting for further instruction.
”When you plan on gettin’ a haircut, that shit looks wild,”
Jatiri grinned.
”Probably never. See, I’ve been growin’ out my hair since I was a youngin’. Now, It’s just an extension of my soul. So..I guess Ima’ wild boy.” he concluded.
As Kyu went onwards, returning down the path that brought them to Central, Jatiri followed behind him with no sign of reluctance. When Kyu spoke again, Jatiri rushed beside him upon detecting vibrations, he read his lips, before nodding and looking on ahead. He took a deep breath, consumed by a shroud of silence. After a while, he finally spoke, “When I was a kid, the captain saved my life.” He paused to gauge the Lieutenant’s reaction, picking up again. ”He taught me how to be strong and believe in myself. That might seem simple to some but where I’m from, it means everything. So, I joined to serve under him partly, but there’s something else too. I have a fire in me. It guides me. Sometimes, I wonder..how much more would I achieve if I could just abandon the fear of failure.” His eyes widened as he spoke.
”My bad, I talk too much. What’s your reason for joining the Ninth?”
Central Seireitei ------------------> To Northeast Seireitei

 

[BSD]

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While the Phantom is not the first to arrive, he is the first to enter. The moment he crosses the threshold of the entrance into the hall, the Commander’s presence is felt. The Captain subconsciously clenches his fists tighter as he silently takes his position. He stares ahead, eyes never drifting towards the Commander’s hulkish, towering frame..ever forward they stare.
Captain Kagayaki soon follows behind. Though Kyomu’s eyes remain steadfast it is difficult for anyone to not notice the large frame of Captain Higen. While some would say that heroes die young, others would point towards the Shining Captain as an exception to that rule. Lauded as a hero, dubbed a Knight to those who have come to know him, he is the example for shinigami and Captain’s everywhere, the picture of perfection. Kyomu however, knows better. The armor the Knight wears grows hot and heavy, but it is an armor he cannot remove. The Captain dares not remove it, not in front of others at least. While armor is meant to shield and protect, it also becomes a cage. Its weight, a heavy burden slowing down one's steps and movements, and even with all that it is meant to protect there still exists gaps within its armor. People like Kyomu are exceptional at finding and exploiting such gaps.
There is something different about the elder, and now? Now there is even a hint of malice? No..disgust perhaps, wafting from him. The chinks in the Knight’s armor were becoming larger, he was becoming more exposed. Perhaps he was aware of this...then again..perhaps he wasn’t.
The ‘stench’ of a familiar herb drifts into the room, its smoke signaling the arrival of Captain Kojima. A rough and unruly soul, pulled from the Rukongai and given a haori. What Maho lacks in etiquette, intelligence, personality and ability he makes up for in….nothing. In the eyes of the Phantom, Captain Kojima is little more than a fool parading around as a Captain. He and those under him liken the man as a dragon, with scales that never fail, and flames that reduces all enemies to ash. But, his scales are not as sturdy as he would have them believe, his claws not as sharp, and his flames barely rivaling a candle’s. It is clear that the Captain does not regard the Dragon as his peer, and does not respect him. Forced into a room with him the Phantom can only dismiss the Captain from his thoughts for now.
Tenzen Oda trails shortly behind the Dragon. Of those who have answered the Commander’s call for this meeting, his tenure is by far the shortest. A quiet man, a meek man, to those who do not know him, ignorant to his true nature they would call him timid and weak — their mangled body would undoubtedly be found cast aside elsewhere shortly after attempting to act upon this misinterpretation of the man. The Oda, having endured his transformation, to the public is known to have donned a mask. While it may be an adjustment for some, Tenzen should be used to wearing a mask. Raised by a clan of warriors, born and bred to be strong, to fight and suppress all threats, all enemies beneath his strength. This man nurtured by brutality dons a mask of civility around his fellow shinigami. The violent him, the peaceful him, the hollow him — Tenzen of the many faces positions himself across from the Phantom. One killer across from another.
Finally, last to enter is the Seireitei’s very own little angel. Captain Nakamoto, one of the few to have crossed blades with the Phantom, and still return in one piece. Little Yū is not a killer, nor is he a warrior. While lacking the disposition of a true fighter, he is looked upon not for his power or strength, but his ability to nurture and heal. The Soul Society’s walking miracle man, there seems to be no wound he cannot mend, no sickness he cannot heal, no pain he cannot alleviate. His war against pain and death is an unending one, the numbers of those needing and seeking his attention on a steady rise. The young Captain takes his position.
With the Captain’s gathered, there is
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Silence
The Commander, seated upon his throne says nothing, DOES nothing. His statuesque form remains unmoving, there seems to be no sign of life from the old man. No movement, no breath — if not for the weight of his presence bearing down on them from simply being in proximity to him, one might truly think their Commander has passed awa-
Suddenly, there is a violent force that pulses through the Captain’s hall. Lesser men would buckle, topple over in pain, a number of their bones fractured and broken. Today, the hall is absent of such frail beings. Kyomu’s body tenses, as that overbearing weight that was felt just from simply entering into the Commander’s presence, is doubled briefly from the mere opening of his eyes. Its perhaps a blessing, that this moment of pressure was fleeting...how long would they be able to stand under such monumental weight?
“Report.”
The Phantom’s fingers, still coiled into fists, tighten as he braces himself...and uncoil as he steps forward.
” Captain Mukuro of Second Division.”
The Phantom is the first to report. Kyomu is aware of his current standing within the Seireitei, understands that what he is about to announce will do nothing to paint his division in a better light. Perhaps this is meant to be further penance for his actions.
”In light of recent...events, I’ve come across some information that is…”
The Captain’s voice trails off.
”We’re all aware that there were many deaths and homes destroyed and lost during the rogue Kōtotsu incident. It's been brought to my attention that there are those within the Rukongai who are less than pleased with the outcome...or rather, the speed of the outcome. The people have begun to gather together, displeased with the Seireitei.”
He pauses to let all that he has said to sink in and resonate with those present. It would perhaps have a deeper impact on those who were directly involved in trying to stop the rampant monster back then. Unfortunately for Kyomu...there was more to report.
”During the attack, it would seem that...Third Seat Xiaolin, Warden of the Nest of Maggots..left his post. As a result, due to the excessive damage and chaos, a number of prisoners have escaped...and Xiaolin is currently still missing.”
His anger at his former third seat is clearly felt. This is an embarrassment, one he is forced to suffer alone under the scrutiny of the Commander and his fellow Captains. Still, he continues, seeking to salvage the situation, and save face somehow.
”I’ve issued the order that Xiaolin is to be located and captured immediately...dead or alive. I’ve also dispatched a party of three, spear headed by my Lieutenant to head into the Rukongai districts. I have a subordinate from my squad who has been within the Rukongai for the past two years undercover. His intel regarding the situation within the various districts will undoubtedly be integral in not only fully assessing and determining the situation within the Rukongai, but also possibly locating the whereabouts of the fugitives from the Maggot’s nest.”
Kyomu steps back, resting his hand on the handle of his zanpakuto. His mind drifts to Yasu, urging her to hurry and bring something back from her mission.

 

[BSD]

Last to enter the room, the warm-hearted Captain is greeted only by coldness upon his entrance. The remaining Captains already assume their positions, staring dead ahead at the Commander’s behest who sits undisturbed on his stone throne. His infectious charm is immediately lost upon the sight of Shobatsu Murasaki– even after all this time, just a single glimpse of him is still enough to instill instant fear in his unwavering spirit. Yū wastes no time hesitating any further, as now the young Captain is the only one left everyone is waiting for. He lowers his head immediately and quickly shuffles into the small space left between Captain Mukuro and Captain Kagayaki, joining the group in their stillness.
Their inaction, however, is met by no response from their superior, similarly still to his subordinates. Not a single movement… not a whisper… not a breath. The hall is suddenly filled with Seireitei’s greatest mannequins, crafted with scarily precise detail. Moments pass by as tension builds within the young Captain; His heartbeat increases exponentially, as a result of him refusing to release even a single breath. Would they even be acknowledged? Just what was Commander Murasaki playing at? Did he summon them here just for them to all gawk–
An exhale finally escapes Yū, albeit forcefully– the product of the Commander’s display of his presence. A shockwave rocks the Captain’s Hall and subsides just as swiftly as it had dominated. Subsequent with the Commander’s emergence, his scarred eyelids finally part, granting just a glimpse of the limitless violet energy that is housed within him. His voice booms, but it only speaks a single word.
“Report.”
Without noticeable hesitation, Kyomu Mukuro adheres to his cue and steps forward.
” Captain Mukuro of Second Division.”
”In light of recent...events, I’ve come across some information that is…” he announces before his monotonous voice falters.
“We’re all aware that there were many deaths and homes destroyed and lost during the rogue Kōtotsu incident,” he continues. Yū raises his head to steal a glance at Captain Kojima… did he realize those deaths were the product of his own carelessness? While the young Captain wasn’t present at the scene (and clutched onto that grief for weeks) as he was occupied by other obstacles– obstacles put in place by the very man reporting before him today, the few and sparse accounts of that day all shined a negative light on Captain Kojima in Yū’s perspective. Still, the young Captain couldn’t truly believe the rumors… but, there was still a possibility…
"It's been brought to my attention that there are those within the Rukongai who are less than pleased with the outcome...or rather, the speed of the outcome. The people have begun to gather together, displeased with the Seireitei.”

“Who can blame them…” Yū ponders to himself, now lowering his head in shame. Not shame in his own action, but shame by chosen association… how could he stand by all these months and pretend their actions were justified? How could their Commander sit back... assumedly accepting their actions, regardless of the cost? Anger, a rare emotion found in Yū Nakamoto, builds slowly in his belly at the recollection of the Kōtotsu Incident. They truly were murderers, every single of them, whether they wanted to admit it or not. But, the most reprehensible of them all sat pretty on his throne... and it was the sheer terror of him on the throne which forced Captain Nakamoto to hold his tongue all these months. But, just how much longer would Yū’s fear outweigh his duty to defend what he strongly believed– no, what he knew was right?
”During the attack, it would seem that...Third Seat Xiaolin, Warden of the Nest of Maggots… left his post. As a result, due to the excessive damage and chaos, a number of prisoners have escaped… and Xiaolin is currently still missing. I’ve issued the order that Xiaolin is to be located and captured immediately...dead or alive.”
The young Captain remains in silence, the news of Xiaolin’s departure fairly stale to Yū’s ears. Who wouldn’t want to flee under the command of Kyomu Mukuro, the Seireitei’s coldest killer? Only a fool… or an equally capable scourge. The only piece of information that intrigues the boy is the poor victim’s name itself– Xiaolin. Just where had he heard that name before? Yū takes only a fraction of a moment to run through his rolodex of names, the visage of a large-eared man dominating his depiction of the name. Ah, of course. That one friend Lieutenant Yugure brought around from time to time. The young Captain hadn’t had the pleasure of formally meeting Xiaolin himself, maybe running into each other once or twice at the relief station or perhaps stealing a glimpse of the Third Seat when out and about with Yasu, but he couldn’t truly remember. His recollection is cut off by Kyomu’s continued report.
“I’ve also dispatched a party of three, spear headed by my Lieutenant to head into the Rukongai districts. I have a subordinate from my squad who has been within the Rukongai for the past two years undercover. His intel regarding the situation within the various districts will undoubtedly be integral in not only fully assessing and determining the situation within the Rukongai, but also possibly locating the whereabouts of the fugitives from the Maggot’s Nest.”
“At least Yasu is doing good...” Yū reflects internally about his old friend as Captain Mukuro steps back to his side. Now… it’s his turn.

 

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He was the fourth to enter the hall and the fourth person to lay eyes on The Great Judicator himself. The last time he laid eyes on this man he was half-conscious and being crushed by his immense Reiatsu and yet he harbors no resentment towards the man, no hate, no animosity just respect. The atmosphere in the hall was quite tense but what was the cause for this tension? Did the Captains have damning news to tell that would put their position or lives in jeopardy? Was it the presence of Kyomu or himself that put them on edge seeing how at one time both of them put the Seireitei at risk. He'll find out eventually as he strides past Higen who has been giving him an offputting vibe since arriving here. Probably best not to stand near him. He decides to take his place on the same side as Maho, leaving some space between them as Tenzen prefers to have some personal space between himself and others. Coincidentally this puts him across from Kyomu and near the Commander. Strange that the two Captains who have been front and center for the most recent events of chaos position themselves closest to the one who judged them.
The youngest of the Captains arrived shortly after, not too far behind Tenzen's own arrival. With his arrival, the Captains can finally get this meeting underway. Tenzen lowers his head a tad, closing his eyes to place himself in a shallow meditative state, he was still attentive to those around him and their words. While he was in this meditative state he realizes that nothing has been said or spoken there is only a perpetuating silence in the hall. No matter, a bit of silence doesn't bother this particular Oda one bit, but as for his fellow Captain's the silence may bother or irk them in one way or another.
His meditation is disturbed, no, he was ripped from his meditation as his eyes shot open from the sudden force being exerted by the Commander. A mere fraction of what he felt two months ago but his body remembers the sensation by tensing up and bracing for the worse. Compared to what he felt that day this is trivial and this time... This time he can admire the power of his Commander without risk of injury. His body, mind, and soul are still at peace but yet he doesn't even realize the grin he has on his face, not right away at least. He raises a hand to his mouth, closes his eyes, and when the hand is lowered his expression returns to its passive state. Despite the pressure in the room he is able to slip back into his shallow meditative state once more.
"Report."
It didn't take long for another voice to follow the demanding words of their Commander as Kyomu Mukuro steps up to speak.
”Captain Mukuro of Second Division.”
What this man has to say should be interesting to say the least.
” In light of recent...events, I’ve come across some information that is…”
Is he not good at public speaking? Tenzen isn't judging the man for this as he himself suffers from the same thing, on a social level at least and this is the furthest thing from a social gathering.
” We’re all aware that there were many deaths and homes destroyed and lost during the rogue Kōtotsu incident. It's been brought to my attention that there are those within the Rukongai who are less than pleased with the outcome...or rather, the speed of the outcome. The people have begun to gather together, displeased with the Seireitei.”
The people of the Rukongai are upset over what happened? Of course, they do not understand or see the big picture of things. They get to live their lives freely without much care or thought in the world other than what they plan to do the next day. THEY don't have to worry about upholding the balance that the Shinigami maintain so they can live their carefree lives. All they have to do is live their lives and be reincarnated, that is their purpose, they are just part of the flow that is Samsara.
” During the attack, it would seem that...Third Seat Xiaolin, Warden of the Nest of Maggots..left his post. As a result, due to the excessive damage and chaos, a number of prisoners have escaped...and Xiaolin is currently still missing.”
Could this coincide with the information Tenzen has to present? A possible prison break using the Kōtotsu as a distraction to avert their attention away from the Seireitei. Maybe, but no one especially dangerous is in Maggots Nest, no those beings are all in Muken. Questions and theories is all this Oda has at the moment.
” I’ve issued the order that Xiaolin is to be located and captured immediately...dead or alive. I’ve also dispatched a party of three, spear headed by my Lieutenant to head into the Rukongai districts. I have a subordinate from my squad who has been within the Rukongai for the past two years undercover. His intel regarding the situation within the various districts will undoubtedly be integral in not only fully assessing and determining the situation within the Rukongai, but also possibly locating the whereabouts of the fugitives from the Maggot’s nest.”
This Xiaolin could be some sort of traitor who organized the breakout in conjunction with the Kōtotsu. Wild speculation is all that is, no sense in putting so much thought into it until all the pieces are on the table. The information the other Captains have may put together a clearer picture for him. It seems like no one has spoken up yet in regards to his report, time for Tenzen to throw in his two cents. His head remains tilted downward, eyes still closed as he does not exactly break his meditative state yet he still speaks calmly and clearly.
"If it would help, Captain Mukuro, I can lend you some of my troops from the Kido Corps to assist in tracking and capturing the fugitives. With the aid of Kido it may speed up the process so that we can contain those criminals once again."
Tenzen does not berate his fellow Captain, he does not point fingers or cast blame, no, he offers aid to reach a solution to the problem. Since he has stood in this room he feels there is a rift between the Captains in one form or another. He plans to bridge that rift in an attempt to unify the Gotei in some way. Petty doubts and equally petty blame is no way for them to behave towards each other. There must be peace and balance between them if they ever hope of getting anything done efficiently.
This man may be the newest Captain in the hall but he was raised with the ideals and beliefs of a strong and unified Gotei so he will hold strong to them and speak to these men as his equals with these ideals and beliefs in mind.

 

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[click every time ^]

Maho takes his spot amongst his peers, whether they believed it or not. All who dawn the white Haori were seen as such in the blind eye of the commander. In his view, they all stood before him as equals, beneath his command. Each individual opinion and cause meant little in the grand scheme. Whatever such a scheme may be...
Who could really say? What went on in the mind of that man.
His posture stiffens then relaxes into his normal stride. The sound of his custom made shoes squeak loose across the wooden flooring. The Dragon's eye tracks those in the room, Higen and Yu stand directly across from him, Tenzen at his right and Mukuro across the way. His eye hones in on their postures and mannerisms. Though subtle, he sniffs out the tension in those around him. They are all equally as unsure in the presence of the Commander and the way they carried themselves revealed everything he needed to know. It is this realization that calms him. He allows every puff of his cigar to be as unobtrusive as it would allow. The smell tames itself in the presence of the head captain. He exhaled a humble cloud. The act of hitting the open air causing it to dissipate, leaving only its smell. The aroma lingers just at the tip of one's nose, enough to know it is there. To see it.

"Report"
He speaks a single word. There is no direct context. Much had transpired since they had all been in the same room. Especially with a newcomer in the mix. What were they supposed to report on? What secrets had yet been revealed? His mind searched for the right questions and the right answers. Thinking back to the trail of action that fell into their laps in the recent months. Truly, he did not know what to expect out of everything he would discover here.
It is the phantom, he who set all of these events in motion, who speaks first.
”Captain Mukuro of Second Division.”
”In light of recent...events, I’ve come across some information that is…”
Get on with it spirit feet...
”We’re all aware that there were many deaths and homes destroyed and lost during the rogue Kōtotsu incident. It's been brought to my attention that there are those within the Rukongai who are less than pleased with the outcome...or rather, the speed of the outcome. The people have begun to gather together, displeased with the Seireitei.”
. . .
” During the attack, it would seem that...
His pauses cause Maho's ear to twitch, the essence of "the scoop" sifting through the air.

...Third Seat Xiaolin, Warden of the Nest of Maggots...left his post. As a result, due to the excessive damage and chaos, a number of prisoners have escaped...and Xiaolin is currently still missing.”

It would seem the second division has a streak it has to maintain. Not too soon after their Captain stages an attack on the Commander, now there are missing members. The warden?? Now that's a scoop...
Despite such a failure, Maho cannot blame his fellow Captain. There are all sorts of scum bags within the Seireitei. It's difficult to fight a war against the outside all while you have to prevent the likelihood of being eaten from the inside. The Central 46 was an issue in itself. With all that pride it took an astonishing level of humility to expose oneself like that, in front of everyone. That alone prevents Maho from butting in or making a remark. He holds his cigar in his teeth, its burn rhythmic and steady. Kyomu takes no breaks in his speech and continues.
” I’ve issued the order that Xiaolin is to be located and captured immediately...dead or alive. I’ve also dispatched a party of three, spearheaded by my Lieutenant to head into the Rukongai districts. I have a subordinate from my squad who has been within the Rukongai for the past two years undercover. His intel regarding the situation within the various districts will undoubtedly be integral in not only fully assessing and determining the situation within the Rukongai but also possibly locating the whereabouts of the fugitives from the Maggot’s nest.”
Well...at least he's working hard to fix it...
Tenzen is the first to offer assistance, offering the Aid of the Kido corps in helping apprehend the criminals let loose by the Second's negligence. Something like this should have been avoided and Tenzens attempt felt like he was trying to compensate for something. Who could blame him? It was admirable, but if Kyomu hasn't already found them, what makes him think that would do any good? Would the ghost even accept his help? Doubtful.

"Heh..."
"It seems I was right...the cogs of fate have been turning on us..." Maho mutters to himself, only audible to someone honed in on him. He crosses his arms across his chest and offers nothing more for the time being. A string of smoke escapes into the air above them, gone. He keeps most of his thoughts to himself, for now, allowing the flow of information to come through. Soon enough it would be his turn...but what would he say? For what purpose? The thought is enough to cause anxiety, but he brushes it off the best he can. What more will be revealed here?