[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Central Seireitei

[BSD]

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Flames scatter about the room their light obscured and smothered out by the thick fog that now fills the room. Tenzen had not noticed it earlier, so caught up in unfolding his plan to strike at The Titan. His failed attempt at stopping Captain Mukuro's sudden increase in Reiatsu has given rise to something unexpected. Had he prioritized him instead of Captain Kagayaki he could have possibly prevented this. There is a good chance that there was no way he could have stopped this from happening at all as the sudden appearance of this fog, Kyomu's, large spike in Reiatsu, and his presence vanishing into thin air brings him to a conclusion.
"This must be his Bankai..."
That sense of anxiety he gets around those in Second Division increases a hundredfold with the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. This isn't fear, it is anticipation, the anticipation of the Phantom's next strike. A strike he had openly welcomed not to long ago, was this perhaps a mistake?
“Gaahmmm!”
The sound of a pained Titan reaches his ears, just what is this Bankai? Such a thing that is able to reach Higen and wound him, it must hold some deadly secret. The man exhales slowly, calming, and halting his thoughts. It is rude to linger on the thoughts of someone's Bankai, it is a secret weapon and for the assassin to use in now in this hall is an honor, in his eyes at least. Sadly, Tenzen cannot return the favor as his Bankai is not something that can be used in training or a friendly spar. Oh yes, Tenzen sees this as a friendly spar, even with all the blood, fire, and steel flying about it is just a friendly spar. He stares into the fog, this wall-less maze. If not for him standing still his sense of direction would be thrown off for sure.
“Gah… You got me good.. Kyomu-san. – You heard the man. Stri-”
Tenzen's eyes shift in the direction Higen's words originate from but his attention is quickly drawn back to the sense of danger coming down upon him. His instincts scream for him to react, for him to cast a spell, summon back his Zanpakuto, to don his mask. They are all ignored, he meant what he said by "no more tricks" he wanted to wear his scars like badges of honor and there would be no honor if he went back on his words that he spoke without misdirection. Though the blades seem to form out of nothingness instantaneously Tenzen found the time to relax his body and prepare to be cut down.
The blades strike true, however, Tenzen does what he can to ensure his own safety. A half step back is taken by the man to ensure that he is not cut in half at the waist. This step back does make the cut to his shoulder much deeper than even the Phantom may have anticipated but this is a favorable trade-off as opposed to being cut in half. Then there is the slash to the thigh that cuts deep into the muscle and drops the Buddha down to a knee. As soon as the blades run through his skin the wounds are instantly covered with orange Kido, their shape manipulated to fit around his wounds. This Kido is known as Goyōgai (五養蓋, Five Support Cover) and it can place a person in a sort of stasis. It is strong enough to stave off death from mortal wounds but in the Captain's case, it is to keep himself stable until he can get proper medical aid. His swift decision making ensures he does not lose a large amount of blood and keeps the wounds somewhat closed.
Down to a knee and sweating profusely he begins to... laugh. Holding his stomach from the pain of the Phantom's blade he laughs heartily and sits flat on the ground.
"Hahahaha!! I yield! I yield! Oh, this was so much fun! You guys really made me feel like I was back home and I can't thank you enough for that! Everyone in this hall is a true warrior through and through!"
He struggles to stand to his feet, falling back to a single knee thanks to the wound on his leg. Even while in stasis the pain still exists, there is no getting rid of that.
"We are done now, yes? I hope so because I'd like to get started on Murasaki-Sama's orders now."
With the fog still up he has no way to navigate to the door or to retrieve his Zanpakuto. In the end, Tenzen got what he wanted, a scar from every Captain except Captain Nakamoto. Perhaps he will remedy this in the future but for now his fun is over and it is time to return to being a Captain of the Gotei 13.

Outside the hall, all who were gathered outside would sense multiple Reiatsu signatures headed their way, twenty-five in total. Not far from Kiku and Nibui twenty-four of these signatures would manifest near them, The Kido Corps High Priestesses, their guards, and five members of Fifth Division. Four Priestesses guarded by four members of the Kido Corps, although, there were four of these guards without a Priestess, she had appeared before Head Lt. Oki and 6th Seat Gekko, bowing her head to them both. She kept her distance from them as she is unsure of how they would feel about her getting too close to the Hall. There was no hostility in her form or Reiatsu as she was there to deliver a simple message to them.

"Greetings. Not long ago our Division picked up the signature of a Hado 90 being used with a full incantation. I am here to await our Captain and give this report to him as it requires his immediate attention. That is all."
Beneath her faceless mask, the look of nervousness could not be seen. Her body language remained as elegant and dignified as her attire, yet she was nervous. Nervous about how these two would react to her sudden appearance and the words she spoke. Was she too direct and brash? Being so used to giving out orders and information had she perhaps forgotten how to speak to those who stand atop the Gotei 13? Unbeknownst to herself, her head lowers itself as if the doubt and nerves weigh it down. There is nothing to do now but wait. Wait for their response and wait for the Kido Chief.

 

[BSD]

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“Gah… You got me good.. Kyomu-san. – You heard the man. Stri-”
The elder’s spiel fades into the background, words of nothingness—lacking meaning in the face of two adversaries that still sought the spilling of blood. There is a subtle tinge in his back, The wound stretching from his left lower back to the peak of his right shoulder blade. Each time his arms shifted in position as he talked, or his body initiated its natural swagger, blood leaked from it profusely. The mountain of a man did not wear his pain, however, operating normally at least for the time being. There is silence, perhaps they are listening to an old man ramble about, digesting his words with a pure heart and mind. He’d be mistaken, and despite his age, he’d also be rather naïve. The colosseum that had been born from the Captain’s hall seemed to stay true to its purpose, words losing their value amidst the clashing of blades and the tearing of flesh.
The murderous intent that radiated from Kyomu had not dwindled yet once, bearing down upon them in the dark, foggy room like a sudden storm. In this endless limbo, Kyomu’s blade will always find its mark. His senses were slightly dismayed, yet it did not prevent the sound of another successful Kyomu attack to reach his ears. Although he asked for it, it sounded as if Tenzen had received it far worse. His natural defenses paled in comparison, and the phantom would never truly pull a punch.
“"Hahahaha!! I yield! I yield! Oh, this was so much fun! You guys really made me feel like I was back home and I can't thank you enough for that! Everyone in this hall is a true warrior through and through!"
The sound of the Vizard Captain’s laugh is… discerning, filled with an empty malice wrapped in the blanket of enjoyment. What Higen had witnessed today from the Buddha, drew more comparisons between him and the hollow beast inside of him that he had ever hoped to find. While that was cause for concern, he had also drawn similarities between the two very different Captains, both Tenzen and Higen sharing the qualities needed to lead on the battlefield. The Oda were crafty, dangerous, and perhaps as a one of the few Captain successors in a century or more, Tenzen was a prime example of is stigma.
"We are done now, yes? I hope so because I'd like to get started on Murasaki-Sama's orders now."
The Buddha infers, his physical presence still indistinguishable through the thickened fog. Kyomu, the ghost, assuredly roams about freely, lying in wait to ensure that his task, his fulfillment was met with a satisfactory completion. A ghastly sigh escapes The Knight’s lips, his muscles stiffen around the wound as the flesh fights to rapidly repair itself to no avail.
I suppose they didn’t hear a word I said…
Perhaps he was wasting his breath, maybe the realization was one that they’d have to reach on their own, when separated from their personal goals and desires in this room. Tenzen’s lust to face each of his peers and wear scars as badges of honor is no different than Kyomu’s overzealous execution of the Commander’s order. Both seek to gain satisfaction, to reach a point where they can walk away from this moment and continue with the slightest sense of victory, despite the Commander’s reminder of their failures and shortcomings. Higen was not exempt to those reminders either, but had only one goal in this room—to ensure that a unified front left its confines, able to face the adversity of a coming threat without decapitating each other in the process. A deep, bellowing voice echoes in the hall, loud enough to where it’d be impossible to talk over.
“Have you had enough.. Young Captain Mukuro.. has Genzoken quenched its thirst?
He pauses for a moment, looking around him, his depth of field still diminished and limited to the sea of fog. Without the sealing of Kyomu’s bankai, neither Higen or Tenzen would leave the room easily, or at all.
“Perhaps you too should tend to the Commander’s tasks..”
He suggests idly, ensuring not to temper the phantom who’d received his fair share of orders for the day. His order was now fulfilled, no tricks to be pulled by the elusive Oda who was more than likely now severely wounded. As usual the old man had no tricks of his own, so perhaps Kyomu was ready.. finally ready—to move forward. Higen felt the hatred for the Commander in Kyomu’s blade, and in hindsight, perhaps this was a necessary exercise for at least momentarily quelling those vindictive feelings.

 

[BSD]

As the man speaks on behalf of the entirety of the Central 46, he along with his colleagues and the hidden Misaki Kuchiki watch the goliath Commander. His silence and stillness as he’s spoken to only further reinforces their current assessment of the man, silently encouraging them. Had he spoken out of place, had he moved or acted aggressively it would mean the worst case scenario — it would mean Shobatsu Murasaki did not value any law or any position above his own. It seems that wasn’t the case.
”Is the defendant ready?”
The hall is silent, cold and still. All eyes on the towering statue of a man that is the Commander. Despite their silent confidence, that same confidence strains and threatens to buckle due to the heaviness of the Commander’s presence, and the duration of this uncomfortable silence. Were they wrong? Had they misassessed this man? Misaki’s eyes narrow, honing in on the source of her hatred and pain like a hawk. Pearly whites bite into her painted bottom lip as she grows more and more impatient behind her cloak of concealment. The fingers of the Central 46 twitch as hands begin to rise, fearing an imminent threat and subconsciously moving in preparation for-
“Proceed.”
The Commander breaks his silence, easing the palpable tension just a bit.Misaki’s teeth relinquish their hold on her bottom lip, the Central 46 lower their hands. They look to one another from behind their plaques and nod. Shobatsu had not acted out of line, he had not spoken out of place or behaved even slightly aggressively. Each man and woman smiled to themselves internally. They could do this…they had him.
”Before your time as Commander you were a plague. A blight of violence, war, and terror who spread that plague throughout the Soul Society. You placed no man or law in your eye, your thirst for violence and power was...insatiable.”
As he speaks, each man and woman present in the hall silently recalls the time that the Warlord who was more demon than man reigned free. Some present lived through such a terrible time, others had only ever heard the stories, tales that no man ever dared to even openly whispered. Back then after, Commander Genryūsai Yamamoto subdued and sealed away this...this monster, his name and all tales of his existence had become one of taboo for quite some time, slowly transforming into one of many of Genryūsai’s epics.
”It would appear that, despite your calm demeanor, your twisted ambitions had not been quelled during your time in Muken.”
The tone of both the man’s voice and the very air of these proceedings change. Misaki’s eyes light up, she struggles to calm her trembling body. It was about to truly begin.
”Shobatsu Murasaki..your plans, your deception runs deep. Months ago you were attacked and betrayed by one of your own Captains, Captain Mukuro of the Second Division as well as the Commander and Chief of the Onmitsukidō. Yet, not only does the man live, he still remains as a Captain no less! Who among us is not aware of that clan’s profession? A dangerous element that exists outside the purview of the Seireitei, and you allowed one of their ilk into a position of such authority! Allowed him to place the Gotei 13 in peril, shaking the very foundation of the Gotei 13, sundering its morale! Yet for all your talk of justice, still the man known as Kyomu Mukuro still draws breath.”
SLAM SLAM SLAM
The Forty Judges and Six Wisemen, slam their hands atop the surface before them in unison, the banging echoing throughout the halls.
”Tenzen Oda, another man of tainted blood, hailing from the demented clan of barbarians. Where reason dictates he is to be suppressed, you instead allow the man to not only hold a seated position, but promoted him to Captain, allowed this sleeping maniac to command the Kido Corps giving him and his clan unlimited access to all manner of knowledge of spells and artifacts that if misused or mishandled could threaten not only the Seireitei itself but the very balance we strive to maintain!”
SLAM SLAM SLAM
The tension continues to rise, the man’s voice rattles and roars with emotions he struggles and fails to completely suppress. He speaks with the fury and vigor of a young man, within the body of a seasoned and aged soul.
”Shirogane Kuchiki, it is a name you should remember. While you would see fit to promote liars, traitors, assassins and barbarians...you seemed intent on suppressing a talented shinigami from one of our most prominent and noblest of clans.”
A weary and tired sigh escapes the aged wise man. Misaki, still at a distance, still cloaked trembles. Eyes filled with anger begin to water at the mention of her deceased- no..her murdered son. Her vision blurs from tears that refused to fall. She blinks and wipes her eyes. She needed to be able to see, she needed to witness this until the very end.
”Shirogane was a proud man, who placed duty, the law and his love for his clan above all else. As someone raised to become not only the next head of the clan, but the next Captain of Squad Six, it is understandable that his pride would be shattered, his heart and soul distraught. But...you knew that already, didn’t you Commander Murasaki. Or rather, you expected as much.”
He doesn’t bother waiting for an actual response, now was not the time for the Commander to speak. Now was the time for him to listen, listen to his crimes, to the sins committed by him and the lives endangered and destroyed by those very sins.
”Knowing that Shirogane who felt his failure was a stain on his clan, that his perceived failure had become there’s you also knew he would do anything to erase that blemish on the Kuchiki name. A man so proud, and so powerful why would he need anything to assist him in eradicating and disposing of hollows. Rather, he wouldn’t need such a thing, it was someone else who wanted the pot, another who had need of it and so manipulated the man into retrieving it, weaponizing his pride against him for their own gain. I speak specifically of you, Shobatsu.”
The tone continues to grow ever darker as the charges pitted against the Commander become increasingly heavier by the minute.
”Is it coincidence that when the Kōtotsu was demolishing the Soul Society, when Captains and seated Officers struggled to mitigate the damage, to stop this disaster you remained idle? You, with all your power did...nothing. Of course you did, you needed this chaos, needed eyes averted, you needed the Gotei 13 in disarray. With everyone so focused on the destruction and rebuilding no one would question where the Commander was, or what he was doing..for who in their mind would dare question the Great Judicator.”
Old travesties are unearthed as the man speaks of perceived plotting and indifference to the lives and the well being of the shinigami on Shobatsu’s part. While others may see Shobatsu’s inaction as his trust in the abilities of those who call themselves Captains, it was clear the Central 46 did not see it this way.
”Is it also mere coincidence, simple happenstance that the moment Kyomu the traitor, and his Vice Captain return from their unsanctioned visit to the nest of assassins and killers yet another travesty would befall the Seireitei? The travesty I speak of, is the hollowfication that took place. We know Commander Murasaki…”
SLAM
”WE KNOW THAT YOU MANIPULATED AND USED SHIROGANE KUCHIKI TO NOT ONLY RETRIEVE THE ACCURSED FESTERING POT, BUT USED ITS CORRUPTED POWER TO BEGIN THE CREATION OF YOUR OWN PERSONAL ARMY OF VIZARDS, LOYAL TO YOU AND YOU ALONE! A MEMBER OF THE CRAZED AND BARBARIC ODA CLAN, A VICE CAPTAIN TRAINED UNDER A TRAITOR AND KILLER, TAKEN AWAY FROM THE GROUNDS OF THE SEIREITEI FOR FURTHER CONDITIONING BY THESE UNSANCTIONED KILLERS TO BETTER SERVE YOU, AND A THIRD SEAT WHO IMMEDIATELY IS PLACED UNDER THE SAME LUNATIC YOU WOULD CALL CAPTAIN AND KIDO CHIEF!!”
His voice roars and rattles along the walls of the hall, it is impossible for any to not hear him, least of all Shobatsu himself. His body shakes with anger as he stares down at the statuesque Commander.
”You thought your plan was perfect, after all..you killed what should have been your only loose end, Shirogane Kuchiki who died in the Rukongai...outside of the walls of the Seireitei, well..his wasn’t the only death there...was it? Unfortunately for you, the instrument of your treachery was not the only witness to your crimes. We-”
The massive doors to the hall creak open, stopping just slightly ajar.
”WHO DARES?!”
Within the door an agent completely clad in black, a headband bearing the mark of the Central 46 rests around their head. The agent’s eyes just barely lift up to see the hem of Shobatsu’s haori. Their body stiffens at the Commander’s presence, and they swallow to suppress their fear. The agent vanishes from their place, appearing in that same moment next to the spokesman spearheading the proceedings.
”Wha- are..you POSITIVE?”
The man asks in a whisper of disbelief. The agent can only nod accordingly. Misaki, like the man’s colleagues, stares on in confusion. The others out of earshot unable to hear the news passed on. Perhaps the only other person able to pick up on what was said...was Shobatsu himself. The agent takes a step back before vanishing, seemingly into the shadows.
THUD
The massive doors that were slightly ajar close once more. Silence befalls the grand hall.
.
.
.
”Y-you...y-y-you…”
The silence is shattered by the spokesman’s stammering. The man, while on his feet and still obscured by shadows and wooden plaque, takes a step back. A single shaking hand is raised before an accusatory finger is pointed towards the silent Commander.
”You FIEND. TREACHEROUS VILLAIN!”
He managed to finally spit out the words, almost quite literally.
”Does your thirst for power, violence, conquest and bloodshed know no end?! To achieve your goals is no life sacred?! Not even that of a Captain?!”
The other members of the Central 46 stare on in confusion. Misaki who had planned and plotted so much is also in the dark, this was beyond her expectations, beyond her ability to foresee.
”Maho Kojima, Captain of the Ninth Division and..perhaps the only Captain not subservient to Commander Murasaki...is dead. He was ambushed by Akarui Gekkō, Sixth Seat of the First Division after he came out of the meeting hall. It is also outside of it...where he was slain, by another Shobatsu loyalist. One of YOUR direct subordinates Commander Murasaki!”
A chill runs down the spine of everyone inside as they stare on in horror at Shobatsu. Captain Kojima was a rather unorthodox man and Captain. While he was known to question authority at the times, he was never a man to shirk off his duties. It was Captain Kojima who was at the forefront of working and striving to avert the Kōtotsu disaster, and such a man was now dead? The timing was too coincidental, for it to happen at the same time this trial was taking place. Was it meant as a message, a warning to not only the Central 46 but the entire Gotei 13, that no one was safe. Regardless of status or rank, and regardless if the Commander was present or not, if he wanted you dead...you were dead. What other explanation could there be?
”Yes, it's clear to me as it is to everyone present here. By keeping Kyomu Mukuro alive and as Captain, you ensure that the entire clan of assassins is at your disposal, just as the Oda now rest within your pocket by way of the now Vizard Tenzen Oda. You’ve obtained three Vizard warriors, manipulated Shirogane Kuchiki by way of his fractured pride to allow you to not only obtain these three new weapons, but to deal a crippling blow to the Kuchiki Clan before murdering him once he had outlived his usefulness. You also now stand responsible for the murder of Captain Maho Kojima of Squad Nine...Sixth Seat Akarui Gekkō will also stand trial for her hand in this most recent of many crimes.”
SLAM SLAM SLAM
Instead of hands, the sounds of many gavels strike and echo in thunderous chorus.
’You’re finished Shobatsu. From your death, let the glory and prestige of the Kuchiki and all noble clans rise once more.’
”Commander-no...Shobatsu Murasaki. Your crimes against the Seireitei are as grievous as there are many. No longer can we abide your existence and reign, no longer will we allow your evil to spill into the world and continue to danger all that we have built. Step forward to receive your judgement!”
That was it, they had reached their conclusion, one that perhaps had been made prior to Shobatsu’s rival or even the news of Captain Kojima’s untimely death. It seems they didn’t even care to give Shobatsu a chance to respond to these charges and accusations, to defend himself or question the nature of the supposed witness or witnesses. No, it appeared this time, the mighty Commander was done for good, that the Judicator would be felled by ’justice’.

 

[BSD]

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Tenzen, finds himself in the most peculiar of predicaments. Uncertain to exactly how the Phantom will attack, when he will attack, and where he will attack, relaxes his body best he can in preparation for the inevitable.
When the attacks appear, they do so both simultaneously and instantaneously. His shoulder is sliced into, the wound deep and unsightly — flesh covering his thigh is severed, downing the Buddha to one knee and just as quickly and silently as the attacks appeared, they ended just the same. It was as if the Oda had just been assaulted by the wind itself. The Kido Chief wastes no time. While he was no Captain Nakamoto, versed in the field of healing and medicine, he was skilled enough to tend to his own injuries with Kido, repurposing the spell to protect himself until his injuries could be properly addressed.
The Oda was down, he was injured...the target was weak. Body perspiring, the Buddha — despite his injuries...begins to laugh.
"Hahahaha!! I yield! I yield! Oh, this was so much fun! You guys really made me feel like I was back home and I can't thank you enough for that! Everyone in this hall is a true warrior through and through!"
While it was true this was the best opportunity to strike the man down, to finish him off...Kyomu couldn’t deny the man had been true to his word. He welcomed and accepted Kyomu’s blade, despite knowing the dangers of doing so.
”.....”
"We are done now, yes? I hope so because I'd like to get started on Murasaki-Sama's orders now."
The way Tenzen appeared...struggling to stand only to fail, falling back down to his knee, doing its best to support him..to keep him from falling over. Just..maybe-
”-Maybe what? Maybe you can trust him..trust them? That maybe you could see them as true comrades? There’s no friendship among assassins...no trust between killers Kyomu.”
A hoarse and aged voice fills the Phantom’s ear. His demons, silent since his time within his inner world, try to resurface, struggle to claw their way back to the forefront of his mind. His past would keep the young Captain isolated, distanced and unreachable. Kyomu does not respond to the voice, he had accepted who and what he was after all. Still, the Captain cannot help but to hesitate. As always, it was a struggle to actively suppress instincts ingrained into his very marrow, instincts that had sewn their way through every inch of his being. Instincts that would move him to permanently put down the designated target.
“Have you had enough.. Young Captain Mukuro.. has Genzoken quenched its thirst?
The titan’s voice repels the demon in Kyomu’s mind, drawing the young man’s attention. While Higen, like Tenzen remains uncertain to exactly where Kyomu is, the elder knows his voice is sure to reach the Captain. He pauses, perhaps awaiting a response of some sort, yet finds none to be found.
“Perhaps you too should tend to the Commander’s tasks..”
Kyomu teeth gnash and clench in frustration. Higen’s words reminding him of the meeting, of his embarrassment...his failure publicized to his peers. The dense fog that makes up the world for, perhaps the first time since its appearance, begins to churn violently as if in response to its master’s temperament. Had Higen’s words incited Kyomu’s anger? Was he going to lash out against both Tenzen and Higen to quell his rage?
The Two Captains soon find that their field of vision becomes broader, visibility becoming clearer with each passing moment as the fog begins to fade. Kyomu walks from behind the giant elder, he walks past the downed Oda, the remnants of the fog finally completely receding once he reaches his tattered haori on the ground. His left arm, injured from shrapnel and flame reaches down to secure the once stainless white coat.
Having retrieved his haori, Kyomu heads towards the door before stopping for a moment.
”Perhaps you’re right Captain Kagayaki….”
He hesitates, taking a breath, eyes staring down at the mark of the Second Division on his Haori.
”Captain Oda...if I find I need further assistance while in the Rukongai. I’ll be sure to send word to you.”
His back remains to his peers, refusing to turn around, refusing to face them in this moment. His grip on his haori tightens as he pushes open the massive doors. Locked inside the hall for so long, it was impossible for Kyomu to predict the scene that lay before his eyes. He steps out, seeing a gathering of the prestigious Priestesses from the Kido Corps, Head Lieutenant Oki as she stands near the Hall Guard Sixth Seat Akarui Gekko. He had missed the message relayed over to the Head Lieutenant and the little Guard, and in truth...he hadn’t the time to spare in delving into what could cause them to appear here of all places. Their appearance meant that it was a matter involving or requiring their Kido Chief, Tenzen Oda. The man was capable enough to handle his matter without Kyomu’s prying and interference.
The Phantom shifts his gaze temporarily towards Honoka before his image and presence in its entirety was gone. It was as if the man who stood there just a moment ago had been little more than a figment of one’s imagination. Higen’s words rang true in his head. Kyomu was on the clock, and he had wasted enough time as it was. Thankfully, for better or worst his Lieutenant was already in the Rukongai. Perhaps he could settle the matter quicker than even he anticipated.
He could only hope so.

[From Central Seireitei to Rukongai]

 

[BSD]

Stood by Kiku and the First Division’s gatekeeper, Nibui bobs from side to side, gazing past both of the taller Shinigami to try and get a view of what exactly was going on past the entrance. As the two exchange words quickly enough, Nibui for the most part remains out of the conversation, his gaze focusing on the scene further behind the group. With the size of the barracks, his eyes catch nothing with his limited glimpse inside, he gives it up. Steadying himself before turning his gaze over to Kiku once more, just in time to actually catch what the shaggy haired Shinigami has to say.
”Heh heh Sorry Nibui, i forgot about how serious this stuff is. Uh do you mind waiting around here with me until they get done up there? I don't wanna be rude and go on without you, so I'll wait here until they are done. That way no one gets their intestines melted.”
With words that fail to hide the frustration in his tone and motions, Kiku speaks. As though he fears what is beyond the gates, he mentions a terrible fate they could suffer. He speaks about not wanting to be rude and leave without him. Then sets himself down with a sneakily and impressively hidden tea set.
"Any one want a cup of tea while we wait?"
Nibui shakes his head in reply to the offer, his orb returning their focus over to the dark-skinned Shinigami. His eyes studying the gatekeeper from head to toe. Just as Kiku’s words had not hidden his frustration, the calm demeanour of the other Shinigami does no work in masking the nervous jitters he succumbs to. Yet, Nibui does nothing instead closing his eyes and dropping his head with a soft sigh. As his eyes open once more, he focuses his sight on the currently relaxed Kiku, a soft smile curling along the edges of his lips as he shakes his head in response. ”No, thank you.” Only as the Shinigami finishes speaking does he, with his abysmal sensory, take note of the twenty-four Kido Corps members that manifest nearby. Turning towards the rather large group of people, Nibui simply stares them down, without malice and without intention, simply out of curiosity.
”And what are the Kido Corps doing here? Any clue?
While his questions and mannerisms don’t directly point at any one person, it is clear that they are for Kiku, the Shinigami who intends to become part of the division which has incorporated the Kido Corps. But perhaps, there would be no one to hear the answer. Surprise by surprise followed it seems; Kiku’s arrival at the Eight Division barracks, their little bonding session and race, the stop at the gates and the arrival of the Kido Corps, now this. As Nibui eyes up the new arrivals, his focus is not switched, but stolen completely as the sky comes undone at its seams. As though the threads of reality slowly slip and peel away, a black void, a maw, pries open. With what seems like the intent to consume the Rukongai beneath, it looms above. A Garganta of abnormal proportions breaches the Soul Society. Unable to split his attention so evenly, his eyes frantically dart back and forth between the Garganta and a monumental crimson pillar that pierces through the air, upwards towards this Garganta then a deafening silence fills his mind. To others, a deafening and earthshaking explosion rocks the Rukongai, yet for Nibui it is empty, void of anything.
As the cogs turn slowly, he attempts to comprehend what, why and how. A combustion with such power, rains fire, ash, rubble and wreckage throughout an entire district of the Rukongai, if not multiple. The earth beneath tremors and quakes before giving way and swallowing whatever might have survived the initial blast and fallout.

Then it clicks, delayed only by his own mind, Nibui initially denies the possibility of what could have happened. In the moment where his own mental gives in to reality, the Shinigami vanishes without a word. With great effort and a frantic pace, Nibui delegates each and every fibre of his being into quickening his step. With every consecutive placement of his shunpo, he leaves a track, a single footprint that grows deeper with every following bound. From a footprint, to what seems like a bowl in the earth and stone.
Central Seireitei → Northeast Seireitei