[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Central Seireitei

[BSD]

"Stop standing there....mocking me...just get it over with already."
The fragile words of a broken man. Captain Mukuro was unaccustomed to defeat, let alone one so decisive. He was an assassin, in his world, defeat meant only one thing.
Purple flames singe the open wounds of the Captain’s hall. Flickering everywhere the Commander’s blade made contact. They burn, as though to cauterize the damage of his strike. The purple glow of the flames illuminate the area, drowning out the shine of the sun, as it beats down onto the now exposed hall. Where as a moment ago, these flames appeared only a visualization of the Commander’s Reiatsu, now, for the first time since the encounter, Kyomu would feel their heat.
Simply by being within the vicinity of the flames, Kyomu’s skin would start to burn and blister. His wounds would be superficial of course, as he was simply exposed to the heat of the fire, and not in contact with the flames themselves. Still, the intensity of it all would be enough to singe his clothing, catching the outermost edge of the Captain’s Haori aflame purely from the heat.
It was clear, Kyomu no longer felt justified in his actions.
The howling of wind, and crackling of fire, are the only sounds that fill the room now. Shobatsu does not move, nor respond to Kyomu. The Mukuro is left for a moment, to judge himself, the heat of the flames reflecting his own inner conflict. Was the Commander truly mocking him? Why the hesitation? No, the Captain Commander never hesitated. Was he allowing Kyomu to suffer in dreaded anticipation? He was Judge, Jury, and Executioner after all, why had a killing blow not yet been dealt? No, drowning in his own defeat, relying on his basic most sense of a Killer’s code, Kyomu had blinded himself to reality. The invisible stare of the blind Commander drilled its way into Kyomu’s soul. The question that haunted all of the Seireitei, now plagued the Captain more so than anyone else. What was happening in the mind of Shobatsu Murasaki?
“You never fail to surprise me Taichou.”

Lieutenant Oki shares, the edge of her tone sheathed by a kind expression. She follows behind Commander Shobatsu, her recently designated Captain. The two walk through gateway after gateway, calmly marching on through the sliding paper doors of the endless Senkaimon hall.
“Of course, I’ve met the boy before. I’ve read the reports, the recommendations from the Central Forty Six, his history with that clan. His track record is spotless, his academy scores flawless.”
She carries along, expecting no form of acknowledgment from her Captain. She remains the perfect distance behind him, maintaining her position as she matches his footfalls and pace step for step, her composure such that it appears more like she is gliding across the floor than taking any true strides.
“But still. For you to come see him in person…”
She hesitates, only slightly, her mind caught off guard by the notion of what this display truly means. An omen, a foreshadowing of some grave future. She knew the Captain commander better than any. She knew any action he took bore incalculable significance.
”...He must be something special.”
Shobatsu turns from the would be assassin. Leaving Kyomu to grovel on the floor. As the flames began to encross closer upon the Captain, the Commander begins to walk way.
Tap
His footfalls heavy, his Zanpakuto, sheathed as it is represents a walking cane as it taps upon the floor with each mighty step.
Tap
His movement is slow, lumbering but methodical. His great size and weight commands a type of patience, as though the world is to match his pace.
Tap
Having taken his time, Shobatsu finally reaches his destination. The great stone throne of the Captain Commander, carved into the shape of twin lions. To anyone else, this throne would be massive, towering over the frame of anyone who dares call themselves the Commander of Captains. However, to the beast of a man known as Shobatsu, whose size and stature is as great as his power and authority, the throne seemed perfectly suited.
”Taichou...haven’t you’ve seen enough?”
The battle raged on in the Valley of Screams. Commander Murasaki and Head Lieutenant Oki stood on the cracked and dry canyon, distant observers to the battle a mile below.
Beneath them, was Captain Kagayaki, shrouded in a deadly mist. Four obscured assailants fought in unison, striking like vipers as they swarmed around the Shining Knight.
“I’m sure you’ve already noticed, he doesn’t intend to stop…”
The professional, reserved, tone of the Lieutenant cracks, giving way to something more genuine, concern. Knowing it is a fruitless thing to change the Commander’s mind, she still can’t help but hope to press her point. Her purple fan unwhirls, concealing her face from the proctor and testee.
“At this rate, he’ll kill him.”
Still, the Commander does not budge, does not interfere, nor even acknowledge the presence of his Lieutenant. Suddenly, the battle below comes to an abrupt stop. The mist clears, revealing a confused Captain Kagayaki, who now stands alone on the desert floor. All four of his hidden opponents seem to have disappeared, having faded away with the mist. He looks around, hastedly taking in his surroundings, searching for the opponent he was meant to be testing.
However, Shobatsu already knew exactly where the man was.
Lieutenant Oki, no longer at her Captain’s side, instead now stood behind the Commander. Her back to him, arm outstretched, her fan no longer covers her face, revealing an intense grimace. In her hand, her unfolded fan clutches tightly around a silver blade. The length of the blade caught between the iron-like folds of the fan.
There, was Kyomu. The true Kyomu. Gripping tightly with both hands around the handle of his Zanpakuto, its point aimed directly at the Commander’s spine. Though Kyomu was caught off guard by the speed and precision of Honoka’s counter, his expression and stance revealed he was as determined and level headed as ever.
How long had his bankai been occupying Higen as a diversion of everyone's attention? What skill did this applicant possess, to slip unnoticed by both Captain Kagayaki and Head Lieutenant Oki?
The only soul in the valley of screams who remained unphased, was that of the Commander himself.
He turned to face the young Kyomu, so tenacious, so ambitious, vying for the position of Captaincy, a victim of destiny, his path along life predetermined since his birth.
In that moment, shared between Kyomu and Shobatsu, it became clear.
The Captain Commander knew exactly where that path would end.

The Commander sat upon his throne, casting silent judgement down upon the defeated Captain.
In all these years, well over century, Shobatsu had never acknowledged Kyomu. Not once had he ever addressed the young Mukuro’s actions during the Captaincy test. Not a single time had the two shared words beyond the business entailed during Captain’s Meetings. Any interaction between Kyomu and the first Division was handled by Head Lieutenant Oki. It was as though, to the Commander, all of Kyomu’s feats, all of his skill, his natural talent, his latent ability, was meaningless. It was as though the Captain of the Second Division did not exist in his eyes.
Now, it is revealed why.
”Captain Kyomu Mukuro. Prodigy of the Mukuro Clan, Pride of the Omnikitsudo, and Last Hope of the Central Forty Six. You have spent your life unrivaled in skill, commited your power to duty, and dedicated your existence towards honing your abilities. I have taken this from you. Everything you have ever worked to accomplish, I have robbed you of. I have halved your skill, your ability, your power. You, the great Captain Mukuro, are now, by all accounts, an average soul.”
The path Kyomu had tread his entire life, now came to an end. The very end Shobtasu saw all those years ago. Kyomu had never been acknowledged, because up until this point, everything he had ever accomplished was for nought. If the Commander already knew this is where Kyomu’s path would lead, why did he ever permit the assassin to become a Captain?
Now, for the first time since Kyomu stepped foot in his hall, Shobatsu turns his head away. Of course, being blind, this is merely a symbolic gesture, his true sight expanding over all of the Seireitei. Shobatsu observes all that occurs, the conflict outside his own divisions barracks. The confusion and fear festering in the Nest of Maggots, the tension rising in the Second Division barracks, the neglect of duty from the Ninth, the bittersweet reunion of the Tenth. Above all, what Shobatsu saw, was a Seireitei divided. The Central Forty Six, in their paranoia, feared that Shobatsu would bring chaos and ruin down unto the Seireitei. In their fear of a possibility, they created a reality. Now was not the time for more death, for more conflict, more division. Now was the time for unity, for forgiveness, atonement.
In all things there is balance. By making the champion of the Central Forty Six weaker, Shobatsu would make the Seireitei stronger.
“This is the punishment of a man. What comes now is the atonement of a Captain. You are to personally notify every family of every soul you have cast aside in clouded judgment today. You are to fund their funerals yourself, and you are to attend each of them.”
Shobatsu’s focus returned once more to the nest of birds in their tree. No cries come out now, no chirps for food or attention. The mother bird, lay at the base of the tree, her wings twisted her bones shattered, organs crushed. The birdlings, lay still in their nest, brought into this world together, they left it the same.
“You have been judged as a Man, as a Captain, but now my verdict falls upon you as Lord of your Clan. The Mukuro who stood against me is dead. I killed him. Now, the Mukuro who kneels before me, will finish his sentence. The Central Forty Six acted within their rights as the unified body of the Seireitei to oppose me. However, the Mukuro Clan, an entity outside of our walls and laws, has taken violent action against the Commander of all Shinigami. This is an unforgivable act of war. You are to hunt down every Mukuro soul who conspired against us, and deliver unto them a swift and fierce justice. Only then, with their heads in tow, will you report your failure back to the Central Forty Six.”
BOOOOOOOM

Suddenly, an explosion over the Rukongai turns the Commander’s ironclad grimace into steel. Though his demeanor remains composed, his being unphased, it becomes clear that something more pressing has now taken over his attention. Just like that, the actions of the day have become events of the past. In a cold and demanding voice, carrying within its deep baritone the natural command of authority and respect, Shobatsu speaks his final words towards the Captain of the Second.
“You are dismissed.”
Just like that, Kyomu is free of the burden of Shobatsu’s judgment and attention. Free to return to his comrades and explain himself, to undo the damage caused by his actions. Perhaps even, to save the Seireitei of the threat that now approached.

 

[BSD]

In her peripheral, she could see Lieutenant Ueki fleeting back to avoid the chaos or to observe before he made some judgment, somewhere close to a dozen meters in the distance and just a bit under in height. And that’s what she disliked when others were sticking their nose into something. Someone always had to play the hero. A pair couldn’t duke it out, even if it were for the pride and honor of their division, so long as someone was acting as referee.
“Be calm, Yacchan… You know neither of us can act sane when you’re angry.”
“What are you saying? You operate fine without me.”
They’d been like this since the Kuchiki’s declaration. Like a pestering entity, Odei had emerged and wrapped her arms around Yasu’s neck, hugging her tightly and caressing her cheek, the black substance growing thicker and reaching the rim of her sclera, just teetering on the edge of a complete takeover. Without so much as a glance, a simple twitch of her lips sent Odei reeling back, and Yasu leveled her cold gaze onto the Kuchiki. She hated nobles that looked down on others because of status. It happened in the human realm, and it was even worse here. Though her captain was a noble, he hadn’t dared to use his status to treat her like trash. Even with their differences in status, they were in the same line of work. The difference in rank made no difference to their daily objective, but she would be damned if a failure treated her as if she were nothing short of a bug.
Odei had grown restless, and Yasu knew why. She stuck like glue and absorbed into everything that she touched upon, spreading herself, and growing at a rate even faster than what was expelled. She was angry, angry to be continuously pestered and belittled, and to have something as low as a level one bakudo cast on her as a restraint as if that were enough to ease her spirits and make her go with him willingly?
This ends now.
It was enough. Her fingers twitched, and she could hear the sound of her precious Odei calling out to her in glee. From Yasu’s line of sight, her eyes narrowed, catching sight of him just before the last sliver of light shone on him, and he was gone from her sight. She was ready, but Yasu was still contemplating. What could she do to show him his place in the pecking order? While she was still deciding, her partner in crime was acting of her own free will, as she usually did when Yasu is so indecisive about trivial things. If they were amateurs, it’d be a different story. But they weren’t, and there was a mistake made that it became his downfall. Her spirit was ecstatic, and nearly exploded had Yasu not silenced her. Odei had eyes just as Yasu had, and being her second skin, meant she had a full range of wherever she touched. And when she had touched down, it was already a set game.
In the same moment, when he slipped from Yasu’s line of sight, the fallen Kuchiki would find his movement cut short, the spiritual being having snapped before he could process it. Much like Yasu’s body, Shirogane’s had ended up in a similar sort of state, before he had the chance to complete his evasive procedure, all this due to the substance that had touched upon his shihakusho. He hardly had the time, but inspection of his Shihaksho would reveal black that just slightly contrasted with that of his uniform. Odei had bled into and through the material composing his uniform, spreading voraciously, like wildfire. The compromised uniform pressed firmly to his sides, forcing flesh to flesh in a manner identical to Bakudo Number One: Sai. Attempting to wrestle himself free from the viscous substance that infected his very ensemble would prove a fruitless task. Perhaps he could use some spell or his zanpakuto in hand to aid him in some manner? However, no sooner had that thought instinctively crossed his mind, would he find his arms arrested at their respective sides, in style all too similar to those of his legs due to Odei's viral-like spread.
Had he made any attempt to move, there’d be nothing short of a crushing sensation against his limbs and chest. Compared to his little spells he dared to cast, Yasu’s Shikai wasn’t easy to get rid of without making a sacrifice due to the changing consistency that molds appropriately. Not only that, it wasn’t just Yasu acting. The dark Zanpakuto spirit had a say, and if she wanted to add him to her collection, she could, and he’d find himself useful at last. In the first place, he’d see that his body would fail to respond, regardless of how much he tried to escape the murky depths of his prison. His breathing would get much more difficult, and his mouth would be pried open, forced into a silent scream.
By the time he would’ve caught on, it’d have been far too late to get rid of the threat. Hand extended out towards him, a tendril would whip out and attach itself to his body and slam him to the ground once more to further keep him off his senses, and for the pain to be the only thing he could understand. Without another thought and closing the distance in little effort, she had his left thumb in her hold and then began to bend it farther and farther back until she heard the sickening crack. Regardless of what came out of him, Yasu would have yet to cease until all ten were of no use to him, and not even The Angel could heal him entirely. Yet, Yasu could hide the fact that she was disappointed with being charged only a low-level bakudo as a restraint in his attempted arrest. Still, for him to perform a movement that she had seen so many times from a ghost, it was unimpressive, and considerably insulting.
To obscure any other mishaps from ensuing from other parties, a wall of slime would cut a wall right in between them both and Nibui. Thick, and inconsistently consistent with providing resistance had he tried to interfere, ensnaring him just the same but without the violent extremities so long as he didn’t move.
However, there were more pressing matters. A chill ran up her spine, this new presence coming to make her fear the end more than Shobatsu did at that moment. Alarmed, Yasu would have dropped the grasp on Shirogane’s fingers, having stopped just at the middle finger of his right hand, and look up at Nibui to see if he had managed to understand. Another problem had arrived, so his interference in her bout with the lower seat was trivial compared to what had just come. The familiar buzz of the new equipment, courtesy of the Twelfth Division, had alarmed Yasu and she had wrenched out her Denreishinki to look at the latest alert from --
“Kojima-taichou.” Pressing answer, Yasu could hear the foreign uncertainty that plagued his tone, and she gripped the phone so tightly in her hands that her screen nearly shattered. “K-...ko...kotsu…” Everything was happening so fast, and there was too much of everything. There was training, and then the meeting, the tea, the execution, and being thrown around so haphazardly and even experiencing the release of the Captain Commander’s reiatsu twice at such a close and unwarranted rage. Her day continues with the ridiculing from both Nibui and Jinnosuke, and even going so far as to have a slight altercation over an exchange of words, not to mention the painfully annoying arrival of the Kuchiki reject. Now he’d found himself stuck in her hold and this newest arrival… Yasu just wondered why everything was happening so quickly, but she quickly snapped out of her childish stupor.
This was the life of a Shinigami, the life of a member of the Gotei Thirteen, the life of a lieutenant; this was her life. Looking down at Shirogane, she grabbed at the slime around his neck and pulled him in close, her purple orbs unwavering in anger.
“I could let you go, and we do our jobs, and take care of the Kokotsu together or I break the rest of your fucking fingers, maybe even your arms, so you stay out of my way for crossing me, and leave you here till I decide to let you go. It’s your choice.” Whatever he chose that is what would be. She gave him the ultimatums. As for Nibui, she didn’t wait for him. She had nothing to say. Other than the banter exchanged, what could she tell him, other than to lead by example? Taking a quick break to grab some more snacks from the Lieutenant’s Hall, she replenished what she could before setting off towards the Rukongai to aid Kojima-taichou. Her captain would be fine. She had still sensed him, weaker… but not dead. Her shunpo was not up to speed with any of the captains, but she was still fast. Faster with her Shikai activated and with the replenished energy from the snacks she had gained once more. Even from this distance, the presence was overwhelming, but she would press on.

 

[BSD]

Throughout the history of the Shinigami, countless had fought amongst themselves, countless had fallen in such a manner and today, it would be no different it seemed. The curse of individuality was exactly that, where people could think for themselves and make their own choices, there would be conflict, even among those who should be compatriots. It was a shame, it was unnecessary and ironically, it was the exact behaviour displayed by the likes of the Hollow. Be it for power, position, to settle differences or simply for entertainment, both sides seemed to take the bloody road. Sacrificing life. It disgusted Nibui. What he strove to ignore, the voice and temptation of Jubokko, the desire for bloodshed and sacrifice of life. That was what some desired. Perhaps Nibui was being stupid, to abstain from such punishment? Perhaps then he could change the division he wanted to improve so much? Perhaps then, the likes of Jinnosuke would listen to him? That was something he would deal with later anyway. How much later was still up in the air, however, as the circumstances surrounding the Soul Society seemed to worsen with each passing moment.
In the eyes of a silent observer, everything was clear, from the initial attack through Yasu’s Shikai to the response from the Kuchiki and finally the outcome, delivered by the girl. Following what should have been the final moments of the battle, followed an unnecessary cruelty. A few sickening cracks that seemed to reach out further than they should have. Had it continued any further, Nibui would have stepped in, dealing with both of them regardless of the situation, but something else had taken his attention. Not only his but that of everyone else as well he would assume. To miss such an event, someone would have to be completely unconscious. A cacophonous blast accompanied by a burst of flames just as impressive as the sound itself. Visible throughout the entirety of Seireitei and the sound it had caused audible to all, the herald of something greater yet, something that perhaps the Seireitei was unprepared for.
Before the other Lieutenant had reached for her Denreishinki X, before it had even rung, Nibui finally spoke once more, clearly and more than audibly to the girl and the Kuchiki. Much like every time he spoke, he was clear and to the point but there despite his tone, anyone who was perhaps slightly perceptive could gauge that the Lieutenant of the Eleventh was, questioning. Of himself, and his choices, yet he stuck to them.
”Your little incident, it was stupid and unnecessary. I can’t watch over either of you any longer, there are more pressing matters at hand, as is obvious. Don’t disappoint.”
Perhaps he was too rude with his statements? It was only the truth, the only thing he knew. He was not one to hide the intentions of his words, even then, was he too rough around the edges? In the back of his mind he had hoped that his words would not spark any further conflict but he would not retract the truth or hide it. Still, he would begin his usual routine of doubting himself completely, perhaps one day he would move past these awful tendencies.
Once he had finished speaking, he had turned to face the direction from which this disturbance had occurred, a single and gentle step forward and he was gone from sight. His journey, while it would be short, allowed for some further thoughts of his to propagate. What would he do once he arrived on the scene? He had not been present for the voice of Maho, he knew not who was around and what they were planning, but the intentions to help were ever present. Part way through the short travel, there it was, the intruder in the Soul Society. A beast of another realm but yet, here it was, causing havoc in a foreign land. Although it was an oddity to begin with by simply being in this place, the size of the beast was unnerving, abnormal by every reason.
Momentarily, a crippling thought crossed Nibui’s mind, the Rokungai, it was his home, had the beast just flattened and consumed his family, his original home and everyone else along side it? In truth, it wasn’t a homely area to begin with for a child but still, it was his home at one point, they were still his family, no matter how small. He was lucky however, after this grim idea struck him, he soon came to the realization that he was headed toward the beast, southward, yet if his family were to remain safe, they would need to stop the intruder before it managed to reach the opposite side of the Rokungai.
Central Seireitei 》 Rokungai

 

[BSD]

The third seated member of the Sixth division believes he had the advantage and that he was a step ahead of the pink hair shinigami. Maybe he did there was no way of knowing for sure what would have happened if he was able to continue with his plan that he initially set in motion. All he knows that he suddenly came to a stop in mid-motion of the flash step right next to the young girl. He was finding himself dropping to the floor face first, practically in the same predicament when the Lt end up trapped in his bakudo spell. Of course, he didn't hear or saw any gestures that would allow her to perform the repeated spell, so what the devil could this trick be? Was is it that got him caught or trapped? Not being able to figure it out frustrated him more to whereas he tried to fight against this invisible contraption but find himself not only in agony but unable to break free. The more he fought and struggle, the tighter his flesh gotten. Of course, Shirogane was aiming to plan an escape, but the second that even occurred. Both arms pinned to the side, as if something was holding him down. Indeed, her Shikai did not touch him? She performs no form of kido? The sheer agony he felt did not have him scream in pain; he had tolerance for pain, maybe not in this form. Though he spent years tortured and punished growing up. This torment was something he trained for, but still, he reacted with cringing and soft groans, nothing more.
If only there were a way to get free, but he had been learning that moving in any specific direction causes more affliction. There seems to be no way out of this dilemma, maybe if she was to give a clue or give herself away in the process somehow. Shirogane would soon find himself having his mouth pried open by an unknown source; his breathing was becoming more difficult by the second. Deep down, he is starting to realize this was the effect caused by her Shikai, not sure how or when it occurs. But there is nothing else to explain the state he is in at the time. Shirogane finds himself fallen deeper into this "hole" of shamefulness. All of these things in one day? First, having his rights stripped from him and so forth? Now a young woman who isn't a noble or having the strength of a noble has him in her favor? Surely if and when the words gets out about this. Even when it reaches the Kuchiki's house, Shirogane would further put the name of Kuchiki in shame.
Since the start of this whole thing, nothing has gone his way today as the obvious reasons mentioned earlier. Now Shirogane was picked up by these things and slammed onto the ground again. She was looking to punish him, and she too underestimated his sturdiness. But even after that, she didn't end there. Without hesitation, she continues to torture him by slowly bending the thumb first on the left hand until that first.
"SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!"
She has broken it with ease but still no loud yelp, not a sound just more groaning and wincing from Shirogane. As the index had followed suit, she has gotten the majority of both hands one by one, but when coming to break the middle finger of the right side, she stopped. With good reason, despite the pain he had to endure during her torment. The worst feeling of fear seeped into his mind and traveled down his body with a cold sensation. He couldn't tell nor see from his position of what it was, but it couldn't be good at all. Panting slightly from the anguish he suffered had his mouth been free to do so, or even able to breathe at this given moment. But it seems more pressing matters were more important than the conflict between them. And of course, she had some words while staring into her eyes with this enduring anger behind them. Shirogane looked with a blank expression. Unfazed by the look itself more angry that he was caught and tortured by someone of her status.
"I could let you go, and we do our jobs and take care of the Kokotsu together, or I break the rest of your fucking fingers, maybe even your arms, so you stay out of my way for crossing me, and leave you here till I decide to let you go. It's your choice."
Was there a choice? As much pride Shirogane has, he wasn't going to be stupid and not allow his pride to get free of this shameful prison he was in right now. He would utter the word "fine" pertaining to help the situation. Or at least saying so to get free for the moment. Deep down, he wants to harm her in the same way she did him, but nothing would become of his actions had he continue to act in such a way as he has been acting. Therefore, the best option was to get free and deal with the new situation at hand. Plus, he had been in this predicament because deep down, he was hurting, humiliated by his people. Only to be reminded by this girl of his failure. His true emotions he kept shrouded behind his blank face were fracture by everything he failed to do and become. And he was still failing as of now. Even when he saw the anger in her eyes, looking back on everything that happens, he realized he was unfit to call himself doing everything for "duty". It was for himself, blaming and pointing fingers at every corner, mainly towards the very people that asked him for help once before.
It had never occurred to him that none of the things that happen today, starting with the Captain's actions made any sense. But by the second, it was becoming conceivable, and Shirogane was beginning to realize how foolish he was today. The more he realized how off he was, the more he didn't wish to act upon the new threat. Defeated would be the right words. The moment she allows him to be free, he would have to choose to suck it up and help his comrades to face this threat or stay on the sidelines and act like the failure he believes himself to be.

 

[BSD]

He stared on with venomous eyes, the hall empty save those two souls with only the purple flames to join them, illuminating the walls as they bore silent witness to the brief confrontation between the two.
His face flickered between the glow of the flames, to being cast in shadow as tongues of flame swayed to and fro. He remained fixed in his position, body perspiring yet the young Captain said nothing. He did not fear the end, yet had long since resolved himself to it from the moment he accepted the burden he could not refuse. The furthest edges of his haori were caught aflame, still Kyomu did not move.
Who amongst the Captains was not aware of the hellish flames the Commander wielded? What soul had not heard tales and stories of the horrors of their emergence. Yet the young Lord’s heart beat remained unmoved.
Kyomu had no regrets in pointing his blade towards the Commander. He’d never held any true fealty to the man, and as a Captain of the Gotei 13 how could he disobey direct orders from the top? He was accustomed to the tenants of his clan, and knew the risks that came with any job accepted. He claimed to have no heart, to be void of feelings.
If only that were true.
Kyomu was not completely absent of regret nor void of guilt, evident by the heat clearly felt from the smoldering, crackling flames. He regretted it, being unable to keep his men from this matter.He’d gone through such lengths, he’d been so careful to leave them all in the dark. He told them nothing, showed them nothing...still, it was not enough. Did his clan not fully trust him to accomplish the job? If so, then his weakness was to blame. If they unequivocally believed in his strength, never would they have gone behind his back to devise such a plan...using his men, of his squad. The gaze of his amber hues illuminated by the flames intensified.
They had died a needless death...because of him.
Nothing is said from either man. The two exchange no words. Eyes fixed upon the towering frame of the Commander as the flames snaked their way closer to Kyomu. He didn’t need to avert his gaze to bear witness to his enclosing hell, he could hear the cackling of flames grow louder, the heat against his skin growing hotter, their unnatural glow brighter.
Finally, the Commander walks.
His cane taps against the ground, heavy steps joining in chorus. Each step was slow, almost methodical. A bead of sweat trickles from his forehead.
Tap
That same bead, eases just past his left eye.
Tap
Cascades down his cheek, reaching his chin.
Tap
It dangles there, lost in eternity. Finally, as the Commander takes his seat upon the cold throne of stone...the bead of sweat finally dares fall.
’Drip’
It splatters along the ground, inaudible to all save for perhaps the Commander himself...the heat from the flames ensuring its existence was as fleeting as Kyomu’s attack..that small, insignificant drop of sweat, gone. Evaporated. Finally, the Commander’s silence ends. He finally speaks once again.
”Captain Kyomu Mukuro. Prodigy of the Mukuro Clan, Pride of the Omnikitsudo, and Last Hope of the Central Forty Six. You have spent your life unrivaled in skill, commited your power to duty, and dedicated your existence towards honing your abilities. I have taken this from you. Everything you have ever worked to accomplish, I have robbed you of. I have halved your skill, your ability, your power. You, the great Captain Mukuro, are now, by all accounts, an average soul.”
Kyomu clenches his teeth, a whirlwind of emotions storming his heart. Did Shobatsu mean to humiliate him?! Was that his aim, to now make mockery to the path he had tread.

Images of his past flashed in his mind. He could still feel the shackless binding his wrists and ankles. He could feel the electricity surging through his body, causing it to jolt and convulse about violently. He felt his flesh peeled away at the cracking of whips, the coldness and sharpness of steel carving his body.
Denied a childhood. Denied any ounce of love and affection. Isolated from the world...all that pain...all his suffering to simply be invalidated at the stroke of a single blade...at the whim of a single man?! His life had been spared..in a sense. A lesser man, a weaker man would find comfort in this. The ignorant would demand Kyomu feel a sense of gratitude for such ’benevolence’. Kyomu was not such a man.
“This is the punishment of a man. What comes now is the atonement of a Captain. You are to personally notify every family of every soul you have cast aside in clouded judgment today. You are to fund their funerals yourself, and you are to attend each of them.”
Unnecessary words spoken. The Captain knew those who joined the Onmitsukido and Second Squad were prepared to die at any given moment. Still, he had intended to spare them from such a fate for as long as possible. He intended to inform their respective families of their untimely end, as well as the rest of the squad on top of seeing to it they were properly laid to rest. They deserved that much.
“You have been judged as a Man, as a Captain, but now my verdict falls upon you as Lord of your Clan. The Mukuro who stood against me is dead. I killed him. Now, the Mukuro who kneels before me, will finish his sentence. The Central Forty Six acted within their rights as the unified body of the Seireitei to oppose me. However, the Mukuro Clan, an entity outside of our walls and laws, has taken violent action against the Commander of all Shinigami. This is an unforgivable act of war. You are to hunt down every Mukuro soul who conspired against us, and deliver unto them a swift and fierce justice. Only then, with their heads in tow, will you report your failure back to the Central Forty Six.”
A murderous glint twinkled in his eye for a single instance. First he would invalidate his achievements, achievements gained at the sacrifice of his own happiness….now he would have him point his blade to his clan?
In the end...they were all the same.
The clan robbed him of his childhood, and all the joys of his youth. Now the Commander has further robbed him of the only thing he had to validate his own existence. With his abilities he was able to press on, telling himself the misery long suppressed was worth it...but what now with those impeded?
The Captain struggled to his feet to stand firmly. Despite his new found disability, even he takes notice of the shift in the Commander’s air and demeanor. Something was afoot.
“You are dismissed.”
The voice resonates within the hall, and through Kyomu. He stares for a moment before he turns, and makes the journey back. His steps were neither hurried nor slow, eyes cast down towards his open left hand, fingers opening and closing. He silently inspected his body, feeling the restrictions imposed. The weight of his movements, the shallower flow of spiritual power. The vestiges of battle remain scattered within the territory of the first division, the perpetrators absent from the scene.
A body drops from the overhanging shadows of the canopy leading towards the main hall of the First Division. Captain Mukuro stops, noting the lag between his subordinate appearing...and him able to detect his presence.
”Report.”
His orders as short as ever. The man, clad in black keeps his head bowed. He says nothing, but can feel there is a difference about his Superior a change in their Commander.
”Sir! Lieutenant Yugure remains alive and unharmed. Head Lieutenant Oki released the Vice Captain and seems to be looking into a separate matter. The men stationed at each Division’s barracks were thoroughly neutralized by Head Lieutenant Oki’s Shikai earlier. Lieutenant Yugure got into an altercation with Sixth Squad’s Third Seat Shirogane Kuchiki. Third Seat Xiolin, Fifth Seat Nakama, and Sixth Seat Fujioka are still at the Squad Barracks...they’ve...emerged from the Maggots Nest to confront two members of the Thirteenth Squad as well as that man...Devil Jinn. A terrible explosion seems to have occurred over the Rukongai, Captain Kojima has headed out to investigate and has apparently sent out a request for aid from all able and willing personnel ...it's a Kōtotsu sir...a rather large one.”
The subordinate resumes his silence, having disclosed all relevant information. Kyomu says nothing in response, taking in all the information. A wave of relief lingers inside him, a feeling masked by his viper like venomous gaze and cold countenance. His Lieutenant was alive and well, she was safe. The rest of his men were safe...all except those few.
”A Kōtotsu…”
He ponders upon this pressing matter. How did it escape the dangai? As curious a question it was, it was dwarfed by the most pressing question of all...how do they stop it? Conventional means would certainly fail against a creature known to digest all captured through the streams of time and space. Many lives would undoubtedly be lost before this thing was settled…if they could in fact settle it. He thought for a moment…
”Has Captain Kagayaki headed towards the scene?”
”Yes sir!”
Silence once again.
”Gather all able men, dispatch them through the rukongai and see to it they evacuate as many of its residents in the Kōtotsu’s path away. I need information regarding its rate of travel, as well its current and estimated path of travel. Do not delay.”
The subordinate dares to lift his eyes, hesitant to speak.
”Sir..what will you be doing?”
Kyomu stares at his hand, and closes his eyes. He once again reflects on the events of today. The Kōtotsu is a threat to all, a danger that grows with each passing second. He was an assassin...no, half of one as of now. He lacked the strength and physical prowess of Captain Kagayaki and Captain Kojima. He was no virtuoso in the arts of Kido like Captain Nakamoto. He was a man with a blade...what could he do? He opens his eyes as he stares at the world ahead.
”I will head there. Again..do not delay my orders, find me once you’ve obtained the information I’ve asked of you.”
The Captain turns to gaze at his subordinate, and as he turns away his form is no more. He travels through the Seireitei, to join the others in protecting that which he ought to protect.
Such is the duty of those called Captain. He would fulfill his other duties once this danger has passed. His demons would haunt him all the same no matter how swiftly he accomplished those tasks.
[Soul Society: Central Seireitei -> Soul Society: Rukongai]