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“Weakness. That is what my eyes see.”
The Knight had his held high, for a single moment. It came and passed near-instantaneously. He was not left to the comfort of his pride, or allowed to truly rest his chin above his neck among his peers. The Commander destroys them, all of them. Their will, their strength—saw through and expunged by the darting words of Commander Murosaki.
“Captain Mukuro.
“Under your care, ninety six prisoners have escaped from the Nest of Maggots. Ninety Six threats to the Seireitei now run rampant throughout the Rukongai. As such, you have ninety six hours to locate and capture these souls, as well as the one who released them. Should you fail, you will be stripped of your Captaincy, and expected to serve each inmate’s sentence yourself.
You report that the Rukongai Districts have radicalized against us in light of recent events. They will give these prisoners refuge in exchange for harnessing their power against the Gotei Thirteen. The Onmitsukidō’s Patrol Corps will now work in tandem with the Seventh Division to put an end to both matters. You will oversee this personally.”
Hardly anything had changed between the Phantom and the Great Judicator. Once again, he casts absolute judgement upon the serpent—holding it by the neck—completely and utterly annulling his bite. The venomous man seethes, anger overflowing as his fists tighten with the wishful intention of decapitating the man he viewed as a tyrant. The Omnitsukido Commander’s frustration is almost tangible, able to be molded and fixated into a weapon that would be the end of many. Ninety Six Prisoners.. So many. The task he was given sounded impossible to most, and however cruel Shobatsu seemed, he knew it to be in Kyomu’s scope of ability. Realistically, having Captain Mukuro serve those sentences would be a detriment to the Seireitei’s future, especially if Shobatsu was not entirely too far in it. The sentences would eventually end, and Kyomu would emerge from his prison cell as a tempered blade—unleashing his fury against those he’d felt had wronged him.
“Captain Nakamoto.”
“From this moment on, Shinigami of the Fourth Division will no longer be required to stay complacent within the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho. Instead, they will serve as a first response, expected to arrive on call at a moments notice. You will coordinate with the Eleventh Division, who will accompany your medics into battle when summoned. As Captain of Fourth Division, your jurisdiction now extends beyond the Seireitei’s walls and into the World of the Living, with those under you granted express permission to use the Senkaimon when under escort. The First Division will allocate the necessary funds, adjusting your budget for expansion as you see fit.”
An interesting turn, Higen would be a liar to say he’d saw it coming, and perhaps Captain Nakamoto would be too. All of his campaigning, complaining, and passive-aggressiveness had led him here, to Higen’s battlefield. The Shining Captain knew all too well the horrors that could emerge from the deepest crevices to attack the world of the living, ripe with souls. Having lost good soldiers on the same streets to which Yu’s jurisdiction had now extended to, this would be a good lesson. Higen accepted Yu as a good captain—one who saved his life—but could not ignore his arrogance, his privilege. This was a humbling act, that would only hone the young Yu into a formidable warrior, and leader. Perhaps it would also shape his cowardice into bravery.
“Captain Oda”
“Kiniro Yorugao is dead. His body was recovered along with the remains of Plus souls at the location of the Kōtotsu’s appearance. You will be granted clearance into the Shinigami Research and Development institute, so that you may analyse their remains. You will launch an investigation into the Dangai for any suspicious activity, then you place an official report upon Lieutenant Oki’s desk, along with the Dangai Records you speak of. You have my permission to seal off the area of the Kōtotsu’s arrival, and will work with the Twelfth Division to guarantee that there are no abnormalities.”
This was good news. Despite their differences it had seemed that at least for now, The half-breed’s mind was in the correct place. His mind fixated on the problem, and more importantly a possible solution.
"The congratulations of your rise to Captaincy are negated by your failure as one. Do you think so lowly of the Gotei Thirteen, that we would rely on a Hollow to defend us? Do you admit that you are undeserving of your role, so weak as to be a victim, so desperate as to count on the power of a Hollow? Remember that you are a Captain first, and Vizard second. You will not merely control your affliction, you will master it, or you will die a Hollow’s death.”
There is more truth in the small speech than can be addressed. All the talk about assets and liabilities, when the truth was the show will continue with or without Captain Oda. If he was to lack control, resolve, act mindlessly like vermin, then he will face extermination…
By Higen at that.
Higen could not stomach the thought of having to rely on a hollow’s power as a pivotal piece in the greatest military might to be seen in any realm of existence. The souls that wield their zanpakuto and make sacrifices every day should never be on equal footing with what to most, should be something to simply be cleansed.
“Captain Kojima.
You will prepare for war. Continue bolstering your numbers, restructuring your ranks, and training your Shinigami. The Ninth Division will run continuous patrols along the Seireitei’s walls, and will form stations at each of the Four Great Seireimon. You will establish the Kojima Commando Unit, training your four strongest members to provide you direct support at the first sign of a threat. They will become an extension of yourself, so that you yourself will not become overextended. You will teach them shunpo, so that they may make the ten day journey between gates at a moment's notice, and you will condition their strength, so that should the need arise, they will be able to lift and close the Seireimon. You will personally oversee our security measures, and ensure that the Gotei Thirteen is prepared for an attack. You will have my authority to collaborate with the other Divisions in order to see to this task. Should even a single flaw be exploited, it will be you that pays the price. I will be expecting a full report once your analysis has been concluded.”
The Dragon emerges unscathed, to no surprise. His lingering presence, creeping from one barracks to the other to find his next scoop had yet to be forced into action; True action. This is not something Higen wishes for, as should no one, as its arrival is only the consequence of a Seireitei in danger. Hopefully all of Maho’s preparation acts as a solid wall of defense for them all. Though stretched thin, Higen would not hesitate to allocate resources to the cause, aiding in the Seireitei’s safety even further.
“Captain Kagayaki.
By the time his name is called the end point of his beard reaches the bottom of his sternum, a shadow cast upon his his face as his stance is weakened, dissolved. The first words the commander spoke to them, along with what he’d said to the other Captains gave Higen indication that what he would hear next would not bring him comfort. The relationship between Higen and the commander was difficult to put into words, and others would view it as simple, ignorant to its complexities. For decades he’d served under a man who seemed incapable of showing, care, affection of any kind. There were no compliments, no pats on the back, no reassurance of Higen’s improvement. Each time he crossed a bridge another would appear, longer, narrower. The storm became difficult to weather, no one could understand. Master and student was the outside view, But it was more like a cruel god, looking down silently as his worshippers scraped up offerings just to hear his voice, receive his blessing.
“You sacrificed your body needlessly. Living in fear of your own power, you never dared to tame it. That is why your body is broken. That is why your mind is fractured. You are no different from the Vizards that you hate. A victim of your own power, you claim your hesitation to act was warranted. Who are you to pass such a judgement? I told you once, while you groveled at my feet, that you need only fear what you cannot control. Rather than seize this control you chose to wallow in your fear, you chose to hesitate and leave the burden of protecting the Seireitei upon the shoulders of your comrades. You did not act as a savior, you acted to rectify the problem your fear created, and in the process removed yourself from duty. Do not let it happen again.
Your vision validates Tenzen’s theory, and as well as my own suspicions. You will write a full report and submit it to Lieutenant Oki. Then you will report to the Twelth Division for a scan of your mind, we will see how your encounter with this being has altered you, as well as attempt to recreate the vision from your memories. Following this, you will report to Captain Oda and the Kido Corps, who will erase any influence of this creature, and prevent any further interference.
The bount your Division faced, as detailed in Third Seat Hyouzoku’s report, was Nicolas Klaus. Created by former Captain Ran'Tao of Twelfth Division, and defeated by former Captain Rukia Kuchiki of Thirteenth Division. Captain Kuchiki defeated the creature through the use of her ice elemental zanpakuto, Sode no Shirayuki. The outcome of this sealed the creature into a pocket world within a snowflake. When this snowflake lands upon the world of the living, the Bount is capable of escaping its imprisonment for a limited amount of time. Should this creature appear again, ensure its demise before it can return to the safety of solitude.”
. . .
You are no different from the Vizards that you hate.
You are no different from the Vizards that you hate.
You are no different from the Vizards that you hate.
You are no different from the Vizards that you hate.
It repeats again and again, Higen’s mind, his Soul refuting any possibility that this could be true. It simply couldn’t be, it was unacceptable. Shobatsu’s word was absolute—this was something he preached, something he warned others not to test and defy, yet here are his words, why do they sound so horrible? Why do they cut so deeply? What had he done to deserve such a relentless downpour of shame.
The internal struggle Higen faced, the pain of his body shattering into a million tiny pieces, all of which is described by his superior, the commander, as “needless”. His needless sacrifice stems from an inability to act and control his true power without reluctance. Perhaps this part was true, and through all his years, he was held back by this aspect of fear that only intensified after that creature infested his nightmares.
In the worst form of irony, the one to help aid him in his struggle will be none other than Tenzen Oda. This had to be spite, had Shobatsu been capable of it. He did not know how to feel. Now he was being treated like a machine of war, malfunctioning, he is sent to his place of manufacturing for repair. All he had feared had come true; if he could not avoid this inevitability, what was the point of being fearful in the first place? His comrades had now seen him at his lowest, an embarrassment to his name, his legacy. He was to have his psyche ability, so it was obvious he was seen as possibly unstable. All he had worked felt like it crumbled before him. Moments before he had felt revered, and now he felt he lacked the respect of a single person in the room. His eyes close shut, hoping the horror will disappear, not wanting to see the faces of those around him. Shobatsu’s words continue, like nothing had changed in the slightest. He felt nothing toward the pain of his former lieutenant, this much was clear.
“For the past two years, I have stationed an agent within the depths of Hell. His task, to locate the Captains lost to the Shattered Dimensions event, dead or alive. His orders were clear, he was not to return without information on their whereabouts, at risk of death.
This evening that agent, Yami Mochizuki, knelt before me to report.
Yami has returned? His old sparring partner had been gone for some time, and his return from such a place is no simple feat. The urgency was brooding, yet what exactly was going on in the shadows?
He claims that the God King has escaped Hell. This act is thought to be impossible by some. However, there is tell of a Togabito who once used the power of a Vasto Lorde to break his chains and be free of the grip of the Kushanāda. Vincent Bauttista, the former God King of Hueco Mundo, possesses power beyond even that. Along with our Captains, and the Quincy Empress, the God King went missing during the Shattered Dimensions Event. It was his absence that allowed me to restore the balance of souls by halving the population of Hueco Mundo. It is likely that this creature has been trapped in Hell, and has amassed enough power to break his chains and escape. I have dispatched an agent from the Eleventh Division to Hueco Mundo in order to confirm these claims.
This news coincides with the revelations of our meeting. Unseen forces are bringing forth forgotten enemies, tipping the scales of fate in their favor to see how easily we may fall. I see as they do. Hypocrites, who claim to protect the balance of souls and yet live as unbalanced men."
Impossible. Such power in the hands of foul creatures should not be possible, yet the words were said. This was something to fear, but perhaps he was done with fear. What he truly heard was the rise of a formidable enemy. The Gotei’s Military might must reign true, and expel all opposition no matter how powerful the foe. Perhaps in this oncoming war.. Higen’s honor can be restored.
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"Doubt. Anger. Fear. These cloud your minds and corrupt your souls, distracting you from the only thing you must act upon. Duty.
You stand together as cowards, traitors, monsters, and fools. Forget your petty notions of each other, your opinions are of no significance. I do not command you to hesitate, to fear, to hate, I do not command you to dwell on your past, worry for the future, regret your actions, or hold your ideals. I command you to be strong. I command you to do your duty. To fight and die for the balance of souls. You will stand together and die as Captains of the Gotei Thirteen, or you will live bowing down in disgrace."
“Before me stands the greatest souls Shinigami have to offer, but what I see are insects. Capable of carving through mountains should they stand together, and yet choosing to stand alone and be trampled. What I see is what every being sees. From the most insignificant of souls in the Rukongai, to the God King of Hueco Mundo. What I see is Weakness”
The weight of the commander’s words weigh down upon them. His words had cut in a thousand places, perhaps with the intention to eliminate the obviously clear division before them. They were few, still recovering from the Shattered Dimensions event all that time ago, yet they remained at each other’s throats. There was no honor attached to the white coat, simply dysfunction and the Judicator wished to rectify this. Higen had but only blinked, and as his lids parted once more they welcomed the flickering of a purple and black flame. A flame of which he was all too familiar with. The massive blade, nearly towering over Yu himself is lodged into the center of the room before him. The flames that glow vibrantly from its steel dance like some sort of tease, swaying like the ever-changing thoughts in the minds of the doubtful. A hard swallow is unavoidable, the loud gulp probably able to be heard by the entire room amidst the brief silence.
The steps of the commander are slow, heavy, and foreboding. He passes them all without saying a word, the flames gently hiding behind his massive frame as he passes. He reaches the entrance of the captain’s hall and the doors begin to creak, as if preparing to close.
“Do not leave this place until your blood has been spilt.”
Despite their relationship, or lack thereof—there was no misunderstanding between Higen and the commander’s words. He’d wanted his own Captains, like squabbling children, to draw blood from each other as an attempt at unity. He did not understand the thinking, but it wasn’t his job to understand, but rather to simply follow the orders given to him. Even so, there was conveniently no better time than now to go all out.
The doors closed slowly, and as the large and radiant opening dwindled to one tiny crevice of light Higen had only to prepare himself. His left hand had hardly left his zanpakuto throughout the meeting, still it tenses along the hilt even more so now. The sound of the doors finally shutting is like the ringing of a bell, the initiation of the bloodsport they’d been force to partake. The Phantom lives up to the name, as the entire room is filled with a purple haze. Smoke blurs the integrity of The Commander’s flames, and also attempts to act as a distraction, a way to operate out of stealth and shadow. These were undoubtedly the tactics of the Omnitsukido commander. Higen’s readiness does not waver, his senses peaked, unsure just where Kyomu would emerge. To subdue a serpent you must be vigilant, patient. Captain Nakamoto fears the dark, it seemed, the casting of his kido heard from across the room as the red light often released as a projectile hovers in the Fairy’s hand.
The piercing red light envelops the room, revealing Yu’s retreat, and Kyomu’s advance. He approached the Dragon from his right side; it appeared his target was chosen. The red light only further illuminates the room, revealing another detail, a certain Vizard missing from his place in line. He too, had sought to take advantage of chaos and shadow. A sound bellows out, its composition reminiscent of an instantaneous ignition as waves of orange invade Higen’s peripheral. An increase of reiatsu floods the room along with the roaring flames. Higen’s own reiatsu spikes in order to keep up with the overbearing supernova; the flames eat at the bottom of his hakama and haori, tattering the edges and charring its color. He has yet to move, and his flesh however is unphased. The senren shields him indefinitely, a technique he had yet to have the chance to bestow onto Maho to help better tolerate these volatile flames.
The burning room is now vibrantly lit, and amidst the energy that explodes every only one prominent signature slithers above him. There is the Vizard, blades drawn, a vibrant electricity crackling throughout. Completely revealed, his actions are not covered by a single veil. Having fought before, Higen has a good enough idea of Captain Oda to understand he was more than likely not susceptible to repeating mistakes, yet instead of bombarding Higen with kido from afar, he chose to face him head on. It was not that simple, that he was sure. The blonde-haired male was crafty, a master manipulator. It seemed every word he spoke, every action he took, was a trap waiting to be sprung.
“Tozansho.”
The moment the last syllable was pronounced the lines of a triangular prism had already begun to hastily draw themselves, completing the structure. Its size was not of practical usage, but much more compact, only large enough to completely encase Higen and only Higen. Its compact size only further contributed to its durability, tighter foundations to provide a formidable defense. Higen could count the amount of Kido spells he knew on a single hand, yet this also meant his usage of such few spells had been heightened to a superb level. The shield was more than capable of withstanding one or multiple weapon strikes, along with an assortment of spells and blasts. The flames that continued to roar cascaded against the sides of the barrier like crashing waves. Had Tenzen’s attack continued on, it’d meet its demise at the forefront of the barrier, while the large black hand from Maho’s zanpakuto would pin Tenzen between a rock and a hard place, or cause an increased impact between him and Higen’s Tozansho.
Either way, the moment the barrier encapsulated him his sword had already been partially separated from its sheath, a bright glow accompanying the swift action.
“Shine.”
Just as the alternate release for his weapon is spoken a vibrant light, bright as the sun itself, escapes from the prism. The barrier acts as a kaleidoscope, sending a blinding light that overpowers even that of the flames through the entire room like a flashbang. Except, it lingers, unable to be seen, and perhaps unable to be heard through the spell’s walls, Higen’s hands become clasped in the dangerous gauntlets of Hitsumishi. Immediately, Higen’s body twists at the waist, his lower body stance unwavering. A 90 degree swivel allows his arms to extend directly in front and behind him, conjuring the mightiest of punches in both directions. As the gauntlets meet with the barrier before them, they cause massive spires of crystal to escape from all sides with haste. Tenzen would face the most threat to this, however possibly now directly in front of Higen after having his efforts thwarted. He would be instantaneously skewered in the middle of his torso by the first, while the second would shoot through his left leg. The third would just miss his head, growing at a vertical angle and limiting his potential ability to move directly upward. He’d be fine, Higen thought, that monster within him able to withstand a great deal of pain from his own understanding. A total of seven more crystal spires emerged with varying length, the longest one having its point pinned against the wall just a few inches form Yu’s face. Three extend toward the general location of both Maho and Kyomu with no actual target in mind, but shape the battlefield in a way that forces acute navigation through the sparkling spearheads. Two shoot towards the back wall directly behind Higen and one went directly upward. Although they had varying lengths, their girth—which was similar to that of your average man—was shared between them.
The instructions were both clear and unclear. The Commander never said to shed blood, but to not leave until it is your blood that is spilt. Still the Captains all reacted in a similar fashion, immediately attempting to eviscerate each other. By the looks of things, Captain Nakamoto had refused a direct order, and that was something that was to be dealt with.. at some point. The Knight’s armor is stripped, his flaws and shortcomings exposed to the world around him, there is nothing to withhold, and therefore there is no limit for Higen to operate under. His mind, is damaged, his emotions are scorn, but his physicality.. along with his innate power, remains. It would benefit the Captains to remember.
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“Weakness. That is what my eyes see.”
The Knight had his held high, for a single moment. It came and passed near-instantaneously. He was not left to the comfort of his pride, or allowed to truly rest his chin above his neck among his peers. The Commander destroys them, all of them. Their will, their strength—saw through and expunged by the darting words of Commander Murosaki.
“Captain Mukuro.
“Under your care, ninety six prisoners have escaped from the Nest of Maggots. Ninety Six threats to the Seireitei now run rampant throughout the Rukongai. As such, you have ninety six hours to locate and capture these souls, as well as the one who released them. Should you fail, you will be stripped of your Captaincy, and expected to serve each inmate’s sentence yourself.
You report that the Rukongai Districts have radicalized against us in light of recent events. They will give these prisoners refuge in exchange for harnessing their power against the Gotei Thirteen. The Onmitsukidō’s Patrol Corps will now work in tandem with the Seventh Division to put an end to both matters. You will oversee this personally.”
Hardly anything had changed between the Phantom and the Great Judicator. Once again, he casts absolute judgement upon the serpent—holding it by the neck—completely and utterly annulling his bite. The venomous man seethes, anger overflowing as his fists tighten with the wishful intention of decapitating the man he viewed as a tyrant. The Omnitsukido Commander’s frustration is almost tangible, able to be molded and fixated into a weapon that would be the end of many. Ninety Six Prisoners.. So many. The task he was given sounded impossible to most, and however cruel Shobatsu seemed, he knew it to be in Kyomu’s scope of ability. Realistically, having Captain Mukuro serve those sentences would be a detriment to the Seireitei’s future, especially if Shobatsu was not entirely too far in it. The sentences would eventually end, and Kyomu would emerge from his prison cell as a tempered blade—unleashing his fury against those he’d felt had wronged him.
“Captain Nakamoto.”
“From this moment on, Shinigami of the Fourth Division will no longer be required to stay complacent within the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho. Instead, they will serve as a first response, expected to arrive on call at a moments notice. You will coordinate with the Eleventh Division, who will accompany your medics into battle when summoned. As Captain of Fourth Division, your jurisdiction now extends beyond the Seireitei’s walls and into the World of the Living, with those under you granted express permission to use the Senkaimon when under escort. The First Division will allocate the necessary funds, adjusting your budget for expansion as you see fit.”
An interesting turn, Higen would be a liar to say he’d saw it coming, and perhaps Captain Nakamoto would be too. All of his campaigning, complaining, and passive-aggressiveness had led him here, to Higen’s battlefield. The Shining Captain knew all too well the horrors that could emerge from the deepest crevices to attack the world of the living, ripe with souls. Having lost good soldiers on the same streets to which Yu’s jurisdiction had now extended to, this would be a good lesson. Higen accepted Yu as a good captain—one who saved his life—but could not ignore his arrogance, his privilege. This was a humbling act, that would only hone the young Yu into a formidable warrior, and leader. Perhaps it would also shape his cowardice into bravery.
“Captain Oda”
“Kiniro Yorugao is dead. His body was recovered along with the remains of Plus souls at the location of the Kōtotsu’s appearance. You will be granted clearance into the Shinigami Research and Development institute, so that you may analyse their remains. You will launch an investigation into the Dangai for any suspicious activity, then you place an official report upon Lieutenant Oki’s desk, along with the Dangai Records you speak of. You have my permission to seal off the area of the Kōtotsu’s arrival, and will work with the Twelfth Division to guarantee that there are no abnormalities.”
This was good news. Despite their differences it had seemed that at least for now, The half-breed’s mind was in the correct place. His mind fixated on the problem, and more importantly a possible solution.
"The congratulations of your rise to Captaincy are negated by your failure as one. Do you think so lowly of the Gotei Thirteen, that we would rely on a Hollow to defend us? Do you admit that you are undeserving of your role, so weak as to be a victim, so desperate as to count on the power of a Hollow? Remember that you are a Captain first, and Vizard second. You will not merely control your affliction, you will master it, or you will die a Hollow’s death.”
There is more truth in the small speech than can be addressed. All the talk about assets and liabilities, when the truth was the show will continue with or without Captain Oda. If he was to lack control, resolve, act mindlessly like vermin, then he will face extermination…
By Higen at that.
Higen could not stomach the thought of having to rely on a hollow’s power as a pivotal piece in the greatest military might to be seen in any realm of existence. The souls that wield their zanpakuto and make sacrifices every day should never be on equal footing with what to most, should be something to simply be cleansed.
“Captain Kojima.
You will prepare for war. Continue bolstering your numbers, restructuring your ranks, and training your Shinigami. The Ninth Division will run continuous patrols along the Seireitei’s walls, and will form stations at each of the Four Great Seireimon. You will establish the Kojima Commando Unit, training your four strongest members to provide you direct support at the first sign of a threat. They will become an extension of yourself, so that you yourself will not become overextended. You will teach them shunpo, so that they may make the ten day journey between gates at a moment's notice, and you will condition their strength, so that should the need arise, they will be able to lift and close the Seireimon. You will personally oversee our security measures, and ensure that the Gotei Thirteen is prepared for an attack. You will have my authority to collaborate with the other Divisions in order to see to this task. Should even a single flaw be exploited, it will be you that pays the price. I will be expecting a full report once your analysis has been concluded.”
The Dragon emerges unscathed, to no surprise. His lingering presence, creeping from one barracks to the other to find his next scoop had yet to be forced into action; True action. This is not something Higen wishes for, as should no one, as its arrival is only the consequence of a Seireitei in danger. Hopefully all of Maho’s preparation acts as a solid wall of defense for them all. Though stretched thin, Higen would not hesitate to allocate resources to the cause, aiding in the Seireitei’s safety even further.
“Captain Kagayaki.
By the time his name is called the end point of his beard reaches the bottom of his sternum, a shadow cast upon his his face as his stance is weakened, dissolved. The first words the commander spoke to them, along with what he’d said to the other Captains gave Higen indication that what he would hear next would not bring him comfort. The relationship between Higen and the commander was difficult to put into words, and others would view it as simple, ignorant to its complexities. For decades he’d served under a man who seemed incapable of showing, care, affection of any kind. There were no compliments, no pats on the back, no reassurance of Higen’s improvement. Each time he crossed a bridge another would appear, longer, narrower. The storm became difficult to weather, no one could understand. Master and student was the outside view, But it was more like a cruel god, looking down silently as his worshippers scraped up offerings just to hear his voice, receive his blessing.
“You sacrificed your body needlessly. Living in fear of your own power, you never dared to tame it. That is why your body is broken. That is why your mind is fractured. You are no different from the Vizards that you hate. A victim of your own power, you claim your hesitation to act was warranted. Who are you to pass such a judgement? I told you once, while you groveled at my feet, that you need only fear what you cannot control. Rather than seize this control you chose to wallow in your fear, you chose to hesitate and leave the burden of protecting the Seireitei upon the shoulders of your comrades. You did not act as a savior, you acted to rectify the problem your fear created, and in the process removed yourself from duty. Do not let it happen again.
Your vision validates Tenzen’s theory, and as well as my own suspicions. You will write a full report and submit it to Lieutenant Oki. Then you will report to the Twelth Division for a scan of your mind, we will see how your encounter with this being has altered you, as well as attempt to recreate the vision from your memories. Following this, you will report to Captain Oda and the Kido Corps, who will erase any influence of this creature, and prevent any further interference.
The bount your Division faced, as detailed in Third Seat Hyouzoku’s report, was Nicolas Klaus. Created by former Captain Ran'Tao of Twelfth Division, and defeated by former Captain Rukia Kuchiki of Thirteenth Division. Captain Kuchiki defeated the creature through the use of her ice elemental zanpakuto, Sode no Shirayuki. The outcome of this sealed the creature into a pocket world within a snowflake. When this snowflake lands upon the world of the living, the Bount is capable of escaping its imprisonment for a limited amount of time. Should this creature appear again, ensure its demise before it can return to the safety of solitude.”
. . .
You are no different from the Vizards that you hate.
You are no different from the Vizards that you hate.
You are no different from the Vizards that you hate.
You are no different from the Vizards that you hate.
It repeats again and again, Higen’s mind, his Soul refuting any possibility that this could be true. It simply couldn’t be, it was unacceptable. Shobatsu’s word was absolute—this was something he preached, something he warned others not to test and defy, yet here are his words, why do they sound so horrible? Why do they cut so deeply? What had he done to deserve such a relentless downpour of shame.
The internal struggle Higen faced, the pain of his body shattering into a million tiny pieces, all of which is described by his superior, the commander, as “needless”. His needless sacrifice stems from an inability to act and control his true power without reluctance. Perhaps this part was true, and through all his years, he was held back by this aspect of fear that only intensified after that creature infested his nightmares.
In the worst form of irony, the one to help aid him in his struggle will be none other than Tenzen Oda. This had to be spite, had Shobatsu been capable of it. He did not know how to feel. Now he was being treated like a machine of war, malfunctioning, he is sent to his place of manufacturing for repair. All he had feared had come true; if he could not avoid this inevitability, what was the point of being fearful in the first place? His comrades had now seen him at his lowest, an embarrassment to his name, his legacy. He was to have his psyche ability, so it was obvious he was seen as possibly unstable. All he had worked felt like it crumbled before him. Moments before he had felt revered, and now he felt he lacked the respect of a single person in the room. His eyes close shut, hoping the horror will disappear, not wanting to see the faces of those around him. Shobatsu’s words continue, like nothing had changed in the slightest. He felt nothing toward the pain of his former lieutenant, this much was clear.
“For the past two years, I have stationed an agent within the depths of Hell. His task, to locate the Captains lost to the Shattered Dimensions event, dead or alive. His orders were clear, he was not to return without information on their whereabouts, at risk of death.
This evening that agent, Yami Mochizuki, knelt before me to report.
Yami has returned? His old sparring partner had been gone for some time, and his return from such a place is no simple feat. The urgency was brooding, yet what exactly was going on in the shadows?
He claims that the God King has escaped Hell. This act is thought to be impossible by some. However, there is tell of a Togabito who once used the power of a Vasto Lorde to break his chains and be free of the grip of the Kushanāda. Vincent Bauttista, the former God King of Hueco Mundo, possesses power beyond even that. Along with our Captains, and the Quincy Empress, the God King went missing during the Shattered Dimensions Event. It was his absence that allowed me to restore the balance of souls by halving the population of Hueco Mundo. It is likely that this creature has been trapped in Hell, and has amassed enough power to break his chains and escape. I have dispatched an agent from the Eleventh Division to Hueco Mundo in order to confirm these claims.
This news coincides with the revelations of our meeting. Unseen forces are bringing forth forgotten enemies, tipping the scales of fate in their favor to see how easily we may fall. I see as they do. Hypocrites, who claim to protect the balance of souls and yet live as unbalanced men."
Impossible. Such power in the hands of foul creatures should not be possible, yet the words were said. This was something to fear, but perhaps he was done with fear. What he truly heard was the rise of a formidable enemy. The Gotei’s Military might must reign true, and expel all opposition no matter how powerful the foe. Perhaps in this oncoming war.. Higen’s honor can be restored.
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"Doubt. Anger. Fear. These cloud your minds and corrupt your souls, distracting you from the only thing you must act upon. Duty.
You stand together as cowards, traitors, monsters, and fools. Forget your petty notions of each other, your opinions are of no significance. I do not command you to hesitate, to fear, to hate, I do not command you to dwell on your past, worry for the future, regret your actions, or hold your ideals. I command you to be strong. I command you to do your duty. To fight and die for the balance of souls. You will stand together and die as Captains of the Gotei Thirteen, or you will live bowing down in disgrace."
“Before me stands the greatest souls Shinigami have to offer, but what I see are insects. Capable of carving through mountains should they stand together, and yet choosing to stand alone and be trampled. What I see is what every being sees. From the most insignificant of souls in the Rukongai, to the God King of Hueco Mundo. What I see is Weakness”
The weight of the commander’s words weigh down upon them. His words had cut in a thousand places, perhaps with the intention to eliminate the obviously clear division before them. They were few, still recovering from the Shattered Dimensions event all that time ago, yet they remained at each other’s throats. There was no honor attached to the white coat, simply dysfunction and the Judicator wished to rectify this. Higen had but only blinked, and as his lids parted once more they welcomed the flickering of a purple and black flame. A flame of which he was all too familiar with. The massive blade, nearly towering over Yu himself is lodged into the center of the room before him. The flames that glow vibrantly from its steel dance like some sort of tease, swaying like the ever-changing thoughts in the minds of the doubtful. A hard swallow is unavoidable, the loud gulp probably able to be heard by the entire room amidst the brief silence.
The steps of the commander are slow, heavy, and foreboding. He passes them all without saying a word, the flames gently hiding behind his massive frame as he passes. He reaches the entrance of the captain’s hall and the doors begin to creak, as if preparing to close.
“Do not leave this place until your blood has been spilt.”
Despite their relationship, or lack thereof—there was no misunderstanding between Higen and the commander’s words. He’d wanted his own Captains, like squabbling children, to draw blood from each other as an attempt at unity. He did not understand the thinking, but it wasn’t his job to understand, but rather to simply follow the orders given to him. Even so, there was conveniently no better time than now to go all out.
The doors closed slowly, and as the large and radiant opening dwindled to one tiny crevice of light Higen had only to prepare himself. His left hand had hardly left his zanpakuto throughout the meeting, still it tenses along the hilt even more so now. The sound of the doors finally shutting is like the ringing of a bell, the initiation of the bloodsport they’d been force to partake. The Phantom lives up to the name, as the entire room is filled with a purple haze. Smoke blurs the integrity of The Commander’s flames, and also attempts to act as a distraction, a way to operate out of stealth and shadow. These were undoubtedly the tactics of the Omnitsukido commander. Higen’s readiness does not waver, his senses peaked, unsure just where Kyomu would emerge. To subdue a serpent you must be vigilant, patient. Captain Nakamoto fears the dark, it seemed, the casting of his kido heard from across the room as the red light often released as a projectile hovers in the Fairy’s hand.
The piercing red light envelops the room, revealing Yu’s retreat, and Kyomu’s advance. He approached the Dragon from his right side; it appeared his target was chosen. The red light only further illuminates the room, revealing another detail, a certain Vizard missing from his place in line. He too, had sought to take advantage of chaos and shadow. A sound bellows out, its composition reminiscent of an instantaneous ignition as waves of orange invade Higen’s peripheral. An increase of reiatsu floods the room along with the roaring flames. Higen’s own reiatsu spikes in order to keep up with the overbearing supernova; the flames eat at the bottom of his hakama and haori, tattering the edges and charring its color. He has yet to move, and his flesh however is unphased. The senren shields him indefinitely, a technique he had yet to have the chance to bestow onto Maho to help better tolerate these volatile flames.
The burning room is now vibrantly lit, and amidst the energy that explodes every only one prominent signature slithers above him. There is the Vizard, blades drawn, a vibrant electricity crackling throughout. Completely revealed, his actions are not covered by a single veil. Having fought before, Higen has a good enough idea of Captain Oda to understand he was more than likely not susceptible to repeating mistakes, yet instead of bombarding Higen with kido from afar, he chose to face him head on. It was not that simple, that he was sure. The blonde-haired male was crafty, a master manipulator. It seemed every word he spoke, every action he took, was a trap waiting to be sprung.
“Tozansho.”
The moment the last syllable was pronounced the lines of a triangular prism had already begun to hastily draw themselves, completing the structure. Its size was not of practical usage, but much more compact, only large enough to completely encase Higen and only Higen. Its compact size only further contributed to its durability, tighter foundations to provide a formidable defense. Higen could count the amount of Kido spells he knew on a single hand, yet this also meant his usage of such few spells had been heightened to a superb level. The shield was more than capable of withstanding one or multiple weapon strikes, along with an assortment of spells and blasts. The flames that continued to roar cascaded against the sides of the barrier like crashing waves. Had Tenzen’s attack continued on, it’d meet its demise at the forefront of the barrier, while the large black hand from Maho’s zanpakuto would pin Tenzen between a rock and a hard place, or cause an increased impact between him and Higen’s Tozansho.
Either way, the moment the barrier encapsulated him his sword had already been partially separated from its sheath, a bright glow accompanying the swift action.
“Shine.”
Just as the alternate release for his weapon is spoken a vibrant light, bright as the sun itself, escapes from the prism. The barrier acts as a kaleidoscope, sending a blinding light that overpowers even that of the flames through the entire room like a flashbang. Except, it lingers, unable to be seen, and perhaps unable to be heard through the spell’s walls, Higen’s hands become clasped in the dangerous gauntlets of Hitsumishi. Immediately, Higen’s body twists at the waist, his lower body stance unwavering. A 90 degree swivel allows his arms to extend directly in front and behind him, conjuring the mightiest of punches in both directions. As the gauntlets meet with the barrier before them, they cause massive spires of crystal to escape from all sides with haste. Tenzen would face the most threat to this, however possibly now directly in front of Higen after having his efforts thwarted. He would be instantaneously skewered in the middle of his torso by the first, while the second would shoot through his left leg. The third would just miss his head, growing at a vertical angle and limiting his potential ability to move directly upward. He’d be fine, Higen thought, that monster within him able to withstand a great deal of pain from his own understanding. A total of seven more crystal spires emerged with varying length, the longest one having its point pinned against the wall just a few inches form Yu’s face. Three extend toward the general location of both Maho and Kyomu with no actual target in mind, but shape the battlefield in a way that forces acute navigation through the sparkling spearheads. Two shoot towards the back wall directly behind Higen and one went directly upward. Although they had varying lengths, their girth—which was similar to that of your average man—was shared between them.
The instructions were both clear and unclear. The Commander never said to shed blood, but to not leave until it is your blood that is spilt. Still the Captains all reacted in a similar fashion, immediately attempting to eviscerate each other. By the looks of things, Captain Nakamoto had refused a direct order, and that was something that was to be dealt with.. at some point. The Knight’s armor is stripped, his flaws and shortcomings exposed to the world around him, there is nothing to withhold, and therefore there is no limit for Higen to operate under. His mind, is damaged, his emotions are scorn, but his physicality.. along with his innate power, remains. It would benefit the Captains to remember.
