[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Central Seireitei

[BSD]

As face after unrecognizable face passed through the doors, Omoni’s eyes were sealed shut and she had resorted to only listening to what was going on around her until the meeting officially began.
Suddenly, the door flew from it’s hinges as easily as if it had been paper. As it soared, Omoni’s deep dark eyes peeled open and her icy stare landed on the being that had launched it. Was it a sense of surprise in those orbs? Was it excitement?---No, wait. No, it was anger. Loads and loads of rage silently started to broil inside the moment she laid her eyes upon him.
His name? Jinnosuke Ueku. He was the Lieutenant of the eleventh division and quite literally the bane of her existence. The two of them had been at one another’s throats for scores whether it be for a bit of sparring or his knack for following her around insistent on annoying the living hell out of her. Although in every case, Hageshi responded to him with severe distaste it would have been a lie to say that she hated him. Honestly, there was something she could never quite pin point that filled her with unbridled fury when she crossed paths with Jinnosuke. Sometimes she was infuriated by the way his stupid hair looked and other instances his reckless decisions were enough to piss her off. Which was ironic considering she made plenty of those herself. Whatever it was...it never failed. Jinnosuke Ueku drove Omoni Hageshi mad. He made her so furious that she did not bother looking at whom the door was headed for.
After that, a face entered the room that she was momentarily intrigued by. He was young, possibly younger than all of them. Why...she was unsure. He looked very familiar but not familiar enough for her to comment on his arrival.

“Wonderful, now that we're all settled and ready...I see Lieutenant Abe of Ninth was unable to join us. How is her condition?”
Honoka Oki’s voice snapped the grouchy woman back to reality so that she could take into account that she was being asked about the ninth’s Lieutenant’s current condition that was keeping her from joining them that day. From there, she started to drone on and Hageshi had trouble keeping up which was common for her. As much as she wanted to know what was happening in the other divisions, she often missed a lot of what was said which left her to wonder what people were talking about when they came up during discussions.
"To update you on some of the divisions without a lieutenant... Third division's third seat, Enso Aikawa, is currently in the Maggots Nest after the incident with the three shinigami from Seventh Division. Hopefully this does not escalate, or cause problems between the divisions. Further details are still being gathered as his story does not correlate with the evidence found so far. I am certain Sixth will get to the truth of this, as well as what happened in the Central Council's compound."
This, sparked her attention. Enso. A scowl crawled across Omoni’s lips as Honoka expressed the circumstances that had befallen her estranged acquaintance. Enso had always been trouble. Something about the unhinged teacher gave the woman bad feelings whenever she had to deal with him. No doubt this was a response to his unique Shikai. His interest in her was almost obsessive and it was over the fact that nothing he did effected the stoic fourth Lieutenant. She didn’t know why, but he was determined to find out. What sort of nonsense had he gotten himself mixed up in now? Her dwelling on this caused the remainder of what Honoka had to say to fade away until it all became a coagulation of mumbling.
A moment or two passed by of Hageshi gathering herself so that she could respond to Lieutenant Oki's earlier inquiry but before she opened her mouth to respond, it seemed that the second’s own Yasu Yugure was intent on doing so first. Unbothered by this, Omoni settled back into her chair. Truthfully, she wasn’t quite ready to begin anyway and was a little relieved.

“The Second Division has been rather busy.”
The second division...home of the snake and those known for stealthy operations. Omoni wasn’t aware of much more than that when it came to the second. She DID know Yasu and she knew her better than she did most of the other Lieutenant’s minus the pompadour. Although they hardly ever got to see each other during missions or even passing by in the fourth, when they did Hageshi always had the pink haired little lady’s favorite snacks on hand. She would be happy to rid her fridge of these and Yugure was also one of the very few people who did not invite her grumpy wrath. Something about the way she seemed to mind her business, her duty and her manners rubbed the fourth’s Lieutenant the right way.
“After the release of the group of Vizards, I had been tasked with retrieving a certain individual who had been residing within the Rukongai for intel purposes. Unfortunately, the task had gone successful, but with casualties. I and Kazumi Fujioka had come across an encampment where shinigami of both the Second and Seventh Division were displayed as trophies or warnings.”
It sounded as if Yasu had been hard at work in her absence.Kazumi Fujioka had been a name that did not ring a bell in the monstresses mind. This must have been another second division member that she could never hope to know. After all, they kept themselves practically unseen at all times and worked in silence. Unfortunately, jobs in the Rukongai had become few and far between for Hageshi much to her duress. It had started out as her home and held a special place in her heart and more often than not she missed it. Hearing that it had been undergoing detrimental circumstances began to earn her disappointment. Long ago there had been a time when none dared step a toe out of line while she patrolled the land. Those who roamed it knew her and her refusal to put up with anything less than peace even if it had to be violently enforced by her to ensure it. Most of the time, having handled situations before Shinigami could make their way there. Part of her wished she could visit it again but every time she wanted to, something of more importance called her away.
“With the assistance of Arashi Suta and his party, we had completed our objective and Kazumi Fujioka was sent back to the barracks whilst I assisted the Fifth Division in their endeavors. Delving into the encampment, we crossed paths with Itsuki Asakura who’d long dealt with those that had caused difficulties to his area of control. With no reasons left to stay, I had turned back to perform my duties assigned outside of my initial tasks, but then...The events of the Rukongai had proved to be rather dire at the time, thus my announcement heard throughout the entirety of the Gotei Thirteen. “It had ended as quickly as it started though… I imagine that the events that had happened within both Karakura Town and Naruki City had something to do with the occurrence with the 77th District.”
The 77th district is the only thing about the last of Yasu’s report that stood out to Omoni and that was probably because it was the place she came from when she was a resident of the Rukongai. Once she had returned from Karakura town she had been met with a lot of news left and right from frantic nurses. In most cases, she had trouble retaining a ton of information at once and only a few things managed to stick. In this case, the death of the central forty six members as well as the arrest of the Captain Commander had been just that. While the remainder slipped away until she had been reminded during an interview a few days earlier. It came to her attention that a Garganta not only opened up in the city of Karakura but one had also appeared in the 77th district. So far she only felt fury toward whoever or whatever was behind the events plaguing the soul society as well as the land of the living. As far as she was concerned, it’d signed it’s death warrant with her.
“I…”
Suddenly, it looked as if Yasu’s train of thought had shifted to something inducing a brilliant red blush upon her cheeks. This caused Omoni’s right brow to quirk upwards because she was curious what could have flustered her.
“I will be testing!”

There it was. A grin spread on Omoni’s face and she uncurled her fingers from their clasping. This was good news brought out from the shadow of the discussion into the light. Together, her two scarred hands clapped rhythmically and with enthusiasm.

“ That’s great, Yugure! I’m sure you’re gonna do well! I’ll be rootin' for ya!”
Captaincy was not for Hageshi. Many had asked it of her and each time they had been dismissed. It presented a level of responsibility, power and most importantly stress that she simply didn’t desire to partake in. That did not mean that she frowned upon it for any others who hoped themselves worthy! Especially a friend. As far as she was concerned, Yugure would become a fine Captain! Although, by the looks of Yasu, it seemed she was overwhelmed by her own announcement and wanted Omoni to move on. Quickly. So, Hageshi complied.

“Abe’s condition is stable currently but, she is unable to attend this meeting in order to prevent unnecessary stress. The kid’s orders.”
Some of the Lieutenant’s would not have been aware that Omoni referred to her young captain by the informal term of ‘ Kid ‘. It would have certainly come as a surprise and without pause she continued. This was the time to provide her colleagues with an explanation. The explanation they had all been waiting for. What happened in the land of the living. How to start...where to start?
“ Before any of the crazy shit happened, Oyama Hoshi and I went to the land of the living to search for a hollow that I could bring back so that I could fix Ueku’s bones. Long story short it commited suicide to get away from me.”
Memories of the tangle with the furry blue beast came back to her briefly as well as it’s untimely demise. Perhaps it had been a coincidence but if she didn’t know better it felt like it’s death had been the trigger for everything.
“ The gates of Hell opened and a Togabito showed up in Karakura. It started unleashing destruction right away, nearly took Hoshi if it hadn’t been for a Quincy woman who saved her with some pretty arrows.”
Hageshi was aware there were biases existing in the Soul Society pertaining to Quincy. Some considered them scum while others didn’t seem to have a preference. She was among the latter. Had they been there or not it wouldn’t have changed a thing for the Vice Captain. They had done all they could to help the humans trapped in between the villainous attacker and hadn’t gotten in her way so they were ok in her book.
“ I tried to save him but I lost a thirteenth member, Shin something. Kid attacked it head on and died.--- You.” There was a glint that flashed in the corner of one of Hageshi’s eyes as she proceeded. Her hand lifted and pointed at the younger of the Lieutenants. He had scruffy blonde hair and after a brief time of staring it appeared Omoni finally recognized him. “ This guy ended up capturing a hollow n’ I was able to complete my mission. Thanks.”
That was it, back to the assessment.
“ It ate Zanpakuto and Reishi. Then it could use those abilities for itself. Found out later it went by the name Sword Eater. After the kid and his eleventh guard fought it while I went back to fetch Jinnosuke, they didn’t put a dent in it. It got ahold of my and Nakamoto’s Shikai so anything done to it would just heal right back up.”
Before she went on, she paused. Almost as if she was reflecting on something. Deciding whether she wanted to reveal what was next. As long as they had known her, even the eldest of them the first’s Lieutenant, none had ever seen Omoni produce Bankai. It had been illusive for eight hundred and sixty nine years until that day in the corrosive streets of the land of the living. Annoyed by her own hesitation and the stupidity of it, Hageshi let it go.
“ Jinnosuke and I killed the Togabito after I used Bankai. I didn’t know it was gonna happen, it just did.”

The way she described it, you would have thought she was a stubborn child who didn’t want to make something a big deal. Even though it was in fact quite the occurrence especially for the fourth’s Lieutenant who had shown so much abominable power in the past and had never peaked the way it had been expected of her. Until now. It was clear she wanted to glide past it.
“ After that, a Garganta opened and spit out a tidal wave of blood. It took the Togabito’s body back to Hell, closed the gates and practically wiped the city off the map. I don’t really remember the rest.”
There were a few things she had left out. Maybe on purpose and maybe as an accident. Most importantly, how Jinnosuke had utilized his Bankai to save her from being washed away along with her adversary. There were no details about his bravery charging into battle with her and protecting her every vulnerability. Was this simply the giantess being ignorant as per usual or would she deny her tongue to ever speak about such things at all? As quickly as she had begun reciting her report, the atmosphere abruptly shifted . A heavy growl escaped Hageshi’s throat as she went on. There was one thing that had been bothering her since the entire ordeal began. Something like a thorn in her side that she couldn’t get past. That she hadn’t been able to ignore.
“ Now I got a question.”
Hageshi stood up with a great gesture and her spiritual power rose with her dauntingly. The ground trembled at their feet collectively. Alongside her energy, her rage erupted further begetting a horrifically furious expression from her. Strands of her brown hair flickered like the flames of her Reiatsu lifting into the air and floated around her wildly as a testament to the storm brewing inside.
“ This thing came lookin’ for ONE person.”
Without warning, Omoni lifted a fist into the air above her head and thrust it back down violently onto the enormous table that connected them all. It surrendered to her insane might instantaneously by shattering into a splintered mess. It stood no chance. There was no salvaging it now that it collapsed beneath the gravity of her brute strength. In doing so, the ferocity of a roar exploded out of her open mouth and caused the windows in the vicinity to break into millions of pieces then cascade onto a dusty floor.

“ WHO THE HELL IS ARASHI SUTA?!”
The fact that the very man was in the room with her was lost on that woman. Would this be a point where he would speak up and take responsibility for the actions of the past that had led them here or would he take the opportunity to not speak at all and hope no one else in the chamber did either? The choice was his.

 

[BSD]

Choosing to remain silent. Choosing to remain still. Lieutenant Suta seemed rather comfortable, relaxed even. As if nothing could deter him from the behavior that made him like a statue within his own chair. The rest of the Lieutenants trickle in one bearing gifts. Lieutenant Kasumi, her spiritual signature being the most familiar among any of them. It is her signature that remained with him after his failed attempt in slaying the hollow Sword Eater. Having still not repaid his debt to her, Lieutenant Suta doesn’t move, not an inch. Next is the arrival of the 11th's finest, and current Lieutenant. With a flamboyant entrance, Lieutenant Ueku is oblivious to his own strength resulting in the door to the meeting hall flying from its hinges! As startling as it seemed, most if not all the Lieutenants remain content, unfazed, as if this was a natural occurrence. Still, Lieutenant Suta sits within the same position, fixed, possibly incapable of moving. His eyes don’t open, his face expressionless and suddenly-
SWAT!
Inches away from his face, the door instead makes contact with the wall behind Lieutenant Suta. His hand has moved before, it is evident by the little residue of the door located on the back of his hand. This action being swift and without any inkling of hesitation, he managed to even place his hand back into the same position from which it was sent from, interlocked with the other. As if he had never moved, he resumes his previous statue-like state. Behind Lieutenant Ueku however, comes a former colleague from his days in Squad 13. No longer Katsua Oda, as his new title is displayed by the badge on his arm. Lieutenant Katsuo Oda. While the naive, but confident Oda looks for recognition and admiration from Lieutenant Suta, he’d receive none. His face vacant of any expression, of any acknowledgment to his new strength. Was he surprised? Is he jealous? Is he excited? Lieutenant Oda will remain clueless to his thoughts throughout this entire meeting and hopefully, he’d realize just how trivial and meaningless it is at this time.
Frankly, they had far more pressing matters to be realized, and finally, the Head Lieutenant speaks…

" Are we ready to begin?"
If his presence there wasn’t evidence enough, hopefully, his silence speaks volumes. Others of course respond in their own way. Though he still has yet to take a peek, he still noticed the vacancy of other seats, including the ones closest to him. One day, many more will come to fill these chairs. Members who he will be happy to seat himself next to…
" Wonderful, now that we're all settled and ready…”
A pause occurs, warranted by a change of focus from the Head Lieutenant.
“ I see Lieutenant Abe of Ninth was unable to join us. How is her condition?"
Another chair that is supposed to be filled. Lieutenant Suta is oblivious to her condition, equally unknowing to the cause. Perhaps the Fourth Division’s Lieutenant will shed some light on this matter later in her report. In such a weakened state, how will the Ninth Division prevail as their workload piles up? With no substantial authority directing their every move, regulating their forces to both protect the Seireitei as well as deliver and report everyday news, how long before they begin to trip over their own feet and collapse underneath the weight of their own responsibility? The Gotei 13 needed a solution to stabilize this table of power that is missing a few legs…
In wait of a professional and solidified answer, the Head Lieutenant continues on… But the decibels in her voice drop, becoming monotonous.
" ...I'll start with letting you know that Nozamu Kyōraku of Twelfth Division has not only been stripped of his rank, but also captured in his attempt to flee to the Rukongai, and has been imprisoned in the Maggots Nest. The original announcement was only done in Twelfth Division, but I'm sure the news spread quickly."
While the Head Lieutenant lacked an interest in speaking of this topic, finding it tedious and repetitious the information is still disappointing. Still, it warrants no reaction from Lieutenant Suta. As a high-ranking officer, one’s duty comes first and foremost. Not only that, his assistance would have been much appreciated in regards to the 5th Division’s previous mission just four days ago. Even though he knew nothing of the man and his intelligence, but being of Squad 12 and now knowing of his previous rank, Lieutenant Suta figured his knowledge on most if not all matters to be vast…
Considering the amount of technology and research stored in 12 Division… In any case, Head Lieutenant Oki had more information to deliver.
" Twelfth has made several requests to investigate the anomalies that transpired in the world of the living, namely Naruki and Karakura… To analyze and determine if the Garganta at all correlate with that of the one in the Rukongai."
Will Head Lieutenant Oki grant their request? Surely she knew that without a Captain or Lieutenant, 12 Division scientists work diligently and around the clock to uncover any and all secrets. Of course, 10th and 13th Division being the means to an end when it came to Naruki City and Karakura Town, the report from Lieutenant Kasumi and Lieutenant Oda became a necessity. However, the mention of the Garganta piqued an interest that did not show from Lieutenant Suta.
” Could it be the same Garganta or did two appear at the same time in the 77th District and the world of the living?”
His words caged within his head, concurrently, Images flash from that day, namely the massive Garganta that appeared and swallowed the entirety of the Soul King’s blood. A horrific sight to behold, one that he surely thought would be an invasion of Hollows and Menos alike, but maybe that was just the least of his worries. Something far more sinister and diabolical may be at play here… He’d have no choice but to voice this gut feeling, come his report.
Further information surfaces from the Head Lieutenant, recalling the full attention of Lieutenant Suta even in his statue-like state.
" As well as the alleged finger of the God-King, brought back by Maeda-san of Eleventh Division from his expedition in Hueco Mundo."
To Lieutenant Suta, a pretentious name indeed, and by far one of the most ridiculous collaborations of words… Nonetheless, a trip to Hueco Mundo is nothing to scoff at, and to make it back alive, in one piece? The 11th Division has seemingly spawned some fine warriors…
She continues…
" To update you on some of the divisions without a lieutenant... The third division's third seat, Enso Aikawa, is currently in the Maggots Nest after the incident with the three shinigami from Seventh Division. Hopefully, this does not escalate or cause problems between the divisions. Further details are still being gathered as his story does not correlate with the evidence found so far. I am certain Sixth will get to the truth of this, as well as what happened in the Central Council's compound."
She stops to take a sip of her lukewarm tea, sweet and aromatic. This scent travels to his nostrils and as they flare, this would be the only movement visible from Lieutenant Suta...
" Sixth has been very diligent and thorough during all these investigations."
Great news…
More civil war within the Gotei 13. As if the Coup from a while back wasn’t enough, or even the betrayal of Shirogane Kuchiki. Arashi still doesn’t understand why he did it…
" I want to put some worries at ease by confirming Shobatsu Murasaki is imprisoned in the Muken."
She pauses, reconvening with her own memories, scenes that only she and a select few share. Yet she continues with a peppier voice.
" I know the change was abrupt and shocking for many, if not all of us, but let's continue to work together to maintain the balance and the peace. With Captain Commander Kagayaki at the helm, our future looks quite bright."
A man fitting of the position. The Shining Knight, the savior of the Seireitei from the Cataclysmic Kokotsu. Perhaps she meant that last little bit to be a pun? Something to brighten the mood a bit… Then again, the imprisonment of Shobatsu Murasaki is something he never expected to hear nor happen. Despite the internal and staggering fear he had towards the man, he is yet another debt that needed to be repaid. Unfortunately, he can only do that by remaining loyal and obedient to the Gotei 13… despite his affliction...
CLAP!
Head Lieutenant Oki collects any and all attention, in conclusion, nudging the childish brat of the Gotei 13, Lieutenant Yugure. It is her turn to report, and so it would seem they will be going in numerical order in regards to squads. Lieutenant Suta remains as he is. Motionless, cloaked by utter and complete silence in every meaning of the word.

“ The Second Division has been rather busy.”
Aren’t they always, despite never being seen due to their covert operations? Their past transgressions matter very little to the Lieutenant, even being ignorant to many details in the whys of their coup against the former Commander. Yasu’s choice during the Rukongai incident showed him her willingness to lend a hand, even when she had other matters to attend to… Truly, Lieutenant Suta held the utmost respect towards her.
“ After the release of the group of Vizards, I had been tasked with retrieving a certain individual who had been residing within the Rukongai for intel purposes.”
Even under the Phantom, Captain Mukuro, Lieutenant Yugure still feels pain, and shoulders emotion visible to all eyes.
“ Unfortunately, the task had gone successful, but with casualties. I and Kazumi Fujioka had come across an encampment where shinigami of both the Second and Seventh Division were displayed as trophies or warnings.”
A sight that will forever remain etched into his brain. How could he forget such a scene that showed no remorse, no care for the lives of many Shinigami. He recalls the condition of his old friend Xiaolin, and the deceased Kagewaki. Two members of Squad Two did not deserve their fate, yet their death is inevitable, and to be expected in their line of work should they fail… In the midst of her report, she gestures towards Lieutenant Suta. Still, his form eludes any acknowledgment of this gesture. He remains a statue even though the second report of this meeting…
“ With the assistance of Arashi Suta and his party, we had completed our objective and Kazumi Fujioka was sent back to the barracks whilst I assisted the Fifth Division in their endeavors.”
Her anxiety taking over, Lieutenant Yugure exercises different activities to maintain herself. From the popping of her fingers to the scratching of her head, ending with the rapid bouncing of her leg. All of which did not bother Lieutenant Suta in any way, still he grew worried for her...
“ Delving into the encampment, we crossed paths with Itsuki Asakura who’d long dealt with those that had caused difficulties to his area of control. With no reasons left to stay, I had turned back to perform my duties assigned outside of my initial tasks, but then...”
Her restlessness increases, likely worrying the lot in the room, not just Lieutenant Suta. This was certainly unbecoming of someone of her Squad, and a turn of who she was before the Kuchiki Incident. Perhaps her affliction is the cause, or is it simply her own fear of being taken over? If that is the case, why did he not suffer the same? Why is he able to sit here, so still and without any sort of action besides the flare of his nostrils and the backhand to the door from earlier? Maybe between himself, Captain Oda, and Lieutenant Yugure, they deal with their afflictions in different ways. How can they be touched by the same situation altogether, and yet be so far apart, so different?
“ The events of the Rukongai had proved to be rather dire at the time, thus my announcement heard throughout the entirety of the Gotei Thirteen.”
She paused, caused by a memory relapse, one of fear. However, she managed to collect herself and continues on with the rest of her report.
“ It had ended as quickly as it started though… I imagine that the events that had happened within both Karakura Town and Naruki City had something to do with the occurrence within the 77th District.”
It seemed that Lieutenant Yugure and Lieutenant Suta stood in agreement. Their gut tied together in one knot. Perhaps his own report will shed some light for all of the Lieutenants, and the dots can be connected before them. Finally, they’d have someone to blame for these occurrences…
While it seemed to be the conclusion to Yasu’s report, she skirmishes and moved around in her chair. Clearly, she had more to say, something that would cause her cheeks to flush with a red hue. What could possibly have her acting this way at such a formal gathering?
“ I...”

“ I will be testing!”
Such exhilarating news! Yet she holds her face with innocence and meekness in her behavior. Why? Was she truly scared? Did she have no ounce of confidence in her ascension to the rank of Captain? Granted, it is a title that holds a weight that can not be fathomed. It brings him back to his time where he attempted the exam and failed. Even so, he was happy for Lieutenant Yugure, though he does not show it in action or through any facial expression whatsoever.
Still, he remains as he was from the start…
“ I… will be attempting my captaincy exam soon. I am unaware of my summons for now.”
” Please wish me luck.”
Through the hands that desperately hide her reddened face, Lieutenant Yugure peeks, silently begging for Lieutenant Hageshi to get on with her report. Yasu’s effort to shift the attention from her back to the topics that still needed to be addressed.

“ That’s great, Yugure! I’m sure you’re gonna do well! I’ll be rootin' for ya!”
As they all are, hopefully. The Amazonian woman sounds off with an array of claps, directed towards Lieutenant Yugure’s chance to achieve the rank of Captain. In which Division will she lead? Only she knew of this, but now is the time to listen for Lieutenant Hageshi’s latest in her report.

“ Abe’s condition is stable currently but, she is unable to attend this meeting in order to prevent unnecessary stress. The kid’s orders.”
She leads off with the condition of Lieutenant Abe, answering the question that was delivered by the Head Lieutenant. Good to hear that her condition is stable and while he hoped it remained as such, he’d be far more ecstatic to hear that she will be back on her feet soon. Many knew that her Squad desperately needed her guidance. The faster her recovery the better… But who was she referring to as a kid? Not her Captain was it? The dynamic between Captain and subordinate no matter the difference between rank is astonishing, to say the least. Lieutenant Suta could only hope to have some semblance of a comfortable relationship with his Captain. As peaceful and calming as Captain Oda seems to be at times, even when he has his nervous induced moments, Arashi pictured their relationship to have far more stepping stones…
Without interruption, Lieutenant Hageshi continues on…
“ Before any of the crazy shit happened, Oyama Hoshi and I went to the land of the living to search for a hollow that I could bring back so that I could fix Ueku’s bones. Long story short it committed suicide to get away from me. The gates of Hell opened and a Togabito showed up in Karakura. It started unleashing destruction right away, nearly took Hoshi if it hadn’t been for a Quincy woman who saved her with some pretty arrows. I tried to save him but I lost a thirteenth member, Shin something. The kid attacked it head-on and died.--- You.”
Even hearing the death of a member from his old squad did not result in the reaction of Lieutenant Suta. Did he expect this? Did he not care simply? No one will know. However, he somewhat wonders how katsuo Oda feels? Knowing of his caring and deep morals towards friendship. How hard will the death of Shin hit him? Perhaps he’d be infuriated as well to see that Arashi has no reaction towards this news, or will he bark at the Amazonian woman who could not give Shinjitsu the grace of remembering his last name, furthermore, paying respect to a Shinigami that died in the line of duty.
“ This guy ended up capturing a hollow n’ I was able to complete my mission. Thanks.”
She highlights Katsuo Oda, who had shown strength and determination in capturing a Hollow for Lieutenant Hageshi. In turn, aiding in the operation of Lieutenant Ueku. The acknowledgment he had possibly hoped to find from Arashi would instead be given to him by Lieutenant Hegashi.
“ It ate Zanpakuto and Reishi. Then it could use those abilities for itself. Found out later it went by the name Sword Eater. After the kid and his eleventh guard fought it while I went back to fetch Jinnosuke, they didn’t put a dent in it. It got ahold of my and Nakamoto’s Shikai so anything done to it would just heal right back up.”
She paused for a moment, allowing for the Lieutenants and even herself to collect her thoughts, and reflect if need be, and Lieutenant Suta did. The mention of Sword Eater… To think that the bastard was still alive after believing Lieutenant Kasumi killed him. His failure would come back to prey on his comrades. A fault he had to bear and likely, so did Lieutenant Kasumi… However, even with little details provided from Omoni, Lieutenant Suta deduced that Sword Eater had become increasingly powerful…
“ Jinnosuke and I killed the Togabito after I used Bankai. I didn’t know it was gonna happen, it just did.”
Maybe this was good news, but was it really? Can he truly believe that even with her strength, her Bankai and the aid of Lieutenant Ueku was enough to vanquish Sword Eater? Even at the mention of his name, Arashi doesn’t budge, he doesn’t flinch nor leaves an inkling of hints to what he is thinking or feeling. Though in his mind, he’d celebrate his death, whether it be short-lived or eternal.
” You may not have died by my hands. You got what you deserved in the end, despite becoming a Togabito. May hell make you suffer for all of eternity…”
Still, Lieutenant Hageshi has more to say…
“ After that, a Garganta opened and spit out a tidal wave of blood. It took the Togabito’s body back to Hell, closed the gates, and practically wiped the city off the map. I don’t really remember the rest.”
Unfortunately, Sword Eater wasn’t the only failure he would have to live with. The Soul King’s blood tramples Karakura Town and possibly Naruki City as well… Arashi’s fingers while interlocked, clenched tightly, veins bulging at the back of his hands. Yet no sign of anger or aggression shows anywhere else. Quickly, his hands relax, and for those who were unable to notice, he’d still maintain his composure as he had done this entire time… However, the same can not be said for Lieutenant Hageshi… but for a different reason
The atmosphere in the room surrendered to her boiling rage, as a heavy growl escaped the amazonian woman. She is pressed, bothered by one single detail, one that she cannot vanquish from her mind.
“ Now I got a question.”
With her rising form, her spiritual power works in tandem. Fueled by her internal rage, the floor beneath trembles, shaken with fear against the mighty Omoni Hageshi. What question, what detail could have caused her to be so flamboyant? What would make her act out in such a way?
“ This thing came lookin’ for ONE person.”
The Amazonian unleashes a ferocious punch, one that easily overshadows the destruction of the entrance at the hands of Lieutenant Ueku. The table that connects them all surrenders beneath her might, shattering to splintering pieces of wood. Nothing could be recovered to return it to its former glory. Arashi’s hands fall to his lap, remaining interlocked as they always had. Reflexively, he had combatted the spiritual power that is released from her with his own, and so he remained still and motionless, with no change in his expression even as debris flew into his face. Finally, she asks, her booming voice echoing throughout the entire hall, and possibly, the barracks of First Division…

“ WHO THE HELL IS ARASHI SUTA?!”
She exclaimed with his own name being the grand part of her daunting rage. Though she expected an immediate answer from the man she calls for, Lieutenant Suta does not open his mouth. He doesn’t open his eyes. He doesn’t smile, he sits calmly, content in his seat. Sword Eater was looking for him? It somewhat makes sense… He began putting the dots together, as simple as the puzzle may have been.
” I see, so when Sword Eater was allegedly killed by Lieutenant Kasumi, he thought he was still fighting me. Lieutenant Kasumi never came into his line of sight…”
At the thought, he gave a small chuckle.
” Eheh.”
Unknowingly, this action would have likely sparked another flame from Lieutenant Hageshi, and even so, he’d stand up while raising his hand, respectfully answering the Amazonian as the man she is looking for…
” Lieutenant Suta of Squad Five.”
All eyes at this point were likely to be on him. He’d remove his fingers from one another, placing his hands at either side. The small smile that erupted from his light chuckle vanished as he stood tall, ready to speak. Despite his failures, he’d choose to stand before his fellow Lieutenants with confidence in every word, a sense of determination, and readiness to move forward. He understood that he could not reset the past or take back his previous actions. In this understanding, he’d show his unwavering focus to move ahead with a better plan and execute them at the best of his ability...
For the first time throughout the beginnings of this meeting, his eyes opened, but his hair concealed one side of his face only allowing him to reveal one eye, colored a unique midnight blue.

” Four days ago, Fifth Division was tasked with locating the source of the Soul King’s blood. Upon finding it, we were instructed to destroy it. With myself at the helm of the operation, I was accompanied by members of the Kido Corps, Himari Shimi, and six men that she chose to accompany the team. We set out immediately.”
He paused for a moment, allowing for his fellow Lieutenants to grasp the situation, and process the information. He continued on…
” Out journey leads us to the 77th District, desolate and barren, no life at all to be found. Once a prospering farm area ran by the locals. Current Captain, Itsuki Asakura was already investigating the 77th District, under reasons unknown to me at the time. Still, my Squad continued on. We followed the river of Blood to a long dirt road which led to an encampment, and much like Lieutenant Yugure’s report, the side of the road was lined with bodies, seventh and second division alike impaled by spikes meant as a warning, a deterrent to any and all threats. Whoever ran the encampment managed to Capture Kagewaki Hōmuru, who was confirmed deceased at the scene, and also Xiaolin who was confirmed badly injured to a critical degree, yet still alive. Both have since been taken to Squad Two, by Lieutenant Yugure’s subordinate.”
Once more, he pauses to allow his comrades to process the information, before continuing on again…
” As mentioned, Lieutenant Yugure stayed behind, per my request. Eventually, Eizoku Yugameru of Squad Five joined unexpectedly. He has since been imprisoned for abandoning his post. However, we approached, only to find this large base that stretched as far as my eyes could to be completely vacant, to my knowledge with the source of the Soul King’s blood sitting idly by. However, Captain Asakura happened to be there, interrogating and just so happened to have brutally murdered the remaining members of the encampment. At this current time, I have no clue what he found out from those individuals, but it seemed to be an investigation that he has been a part of for quite some time.”
Sighing heavily, closing his eyes for a moment, as if dreading this next bit of information. Noticeably, he is disappointed. Even so, he’d continue.
” Ultimately, my team and I failed in destroying the river. In the attempt to freeze the Blood using kido and then release Hado 88 with full incantation from four Kido specialists from the Kido Corps, it was in my hopes that our work was done…”
He inhaled slowly and exhaled.
” It backfired completely. It seemed as though the Soul King’s blood was able to absorb the power of the Kido and use it against us and the environment. Before we knew it, the ground trembled, caved beneath us, but thanks to Captain Asakura’s Zanpakuto, he was able to stabilize the area, but what seemed to be the worst, was only just the beginning. A Garganta, one that was so large it was able to swallow the massive encampment, but instead it only took the blood, every last drop, and just like that. It closed… Luckily, Lieutenant Yugure was able to get her message out, which attracted my Captain and Captain Mukuro. Unfortunately, I could do nothing having been attacked by the Hollow affliction inside of me. I was detained by Captain Oda at the scene once he erased the smoldering smoke and heat that trampled the area.”
For the rest of his report, he takes a seat, resting his forearms against his thigh. Once again interlocking his fingers. As devastating as this report may have been, he still had more to say.
” Due to our ignorance, a couple of members of the Kido Corps are no longer with us. However, everyone else is accounted for, the only blessing that came out of this situation. The Garganta that appeared, is likely the same one that appeared in the World of the living and released the blood absorbed from here. I fear that there is something or someone pulling the strings in the dark.”
Shaking his head, and in tandem closing his eyes…
” I’ve never seen a Garganta that large before, it almost seemed like it was controlled. That whole catastrophe orchestrated. An entire encampment is gone, with machines, tents, boxes, food left. They were all gone before we got there and before Captain Asakura arrived. I have reasoned to believe whatever bodies inhabited that camp was informed of our arrival somehow… Regardless, the whole thing doesn’t add up at all…
Leaning back into his chair, he kept his eyes closed, his arms at this point, firmly folded across his chest. Even revealing such information, only raised far more questions than he intended. Questions that can not be answered by anybody here...
” That's all, for my report...”

 

[BSD]

As Eizoku’s eyes landed on the young girl, she felt a little weirded out by the complete interest that was in the emerald eyes of his. She almost wanted to curse him out, and ask him what he was looking at. But, she remembered what she had promised herself. And she knew Eizoku was indeed a seat above herself. She would try to be respectful. But it didn’t stop the look of confusion and half disgust that would show in her face.
” How...tactful and considerate of you. Nevertheless, it is respectfully none of your concern, 4th seat.”
Forget everything she just said. She wanted to beat the guy’s head in. How dare he be so rude?! And who cared if she was the fourth seat, she’d show him. She’d freeze him to his spot even before he blinked if only he knew. She gripped her halt of her Zan but let out a breath. She couldn’t let this...this...idiot ruin her mood she had been doing so well with her anger. The last thing she needed was to freeze the guy in place and ruin whatever mission Oda had for this jerk. It would only look bad on her, in the long run.
So she stood there, anger cooling as she said nothing. Her fists going from white to their natural color as she calmed. So only listened to the talks of Takeshi and Eizoku, not trusting herself to speak.
As she watched the man enter the lights of the Senkaimon, that was when she finally let herself let her anger out.
”Agh, Asshole! How many jerks are in this squad The only thing good about them is their rank and they have the nerve to talk shit to others underneath them, damn jerk!”
Her voice bounced as she shouted, her body shaking with anger. She couldn’t wait to get stronger. Once she did, she will show them not to speak lowly of her because of her seat again. Oh. She will do it in no time.
As she calmed down, she would feel a vibration from her Denreishinki. No doubt about it there was an important message to be read on it.
"Gatekeepers at the Senkaimon! I have a message from Kiku from the Fifth Division! We are coming back to the Soul Society within the next hour with precious materials that need to be taken fast and smooth to the confines of the Kido Corps Headquarters immediately. Anyone who stops this task is attempting treason."
Takashi must have gotten the message too because as she looked up he was placing his back in his pocket. And then he spoke
” we have received our orders from Narku City! Let’s get ready for their arrival.”
She would nod, not saying much as her mind would wander. Precious materials huh? Last time she heard of something “precious” she was thrown on a mission to Rukongai with Arashi. She thought she could handle it…. but….
She gripped on her sword again, shaking her head. That was past. She would be stronger this time. And ready. Or so she hoped.

 

[BSD]

“That's fine Akarui… I’m not really in much of a rush anyway.”
Akarui couldn’t help but get a feeling that the boy was mocking her in his head after her warning. Such a gesture was responded to with the clanking of her flask as she took another drink of her concoction.
“Hey I’ve heard of that stuff. Is it any good?”
Sloshing around the liquid, Akarui had glanced up at him and then back at the silver tin. Being the sole producer of the following drink, she only had so few clients that could actually bear the consequences of drinking this considering that it was the only thing that could actually keep them hydrated enough to not die after immediate consumption. Looking back at Shusuke, Akarui had pondered whether or not the contents would kill him and whether or not she would be held responsible.
“While I’m sure it’s not your first time drinking on the job, this is something that I recommend you try in the privacy of your barracks… by water. A lot of it.”
Just as she was to take another sip, Akarui stops, her ears twitching at the sound of gentle whirs and hums from the area behind them. Brandishing her weapon into her right hand, the small woman enters the zone of chaos, and her eyes squint, observing every corner that may have been tampered with. No one was supposed to be here, let alone having gotten past both her and the boy. The lieutenants had their meeting, and those in the Sixth Division were currently occupied with those of the First Division regarding the investigation. Rui had doubted anyone of the Second Division would be involved due to their own problems. The same could be said for the remaining Divisions other than the Twelfth Division, but if she remembered correctly, the Head Lieutenant had issued the order for them to be banned from touching Central for the time being… Or perhaps that might have been an issue with that googly-eyed fellow.
“Shut this area down immediately.”
Her orders are clear to the Kiyoshi.
Three weren’t many that could pass by her so effortlessly. The only known kidō masters known to her being a select few, and she had hardly doubted the Nakamoto boy would be so brave enough to cross her path despite knowing her temper when protocols were not followed… Her mind could only rest on the newest captain, specifically the Captain of the Fifth Division. While she had little information on the boy, Akarui could at least surmise his proficiency in spells were more than exceptional. From what their current Commander had whispered of the contents of the boy’s skills, he was a valuable asset to possess within their company, but she was unsure as to whether or not to consider him a threat had she found him within the area.
The immediate crime scene seemed to be undisturbed, but that had only meant what the intruder was seeking was not within this room, but possibly what lay behind them within the archives. The Scorpion had come close to the entrance, but yet she’d found no trace of… anything. However, the underlying feeling of having heard something beckoned within the back of her mind. There was little room for mistake, and rather than burden the Head Lieutenant in more than what she already had on her plate, Akarui would do as she had to, even if it meant another end.
Crossing the threshold of the entrance into the hallway that led towards the archives, Akarui had clawed her hand across the open space as if grasping at nothing. Yet what she didn’t expect was for it to actually tear through the fabric of space before her, that ultra-violet blue coming to illuminate the individual that had the gall to infiltrate. While she was livid, it was more due to the reason of seamlessly passing without her knowledge, and to have gotten so close to leaving the same way he’d come had nearly caused a blood vessel to explode.
In tandem with his reveal, Akarui had held her hand out towards him and clenched her fist so tightly that the seams of her gloves had burst from the sheer audacity of what she’d witnessed in front of her. A familiar usage to hold down those that didn’t take their treatments without a fight during her time within the Fourth Division. Overkill, yes, but her reasoning had always been sound, regardless of the lectures she received afterward. As of now, she was dealing with an intruder, someone who had disregarded the orders of the investigation for his own selfish purposes, and a captain nonetheless. The tip of her weapon had come to point towards the direction of the captain, and the spirit had desired the taste of another captain against her blade.

“This area has been made off-limits, Captain Oda of Fifth. What notion have you received for you to act out of order?”

 

[BSD]

As the tides calm, the fires wane and the blood cools, some people attempt to return to their daily lives, others work on fixing what was left destroyed and vacant. From the Gotei Thirteen to the residents of the Rukongai, everyone has something they need to do, some of great importance, some of none. Certain people work with purpose and aim to help others back onto their feet within the Rukongai, while others seek to distract themselves. These past few months have been overwhelmingly chaotic and destructive. Disruptions unending for the Seireitei and only fools would see this as the end.
Within the Eighth Division barracks, the discordant cacophony of metal on metal rings out without end. The heat of forges rages on within the walls of the compound, the air becoming distorted around those who tend to the forges. Among the seasoned craftsmen of the Eighth Division, where sparks fly side by side with beads of sweat, there is a single novice. For the past four days following the disastrous events within the Rukongai, as well as the slaughter of the Central Forty-Six and the imprisonment of Shobatsu Murasaki, the previous Captain Commander, Nibui has finally been set to work. Under the watch of a well-versed smith and member of the Eighth, he gets to work with the guidance and tutelage of this fellow Shinigami.
The first day is slow, filled mostly with demonstrations and the occasional opportunity at an attempt. With a very obvious hesitation, Nibui takes the front, taking the hammer in hand and acting on the guidance of his temporary instructor. As the cold metal head of the hammer meets super-heated metal on the anvil, the subject of the project begins to take some shape, a number of hits focused where he is guided before the piece returns to the heat once more. This repeats a few times before tragedy strikes, the red-hot metal, mildly shaped and on it’s gradual and slow journey to completion, shatters to pieces under the work of the novice, Nibui. With fluttering eyelids, Nibui stares on at the shards of metal, a trickle of sweat running down his cheek before pattering down against a piece of this steel with a sizzle as the bead of sweat evaporates on contact. For a moment, he is taken by a disappointment in himself before a meaty paw of his instructor strikes against his back with a heavy thud and a hearty laugh.
”Gahahaha! Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Start over!” With the enthusiastic nature of this mentor of his, Nibui’s disheartened stare soon fades to nothing as he speaks up, his tone the usual sombre, tired tone.
”Of course, sorry. Let’s get back to it then..” Accompanying his words, is a rather contrasting and barely present smile that curls along his lips.
The first day passes, each venture only leading to a repeat of the same burst of metal, shrapnel spreading out over the area he works at. The comforting and encouraging demeanour of the Shinigami that accompanies Nibui doesn’t falter in these failures, it reminds him of a previous mentor. A beast of a woman who left him with the title of Lieutenant of Eleventh, this memory alone bringing another smile to Nibui.
The second day flows, eerily similar to the first, the disposition of Nibui’s mentor beginning to diminish, but the man gives his very best to hide the growing frustration. Even so, they continue on, piece by piece, cracking and falling to pieces.
As the third and fourth day come to a close, the patience and lenient lessons of Nibui’s fade away, revealing the frustration that slowly built up alongside the pile of scrap surrounding Nibui. The voice Nibui had become so accustomed to over these past few days speaks up once more, yet it lacks the jovial and happy tone it once oozed. Instead there is a long sigh that predates the words he speaks sternly.
”Nevermind Kid… I’m tired of this, I don’t know what’s wrong with your hands but I can’t help you beyond this.” As the last words of the sentence leave his lips, he turns his back towards the recruit Nibui and with a wave of a hand leaves with a few final dismissive words. ”Just stick to cleaning around the forges..”
Without a word, and a faint nod, the scarred ivory haired Shinigami stands himself up from his station. The words of his former tutor begin to sink in rather quickly, a familiar sensation creeping up the back of his skull as he takes them in for some time. Familiar but with an unfamiliar intensity. The same feeling Nibui is hit with when his bonsai fall from life before him, except they’re backed by the words and disappointment of another. In an attempt to distract himself, he takes to the task given to him, something that he can’t possibly break, and this much is true. Taking a wide-headed and coarse broom, he begins to sweep around the floor surrounding his work station before moving anywhere else. As the motions of the broom push metal back and forth into a semi-tidy pile, the familiar sensation that crept up before completely takes him. His throat seems to tighten and close, seeming to make his breathing laboured. His hands clench around the broom handle, trying to form a distressed fist as they dig into the wood, imprinting his fingers and palms into the handle before loosening. It was silly, stupid even, but this was grief.

Unusually, the emotions manage to pierce the blank facade that usually covers the Shinigami's face, but only momentarily, as the realization sets in, he returns to the job given to him, a silent task that he undertakes, thoughts racing through his mind and the doubt that once plagued him seems to peer back into view with a fiery rebirth.