Deep within the bowels of the Rukongai, beyond the walls of the Seireitei, and the scrutiny of the Gotei 13 一 silence consumed an unknown district. Encapsulated within a heavy veil of mist, it was a world seemed trapped in perpetual darkness. No one knew what lay beyond the misty veil, and few bold enough to dare venture in. Those who were not unnerved from the ominous scene, or the dark tales whispered throughout the various districts were far fewer in number 一 their disappearance served only to reinforce the mystery and terror of these frightful grounds that circulated around.
The silhouette of a single traveler could just faintly be made out within the mist, another brave vagabond seeking to make a name for himself? Eager to disprove the theories and tales as little more than scare tactics of the weak and cowardly? Or, perhaps an unfortunate soul, having blindly rushed or wandered in only to lose their way. The silhouette continued to advance deeper into the misty veil, steps as silent as a ghost's, it was Captain Mukuro.
Far from his barracks and the Seireitei what business did a Captain of the Gotei 13 have in such a place? The Rukongai fell under the jurisdiction of Squad Seven, perhaps a mission of the Stealth Force? Unlikely. From his demeanor the man did not seem to be one on a mission, his steps though unhurried spoke of one familiar with this path. Was difficult to tell how long he'd been walking, well difficult for outsiders. One's sense of direction and timing seemed lost, distorted and near impossible to accurately gauge. He made several turns, a left here, a right there, another right, and another left, and so on. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to these various turns, the surroundings no different from the last, everything seemed the same, everything encased in mist. His pupiless eyes seemed to open slightly more as he gazed ahead into the impenetrable veil.
"Finally."
Feet carried him deeper into the dark grounds, the form of a large estate soon enough bleeding through the haze. Many knew of it, but no outsider had ever seen it. He had returned home, home of ghosts and specters 一 home of the Mukuro. Nearly half the size of the Seireitei, it was protected by innumerable traps, dark and powerful Forbidden Kidō unique to the less than reputable, minor Noble Clan of assassins. Though hidden completely he was well aware that there always a number of clansmen watching at any given time. Finding himself at the base of the large stone steps, he began his ascent without any sign of hesitation. There was always training taking place within the Family grounds, yet the place was unusually silent, unusual that is for a typical clan.
"Ah!"
The cry of a person, no doubt someone still in the early stages of their training. Kyomu closed his eyes, he knew what fate awaited whatever soul had failed to remain silent. The punishment to come was anything but humane, but by the end of it 一 they will have screamed and cried so much they'd never make noise again. It was strict, it was cruel, it was a necessary evil if one was to succeed in mastering the clan's techniques. He suffered much abuse, much pain in his youth 一 all in exchange for the power to kill anyone, anything...everyone. The price he paid was insignificant in comparison, or so he told himself over and over. Yes, he had no regrets 一 he'd kill off that part of him centuries ago.
Once reaching the stair's summit he was immediately greeted by three figures. They were clothed in black, their eyes wrapped in dark cloth, seemingly obscuring vision while partially covering their identities. Like Kyomu they lacked any discernible presence, and seemed to lack any discernible pulse or heartbeat. They stood there as if obstructing the path forward, and said nothing. Silent, motionless, there and yet not there at the same time...a paradox indeed. Kyomu stood before them, just as quiet, just as still. Neither said anything to the other, a minute passed like eternity.
"Take me to them."
Finally the silence was broken, by Captain Mukuro no less. The three individuals stared, and then nodded in silent obedience, turning to guide the young lord. Just as quickly as the silence had ended, it returned just as swiftly. Fleeting shadows passed through the various rooms once inside the estate, Mukuro clansmen both young and old honing and refining their skills. Others were in the armory, securing blades, powders, poisons and other items of necessity for their individual contracts. Those they couldn't see were perhaps somewhere down below, enduring any number of physical and mental torture techniques. Many would undoubtedly die, those that survived would be stronger for it, another blade to be deployed.
Their journey brought them to a long corridor, its end shrouded in an impenetrable darkness, his escorts stepped aside, they could go no further. Offering no word of thanks Kyomu continued on alone, those that had guided him no longer present. His body was quickly swallowed in darkness, impossible to discern up from down, left from right, yet he continued onward unperturbed. A pale blue light finally breached a thin crack within the world of shadow, Kyomu stepping through greeted by a number of dark silhouettes seated on mats.
"Kyomu Mukuro, 14th Head of the Mukuro Clan. Come, we have much to discuss regarding your contract."
Remaining silent he stepped forward, seating himself at the head. It was time to begin, the last he would meet with them in this manner, for this mission.
