Shinigami
Administrator
Kazumi stands expressionless, perhaps Lieutenant’s Suta’s words did not reach her. Simply through one ear, and out the other. Only she knew, of course, her mind trails to the wounding words left on her spirit. Captain Mukuro holds a fearful grasp upon her, but all Arashi could see in the time that he speaks to her, is that her life sits on the edge. Her well-being is being tested, her loyalty even. Nothing else to say, nothing else to put into understanding. Kazumi, regardless of what she was thinking about, has her orders.
Her guilt is fleeting as she finds a space full of acceptance. A lack of control seems to fuel the idea of having no worries. She couldn’t control it, so why linger on meaningless thoughts? Whatever troubles that plagued her mind before, it wasn’t any of Arashi’s concern at the moment, but he nods his head when she extends an act of respect towards him. That same action is then directed to Lieutenant Yugure, more apologetic than the one he received. Perhaps the guilt did not totally flee from her persona. Regardless, she gives lasting words before her departure.
" Apologies for the delay, Lieutenant. I wondered if you would like me to send back up once I've given my report."
Kazumi further evaluates her standing, recognizing the position she has put herself in. Her fear for her Lieutenant, her ego, and pride as a Shinigami did not display the courage and honor she possibly hoped for. Instead, she realized wholeheartedly the amount of disrespect shown to her superior. However, Kazumi finds confidence, such confidence that it allows her to form a smile, and while Arashi’s is never-changing, inside he was glad to see this side of Kazumi. She leaves, but not before finishing her final statement. She points, her words spoken into existence to reassure her faith in the Lieutenant and the Squad she stands with.
" Though my Lieutenant doesn't need back-up."
“ Go,” Lieutenant Yugure commands.
Finally, she takes her leave, and now Arashi can reconvene with his Squad, bringing along the help of Lieutenant Yugure and Eizoku Yugameru. As they arrive, the subtle tap on his shoulder is felt, his head turns to Lieutenant Yugure watching her stretch. Perhaps she hoped for a fight to blow off some steam.
“ Let’s party.”
Unfortunately for her, the party she sought to crash had ended early, but from their view, nothing seemed to be going on. Slowly, a crack in his eyes, visible orbs traverse the scenery. He expands his senses of spiritual power thoroughly. Something wasn’t right… The machines he heard had suddenly stopped, but as the silence began to befall this vast encampment, Arashi’s eyes shifted towards Eizoku, who had plainly drawn his sword, and in tow, gripped his blade. He watched it shatter, but no blood is produced, no noise is made. Is this his Shikai? Arashi watched closely as he spoke the name granted to Eizoku by the residing spirit.
" Warp time, Kuronosu...Shall we begin..?"
As every soldier of the great Gotei 13, as every Zanpakuto that is endowed with extraordinary powers, both are ready to move, ready to act without hesitation. He hoped that this energy that Eizoku exudes from mere personality can rub off on Himari. Of course, he awaits instruction, and just like Lieutenant Yugure, he awaits a fight. Suddenly, the Kido spell he used to conceal them is expelled, revealing their location to only one man located within the forsaken Encampment. A small spiritual power, rivaling that of a mere villager. However, Arashi finds suspicion in this signature being the only one within such a large base.
The specs of light used as a catalyst to expand the use of Kyokko is driven into the sky above, mixing and blending with the natural rays of light from the sun, simply hidden from sight. Arashi is seeming without a Zanpakuto entirely, but only fools will see this and believe him to be at a disadvantage. His lips part, words were spoken with fluidity and authority. There is no pause, no room for questioning, and meaningless emotion. Now that their position is revealed, he had to be wary, cautious of the potential danger that can and could be hidden within. Whether it be the singular presence he senses or something else entirely. The blood river source is still active, concentrated, and it needed to be destroyed. That is his mission, but he can not leave the signature he senses unaddressed.
” Eizoku, Himari. There is a change of plans.”
He commands their attention, with his visible eyes locked upon the both of them. Though Himari had not been around for the plan he constructed with Lieutenant Yugure and Eizoku, she is likely to be confused, but quickly new orders are given, furthering the quick dissipation of her confusion.
” Head towards the source of the blood river. Secure the area and make sure there's no one else here. For some reason, the Camp is empty, with no signs of life besides one spiritual presence. Me and Lieutenant Yugure will investigate.”
His eyes shift, extending to the four blue coats that were personally brought by Arashi from head Quarters.
” Hyōga Seiran, this Hado should suffice in the constriction of the source, keeping it secure and allowing for immediate destruction after. Make sure no trace of it is left when you are done. Your efforts and the task will be shielded by Himari and Eizoku, along with the five fifth division members brought by Himari herself.”
Their orders given, hoping that they will not run into any further issues. However, the quietness of this camp is unsettling. With such a large encampment, how can there be no one here? No resistance of any kind, but it becomes clear to the corpses of two guards left at the front entrance. Maybe the presence he senses now is the cause of this… Arashi’s eyes close, turning his head towards Lieutenant Yugure, ready to depart to see what belongs to this presence that resides in solitude. Arashi stands as no fool, assuming for the best that this soul already knew of their arrival
” On me, Lieutenant Yugure.”
A head nod, followed by a swift flash-step, in tandem the four 専門家Senmonka(Specialist) of HeadQuarters move in unison, flash-stepping to the destination of their mission. Eizoku, and Himari along with the remaining five members of the fifth division will have to keep up with members who are in a class of their own, having held the responsibility in aiding and protecting the High-Priest(s) of the Kido Corps. Upon their immediate arrival, the teamwork they display is both flawless and without words, or simple gestures to direct each other. They are seemingly but a single mind, moving as one well-oiled machine operating at full capacity. Standing together at one end, side by side, shoulder to shoulder as a single-arm is outstretched, supported by the other hand gripping at their own forearm. In unison, they speak.
” Hyōga Seiran!”
Seemingly commanding the element of ice, a monstrous flow of the element discharges from the palms of each of their hands. Within minutes, no, seconds, the mighty flow of ice encompasses the great source of the Soul King’s blood. Every inch of the pool is frozen solid along with the outskirts of the tents, cargo boxes, and even the great machine that was utilized for whatever diabolical purposes. The Hado cast holds the power to break through even the famed Bakudo, Danku, which has been recorded to withstand Hado spells up to 89 respectively. However, having been used by four specialist members from the Kido Corps simultaneously, they have successfully covered a large portion of the encampment in ice any survives that may have lingered or perhaps hidden effectively.
Remaining as a stream, the four Senmonka(Specialist) projected the majority of the power towards the blood source, even managing to keep it from traveling to every corner and section of the base, protecting both the Captain of squad seven, Arashi, and Lieutenant Yugure, as well as the squad comprised of Eizoku, Himari and her men as they are likely in the process of searching for any more stragglers, whilst, covering the position the backs of the four Senmoka(specialist). However, such Kido does not go unnoticed, as Arashi witnessed it first hand at the exit of his flash-step, which puts him in front of the man who wears the famed Haori of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Captain Asakura Itsuki, of the Seventh Division. Noting the Haori, Arashi immediately extends his respect, bowing his head before straightening his posture. Captain Itsuki should undoubtedly notice the smile on his face, his iron will, and stoned expression that isn’t bothered by the bodies that surround him. Their fate has already been decided, though, by less gruesome means than shown, Arashi is clearly, and unmistakably not troubled by the sight before him, despite his inner-hollow desperately knocking and scratching on the walls of his mind. His eyes remained seemingly closed entirely, unable to see, but surely the Captain is no fool to believe the Lieutenant to be blind and oblivious to the violence around him, or rather, around Captain Itsuki himself.
” I did not expect to find a Captain out this far, but if I had to take a guess. You must be Captain Itsuki of Squad Seven, and it seems you have been expecting us? Well… Squad Five at least...”
While Lieutenant Suta speaks to Captain Itsuki, the four Senmonka(specialist) do not waste time admiring their work, they act in quick succession. Their arms still poised with reiryoku, raised with their palms exposed. Electricity cackles, engulfing the entirety of their arms and palms. As mighty as before, they command strength, in hopes to rival or totally annihilate the kido that was just used, and in conjunction, the Soul King’s blood. Congregated spiritual power, the four mouths of the Senmonka(specialist) open once again… Their booming voice, echoing through the Base.
” Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!”
Praised to be one of the mightest kido, only to be used by masters at the art. In the arsenal of the four Wizards of the Kido Corps, they aim to show their dominance, and determination to complete the assigned task. They hold nothing back. Fearsome in all its glory, a thunderous boom sounds raising the dust from every inch of the base. Trees shake the ground shutters and breaks. Birds move in flocks, hurrying as they race to the heavens, fleeing the area as fast as they can, their wings beating against the air, hoping to propel their small frames away from the beam of power headed their way. This beam of electrical and spiritual energy towers above the hills of the Rukongai, as the Kido is released from four hands. Melding and combining into one singular blast focused on the source of the Soul King’s blood. The ice that once envelopes the area is shattered by the power, evaporated by the heat. A mighty explosion sends shockwaves throughout the entire encampment as the beam extends farther than the eye can see, well beyond the outskirts of the Base.
In the distance, a massive explosion, climbing to the heights that can only be reached by mountains, able to be seen from great distances. Citizens of the Rukongai feel the tremors, turning their heads, only able to witness the mushroom cloud that towers above all. Slowly, but surely, the dust settles, as the four Senmonka(Specialist) of the Kido Corps drop their hands to await the results of their combined power. Despite the shockwaves, and the rumbling earth that passed through, Arashi’s position does not budge. He doesn’t raise his hand to shield himself from the rushing dirt and debris that move his way. His clothing fluttered and billows away from what had just transpired. Still, as always, his focus remains upon Captain Itsuki. He had faith In Lieutenant’s Yugure’s strength to not be bothered by the devastating strength of the kido. He had equal faith in his subordinates to be standing and functioning as they had been.
So what of the source?
In the wake of the beam, the ground is erased, no trace of anything in its path… From their eyes, so far, the source of the Blood has been entirely eradicated. Even so, Arashi’s mind is still plagued by the thought that no one was here to defend it… Yet there are bodies that line the road to this base… Is it a ruse? Is this source also a blatant action to deter him and his team? Visibly, his smile fades. His arms slide within the sleeves of his Shihakusho. Perhaps he did not accomplish his task. Perhaps there is still more to be done… So what did Captain Itsuki know? How long has he been here? His name matches the report. He was the first Soul reaper to encounter the Soul King’s blood…
Today, they may have won the battle, but the war is still ongoing. At least, this is how Arashi felt...