She knows better than anyone else that what she was doing was foolish. Yet, she cannot stop herself at this moment. Instead, the people of Kuroari continue to face her spiritual pressure. Creaking bones and broken limbs soon become a symptom developed from just a couple of seconds of her Reiatsu application. Unlike the residents of the district, the two behind her are not subject to such a strong force. Even in her anger, the area around them is heavy, yes, but not as devastating as it is towards those that she has begun to wrongfully loathe. Her screams continue to fill the air along with her energy, the two working hand in hand. With each sound let out, it feels as if the weight continues to increase. For someone like Lieutenant Ise, such a display of rage is more than uncommon. If anything, it was never thought to even be possible. No, she was far too composed. Aside from her interesting sense of humor and perversion, she was a kind soul that sought to protect those she cared about. Despite this desire to protect everyone she could, she was now hurting them. Volatile emotions had brewed up until this point. Often, one believes that a singular emotion is felt by a person making such a strong expression in the way the Ise matriarch was doing. This is an err in judgment. Atsuko knows better than anyone else that emotions are like a lake—things rise to the surface, yes, but there is still so much more beneath whatever breaks through.
Sanyu and Shori were the people closest to her outside of Captain Asakura. Their relationship was one that she cherished more than anything else. There was no intent to harm them, however, if she continued on what could only be described as a form of a rampage, they were guaranteed to take damage similar to that of what the Kuroari residents were now experiencing. Thankfully, Sanyu and Signy were quick thinkers and they immediately sprung into action. A hand places itself on her shoulder and she still does not turn back. Ever strong, the emission of Reiatsu persists even while he speaks. She can feel his own emission of pressure, but it does not feel like an imposing presence. It is filled with love, yet an undeniable amount of grief.
"I know it's upsetting Lieutenant, but before we accuse the village of anything, let us do what we do best in the Rukongai and investigate… let us do what Captain would have wanted us to do, and put our emotions aside and rise up to the challenge and solve the mystery."
After the Komamura speaks, the Lieutenant is pulled into a warm embrace. Atsuko is extremely receptive to this hug, as she wraps both of her arms around her squadmate. Tears continue to flow from her face as she cries out loud, the pain in her voice is ever-present. This is a loss unlike any other that she has experienced. Not even her Father's death made her feel this way. Itsuki was a man that had taken her under his wing. Unlike those that viewed her only as a tool to be utilized in contingency plans, he had no care for what clan she came from. Priestess, matriarch, or anything in between meant nothing to him. Under his tutelage, he had taught her how to handle herself and refined her skills even further. Such a thing was thought to be impossible before meeting him. There was no doubt in her mind that a peak had been reached which she could not progress past. Such a way of thinking limited her skills. And such a limit was broken by the only other father figure she had had within her life. Still hugging Sanyu, her Reiatsu's presence begins to thin, but still does not permit the people of the district to raise from the ground. Those within the 7th would find that they could raise from the ground, yet they would not be able to stand entirely quite yet. Words begin to dance on her ears once more as the warmth of her consoling squadmate continues to flow into her.
"We are the dogs of the Rukongai, we are a pack, we stick together, through thick and thin. We stick out for the little guys and protect the weak… the People of Kuroari and the spirit of our Captain need us to be level-headed, for the mission ahead Lieutenant… calm yourself. It'll be okay…"
There was nothing but the truth within the words spoken. The Lieutenant was not upholding the title that had been bestowed upon her in good faith. To sully such a thing would only disrespect the honor of 7th and the honor of her late Captain. Those within Kuroari were not at fault for what happened. And even if they were connected somehow, surely there was a reason for their actions. Such a thing would not happen easily, nor unwarranted. More than anyone else, she knew that Itsuki had terrorized the Rukongai. All too often did she find herself playing damage control. While serving under him, she had failed to realize that such tactics of "good cop, bad cop" were not acceptable and they failed to work. People forced to obey an absolute dictator were bound to bear resentment towards such a person and those related to him. If anything, it was only right of them to feel as they did. It was time for the Seventh to ensure that the citizens of the Rukongai were treated better. Instead of instilling fear into the residents, she made the conscious decision to give these people hope. The district they were currently in would be the first one they would save. A familiar tone reaches her ears as her Reiatsu has almost died down entirely, but still lingers enough for Signy to make her stop. The physical stress had vanished, but her effect of
Anxiety still lingered. Such a feeling was enough to make one sick and more uncomfortable than the physical pain caused by her pressure.
”How pathetic! If this is how you are going to behave over the death of a weak man, then you don’t deserve the title of Lieutenant, let alone to be the head of your family! That haori you hold meant nothing the moment its wearer died face down in the muck!”
She was right, the moment the man died, the Haori had gone with him. For a fraction of a second, the thought had crossed her mind to give the mantle meaning again. By her own admission, she did not feel worthy, nor ready quite yet. A piece was missing from her arsenal that had yet to be developed. In due time, she would lead the 7th in a much grander way—as its Captain. With her own will and intentions separate from that of Captain Asakura. If she couldn't stop throwing her fit of rage, then Signy was right—she didn't deserve the title of Lieutenant.
”Now, stop throwing your childish tantrum. These things happen in life, Atsuko. No point dwelling on those who put on an air of strength and superiority only to lie in the mud when all is said and done.”
Another barrage of words begins to pummel the Lieutenant as the area becomes lighter around them. The residents can now stand and those of the Seventh have been able to do so for a longer period than those not trained in the ways of the Shinigami. Quite the loud crack reaches her ears as her eyes snap open, leading them to see Signy breaking the corpse's femur. Instead of moving into action, she understands that such a thing has been done to gain her attention. The embrace shared between her and Sanyu continues, and Atsuko understands now more than ever that all that is left is the corpse of their Captain. His soul has left his mortal shell and there is no way to bring him back. A soft tone with a slight tremble comes from the Ise's voice as she finally speaks instead of simply listening.
"I have people that I want to bring back, too... Hundreds of them. Not just the Captain." Her breathing is rigid as she continues to speak, her words echoing throughout the ears of those around her.
"Even before I joined the Seventh Division, I've always had to say farewell to those I cared for. I know this is impossible, but we have to accept this. Sometimes, you won't be able to keep yourself sane." Another tear falls from her right eye and finds itself on her cheek. The trembling within her tone is replaced by grief and understanding.
"It's tough... It's so very tough. I know that. Even so, we have to keep moving forward."
Finishing, she closes her eyes once more as a couple more tears flow out. Breaking away from Sanyu, she wipes her face and faces the people that she had just threatened. The once deadpan violet hues have regained their light along with a noticeable tinge of pain. Slowly, the woman makes her way to the ground, sitting on her knees. Both arms come forward along with her hands as she places her head on the ground in front of the residents of Kuroari. Pressing her head into the ground while maintaining this position, she expresses her utmost apologies for her actions.
"I take full accountability for my actions. You may not believe me, but going forward I will ensure that this district is reconstructed and that the hardships you all have had to face will end. Kuroari will be restored and its name will no longer be associated with tragedy."
While still on the floor bowing, Atsuko also appears next to Signy. Although she was intent on picking up the Captain prior to her Lieutenant's display, the Ise would take over this job for her. This was not done out of spite, nor out of distrust. Knowing what must be done, she would have to be the one to present to the body to the Commander. As she pulls the Captain's corpse into her arms and stands once more, the image of her bowing begins to fade. Even with her display, she also noticed that there was something else brewing in the Rukongai. While the presence was intense, it was not an unfamiliar one. She knew that it was not something that had to take priority over what she needed to report.
"We must head back to the Seireitei and report our findings to the Captain Commander. Meet me at the gate, please, and we will then head over to the Commander."
If one of them tried to reach out for her, they would find their hands going right through her image. It would become clear that she had already made her way to the gate in one swift and calculated step. While waiting for them, she did not speak to the guard. It was clear that she was holding a body with a Haori draped over it. Little explanation was needed, but once Sanyu and Signy arrived, there would indeed be one given.
What a tragic day.
