[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Southeast Seireitei

[BSD]

After moments of wrestling and fighting he finally managed to pry the monkey off his back. The girl obediently removed the haori improperly adorned by her, fixing her hair returning it to its rightful disheveled mess. Like the brat she was, she stuck her tongue out in a display of juvenile defiance.
” You’re just mad that I smell better than you.”
Her jabs and insults were always so utterly childish. SHE was so childish, all the time. With a heavy sigh and haori bunched up in her arms she began to step off. Another retort from the child like Vice Captain with cheeks puffed out as she began to jog off, Kyomu's hand whipping out to grab her by the collar of her shirt, tugging back roughly in attempt to yank the girl back.
"Gather everyone, we'll be meeting in the main hall of the barracks."

He spoke while still clinging to the girl's top. It was as if he was trying to strangle her with her own shirt before he finally relinquished his hold. He turned to face the gathered members around him, there were no exchange of words between them, yet still they understood. Kyomu turned away from them, his journey towards the main hall began, his subordinates shadowing his every step. His mind drifted elsewhere, towards the Seireitei Communication Magazine and the words of remembrance inked into each page. Peace, a funny word—especially for those of the Second Squad. While others had the luxury of reveling in the reprieve that followed the Shattered Dimensions tragedy, the Second Division was hard at work. How many lives had they been forced to take as deterrents to would be enemies? How many shinigami and Rokugan residents have been spirited away in the dead of night, never to be seen or heard from again—possible threats, forcefully detained for crimes yet to be committed? They lurked in the shadows all around the Seireitei, observing their peers in silence. They noted and composed a list of the abilities of students still enrolled in the academy that showed promise, along with seated and unseated members of the Gotei 13. Captains and Vice Captains were especially observed during the covert surveillance. Powers and abilities, strengths and weaknesses, habits and routines, friends and family, desires and fears. Everything and anything that could be used against them in any way was noted, so long as Kyomu reigned as Captain there would be no such thing as secrets or privacy.
Known by some as the "underhand" of the Seireitei, the Second Division is one of spies, manipulators, and assassins who value loyalty and duty above all else and for whom the ends always justified the means. Members of the Second Squad understand that by dirtying their hands, they ensure that no others need do so—a fact lost to those who would paint them in a poor light. Often it is said that if one possesses a secret, there is a member of the Second Division somewhere who already knows it. Kyomu's expression grew increasingly more stern as they approached the main hall. In his eyes, the peace they so desperately wish to maintain, has been sustained as long as it has thanks to the efforts of his Division. What did they know of the numerous enemies that would sew chaos and discord amongst them? Nothing. What did the others know of the number of times they narrowly avoided war or catastrophe? Nothing. He was surrounded by idiots bundled up in a blanket called ignorance. Fools, the lot of them.
Having passed through the courtyard they entered into the main hall, a place that was once reserved as the Shihōin Crest Room. Those following the Captain began to break off from behind him, stepping on either side of the path, forming to rows leading up to the head of the room. He paid those behind him no mind as his thoughts returned to his duty, his mission, the obligations entrusted to him as Captain. Turning to face the room he waited for everyone to answer his summons, Yasu of course was expected to join the proceedings. It was time for their quarterly discussion.

 

[BSD]

HLECK!
What an odd sound it was that came from Yasu as she was yanked back by the collar of her shirt. The back of her heels skidded into the grounds of the barracks as she steadied herself till he released her and she nearly started another act of rebellion, but hearing his tone of voice, she confided and trotted alongside him quietly.
She could see the wheels turning in her captain's head, deep in thought over the usual events that he never voiced out. She was dumb, but she wasn't ignorant when it came to matters like this. It was their line of work, always paved in red. If the entire Sereitei was like an ordinary world full of good and life, then the Second Division was the Underworld, in layman's terms. Second only to the chivalrous Eleventh, who were outright with their dealings. All in all, they were tainted. Everyone. The vastness of the Second did as expected without another thought.
Having been by her Captain's side since those unruly days of destruction, Yasu couldn't help but sympathize. Her right hand had reached back to gingerly graze her nimble fingers against the wooden plaque that symbolized her position. Pressed against the small of her back, she could only think of how many of those fallen could only watch her back as she walked away, as their eyes found the symbol of that division.
For those who thought of the Eleventh Division as nothing but a bunch of brutes, they were right, but they were wrong about them being killers. The Eleventh consisted of a bunch of unruly meatheads that beat who they could and claimed victory. However, their wild nature took a bit of the light off of the Second, but others still couldn't simply brush away the underlying predator.
Oh, her head hurt when she thought this hard. She wondered just how the captain did it every day. As they entered the sacred Shihōin Crest Room, Yasu still followed her captain closely behind until she too broke off and settled off to his side, her arms still carrying his haori, neatly folded and pooling over her forearms. Plum-toned pupil-less orbs scanned the horizon; it was always a sight to be looking down at the others, but always still looking up to her captain.

 

[BSD]

Word had spread to the remaining members of the Second Squad like wild fire, they hurried in droves towards the meeting area, none daring to be foolish enough to dally or show up late, less they earn the ire of their Captain. They lined the walls of the expansive room, all members facing towards their superior. Despite the now crowded space there was no pushing or shoving, complaints or idle chatter—unlike Yasu, they knew better than to test Kyomu's almost nonexistent patience. Four members of the Stealth Force remained station outside in the Division's barracks courtyard, for now their barracks were closed to all others, regardless of their division, station or affiliation. Those on guard duty were under strict orders to turn away any and all seeking entry into the barracks, even at the cost of their lives—that would be the price they'd have to pay anyways should they fail in their duties in any way.

Kyomu's eyes peered out into the crowd of bodies before him, all standing firmly, in silent military uniformity. They did not falter beneath the deathly gaze of their Captain, though their knees cried out, seeking to buckle beneath the weight of the tension provided by Kyomu's presence. His eyes cut towards Yasu, giving her a brief glance, his haori folded and secured within her arms as she herself stood at his side. His focus was quickly returned to those that stood before him.
"As always, today is the scheduled time for our quarterly analysis. We've done well to suppress the various revolts and uprisings. Yogen Saiyaku, step forward and give your report."

"Yes sir."
Yogen was a member of the stealth force, a wild card of sorts. On the surface he was loyal, unquestionably so—but the man was not without ambition. Despite how well hidden he believed his inner most thoughts to be, Kyomu had long since been aware of his eyes peering at the seat of Captaincy. Unfortunately the man's strength did not match his ambition, something both he and his Captain both understood. When relinquishing his dream of ever being a Captain he eyed the role of Lieutenant, surely he could take down that bumbling fool of a girl. These were his thoughts, yet something always stayed his hand, always kept him from ever taking that extra step, going the extra mile of ever actually challenging Yasu for her position. Yes, despite his desires Kyomu left the man underneath him without care or concern—Yogen was forever caged by his ambition and his want of courage to fulfill them. He was no threat.
"We've begun expanding the Nest of Maggots due to the increasing number of 'residents'. As you've requested we've made contact with a number of students enrolled in the Shin'ō Academy. They were properly recruited by us, and have been taking extra lessons with the stealth force in secret after their regular class courses. Once they've graduated from the academy and have been recruited into the various other Squads our network will increase nearly a hundred fold."
He paused, gazing up towards the Lieutenant at first, followed by a quick glance towards the Captain. He quietly gauged their reaction before he continued his report. Should he feel proud? Or, was this still not enough to satisfy the Young Lord?
"We have yet to completely establish a true backdoor into the Department of Research and Development so we are unfortunately..slightly unaware of any of their current projects. The First Division have not been making any uncertain moves, Lieutenant Oki remains ever at her Captain's side, only ever truly parting from during the Shinigami Women's Association meetings...The Tenth Division, they remained busying themselves with the affairs of the Human world. Their Captain seems to still hold himself as Captain Commander Murasaki's subordinate rather Captain of Squad Ten. However he lacks foresight, and will tread whatever path is paved for him undoubtedly. It is still too early to determine what Squads are at odds with one another. We continue to assess the abilities of the various 13 Court Guards and have been updating information regarding their abilities and rate of growth. There are, at any and all times four shifts running to keep watch over the Captain's and their Seconds in Command as well as their daily routines and habits."
He took a breath before falling silent once again. He stood their, kneeling on the ground before Kyomu and Yasu with head bowed. A minute passed and Kyomu remained silent. Another minute, still nothing from the Captain. Beads of sweat trickled down his brow and the bridge of his nose, his fingers clasped tightly to his knee. His heart rate was gradually quickening in pace, beating against his chest.
'Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump'
Over and over, louder and louder. He could feel Kyomu's gaze on him, what more did he want?! He was doing all he could, they all were! What about Lieutenant Yūgure! What was that airhead doing?! Why were they forced to work tirelessly while all she did was lounge about, eat snacks, pay pranks and act like a spoiled brat 24/7?! Up to even forcing them to build her a carousel in their barracks!! Yet she was allowed to stand up there, above them by their Captain's side, as if she somehow was superior in any way? Fuck! FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!
His thought were running rampant with the induced by Kyomu's lack of any response. He merely stood there, watching the writhing man. He could see the tension in his body, the gears spinning out of place within his feeble little mind. Yes, he wasn't a threat...no threat at all.

 

[BSD]

Yasu could only stand as still as the next person. She could handle that at the very least, but for some, as much as they turned to stone, it would never erase the erratic sound of their hearts from the ever-looming gaze of their captain. Sometimes she wondered how others viewed her, the dunce of the academy being handpicked by Kyomu, himself.
"As always, today is the scheduled time for our quarterly analysis. We've done well to suppress the various revolts and uprisings. Yogen Saiyaku, step forward and give your report."
This Yogen was a character. One who vied for a better position than where he was now without the proper credentials. Yasu could see it in his face, and couldn’t help but have a bit of sympathy. He tried so hard and got so far. In the end, it didn’t even matter. Though he never voiced himself or outrightly challenged her, Yasu could see the desire for change, and when it came to Kyomu, the boy had no chance. However, in her stead, there was a sliver of hope, but unbeknownst to him, it would disappear. Yasu had no intention of falling in the ranks, but she also had no desire to take the captain’s mantle. Not any time soon.
The vice-captain could see his gaze drift to her and then their captain as if waiting for some affirmation. There was none from Kyomu, but Yasu could offer a small twitch of the corners of her lips. And he continued. From his perspective, admittedly it would seem as if she were glaring down at him as an underling, a show cast over her eyes with a demeaning gaze to follow.

However, in reality, Yasu could only look at him with support for him to continue.

Finishing his report, the masses of them stood there, quiet, unwavering, and the tension only grew thicker with no word from Kyomu. Tilting her head, Yasu’s eyes found him, and she pondered on just what was running through his mind. Her gaze shifted and fell back onto Yogen, watching and listening to just how his breathing began to become more labored and the twitching of his person with every second passed without another word. The way his fingers squeezed at his cheeks, digging into the fabric of his pants, and she swore that they grew darker from the sweat that he produced.
Yasu knew better than to speak out of place during things like this. It wasn’t her place to do so, here in this room. Not unless she was asked. She, like the rest of them, had her assignments despite what they all thought. Her childish demeanor was for her graces, and she would be damned if she let anyone change her. So long as she did what was asked, she could do as she pleased, and the only person to have a partial word would be Kyomu. Sometimes.

 

[BSD]

The subordinate's chest felt heavy as he endured the unnerving silence best he could, he hesitantly began to lift his eyes, if only to steal a peek towards those above him to be certain there wasn't more they were expecting of him. He had completed his report after all. Eyes caught a glimpse of the bumbling cotton-candy haired Vice-Captain, the shadow cast over her eyes sent a small jolt up Yogen's spine. Pupil's dilated. What was with that condescending look she was giving him? As if she could do any better?! There was a whirlwind of emotions storming about inside him. Where the Lieutenant was silently supporting him from her perch next to Kyomu, Yogen only saw looks of disdain and superiority. The man certainly had a complex.
"I see. Continuing on-"
The Captain had finally spoken and...that was it. Brushed over all that he had said, and all that he had done as if it was somewhat inconsequential to him at all. He understood how stoic and distant the Captain could be...but he'd done good work right? He bi t down on his bottom lip, tighter and tighter, splitting the flesh and drawing blood. He silently bowed his head and returned back into the sea of bodies, as subservient as ever.
"For now we will continue accordingly. Keep eyes on the First, Third, Fifth, Sixth, Eleventh and Twelfth Squads. Priority will be given to those Divisions for now. By this I don't mean to disregard the others completely, on the contrary someone will still remain to observe and report back their findings. The numbers used to watch the remaining Divisions will be half of what was typically used. We will also make sure to monitor the Noble Clans and its members. I've yet to gain eyes in Hueco Mundo...I strongly encourage you all work harder in rectifying that discrepancy in our surveillance."
He paused to stare at everyone for but a moment. Yes, their efforts had not been enough to sate their Captain. It'd never be enough. Complacency was the greatest enemy to a Squad such as theirs. It bred laziness, it caused one to miss something they'd otherwise have caught or noticed, to ignore and dismiss something that could prove pivotal down the road. He'd never allowed any of his men to ever be content with their work. They could always do better, work harder, fight harder. Was it cruel to them? Some might consider it so...but it would ensure their survival in the future, if even for a few moments longer.
"Expedite the expansion of the maggot's nest, and move the prisoners to one side. We'll need the space available. Also I want a small unit monitoring the World of the Living, document every time the Gates of Hell make an appearance and any oddities with its emergence and disappearance. Scratch that, just document everything that happens regardless of how repetitive. Our's is a cruel world, our work a bloody and thankless one.Take pride in the eyes of disgust of which others may view you with, take pride in their distrust of you. They are weak, for there are few who have the strength of will to do what we do. You are members of the Second Division, of MY stealth force. Take pride in that...you're dismissed."
He slammed the bokuto disguised blade onto the ground with an audible 'THUD', and with that his subordinates came to attention. They gave a single bow to their Captain, and like shadows they receded from the room as if bleeding back into the darkness. In a single moment the expansive hall was now barren, left with Kyomu and Yasu alone while the others went on to fulfill their respective roles. Kyomu remained standing there, though no one stood before him he peered on ahead. He was looking beyond the walls of the hall he found himself in, his mind momentarily lost in a sea of thoughts and duty. He glanced over towards Yasu, briefly reflecting a conflicted soul, but it faded as quickly as it had surfaced. He knew his duty, he would not question it.