[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Southeast Seireitei

[BSD]

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Captain Asakura stares there, lost on exactly when Kyomu had arrived, uncertain to how long the Phantom has been there, and rather or not the form before him was truly the man in flesh or simply the ghost of his passing. Unlike Itsuki however, Kyomu is neither lost nor uncertain about anything transpiring here. He knows why Captain Asakura has come to the maggots nest, and he is well aware of who it is he wishes to see inside it, the question was...would the Phantom allow it?
“C’mon, don’t cha act like ya weren’t aware I was headin’ ‘ere before I even got ‘ere. Hell, I reckon ya’ve been lurkin’ ‘ere waiting for lil ole me to speak”
Itsuki is correct on at least one point. While Kyomu had been made aware of his fellow Captain’s impending visit, he had not been hiding in wait for him to come. Captain Itsuki Asakura was not a man that demanded Kyomu result to such measures. As Itsuki’s arms stretch out the surrounding Stealth Force reflexively grip their weapons. While the reiatsu between the two Captains was imperceptible, the tension in the air was not. With outstretched arms and his doggish grin, the massive Captain appeared rather mad and unstable. It was an unsettling sight to see for most, yet Kyomu remains mute. The Phantom says nothing, does nothing in response to the actions and mannerisms of his peer, ever maintaining a mask of indifference.
“Now… I’ma reasonable guy, I reckon ya know I’m ‘ere for Aikawa-chan, I want ‘ta interrogate him. I dun’ give a rat’s ass if its in ‘da Nest with ya’ riding shotgun or ya can take ‘em out and we can bring ‘im somewhere yer more… comfortable. So what say ye?”
By now Itsuki’s inquisitive nature has probably taken over. Already questioning the validity of the form of the man before him, his skepticism is perhaps peaked upon noticing that despite his words, his demeanor, his deranged facade...Kyomu has not moved an inch since manifesting before the Captain. Kyomu has not spoken a word, nor has he batted an eye, and with no reiatsu or presence to feel or detect it further leads one to believe that this is in fact but some manner of mirage. Itsuki knows all this, is able to perceive all this, eyes hidden behind lenses scrutinizing every inch of the man before him, studying whatever it is he could perceive—he has plenty of time to do so. Seconds slowly roll by, and still Kyomu does not move, does not act, does not respond to Itsuki’s request paraded as a demand. The surrounding Omnitsukido at this point glance at one another, then at the form of their Captain before them. Too much time has gone by with no inkling of life, at this point they were certain this was merely one of the Captain’s afterimages and he was hidden elsewhere observing everything—that is until he speaks.
”Open the door.”
Kyomu orders, turning while reaching into his haori. He retrieves a number of bladed weapons handing them off to one of the Stealth Force. Like Itsuki, Kyomu had foregone bringing his Zanpakuto here, however unlike Itsuki Kyomu was not unarmed. He usually never was.
”I’ll allow you to come and see the prisoner, you’ll do so under my supervision. He remains inside the Nest Captain Asakura.”
His voice is calm, and though he forgoes a threatening tone, he speaks in a manner that relays the matter was non-negotiable. He glances at his men and a subtle shift of his head gives them their next command. They come to attention before moving to surround Itsuki.
”Pardon us Captain Asakura. Before we proceed we just need to check to make sure you have no hidden weapons on your immediate persons.”
They give the Captain his due courtesy by informing him of their intrusive actions before they begin. They do not dawdle, hands sifting and patting about both his haori and shihakusho. Itsuki understands that despite his status as Captain, these men invade his personal space and dare to search him on their Captain’s orders. Once completed and satisfied with their search, they step back in unison. Kyomu has been casually watching from his peripheral, he confirms they’ve completed the search of the visitor and nods his head for his fellow Captain to follow him into the darkness, into the abyss that was the Nest of Maggots.
Kyomu is the first to enter, followed by a single member of his Stealth Force with Itsuki meant to follow behind, another Stealth Force member set to follow behind him. The agents had turned over their weapons to their colleagues in passing, and only once the last man has entered do the guards close the door behind them. Kyomu is known as many things: a killer, a traitor, a snake, and according to Captain Nakamoto...heartless. Despite this, he could empathize with his fellow Captain. Having lost men of his own, he understands the need for answers, for closure...the feeling of anger and failure from not being able to protect them, and perhaps even the desire to avenge them. While he could not offer the Captain the last thing, he could at least allow him enough leeway to seek the answers and closure he needed to move on and while he does empathize with the Captain...he does not trust him.
Entering the Maggots Nest it's common knowledge and protocol to forgo any weapons, lest the prisoners inside acquire them, becoming even higher risks and dangers while providing unnecessary trouble to the staff meant to keep them contained. Knowing this there is still no telling how far Itsuki may go to get what he wants should revenge be at the forefront of his mind, so a member of the Stealth Force is placed between Captain Mukuro and Captain Asakura, acting as a barrier and an alarm should the visitor try anything foolish during their trek into the ground below, the agent behind Itsuki holding a similar role in acting as an alarm. While they were undoubtedly powerless in terms of strength when compared to those they traveled alongside, they would do anything and everything they could to assist their Captain, even at the cost of their very lives.
The group travels in silence, darkness their only company for most of the journey. This, Enso Aikawa—former third seat of the Third Division, one of many instructors in the Shinō Academy, and as of four days ago, an alleged murderer. Escorted to their facility by members of the Sixth Division during his absence, Kyomu has not given the man a second or even third thought since learning of his presence in the Nest during Kazumi’s report. It seems today he’d have the displeasure of seeing the most recent of nuisances added to their collection of those unfit to live amongst the rest of the Seireitei.

During their travel it was next to impossible to tell how far they had gone and just how much time had passed, but the sign of light in the distance heralded the end of their journey. Kyomu is the first of course, to step down from the cold steps, followed by the Stealth Force, then Itsuki, and finally the last Stealth Force member accompanying them. The underground prison appears more an underground cave than anything, the many free roaming prisoners trudging lazily about. The inverted colors of their shihakusho made them resemble the Arrancar in terms of uniform, the attire of every man enfeebling their ability to mould or muster their spiritual power. The two Omnitsukido immediately take their place on either side of the stone stairs.
”Come with me.”
Kyomu begins escorting Itsuki through the nest and hoard of zombie-esque inmates, many who had been the unwilling guests of the Nest for countless centuries, with those who they were acquainted with never knowing what truly happened to them. Some were believed to be dead, others believed to have been promoted or dispatched on a dangerous mission elsewhere. Regardless of who it was, the questions of where they had gone have long since stopped, these people as far as the populace was concerned, no longer existed. To be taken to the Maggots Nest is to be erased.
At one of the further corners of the expansive “facility”, where the light does not reach and shadow remains Kyomu stops at the edge.
”Enso Aikawa, you have a visitor. Captain Asakura, your monster.”
While Enso had not been isolated from the rest who had resided in the Nest of Maggots despite his alleged charges, it was in Kyomu’s mind the correct call. Enso was accused of being a killer, a danger to the Soul Society. So long as these accusations remained only a belief, Enso’s life would be spared—Killing in the Maggots Nest under the jurisdiction of the Second Division, under the rule of Kyomu held far graver consequences. If Enso was the man they believed him to be, if he indulged on the impulses that put him here, Kyomu would have and still would kill him without hesitation or remorse, before documenting his report justifying the man’s execution. If Enso was as intelligent as he believed himself to be, he’d understand that for him, prison bars were not needed...Kyomu’s mere existence was his cell. There existed no place he could hide, where the Phantom would not be there waiting for him with blade in hand.
Stepping aside Kyomu grants Itsuki his audience with the suspect in the death of his subordinates. Eyes carefully watch every step, every twitch, every move his colleague made while simultaneously listening to every word, every shift and change in tone. He had read the man’s dossier like he had done for all the Captains and Vice Captains. Despite the man’s rather odd and manic behavior, the words paint him as cunning, inquisitive and intelligent. He likened himself and the men and women under his watch as dogs. A fitting analogy, because if he did anything suspicious, tried anything foolish

Kyomu would put him down like the rabid dog he portrayed himself to be.

 

[BSD]

As far as she was aware there were none within Second that were required to report to her any longer. Rank lowered by much and more, she had become a lost thought in the mind of all. This could have bothered her. If it had not felt deserved. Despite the lack of information being brought directly to her, it took very little to learn of events that were occurring within the barracks and involving their members. For so many spies and those who had chosen a life of hiding within the darkness, their mouths seemed to move quite often and freely when it came to speaking of what occurred around them.
Current events of the new day filled her ears as she sat silently within her small room. Hair still littered her floor, her position not having changed since she had finished with the beginning of her show of apology. Taking a seat on her bed she had simply sat in silence as the world continued to move about her, deep in contemplation. The rumors reached her ears and at first she felt no urge to act upon them. Would she insult her Captain by running to his side as if he could not handle the conflict he was currently faced with? It was dangerous, make no mistake. The man from Seventh was surely out for blood and there was no denying he had three very good reasons for feeling as he did. Perhaps he simply wanted to gather information from Second's newest inmate, something to pass along to those left behind in grief. It was always possible he would not allow anyone, not even one as formidable as Kyomu, to stand between him and one he saw as a soul that had wronged him severely.
Though there was nothing he could have done, as Captain, three of his men had died and there was nothing he had done for them. Would he spill the blood of members of Second to exact his revenge? Kazumi could not blame him for his feelings, yet allowing himself to sink to the point of killing those who held no part in the death of his men seemed beneath one who held the rank of Captain. But what did this foolish girl know?
"But you do know something,"
The oft silent voice of her Zanpakuto rang in her mind clearly. Eyes opening wider she lifted her head slightly. Four days previous, upon her departure of the Maggot's Nest where she had left their newest prisoner, there were murmurs among the men that had stood without. A messenger from Fourth had come and delivered a report that appeared to show more of the man's guilt. She had not stuck around long, but had given this information to the blank man who had accompanied Kazumi on her mission to exchange and imprison the inmate.
Perhaps another failure of her own, she had not given this to Kyomu in her reports. She was not the one who had received the message and thus left this matter to the man who had been told. If their Captain was aware he did not show this. From the way they spoke and the behavior of the Captain of Seventh, they had not been informed either. This confused Kazumi as to the intentions of the one who had sent the messenger. Why tell a member of Second yet not tell a single soul within Seventh, the ones who had been struck?
There was little the woman could do. She had proven herself useless and a failure more times than she could count. But perhaps this information would be useful to the Captain before he decided to place any member of Second's life before the accused man. He appeared all the more guilty from the report given, was his life worth more than those beneath Kyomu? Perhaps for reasons known to him alone this woul be true, but she would not fail him by allowing him to approach this situation without this knowledge. Standing, it was a flash of movement before the room was empty. Moving toward the Maggot's Nest she considered the snake pit she was facing. Perhaps the timing of her report would enrage her Captain enough to finally decide to act upon the neck she had bared to him before. Or maybe the news would enrage the other Captain to spur him to treat her the same. Or once more, perhaps it would change nothing in her Captain's eyes and would simply give more fuel to Seventh's fire, causing more of a distress than before. But if this were to happen, she would be there. She would not fail again. With or without a weapon she would face any danger before her Captain and other members of her squad and face the consequences of her perhaps ill timed report. But it had to be done.
Arriving at the large doors of the Nest she relinquished her weapons without a word, a small bow given in return as she was granted access. Moving down the steps two, three at a time she found her way into the din of bleary eyed prisoners faster than those who had passed before her. Perhaps to one who did not quite understand the situation they faced the scenario before her with the two men seemed civil and under control. It took little for her to understand how small of a spark could ignite everything. Yet still, she would complete her duties. There was a report to give.

Perhaps rudely, though leaving no room for anyone to be uncertain as to why, she placed herself between the two Captains. Facing her own she bowed deeply, keeping her head down as she began to speak.
"Taichou, I apologize for the interruption. I felt you should be informed of the messenger we received from Fourth. According to her reports our newest inmate, Aikawa-san, was found on the scene of the crime almost immediately after the deaths by a member of Fourth and a member of Sixth who both gave the same account of the events they found. Fourth tested the entirety of the scene and despite his claims of having been attacked by Seventh's members and having suffered wounds, only blood from those of Seventh was found. Sensei Aikawa's blood was only found in one location, which was where he was found by the members of the two squads,"
Blank faced, hair butchered from the haphazard way she had cut it, she kept her head low. Despite this, her attention remained closely on the man she had turned her back on and how he would respond. If Kyomu felt the need to strike her down then so be it. She would not resist. However, she remained ready to be, if at the least, a human shield for her Captain to gain the upper hand and take the man down. She could not imagine how he must feel receiving such information but if the one who had found such results was too cowardly to report this to them then she would bring it upon herself, along with the potential consequences. Where did the importance of her life lie in the presence of one who had most likely slaughtered three innocent souls? Only the lives of her fellow Division members mattered to her now, and she would do what was necessary for them.

 

[BSD]

The silence between the two Captains spoke volumes— the ever apathetic and daunting Kyomu remaining deathly still in the presence of the ever-pressing predatory demeanor of Itsuki. In this unspoken moment many Soldiers would find themselves sickened with awe and anxiety. However neither Itsuki nor Kyoumu seemed concerned by the other; in this heated & heavy moment both men remained inhumanely chilled… and then the Specter spoke.
“Open the door.”
His lips moved, and perhaps a lesser man would resolve himself to believe that this otherwise statuesque Adonis was indeed truly before him, Itsuki was a man of deep conspiracy however & this would only serve to seed his own puzzling nature with greater curiosity... Still he decidedly quashed this brow furrowing thoughts. Rather than focus on the mystery of Kyomu, the Captain instead smiled. However, many times he’s sneered, however many times he’s chuckled, grinned, or acted out in a facade of jubilation, this time was different… the expression was tame; it was unlike any expression seen upon the Captain’s face. However, this was Itsuki… and whether this worn and tempered smile of genuine nature was truly that… genuine… was always and will always be debatable. The unloading of his collection of knives was not unnoticed, and Itsuki felt a glazed expression amusedly surface across his sharp face at the thought that perhaps the Assassin Mukuro had planned to suppress him with these obvious tools of his trade; ever the artist in reconnaissance the Bloodhound wasn’t so foolish as to think that the absence of these tools made Kyomu any less deadly… and it would be equally foolish to assume that Itsuki was any less deadly without Itobeni; a dog still bites with its head cut off after all.
“I’ll allow you to come and see the prisoner, you’ll do so under my supervision. He remains inside the Nest Captain Asakura.”
Itsuki stood before the same guards that Kyomu orphaned his weapons to, and erring on the side of caution Itsuki remained compliantly silent. The Second Division Captain did not need to do this for him, and perhaps this itself was a trap to ensnare one of the wildest beasts left in the Soul Society, but in this moment Itsuki appreciated the gesture— for now his skepticism would be tethered to the backseat… but not forgotten. As the guards began their rhetoric on policy, the Captain listened keenly, his smile still lukewarm when compared to his earlier boiling maddened grin.
“Pardon us Captain Asakura. Before we proceed we just need to check to make sure you have no hidden weapons on your immediate persons.”
As the loyal guards of Kyomu began their search, the Captain couldn’t help but leer at them from behind his glasses, allowing them to freely frisk him until it satisfied their hearts. He had nothing to hide, and he knew them wise enough to not attempt to plant anything on him. As they finished and retreated, Itsuki returned his gaze to the elusive figure of Kyomu, who pivoted and began their trek onwards into the darkness that stretches beyond the open doors and into the untold depth of the Nest of Maggots.
Not a single word would pass his lips. Now was not the time to waste with pageantry or unnecessary banter as Itsuki allowed Kyomu the comfort of his soldiers between them and tailed him. The Captain didn’t disagree with the method. If he were bringing an unknown element into such a “delicate” place, Itsuki would likely perform the same. Itsuki understood with the closing of the door that he had trespassed beyond the point of no return and yet his heart was not aflutter instead his demeanor and usual swagger were absent. From the way he walked to his expression, only one word properly defined Itsuki at this moment… Vacant. As the group lumbered deeper and deeper into this realm, removed from realms, a prison which houses those meant to be forgotten by the world overhead, Itsuki seemed less and less… himself. He knew all too well that emotion was unnecessary and decidedly swept the mess of his passions into a far remote corner of his mind. Those familiar with Itsuki, those who have done their research, would know that when Itsuki becomes “serious” he unequivocally becomes “vacant” of any semblance of heart… act or otherwise. A master among masters of the mind, this is considered one of the most frightening aspects of Itsuki… this was radical compartmentalization. Trust had no dominion in law. Trust had no place in logic. Trust had no value to Itsuki. At this moment, the only thing of importance was Enso Aikawa’s intentions; not his emotions, not his sicknesses, and definitely not his excuses.
As the darkness stretched deeper and deeper around them, to the pont Itsuki couldn’t even see the brilliant blonde locks of Kyomu let alone his own hand swaying in cadence to his march forward, the Captain remained eagle eyed. He had often heard the tales of this wretched den beneath the surface, his own information network granting him whispers from the grape vines gardened by loose lipped nobles. Nothing good could ever come from this place… or leave it. Itsuki knew that many of those who found themselves entrapped here would likely never face trial… would often never be counted among the free again… these were the heretics who could bring nothing but destruction. Those persons too weak to merit the Muken but too strong to simply be left stripped of title & weapon. Earlier Itsuki had wondered if he would ever become one of these lost souls, these fleeting thoughts from a freer mind have all but been lost now as the caravan finally crosses into a world of color… it only took a moment for him to take in the entire picturesque scene that was before him. His beady eyes beholding with an attentive gaze the feeble and enslaved prisoners humiliated into wearing the colors of the sickeningly detestable Arrancar. Emotion flickered in his eyes at the thought of the unfit cur who infested Hueco Mundo but in the same instance the fire is lit… it is once again snuffed out. Even though he’d been submerged in the staggeringly desensitizing darkness until this point, Itsuki was seemingly unaffected by what could easily have tormented a much weaker mind. He remained still, stiller than a scarecrow, as the guard that tailed him left the cavity the four had come from. The weary Itsuki did nothing to interrupt the guards taking their post, instead he welcomed it— for a moment thoughts of an ambush blossomed like a wildfire in the forefront of his mind, though Itsuki would never let that slip past his presently set demeanor.
“Come with me.”
Crooned Kyomu, and Itsuki answered by following in tow. The Bloodhound meddled now not in just the Nest of Maggots but the den of a monster he’d very much rather not rile. He was too focused to desire conflict, too set in his own machinations to indulge in poultry or antagonizing games, and so the Captain resigned himself to following Kyomu through the denizens of this stony underworld. Even though they remained in a stupor, Itsuki was too often a wolf playing sheep to let down his guard around the placated; the Bloodhound could never truly trust the weak to truly be just that after all. As the two bobbed and weaved through the destitute souls damned to infest this hole in the world's belly, Itsuki would notice he was being led to area clad in the shadows, and though this would often spike concerns… if Kyomu had anything planned, Itsuki was already far too entrenched in the Assassin’s world now that stopping would make a difference. Finally, the pair came to a halt before a particular individual.
“Enso Aikawa, you have a visitor. Captain Asakura, your monster.”
Finally Itsuki stood before the wretched soul who tormented his poor sweet Lieutenant’s puppies. The person who cut the rest of her legacy short and muddied her memory with the stench of Death. In his mind— Itsuki would lunge forward. He would cusp his hand around the skull of this feeble insect who dared tread too close to the sun and forcefully feed him the deepest burgundy fury of his mourning euphoria. In an instance Itsuki imagined fileting the very flesh from Aikawa using the Shinigami’s own forcefully removed jaw as an instrument, finding release for this deep stomach turning anguish in the mangled cries of his prey. Again and again heinous torments of unimaginable caliber burrowed and infected the Captain’s mind with musical repetition, and yet Itsuki did not move an inch in reality. In the very moment Kyomu had introduced the pair, Itsuki fell still, mirroring the same stillness Mukuro himself had just earlier displayed when acting as judge and gatekeeper. Before Itsuki could begin his “conversation” he could sense someone approaching. Itsuki’s head twisted frighteningly fast in the direction of the incoming Kazumi, a monstrously chilling expression etched into his stony face as the presently disassociated Itsuki immediately recognized by her lack of white and abundant force compared to the husks dawdling around that she was likely an agent of the Second Division Captain.
"Taichou, I apologize for the interruption. I felt you should be informed of the messenger we received from Fourth. According to her reports our newest inmate, Aikawa-san, was found on the scene of the crime almost immediately after the deaths by a member of Fourth and a member of Sixth who both gave the same account of the events they found. Fourth tested the entirety of the scene and despite his claims of having been attacked by Seventh's members and having suffered wounds, only blood from those of Seventh was found. Sensei Aikawa's blood was only found in one location, which was where he was found by the members of the two squads,"
She squawked, but Itsuki paid her no mind, his head in an owlish fashion returning its focus to Enso. Kyomu was beside him, and she hadn’t made the mistake of trying to get between him AND Enso. The information she relayed was relatively pointless at this point; the degree of discipline Enso inflicted upon the three Dogs of the Seventh was beyond the needed even for self-defense. Itsuki, having read the files of the recruits culled by Enso, was aware that perhaps the only one of particular import was the Beast Clansmen cut down in the throes of this demented one-sided struggle. Itsuki was by no means an amateur detective and was certain that Enso was the progenitor of the incident and the invocator of destruction, but that wasn’t why the Bloodhound sniffed out the Aikawa all the way down here. He wanted to know why? The red tape and politics of the justice system aside, Itsuki was more than certain of Enso’s guilt, but again if something foul was afoot… if Enso had acted as an agent to another… Itsuki needed to know.

“Aikawa-san, things ain’t lookin’ too hot upstairs for ya... Want ta’ talk about what happened four days ago..?”
His usual candor and tease was absent, his glassy and despondent gaze fixated solely on Enso as he remained otherwise still. Despite the typical southern accent and natural huskiness of his raspy voice, his tonality was entirely devoid of exaggeration— instead his tone weighed with an eerie calm, an almost soothing sound riddling his every word. In this moment, Enso became face to face with the dangerous dichotomy of Itsuki’s fatherly persona fastened with the great responsibility of playing interrogator. A genuine care for Enso saddled him, and they could see it as clear as day from the moment that he spoke— because in this moment Itsuki was playing a dangerous game. He was a method actor; in his mind right now, Enso played the role not of a prisoner soon to be slaughtered, but Itsuki on some level convinced him that Enso was his child, just as all the Seventh are to him. Enso was brazen, he was intelligent, but now perhaps the Instructor would understand he no longer swam among the guppies. Surrounded by sharks the only thing preventing Itsuki from stringing this failed pierrot up by his own tendons and molding his would be deformed body like clay for answers would be a respect towards the chain of command, in which Mukuro sits on top down here.

 

[BSD]

Listen Here!

So much had transpired in a mere four days. Ensō Aikawa found himself within a dark and damp cell. This certainly wasn't the office he was used to. And yet, he could see the similarities between the civilized society he had fallen from when juxtaposed properly. Both were awfully cramped and both somehow stood as a representation of order. There was no escaping order, of course. No matter where one went, they were bound to find a semblance of it. Be it the halls of the academy that glisten due to their cleanly nature, or a cell in which there is no light, but a person. A person that has been accused of a crime that he did indeed commit. He sits unable to leave his position. This is yet another example of order, but it's enforced by the 2nd Division. The man's mind drifts to the Captain of the Second long before their arrival. What an intriguing man he was, to say the least. Loyal to Central 46 and willing to do anything to uphold their laws. Given his loyalty, it was no surprise that he took such lengthy measures against the Aikawa. A master in Kido who had killed three members of the 7th with ease. Yes, he had chosen the correct path. Regardless of whether or not the inmate was innocent, his capabilities were more than enough to call for his treatment. Time and time again, he had laughed in silence. The euphoria that filled him because of the game he was playing was more than enough to satisfy him. Life was the game that he had always claimed it was. Something malleable and meant for fun. There was room for acting, yes, but this acting was just a farce that those rare few like Ensō had allowed to take place in their everyday life.
The subtle taps of feet come forth and alert the man that soon enough, he will have visitors. Surely, this meant something special. The former instructor was well aware of a decent amount of procedures put in place for the Nest. It was a topic that he never skipped over in class and one that he enjoyed teaching about quite a bit. Never in his life did he think that he would have the experience of an inmate. Right now, his experience didn't matter. What mattered was the presence closing in on him. Immediately, his mind began to put the pieces together that would potentially explain what was going on. The first scenario was that the Sixth Division was coming to report their findings after collaboration with the Fourth. Another scenario was that they had already colluded and a member of the Second was coming to tell the man of his sentencing, which would either be his death or permanent imprisonment. Either way, this would be another round in the Joker games for the clown to partake in. At least, that's what he thought until he saw both Captain Mukuro and Captain Asakura appear before him. His face lit up due to his sheer elation. A result that he hadn't predicted had come to pass. For some reason, the Captain of the Seventh deemed it meaningful to come to see him personally. Ensō's expression remained fearful, given that he wanted to take this farce as far as possible. He waited until he was spoken to. The words that came out of Kyomu's lips almost made him crack a smile, because of how true they really were.
”Ensō Aikawa, you have a visitor. Captain Asakura, your monster.” A feeling of bliss fills him as yet another person sees him as a monster. This time, the person in question has complete control of the situation and isn't being subjected to death, unlike those who had perished at his hands four days ago.
"Captain Mukuro, Captain Asakura, it's a pleasure. To what do I ow—" His inquiry is interrupted by Kazumi's report, which causes his ears to perk up as the words spill from her lips.
"Taichou, I apologize for the interruption. I felt you should be informed of the messenger we received from Fourth. According to her reports our newest inmate, Aikawa-san, was found on the scene of the crime almost immediately after the deaths by a member of Fourth and a member of Sixth who both gave the same account of the events they found. Fourth tested the entirety of the scene and despite his claims of having been attacked by Seventh's members and having suffered wounds, only blood from those of Seventh was found. Sensei Aikawa's blood was only found in one location, which was where he was found by the members of the two squads."
Well, I guess the games are coming to a close now. At least the warm-up round is over. Maybe it's time that I let the flood gates open... His mind relaxes itself a bit as he begins to give in to his true self—that which begs to be let free in his every living moment.
A sigh parts from the man's lips as the words from Captain Asakura come forth, the former instructor pays attention as the room falls to silence for a couple of seconds.

"Ahhhh, this isn't very good, is it?" He asks, his eyes closed as he smiles towards those in front of him. "I should've been a bit more careful when I was 'defending' myself against those fiends, huh?" He inquires aloud, having a conversation with himself and those present. "If only the Fourth was a bit more clumsy in their actions. Maybe then they would've disregarded this investigation. But, I suppose that my wounds meant nothing to them after all." Well, that was true, his wounds were a last-minute effort that had bought him the attention that he needed. "I guess you're wondering what happened four days ago for a good reason. After all, three men died." He continues, nearing the truth with every passing word. "Tell me, Captain Asakura... Have you ever witnessed a Supernova?" An odd question, but important nonetheless to the Aikawa as he continues to speak. "A fervent wish of mine is to see one myself. The culmination of a nuclear fission reaction. Quite literally, an explosion of galactic proportions. I’m sure it must be beautiful beyond belief. One could say the same about the life of another person. That brief sparkle the moment a life draws to an end… It’s the one thing I can never get enough of." His smile grows more imposing and odd as he speaks. The enthusiasm in his words is eerie, but there's clearly meaning to his small speech. "The reason that I slaughtered your men, Captain, was because I wanted to see the sparkle that the weak let off when they die a gruesome death. Rarely do I get to indulge myself as I did, but allow me to tell you that... Unfortunately... That sparkle was a complete dud." With that, the psychotic man finishes his story. It's evident that he was backed far enough into a corner to the point in which he had no other options. Yet, without any options, he still finds joy in the torment that those he killed experienced.

 

[BSD]

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Itsuki stands before the one and only suspect for the murder of his subordinates. Enso sits there, suffused in shadow, imprisoned only within his mind perhaps by his own delusional deranged thoughts. Kyomu pays Aikawa no mind, his focus in its entirety at the moment fixed on Itsuki. It was as if Enso didn’t exist. The three were in a stalemate, all fixed in place as if frozen in time, in this single moment extended for an eternity until the silence is broken by the very man they had come to see.
"Captain Mukuro, Captain Asakura, it's a pleasure. To what do I ow—"
. Itsuki’s head turns as if on a swivel, while Enso’s words are cut off as they all sense the same thing. The Captain’s face twists itself, his expression mutated to something...different. Unlike his colleague, Kyomu does not move, his expression remains unchanged as he is aware of who is approaching them, yet remains unsure as to why she has come.
He takes note of Kazumi’s change in her appearance, her hair significantly shorter since the last time he had seen her. The young Sixth seat positions herself between the two Captains, and it is only then that Kyomu shifts his gaze from Captain Asakura, to Kazumi. Performing a bow, she proceeds to speak, to tell Kyomu what she believes to be significant enough to warrant disturbing him now of all times.
"Taichou, I apologize for the interruption. I felt you should be informed of the messenger we received from Fourth. According to her reports our newest inmate, Aikawa-san, was found on the scene of the crime almost immediately after the deaths by a member of Fourth and a member of Sixth who both gave the same account of the events they found. Fourth tested the entirety of the scene and despite his claims of having been attacked by Seventh's members and having suffered wounds, only blood from those of Seventh was found. Sensei Aikawa's blood was only found in one location, which was where he was found by the members of the two squads,"
She finishes speaking, keeping her head bowed, and remaining silent in wait. Itsuki dismisses the driveling of the foolish girl, returning his focus to his prey. He had not come here to chat with Kyomu nor had he come to listen to Kazumi’s report on the matter. The only words the Captain cared to hear were those of Enso’s himself.
“Aikawa-san, things ain’t lookin’ too hot upstairs for ya... Want ta’ talk about what happened four days ago..?”
He wastes no time getting to the point. Despite asking Enso if he wished to speak about the matter, it was evident that it wasn’t a question..he was telling Enso to speak.
And speak he does
"Ahhhh, this isn't very good, is it?"
Aikawa sighs out, as he begins what was sure to be a drawn out speech. Kyomu this entire time though has yet to speak, has not moved and has not pulled his gaze away from his Sixth seat who remains bowed as she has not been permitted to rise nor has she been allowed to leave. Enso proceeds to babbel on about taking care in defending himself, labeling his victims, the men he has up to this point, only been accused of murdering, as fiends. His words seem to come out as if painting himself the victim, and then conversely he openly remarks having wished that the medics who had arrived on scene were more incompetent in their duties. His words at that point were not the words of an innocent man.
Talks of Supernovas arise, the fool of a man regaling Itsuki and perhaps anyone else willing to listen about his pointless dream and desire.
"The reason that I slaughtered your men, Captain, was because I wanted to see the sparkle that the weak let off when they die a gruesome death. Rarely do I get to indulge myself as I did, but allow me to tell you that... Unfortunately... That sparkle was a complete dud."
And then finally, the suspect, the prisoner confesses to his crimes. From the start of the investigation, to his detainment to the Maggots Nest Enso while not being an innocent man, was still not a guilty one, as far as the Seireitei was concerned. Nothing conclusive had been made, there was speculation, strong articulable reasonable suspicion...but the man had not been deemed guilty. There is no further need for and investigation, nor is there a need for any proof or evidence of his crimes.
Before the weight of what has happened, what all has been said fully descends, before the information can be completely digested there is an explosion of reiatsu combined with a tidal wave of killing intent. Its source is Captain Mukuro, who had up until now been emotionless, unreadable. A fool might believe that Enso’s confession has sparked such a response from the Captain, that listening to the murderer has lit a fire within the cold heart of the Captain — until they realize that the entirety of his reiatsu, all of his killing intent is trained and focused on a single individual, Kazumi Fujioka.

The apparition of a massive serpent, born from reiatsu towers over both the Captain and the Sixth seat, its body undulates as its eyes trap the young girl beneath its gaze. There are no words spoken, no gestures made from the Captain leaving any onlookers otherwise unprepared for the serpent's strike. Launching its elongated body at the girl, it separates into two, the two quickly becoming four and the four into six. Their bodies slither around Kazumi's, coiling and constricting themselves around her respective limbs; her legs and thighs, her arms, around her waist and finally around her throat.
”I suppose you feel a sense of accomplishment-”
His voice, though steady and calm could not hide his true feelings laced in his words. With each word spoken the glowing serpents constrict tighter around the hapless girl. It seems that since the failed assassination, labeling him and his subordinates as traitors he had become too patient, too forgiving of their actions, their...incompetence. He’d shown the girl mercy once before, explaining the tenants of their squad, demoting her and giving her an opportunity to work her way back up, to prove her loyalty to not only the division, but to him. She was meant to prove her worth, her actions now however have only served to prove how much of a liability she was.
She should have known that Kyomu was with Itsuki, and that they were here to see the suspect. Kyomu who has been keeping a close eye on his fellow Captain unsure how he may react, and what he may do is placed at risk of having to protect the prisoner left in their care while also himself because of Kazumi’s ignorance. The girl could have easily whispered the intel into his ear, as easily as she could have requested her Captain’s audience or perhaps even better...waited. Choosing none of those options it is clear to her Captain just as it is perhaps clear to both Itsuki and Enso that Kazumi intentionally spoke openly in the presence of Captain Asakura as she wanted him to hear, and by doing so...she has intentionally endangered the life of not only her Captain, but the life of Itsuki and all those present as well. A battle between Captains, even unarmed would be nothing small, the collateral damage that would ensue from their fight would leave the prison in ruins, and many lives lost.
Within the Second Division, one of shadows and stealth, of secrets and lies information is just as sharp as any blade. It was evident that Kazumi could not be trusted with information...that she could not be trusted at all, as far as Kyomu was concerned. For a moment his eyes break away from the blue haired liability, gazing at his surroundings — it was not to look at Itsuki who was still present nor was it to look at Enso. He had already decided that she would not remain among the ranks of those in the Second Division, and while not competent within her duties here she had still been privy to intel while within his Division. Someone as loose lipped as her was a danger in his eyes, and coincidentally enough...they were at a place meant to house and forever trap individuals who pose themselves as a risk or danger to the Seireitei. He pauses for a moment, considering the thought intently.
”Kazumi Fujioka, I’ve shown you patience, I’ve given you a chance..and you have failed. Your presence within the Second Division, within the Onmitsukido will only serve to burden the others..so I will rid us of that burden.”
Once more the serpents constrict tighter, they raise the girl up a bit higher, the one around her neck adjusting so she is able to see Kyomu.
”You’ll head back to your barracks...and pack your things. I’m sure the Thirteenth Division could use someone like you, or perhaps Captain Asakura might find use for you, since thanks to Enso Aikawa’s actions he is short three members. No more chances, no more mercy...no more patience.”
The snakes restricting her movements abruptly vanish, dropping the girl to the ground. Kyomu lifts his hand into the air, members of the Stealth Force appearing behind him, as if conjured from the very air itself.
”Escort her back to the barracks and stand by while she gathers her things. She’s allowed to go nowhere else, allowed to speak to no one else. Once she is finished escort her out of the barracks.”
The Captain casually glances down to the girl he had cast aside.
”For seeing to it that Kagewaki’s body was returned safely, I’ll at the very least allow you to attend the service. Now go.”
The Stealth Force approach Kazumi, helping her to her feet. They show no empathy towards her and do not question the actions of their Captain. Pulling her along they offer the girl no chance to apologize, no opportunity to bow or say any final remarks to the man she once called Captain. Kyomu does not watch the girl leave, he puts her out of his mind, his reiatsu evaporating into nothingness, once more isolated within his attire, his killing intent retracted — his presence, his existence has once more become imperceptible. He casts his apathetic gaze towards Itsuki. While he had been dealing with Kazumi he had not removed the Captain completely from his mind or focus, prepared to intercept him at any given moment should the need arise.
”Captain Asakura, you have your answers now. Enso Aikawa has confessed to the crime, and has told you the reason behind his actions. The two who accompanied us here remain at the entry to escort you back to the surface.”
He turns his head, fixing Enso beneath his gaze. Like before the Captain raises his hand, and just as before an agent of the Onmitsukido is seemingly conjured from nothingness. While their arrival and appearance mirror those of the ones before, there is a distinct difference...they are not empty handed. They look to their Captain who’s eyes break away from Enso to gaze at them in acknowledgement, amber hues refocusing on the murderer. On cue with his voiceless order they approach the former instructor, hands brandishing a pair of handcuffs and leg irons.While they appeared mundane and typical it was evident to everyone in proximity, Enso more than anyone else...that the items were made of Sekkiseki (殺気石, Spirit Reducing Stone; Viz "Lethal Presence Rock"). The fabric making up his current attire was already restraining his spiritual power, keeping it restricted, the cuffs and leg irons would serve to not only restrict his movements but to further weaken and deprive him of his reiryoku.
”Restrain the prisoner, then see to it every other prisoner is temporarily moved to the vacant cells in the lower regions of the Nest. I want every single one of them confined and watched until I say otherwise. Inform the guards up top that I’ll be resurfacing with a guest. I want a perimeter set around the nest stretching out a hundred meters all around. Anyone that attempts to move past that perimeter, kill them. Anyone approaching wishing to speak to me, turn them away...and have my partner ready. You have your orders.”
They immediately move to execute their Captain’s orders. The sound of bodies being herded away fills this floor of the Nest. There is a commotion, as a brief fight breaks out. The scuffle is short lived, several crunching followed by heavy thuds announce the end of the disturbance. Kyomu’s eyes never stray, waiting patiently in silence.