[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Southwest Seireitei

[Shinigami]

The inevitable approach. The discussion of the mention. The never ending thoughts of what Captain Kagayaki may think of him. It passed with each step, such thoughts, such disappointment. Even if it had not been he himself, but the principle of it. The fact that he is and always will be an outstanding Shinigami! Nearly killed by the likes of a Hollow. Truth is, his pride, the minute presence of it was hurt, nearly torn from his being. All men had it, no matter how hard one tried to hide it. Its with in our blood, or souls as beings of this gender. He need not dwell on this now, Arashi has just entered the walls of Squad Ten, but his advancement halted by the occurrence of battle back in Central... He stopped, only to just turn his head to gaze from his peripheral vision.
"How troublesome... Shirogane against a Lieutenant?"
Though it is mentioned, that is not all he noticed. Another signature is on the move, their trajectory supposedly heading towards Squad Two? No way to really tell at this point, but he never really held any disbelief against his own sensory skills. So he turned away, venturing further into the house of Squad Ten, where he would hear a large crash and alerted Arashi surely. He took his steps with caution, slow, carefully, but still his sense would prevail and reveal all certainty that nothing is wrong. The presence of Captain Kagayaki and Lieutenant Kasumi were present along with another. Despite this discovery, Arashi remained at such a slow pace with less caution of course. He contemplated the conciseness in his words when he would surely explain and debrief the happenings of his mission...
None the wiser, Captain Kagayaki had already taken notice to the feelings and emotions that were easily stirred and bottled up inside of his Lieutenant. The horror scene that Arashi unintentionally put her through in order to save his own hide. It is inevitable that he will end up apologizing for that. There came his final steps as he pushed through the entrance to the very room they both were standing in, along with a third presence who he held prior, but did not acknowledge until now. This poor man, body cratered into the bed and ground beneath. The ceiling destroyed by a massive blow and bits of debri decorating Captain Kagayaki's uniform no doubt. He was likely the cause, but he did not come here to gather information on that, instead he came to give.
Though he could hear them from his travel to them, he came in on the question to Lieutenant Kasumi. How exactly is she feeling? He expected an explanation when she was ready, but with Arashi being at the threshold of the room, he had no problem in opening his mouth for her. He had been sent by Captain Kagayaki, it was by right, his job to fill him in on what happened.
Respectfully, he bowed when his presence was acknowledge by both the Lieutenant and her Captain.
"Apologies for intruding unannounced. I came to give my report on what happen in the World of the Living..."
A moment of silence passed, along with the pass of his breath presenting the action of a heavy sigh. His eyes opened slightly, just enough to where his midnight blue orbs are visible. He stepped passed the threshold, where the light from the outside wouldn't hide the once known injuries that he sustained are now gone. Lieutenant Kasumi would be able to note this and leave her either congratulating the skills of Squad Four and how he was able to leave so suddenly after losing such a great deal of blood. He continued...
"The Hollow, or if I should say the Adjucha was stronger than most I have encountered before. In my records it has been named as Sword Eater. A troublesome creature for a very long time, I am sure you have heard of him. HOwever, my foolishness not only cost me to deliver a swift end to this creature aided in strengthening the Hollow. My abilities became nothing more than food source. In short I was rendered useless in the face of my enemy and nearly killed due to my lack of willingness to kill and understanding the severity of the situation. Your Lieutenant acted swiftly in saving me and killing Sword Eater. I commend her for her skills and the ability to read the situation as she did in just a few seconds."
From Captain Kagayaki, he would put his attention to Lieutenant Kasumi for a brief moment.
"However, I personally apologize to you, Lieutenant Kasumi, for putting you through that and having to deal with a Third Seat that should've known better none the less."
Just like that, a serious context was washed away by his own miraculous smile. His eyes nearly closed once again, as he completely expressed a gentle and kind nature, though beneath it all, the instinct of killing is evident. The most astute of warriors much like the ones before him would be able to read through his expression. Something had changed in the heart and soul of Arashi and that battle with Sword Eater made him realize it. In the future there would be a thank you handed to Sword Eater because Arashi was able to reform an old nature he had long lost since his days in the Rukongai...

 

[Shinigami]

Delirious was the only feeling that could be attached to Shizuka's mental state at the moment. Actions that were possible to the normal functioning body such as coherence and movement, were all heavily limited for Shizuka. With his halfway fading consciousness, all he could feel was the repeated tugging of his shihakusho while looking into the black abyss generated from his eyelids. Through the constant ringing in his ear he could hear Lieutenant Kasumi chastising the Captain about his actions. Hearing his Captain's disinterest in his health sparked a small vein on the top of his forehead signifying his rising anger. As his eyebrows furrowed in and with his eyes still closed, he noticed the blunt tap of a broom hit his chest while still laying on the on the broken wooden floor.
“NOW CLEAN IT ALL UP!”
When those words hit Shizuka's ear the vein on his forehead grew larger, and he tucked his lips inside of his mouth ready to explode with anger. The Captain knew Shizuka would be able to withstand such punishment, purposely saying these words to provoke him. At the same time he didn't understand why did the Captain feel it was necessary to completely abuse him, in his mind he did nothing wrong today and did not deserve this treatment. While still trying not to explode with anger in his current position, in the back of his head he thought to himself the trouble he could have avoided if he had simply slept in one of his favorite hiding spots outside of the barracks.
Subsequently after his order to Shizuka, he began to ask Lieutenant Kasumi a similar question to his own before he was rudely interrupted. Shizuka's full coherence began to slowly return to full form, this was most likely because the answer to this question was something that he also wanted to know in full detail. Before she could even give a proper response to his question, suddenly a different reiatsu signature appeared within the confines of the barracks. Shizuka's eyes were still closed, but he could definitely tell from the familiarity of it's signature that it was 3rd Seated Officer Arashi Suta of the 13th Division. Shizuka had rarely interacted with the officer, but he was very observant over most seated members within the Seireitei. Captain Kagayaki always expressed his mild distaste for most 3rd Seated officer's strength within the Seireitei in private with Shizuka, reminding the latter to push to be stronger than all of them with minimal effort. In his own way he's been slowly accomplishing this especially by studying them, which is a small pastime he and another seated member within his division, Goro did together on occasion.
"Apologies for intruding unannounced. I came to give my report on what happen in the World of the Living..."
There was a small pause after this statement, Shizuka's face became un-creased and his eyebrows readjusted. With his eyes still closed he began to hear out this shinigami's report to Captain Kagayaki. In his mind upon hearing the details of his report, he began to put the pieces together. Generalizing it in a more simple form, Lieutenant Kasumi had to rescue Suta from the Adjucas "Sword-Eater". Something did not add up to Shizuka though, powerful Adjucas or not, a hollow of that level shouldn't have been able to withstand his bankai much less any Shinigami with a bankai in general. If that were the case, then the ones above Adjucas would have no problem massacring the rest of the Soul Society aside from the Head Captain himself. Shizuka had faced many hollows differentiating in levels, he had refused to believe that the quality of the lower ones had increased to such an extent where a Third Seat would almost be killed from one. Then again, Lieutenant Kasumi's spiritual state was significantly drained from that encounter, which means her hand might have been forced in order to save him.
Immediately afterwards though he issued an apology to Lieutenant Kasumi for his utter failure, but Shizuka was not satisfied with this.
"So basically from what I heard, NOT ONLY did you endanger the life of our own, you failed to complete your task to eliminate a hollow beneath your level?"
Shizuka recited this in a stern tone as he then finally opened his eyes and rose to his feet from his previous position. The broom that once layed on his chest slid directly to the floor smacking against the wooden debris of his cot below him. Look directly at the officer's closed eyes he garnered a neutral grimace towards him. He only said this to not only get under the officer's skin a little bit, but to also re-establish the true meaning of being a seated member.
"I'm not gonna sit here and discredit the strength of you or that Hollow you faced, obviously I can't speak on that since I was not there.... but out of the hundreds of thousands of members within the Seireitei you've been designated the 3rd strongest member in your own division. I recommend you move accordingly next time and not have to rely on other's superiors to bail you out."
Shizuka didn't know what effect this would have on Suta's conscious, certainly a man who has just faced near death did not need to be told any of those words Shizuka uttered to his face. This was all in all just a ploy to incite more strength from his contemporaries, whether or not Suta took these words with a malice intent or not he would hope that these words would create motivation for a stronger rival for the future.

 

[Shinigami]

She was well aware that her strikes against her Taichou were futile, the man was built like stone. She could only watch as her Taichou rose to his full height, a look of elation and accomplishment shimmering off his chiseled form. He tossed aside what he perceived to be Fuyuko’s baseless concerns for their third seat.
“Hm? Gah.. He’ll be fine! In fact…”
She huffed, fuming silently at just how bull headed he could be at times. Her face quickly flushing red with anger and annoyance watching the goliath man toss the cleaning tools towards the abused and sprawled out Shizuka. She wanted to shout at him more, to pummel and kick at her stupid Taichou.
“Fuyuko-Chan.. how are you feeling? Whenever possible, I need to know everything.”
His words of concern reminded her of Shizuka’s own concern for her well being. The color soon returned to her face, albeit a bit faded. With all the hustle and bustle, and as stubborn as she herself was, even she couldn’t ignore her own fatigue. Fuyuko was tired indeed, but it was a truth she’d house only within her heart. She couldn’t have the others worrying over her.
”I’m fine Taichou, and-” She stopped, turning her head as she noticed Third Seat Arashi of the Thirteenth Division entered into their barracks. She looked him over briefly. Good, he seemed fine...certainly better off than she had found him. That was one relief, one less worry tugging at her heart. The Vice Captain said nothing, silence filling the awkward space within the room. With a heavy sigh, and perhaps even heavier heart Arashi entered as he began to regale her Taichou with tales of the hollow they encountered.
Arashi left nothing out, and did nothing to embellish his own merit or those of her own. He took ownership of his own shortcomings, fessed up to his failures. She couldn’t begin to imagine how hard it was for him to voice such things aloud, especially to those not of his Division.
His report was followed by a formal apology to her. Something she hadn’t expected, and certainly wasn’t looking for. Fuyuko remained silent, unsure how to respond to this. Their own Third Seat took the opportunity to speak his mind. Having risen from being thrashed by their Taichou she was relieved that he too was none worse for wear. Another concern lifted from her.
Shizuka was rather harsh in his assessment of the situation, but she couldn’t fault him. He only spoke out of care and concern, this much she knew. Standing between Arashi as well as her Taichou and Shizuka she pressed a gentle hand against Shizuka’s chest.
”That’s enough Shi-chan..” she spoke softly. She flashed a warm and caring smile towards Arashi.
”I appreciate your gratitude, but truthfully you don’t have to thank me Arashi-kun. I did only what was required of me. You overpraise my skills, even I find myself lacking. Its because of that, I train and practice to better myself each day. We all make mistakes, no one could have known just how strong that Adjuchas was.”
She paused, closing her eyes for a brief moment before continuing. ”I used my bankai to make sure the matter was settled, as a result I’ve been depleted of a good bit of my stamina. Its nothing a little rest wont remedy. Taichou, we have to be on guard regarding these hollows coming into the World of the Living. I fear they’ve somehow become stronger than what we’re used to. Regardless of Arashi’s errors, there’s no way an adjuchas should have been able to cause him such grievous trouble. Something’s going on in Hueco Mundo I fear...we have to be careful...all of us.”
There was much truth in her words and cause of concern. What if the hollows were evolving in strength? Was it due to some new unknown power...or, was it a result of that catastrophe three hundred years ago, spoken of in tales, whispers and archives? Were the Hollows evolving as a means of survival...if so, they were in for darker days to come.

 

[Shinigami]

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Those foreign to the 10th Division and its antics would see this exchange as strange and cruel. As those present had known, this was just another day in the confines of the illustrious barracks of the Jūbantai. The captain could feel the blood curdling through Shizuka’s system, wishing, wanting, dreaming that he could actually respond in the sinister ways his mind had created. This was the way of it, he wouldn’t dare challenge Higen’s word; Here, at least, it was the law. Truth be told, Higen began to feel a bit of lament from his actions. For Shizuka? Of course not. He instead knew that his unruliness only further contributed to the stress of his second seat. He’d wished to keep her unharmed, be it from mental or physical damage. Large, sculpted ears began to flicker at the lobe. Every few seconds the crackling foundation of the building he’d severely damaged crumbled and creaked as if it was about to tumble. Beneath the subtle noise was the approach of a man, a presence familiar to the Captain.
Soon, Third Seat Arashi had fallen under the rain of dust in the junkyard-of-a-room with the trio, much to Higen’s surprise. His entry was filled with silence, and in its lapse came the awakening of Higen’s own third seat. Arashi’s posture was odd, somewhat shameful and apologetic as he faced the Captain, his words interrupting Fuyuko’s own, offering a great deal of information that would help them understand the bulk of what happened in Karakura.
The Hollow, or if I should say the Adjucha was stronger than most I have encountered before. In my records it has been named as Sword Eater. A troublesome creature for a very long time, I am sure you have heard of him. HOwever, my foolishness not only cost me to deliver a swift end to this creature aided in strengthening the Hollow. My abilities became nothing more than food source. In short I was rendered useless in the face of my enemy and nearly killed due to my lack of willingness to kill and understanding the severity of the situation. Your Lieutenant acted swiftly in saving me and killing Sword Eater. I commend her for her skills and the ability to read the situation as she did in just a few seconds.
His words disappointing but sincere nonetheless. There was no room for Higen to respond. Shizuka, carrying a similar devotion for Fuyuko’s safety had little patience for failure despite how daft he could seem at times. His words were harsh but Higen would not intervene. For the best outcome, Arashi should use this as an opportunity to improve in a distant future, though Higen still blamed Shizuka for not being around to venture out himself. Fuyuko, as was her nature, responded endearingly, uplifting the male who would more than likely have his head down at a time like this; this was how she earned the respect of every member of this division.
“Hm… This matches similar reports from the hollow in Naruki as well. What is the source, I wonder. ”
It was scary to think about, and his lieutenant’s warning was not without substance. They had to be careful moving forward, but at the moment there were more pressing matters. The silence after his words was soon interrupted, a ringing noise escaping the Denreishinki tucked away in his coat.
! ! !
"My fellow Shinigami. A big ass Kokotsu dun' just crashed our little party here in the Rukongai District. Now if you want to leave the head captain and no-brow to their make-out session that would be nice...I could use the help..”
Captain Kojima’s voice came through somewhat muffled and ended abruptly, still loud enough for the group to here. Amidst all this chaos there was still room for more? Hew grew tired of this day already, having to go from one end of Soul Society to the other. Young Maho was not one to ask for help lightly though, which was cause for concern.
“Shizuka. You’re accompanying me to assist him. Fuyuko.. Please stay and rest. Even when resting, the division will be in your hands. Arashi I’d tell you to also stay behind but something about your stubbornness tells me that I’d be wasting my breath. I know you aren’t One Hundred percent, so follow at your own risk.”
He spoke quickly and coherently, looking to shizuka for confirmation before his figure began to bleed from few, fading away as he propelled himself towards the districts.
| Traveling from Southwest Seireitei ---------------------------------------------------------------> Rukongai |

 

[Shinigami]

Every word felt like a rusted blade skewering his heart. No pleasure, no warning, just utter pain his pride would feel. However, Arashi had the will to swallow his pride, gulping the whole of it and allow his inner feelings to flourish when the time needed. This felt like that time. Make no mistake, the trio would likely feel his spirit shatter, but from those cracks and openings a fierce one blooms. A much stronger spirit is set loose. This would be set in stone, thanks and no thanks to the words of Shizuka who shared his feelings as well through disappointment and but also would ignite a small flame in Arashi's soul to do better. To put it short, Shizuka aimed to help Arashi improve rather than belittle him. Despite the negativity in his freedom of speech, Arashi could only nod his head in silence.
"I understand."
His genuine expression of a smile and nearly closed eyes did not change, even when Lieutenant Kasumi went ahead to seemingly defend Arashi, telling Shizuka he had said enough. True, but if it wouldn't be him, then it wouldn't be anyone truly to voice it. She continued on, a modest and humble tone to her statements. She also seemed to understand the concern of the Hollows growing in power. His mind had already been set to train and overcome the obstacle he had placed before himself. Though, Arashi could not dismiss the fact that Captain Kagayaki had not yet said anything and his silence proved to be a mountain that he could only dream of ever climbing. Just what was he thinking? What could be holding him back from speaking or uttering a single response based on his report? Alas, he spoke, but no more than to add to the report on sword Eater. He had been received the same notification. Arashi nodded once again, but it seemed the troubles would not fall short just yet as a new threat arrives in the midst of Arashi just only escaping death!
He knew he would have to take action once again. There is simply no way that he could just sit back and just melt away from existence allowing the hand of death to cradle him, while also chocking the life from his body, suffocating him with empty eye holes... Captain Kojima's voice came over the Soul-Phone, but surely Arashi could feel the disturbance, even before Captain Kojima requested any form of help from anyone nearby. Captain Kagayaki gave his orders, even contemplated the words to tell Arashi to stay behind or follow at his own risk. It would be prideful of him to go. It would be smart of him to stay behind, but...
"The Rukongai, was once my home. It still is, I can not ignore the threat when all my comrades are there fighting. On you, Captain Kagayaki."
Once again, the will to fear death, but the will to never fear how he dies... His resolve would show as he quickly engaged in a Shunpo behind Captain Kagayaki and Shizuka. Time is of the essence, they needed to get there and assess the situation while also taking action to prevent any more destruction as well as a casualties.

Traveling from Southwest to Rukongai