Arashi Suta
New member
Still, they remain at odds. Eizoku’s prompt arrival back to the very room where the tension between them had finally climaxed, is coupled with his interjection during Arashi Suta’s report. Which led to the glowing eye of their Captain moving between the two of them, instead of remaining fixated on one. No doubt did this occurrence drive a thorn into his thumb, possibly further advancing his agitation towards the situation in its entirety. However, the Captain remains focused, allowing for his two top subordinates to continue unimpeded… Until Eizoku moved to hand him the capsule. In just a swift motion it is knocked from his hand and quickly placed within a Kido barrier.
It may have been clear or still obscured to those who watched, even to Jizakai who had finally spoken up after all this time. His words are filled with good reason and logical thinking. A page that Arashi Suta may need to take in the future. Tenzen’s verdict had likely already been made, and if it wasn’t before, then it was surely after everything is said. A clear picture within Arashi’s mind, it's as if the future of this moment was laid out in front of him…
And there was nothing Lieutenant Suta could do or say.
Finally, Captain Oda speaks with an aura that radiates authority, hostility, and agitation. Even for the man revered as the Golden Buddha, it was almost unsettling to witness the Captain in such a state.
” Ametsuchi-san was correct in his actions and what he said. You were sent on a dangerous mission, one you were all meant to complete together and yet you grown men bicker like children. It is almost idiotic listening to the both of you go back and forth like this, trying to deflect blame to either side. You, my top two officers, at odds with one another…”
The midnight blue orbs of Arashi vanish, hidden behind his own eyelids. The Captain continues, directing his attention to Eizoku.
” Eizoku, placing a restriction on the barrier, no matter how weak, was foolish and idiotic. You had no reason in the world to do such a thing, had you been attacked and needed backup time would have been wasted trying to break the seal to get to you. If they did not follow you then make them and drag them along with you, do not bar their entry.”
That mental picture, the words of Tenzen Oda became subtitles. His voice is now directed toward Arashi.
” Shifting control of the operation to Eizoku was fine, but my orders were for you to enter the Dangai as a team. Had Eizoku been killed there this time you would be imprisoned for insubordination and manslaughter of a fellow Division member. As a Lieutenant, you should know better. When I am away you are in charge, your actions reflect upon me just as much as mine reflect upon the entirety of this Division. This petty squabble between the both of you tells the Gotei Thirteen that I’m running a Division of immature children.”
It is only now that the punishment will be served cold rather than hot, despite the intensity of Captain Oda. A subtle motion, a strike that would cut the fabric of his Lieutenant badge, causing it to fall from Arashi’s arm. It is only by the sharp reflexes that he prevents it from falling to the floor, catching the fabric between just two fingers. For this brief moment, his eyes open, peering towards it… His mind is at work, contemplating the decision made here. He takes accountability and accepts the outcome shortly after. He folds the fabric beneath the badge and turns to place it against the table.
Arashi had come to quickly accept the decision his Captain had made. Perhaps he was not fit to be a Lieutenant, and like before, as a 3rd Seat he must crawl before he can truly run once again. One step back, in order to take two steps forward. How big will these steps be? How long will it take?
Patience…
He need only to be patient, and work diligently as he had done so before his rise to the rank of Lieutenant. His eyes closed, and as always, that blasted smile remained upon his face. The never-changing expression holds truest even in most that would bring anger, frustration, and sadness for most. The Captain brought his decision to light with words as well.
” Do not think I am overlooking anything about this item that was found. It will be delivered to the Kido Corps Headquarters, analyzed and an investigation will be launched into Twelfth Division to see if we can turn up any leads on a potential mole. That aside, Arashi, if it is not obvious, you are here-by demoted to the Third seat. If you were not a capable fighter I would have dropped you even lower. Eizoku, you seem confident that this will be our last meeting, so I will make it so. Gather your things and leave Fifth Division. Jizakai, your rationale was the correct one to take, you will not be punished.”
Respectfully, Arashi bows. In complete and utter silence, Captain Oda would receive no rebuttal of any kind. Captain Oda recognizes the final journey for Eizoku. His time in Fifth Division coming to a close. Where will he go? What goal did he seek even now? Once the apprentice of Captain Oda, now the abandoned child. Is this truly what he wanted? As much attitude as he had for Arashi Suta, will he have the same for Captain Oda? Would his bravado and arrogance be so high that he will act on impulse or will he hold his tongue as he had always done for the Captain?
No longer worthy of his gaze, the three of them only see the back of their battle-damaged Captain. Arashi remains with his head bowed even then, until the Captain decided to speak once more to the three of them.
” I will not tolerate petty childlike behavior in my division ever again, your foolish bravado will only get others killed. Arashi, go make your report to the Commander or Head Lieutenant, whichever you find first. You fail me again and you too will be removed from my Division.-”
“ Yes sir,” he responded promptly as he raises his head.
“ Eizoku, you have until the end of the day to clean out your belongings, anything left behind will be erased. Let this be a lesson for all three of you moving forward.”
Left to their own devices, the posture of Arashi fully straightens, and quickly his muscles relax, as if the weight of the situation had been relieved from his shoulders. Should Eizoku have remained where he was a moment longer, he would be the receiver of Arashi’s last and final words towards him.
“ No matter the weight my final statement holds. I wish you the best of luck on your journey, Eizoku Yugameru. Until next time.”
His head turns, his never-ending smile appearing as a genuine one. Remembering a time when they were under better conditions, and their bond as comrades had not been severed. Regardless, Arashi planned to not wait for a response, none was needed, nor did he wish to waste any more time here within this meeting room. He had his orders and he would follow through, just as he had planned from the start. He’d turn his head to Jizakai offering only a nod.
His presence disappeared entirely, fully hiding his spiritual energy even without the use of Kido. His Shunpo would be just as masterful, leaving before them an afterimage that only lingered for a few seconds, only to fizzle out and dissipate entirely. His single step took him to the forefront of his Quarters, the threshold quickly over-stepped and he found himself momentarily seated upon the wooden floors with his Zanpakuto pulled from beneath his sash and placed across the ground in front of him.
Sitting against the back of his feet, the palms of his hands rest against his knees. His back is straight, but even in such a position, he finds a way to relax with ease. Engulfed in a yellow glow, as specs of light dance within this aura of his, the same happens to his Zanpakuto. He takes the time to train within his inner world, to converse with his inner demon and inner light…
“ Welcome home Arashi!”
“ Welcome home Baka!”
