The Eastern gates of the Soul Society open, revealing a parade of Rukongai Citizen’s shouting in joy. The direction of the gate was chosen symbolically, referencing the rising of a sun, the dawning of a new day. The festival, which has been raging on within the central Forty Six Districts since sunrise, encompassess the entirety of the Seireitei’s surroundings. Though commotion was caused by the explosions earlier in the day, Seventh Division Shinigami, as well as some from the Fifth Division, were dispatched to handle the situation. Security was on high alert today, and the military might of the Gotei Thirteen would not allow any interruption of this most prestigious ceremony.
The crowd of cheering citizens suddenly parts, as an entourage of Shinigami approach. Each of these soul reapers was hand picked from the First Division’s ranks, in order to provide the highest quality of protection for the souls that they are escorting. What could be the cause of such uproarious celebration, and iron-clad security? It is none other than the arrival of the new Central Forty Six. Today is the day of their inauguration, as well as the official coronation of the new Captain Commander, Higen Kagayaki.
Among these Forty Six Souls is one gentleman, Takiyo Hoshi, who becomes lost in thought as he steps through the threshold, and into the Soul Society, his new home. The roaring of the crowd becomes deafened by the weight of his newfound responsibilities.
“In all your years in the soul society you never expected to come here, did you Takiyo?”
A voice rings out from within his head. Another soul, or rather, another aspect of his own soul. A split personality, as is the curse for all Hoshi.
“No Teruma. Nor did I expect to be escorted by one of the descendants, Shōri was it? If I recall her mother was the first of the Hoshi’s to join the Seireitei.”
A light conversation between himself and his other half, amongst his peers. Although he was elected like everyone else, he felt out of place, and not for his Namanari; it was the lack of a noble background. The Oda’s, Oki’s, Kiyoshi’s, Gekkō and finally the Mukuro, all of them nobles and dangerous in one way or another. Though, he still had Teruma keep his attention on Yakitsuku Oda for any sudden movements. As for himself he had his mind on that of the Captain Commander, a giant of man, yet the Commander was not as intimidating as the current Central forty six in Takiyo’s mind. He was under the assumption that if the Commander decided to wipe them all out, he would leave it at that, just the members of the Central Forty Six. The elected officials though? They would not only kill him, but also his legacy, killing his family then dragging their name into the ground. For that reason he had to take his time and observe everyone’s actions and words to see who can start forming an alliance with, who to keep at arm's length and who to stay away from.
“Of all the people here, who do you think you can trust?”
The voice rings out again, as they walk in unison through the Soul Society, heading towards the Central District, or more specifically, the Central Compound that would soon become their place of business.
“Had this been a normal event I wouldn’t trust anyone here, but if I had to guess it would be the Oki Clan. All the humanitarian efforts they do makes them the most honorable. Though like any noble house they have a few skeletons... This may surprise you but I’d rather keep the Oda’s at arms length rather than keep them away, they’re a devil we know, as opposed to the Gekkō and the Kiyoshi.”
“And the Mukuro?”
“If the rumors are true then we shouldn’t go near him, at least not alone.”
Teruma had never seen Takiyo this worried, not since he brought the Hoshi out of the infamous Zaraki district. That hellhole was far behind them, but now he was worried about what was hiding in this new place, the Seireitei, a game amongst the members of the Central Forty Six. Even now, as they march, their eyes do not look upon the Soul Society with reverence, but calculation.
Entering the Central Compound, they grow closer to the source of their predecessors demise. Despite the fanfare, this journey did not feel like a welcome home. Instead, it feels as though they are marching into the belly of the beast, the former residence of the threat that looms over them all, Shobatsu Murasaki. Approaching the newly cleaned Central Forty Six Compound, the reality of the situation finally sets in. One individual, a frail old man, looks about the Hall’s entrance with cunning eyes.
“They’ve cleaned the place, yet still the smell of blood persists.”
Shiriusu Kiyoshi, of the lesser noble family. A clever individual, he knows how to hide his true strengths, forming his appearance and mannerism to invoke underestimation in his adversaries. He plays the part of a delicate elder, his movements slow, his mannerisms weak. However, he is anything but. Conserving his words, and his intent, for when they prove useful, for now he simply assess the situation.
He is surprised to see that Commander Kagayaki has already beaten them to the hall. The election of this new Central Forty Six is unprecedented, and so no one knows what to expect. Therefore, the elected officials did not know if Commander Kagayaki was to welcome them at all, given his affiliation to the traitor Murasaki. Even if he were to welcome them, Shiriusu had expected to be greeted at the Eastern Gate, or perhaps the entrance to the hall. Instead, he sees that the man is already in position, eager to get down to business. Pleasantries and gestures were not necessary. They certainly had a lot to discuss. If that is the case, then Shiriusu is pleased to see a man of business hold the title, the Commander had made a good first impression.
Destiny Awaits
Responding to the Commander’s lead, one of the first members of the Central forty Six to take their seat was a green-haired young man, with a sinister smile, Kazan Gekkō. There was clear tension. Fear, even. Many of these individuals would come to fear that the events of their predecessors would eventually happen to them. Even if the former Captain-Commander had willingly gone back to the Muken, what would keep their current Captain-Commander from doing just as he did? The many hushed whispers around the young Gekkō would make him stifle his smile, hiding it behind the cover of his hand as he leaned forward in his seat.
“Fear sure is something to be influenced by...”
Doing a once-over on the crowd as a whole, Kazan’s eyes had fallen on a particular individual and he narrowed them, his mouth forming into a frown. There was something he never liked about Kohaku Oki. Maybe it was his girlish looks that often caused girls to flock to him more, or the fact that he would talk to his cousin and Akarui would give him more attention than he would ever get. A comical vein popped out of his forehead and he just turned back to the stand before him, eyeing the center stage as it illuminated the body of the current head of the Gotei Thirteen. He was here to get his clan’s foot in the door, and essentially spread the growth of their influence with other clans if they were interested, however, those were his clan’s aspirations. Personally, Kazan was here to be completely neutral, so long as it didn’t harm the reputation of his clan or the image of his clan leader.
“Each of the forty-six individuals here have their reasons for placing their representatives within this room, for selfish uses or just to observe their opposing parties. Regardless, that was simply clan politics versus what our actual protocol is… But who will be the first to break the silence?”
His answer is made clear, be the gentle voice of the very soul who Kazan had been glaring at.
"My, my. What a fun gathering."
The second Oki clansman elected into the Central Forty-six, Kohaku Oki, smiles. A noble only in name, he married the matriarch's niece some years ago. He comes from the outskirts of the southern Rukongai, impoverished and alone, his skill with the word saved him repeatedly. While his own goals may currently be aligned with Naoki's in regards to the improvement of the Rukongai districts, it is uncertain if their goals will remain as such. He is respectful of her, but finds himself having more in common with those of lower status. It is due to this that he is elected, as an advocate to the impoverished southern and western districts. His amber colored eyes glance around the room, familiarizing himself with the faces of his fellow councilmembers. Kohaku has no positive or negative feelings towards anyone here, that being so, he can't help but feel a sharp glare on him. It isn't until his eyes lock with the Gekkō's very attractive representative, that he feels tension between them. Confused, but not one to be immediately hostile, he smiles and offers a friendly wave.
"Hello Neighbor." He mouths, so as to not interrupt anyone in the room.
However, there is another official who does not hesitate to interrupt. The first to speak out of turn, and loudly so. This man is noble everything but reputation, a rough sort of soul, who believes in the power of action over words. His family history is as complicated as the Seireitei itself, being banned from the Gotei Thirteen, while his grandson serves as the Captain of Fifth Division, and Chief of the Kido Corps, yet also lives in disgrace as the first Vizard in hundreds of years. He is none other than the patriarch of the Oda Clan, Yakitsuku Oda.
He looks upon the Commander of the Gotei Thirteen, looks at his stance, how he clenches his fists, how his brow may furrow and how he observes the room. He recognizes the Commander's strength but also takes note of his uneasiness, how unfitting he is to the role of being Commander. He begins making a proper assessment of the Commander, how does he fare when compared to the Commanders of old? Is he able to learn from the mistakes of his forebears or will he be a conduit for history to repeat itself? Questions upon questions stack themselves endlessly in the mind of this old man such as the motives of these other clans who were elected. His eyes glance to his left then right, history has woven some of these groups together in one way or another. The Oki may have some ire towards the Oda but it was Ten’yuu’s choice to marry into the clan. Petty drama is all that is in his eyes. The true cause for concern is the Mukuro clan. He watches the man from his peripheral, he is sure the Mukuro elder is aware of this. His mouth parts, his lungs filling with air as he readies himself to address the true center of attention here, Commander Kagayaki.
“Commander Kagayaki. The Rukongai has become a beacon for disaster, the Gotei has become a bed for treacherous growth. Nobles using relics to obtain power and seated Shinigami killing each other. I cast no blame upon you, none on Murasaki-sama, and none upon the Gotei Thirteen. I merely would like to know what your plans are to handle these home grown threats that are like a blade to our necks.”
His words break the silence, as well as the order of these proceedings. However, if any of the officials is expected to talk out of turn, it is the Oda. Further, what he says is on everyone’s mind as is, and so the man’s social faux-pas serves as a relief. However, the idea that Murasaki’s actions are condoned, is one of controversy. The crowd begins to whisper, already divided. Most were unsure how to feel about the previous Commander’s actions. If he hadn’t done as he did, then they wouldn’t be here, but the precedent he has set puts all of their lives at risk.
"In betraying the Central Forty-six, he has saved the Seireitei. Becoming his successor, I do not expect you to be him, but I expect the same level of conviction, Commander Kagayaki."
Affirming Yakitsuku’s words, and vocalizing her own support, is the wizened Matriarch of the Oki Clan, Naoki Oki. With her statement, the views of the Central Forty Six are made clear. Having two of the Noble Officials so clearly share their opinion on the matter essentially settles it. Now it would be unwise to openly oppose their views, and so despite any feelings to the contrary, the Central Forty Six will publicly condone Murasaki.
Settling this matter with her own outburst, Naoki also receives no backlash, as once again the members of the central Forty Six are grateful for the vocalization. Now, she sits upright, gracefully poised in her chair. Her piercing green eyes fixated on the Commander standing before them. She has heard of the man, even different sides of him, as told to her by his long time friend, and now Lieutenant, Honoka. She, who has praised his morality, labeling him a good man. Even having a close relationship to her daughter, she spares him no familiarities, and addresses him formally, just as the Head Lieutenant does. It is clear to everyone where the Lieutenant gets her discipline and strict demeanor from, yet unlike her daughter, Naoki does not mask her words behind a disarming smile. Her face is stern, and her glare sharp. Even so, her intentions are true and even noble in a sense. Yes, she seeks recognition for her family, but unlike those slain here by Shobatsu Murasaki, she will not do it at the expense of Rukongai citizens. The Oki Matriarch hopes that if she, or anyone in her family, ever betray their duty to Seireitei and its citizens, that the Commander does not waiver in dealing justice.
Around her she sees familiar faces, and others she wished to never lay eyes on again. She sees the Hoshi and Gekkō, also elected along with her and Kohaku, to represent western districts. Would their interests align in some way to help those in the lower Rukongai districts, as the Oki have been steadily doing? Or were they here for selfish reasons? The man from the Hoshi clan seems stern, with the grimace on his face. They never exchanged words, except at a few events involving the nobles, but nothing past pleasantries. From the North, she sees an Oda sitting among the elected officials. The emblem on his sash displays the man's insignia from the warrior clan. Her face nearly expresses disgust before her gaze moves on, catching a glimpse of a Mukuro elder. Those were even more rare to see than the Oda. She's heard enough of the infamous clan, but does not judge them as others do. After all, Honoka's opinion of Captain Mukuro seems to paint a different picture for the matriarch than that which others see. In truth, she never expected to see either clan elected to such a position, especially not the Mukuro after the young Lord's actions, but life is full of mysteries. Perhaps the name carries a far heavier weight in the outer districts of the Rukongai, but naivety isn't one of her traits. She's aware the Mukuro are not philanthropists, the circumstances of their election remain vague, and their goals are complete mysteries, but she hopes they can cooperate.
The Shihoin, Feng, Kyoraku, the Ukitake, Omaeda, the Kira, the Kasumioji, the Oki, the Oda, Hoshi, the Gekkō, Kiyoshi and...the Mukuro. Various clans from various backgrounds, districts gathered in the Central Compound, gathered together at the call of Higen the Knight, Higen the Hero...Higen the Commander. The Oki sit in their designated seats, watching and observing those who now sit as their peers under the same roof, bearing the same titles. Assessing the positions, importance and motives of those that surround them, convinced of their own deluded sense of benevolence, blinded by their own arrogance and hypocrisy. What they call “Good Will” used to curry favors, others call leverage and blackmail...threats disguised in a smile.
The Hoshi sits contemplating, wary of those that surround him. He is an anomaly, sitting mentally divided, yet united all the same. He believes himself out his scope when forced into a room with those of higher or darker status. He hopes for the best while silently bracing himself for the worst to come. The Gekkō sits amused by all that surrounds him, that is until his eyes catch something, or..rather
someone that disturbed his amusement. He at the very least appears to know when to restrain himself, though how long he could be so disciplined remained to be seen.
The Oda surveys his surroundings, but more importantly fixes his gaze, his focus on the very man who summoned them, the newly appointed Commander. As a warrior, the Oda treats these presidings as a battleground, and studies Higen as he would study his opponent, gleaning whatever information possible from the man’s mannerisms and body language. Aside from Higen however, there is another who has caught his attention, the same individual who has garnered the attention of several others gathered in this room — Koshi Mukuro.
The Mukuro Elders sits there silently amongst the crowd of delegates, perfectly situated in his seat. Since his arrival the aged man has not moved an inch, he has not blinked and even those in proximity of him could not determine if the man even drew breath — not a sliver of reiatsu emanated from his cold form. True to his clan’s namesake, it was as if a corpse sat in the chair, a cold body deprived of all life. Both the Oki and the Oda have their own expectations from the Commander, the former forcing Higen to uphold the same standards as his predecessor to the same degree if not higher, while the latter seeks to hear the Commander’s plans to address the future of their home, protecting it those that would do it harm. Perhaps the other clan representatives held their own thoughts, had their own questions, worries and expectations, one could only wonder how Higen would be able to address all of them. As for the Mukuro — he remains silent, still saying nothing, seemingly heeding no one in the room save the man who stood at the helm of the Gotei 13. For now he would remain as he was, he needn’t act, he needn’t speak, he need only wait patiently.
"Harsh as ever."
Kohaku sighs softly, a wry smile on his face as his Aunt expresses her high expectations of the new Captain Commander. So many things were changing so drastically, very suddenly. There was little time for anyone to really wrap their heads around the notion that the room they currently inhabited was the very same room their predecessors were slain in. Another sigh escapes him, as he catches sight of a clan loathed by the Matriarch. He's pleasantly surprised when she shows no hostility, but she won't even acknowledge their presence. Kohaku on the other hand, hopes to possibly begin amicable relations with them, and the other clans to unify together and ensure the stability of their home. The Oda, like the Mukuro, are notorious, but without their clan’s involvement, each offering their own merit to the forces, the Seireitei would not be where it stands today. He sees the benefit of having each clan in a seat, their influence, power, and connections are valuable assets to have. Not only for the Soul Society, but for the Oki as well. Details of the Kiyoshi and the Hoshi elude him, but he is eager to change that. Surely the clans have aligning interests that will result in friendlier relations between those present here. As for the new Commander, Kohaku looks him over. The man had to be positively nervous. What would he say? Especially to Naoki, who is clearly highly critical of him. The eagerness in his eyes for the coming interactions is impossible to hide.
Finally, the time had come. Every single elected official of the new Central Forty Six had arrived and taken their seat. While there were Forty Two members, the truth is, that only Eight had true power. The other members would follow the lead of the main Eight, forming parties to back the Nobles, as is always the case in such prestigious positions. So, of these Eight, who would be the most influential member of them all? Who among them was chosen to represent the Central Forty Six in its entirety, to be the voice behind the governing body?
Anguish
“That is enough.”
Kyosai Tsunayashiro, the most powerful man in the Soul Society. Powerful, not because of his ability, but because of his prestige. The Tsunayashiro are the wealthiest and most influential of the Four Great Noble Houses, above even the Shihoin and Kuchiki in their prime. Kyosai is the matriarch of the Tsunayashiro, and thus the most powerful among them. It is no secret that he represents the Four Great Noble Houses all in one, here to represent the interests of the nobles who Shobatsu had nearly removed from power. With this social upset, Kyosai represents a return to the old ways, he represents maintaining the status quo, and the power, of the Four Great Houses. With such influence, it was a simple feat to ensure that over half of the newly elected members were from one of the Four Noble Clans. This means that Kyosai holds the Majority Vote, ensuring that the Central forty Six remains under the stranglehold of Noble interests. No fool however, Kyosai’s task is equally to restore the reputation of the clans as it is to maintain their influence. The two were one of the same. Where other nobles might be considered paragons of corruption, Kyosai is the embodiment of duty. He has become the speaker of the house, and thus it his word that is law amongst the Central Forty Six.
“Higen Kagayaki. By the power invested in the Central Forty Six, we the governing body of the Seireitei, who represent the hearts and minds of the people of the Soul Society, officially bestow upon you the title of Captain Commander of the Gotei Thirteen. From here on, you shall be recognized as Commander Kagayaki, and shall report to us directly.”
The sound of a gavel echoes throughout the great hall. With Forty Six new bodies filling the wooden seats of the once empty hall, the sound does not carry as far as it would have mere hours ago. Truly, it felt as though the hall had been restored to life, the tragedy of its emptiness replaced with the hope of a greater future.
“The will of this council has already been made known. You will not be held accountable for the crimes of your predecessor. Nor will this Central Forty Six address the allegations against our own. Instead, our presence here in this hall signifies a new union, a return to the bond forged thousands of years ago. A bond so powerful that it toppled the Soul King. The Gotei Thirteen did not fall against Aizen, it did not falter against Yhwach, and it will not be destroyed by Murasaki. We have proven to hold the faith of the entire Soul Society, being elected under these new circumstances. Though you benefit from the same man who created these circumstances, you were chosen by a criminal, not by the people.”
A pause in the Speaker’s opening speech, as his eyes descend in judgment down, not upon Kagayaki, but upon the Zanpakuto that he brandishes on his hip. A sign of distrust. Even Murasaki had chosen to turn over his blade. Had the Warlord’s actions set the standard, that Captain Commander and Central Forty Six were not to be trusted, that they were to hold blades at each other's throats until the other dared to draw blood?
“So tell us, Commander, what faith should we place in you?”
