-
-
-
-
--
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
“Per Third Seat Hyouzoku’s report, the bount could only remain in the World of the Living for a specific amount of time. After it was defeated and contained, it simply turned into a block of ice, and shattered into a million pieces. The frozen remains were scattered in the wind. Afterward my field agent secured his jurisdiction for signs of any more bounts, and there was no evidence of any. I was told a singular fullbringer was rather.. aggressive toward Third Seat Hyouzoku, but the tensions were calmed. That specific fullbringer was the only one to have encountered Shinigami before, once as a child..
The Night of his parent’s death.
The quincy’s presence on the other hand was even more insignificant. It is likely that their hierarchy is still in shambles after the destruction of the Wanderich. I was told nothing of a unified Quincy front.”
Kyomu listens as Captain Kagayaki gives him whatever information is available to him..or at least, what the old man can recall. His eye twitches when he hears that the Bount was
defeated, not killed. He goes on to hear about the actions of this random Fullbringer. A Fullbringer acting aggressive towards a Shinigami? Again, Higen’s choice of wording told Kyomu that this was yet another potential threat that had not been eliminated.
The Phantom dismisses the information regarding the death of the human’s parents. The death of two humans was inconsequential in comparison to maintaining balance, and ensuring that the Soul Society remains protected. There exists now at least two liabilities...wait..three. He couldn’t dismiss the Quincy’s lack of presence. While true they could still be struggling to restore themselves, this could also be a ploy. Pretending to be weak to cause the enemy to lower their guard, it was a tactic he himself was not above employing.
"That area Captain Kagayaki shattered needs to be sealed off. From the ground to the exact location where he shattered time and space needs to be sealed. It could be a weak point that this creature can use to infiltrate the Soul Society. That would mean we need to move a large section of the Rukongai Citizens out, I don't care how they are removed. I might just be acting paranoid but I'd rather be safe than sorry."
Captain Oda’s voice surfaces while Kyomu assesses and plots silently in thought. Like Kyomu, Tenzen plans for the future — however, Tenzen fears a future that is farther than confirmed immediate threats. The Oda perceives the possibility of a threat exploiting a
potential gap in their defenses. Kyomu believes by locating that sealed Bount and eradicating it forever, killing off the Quincy that were present as well as that aggressive Fullbringer and those allied with him, the number of enemies who would potentially exploit such a gap would be significantly lowered.
"We should also have all soldiers at the ready to invade or be invaded. We can't recreate the same events that befell the Soul Society centuries ago when the Quincy invaded. We have to be better than that, we have to be prepared..."
”Which is why we should head out now and kill them before they get the chance.”
“If there’s a time to prepare, more than normal.. this is it. Whatever war approaches, I’m willing to take any necessary precautions and measures to eliminate the threat. Should the enemy strike through the world of the living, you all can count on me to be the spearhead that destroys them on the front lines. I will not sit by and have my home, or anywhere under my care left to the devices of foreign invader.”
The Phantom retorts, only for the Knight to step in, offering his body as sacrifice to the cause once more. A noble gesture — but could it be trusted? Could
he, as he is now be trusted?
“Weakness. That is what my eyes see.”
Before anyone else can respond, before the back and forth can continue further, the Commander who had been deathly still and silent as the grave, finally speaks. What could they do but listen?
“Captain Mukuro.”
Kyomu does not move, he stares ahead as his name is called.
“Under your care, ninety six prisoners have escaped from the Nest of Maggots. Ninety Six threats to the Seireitei now run rampant throughout the Rukongai. As such, you have ninety six hours to locate and capture these souls, as well as the one who released them. Should you fail, you will be stripped of your Captaincy, and expected to serve each inmate’s sentence yourself. You report that the Rukongai Districts have radicalized against us in light of recent events. They will give these prisoners refuge in exchange for harnessing their power against the Gotei Thirteen. The Onmitsukidō’s Patrol Corps will now work in tandem with the Seventh Division to put an end to both matters. You will oversee this personally.”
Kyomu clenches his fists, actively commanding his body to remain still as his anger begins to bubble and boil. Anger towards those elders he had killed for their plots and games that forced his hand. Anger towards Xiaolin who’s arrogance and pride and possible treachery now places him in a place of shame and embarrassment once more. Anger towards his squad, who failed to find him the source of his current troubles.
He listens to the Commander’s words, finding his life once more on the line, once more dangling on the thin thread that is his mercy.
“Captain Nakamoto.”
The young Captain who had the most to say, who demanded the most was now addressed.
“From this moment on, Shinigami of the Fourth Division will no longer be required to stay complacent within the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho. Instead, they will serve as a first response, expected to arrive on call at a moments notice. You will coordinate with the Eleventh Division, who will accompany your medics into battle when summoned. As Captain of Fourth Division, your jurisdiction now extends beyond the Seireitei’s walls and into the World of the Living, with those under you granted express permission to use the Senkaimon when under escort. The First Division will allocate the necessary funds, adjusting your budget for expansion as you see fit.”
The Fairy finds his responsibilities expanded along with the resources necessary to meet and match this expansion. While those who once had the luxury of ever being safe behind the walls of the Seireitei are now forced out into the field, this will serve to not only increase their experience but their rapport in the Seireitei as well. While Kyomu does not question the judgement of the Commander...he does despise it.
“Captain Oda”
The Vizard, another Captain spared by Shobatsu, another victim of both the Commander’s power..and his mercy.
“Kiniro Yorugao is dead. His body was recovered along with the remains of Plus souls at the location of the Kōtotsu’s appearance. You will be granted clearance into the Shinigami Research and Development institute, so that you may analyse their remains. You will launch an investigation into the Dangai for any suspicious activity, then you place an official report upon Lieutenant Oki’s desk, along with the Dangai Records you speak of. You have my permission to seal off the area of the Kōtotsu’s arrival, and will work with the Twelfth Division to guarantee that there are no abnormalities.
The congratulations of your rise to Captaincy are negated by your failure as one. Do you think so lowly of the Gotei Thirteen, that we would rely on a Hollow to defend us? Do you admit that you are undeserving of your role, so weak as to be a victim, so desperate as to count on the power of a Hollow? Remember that you are a Captain first, and Vizard second. You will not merely control your affliction, you will master it, or you will die a Hollow’s death.”
Shobatsu dispels the suspensions and paranoia of the Oda regarding the man he perceived as a suspect to the Kōtotsu event. Like Yu, Tenzen is afforded the very thing he so desired to ease his worries while simultaneously furthering the defense of the Seireitei and Soul Society as a whole. Though he is chastised afterwards and his life is once more placed in jeopardy on threat of failure, it changes nothing for the man. From his response, or rather..lack thereof at Higen’s threat, it meant the Oda either did not care about the words or threats from his peer...or, he was expecting it. Regardless Kyomu understood that, the threat from the Commander changes nothing for Tenzen of the many Faces. Should he fail to master this power or fail to control it, he will most likely find death. The executioner’s hand did nothing to change the matter.
“Captain Kojima.”
The Dragon, the man with the most free time and the least to say or contribute to this gathering now finds himself under the spotlight of Shobatsu’s focus.
“You will prepare for war. Continue bolstering your numbers, restructuring your ranks, and training your Shinigami. The Ninth Division will run continuous patrols along the Seireitei’s walls, and will form stations at each of the Four Great Seireimon. You will establish the Kojima Commando Unit, training your four strongest members to provide you direct support at the first sign of a threat. They will become an extension of yourself, so that you yourself will not become overextended. You will teach them shunpo, so that they may make the ten day journey between gates at a moment's notice, and you will condition their strength, so that should the need arise, they will be able to lift and close the Seireimon. You will personally oversee our security measures, and ensure that the Gotei Thirteen is prepared for an attack. You will have my authority to collaborate with the other Divisions in order to see to this task. Should even a single flaw be exploited, it will be you that pays the price. I will be expecting a full report once your analysis has been concluded.”
Captain Kojima gains more responsibility, or so it appears. In Kyomu’s eyes, he was more or less told to continue what he was doing. Thus far Kyomu stands as the only Captain deemed a failure, the only Captain issued an expiration date, and he hates the others all the more for it. Despite his planning, despite his efforts to salvage what little he had left, it was still not enough.
“Captain Kagayaki. You sacrificed your body needlessly. Living in fear of your own power, you never dared to tame it. That is why your body is broken. That is why your mind is fractured. You are no different from the Vizards that you hate. A victim of your own power, you claim your hesitation to act was warranted. Who are you to pass such a judgement? I told you once, while you grovelled at my feet, that you need only fear what you cannot control. Rather than seize this control you chose to wallow in your fear, you chose to hesitate and leave the burden of protecting the Seireitei upon the shoulders of your comrades. You did not act as a savior, you acted to rectify the problem your fear created, and in the process removed yourself from duty. Do not let it happen again.
Your vision validates Tenzen’s theory, and as well as my own suspicions. You will write a full report and submit it to Lieutenant Oki. Then you will report to the Twelth Division for a scan of your mind, we will see how your encounter with this being has altered you, as well as attempt to recreate the vision from your memories. Following this, you will report to Captain Oda and the Kido Corps, who will erase any influence of this creature, and prevent any further interference.
The bount your Division faced, as detailed in Third Seat Hyouzoku’s report, was Nicolas Klaus. Created by former Captain Ran'Tao of Twelfth Division, and defeated by former Captain Rukia Kuchiki of Thirteenth Division. Captain Kuchiki defeated the creature through the use of her ice elemental zanpakuto, Sode no Shirayuki. The outcome of this sealed the creature into a pocket world within a snowflake. When this snowflake lands upon the world of the living, the Bount is capable of escaping its imprisonment for a limited amount of time. Should this creature appear again, ensure its demise before it can return to the safety of solitude.”
The Knight is openly reprimanded by his sovereign, the Commander’s Champion is revealed to be flawed, his armor tarnished. From Shobatsu’s words it appeared as though he too suspected the possibility that something could be going on inside of Higen, did he also perceive the possibility that Captain Kagayaki was secretly compromised?
Suddenly, there is a shift within the very room. Kyomu’s wonderings, his anger is choked out by the Commander’s presence.
“For the past two years, I have stationed an agent within the depths of Hell. His task, to locate the Captains lost to the Shattered Dimensions event, dead or alive. His orders were clear, he was not to return without information on their whereabouts, at risk of death.
This evening that agent, Yami Mochizuki, knelt before me to report.”
Kyomu listens intently, having to temporarily shelve his own dire situation. This was the first he had heard of this covert mission. He didn’t expect that even after all this time, the Seireitei would still be devoting manpower and wasting time trying to find those former Captains.
“He claims that the God King has escaped Hell. This act is thought to be impossible by some. However, there is tell of a Togabito who once used the power of a Vasto Lorde to break his chains and be free of the grip of the Kushanāda. Vincent Bauttista, the former God King of Hueco Mundo, possesses power beyond even that. Along with our Captains, and the Quincy Empress, the God King went missing during the Shattered Dimensions Event. It was his absence that allowed me to restore the balance of souls by halving the population of Hueco Mundo. It is likely that this creature has been trapped in Hell, and has amassed enough power to break his chains and escape. I have dispatched an agent from the Eleventh Division to Hueco Mundo in order to confirm these claims.
This news coincides with the revelations of our meeting. Unseen forces are bringing forth forgotten enemies, tipping the scales of fate in their favor to see how easily we may fall. I see as they do. Hypocrites, who claim to protect the balance of souls and yet live as unbalanced men.
Doubt. Anger. Fear. These cloud your minds and corrupt your souls, distracting you from the only thing you must act upon. Duty.
You stand together as cowards, traitors, monsters, and fools. Forget your petty notions of each other, your opinions are of no significance. I do not command you to hesitate, to fear, to hate, I do not command you to dwell on your past, worry for the future, regret your actions, or hold your ideals. I command you to be strong. I command you to do your duty. To fight and die for the balance of souls. You will stand together and die as Captains of the Gotei Thirteen, or you will live bowing down in disgrace.”
”Escaped from Hell? Imposs-”
The Commander’s thundering voice disrupts the Phantom’s inner thoughts, as if Commanding even his mind to silence itself as he speaks. Another covert mission, and again someone other than the Second was sent to accomplish it. It's as Kyomu thought — no, not thought. It's as he knew. His squad had become unreliable.
“Before me stands the greatest souls Shinigami have to offer, but what I see are insects. Capable of carving through mountains should they stand together, and yet choosing to stand alone and be trampled. What I see is what every being sees. From the most insignificant of souls in the Rukongai, to the God King of Hueco Mundo. What I see is Weakness”
Kyomu’s body tenses as a blade finds itself embedded in the wooden floorboard between the Captains. It wasn’t just any blade, it was the Zanpakuto of Shobatsu Murasaki himself. It is a blade that at least three of the five gathered Captains have experienced...intimately.
Shobatsu rises
The Commander, never one to move when unnecessary, abandons his throne. At his full height, all the gathered Captains are mere children in comparison. His steps, slow, steady, casual..perhaps purposely so. With eyes closed he continues on, passing the still tensed and paralyzed form of Kyomu and the stoic frame of the Vizard Oda. The Fairy King Yu, like the others, is passed without a single glance from the titanic Commander who seems to even ignore his Zanpakuto still stuck into the ground, a blade that is quickly engulfed in flames of black and purple as if demanding its master’s attention. The Knight and the Dragon are appropriately passed and ignored as well as the Great Judicator approaches the entrance that serves also as the exit.
CLACK...CLACK..CLACK..CLACK
The Commander stands at the door, the massive hall once properly lit now finds its light swallowed. The sword turned torch acts as the only light source, flickering about to scarcely illuminate the faces of those Captain’s, frozen in place at the Commander’s presence. The heat in the room has increased significantly, turning the hall into a mini oven.
Shobatsu opens the door, his massive frame denying the Captain’s the luxury of the light from outside. They would suffer in the darkness and the heat, surrounded by allies whom they perceive as enemies and threats.
Before the Commander departs, he leaves them with one final command.
“Do not leave this place until your blood has been spilt.”
THUD
The door finds itself closed with a resounding boom, deep and heavy leaving the Captains now alone with silence, the heat, darkness, condemning flames...and each other.
.
.
.
POOF
Sealed inside this room, surrounded by blackness and sweltering heat, it now finds itself abruptly filled with a heavy cloud of smoke. With the limited visibility from the flames, its glow seemingly paints the thick veil of smoke purple. It quickly swells, filling the room in its entirety, though it is difficult to tell its point of origin, appearing to birth from the Fairy King, the dragon, the Knight and the Vizard Oda simultaneously.
While it was already difficult for one to see given the dark setting of the room, visibility is further obscured now by the swirling smoke. The sound of a sword being brandished — and in nearly the same moment, the Dragon finds a blade nearing his neck, arcing from the right. With the darkness and now the smoke it is impossible to see the attacker, but sight is not needed for those present. Kyomu’s hostility is felt within the blade, his reiatsu briefly sparked in that single burst of movement.
The Commander demands blood be spilled, while Yu certainly deserves the Phantom’s ire, there still remains a debt to be paid from the jester of a Captain after all. It is Captain Kojima after all who rained accusations on Kyomu during a time he was most vulnerable, eager to save his Lieutenant, and it is Captain Kojima’s division who is responsible for the magazine that further spreads the propaganda regarding not only the assassin, but his division as well.
Perhaps now was the perfect pretense to address these unspoken issues, the Fairy’s wings could be clipped in just another moment after this matter. His reckoning was certainly due and on its way.
