[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Central Seireitei

[BSD]

When the heart beats...
When darkness lurks...
Fear will settle within...
Until death’s cold hands-
Thu-thump…
Thu-thump…
Thu-thump…
Thu-thump…
Thu-thump…
His heart beats as time nears. The bell tolls for him, and it rings constantly, keeping him awake. Sleepless, forced by his own mind, he can only stay awake until tomorrow arrives. He dared to not fall asleep, worried that the darkness may take him. This night, of all nights, he truly felt fear. Will he die? Will he lose everything he had worked so hard for? He questions himself… Unsure of the future, unsure of his will to continue on. Tomorrow is on its way, and Commander Kagayaki awaits his arrival, as well as Tenzen and Yasu. Their first day of training to become the ultimate weapons; to be sculpted into a trio of monsters that their enemies will fear.
Thu-thump…
Thu-thump…
Thu-thump…
Thu-thump…
Thu-thump…
Slow and deliberate, he aims to steady himself; inhaling and exhaling deeply. He tried to slow his heart rate, but his soul could not shake the feeling. In his mind, doubt seeps through the crevices, feeding into the anger and disappointment of his inner-hollow, unbeknownst to Arashi. Lasting for what felt like more than 100 years, this single night took centuries to pass. Eventually, though, Arashi falls to sleep, able to relax just enough to accomplish just this task. Little does he know, he will be going through hell, both physically and mentally. The time for remorse, mercy, and relaxation are tossed to the flames- incinerated into nothingness, and these same flames act to consume him, but whether this pertains towards his demise or his growth, it remains to be seen. One thing is painfully clear, however, he needed to die-
in order to be reborn.
Awakening, but not just to the next morning, but to face the demons inside. His fear. His doubt. His ignorance. His cowardice. He begins by tying his hair in the back, cutting its length, and finally ripping the sleeves of his Shihakusho, he gives the notion of sacrifice and separation. He’d approach the training grounds, and there he would find his comrades- there he’d find the very same Captain, now to be called, Commander Kagayaki. As fate looms over the horizon, so does his inner-hollow. On the very first day, the moment his feet touched the training area, it wasn’t just Commander Kagayaki that stands before him. Invisible to all eyes but his own stands the other Arashi, the very cause of his suffering…
As time freezes from beyond his position, Tenzen, Yasu, and Commander Kagayaki become non-existent, but to the inner-hollow, pawns in his own game. Pieces to the puzzle of a goal that even now, remains a mystery to Arashi himself. Before him, the grinning and vile version of himself- snickering whilst the world around him is swallowed by complete darkness, but at the same time enveloped by stars and galaxies.
” Welcome!”
” To your end…”
Arms raised at his side, his snickering turns to maniacal laughter, yet Arashi stands with an open glare, a focused resolve, showing that he will not be a victim to this any longer, but while he mentally fortified himself to face against his inner-hollow, he did not expect a familiar person to come from behind the hollow… His eyes widened, and a look of confusion washes over his face.
” Ho-Hoshizora?!”
The pale face woman, continuously wrapped and coiled in robes of light floats from beyond the darkness of his inner hollow. She stands next to him, and rightfully so, Arashi had assumed the worst. Somehow, someway, his inner-hollow had convinced her to take his side. He corrupted her, changed her- he could feel it… He just couldn’t understand why…
Why?
How?
When?!
Broken… That once focused resolve begins to waver, it begins to crumble… But while that wall does, another door is revealed. Rage… An emotion that he has not truly felt at all in his life, but as he reaches to grab his Zanpakuto, he realizes that within his inner world, he is without it.
” You look at us with confusion and rage? Tsk, I already told you to settle your scores. I gave you time. Time that you took for granted… Remember that I said the next time you hear my voice, it will be the end of Arashi Suta. Now prepare yourself.”
And while the time for talking is over within his inner-world, simultaneously the training had already begun in the physical...

50 years of Treachery

For decades, his anger fueled him. A blind rage that kept him from the truth. He had become a victim to himself. Without a blade, without Kido, he fights on with nothing but his fists- laced with fury, equipped with judgment. As his fist soars, they meet nothing. Instead, he is pummeled by the might of his inner-hollow and the multitude of strikes that come from Hoshizora herself. An endless battle between him and them, or though it may have seemed like it. It was just a conflict, an internal battle that resulted in problems being created on the outside.
Physically, he struggled. Not only was he holding himself back, but he couldn’t quite get in tune with Tenzen and Yasu. It made their most valiant efforts all for naught. The Commander is left unscathed, untouched, for just these 50 years, there seemed to be no hope of ever getting to him. Chance after chance, opportunity after opportunity, they fall short and it was all because Arashi could not contend with them. The weakest of the three… He saw nothing but failure in his blade. In every move that he made, even his acts of giving them the edge in each training session. No matter what advice they would give, the openings they would prepare for him, he seemed to always come short. Despite the disappointing looks they made, especially the Commander himself, it was nothing compared to the look that Hoshizora gave him every day…
The mental battle took its toll, it began to weigh heavily on his spirit. It controlled the outcome of his performance and as it showed in the real world, it also showed in his inner-world- perhaps even more so. As the 50 years flew by his failures began to stack so high that he could no longer see any chance of victory, he just stopped… He collapsed, tears for the first time in his life falling from his eyes. His arms grew limp, having mentally exhausted himself against Hoshizora and his inner-hollow…
” Are you finally done fighting? Wait… Are you crying?! Ahahahahahahahah hahah hahahahhhahahahahaha! Holy shit he is crying!”
Arashi floats, no anger left to fuel him, no inner-will left to drive him. He just floats, in his own filth, his own disappointment, his own disgrace… Finally, Hoshizora moves next to him, extending a single arm towards his face-
SLAP!
Her hand slamming across his face so loud that the chuckles of his inner-hollow cease immediately. He is taken back by her actions, cringing at the sight, before returning to a small but sinister snickering.
” Are you awake now? Can you see what you are doing to Tenzen and Yasu? You can not function, because we can not function. Every time we traded blows, we took damage and you stayed just as you are... “
” What,” he asked, bewildered by her statement?
Though no answer was needed, for his eyes would see what she meant. He sits up, gazing upon the torn robes of light around Hoshizora and the bruises upon her face. Even his inner-hollow who still continues to snicker and laugh, his clothing too was tattered and torn with bruises around his face, but upon the inspection of himself, he saw nothing. He was untouched? How? When none of his strikes against them landed. They even had wounds that resembled the usage of a blade, but before he could look at his hand, Hoshizora grabbed it firmly, pulling him across the void of his inner world until he was placed face-to-face with himself.
No longer did his inner-hollow carry a smile. No longer does he laugh or snicker as he once did. His face completely matches his own. Bruises gone. Clothing repaired.
” We became the victims of your own torment. We suffered. We thought that if we took all of the damage, all of the pain, you’d open your eyes and see that you were not alone… We feel the same as you do.”
” Yea… I mean… It was more her idea though.”
He shrugged, but Hoshizora looked at him with an ominous glare. He raised his hands in defense as he backed away slowly. She turned her eyes back to Arashi, gently embracing him.
” No he has not been the greatest ally, but he is you. He is your own negativity, your own torment manifested. Please, accept him. Do not do it for Tenzen, or Yasu, or even myself. Do it for you, Arashi. Stop being the victim to your own story. We have survived so much, so let's survive a little while longer so that we can die knowing that you became strong.”
” I’m willing to lend you my strength ya’know,” he chimed in.
” I’ve already accepted you. I just wanted to give you a hard time only because you haven’t accepted me… I still think you're a weakling for crying though, buuuut, I’m willing to look past that so that we can see this training through. Besides, I’m tired of watching you getting showed up by that pink-haired brat and that stupid blonde monk, and that steroid master of a commander…
But make no mistake. If I feel an inkling of weakness from this point on, I’ll devour your soul and handle the rest myself! And no more fucking tears!”
Hoshizora lets go of him and slowly dissipates from his view to forming into the very blade he carries, and suddenly, his inner-hollow dissipates as well, but instead of becoming a blade, he becomes a mask, his hollowfication.
Their voices melded together as one being, one entity. They speak in unison.
” Fine. Let's do this.”
” Fine. Let’s do this.”
A resolve like no other is forged, managed by not just one being, but three unified spirits. Arashi is-
Reborned

The Next 50 years

Entering the next few decades, where the Commander would possibly begin to see the turn-around of Arashi Suta. The evolution of his power and skills are woven into the weapon he so desired. Still, he wanted more, he needed more from not just him, but the other two as well. As their teamwork had sharpened in the passing years, the Commander still has yet to take a satisfying blow. Truly his strength triumphs, but such an indomitable force does not destroy the foundation that Arashi has created, and he will not let it destroy the strength he and his comrades have accumulated over the years.
He fights hard to contain the hollowfication, but even as the mask breaks, he gains a little more time to use it. He becomes comfortable, seasoned, and refined in using its power to create any edge he could muster. He’d even find any little time he could to bolster the skills of Kido. Using it himself or watching his own Captain put together spells with finesse and ease. As for Lieutenant Yu- no, Captain Yugure now, she would have helped him improve in his combative of hand-to-hand and even the usage of Hoho… Overall, the Commander would see improvements, but his goal still has yet to be achieved.
And the final day is upon them… Their very last training session…

The Final training session! Death or Triumph!

The time has come!
The Shining Knight of the Seireitei displays power. From just his presence it affects the environment, cratering the earth beneath his feet. Buildings crumble to the ground, and that emerald glow he is known for envelopes him. Through the dust, through the chaos, Arashi remains stoic, and against his bold and crippling spiritual pressure, he pushes back with his own, and within his eyes, a resolve carries true.

“ It— Is— Not— Enough!!!
It may have not been before, but today will be the day. Even now, as the final stand is here, the Commander demands more from them.
Tenzen Oda
Yasu Yugure
Arashi Suta
In this very hour, their titles meant nothing. Their Inflictions meant nothing. They become merely weapons that will be honed and sharpened by the great fists of Commander Kagayaki. Failure is not an option, and even though the Commander had his goals, it is likely that these three had their own. To beat this Titan into the ground… No remorse, no mercy, no regrets.
“ Give me everything you have!”
“ ….Or I will take it from you!”

From him, a response isn’t needed, only action. He draws his Zanpakuto and assumes his own stance ready to face the emerald enthralled goliath. However, the first to take action is his Captain, and concurrently, he hollowfies. He responds to the statement of the Commander, yelling in pure and utter defiance. Truthfully and with the utmost loyalty, Arashi is in agreement with his words. Nonetheless, Captain Oda moves forward in what seemed like a plan to combat Commander Kagayaki with Hakuda. Arashi knew better, knowing his Captain to be far smarter than this. Already, Reiryoku is poised into his hands, just as Captain Oda begins to recite his own Kido spell.
” Bakudo #76: Bonshō!” (梵鐘, Buddhist Bells)
” Bakudo #76: Bonshō!”
Following his spell activation in quick succession, and beneath his towering voice-
” Bakudo number 61, Rikujōkōrō.”
With the extended middle and index finger towards the commander, the light moved far faster, and right as the bell began to fall, six rods of light aimed to slam into the mid-section of the Commander. Coupled with intense focus, and far impressive spiritual energy, Arashi aims to further the strength and durability of this spell in order to keep the Commander from moving and avoiding the fall of Captain Oda’s ”Buddhist Bells”. Inaudibly to anyone else, he recites the incantation to increase its power.
" Carriage of thunder, bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six!"
Concurrently to the words spoken, the Zanpakuto held within his hands, its blade begins to shine before dispersing into bits and pieces of light that float with insurmountable numbers, and quickly move to expand over the entirety of the area. With his Shikai being released, each particle of light begins to blend into the light of the area, masking itself. With the blade to his hilt gone, his scabbard is soon to follow as well, dissipating just his blade in order to increase the number of particles ten-fold.
” Arashi, strike the bell with your light!”
” Arashi, strike the bell with your light!”
His orders given, Captain Oda’s plan is already in motion, and Arashi follows suit with no hesitation. With nothing but the hilt in his hand, he points it towards the “Buddhist Bell with the Commander likely to still be within its confines. From all sides, from every possible angle and direction, a single blast of light strikes the bell. It hits with extraordinary force. Each strike, becoming faster, and far more potent. No way to tell when the light will strike or what side they were coming from. Each one coming at random intervals, striking with invisibility, blending within the natural light of the world around them even as it moved at incredible speeds.
Just as Captain Oda remains vigilant, so does Arashi. He awaits a response, even after Captain Yugure launches her assault right after his own. Even on this day, will they be successful? Arashi focus and channels his Reiryoku, ready to go. His Reiatsu flowing outward, but only to be refined and sharpened like the edge of a blade.

 

[BSD]

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The raven haired female entered a particular room within the First Division barracks; a room that served as a reservoir of history and information, stockpiled with old books and scrolls. She had found the room when she first joined this new place, following her Captain’s promotion as the new Captain Commander and would spend much of her time in it, reading and learning past events that took place and what not while she had some free time to kill. Fuyuko took a book from the shelf, dusting it off before she took a seat at the table as she began to read.
A lot has happened for Fuyuko in the past 100 years. Her predecessor, former Head Lieutenant Oki stepped down from her position, the reason behind her decision still unknown. Lady Honoka was someone whom Fuyuko greatly admired and respected, she would make sure to put her past lessons and advice she got from Honoka to good use as she occupies the role her Mentor once filled. The current Captain Commander, Higen Kagayaki promoted her to the position of Head Lieutenant, allowing her to be by his side once more albeit in a different division. She had to leave the 10th Division, a place where she felt at home despite some of the headaches that came along with it. But even now this all still felt new, not that she wasn’t able to do it but instead of solely looking after lower seated officers, she now has to look out for every Lieutenant, ensuring they are doing their jobs properly within each of their respective divisions.
Adding to the level of responsibilities that came with her new position, Fuyuko was also able to train with Higen again so she could uphold the First Division’s prestige and standard, allowing her to go all out with her Zanpakutō every once in a while. Fuyuko, truthfully disliked sparring or training, greatly preferring the path of diplomacy, however when it came to fights where death was the only possible outcome, when push came to shove she knew she needed to be able to hold her own. Higen knowing all this about her secured time to train with her, helping her to focus and sharpen her skills and abilities. Who could ask for a better sparring partner than the Captain Commander himself.
Among all the changes in her life, the most surprising of them was perhaps Fuyuko’s development of an intimate relationship with a particular shinigami that neither she or anyone would expect. She had yet to tell Higen about it; she certainly didn’t know if he knew or not, regardless she knew she needed to tell him sooner or later.

 

[BSD]

Some Time Ago
“I told you already, don’t bother with making me a new one, I’ll be fine.”
Yasu had sat up from the bed, the sounds of hushed whispers and around them beginning to retreat from the scene that was happening within a private ward that Yūna had settled her in after the events of their fight. Exhausted, bloodied, and not all too stable in the head, he was intent on keeping her on bed rest while she recovered. His new forceful nature was refreshing and she had always wondered what had happened for the former gentle soul to become so… gung-ho.
She’d spent a few days recovering from the fight, and while physically fine, the healer was keen on keeping her there for psychological problems. He’d been one of the very few to see the dreaded mask that she and two others possessed in their arsenal, and it was among the first times in which she’d released it and was able to perform with it, if only for a short amount of time. For the most part, she was doing relatively better, but it was getting a bit aggravating the more he pointed out the rather impeccable flesh wound that sat with her or lack thereof.
“S'pose with it being gone it'll serve as a humbling reminder whenever you get too cocky then, Captain Yūgure.”
In the heat of the moment, Yasu had relinquished an arm, sacrificed out of the miscalculation of her own bodily limitations and strength. Yet even after that, she had pushed forward, fighting until the cusp of control had yet to leave her grasp. Conceding was never something she saw as weakness, but as strength itself for the realization that a person knew their limits. At times, she’d only wished that she’d found that out sooner before she had to hear the healer’s chastising.
Nonetheless, there was something that she never accounted for until she’d gotten the courage to take a step forward, alone. Hearing the Fourth Division Captain address her by her new title and she shifted uncomfortably, like a child that had been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
Captain…
“Y’know, I never thought I’d make it this far.”
“I felt the same way when I got promoted, but don't worry. You'll get used to the responsibility.”
With her right hand, she’d run her fingers through her short locks, a product of Yūna’s ferocity. At least it was a clean-cut that she could appreciate. As he worked silently, Yasu could only stare at his back, her demeanor shifting many times in a span of a few seconds. Tilting her head back, the former lieutenant thought back on her time as she traveled through the path of the Dangai. She’d taken this road before, her private training excursions with her captain, each time ending in her own bitter defeat. The only difference that time was that she was facing an old friend, one who’d been successful in his own endeavor to climb the ranks and claim his captaincy. Yū Nakamoto had been victorious in securing the Fourth Division and had been leading it to his best ability despite several transgressions. She’d always been happy for him, yet envious all the same.
“Yūna… I’ve always been jealous of you, y’know.”
“You're not the first person to admit that to me.”
A vein popped into view on her forehead and she clicked her tongue in distaste, leaning back on one hand against the bed and made a motion to kick him in the ass but chose against it. Causing a ruckus in the ward wouldn’t end well for the place or either of them. He’d really grown up, or was captaincy that stressful on the Sereitei’s Angel?
“Hontōni… You little shit, what’s with the attitude change?”
“Is it really that different? I've just been... crying less often, I guess.”
So he was still a baby, if only for a little. Despite being the oldest of their graduating class, and the oldest of the four in their friend group, he was still the most sensitive. Even now, reminding him of his past would probably make the kid cry. A few decades older and then some, Yū Nakamoto was one of the most empathetic of these bands of warriors, and she was grateful that he held onto that virtue, save for the attitude. He’d grow into the facade, or he wouldn’t. Regardless, Yasu was aware that he was one of the few that she would and could rely on.
“You missed last week's yoga class, should I expect to see you this week?"
“I’ll make my visits here and then; just don’t forget to keep your fridge stocked.”

After getting the okay to leave, Yasu pulled the bandage on her arm a bit tighter with her teeth, her hand on her hip, annoyed at the stray piece that stuck out before she tore it off. Honestly, at times she really thought that he just did this to get back at her after all those times in the Academy. Beside her sat a white coat, the emblem of the Ninth Division staring back at her, holding it in her hand, she rubbed her thumb against the black outline and quietly put it on, giving the healer a final word of thanks before leaving him be and moving onto a new destination.
With You by My Side
After leaving the Fourth Division, Yasu had immediately taken to the rooftops of the Seireitei, scanning the horizons as she felt fresh airbrushing across her skin. She would have to return soon, to face the vicious training that had been organized by the Commander himself yet again. However, before she had to, the newest Captain of the Ninth Division would have to make a stop where everything had unraveled. Through crowds, she weaved through, up and down through alleys and rooftops, Yasu was seen by a flurry of shinigami as she made her way to the Sixth Division barracks, just aways away from her former abode.
Her appearance at their entrance earned immediate alarm, but she didn’t care much, creating a ruckus as she hopped out of the grasp of those division members trying to grab at her. The racket eventually caught the attention of the one she sought, catching sight of him and immediately b-lining towards him until she just stopped within a stride, directly before Shusuke Kiyoshi.
“Oi, oi, you’ll never believe it, but I did it! I became a Captain!”
She is unsure as to how quickly word gets out, but he is one of the first who is not a captain, to have been told personally, even if he did find out from other sources. Yasu waves her arm around in excitement, purple orbs glowing with glee and she shares her news.
“I had heard Bubblegum, you didn't skip all the way over here to brag did you? Trying to break a guy's spirit?”
“N-no I’m not here to brag... I just came to ask you a serious question.”
“Not sure if we’ve ever had a conversation like this before...but go ahead.”
She watches his expression change, and that is nearly enough for her to swallow her own words and simply tell him never mind. However, she’d come too far just to quit. A determined look met his own serious stare, and her hand dropped down to her side before she continued. Regardless of the crowd, Yasu would come out with everything that she had in mind.
“Look, you were one of the first people to take care of me when I came to the Second Division; our little history helped me a lot when it came to making this decision, and I decided that I want you to be my lieutenant.” There is hesitance and surprise but from her. Shusuke, upon hearing the news, had stiffened and she continued. “I’ve seen your work, and I’ve done my research. I know I’m a wild card but you’d be the exact balance I need to help me be better. I’m good, but I can go further with someone I trust by my side at all times. What do you say?”
The silence was deafening. His shock was apparent, and the whisper of his peers only added to the anxiety that began to build when one exclaimed,
“Just say yes, you know you want this!!!”
Clearly, that snapped Shusuke out of his stupor, and with the support of his allies around him. Upon his acceptance, Yasu had leaped into his arms and basically swung around in glee at his answer, laughing and cheering along with the rest of the crowd. The Sixth Division had eventually thrown him a going-away party as congratulations for his promotion. He wouldn’t be far though, as Yasu was well aware of the trips he makes to help when they request it.

My Goodbye
The Sixth Division was not her only stop. Across the Southwest quadrant of the Seireitei was the Second Division, located in the Southeast. This road was taken many times, for just under a century, if not just at the end of one, Yasu Yūgure was familiar with all the ins and outs, the secret passageways, the happenings of everything behind the walls of the most secretive division in all of the Gotei Thirteen. There were many times that when she washed the blood off of her, the ghosts stayed behind and stained her for all of eternity. Covert operations and oaths of silence, Yasu was aware of it all.
When she’d left to face Yūna, she’d left her badge, sitting at her desk in a clean and folded fashion as she relinquished her past for a new future, one that she would be able to mold herself. The Assassin may have taken the liberty to come in, only to see an empty room that once held her presence.
Her steps were quiet and slow as she came up the gates of the Second Division. Those that had seen her were hesitant, even after seeing her garbed in the newest addition to her wardrobe. She understood. Not too long ago, Kyomu Mukuro had made drastic changes that resulted in the death of those who were unfit to continue their services within the Second Division. It was during that time that Yasu had made her proclamation on what she had intended to do for a while. To do so, Yasu had begun straying away from this former path to create one that she could change on her own.

Eventually, they’d allowed her passage, only coming in for the shortest exchange she would ever have with the Phantom. Upon arriving before his doors, she’d let herself in. Aware of his renowned prestige, the Head of the Onmitsukido would have known of her intrusion long before she made it past his barrack’s gates. His back was turned to her, his body still, unmoving, acknowledging her not in the slightest as he continued to work in complete and utter silence. Dropping down to her knees, Yasu had moved into a prostrating position, her forehead pressed against the tatami floor in a final display of respect to the entity that had sculpted her into a vicious machine, yet had the leniency to reflect what little kindness he possessed onto her.
“I passed.”
Silence, and then…
“I see.”
He breaks, and Yasu has yet to move. Her face is blank, unmoving before he finally dismisses her, and she rises.
“Then go to your squad, Captain.”
She removes herself from his abode for what is the last time. A parting gift resides where she once sat, a simple box of strawberry pocky, the light of the outside world shining if only for but a moment before the door closes.
In Recent Years
Words in Mind
In the very rare instance in which Yasu would manage to catch her breath, along with the other two Vizards, she was keen on having some small talk. Ones that benefitted her more than them. She was one to pry, but secrecy was something she was very aware of. Captain Tenzen Oda of the Fifth Division was very intent on keeping himself hidden away at any point if he was not fighting for his very life, however, the very talkative pink-haired entity was very pushy, and had gained more than she could ever ask for.
However, doing so much work just to get him to talk about himself was not the end goal. Yasu knew where she lacked and how she could improve, especially in her worst subject. Kidō was a difficult concept to grasp. It was not something that came as easily as Hakuda or Hōhō, and Yasu never spent much time to effectively master this particular fighting style until now. For every mistake in casting, Yasu was given a series of beatings from spells cast by the coveted master and she would have to hold herself back from giving him a punch or two at the risk of being sealed away, someway, somehow.
“Come on, man, I'm doing my best, but these spells are too long. I can't get anything outside of a fucking puff of smoke when it comes to half of these new spells. Whatever I'm doing isn't working; I'm stuck in a loop that I don't like and it's pissing me off.”
She's livid, practically throwing a fit, one that painted the new captain as a child, but in reality, she was the youngest of them all: fresh off the block, hotheaded, irrational, upfront, and viciously easily to annoy. How Tenzen had kept his patience with her, she would never know, but that's probably why he was so keen on reaching Nirvana.
“You have to have more diligence than that, it's not like throwing a punch or tackling someone, it requires focus and concentration. You have to study them, understand them and with diligent studies and understanding, you can cast spells effortlessly. You still have a good ways to go but you have to put into practice what I've told you or else you won't progress from where you are. In short, Diligence, focus, concentration, study, and understanding.”
“...You should've been in Third or somethin' with the way you talk, but Fifth seems to be right where you belong..." Yasu wipes the sweat from her forehead and sighs softly, her gaze shifting over to him as she addressed the monk once more. “So, how does a holy guy like you come from a bloodthirsty progeny like your clan? You adopted or somethin'?”
She swears that she sees his mouth twitch, but guesses against it when he finally starts talking.
“I'm not exactly holy and I'm NOT adopted. Anyway I wasn't always like this I was very violent growing up but you know, things changed. Murasaki let my generation of the clan join the Seireitei, I didn't want to repeat the mistakes of my uncles and fathers so I put a lid on my mean streak.” Yasu hums in response, leaning back on her right hand as she listened to the wise shinigami whom she sought knowledge from. “But that makes living difficult ya know? Having to suppress your urges like that. But things are changing again, starting to understand some things and I'll tell you this, be free. You are free to do what you want, be who you want. No one can dictate your freedom and if they try to dictate that or take it from you then make them regret it. Cherish your happiness and enjoy your freedom, and never put shackles on yourself that will hinder those two things.”
“...I think that's the most I've heard you speak.”
And not another word was exchanged that day.
Yasu had taken what little time she had to herself, and often found herself spending time with the entity that resided within her. This world was dark; shadows lingered in every corner, as far as the eye could see in the marsh. Save for herself and two others, Yasu would be alone for the time until the pest had decided to make an appearance. From the shadows behind her, three pale hands come to grasp Yasu by her arms and throat, pulling her further into the shadows.

It is more surprise in her expression, rather than fear that dwells within her as she comes face to face with her mirror opposite. The two have come to a mutual understanding that their coexistence was a simple form. Everything that Yasu had thought she lacked, this other form was simply her inner demon, meant to taunt and torture her soul had it not been for the need for their survival. The definite conclusion was simple: so long as they had worked together, their performance would skyrocket, projecting both the growth in their relationship and Yasu as a whole.
Two sides of the same coin, fighting the same battles, day in and day out, yet the entity could never help itself when it came to constantly voice out the doubts that plague Yasu since her rise to Captaincy. She's kept them in mind, long since her promotion to lieutenant. The concerns of other shinigami have never left her, especially when it came to the hushed whispers of doubts when it came to performance. All knew of the childish antics that Yasu was capable of, and while it was her own undoing in painting this image of herself, Yasu had never wanted to be seen as a threat to society, yet a chain of events had finally led to this situation. However, their concerns were unnecessary. She'd gotten this far, and survival was all that she had to be concerned with. Yasu would perform needlessly and unapologetically as she always has been.
You are free to do what you want, be who you want.
Present Day
Enter the Final Combatant
“Give me everything you have!”
Yasu's eyes narrow, orbs lit aflame as they lock onto the riotous beast that is their Commander.
“….Or I will take it from you!”
“You will take nothing from us!”
“You will take nothing from us!”
Tenzen is the first to respond, challenging the knightly spirit of their Commander as he ordered for their absolute, otherwise, he would take their lives. It was unspoken, but each of the three vizards was more or less aware that such time and care were only given to them for the mere idea of making them into weapons at the Gotei Thirteen's disposal. Whether they lived or died was not something of his concern, but his failure of following through on what he had sworn was something else entirely.
Time was not on his side.
The Viridian Commander had settled himself into a strong horse-stance, vibrating with the strength that only mortals could ever dream of, standing above his own destruction of the ground that buckles under his vicious power. The three beasts that he was tasked to reign in now surrounded him, following the words of the eldest as he had directed them upon the toll of the bell. His lieutenant, ordered to strike the bell, and she follows through with her own order. The ground had long been since damaged from spells and physical brutality from the towering giant and the versatility of Yasu's versatile admission. In each of these little cracks have the blackened masses of her zanpakutō been released to eliminate the playing field to their common enemy, collecting with one another to create a net beneath the surface. As mighty as the commander may be, even he would be aware of the dangers of Yasu in full Bankai, released in the fury of her masked state.

“Understood.”
It is a simple answer to the order given, the voices of both Yasu and her inner hollow overlapping one another.
Blanketed in absolute darkness, Yasu vanished into the marsh, her physical body unmarked by both comrades and their commander. as she dives, the reach of her elastic marsh and its webs extend deeper and deeper into the ground beneath their feet. The properties that Yasu's zanpakutō is capable of moving fluidly, its semi-liquid properties mimicking a biotic structure with a mind and purpose of its own, yet can immediately harden and pierce through the thickest substances with little resistance. Submerged under the black sea, Yasu performs another task outside of what's been expected of her. AA coveted hakuda-prone combatant like her will always be overlooked by the people that excel in the same areas, especially with the likes of the Commander. He had time to hone his skills, more time than she will ever be elicited, and so she had to adapt.
“Kill him. If you don't kill him, we will die here, where we stand.”
“Disintegrate, ye lord. Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, you black dog of Rodanini...”
“Are you listening to me? We will fucking perish!”
“Look upon yourself with horror, ye who bears the name of Man. Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march onto the south...”
“You filthy rat. This is not your forte and you still continue it! FINE. KILL YOURSELF AND YOUR COMRADES!”
“...”
From the broken ground beneath the Commander's feet, the slimy substance shoots out, violently lashing out until it practically fills the space in which he resides. Alternating between its viscosity, many of these tendrils aim to grasp and pierce him, one right after the other, layering and climbing to perform Kōsoku, attaching o any open space possible to keep this raging monster in place while her peers perform their own duties. Yasu is well aware of Tenzen's capabilities, seeing firsthand the quiet mastermind that had destroyed Shirogane's plans in one fell swoop. Simultaneous to the usage of restriction, multitudes of hands begin taking form in places that have managed to capture the Commander, and the pool of the marsh begins to rise, threatening to consume him wholly with the use of Shūdan Sakugen.
Between the Vizards and The Shining Knight: for whom does the bell toll?

 

[BSD]

She truly has no destination to venture to. Her mind is still muddled with the disappearance of her former Lieutenant… Which reminded her, she had someone new to look to. Someone to guide her with instructions and various orders. However, they have yet to be acquainted with one another. She couldn’t let her feelings get the best of her and hinder her performance in her daily duties. A tip and trick she had taken from Honoka Oki, as her ability to suppress her emotions and separate herself from all forms of distractions were outstanding, now Kasu too will exercise this skill for her own benefit. Now then, where could the newly appointed Head Lieutenant be.
Kasu heard that this, Fuyuko Kasumi, was the Lieutenant of Squad Ten, beneath the emerald fists of the now COmmander Kagayaki. Whether she had followed him to remain close, or simply ordered to relinquish her position there and step up for the betterment of Squad One. Regardless of the choice, it did not matter in the slightest to Kasu, she is the new Lieutenant here and she will receive the same respect as Honoka did, if not more. Kasu’s steps remain muffled, silent- her spiritual pressure concealed. While she wasn’t planning to sneak up on or surprise the new Lieutenant, this simply was a way for her to continuously practice her own Reiryoku control and as a result, she has mastered this skill.
The Head Lieutenant’s eyes may have been glued to the book, but as Kasu came into the doorway finally after walking for what felt like an hour, perhaps she’d still be able to notice a set of eyes locked onto her person. Still, Kasu would open her mouth and speak.
” Hello, Head Lieutenant Kasumi. I am 9th Seat, Kasu Shinka.”
She quickly bows at the announcement of her name and then returns to a proper position to continue speaking.
” I assisted the former Head Lieutenant in her work in managing the 1st Division. As we get acquainted with each other, I will be doing the same for you. I am at your service.”
She did not expect a prompt response from the Head Lieutenant, nor did she expect a response at all. However, she knew now that she will have a helping hand in both her transition to this new position and new Squad, as well as easing the workload when it comes to the Squad and the other Lieutenants.

 

[BSD]

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The quiet room where she was spending her time was soon disrupted by the presence of another she felt entering the same space as her. She heard a feminine voice break the silence she had been enjoying. Fuyuko switched her attention towards the person that introduced herself before her. The raven-headed Lieutenant closed her book and stood up, making her way towards Kasu who was much taller than she was. This person served as the former head Lieutenant in this division. Interesting, it wouldn’t hurt to have some help.
” Nice to meet you kasu-san, I am sure you are used to Lady Honoka who was here before me, and the manner in which she worked. I hope it won’t bother you that much that things have changed..but things come and go and we have to adjust ourselves accordingly.”
Fuyuko, who rarely showed her emotions made eye contact with this female, wondering to herself how she ended up in this division with a slight smile.
” Even though I am younger than you it won’t affect my work. I will perform the task that Lady Honoka had for the division and will only make the division better than it once was. Ah, forgive my late introduction. I am Kasumi, Fuyuko the First division's new Head Lieutenant. I expect you to not lack behind in any regard with the tasks that will be given to you in the future. Now Kasu, tell me more about yourself. How did you come to be in the first division?”
Fuyuko asked as she made her way back to her seat, gesturing with her hand to the chair that was across from her, inviting Kasu to take a seat. It would be good for her to learn of those she would be working with, a little rapport never hurt anyone after all.