[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Central Seireitei

[BSD]

Getting into this mess was unnecessary for Saiko, unfortunately she came back at the wrong time it seems. With being her Lieutenant Katsuo Oda committed something that was against the rules it seems by going to visit a Rogue, Honoka. And somehow she got wrapped up in this whole mess despite never meeting Honoka in person till now. She looked up to see many others, besides her and the vice captain, at most she knew their faces and names due to their importance, however never met them in person, till now it was all silent til Captain Kyomu Mukuro spoke up.
”We’ve come to see the Commander.”
Upon hearing the demands an Shinigami tried to speak up, however a woman with long raven hair with half of the hair being tied up in a red bow, the skin of the woman was porcelain or like a “Doll” if Saiko could and would describe the woman. almost a neutral expression on her face. Saiko studied the woman, noticing the Lieutenant badge on her obi, which visibly saw that she is Head Lieutenant, perhaps the boss of all lieutenants. It took her a few minutes to notice this woman is Fuyuko Kasumi. In all respects Saiko never cracked a word until she spoke to. A demanding female voice from Lieutenant Kasumi thrusted in Saiko’s ears which made her quiver in fear.
”Step aside! what do you think you are doing?.”
She stood still, trying an emotionless expression on her face, she noticed the head vice captain, locking gazes with everyone. When it was Saiko’s turn to be gazed at, she looked Fuyuko Kasumi in the eye, after a few seconds she noticed her superior’s face dropped into a displeased frown. This made Saiko feel like she did something wrong, did she? Perhaps the fact she was newer than everyone else here, that head Lieutenant was not pleased and disliked her at first sight? Questions of doubts flooded Saiko’s head. Her head shook lightly to get rid of the doubts in her head, behold that she heard the heavy doors of the 1st division opening.
Saiko's nerves got the best of her so she decided to stay close to her Lieutenant, her hand reached for his sleeve and gripped it gently but yet firmly as she followed quietly with her head down once again. Since she was pretty much distracted by her own thoughts in her own head she never got to hear what the others said, though in her own mind the other information the others spoke was not important to her, at least she believes so.

 

[BSD]

A cold, sapphire stare peers through the conjured dust and debris. Like a rain of shining diamond the fragments of the protective barrier cascade against the dimming sunlight, falling to the ravaged ground and melting into reishi particles never to be seen again. Lieutenant Suta’s Bankai forms the vast void of space around them, the night sky consuming the airy exterior while the black marsh encroaches from beneath. A dangerous combo, a foe unlike himself would have perished eons ago. The Commander should have known his grumbling word of approval under his breath would not be enough to stop the onslaught, this only meant that his teachings had stuck, and they may have been a deadly force in the wars to come. Pride consumes him, though it does not show on his face, or in his tone. The truth was, he had every intent on continuing, all the drive in the world to truly push these individuals to their limits; not to say he hasn’t been doing so for a century-plus. The reality, however, was that with the barrier depleted every individual remotely close to one of the many First Division training areas was in immediate danger. This was something he simply could not allow, and with their lives at stake, there was no way he could combat the monstrous trio in force.
Preemptively the Captain Commander Breaks into a stride with speed that would create confusion amongst many. Not unlike Captain Hageshi, Shunpo is an art foreign to him, a luxury although not a necessity. He is both familiar and experienced in all forms of Zankensoki, however, his raw physical stature often overpowers technique. When utilizing Shunpo he may fall short contending with someone masterful in the art, however his pure foot speed and ability to propel himself with unmatched strength and force can rival said masters in velocity and speed. As captain Oda appears before him Higen is already upon him, close enough for his breath to be felt against his face, for the follicles of their manes to intertwine when swept by the wind. Closer inspection would reveal that the Commander’s hands were bare devoid of the infamous gauntlets that once clasped to his fists just moments ago. His fingers of both hands reach to lock against the wrists of the Oda clansman, locking his upper-body motion in place as a sign to halt. Unbeknownst to Higen, he has avoided a secondary beam of light from the young Lieutenant’s Bankai. Had he attempt to dodge it in real-time, he was sure failure was imminent. His grasp locks on Tenzen’s wrists as his eyes tell what words don’t need to, the resealing of his Shikai could be another indication that their bout was forced to come to an end.
Should Arashi continue in his attempts he would have to lock onto Captain Oda and Commander Kagayaki both, but perhaps he too would realize the gravity of the situation. It isn’t until Higen confirms that Captain Oda would have intentions of standing down that perhaps the most familiar of reiatsu graces his presence. To most, it is menacing, ferocious; but to Higen, it is warm, like a gentle hug or a calming touch. His gaze diverts from the battlefield they’ve torn asunder, his posture relaxing as the First Division’s Third Seat enters his visage. Her melanin was a sight to behold, the Commander’s entire demeanor shifting from its formerly feral nature.
“I apologize for the interruption, however, your attendance is necessary in the meeting hall, Commander Kagayaki. There is something that needs your immediate attention.”
He slowly walks towards her, immediately, almost autonomously, members of First Division begin to flock to the scene in order to remedy the mess. One of them, in particular, carries and places the Commander’s Haori over his shoulders. Members of the Fifth division would begin to follow shortly after, analyzing the failed integrity of the barrier in order to improve its usage for future endeavors.
“Rui. . .”
Hardly audible, just loud enough for his wife to hear as his thumb rises to move a stray hair from her face before cupping her chin. Her presence, despite his internal excitement to see her, could only mean something dire. Many would assume the Commander was oblivious, ignorant, not all-seeing like his predecessor, but there was hardly anything his wife did without his knowledge or consent. Not to downplay her freedom, it was simply her way. He knew of her whereabouts and was especially aware of the task he had given her in attempting to both keep an eye on and both persuade Honoka to come to terms. Soon he’d know the fruits of her efforts.
“Captain Yugure. Captain Oda.”
He pauses for a moment, before his voice both deep and commanding echoes once more.
“Accompany me to the meeting hall.”
He need not address Lieutenant Suta, requiring only the Captains’ attendance to the hall, and anything that needed to be said to the young Vizard could be relayed through his own Captain. With Akarui parallel to his person, he turns to walk towards the meeting hall with urgency, insisting that the duo of Captains behind him, despite their injury status or fatigue, would follow in suit.

 

[BSD]

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Surrounded by the soldiers of the First Division, it becomes immediately clear to not only the Captain, but the others as well that despite showing a glimpse of the prisoners, despite seeing their Third Seat in his company, the distrust in the phantom’s motives and arrival remains at a high. One particular Shinigami does nothing to hide or camouflage his distaste and disdain for Captain Mukuro. He approaches the Captain, fearless in his advance. His intentions are rather clear to Kyomu as he begins to speak until-
”Step aside! what do you think you are doing?.”
The voice of the current Head Lieutenant intervenes, her presence separates her subordinate from the Captain. When her gaze shifts towards Kyomu their eyes lock, and for a moment there exists a softness in his gaze. It is a look indiscernible to most, as there are very few who have any manner of intimate or close relationship with the assassin. It is because of the distance kept between him and others, he is perceived as heartless and indifferent to anything other than killing. Though the gaze between them is but a brief exchange, for the two it was an eternity. In that fleeting moment, the two had immersed themselves in conversation, eyes speaking what lips would not or could not say at the moment.
Head Lieutenant Kasumi is swift to take action. Taking it upon herself to act as their escort while sending Akarui ahead to prepare the Commander. The Third Seat knows her time guarding the children was at an end for now. Her presence alone during the journey had acted as the safety blanket for them, surrounded by men they did not know, Honoka bound and restrained, in one day they had experienced what many shinigami a hundred times their seniors had not had to endure. The Gekko assigns a subordinate she trusts to safeguard the children. Kyomu hears the name Aikawa and is pulled through time, back in a memory from a century ago. In this world of remembrance he stands before a man held in the Maggots Nest..an Enso Aikawa. This Aikawa was a shinigami, a professor, a third seat...a murderer, a corpse. The memory becomes clouded by fog, cleared up by the splattering of blood spurting out like a broken faucet from the now open throat of Enso Aikawa.
Kyomu blinks as he is brought out of that place, back into the grounds of the First Division. His men look to him for answers, one they find in the nodding head of their Captain. A group of the Onmitsukido break off, becoming the shadows of this other Aikawa in the company of the children. Kyomu’s eyes follow the man, before shifting towards Akarui before they continue on towards the meeting hall. Akarui begins checking for updates while assessing the situation. She believes the matter regarding Honoka to be a rushed one, assumes that it is the Central 46 playing in the shadows. While she is not entirely incorrect in her assumption she forgets that it is the Oki in the Central 46 who first dabbled in the game of shadows, seeking to divert the focus from their kin, to delay the inevitable for as long as they could while hiding the truth. Next, it is the Commander, her husband who joins the game of cloak and dagger, of secrets and subterfuge.
Akarui’s mission entrusted to her, has gone on for well over a century by now and still it had not come to its end, still she has failed in persuading the fugitive to return. If it was their intention to delay the matter any longer, it would have been more productive to bring the Phantom, the one charged with handling criminal shinigami into the loop. By excluding the Captain, they reveal that the distrust held for him has not weakened, and have assured his intervention the moment the information crosses his eyes, rather his cooperation with their strategy. Honoka whom Kyomu had trusted until now has forged a wedge between them by her aggression towards him and his men, by not simply trusting in her friend to do right by her. Yasu, Kyomu’s subordinate turned peer has also forged a wedge between her and her former Captain. A Century ago Kyomu went to retrieve young Yasu who he had worried over, and upon their return to the barracks, during the culling of the Second Division she revealed her intentions in testing for Captaincy...shortly after she succeeds and leaves her mentor. Where Honoka did not trust Kyomu’s intentions, Yasu had not trusted Kyomu with her ambition. Should the Commander reveal his secret mission regarding Honoka, one kept from the phantom yet another wedge would be formed between him and one he trusted. Kyomu’s circle of those he trusted and relied on was steadily becoming smaller, shriveling into almost nothingness.
This is to be expected. Kyomu since his birth, was placed on a path of solitude. He was a Mukuro, his existence was one meant to be scorned and distrusted. Yet in his duty as a Captain, no..as a shinigami, bonds were formed despite his best efforts to avoid them. It is because of this, having such bonds tainted or destroyed in any manner struck the phantom harder than any physical blow he’d ever face, pierced him sharper than it might others. Amber colored hues fall on the back of their escort, watching as her raven colored hair swishes and sways behind her. Conflict is found in his gaze, the man wrestles internally with thoughts that struggle for supremacy. The battle between light and darkness, hope and despair, positivity and dejection. It is a fierce battle, yet despite its ferocity the Phantom’s reserved mask remains ever intact.
Young Saiko, well out of her depth clings to the single anchor she has for shelter, Katsuo Oda. She grasps hold of his sleeve to comfort herself, only to be promptly grabbed and pulled away by one of the Stealth Force. They move to physically separate the girl from her bound superior. Until the matter was over, she needed to remain separate from the Oda. They couldn’t risk her potentially secretly passing something to him or messing with the restraints.
”No contact with the prisoner…ANY of the prisoners.”
One of the Stealth Force issues the girl a single warning, her first..and last warning. Kyomu glances towards them, then the girl, and from the girl to young Katsuo. He says nothing as he returns his full focus on the matter at hand. Their journey now sees them standing before the massive guarded doors to the meeting hall.
”Open them”
The Head Lieutenant issues her command, one that is promptly obeyed. The massive doors are forced open by those that guarded them, and it is only once they’re completely open that Fuyuko ushers them inside. Kyomu and his entourage follow their guide, every one stepping into the massive hall. It is a humbling and perhaps daunting experience for some in the party. It's here that their lives would be weighed and measured, their very fates determined. This fact alone made every second, every minute until the Commander’s arrival that much more precious...and equally tormenting. So long as the Commander had not arrived, the verdict on their lives could be delayed, yet this also meant they were left to wonder what would happen when he came and spoke after hearing all that needed to be said. Unbeknownst to any of those present, the Commander had no intentions of arriving alone. Kyomu would soon be faced with the girl he had raised as his Lieutenant who now carried the name Captain, one he had not spoken to in a hundred years. Katsuo would soon find the eyes of the brother he so admired cast on him, bound in cuffs and learning of his sins. Coincidentally enough both Captains that would be accompanying the commander also held a rather close bond with the fugitive Oki. What would young Yasu do, seeing her mother figure captured and hearing of her foolish actions? What of Tenzen, what would be his thoughts and impressions regarding his cousin?
Kyomu’s actions in apprehending the Oki woman has created a web that continues to stretch and expand, connecting several individuals, affecting multiple lives. He stands in the massive hall, moving to take his place to the side as his men surround everyone he has brought. He waits silently, patiently for the Commander to arrive, eyes ever only looking forward. He is not confused or anxious regarding what he should or will say. Once the Commander has arrived he needs only worry about doing a single thing.
Report

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/29/2021 08:19AM by Thanatus.
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Surrounded by the soldiers of the First Division, it becomes immediately clear to not only the Captain, but the others as well that despite showing a glimpse of the prisoners, despite seeing their Third Seat in his company, the distrust in the phantom’s motives and arrival remains at a high. One particular Shinigami does nothing to hide or camouflage his distaste and disdain for Captain Mukuro. He approaches the Captain, fearless in his advance. His intentions are rather clear to Kyomu as he begins to speak until-
”Step aside! what do you think you are doing?.”
The voice of the current Head Lieutenant intervenes, her presence separates her subordinate from the Captain. When her gaze shifts towards Kyomu their eyes lock, and for a moment there exists a softness in his gaze. It is a look indiscernible to most, as there are very few who have any manner of intimate or close relationship with the assassin. It is because of the distance kept between him and others, he is perceived as heartless and indifferent to anything other than killing. Though the gaze between them is but a brief exchange, for the two it was an eternity. In that fleeting moment, the two had immersed themselves in conversation, eyes speaking what lips would not or could not say at the moment.
Head Lieutenant Kasumi is swift to take action. Taking it upon herself to act as their escort while sending Akarui ahead to prepare the Commander. The Third Seat knows her time guarding the children was at an end for now. Her presence alone during the journey had acted as the safety blanket for them, surrounded by men they did not know, Honoka bound and restrained, in one day they had experienced what many shinigami a hundred times their seniors had not had to endure. The Gekko assigns a subordinate she trusts to safeguard the children. Kyomu hears the name Aikawa and is pulled through time, back in a memory from a century ago. In this world of remembrance he stands before a man held in the Maggots Nest..an Enso Aikawa. This Aikawa was a shinigami, a professor, a third seat...a murderer, a corpse. The memory becomes clouded by fog, cleared up by the splattering of blood spurting out like a broken faucet from the now open throat of Enso Aikawa.
Kyomu blinks as he is brought out of that place, back into the grounds of the First Division. His men look to him for answers, one they find in the nodding head of their Captain. A group of the Onmitsukido break off, becoming the shadows of this other Aikawa in the company of the children. Kyomu’s eyes follow the man, before shifting towards Akarui before they continue on towards the meeting hall. Akarui begins checking for updates while assessing the situation. She believes the matter regarding Honoka to be a rushed one, assumes that it is the Central 46 playing in the shadows. While she is not entirely incorrect in her assumption she forgets that it is the Oki in the Central 46 who first dabbled in the game of shadows, seeking to divert the focus from their kin, to delay the inevitable for as long as they could while hiding the truth. Next, it is the Commander, her husband who joins the game of cloak and dagger, of secrets and subterfuge.
Akarui’s mission entrusted to her, has gone on for well over a century by now and still it had not come to its end, still she has failed in persuading the fugitive to return. If it was their intention to delay the matter any longer, it would have been more productive to bring the Phantom, the one charged with handling criminal shinigami into the loop. By excluding the Captain, they reveal that the distrust held for him has not weakened, and have assured his intervention the moment the information crosses his eyes, rather his cooperation with their strategy. Honoka whom Kyomu had trusted until now has forged a wedge between them by her aggression towards him and his men, by not simply trusting in her friend to do right by her. Yasu, Kyomu’s subordinate turned peer has also forged a wedge between her and her former Captain. A Century ago Kyomu went to retrieve young Yasu who he had worried over, and upon their return to the barracks, during the culling of the Second Division she revealed her intentions in testing for Captaincy...shortly after she succeeds and leaves her mentor. Where Honoka did not trust Kyomu’s intentions, Yasu had not trusted Kyomu with her ambition. Should the Commander reveal his secret mission regarding Honoka, one kept from the phantom yet another wedge would be formed between him and one he trusted. Kyomu’s circle of those he trusted and relied on was steadily becoming smaller, shriveling into almost nothingness.
This is to be expected. Kyomu since his birth, was placed on a path of solitude. He was a Mukuro, his existence was one meant to be scorned and distrusted. Yet in his duty as a Captain, no..as a shinigami, bonds were formed despite his best efforts to avoid them. It is because of this, having such bonds tainted or destroyed in any manner struck the phantom harder than any physical blow he’d ever face, pierced him sharper than it might others. Amber colored hues fall on the back of their escort, watching as her raven colored hair swishes and sways behind her. Conflict is found in his gaze, the man wrestles internally with thoughts that struggle for supremacy. The battle between light and darkness, hope and despair, positivity and dejection. It is a fierce battle, yet despite its ferocity the Phantom’s reserved mask remains ever intact.
Young Saiko, well out of her depth clings to the single anchor she has for shelter, Katsuo Oda. She grasps hold of his sleeve to comfort herself, only to be promptly grabbed and pulled away by one of the Stealth Force. They move to physically separate the girl from her bound superior. Until the matter was over, she needed to remain separate from the Oda. They couldn’t risk her potentially secretly passing something to him or messing with the restraints.
”No contact with the prisoner…ANY of the prisoners.”
One of the Stealth Force issues the girl a single warning, her first..and last warning. Kyomu glances towards them, then the girl, and from the girl to young Katsuo. He says nothing as he returns his full focus on the matter at hand. Their journey now sees them standing before the massive guarded doors to the meeting hall.
”Open them”
The Head Lieutenant issues her command, one that is promptly obeyed. The massive doors are forced open by those that guarded them, and it is only once they’re completely open that Fuyuko ushers them inside. Kyomu and his entourage follow their guide, every one stepping into the massive hall. It is a humbling and perhaps daunting experience for some in the party. It's here that their lives would be weighed and measured, their very fates determined. This fact alone made every second, every minute until the Commander’s arrival that much more precious...and equally tormenting. So long as the Commander had not arrived, the verdict on their lives could be delayed, yet this also meant they were left to wonder what would happen when he came and spoke after hearing all that needed to be said. Unbeknownst to any of those present, the Commander had no intentions of arriving alone. Kyomu would soon be faced with the girl he had raised as his Lieutenant who now carried the name Captain, one he had not spoken to in a hundred years. Katsuo would soon find the eyes of the brother he so admired cast on him, bound in cuffs and learning of his sins. Coincidentally enough both Captains that would be accompanying the commander also held a rather close bond with the fugitive Oki. What would young Yasu do, seeing her mother figure captured and hearing of her foolish actions? What of Tenzen, what would be his thoughts and impressions regarding his cousin?
Kyomu’s actions in apprehending the Oki woman has created a web that continues to stretch and expand, connecting several individuals, affecting multiple lives. He stands in the massive hall, moving to take his place to the side as his men surround everyone he has brought. He waits silently, patiently for the Commander to arrive, eyes ever only looking forward. He is not confused or anxious regarding what he should or will say. Once the Commander has arrived he needs only worry about doing a single thing.
Report

 

[BSD]

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Sudden Stop
Still steady and calm as ever Captain Oda keeps his eyes fixed on his target, the moment Arashi would finish his attack he will be next to strike as the Titan would be, should be, distracted by him long enough to land his own blow. Then, before he could rationalize what was happening, before Arashi even had time to start his attack, the giant was upon him and gripping his wrists no less. Instincts that were beaten into him tell him to kick, head-butt, or bite his opponent to escape, given the strength of the one grabbing him these were his only options. But the keen mind of the Oda was quick to take note of many key factors of this grasp. His arms are not broken, the Commander’s Shikai is disengaged, there is no hostility in his form, and most of all he was bold enough to touch the Kido Chief without fear of reapercussion from this. Their training session- No, their battle of life and death was officially over. Tenzen nods showing he understands the non-verbal message.
In the next moment a Reiatsu signature wafts over their battlefield, perhaps they stepped forward once they saw the Commander stop the bout, maybe the bout was stopped for this person, or maybe they intended to stride into the midst of it regardless if the fighting was stopped or not. Akarui Gekko, the Commander's wife. He had a run in with her once before though she has no memory of the event, Tenzen had honestly forgotten about the details of that day if not for seeing the woman now the memory would have never resurfaced.
The Battle Ends
He raises his left hand, the tips of his fingers lightly touching the mask and swipe across it to the left. Following the motion of the swipe the mask fades away into particles of Reishi dispelling the Hollowfication. While donning the mask his eyes had an orange glow to them, a glow often attributed to Hollow’s but as he opens them now they continue to glow but golden. This is not some aesthetic used to intimidate others, in fact it is something beyond his control as this glow symbolizes his enlightenment, the balance of his soul, body, mind, and heart. For the three he has fought with for one hundred years this look is nothing new, but for those who have not seen Tenzen in these past one hundred years he would almost seem like a different person. Almost being the key word, that blood thirsty brutality any would have sensed from him that always hovered just below the surface of his personality was now clear and apparent. It lingered around him as casually as the oxygen he breathed, ferocious and violent yet controlled.
With the Commander addressing his wife Tenzen takes a moment to use his Zanpakuto to erase the dirt from his clothing, skin and hair. Keeping a respectable appearance was something his mother drilled into him after he became a captain. As a Captain and leader of a clan he must look presentable when not in battle so now it is second nature to remove dirt from himself after fighting until he can get a proper bath at least. He disspells his Shikai and sheathes the blades with a Priestess and her guard landing before him, a Hell Butterfly on her finger relaying information to her about what has been happening in his Division while he was away. An audible sigh and lip smack is heard from behind the mask as she looks upon the tattered Haori he wears. Having grown used to the Kido Corps being upset with him damaging his Haori he tends to brush it off with a light chuckle as he looks around at other members examining the barrier. His eyes crossed paths with the frame of Captain Yugure, she was looking rather worse for wear. Tenzen points in her direction.
”Have someone tend to her wounds before she passes out from them.”
A member of Kido Corps nods and races over to the young woman to begin mending her wounds. Afterwards the Priestess begins relaying what has been happening at Fifth Division, the arrest of Jiroshizo Raikyu, the retrieval of Eizoku, Himari’s injury then sudden disappearance which was resolved, Takashi still missing from the barracks, and other small daily nuances. These are brief general descriptions spoken to Tenzen in a list-like format. Another voice speaks, one that is more demanding than the Priestess’ as both she and Tenzen turn to the source of it, Commander Kagayaki.
“Captain Yugure. Captain Oda.”
Commanding their attention, Tenzen waits for the next order to be given.
“Accompany me to the meeting hall.”
”As you wish Commander. Lt. Suta, return to Fifth Division and get some rest. You’re free to do as you please of course, however when I return we’ll be getting straight to work. That is all. Priestess, follow me and give me full details regarding Eizoku, Himari and Takashi.”
Not sparing Arashi a second glance he turns away from him to follow the Commander while the Priestess gives him a more detailed report as they make their way to the meeting hall. As he absorbs the report given to him he also wonders what is the sudden urgency for a meeting? The last time the Captains were together was one hundred years ago and things did not end on the best note for a few of them. Little did Tenzen know or realize what he was about to learn in this meeting will fill him with disappointment.

 

[BSD]

Arashi’s blade poised to strike, tempered by a killing instinct never before seen by the Lieutenant. Perhaps it may have been his Hollow. Perhaps it is well-hidden anger that now surfaces, channeled, and pushed effectively to fuel raw focus and technique. In this event, where the constant battle has taken hold of the environment around him, at this moment, nothing else mattered…
But the fall of a Titan
To feel the light of his Shikai, constructed and made into the very blade he carries to drive through the Commander’s armor, and slice cleanly through flesh and bone. However, it seemed his light that would give him multiple if not infinite chances to see this goal through would be thwarted due to the explosive movement of the Commander. Upon his Captain in the blink of an eye, hands locked to his wrist, and from such a distance there was no escape. He had just narrowly avoided the pillar of light that would have made his mobility and agility seemingly nonexistent. What he assumed next is a ferocious head-but, a joint-locking takedown, or the devastating sound of his Captain’s wrist being crushed by the sheer strength of his grip, preventing him from wielding his blade, or conjuring Kido.
” Hm?”
” Hm?”
He noticed the Commander’s arms were bare, vacant from the mighty gauntlets, his Shikai. In the same instance, the demeanor, the air, his presence holds a different feel to it. Standing within the pillar of light of his Bankai, he relaxes for but only a second as he finally realizes that the fight for their lives, their continued existence, has finally come to an end. Will they be judged at this very moment? Has their progress, determination, fighting prowess against him, and of course themselves would garner his acceptance and not only his but the acceptance of Central 46, unbeknownst to them all?
Above them, the darkness cracks, breaks, revealing the beautiful sky above them. His Bankai along with his Shikai is deactivated. And swiftly, the Lieutenant returns his blade to his scabbard. Finally able to truly calm his nerves, a single handle swipes across his face, releasing his Hollowfication, returning to his natural state. Upon doing so, his eyes open slightly, and they fall upon the approaching woman who embarks on their training session. Akarui Gekko, the third seat of the First Division, the Commander’s wife. Her presence is one they have not seen in a long time, and she reveals herself only now, proving something requires the Commander’s attention, but as Arashi takes a closer look around, he notices the barrier has been destroyed. Yet another reason for their session to prematurely end.
The Commander approaches the love of his life, with a slight show of affection. Arashi stands ignorant to what it feels like to truly love someone, to truly cherish another person's every being, even their flaws. He never experienced it, nor given, despite the smile he wears even right now. His eyes close finally, as the Commander addresses his Captain and Captain Yugure. Having fought beside them for so long, he had forgotten that he was simply just a Lieutenant… Grateful for his rank, but also prepared to step higher, to become more than just-
” As you wish Commander. Lt. Suta, return to Fifth Division and get some rest. You’re free to do as you please of course, however when I return we’ll be getting straight to work. That is all. Priestess, follow me and give me full details regarding Eizoku, Himari, and Takashi.”
After instructing members of their squad to tend to Yasu’s wounds, his attention is called. Arashi needs only to bow to his Captain.
” Yes sir.”
He’d watched the three of them, his focus admiring the waving Haori that solidified their rank, and but for a fleeting moment, he imagined his own back wearing the same coat, his own being standing beside them. Hardly forgetting his orders, not allowing his daydreaming to keep him from his duties, the Lieutenant is gone, swiftly leaving the confines of 1st Division in one step. Where his next step would barely touch the top of a roof, he’d be gone just as swiftly only to find himself within the walls of Fifth Division…
His unexpected arrival catches the eyes and startled faces of many comrades working, cleaning, training. Most fall, most draw their blades until they realize who exactly they were looking at. He only turns his head, wearing the very smile unmistakable to his Squad as he waves to the bunch of them.
” I am back. I hope all has been well today?”
” Yes Sir,” they all exclaim in unison!
” Good.”
His statue rotates to face them appropriately, but quickly his senses sweep the entirety of the fifth Division. In the web of his spiritual sight, he captured only Kiku Shunkan… His eyebrows pull inward, scrunching his face slightly. No sign of Takashi Kiyoshi and Eizoku Yugameru from his long escapade into the Dangai still. Not even Jizakai Ametsuchi and Himari Shimi is gone from her post, a sight he is most surprised about. Where could the woman have gone off to? While his Captain had given him free will to rest, there would be none for the weary. Arashi stands firm, proving capable to function for the time being.
” S-Sir, are you, alright,” a member of his squad questions with built concern?
Arashi only nods to him and shoo’s him off to continue training. His arms folded across his chest, while his face relaxed somewhat, he could only think, attempting to figure out where he should start. However, the seemingly conflicted Lieutenant is approached spontaneously through the use of Shunpo.

” Lieutenant Arashi Suta.”
Hardly surprised to see the High-Priestess, let alone startled by her sudden appearance, his arms fall to his side to address the woman appropriately. His eyes opened slightly. Her eyes need not wander the area in search of Captain Oda, as Lieutenant Suta’s arrival is sufficient for the information she wishes to relay, albeit negative or positive. He would be turned a messenger to the Captain upon his own return...
” Report.”
She nods and begins.
” During your absence along with Captain Oda’s, Himari Shimi was visited by one, Katsuo Oda, Lieutenant of 13th Division. Together they embarked into a spar of sorts, resulting in the loss of both HImari Shimi’s arms. In conclusion, she and Lieutenant Oda traveled to the Fourth Division in order to mend her severe injury.”
She pauses for a moment, allowing this part of her report to be received and acknowledged, but Arashi's stance and expression hardly changes. He is seemingly unresponsive, nonetheless, she continues on.
” However, it has been far too long since anyone has heard from either Lieutenant Oda or HImari Shimi since their departure. We have sent one, Jizakai Ametsuchi, to investigate and confirm if Himari Shimi and Lieutenant Oda had indeed arrived at Fourth Division. He has yet to return with any information, however, an agent of the Onmitsukido had arrived and relayed a message no doubt from their Commander.
She pauses yet again, awaiting any reaction from the Lieutenant, and the only thing she would receive is simply his eyes closing completely shut. She continues…
” In short, she has tendered her resignation from the Fifth Division and is being indoctrinated into the 2nd Division. The paperwork for the official transfer has been delayed due to other priorities their Captain is dealing with. As of right now, that is al-”
She is interrupted by a transfer of detail, none related to Himari nor Lieutenant Oda at this moment.
'' Excuse me Lieutenant Suta, but we have word that Eizoku Yugameru is en route to Fifth Division. He is to be interrogated for any information regarding his adventures into the Rukongai and why he has not returned for over 100 years.”
” I see. Also, any word about the absence of Takashi Kiyoshi?”
” He has been gone for 100 years as well. We believe that he has gone AWOL, unfortunately. His whereabouts are unknown.”
Placing a hand over his chin, gently caressing it.
” Maybe not, he is of a noble family. Perhaps Lieutenant Kiyoshi may know something. I’ll have to send him a message.”
Removing his hand from his chin, he nods towards the High-Priestess.
” Thank you, I will relay this information to Captain Oda once he returns. You are dismissed.”
With that, she leaves as quickly as she had come. However, Arashi is left with new information and more questions. Why is Himari going to the Second Division? Still remembering her to be a self-doubting individual, lacking in any confidence, yet she transfers to a Division where such qualities will get her killed. Perhaps she seeks something more, something she could receive from her old Squadmates in Fifth Division. Regardless, Arashi had no intentions of chasing after her, and if she is being indoctrinated, then she has thrown herself to the wolves to be torn apart or brought into the fold. At this moment, he hopes for the best, for her sake and well-being.
In the meantime, Lieutenant Suta awaits the arrival of Eizoku Yugameru, interested to hear of his expedition into the Dangai and why he has been gone for so long...