[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Central Seireitei

[BSD]

>>>>>> Arriving to the Central Seireitei from the Northwest >>>>>>
"Here we are. I'll wait out here until you're done. When this is all over, we'll see what we do then."
" Yea, yea...only thing you gotta do is transfer divisions. "
Her confident strides came to an abrupt stop likely influenced by the sight of the meeting hall. For a lengthy moment or two Omoni appeared only to stare at it and do nothing else. All around her there was a kind of buzz in the air. The kind of vibrations keeping people on their toes, eyes awake and at the ready to catch a rare sighting of the Captains of the Gotei thirteen arriving and sharing the same sacred space with one another. A highly remarkable event because for the most part, each leader was exceptionally busy with the time consuming tasks and livelihoods within their own divisions. Too busy for the majority to keep close company with one another…or that was what he used to say anyway.

“ He doesn’t take me seriously. Every time we speak he’s cruel and cold. He couldn’t care less about ANY shinigami! Dieing is their duty, PAH! The last time it was…”
Their steps fell out of sorts with one another. His ahead of her own and rather quick while she retained a lazier speed comparatively. His voice rambled on and like so many times before it started to fade as her shockingly short attention span started rearing its ugly head once again. The sky’s amount of blue was what took her away this time even though it was the same amount as it had been the day before and the day before that. Listless clouds ensnared her cerulean hues and begged the fluff to alter their shape into something remotely interesting.
“ Omoni.”
The eyes narrowed and found that if she squinted, the cloud in question did sort of resemble a--
“ Omoni! ”
Jolted awake from her daydream, Vice Captain Omoni Hageshi returned her attention to a disgruntled looking Captain Nakamoto. His arms were crossed and his face was twisted into a grumpy scowl. It wasn’t a look that became him according to her opinion, it made him look like her.
“ Huh?! Oh, sorry kid.”

“ You were ignoring me again, weren’t you?”
“ Yea, uh...sorry kid.”
Omoni watched the young blonde give a gentle sigh and with it, his hardened features soften. The both of them knew that getting impatient with her wouldn’t do either of them any good. She probably wouldn’t have been capable of reacting the way he wanted her to or acknowledging the blunder in the first place and with their being on the way to another captain’s meeting it’d have been better not to develop any kind of aggravation until it was time to do so. Their journey pressed on although conversation had ceased and after what felt like forever, they came upon the grand meeting hall in all of its glory. Her captain turned to face her and she lowered her gaze so that their lines of sight would meet. The next thing to come from his mouth were no doubt going to be the commonplace orders she’d grown accustomed to hearing whenever he needed to leave her outside unsupervised whilst he conducted his business.
“ Don’t leave, don’t break anything and…”
“ Don’t fight the guards.”
“ Don’t fight the guards.”
It had to be a mumble because the volume of her words was so light. They were under her breath and remained there even as she started walking again. Almost as if she wasn’t talking to her silver haired companion. Kind of like she wasn’t talking to anyone and yet the words rose from her mouth just the same. Was it an order? Was it a suggestion? Why was it so confusing? What would he fight the guards for? A mountain of questions probably bombarded the freshly promoted Lieutenant and there would be no one who could blame him for being perplexed. It wouldn’t have made an ounce of sense.

Alone, the burly captain trudged forth in order to approach the hall and those waiting inside of it. Additionally, where she was had finally made its impact on her by the look of casual intrigue upon her face. It was the hall where Shobatsu Murasaki commenced various conventions involving the Gotei thirteen and one of the only places whose boundaries she respected that didn’t permit her to enter. Therefore, she had no idea what it looked like until that very moment that she stepped through it’s gateway. It’s enormity made the outside world pale in comparison and that still didn’t impress the glowering woman. As she neared what looked to be a gathering among friends she started to put names to some of the faces before any faculty to the actual situation at hand.
Firstly, the one and only hero of the Seireitei and Captain Commander Higen Kagayaki. The closer she got the deeper she pondered just what the old man wanted to see her for. He was present and overseeing whatever was transpiring between two other captains judging by the haori draped over their shoulders. Long story short, he looked none too pleased by it all.
The second to get her attention was none other than the snake himself. He stood as still as a statue without moving even a single muscle almost as if he were not even breathing. Her bare feet padded nearer, tattered and dirty and it wasn't long before she realized...she’d completely forgotten his name. What was it again? Kyoki? Ryu? Kyo? Nah, It definitely had a K. Annoyed by trying to figure it out, Omoni quickly gave up opting to call him snake from then on instead or at least until someone saw fit to correct her preferably him. That wasn’t all though, for he was served a darkened leer the moment he came into view. This hostility was born from their previous encounter that had involved the both of them in fearsome combat the result of which she wasn’t jazzed about. Anyone would state the two were monsters in their own right and that would have been a grievous understatement. On one hand there was the snake who possessed impossible speed, intangibility and intelligence that made Hageshi and all of her monumental power inconsequential due to the fact even at her best there was no seeable way for her to land a solid blow. On the other hand, Omoni was the benefactor of a fortress-like defense mechanism that rendered the phantom’s assaults more or less ineffective for him but turned them into ammunition for her. They had been similar to tigers separated by the bars of a sturdy cage left to pace back and forth unable to gain true ground. Unable to claim their territory. All of this had left Omoni unfulfilled with nothing but a title and a massive amount of frustration as the rapid rising of her Reiryoku’s swell in response to the violent emotions bubbling to the surface would have been evidence of this. She wondered if it had been the same for her slippery opponent.
However, before she could get too lost in her animosity, a familiar tuft of bouncing pink hair gave her pause. A swift glance up and down confirmed her suspicions that it belonged to a friend that she had not seen in quite some time. Not since her rise to captaincy that is. Captain Yasu Yugure calmly stood near the commotion and didn’t appear too invested in the happenings but was not completely absent from them. All in all the former lieutenant looked completely different. So much so that it took Omoni quite a bit of time to determine she was in fact the woman that she remembered. Why, it felt like it had only been yesterday that she’d announced her decision to pursue scaling to a more prestigious rank as well as munching to her heart’s content on candies and now here she was dressed in her haori and looking no worse for wear. Surely she found getting her hands on her masses of snacks much easier since she could demand her subordinates ensure her stocks were filled to the brim upon a whim! In Omoni’s opinion she wore it all finely and it suited her. At the moment in terms of herself she felt the complete opposite. Additionally, seeing not one but two captains also pointed to the fact that she had not been the only one to receive a call from the commander and the more time that went by the more excited she grew.
Next came the golden vision that was Captain Tenzen Oda but alas, she did not know that was who he was nor that his name was such. Unfortunately, when it came to the matter of recognition he was in the same boat as the snake. Nevermind the fact that the royal blue coat boasting his nobility amongst the society of Kido specialists made this task that much more insurmountable as it covered his own haori and took away the symbol her brain needed to count him amongst the leaders. It wouldn’t be exceedingly astonishing that Tenzen was unfamiliar to her due to their paths never crossing even as a lieutenant of the fourth and furthermore the eleventh due to it never having been deemed necessary that they meet either directly or in passing. He garnered only a brief flash from her eyes before they settled on the scene before her. Never once did the woman question why she was so ignorant and out of touch. It had been thoughts like that which she considered a waste of her time and effort so she never dedicated any worries toward them and buried them deep. She was ignorant to her ignorance.
By the looks of their bindings, both Honoka and Katsuo were prisoners. Who knew what they had done to deserve that sort of treatment as it could have been anything the way all of the rules were set up. Omoni had never been a fan of structure and it seemed that the two detainees felt kindred to her reckless spirit. This would have made perfect sense had it not been Honoka before her as in the past she’d shown Hageshi more than once that she was a stickler for regulation.This could only mean that whatever it was she did, she felt she had no other choice available to her. Just what it could be escaped her until she spotted two smaller children standing off to the side. One glimpse of them and she could tell that one of them was the cause of her rebellion and why the Oki woman appeared so different compared to the last time they had come together. Honoka had undergone the transformation of motherhood and the result?;One of those brats. At the moment it was tough for her to decide which one was which until she got a better look. It would be the one with wild black hair, there was something about him that reminded her not of Honoka but of a man long since locked away whos ghost seemed to haunt the hall they stood in. It came from his eyes, it came from his spiritual power what little she could sense. It was Shobatsu’s kid. Come to think of it, wasn’t the Oki princess his vice captain? So then, next she spied another child that did not look at all afraid. This child showed signs that they belonged where they were and with that green hair...Omoni shifted her gaze to Higen. So that was his kid! Honestly, until that second she was unaware that anyone had any kids in the Seireitei and considered it a refreshing surprise.
The stench of shame garnered her attention once more but this time it rested on the sorry sight of Katsuo Oda. A terse thought back to the days of her last lieutenant meeting reminded her she had come across the boy before. He had been her rank but not only that, the two of them had tasted battle together in the land of the living when she had faced the enemy Togabito Swordeater and recalled rescuing him from those efforts albeit they had been heroic and good. My how the mighty had fallen, it was disappointing to see him in such a sad state of affairs as she’d silently hoped for good fortune where he was concerned.
Each haori stood stark as an indication of each of their significant prowess. Next to them, Hageshi’s soiled and blood stained cloak should have looked unpolished but ended up shining brighter than all of them especially since she had only been a captain for a short amount of time. This surely wouldn’t have come as much of a surprise considering it was Hageshi. Blood and dirt and ruckus followed the great woman wherever she roamed! Not to mention, she was the one in charge of the eleventh division which was known for being constantly locked in the throes of battle either with one another or some type of enemy. She couldn’t be bothered to get the thing dry cleaned before such a sudden summons.

“ The hell’s goin’ on here?”
Nevermind that it wasn’t any of her business, as far as Omoni was concerned she was curious and that was all that was needed to justify such a blatant intrusion. Manners simply weren’t her thing and neither was standing against a wall quiet as a church mouse. Boredom had proven to be the bane of her existence more than a few times and that was the thick of it. She had nothing better to do with her time than to insert herself into something even as convoluted as the circumstances at hand.
“ Looks pretty interestin’! “

 

[BSD]

Unbeknownst to him, the boy has missed the sight of Omoni by literal seconds. Yū Nakamoto's arrival to the meeting hall instead is greeted by the unusual sighting of an unofficially promoted Lieutenant Ueki, lost in thought as is true to his nature. In truth, for once Nibui is left with a lot to process. Handed down a role he felt he didn't deserve- handed down a role he felt belonged to another, which somehow suddenly made him inadequate... However, whether this was the truth or just an undeserving opinion Nibui held was another matter.
“You following me or something?"
... Yū remarks sarcastically, suddenly coming into vision. While his words may lend itself to birth a conversation from yet another chance encounter of the pair, the Captain shows no sign at all of slowing in his stride to the hall. With a hint of smirk aimed at the pensive lieutenant, Yū is gone as quickly as he appeared, only a few paces behind a coming revelation.

Expecting to only reunite with the sparse faces that made up the Captains of the Gotei 13, he instead is greeted by an unexpectedly larger cast. Those present are instantly registered in his mind- faces he recognizes, faces he didn't recognize, and faces he wishes he didn't recognize. While his curiosity begs to be sated, he doesn't waste more moments to openly stare and judge the choices in physical appearances these Shinigami have made after a century of disconnection, opting for drastically different hairstyles and edits in attire. One in particular is forced to be a standout, dressed in a horridly stained haori with wildly unkempt hair and massive, rugged feet. This tall figure is menacing in appearance, however oddly familiar to Yū. This is a presence he hasn’t felt at all… no, in weeks…
... and all at once, becomes instantly recognizable upon a second glance.
'So, that's how it is...'
… he reflects, lowering his head as he halts to stand by her side. However, he doesn’t even spare her a single glance. The Captain doesn't waste a breath to ask— no, to demand an explanation; His focus instead is unbreaking on his former green- haired equal turned superior.

“Present as r-requested, Commander."
… Yū announces, his tone threatening to falter for a second. In defiance of his stone-cold presentation, a well of emotions begins to brew inside of him, unsuspecting yet still held at bay. Was he proud? Undeniably. Hurt? He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t. Not hurt at the fact that his lieutenant was found to be skilled enough to become a Captain and as a result, would be leaving his side— The only offense he truly feels is the fact that this… was how he had to find out. No doubt the two of them had entertained the idea of her eventual promotion countless times; Even before becoming his Lieutenant, she had always been expected to take on a higher mantle, only choosing to stay for over a century for her own personal reasons, despite everyone knowing she deserved greater. But, was she so far gone, so detached that she couldn't bother to even let him know her intentions? Perhaps years ago, he’d have made a juvenile scene at the immediate realization, no matter what the current unfolding situation was around them.
But, it’s the sudden summons of their presence along with the shocking sight of Honoka Oki, an old friend and now notorious fugitive with chains locked around her wrists, that leads Yū to believe he has been called here for a reason much bigger than his own selfishness. Still, he can't help but spare some words, any words to his former subordinate. Even if it's not the first words he wishes to direct to the newly appointed Omoni, at the very least, it prepares the space for them to finally start the conversation. His approach from the hall's entrance is swift and before the two split paths to stand in their designated positions opposite of one another, the boy is able to reach her side. His lips barely part, small movements allowing for even quieter words to voice...
“..."
“Let's talk when we're done here."
... before scurrying to his spot at the right of Kyomu Mukuro. Even more absent of a response, Yū doesn't spare any form of niceties or even an action that could be construed as acknowledgment of the Phantom. It was a fact that it had been well over a century since their last run-in with each other, but despite his own palpable maturity, he'd only be a fool if he still didn't remember that day with blazing fury.

 

[BSD]

Without a missed step, the two move through the Seireitei at a remarkable pace. Atsuko was not moving at her usual pace, however. Despite this, she was not even a shadow as she moved. It appeared as though she was outpacing it. Had she made this venture without the Lieutenant of the Ninth, she would have likely taken one step—if not a half step to arrive at the First Division Barracks. In order to cool her head, she decided that keeping up with Shusuke was a wise idea. It would give her more time to think and potentially alleviate the hesitance that washed over him. He had every reason to feel uneasy about the situation. It was not Atsuko that made him feel this way, no, it was what she had discovered and the implications of such. Although little time had passed, she already had more concrete hypotheses on what exactly caused the death of her Captain.
While she had wavered up until they reached the gate within the Rukongai, these volatile emotions had truly dissipated. Knowing her destination and who she was to come before aided in this. It was evident that she would not be seeing the Commander alone. There were other Captains present. This much she had known long before reaching the gates outside of the walls of the Seireitei. Considering the amount of power that radiated from the Central district, it was not difficult to sense the distinct signatures that were encompassing the area. They clashed, yet there was no malice in the explosive combat going on. Given her prowess in sensory, she was capable of telling that the Vizards were the ones engaging in combat with the Commander. All things considered, this was not a fight to the death. Perhaps the conditions mimicked one, but considering that the Vizards were still alive, the Commander had not decided to kill them. Not yet, at least.
The silence was broken by the Kiyoshi Lord, but this did not interrupt her train of thought, not entirely at least.
“You must forgive me of my suspicions from earlier at the gate Lieutenant Ise. Gone are the days where I was a detective of Sixth, but a curious mind always craves more stimulation. Is there anything you could tell me further about the unfortunate circumstance to befall your division? I’m sure if you’d allow me, I’d be able to tell you my personal opinion on this particular murder.”
There was no err in his judgment. As the former Third Seat of Division Six, he was bound to have an inquisitive mindset. 'Trust nothing upon the initial inspection' echoed through her head. It might not have been exactly what the Division believed, but it was likely close. Everything must be questioned, naturally. Parting her lips, she decided to indulge in the conversation without the sharp tone that she held earlier.
"Forgive my sharp tone earlier, Lieutenant. I was very uneasy about the present situation. A Captain's death is rare, especially when it is such a brutal murder."
This was true, it was not often that Captains fell in combat. Maho Kojima had only died 100 years earlier and that meant that two Captain class Shinigami were gone within a short time frame. Itsuki was a strong opponent with a versatile toolkit, so the fact that he had lost with the culprit putting in little effort was alarming. Under normal circumstances, if his body was not in the state they found it in, this would have been a bit less alarming. A one-sided victory from an unknown assailant running rampant in the Rukongai spelled trouble for the inhabitants, but also for the Soul Society as a whole. Continuing on, Atsuko answers the question posed to her.
"Unfortunately, the only thing I can tell you is that it's evident that Captain Asakura was up against an opponent of a higher caliber. Such a thought is frightening, but there is a force that was able to annihilate a Captain with ease. We will have to wait on the autopsy from the Fourth Division for further details. As it stands, I have told you all that I was able to gather while in Kuroari."
Upon their arrival, Atsuko noticed that the usual clearance required had been waived. This was due to Shusuke's diligence in securing their passage. Surely this was not too difficult given the gravity of the situation. Surprisingly, Atsuko was not plagued by anxiety or panic. Any silence between the two was simply filled with her contemplation of the events. They continued to play in her head over and over again. A myriad of images filled her mind, each of which she swiped through. Occurring in a rapid fashion, she was getting closer to solving the treacherous puzzle that had been presented to her. Words bounce on her ears again, gaining her attention once more with a familiar tone.
“You know, last time I was here, There was a party of Forty-Seven people that took place...Forty-Six of them died and we saw one survivor. We asked him what happened and he said; ‘I wasn’t having a good time’.”
Shusuke's humor was pretty dark, she acknowledged this as he finished speaking. She did not feel offended nor any other negative emotion. In fact, she responded with a pass of her own, but not one of ill intent.
"Reminds me of the criminal with the Aikawa surname. Instead of not having a good time, he seemed to be having a blast."
Unlike those closer to him, she was not aware of how deep the friendship ran between the Kiyoshi Lord and now executed criminal. As she ambled towards the door leading into the hall, his words of support reached her. Stopped and shifting her head, she gave a gentle smile that encapsulated how she felt. It was... sad. They had arrived at the same time as Captain Nakamoto and Hageshi. After the two made their way into the hall, she remained silent until they were done speaking and had ended up in the middle of the room with the Captains on either side and Commander before her. As she approached, she dropped to one knee and pressed her right fist against the ground, bowing her head slightly before looking up at the Commander. If she hadn't done this, she would have felt as if she was disrespecting his position and prudence. In a loud enough tone to be heard by all within the room, she beings to announce her findings.
"Lieutenant Atsuko Ise of the Seventh Division reporting, Commander Kagayaki"
Her tone does not falter, nor do her words lack conviction.
"An unknown assailant has murdered Captain Itsuki Asakura. Upon my investigation into his whereabouts, I discovered his body within the Kuroari district in the Rukongai. Captain Asakura's body was bloodied, in tatters, and dirtied by the unidentified presence."
Pausing for a brief moment, she speaks up for the last time, presenting the folded yet dirtied Haori held under her left arm to the Captain Commander.
"Currently, his corpse is undergoing an autopsy at the Fourth Division's barracks. Our enemy had no respect for what this represents. I did not elect to allow for this to go with his body, as its meaning and importance belong to you, Commander.
Although she was surrounded by those of higher ranking, no feelings of anxiety or fear rose within her. She was not here to report to them, but to the Commander himself.

 

[BSD]

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Rukongai ------> Central Seireitei, 5th Division.
In the middle of the corridor in the 5th barracks from nowhere a swirl of white cloth appears which opens and Takashi suddenly stands in the corridor. Still holding the white piece of cloth in his hand that slowly falls to the floor.
”Well then I'm back .. time to look for Lieutenant Suta or Captain Oda.''
Again in the barracks of the division as many times before, however, it does not seem that his absence over the years has affected anything in this part of the barracks. A relief for the young shinigami but Takashi knows that his arrival will not be ignored and that the information of his return will be reported very shortly. With easy and quiet footsteps, Takashi begins to walk through the corridor towards the exit leading to the Senkaimon. There is always someone there to guard or let in and out several shinigami from all the divisions.

”I wonder where everyone went? ''
There is no sign of life around him, just as if he were completely alone in the corridor, but he knows better than that. There is always someone watching, keeping an eye on the barracks after people in case someone should try to sneak in. The security in the 5th division is higher than some other divisions because of the linking of a separate branch of Soul Society's military, the Kidō Corps.

 

[BSD]

Finally making his way through the Seireitei, Shizuka arrived at the capital. A place he never visited often, but held much importance to how they functioned as Shinigami. He could feel the density of the air change as he wandered from his own division barracks. As he moved closer to where the Captain Commander resides, he could feel the reiatsu that soaked in the atmosphere, mostly feeling the dual pressure that only stems from the hollowfied shinigami. The pure thought of their existence sends chills down his spine, a unfortunate disaster pardoned by the leaders of the Soul Society, turned 3 shinigami into powerful weapons. Weapons that call upon the oppositions power, along with their own. Shizuka knew his former Captain's demeanor towards Hollows though. It's an indescribable hatred, something that can't be quantified. Their presence in front of him proves, he's becoming more comfortable with the idea of their existence. Growth that's unexpected for such an old soul, but needed for the leader of the Shinigami.
Upon entering the barracks he felt the subtle vibration from his Denreishinki. He proceeded to open it and read the following text from "Advisor"
“I understand, there’s no need for an explanation.
I had a bit of trouble today, but it was handled pretty easily.
Don’t worry too much about me. I’m sure your work requires more attention during this time.
I’ll be traveling a lot more between Karakura and Naruki here and there, so do just let me know.”
He smiled slightly, feeling the warmth of understanding and love through those words. He didn't take the time to respond for he knew this was not the ideal location to text back. Instead he inserted his phone back into his pocket and prepared to enter the sanctum of the Captains. Upon opening the door he witnessed a slew of white coats decorating the entire room, and felt a pressure that was stern and demanding. He slowly dropped on one knee, not absorbing anything from the current situation of the room and just stated his presence.

"Lieutenant Shizuka Hyouzoku of 10th Division.....reporting"
He then lifted himself up and darted out of the way, standing on his lonesome to the side, as he knew business was about to commence.