[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Central Seireitei

[BSD]

Two Weeks Ago
Through the lessons Asahi maintained a unbreakable smile. Watching as the students tested their proficiency with lower level Kidō and methods to use them in creative ways. The male brought a thumb to his mouth, facing it inward he chewed upon it's skin in thought. He wanted to shake things up had been a while of them repeating the same drill. Repetition was certainly a way to improve but it was honestly rather boring to watch more than anything. Before he attempted to stop the current instruction a group of Shinigami came sprinting in his direction, halting only a few feet away from the shorter reaper. Their eyes filled with fear and sweat rushing down from their face, likely not solely from their frantic run over to the training grounds. The Clown titled his head to one side while blankly staring straight into the forward most student. Those that were mid-session halted to observe what was about to transpire.
"Can I help you?"
"T-There's some guy... He was in one of the classrooms..."
The horrified student looked to be reeling from whatever thrusted terror into their core. Asahi's face changed not in the slightest, curiosity being all that he felt in the moment. Some may reciprocate unease when presented with such overflowing desperation but he knew such a feeling. Fear evaded the consistently jovial instructor.
"There was so much blood... He was dissecting and experimenting on people. They were strapped to tables... dismembered... cut open! And then he just- he just left. Like this was absolutely normal."
No change came in the expression of the Kajiyashiki. Only a deepening of the tilt of his head. If this was the case, how exactly did this get conducted without any questions to be had prior? Who would have even done such a thing? Asahi could not recall any teacher who would do such a thing. Let alone have the means to do so.
"Care to describe the culprit?"
His visage formed a smile as if this was absolutely unthreatening of information. He stood to his feet and looked eagerly at the shaken student. This was a mystery to solve and Detective Kajiyashiki was on the case! The thought almost drew a giggle to the surface but he choked it down, trying not to break their thought process but such an action. Even with that restraint, the grin on his face still brought a layer of concern from them.
"The man looked like a bird."
"Like had a beak and all that?!"
"W-what? No. He had these weird bulging eyes, slicked back hair, and an absolutely horrific face."
"Well that last part is a bit mean... But that's certainly not anyone I know!"
The Clown paced back and forth, rubbing his chin with one hand while the other lightly tapped on the top of his head. His gestures came with a continuous array of "Hmmms" that alternated in octave. The worried students questioned if this youthful looking instructor was taking this situation seriously. Asahi then suddenly stopped and gave a nod to them with a smile.
"I will figure it out. Don't you worry! Just go back to your classes. Everything will be A-Ok!"
With a firm pat to the forwardmost individual's shoulder he tried to be reassuring but his demeanor only threw them off more. Bewildered they wandered off talking amongst themselves.
CLAP
Colliding his hands together he returned his attention to his class. Invigorated by the information he had just received, he looked towards the future soldiers of the Gotei 13 with a determined look.
"Now that that's settled! Time to get back to it!"

Present Day
Caught within a break between the typical courses that fills his work day, Asahi sat upon a patch of grass that laid beneath a large tree. His bag pressed against the firm bark with his bodied orientated in the position of Sukhasana. The Zanpakuto of the playful shinigami pressed against his form by a tight embrace from him. He breathed steadily listening to the whispering winds, the dancing leaves, and the distant voices of the people nearby. Soon enough all the sound around became nothing but white noise as the world around became tuned out. Soon enough everything faded to black with a definitive silence setting in. The Clown opened his eyes to be greeted by this void. A crooked smile engraved upon his visage as he took a single step forward. The sound of a distant click reached towards the male as a series of dangling light bulbs brought life to the darkness. Their shine revealing an incredibly long corridor filled with countless shoji doors and the inconsistently flickering of the lighting fixtures.

For a foreign entity in this place, it'd be easily an unsettling setting to be thrown into, but for Asahi it was like returning home. He started to make way rather quickly to the first of the doors he found, wasting no time to swing it's figure all the way to the side.
"Miiiiiiinnnnnaaaaa~!"
He called out a shortened name for his Zanpakuto in an attempt to greet her behind the newly opened door. She was not on the other side, instead there was simply a small child facing a wall. The youngster slowly turned and faced the Nuisance of the Third. Their eyes were gouged out from their skull and they cried tears of blood. They began to make their way towards the Shinigami to which Asahi looked to the approaching kid with intrigue before closing the door steadily.
"Sorry to interrupt whatever that was!"
The Kajiyashiki yelled through the now sealed passageway with a light chuckle following it. With a pivot of his feet he spun around to open the door directly across from it only to be met with a woman standing in his path. Her blackened eyes matching to glance of the other with barely any distance between them. The chattering sound of her teeth repetitively clacking against each other echoing through the vacant hall.

"You rang?"
The voice of the haunting lady sounded raspy and suppressed as if the words were strained, presenting as a whisper. Her head tilted to the side but never broke her wide eyed stare into the unmoving male's orbs. All but an inch from making contact with his face.
"There you are, Mina. I've been meaning to run some things by you if that's okay."
"Of course... I'm always here. Use me as you will."
The Clown flashed a toothy grin before giving her a gentle push backward to give them some distance to look more evenly at each other. She did not resist but instead simply exhibited a few quick twitches. First came her head and then each of her arms. As she took a deep breath outward, a small cockroach slipped from between your teeth, crawling along her face and disappearing behind her. Minaoshi remained in that position of having her jaw lowered, intently watching her master.
"Today I will be meeting a new member of my division. Honoka Oki."
"The traitor? The one who dared keep a forbidden child of a tyrant from the organization she belonged?"
"Mmm. That's the one. The Captain Commander appointed her as an instructor here. I guess that was a decision to not allow for her talents to go to waste. Killing her would likely be a detriment to the future of the Gotei 13."
"Fair evaluation... Do you see her as a threat?"
Asahi struggled to keep back something that was building inside of him. His lips quivered for a moment and his body shook as the force became too much to bear. Laughter followed. Absolutely twisted in nature this cackling came. His head leaned back as he clutched tightly at the clothing that was bound to his body. With a long wheeze he dropped his head and gave the spirit an absolutely devilish grin. His eyes housing nothing but sheer elation.
"Not in the slightest, Mina. I think this will be an absolutely amazing opportunity to have all the fun I could ask for. Besides..."
A pause came where he got close to the chattering zanpakuto spirit, leaning in to whisper into her ear, as if others could hear. His lips moved but words did not reach beyond the monster's ear. Something that gave birth to a twisted expression of her own. Asahi waddled backwards and gave a twirl before returning his focus towards Minaoshi.
"In time. In time. For now though I have a question... It actually has nothing to do with the Oki. It's about the visitor that made their way into a classroom a few weeks ago... I know who it is. And they may be useful to me."
"You mean in relation to your condition?"
"Uh-huh! Exactly that. And in exchange for some nice little treats I've made... I'm sure I can get him to help with accelerating my plans."
Asahi resolved his statement and awaited a response from Minaoshi. Instead she simply blankly stared at him for a moment before exposing all of his teeth to him in a contorted smirk. The cockroach from earlier finding its way to her face once more and resting upon her perpetually opened eye.
"And I'm supposed to be the monster..."
The Clown closed his eyes and gave a quick nod to her.
"Anyyyyway! I should get going for now. It was nice seeing you again, Mina."
"Likewise."
A wave was the last thing shared between the two before Asahi truly opened his eyes. Looking upon the sun filled sky of the Soul Society. As his optics came into focus, he took to his feet, and returned his Zanpakuto the his back. He dusted off any dirt that may have found its way onto his shihakusho. It was time to greet his new teammate. Onward he marched towards the entry to the academy's grounds. The short lad stood there with arms behind his back, humming to himself as he waited.

 

[BSD]

TWO WEEKS AGO
“Honoka Oki.”
Finally, since entering the Captain's Hall for the first time in over a century, she opens her eyes, daring not look up from the ground, in a combination of shame, dishonor, sorrow, and rage.
“A century ago, you abandoned your post, you abandoned the Gotei 13, you used your influence and clearance to not only visit, but fraternize with the traitor Murasaki and conceive a child. In an act of good faith I have let you and this child carry on in exile, with hopes that a peaceful resolution would present itself to me, to us. I was naïve in this matter. I allowed our friendship, or former friendship to give you the freedom you did not deserve. It is because of this, your clan lay in ruins, nearing extinction. It is because of this, that you and your child stand before me today, under my thumb.
She stands in silence, awaiting her judgement at the hands of the Captain Commander. For the first time she feels emotions she has not felt in centuries.. uncertainty and fear. Not for herself, but for someone else. An innocent life she brought to this world who has done no wrong, now his fate lay in the hands of the Commander.
“I cannot disagree with Captain Oda. Traitors are the worst kind of enemy, the enemy in which you thought was a friend. There is no one more deserving of death. However, as it happens.. I am not in the habit of killing children. Many in here, and out there, will protest to see you face the Sokyoku. But unlike me, they do not understand the war to come, and how we need minds and soldiers to not only fight it, but to win it. Since you seem to enjoy your visits to prison entirely too much, this is not an option for you. I will say this only once. Join the academy as a probationary instructor, prepare our shinigami with your knowledge and skill so that we may continue our existence, or face the halberd immediately.
As he continues speaking, her spiritual energy seeps from her, like a cornered beast, frightened for the words to follow, only for that very violent energy to be seeped away instantly not only by the sekiseki cuffs on her wrists, but the underlying layer of fabric beneath her kimono. Tripling in it's already grotesque weight, the Scarf of Reprimand brings the woman to her knees before the Captain Commander. She doesn't fight it, the physical manifestation of her sins bearing weight on her shoulders, with only herself to blame. As he continues, a soft sigh of relief exits her lips hearing the life of her son be spared, despite the opposition from others in the room, or from what would certainly be reprimand from most of Central 46 at the man's decision to spare her son and ultimately her. It mattered not. Masahiro would get a chance at life, against all odds. To her, this is a light at the end of the tunnel.
“But hear this..”
“The boy will be taken by me, raised next to my own son, in my home. He will never recall the stories of his father. He will never again know the touch of his mother, he will be taught to loathe and despise the treason you have both committed”
“But, he will live.”
“This is the best you have done for him. This is the life your decisions have given him. Those were your choices, your mistakes.”
Now, the weight of this scarf doubles, causing the floor beneath her to crack and a depression to form, succumbing under the immense weight. This was a fate worse than death to the woman, and the man knew exactly how to drive the knife deeper into her heart, and twist it. It was not the fact the boy would know nothing of his father, no. Even she seldom disclosed any details of his origin to him. For it was not in shame of her deeds, but a misguided attempt to shield him from such information that would tarnish his outlook on life, or jeopardize his safety. It was the fact that she will no longer be able to embrace her child. Unable to see him grow up, or nurture him beyond this day. Any and all maternal rights forcibly revoked, leaving her with no other option but to remain obedient for Masahiro's sake, in hopes of one day being able to lay eyes on him.

PRESENT DAY
It has been two weeks since judgement was cast on her and her estranged son, forcing them to part ways. While her boy lives on with the Kagayaki family, she remains isolated and alone. A crippling loneliness, leaving her nothing but her work to focus on. Burying herself in the piles of backed up paperwork from the lack of staff, organizing and revising everything that has been neglected over the course of a century. It serves as a distraction from her grief, pain, and anger. Leaving the barracks early in the day, and returning late at night, if at all. Going so far as working through the night, not much different than the long days as lieutenant. She doesn't seek out other's company or help as she restructures the academy from the ground up, going over the students profiles, reading their proficiencies, what they're lacking, formulating plans to help them accomplish their goals, and hers.
She stands alone in her office, rummaging through sheets in complete silence. Even the company of plants surrounding her does nothing to help fill the void within her aching heart left by the loss of her family. It was impossible for her to turn to the Oki once again in her time of need. Unable to reach to her mother, her aunts, cousins, or grandmother. Unable to attend the funerals, or at the very least pay her respects to those who died in consequence to her poor decisions. Unmoving, she wonders how Haru felt in her final moments. Did she curse her cousin's name in with her dying breath? Did all the fallen Oki damn Masahiro's very existence?

What about the others? Yasu? Would she bear a grudge against Honoka, having not told her any details of her sudden departure, or of Masahiro's existence? She already knows where she stands with Kyomu, even with her blood cousin. Such was less impactful, yet all the same, she saw each door slam closed on her face. Leaving her with nowhere to turn, no one to talk to. Except for one, Nibui, who in her darkest time, reached out to her, giving her hope that not every bridge had been burned by her mistakes. While their interaction was short and sweet, she found solace in his friendship, knowing that she was not truly and utterly alone in the walls of the Gotei 13.
Honoka, despite her inner turmoil, does not allow her reiatsu to run rampant. Having struggled to lift herself from the floor after it had brought her to her hands and knees with its immense weight, each heavy step causing the muscles in her legs to ache and burn as they were put through such an ordeal beyond what she subjected herself on a daily basis. It was only now that she walked unhindered, as if the scarf around her shoulders was nothing more than an ornamental accessory. Yet, any person attempting to disturb it would find the massive weight of this object impossible to move, and attempting to use reiryoku strengthened abilities would find that very energy siphoned and the weight of this increased. Something she will come to use to her advantage, much like the previous owner did to her in her younger days, pinning her as punishment for her mistakes.

A melancholic sigh escapes her lips as she turns to the sky, looking out the large window in her office, basking in the warmth of the sun's rays. Slowly, the woman's arm rises, covered by the sleeve of her robes, she uses the fabric to dry the tears from her cheeks, leaving small damp spots on the sleeve of the uniform. She tried so hard to keep her composure for so long, only for it to crumble at the first intrusive thought of her family. She grits her teeth, cursed to feel every emotion so strongly that it impedes her decision making. Clearly, the woman is stressed beyond belief. With another sigh, she turns back around, once again rummaging through the papers on her desk, when a pamphlet catches her attention. Having been so busy these last few weeks, it completely escaped her attention that such an even was happening. Despite the entire Shino Academy staff and alumni raving about the games in the Rukongai, counting down the days until their start, such news had gone completely over her head.
She takes the paper in hand, reading further details, the date, the time, location, the precise district in which this will take place. What a stroke of luck! She can still make it, quite possibly before the first fight begins and she misses the grand spectacle. Who will be named the next Kenpachi?! The Oki quickly slides the door open, nearly breaking it off in her sudden excitement for the welcomed distraction, as she makes her way out of the academy grounds, she spots a semi familiar head of hair. Not someone she has personally met, she is still conscious of his identity as her seated superior, per the files in her office. And the boy's half-blond half-black head of hair is a dead giveaway of his identity. Perhaps, if he were to ever dye it one solid color, no one would recognize him.
Between both of their conflicting schedules, him teaching in the academy, while she made preparations during her transition and establishment in Third Division, they had not been given a chance to interact with each other. Yet given the day's special occasion, with many absent to attend the games in person, or view it in a televised broadcast, it is here the two finally meet in person for the first time.
"Kajiyashiki-kun, I'm glad to finally meet you! I've been so preoccupied with organizing files and lessons, that I haven't had the chance to personally greet you."
She pauses her movement for a moment, offering him an apologetic bow, before continuing to make her way out of the Academy grounds. She holds up the pamphlet in her hand of the Kenpachi Games to her superior as she continues walking.
"I don't mean to be rude, but this looks like it will be a lot of fun."

She turns back to look at him, shadows cast on her face, and the light that once illuminated her bright emerald eyes no longer present, the air around her dense and melancholic, despite her cheerful greetings to the man. It was obvious she had been through a difficult time, even so, she smiles back at him before vanishing, leaving him with her final words.
"I'll be sure to tell you how it all goes!"

 

[BSD]

It was only a matter of time, she would soon have to face her. Stand before her, eye to eye. Her own pain pales in comparison to Honoka’s. Forced to never see her child. Never to hold him in her arms. To tell him stories of old and those of new. In that pain she wallows, she finds ways to temper and maintains her composure by subjecting herself to endless and tedious work. While Kasu could not understand her pain, she could clearly feel the raw emotion that had to be eating away at her body. Kasu wandered over those two weeks, why was she chosen to oversee her transition into Squad Three? Regardless of the reason, Commander Kagayaki saw her fit to handle the job, knowing that she would falter behind petty emotions as she has trained herself to be as emotionless as the former Head Lieutenant…
So why hasn’t she stepped into her office to make her presence known by physical means? Surely, Honoka knew she had been standing outside her place of work by easily sensing her presence. Surely she had realized that the Commander had placed her there to keep tabs on her, but Kasu had instead remained outside. Does she find her job easier to do from the outside? No, unfortunately… The anger of losing a comrade, her idol, a sister-like bond, and now being forced to watch her suffer. She could neither enjoy the sight nor show any sign of pity towards her. Kasu’s silence spoke volumes it would have shown to Honoka even if she had never seen her face during those two weeks.
Kasu often made herself known to one, Kajiyashiki Asahi, being the highest seated member currently. If he knew well of Enso Aikawa, then he would have likely known of Kasu Shinka, being a former member of Squad Three. Despite having been so long, she remembers every location of every classroom. All the students she used to have from their names all the way down to their strengths, weaknesses, and personalities from simply reading through their files throughout her tenure. Receiving her report from Asahi in regards to Honoka, she promptly reports back directly to Commander Kagayaki at his earliest convenience, only to be sent back out to continue her previous order.
In time, the birth of the Kenpachi Games comes forward, igniting a chance for the lone Oki to not only let loose her rage, but also a chance to escape the clutches of the Academy. She’d have met up with Asahi, both showing him the letter regarding the Kenpachi Games and that she will be going to compete, leaving the young man with-
" I'll be sure to tell you how it all goes!"
With that, her departure is clear both to Asahi and to the sudden arrival of Kasu Shinka who now stands to his left, looking onward to the location in which the Oki had vanished.
” Even garbage can have value…”
Her words cement her disdain for Honoka. She had lost all respect for the woman, and because of that, she would not allow the Oki woman to see her face ever again. Kasu feared that her emotions would overflow if she had the chance to look into her eyes, to see the grieving woman she has become. She feared that with just her gaze she would fall below the pressure of honesty, missing her superior…
Kasu can NOT display such weakness.
To Asahi when her words would possibly grapes his attention or her sudden appearance through means of Shunpo, he’d see a stainless facade. A woman with seemingly no emotion. She has learned to hide her sorrow painfully well.

 

[BSD]

Awaiting the arrival of the Third's newest instructor, Asahi whistled to himself while locked in a place of contemplation. Between the thoughts of what he had discussed with Minaoshi alongside that of the unknown disposition of the former First Lieutenant, curiosity flowed endlessly. His eyes fell to his scarf that was caught in the breeze, flowing with it as if it was in a dance. The white noise of the academy did not impede on the wandering mind of the cheerful shinigami. The only attention that he spared for his surroundings was that of the approach of the division's one and only probationary officer.
The wait was not nearly as long as he expected. Asahi brought his blank gaze to life in the direction of the nearing Oki, a smile spreading across his face in that instance. He gave a bow of his head as a subtle greeting, one meant to display a show of respect for her former status. She may very well be a traitor and a deserter, but he was not one to dismiss the feats of the past. Someone who managed to hold such a position, regardless of which division, was someone to be admired. That appreciation, however, did not mean he was not keeping an eye on her. There was absolutely nothing stopping her from working to seek vengeance for what had transpired. Even though she walked the grounds of the Academy, she was presently nothing more than a prisoner. Someone locked in an occupation simply because she held value, otherwise she likely would not be anywhere but in darkness.
"Kajiyashiki-kun, I'm glad to finally meet you! I've been so preoccupied with organizing files and lessons, that I haven't had the chance to personally greet you."
Her words came with a reflected bow, but where his was simply a display of respect, hers came with an air of contrite. It was acknowledged but not necessarily required. He paid no mind to the lack of their introductions prior to the present, it was simply nice enough to know that the time was instead spent being diligently at work. The male couldn't help but ponder over the format of these lessons and the methods that she'd take. There was an outline to their lessons that had to be followed, as per the needed training that all shinigami were required to complete, but the way that those teachings were approached could contain some variation. Not everyone taught the same, nor did it matter if a style was strictly by the book or something more loosely executed. In the end, all that matter was results.
"A pleasure to be acquainted, Oki-sama! It is perfectly okay! We have plenty of time to discuss curriculum matters!"
Asahi wanted to pick her brain on some matters but noted the display of a familiar pamphlet, that of the soon to be active Games. She was going to be in attendance? It was a little surprising to him, for some may not want any association which such an event in her situation. Though, it's unlikely that they'd even have the freedom to attend. The real question was whether her role would be that of a spectator or of a combatant. Criminals were allowed to participate, so nothing was holding her back from taking a swing at that coveted title. Acquiring such a thing could bring some shine back to her status, but it could just as easily direct more negative energy her way. She would know this, he was certain. It wouldn't be the first time someone who should be jailed or executed held that mantle if she did prevail.
Asahi pushed away his dual-toned hair away from his eyes as it had been displaced by the wind, never shedding the beaming expression painted on his visage. Curiosity was the theme of the day for him. Yet something else laid within his gut, something no one else would be allowed to witness.
"I don't mean to be rude, but this looks like it will be a lot of fun."
He threw her a nod in affirmation.
"I'm sure it will! I won't be in attendance. I have matters here I must focus upon. Hope you have an awesome time~!"
A pause came in his speech as his teeth became exposed from between his curved lips.
"Assuming you are planning on joining in on the fun... Try not to die!"
Asahi's warning was something that went without saying but he felt the need to express that thought. It'd be such a waste if her return to active duty came short so soon. But maybe that was her true intent. A way to honorably die. That was a morbid thought but it couldn't help but be brought to the front of his mind.
"I'll be sure to tell you how it all goes!"
A promise that could only be kept if she still has the ability to draw a breath in the instance of her participation. He had faith in someone with such an impact on the Gotei 13 to come out if not victorious but with her life still in her hands. The look that accompanied her remark spelled a solemn weight to it. To be expected of someone with so much stripped from her. Although the shadow of her true demeanor was easily read, Asahi did not deliver a response of pity. Not a change of spirit, not a break in character, he was an absolute enigma that seemingly only housed the emotion of elation.
"Mmm! I look forward to it!"
The Third's Clown gave a steady wave while pressing his eyes shut to allow for the light of his twinkle to show shine its brightest. The gesture did not end even when her back had been all that faced him. What instead broke it was the presence of another.
”Even garbage can have value…”
Asahi lowered his hand and joined it with his other aligned with his lap. He tilted his head in the direction of the other being, his eyes returning to life as they opened to take in the other. She housed no respect for Honoka, which was understandable. He knew of her association with the dishonored Oki, as well as her former unfortunate affiliation. Treachery clung to the woman in his company. Her involvement in the current predicament was oddly poetic that time and time again she'd be pulled into this crushing ballet. Contempt was only natural reaction to be dealt out.
"Ah. Hello there, Shinka-san. I'm assuming all went well with your report?"
The Clown spoke in a light-tone as he looked upon her without blinking even a second. Not a second must be lost as he gauged any change in the female. Was the way she presented her opinion of Honoka real? He doubted it. Bonds were not something easily unwoven, even after a tragedy. Scorn burned brightest when there was something aside from simply anger fueling it. Asahi wanted to see if his assumption of there being more to her outward portrayal than a simple black and white. The slightest crack in her mask would give him the confirmation he desired. Honestly it didn't matter how she felt, this was yet another game. One that he had placed bets upon in his mind. Kajiyashiki narrowed his optics a little as he decided to press the matter a bit.
"The way you speak of her in such a manner... Do you wish that she actively participates in the Games? She may meet her end there. I mean... She deserves it right? Souls have faced the chopping block for less."
The corner of his lip quivered subtly as he fought to allow a twisted evolution of his smile. He could barely contain the eagerness he felt for proving himself right.
"The Second had spilled blood outside of Honoka's in an attempt to deter her further opposition. Though if it was not for the mercy of the Captain Commander... I'm sure Captain Mukuro would have had a different approach."
Asahi raised his arms and brought them behind his head, locking each digit with their respective twin. Leaning back into the newly formed pillow of appendages, he added something in the same weightless tone of voice.
"I believe in the judgement of those above us. If they see value in such a being than it is as it should be. I will not treat her any differently than a comrade. But I'm sure others. Even yourself. Are within the possibility of a deep seated hatred for her. Such a thing always perplexed me... The way that people could so quickly abandon what was formed between them in the past. Though I do suppose some fail to that and take worse consequences as a result."
The instructor shrugged in the conclusion of his loaded words. He shed his smile and instead simply held neutrality on his face. Action had fallen upon the Soul Society in the form of traitors and sparked excitement for the tournament, but little of that sensation made its way to the Third. Trainees of course wanted to spectate these juggernauts aiming for the kill in the battles to be had. The combatants on the screens were to be something to aspire towards, to fear, to respect. But they housed no real knowledge to the importance of such a spectacle and thus provided only hollow anticipation. And while being the only active seated officer in the division, there was no true colorful take on it all. Asahi craved something or someone to play with. And what could have been Honoka in this moment, instead became Kasu. The length of which this personally constructed game was up in the air, for she had responsibilities to return to. Yet even a few moments of this exchange would create enough to linger on even after her absence. He did not say what he said to upset her, but just to add pressure to her apathetic presentation. Though it was still a possibility that it could spark an outburst of some kind.

 

[BSD]

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[From Rukongai]
Let the Games Begin!!
What emotion was the Captain of Fifth Division feeling as he awaited for the games to start? Was he anxious, excited…. Scared? What was he thinking about? Was his mind alight with strategies for those he may potentially face? How about as the combatants slowly filed into the waiting area one after another, did he have any comments or concerns for those who were not captains or even for the white haired Rukongai stranger? Question after question comes to mind about Tenzen and how he seeks to prepare for this event but the answer to these questions, his feelings, his thoughts, all equate to a single word: Nothing. Tenzen’s feelings and thoughts were absent, a void, he emptied both of these things in preparation for what is to come. Too many feelings can cause a misstep, too many thoughts could have strategies overlap and create a misstep. Among those waiting he is silent and still, sitting on the ground in a meditative state and it is not until the booming sound of the Commander’s voice does this Buddha Statue made of flesh come to life. He stands to his feet and finally opens his eyes, a golden glow emanating from them as he looks upon the Commander.
“Alright. I would like to thank everyone for coming, and how about we give our contestants some luck, hm? In this bag, I have each of your names. I will pull three names. And then another three names, and then the remaining four will be grouped together. These will be our brackets.
Only one survivor from each bracket will continue into the final bracket and battle for the title of Kenpachi. Yes I used the word survive. As you should know by now, your very life is at stake in these games. There can only be one winner. The only rule is no outside interference of any kind, besides that, any and everything is legal.”
That very last statement is enough to bring a smile to the Oda’s face but having emptied himself in mind and spirit it elicits nothing from him on either of these levels including physical.
“Now without further ado. . .”
The names of the first bracket are chosen, Third Division’s Oki, Lieutenant Ueki, and Captain Nakamoto. The are directed to stand in a designated location and immediately after directing them to do so he speaks again, assembling the next group.
Tenzen Oda
Kyomu Mukuro
Suiyo Kusotare
“Gather to the right, you will be group two. Those of you who remain, will be group three, and you can stay where you are.”
Though no one could tell due to the glow in his eyes they come to life, hearing the names of those he must face his mind begins to work on how to take down Captain Mukuro and this random Rukongai drifter who reeks of booze and burnt herb. He wears a Shihakusho, dirtied and bloodied, obviously taken from a Shinigami and he wields a black blade, a constant Shikai perhaps? It is a rare sight to see such a blade of that color after all. It doesn’t matter, without a formal education in Shinigami combat he will fall behind and end up trampled, yes Tenzen must rely on his skills as a Shinigami to beat such a man. His clan holds the outer districts in high regard for their combat prowess, their ability to fight and survive in hostile environments. To the Oda those districts are havens, to the Oda those people are not scum but warriors and so Tenzen will treat this drunk with a warrior's respect.
“I wish you all the best of luck, but there can only be one Kenpachi!”
A lone Shinigami stands beside the Commander with Zanpakuto in hand, naturally Tenzen raises a brow inquisitively wondering what the man is about to do. With a single horizontal slash in front of him three orbs of wind collide with the groups, this must be how the Commander seeks to move each group to their fighting locations. These orbs become small twisters which then transform into cyclones that cause the Captain’s vision to go blurry followed by a blinding white emptiness.
A Battle in Darkness
The blinding white becomes the deep deafening blackness of the Muken, a prison for the foulest of Soul Societies criminals. Shobatsu Murasaki is somewhere within this blackness, though with the massive crystals erected to form this arena of theirs it is hard to say if any of these prisoners can sense what is going on within the structure.
Tenzen’s hands quickly come up the moment the darkness touches his eyes as if he is going to clasp them together for a prayer, however, he leaves them parted, space between both palms as he quickly goes into his chanting. The battle has already begun with his Reiatsu flaring up although not in an intense manner, he will not wait for someone to say start, he will not wait for one of these men to bow out. He does not want this title but he does wish to fight. This is the only way he can express his respect for Captain Mukuro, by fighting him as he fought Higen for over a Century.
”Sprinkled on the bones of the beast. Carriage of thunder. Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring.”
As he chants his body is also imbued with something, bright crimson flames flaring up from his body, a prelude to a spell he is about to cast or is it something else? Furthermore he fully expects Mukuro to attack him if he hasn’t moved already and is closing in on him. The Rukongai swordsman could be rushing in as well, but with no formal education his lack of Shunpo will make his arrival much more delayed than that of Kyomu. But how will Tenzen track the Phantom? Something unseen, untouchable, he has his own ideas on how. Tenzen is already strategizing, already working steps ahead of the two in this crystal colosseum, where they may be thinking of their first and opening move, Tenzen is already thinking of ways to counter their fifth attack. For a man who seemingly does not want the title of Kenpachi he is ready to fight as if he were gunning for it. It's almost as if he has become a Marishiten. (摩利支天, Buddhist god of war)