BSD
Administrator
The transition of responsibility over Eizoku Yugameru proceeds to go smoothly, as the Captain steps to the side to allow the two parties to depart. A freshened Eizoku steps out from the room, adorned in the new robes gifted to him by the Captain. In return for saving his life, presenting him the very clothes he wears on his back, as well as ensuring a safe handover to the Kido Corps, Yū receives possibly the most unexpected and unwanted gift in exchange, second only to actual physical assault.
"For an individual of your caliber, surely you are able to deduce when an individual is telling a falsehood. Surely you are able to pry deeper into one's mental plane and mindset with your level of skill if you so desired. You were unable to detect any signs of deceit or any of the instinctive bodily reactions that occur when someone lies, yet you chose…”
With every passing word, the Captain’s eyes grow more flat, almost as if his very life was being drained from his body. If there was one thing the boy hated more than plain arrogance, it was unprovoked lectures birthed from ignorance. Berated by a man of lower rank, who still at this point is considered a fugitive, on the protocol of a division he didn’t lead- nor is even a part of, only minutes after kneeling in front of the same person they decided to give this unwarranted advice… Yū struggles to hold back a large groan but that itself is more than evident on his weary expression.
‘Maybe I should have prepared a mental health assessment for him…’
He couldn’t be too upset at his choice of words— It was common knowledge to him that trauma patients often underwent potent mood swings, growing irritated at the most minute of actions. Perhaps he was taking this moment to further reassure the Kido Corps that he was still the same, arrogant man from a century ago; Or perhaps it was their presence and their need to keep him alive that gave him the sudden dose of bravado to taunt the doctor within his own hospital.
"...admittedly somewhat disappointed that the Kido Prince whom I studied and kept track of so intently, would follow the stereotypical path that most of Soul Society does.”
From what Yū could gather, there was little he could think of about the procedure that would disappoint him enough to deliver an entire dissertation. Was he not shown enough attention? It seemed Eizoku was more shocked that the Captain did… what he was told, and not more, which would result in stepping on the toes of another agency. It was true Yū could easily do their duties singlehandedly and arguably just as efficiently… but where was the need? Perhaps that was what irritated Eizoku so— the lack of Yū’s interest in perusing within his mind. The lack of asking more questions, asking what happened… especially from the very person he had “studied and kept track of so intently.” Even Yū would be rightfully devastated if one of his so-called idols had disregarded him so… and this was the very reason the Captain had stopped putting others on pedestals years and years ago, especially once he became their peer rather than their subordinate. Soon, the realization of his own insignificance would dawn on Eizoku— soon, he’d come to realize his role to be much smaller than whatever grandeur narrative he had settled on… after the Kido Corps were finished with him.
More exhausted at the idea of asking specifically what he meant in fear of another long-winded explanation for his “disappointment”, the Captain instead responds with a...
“Noted.”
...and a weak smile before motioning for the now organized party to leave.
In the lobby a new party forms, two unfamiliar presences meeting at the hospital’s entrance— Signy Hoshi of the 7th Division and Uzu Ogawa of the 9th Division with the former carrying another. This last presence however is hauntingly quiet, at first glance, possibly unconscious and upon a second look, undeniably dead.
“Excuse me, but I require your Captain.”
Two nurses that have lingered around the front desk instantly turn their heads to face the entering trio. It isn’t until she continues on...
“Seventh Division requires an autopsy for Captain Itsuki Asakura.”
… that they jump into action, one female nurse calling on the others present to assist and the other one raising a hand to his mouth, before he rushes down the hall in search of Captain Nakamoto.
It’s only after all of the members of the Fifth Division are out of sight does the Captain let out a deep sigh before resting against the nearest wall, his back leaning flat and head pointed upwards. He can barely register a second breath before...
“Captain Nakamoto."
... another presence makes itself known in the opposite direction of the traveling party. Though it’s been years since he has dealt with any from this division, the Onmitsukido emblem etched onto their headband is instantly recognized by the Captain, met with an arched eyebrow. They don’t leave an instance to ask questions, informing him immediately of their sudden and unusual appearance.
“-you are hereby ordered by Commander Kagayaki to report to the meeting hall at the First Division. That is all.”
He doesn’t know exactly what to feel, how to feel at the surprise of this request… and it’s urgency. Another lecture? For years, the boy had stayed consistent— on routine, within appropriate protocol. He refused to allow this request for a meeting to further plague him with anxiety, no doubt it was just a general check on the Captains. Of course it was, since it had been so long from their last encounter. Or maybe it was for something greater? Would it end the same way as the last? ’No... he thinks, reaching one arm behind his back to lightly graze his zanpakutō tied to his back. That wasn’t Higen’s style... as far as he was aware. But, it had been so many years since he had last seen most of them, save for Yasu’s sporadic appearances… well, everywhere. Perhaps the Captain Higen he once knew had changed when he formally evolved into Commander Kagayaki. Assumedly, more stern, more dominant… more brutal.
Yū bites his lip in slight irritation, aware that refusal to comply isn’t an option nor ever would be. With a slight nod in response to the agent’s solemn bow, he disappears, leaving Yū to his thoughts. But even that time is once more robbed as…
“Captain!”
… another voice cries out from the opposite of the hall. He turns to answer to the source of this call as the nurse comes to a screeching halt.
“Your presence is requested in the lobby… someone from the Seventh Division.”
“For?”
“Well… they’re requesting an autopsy for-”
Unaware of the calamity that has erupted in the lobby, Junko Izumi and Mizu Sayuri hand in hand skip down the hallway in glee in celebration of a newfound friendship. While under other circumstances where this would be celebrated by the Captain, today is not that day as he is quick to cut down whatever remains of their displayed joy with surprising harshness. Yū's march is authoritarian, his tone alike to a dictator's.
“You two. Follow me.”
It isn’t until the pair abide and come within earshot does the Captain continue issuing orders while keeping the same hurried pace, the nurse still following as intended.
“Repeat word for word what you told me to them.”
Still rolling in shock, his adrenaline coming to an all high, the words struggle to leave his lips a second time, stuttering every now and then upon his retelling.
“Captain Asakura h-has been brought in d-dead... Se… venth Division has ordered an autopsy a-as soon as possible.”
“Junko Izumi, you’ll be leading the autopsy with Mizu Sayuri shadowing you. Gather who you need to assist— I want a thorough report brought to me as well as whoever will be investigating when you’re finished, including a probable time of death. They don’t seem to know how he died so I suspect this happened long before today. Commander Kagayaki has called for a meeting I must attend… but, I fear something tells me he doesn’t know quite yet given the form of delivery.”
He stops just before entering the lobby, turning to face the following trio. In a hushed voice, he approaches Junko specifically now to offer her reassurance in the coming storm.
“I trust you understand the importance of this and why I’m appointing you to lead it. No one has better knowledge than you, otherwise I wouldn’t ask.”
He now turns to face Mizu who most likely is overwhelmed by the sudden seriousness in the air. In an attempt to ease the growing stress, Yū offers a lighthearted comment to the Shinigami.
“Lucky day for you— you get to see a pro at work. I’ll see you both as soon as I’m done ”
He turns again facing away from them and continues down the hallway until they enter the lobby, greeted by a huddle of nurses who have now rolled out a navy colored gurney for Signy to place her Captain's body on top of. Yū approaches the Hoshi and her escort directly however wastes no time introducing himself; He merely allows his haori to speak for itself to alert the patiently waiting duo to who exactly he is.
“I've already been made aware of this situation. Unfortunately, I'm unable to perform it as I'm preoccupied but..."
He pauses and raises a hand to motion towards Junko.
"... Third Seat Junko Izumi here will be leading the autopsy, so any other information you may have or anything you'll need from here on out goes through her. And...”
He hesitates, taking his first up close look at the body. The bush of orange hair and white haori are distinguishable enough to make him recognizable to Yū... despite their sparse interactions. Even though he is no stranger to lifeless bodies, the sight of Itsuki's eerie stillness, the lack of his signature, dastardly cackling.. coupled with the adornment of his haori, make him wince for a moment. The death of a Captain was a rare occurrence— rightfully so, and from even this distance, the Doctor can tell it was a violent ending for his former peer. Even though the Mad Dog was notorious for sniffing up trouble... just what did he stumble on that was strong enough to overpower even him? And who would be next?
“... sorry for your loss.”
With a final, dignified nod to Signy, the Captain's form melts into the air leaving Junko at the helm in his stead. He was more than confident she would not disappoint.
From exhaustion to growing anxiousness straight to shock, the Captain has long learned to easily process the emotional whiplash that would otherwise cripple most Shinigami within seconds as he begins his departure. He no longer had expectations from what was to come next— he could never have guessed the sudden presentation of Captain Asakura's corpse, so he wasted no time in guessing or theorizing what was to come when he arrived at the hall.
The only thing he hoped for, the only thing he could hope for at the very least, was that it didn't get worse.
To Central Seireitei
