[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Rukongai

[Shinigami]

Rukongai ———————————— traveling from ———————————— Northwest Seireitei
“Best a’ luck you two. Seeya on the other side.”
A dismissal to the pair that operated underneath the newly appointed Captain. Her temporary goodbye was likely the last moment of civility between the trio for now since the next time they'd meet would be on the field of battle. There was no guarantee that they'd even go up against each other, but there was certainly that possibility. Hiroka acknowledged her parting words with a simple nod and gave a glance Nibui prior to going onward towards his own interview. He wasn't really keen on the idea of having to answer unknown questions while being broadcasted. It wasn't a concern of saying the wrong thing but instead simply a disinterest in projecting his own opinions on the battles ahead. The only participants he had even really crossed paths with had been Captain Oda and his friend, Yasu. Both having been literally decades ago. Longer even for the latter of the two.
His pathing took him to the location where registry was taking place to verify and file any information that was needed for further progression. All while he was working his way through the steps his mind drifted. Reality had begun to set in as this exact moment was the last step into the very thing he had anticipated for the entirety of his time as a Shinigami. The pursuit of such a title for some would function as a moniker of fear and renown but for Hiroka it meant something more personal. It would be one of the ultimate ways to validate the efforts he had gone through over the years, a met promise, and a stepping stone towards future aspirations. Not to mention it'd be pretty fun to finally not have to restrain himself against opponents...
The tanned male made his way into the tent after it had been vacated of the last interview subject. His eyes immediately gravitated towards the interviewer. Who just so happened to be none other than Yasu. He gave a single chuckle at the sight of her, fully expecting her to be the one here, and not instead one of her subordinates. Noting the seat within the room that had the sight of a camera locked upon it, he made his way towards it.
"Certainly not how I expected to see you again after all this time, Yasu. Or should I say Captain Yūgure? Congratulations on that by the way."
Mid-sentence he dropped his rear down upon the chair and adjusted his posture to something more comfortable for him. He leaned upon his arm and rested the other upon his lap. A glance shifted from Yasu to the camera and then back to Yasu. The concept of an interview, let alone any type of broadcast, was new to him. He had never been put into a situation where he needed to be vocal about anything other than orders upon missions. And certainly there wasn't some news crew following him around as he went through his daily routines. His life was rather private and here he was... offering himself up to something that would bring a lot of attention.

“Has anyone influenced you to participate in the games?”
The first question had been cast from the pink-haired Captain, his optics trailing off, looking neither at her or the camera before him.
"Those that held the title in the past certainly molded my interest in this. Every single one of them gave me
a goal to strive for through the years. But I suppose more recently it's been all of you Captains. Whether I hold that position or not, I want to enforce order while showing that I can crush even those that wear a haori."
The final sentence he uttered came with a honed gaze upon the camera. It was as if he was making a statement or maybe even a threat towards the other Captains... Not that they were even watching the broadcast. His conviction towards continuously breaking his own limits led him to not only want to equal those above his rank, but to blow them out of the water. Someone with such power could achieve anything. An objective that he'd charge at with just as much thoughtfulness as he would with brute force.
“If you gain the title, will you try for Captaincy?”
"If given the opportunity I would. But one step at a time."
All of his focus was on the here and now. Even if the future was the end game, nothing could be perceived beyond right now. Hiroka had to make sure he made it through the games before anything afterward. He believed that for the most part he physically was capable of achieving the role but felt that there was still growth elsewhere to be had. Progression that would only be achieved by taking a step back and trying to master them without tactless violence. A nature that clung to his heart tighter than almost anything else, a thing that had to be dulled with time.
“Outside of yourself, who do you think has the ability to become Kenpachi?”
"I have not crossed paths with most of those that'd be in attendance. So it's hard to say. Even my own Captain is a stranger to me. I suppose I'd say Captain Oda... When we crossed paths I couldn't do more than sully his outfit slightly. My training over the last century had left him in my mind. So let's go with that."
Captain Tenzen Oda. A being that managed to show Hiroka exactly where he stood against stronger adversaries. He didn't hold a grudge against the man himself but instead the clash itself. That crushing reality of being miles away from where he thought he stood was a call to reevaluate his combative approach and ability applications. Getting a turn to take a swing at that Kidō Master would be somewhat poetic.
* “Do you have high hopes that your competition will put up a good fight?”
"I hope so. I'm not in this to feel pity for my opponent. I want them to come for my throat as much as I intend to for them."
A thought that rallied him down to his very core. His past skirmishes either came with the need for extreme restraint or overall were underwhelming. The prospect of everyone going into this event with death looming over them was an absolutely blissful idea. Ikarihime herself wouldn't complain to being able to reach the upper limits of her destructive capabilities. A sight that has evaded the pair for the entire of their tenure. Not once did they ever get to completely unleash themselves.
“Do you have any words to share before you step into the field?”
The Fourth Seat hunched forward while interlocking his fingers outwards before him. His optics aimed right down the lens of the camera before him. A faint red illumination sparking to life within his pupils as he peered towards the phantom audience that observed behind their screens. He tightened his grasp that his digits had on one another, which created a audible sound from the tension filled clutch.
"This is a battle without law. So I will not hesitate to leave no trace of those that get in my way."
Hiroka leaned back away from the recording device prior to moving to stand. His body travelled to the opening of the tent, he widened the passageway with his arm upon arrival, but halted his step. The half-blinded man bestowed one last look towards his long time friend.
"I'm sure it goes without saying but that goes for you as well. I hope we need not cross paths... But I'm serious about this."
He hoped his words did not come off to harsh towards Yasu, but it was true... Friend or not. He was going into this completely unbiased to who he'd subjugate. Hiroka would be unable to offer even her mercy if they had to fight but he did not revel at the idea of that reality. If there was one unshaken detail about the Burst Prince, it was that in a true bout of combat, he held no mercy. Those that dared to impede his objective would meet the gluttonous wrath that constantly tried to overflow out from him.
Out he went from the temporary structure. Making way for a private space to replace his attire with ones that he had prepared specifically for improving his chances of winning in the games. He equipped a newly constructed Shihakusho that held a significantly higher resistance to his weapon's thermal emissions. Alongside this he wrapped himself in his personally developed bindings and he exposed an arm from the confines of his Shinigami attire. A minor change but one that would fair well against what was to come.

 

[Shinigami]

From Northeast Seireitei
With the entrance of the Eleventh Division that had come before Yu, the crowd’s reaction has grown once more in compared to the uncomfortable lull that came with Captain Oda's arrival. They jeer and shout at the sight of the Monstrous Matron, most likely only met in return with a grunt and the slamming of her bare feet against the ground. The energy remained consistent from there, intrigued onlookers' eyes pasted on the many screens as Omoni's interview went on. Even from the very far back of the gathering, he could her screeching over the audio systems- belligerent as she always was. Yu continues his approach until the first few eyes finally turn to spot him- another Shinigami donned in white.
However, the crowd's reaction to him is… underwhelming. He is not known to be a bloodthirsty killer, nor an assassin, nor a barbarian, but a Doctor. As such, the overall received response is expectedly mixed. While few cheer at just another participant’s presence, others fall silent, murmuring amongst each other as they are unsure how to feel. These murmurs however are not made with malicious intent like the chatter that ensued at Captain Oda’s expense, the crowd instead asking themselves… Does the Captain of the Fourth Division even stand a chance against the known heavy-hitters of the Soul Society? Sure, he is dressed in a haori and possesses intimidating speed along with vast kido knowledge— but strength is not something synonymous with Yū Nakamoto. At least in the eyes of the public.
He shifts through the congregation, most initially unable to physically perceive him due to his height until a velvety hand is placed on their side with an equally soft “Excuse me...” However, the further he travels to the tent where the interviews are held, the more the crowd parts as news of his attendance is made known. At the tent stands the 11th division duo who have followed their Captain here in order to participate— now, just the one standing as a raven-haired individual enters the tent. This specific man is unfamiliar to Yū, but the sight of the white-haired companion beside him is surprisingly recognized.

“You really are following me, huh... ”
… he mumbles with a raised eyebrow and a noticeable absence of sarcasm.
Upon his own arrival, he references their last interaction two weeks ago outside of the Captain’s Hall, and yet again it seems the two meet in a situation the Captain did not anticipate on seeing him. Assuming Nibui to be one who would much rather spend his day lounging about, Yū is sure he has been dragged here thanks to Omoni herself, projecting her intense thirst for combat onto her subordinates. Unlike before, there is an actual moment for the 11th lieutenant to reply whether it to be explain himself or deliver a taunt in return.
As Hiroka Ikari’s interview concludes, the tent’s entryway raises to signal the next participant's entrance. Both unsure and uncaring if there was a pre-set order, Yū takes the initiative and steps to enter the tent before—
“While our esteemed Commander has made it mandatory for you to participate, do you find it exciting still to fight against those confident enough to try for the title?”
“Wh-”
… is all the Captain is able to utter, shocked by both the quick start of the anticipated question roulette as well as the sheer size of the camera that is uncomfortably close to his face. He assumes by this point that due to asking the same assortment of questions four— now five times in a row, Yasu is most likely growing tired of the repetitiveness and is now accelerating the process, sparing any brief niceties between the two. Yū takes a step back to center himself before the camera's lens before providing an actual answer.
“Not really… but, I’ll be trying my best.”
He raises a closed fist to cover his lips for a moment, clearing his throat as he mentally prepares for the remainder of the barrage.
“If you find anyone worthy, will you extend an offer into your division?”
“I don’t think anyone participating would really be interested in joining the Fourth Division… but the opportunity to join is always open to all. Any help is appreciated.”
Like usual, the Captain does not hesitate in making clear the dire need for assistance in the relief station. While several other divisions were severely lacking in manpower as well, the importance of their duties could easily be put off for later while the timely responsibilities of the Fourth halted for nothing or no one.
“Outside of yourself, who do you think has the ability to become Kenpachi?”
“I think it could be anyone’s game, really. I wouldn’t be shocked if there were some hidden gems among the competitors given the… advertising.”
Yū is successful in dodging the question, not wishing to single out any individual and bring them unwarranted confidence in an act of pettiness. At the same time, the Captain still speaks factually as his greatest threat could be amongst the numerous souls who were formerly imprisoned in the Maggot’s Nest or those roaming wild in the Rukongai.
“Do you have high hopes that your competition will put up a good fight?”
“I will be ensuring they do… at least those that find themselves facing me.”
He specifically emphasizes the beginning of his statement yet what he means… is unclear. While the Captain has come to his own resolution to motivate him in the tournament moving forward, his vague remark fails to reveal the exact method of how he intends to pursue this goal… This will be revealed when the opportunity arises.
“Do you have any words to share before you step into the field?”
“For my competition, good luck. For those that are watching... I hope you will be inspired to continue becoming stronger and eventually fight alongside the greatest after watching today's matches.”
The recording light on the camera suddenly dims, cutting the image of Yū Nakamoto off the broadcast as the swift transition of his exit and the next competitor's entrance commences. He gives a slight nod to Yasu before leaving the tent, raising the partition with one hand to allow him passage. Straight away he spots the rest of the already interviewed competitors comprising of only his fellow Captains with Hiroka Ikari already in a more private location to change. The formidable trio are scattered about yet approximately in the same area in glaring silence, appearing as if they haven't spoken a word to each other despite Omoni's previous threats moments ago. As a result, Yū is in no rush to break the cycle of quiet approaching their relative area and standing a few paces from Omoni, now shifting his attention to the screens as well to attend to the rest of the broadcast.

 

[Shinigami]

Northeast Seireitei ———————————— traveling to ———————————— Rukongai; Kenpachi Games Grounds
Admittedly, Shusuke might’ve taken his time getting to the Kenpachi Games grounds because….Well. He wasn’t entirely sure how ”lively” he should be for this Betting Station. Not that he didn’t have the personality trait for the task, however it certainly isn’t not one he shares with his Captain, he found himself deep in thought on how he should best approach the situation. Figuring he would have to dive deep into a part of himself he had once rid himself of, it was all for the sake of the excitement surrounding the games as a whole. He certainly was excited. To witness the some of the strongest Shinigami in the Seireitei’s military bodice battle one another in a sanctioned no holds barred tournament for the title of ’Kenpachi’ (剣八, Sword-Eight) was something that was unheard of even in the Soul Society’s long and blood soaked history. Although he was a small cog in the affairs for the day, he was still happy to be involved, even many have asked and questioned as to why Shusuke himself wasn’t participating in the events to come.
A formidable officer, cunning in all aspects and facets of his behaviour, and an astute Jack-of-all-Trades, Shusuke certainly had the toolset on paper to participate in the Games. However, while he had indeed mulled over the possibility of signing up, he didn’t do so for a number of reason(s): The first being that his participation wasn’t mandatory. While every Captain seemed to have had to sign-up, he did not have to participate. He also didn’t see the real importance in carrying the title of Kenpachi, and never viewed himself as such a man. Secondly, He had the opportunity to view different styles and adversaries methods and idiosyncrasies. With his unparalleled vision and attention to detail, he can conceptualize the advanced techniques and potentially learn to create a foundation of his own stemming from that specific discipline. But, most importantly, he was of noble descent. He had worked hard to re-shape the perception and reputation of the Kiyoshi Clan, with his cousins taking up high-ranking seats and silently placing the duties and responsibilities of the Sixth Division as a whole into the hands of the Kiyoshi family. Things had been going well for them lately, he had no intention of acquiring a title that would brand him as a bloodthirsty vagabond. He did think it would be interesting to maybe compare himself against the vagabond who does win. In due time, maybe…
Arriving at the grounds, he was instantly met by crowds of fanfare and the bustling citizens of the Rukongai. Taking quick strides to take good spots for the wars to come. Young, old, man and woman alike, all the denizens were present to witness the crowning of this Generations Kenpachi. Having already set up the booth the night prior, he assigned a single unseated member to help shadow him as he secured the betting pools winnings and earnings. Uzu Ogawa was present and ready to help his Vice-Captain for all of his extra needs. Naturally, as a nobleman he was exceptionally keen at finance due to his father forcing him to not only take care of the family’s legal documents, but teaching him how to balance books and clear bills to allocate money to other ventures for the clan as a whole.
He first headed into the betting tent where you would walk in and first see the booth in the center serving as a pillar, it is here where you would give the Kan to either Shusuke or Uzu who would then place the earnings into a lock box created by kido as a variation of his customized spell, Hosoku, by just changing the shape of the end result while still retaining its interesting properties, it was a surely secure, as it would then be wrapped in Bakudo #26, Kyokko (曲光, Bent Light), unseen to the public eye. Shusuke or Uzu would also grant them a sperpate ticket with code on it for their specific bet as they collected a master tally on their end. Surrounding pillar was eight booths to where you would place the name of your bet in a visible lockbox with the same code, which he would then get other unseated members to sift through the winners and the losers, in which Ninth would pocket the losses for their literary and journalistic endeavors.
Having explained how the betting system was to operate to Uzu about….several times, they were finally ready to open. He figured that if he were to use Kido to attract the attention of the individuals around the area, he would be able to jumpstart the excitement of the games among the resident gamblers. Before leaving the tent he acquired a mic he attached to himself to amplify his voice through the two loudspeakers on opposite ends of the outside of the tent. With both he and Uzu on opposite ends of the tent, they would both fire a stream of pale bursts to serve as fireworks, and Shusuke would then instantly have a change in demeanor taking on the presence of an Auction House host. He would raise his octaves and boom his voice out to the crowd to not only take hold of their attention, but claim it without error.

“WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME! To the Kenpachi Games, broadcasted and hosted by none other than the Ninth Division! It is I, Shusuke Kiyoshi, Lieutenant of the Ninth here to bring you your betting station! This is the tent to place your bets, who do you think will win? Who do you think will lose? who do you think will perish? and who do you think will cause an upset VICTORY?!”
Taking a quick glance at the large monitor that was closest to him, he had strategically placed the tent so he would have a phenomenal view of the events. He could see the contestants arriving.
“Place your bets now while you still have time, it looks like the competitors have started to trickle in! Who do you think shall win?!
Could it be Captain Mukuro of Second?
Or Captain Nakamoto of Fourth? (I heard that he’s the hottest bet competitor right now, FYI

)
Maybe it could be Captain Oda of Fifth.
Or that Woman from Eleventh…
All great candidates, all phenomenal warriors and shinigami alike. Come one come all and place your bets for the Kenpachi Games!”
Instantly upon his introductory speech, he was met with unexpected applause and cheers, and without delay the betting was underway. With Shusuke taking the first shift in the booth and with Uzu rallying the people outside and creating excitement on the outside of the tent, things were going very smoothly. In some minutes he would have the instant odds of the tournament and would post them on a sign on the outer portion of his booth to see if he can skew the attention. Things as it were were shaping up nicely, and the tally was astonishing. Excitement was full to the brim within the tent, and it would seem the patrons were happy with the service that was being provided. It was certainly shaping up to be a splendid event indeed.

 

[Shinigami]

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““WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME! To the Kenpachi Games, broadcasted and hosted by none other than the Ninth Division! It is I, Shusuke Kiyoshi, Lieutenant of the Ninth here to bring you your betting station! This is the tent to place your bets, who do you think will win? Who do you think will lose? who do you think will perish? and who do you think will cause an upset VICTORY?!””
It was upon hearing that voice and the name he had came to a halt. As the speech continued, he had remained still looking down at the ground, something he hasn’t done in a very long time. It was a bit of shame and a bit of fear, As Lieutenant Shusuke continued to speak Elk’s finger twitched an old memory surface, a reminder of his past, one that he wished to forget happened. Signy had no doubt stopped behind him, and although he wasn’t facing her she could tell that something was on his mind.
It took a moment for Elk to snap out his unwanted trip down memory lane before looking around the area, He spotted a shop that sold various clothing items, one thing in particular that caught his attention was a straw hat that could cover his head entirely, with thin holes to allow how to see out of; just enough so that his two-toned eyes and teal hair would prevent him from sticking out like a sore thumb. He walked to the shop, taking the greetings of the shop owner before asking about the hat and its price. After a bit of haggling he paid a price he was satisfied, once he took the hat he would quickly put it on and turn towards Signy, arms extended to their sides and his voice boomed with excitement.
“What do you think!?!? He won’t recognize me!”
A bit of laughter came out from him as he came closer to Signy, He couldn’t help but smile as he tilted the hat upwards, and placed a kiss upon her head, while one hand gently tapped the back of her neck, in which his hand would glow.
“Millon Escudo”
He spoke quietly and softly enough that it nearly sounded like mumbling but he was a bit paranoid at this point, and wanted to make sure that Signy would be safe from a surprise attack; he wasn’t too sure if the Lieutenant would come after her or not but he wasn’t going to chance it. He smiled down at Signy once more before using shunpo to get to the lines, and thankfully there were several indivuals who wore hats to the betting station. To say he was nervous was an understatement, he couldn’t recall if he spoke around the lieutenant or not, whether or not his reiatsu was recongizeable, the only thing he could fully do was supress his reiryoku and reiatsu and ware the hat, once he got in front of the lieutenant it took him a moment to compose himself before finally speaking.
“I would like to put 60 Kan on Captain Mukuro, 20 on Hiroka Ikari, 100 on Captain Hagashi, and 20 on Captain oda.”
As he spoke he had taken out a envelope filled with Kan, taking the exact number of kan per bet. His breathing was a bit slower as he was trying to keep himself calm as he waited for the Lieutenant to give his tickets and receipt, hoping that the Lieutenant wouldn’t recognize him.

 

[Shinigami]

With the unexpected stop, Signy let out a soft cry as she just barely managed to stop her momentum before she barreled into Elk. Her head cocked to the side as she observed how her husband reacted to just the mere mention of Lieutenant Kiyoshi’s name. There wasn’t much the lieutenant could do to him now, but she supposed those old fears die hard. In fact, she knew that better than most. As she moved to gently rest her hand on his arm, he snapped out of his daze and made his way over to a nearby shop.
Curious, she followed him over to the shop and looked over some little trinkets that were for sale before her attention was swiftly snapped back to her husband. He had donned a straw hat and extended his arms out to either side of him. She couldn’t help but bust out laughing at his excitement about the hat. She wanted to tell him that he would probably still stick out even with the hat, but she couldn’t contain her laughter enough to get the words out. It took her a good minute to calm down enough to finally respond.
”I think it’s perfect, my love. He’ll never know it’s you.”
She looked up at him as he stepped closer to her, a wide smile on her face and a faint hint of blushing creeping across her cheeks. Her hands gently cupped his face as he pressed a kiss to her head, but her eyes widened as she felt the tap against the back of her neck, or rather the fully bronze back of her necklace. Just barely catching the words he whispered, she wasn’t sure why he felt the need to protect her at this moment, but she just brushed it off as him being overprotective of his wife. Following right behind him, she chewed on her bottom lip as she mulled over who to put her bets on. As Elk removed the exact amount of Kan for his bets, she peeked around her husband at the lieutenant, and spoke with a cheery tone, something that was highly unusual for Signy, but perhaps it was simply the joy of spending time with her husband again that was putting her in such a good mood.
”Good morning, Lieutenant Kiyoshi! It’s a pleasure to see you under far less grim circumstances. I would like to put…hmmm.. 60 Kan on Captain Hageshi, 60 on Captain Nakamoto, 40 on Captain Oda, 20 on Hiroka Ikari, and 20 on Nibui Ueki please.”
Signy grinned at the lieutenant as she handed over her own money for her bets. While she wasn’t sure it would, she was hoping that the jarring effect of her in a cheerful mood would distract Shusuke just enough to not spare a second thought toward her husband. Afterall, why throw a damper on the games by making a scene at the betting tent.