Central Seireitei

[GhoulBunny]

Ren was seeing red.


Not the kind of frustrated red that made you sigh and shake your head—no, this was the kind of red that made you want to violently shake someone until they gained a single functional brain cell.



Keniro had been nodding along, looking at her, pretending to be an actual, participating member of the conversation—only for him to immediately blurt out something about a prank, proving that not a single word she had said had actually made it past his ears.


She snapped.


“WHY AREN’T YA LISTENING, YA ABSOLUTE DUMBASS?!”


Before she could stop herself, she lunged at him, grabbing his face with both hands and squishing his cheeks together so his lips puckered out in a ridiculous shape.


“WHAT PART OF ‘YA BROTHER WILL LITERALLY END YA’ DID YOU NOT UNDERSTANDDDDDD?!” she yelled, shaking his head slightly for emphasis. “WHAT PART OF YOUR BROTHER IS A RUTHLESS, MURDEROUS, TERRIFYING SON OF A BITCH DIDN’T REGISTER IN YOUR THICK SKULL?!”


She could feel his confusion. He tried to talk—tried to mumble something through the death grip she had on his cheeks—but it was all just unintelligible nonsense, muffled under the pure fury radiating off of her.


Ren let out a feral noise before shoving his face away from her hands like he had personally offended her existence. She spun on her heel and paced, her hands gripping at her own hair as she tried—tried—to regain some semblance of patience.


“Oh my god. I have met a lot of idiots in my life,” she growled, her golden eye twitching as she whirled back to face him, jabbing a finger toward his forehead. “But you? YOU are in a special category. A limited edition brand of reckless dumbassery that should be STUDIED.”


She stomped forward again, slamming her hands down on his shoulders and shaking him once—just once—before leaning in close, her eye wild with disbelief.


She really wasn't looking forward to what was going to come out his mouth.​

 

[KagiSenkō]

​

---

The trail of smoke could be seen from a distance as it ascended into the sky and the sounds of people screaming as they ran for cover or even to escape this hellish act. The closer he got, the more the air began to have a nauseating mix of acrid, sweet, and metallic scents, similar to burning rubber, hair, or a combination of cooked meat with a strong sulfurous undertone, sometimes so potent it felt like a taste rather than just a smell; it can be described as "sickening" and "putrid. For a closer view, he arrived on the scene. The street was covered with littered bodies all over; Kagi quickly went to the place he considered home was up in flames. The place where he was born and raised and the entrance door was off the frame, leaning like it was broken into. And just as the street was covered with bodies lying dead, it was no different inside of Kagi's home. Both eyes widened at the sight, not because of fear but because a boil of emotions was rising; he felt horrified, anger, sadness. He had come across many dead bodies before, but this was different. It was his family that laid out on the floor like dogs, with multiple stab wounds and ripped clothes. It is a distinct feeling for him to see his people killed versus seeing a random stranger's body.

The only person left was a woman in a purple-colored robe who could be seen on both knees, sobbing over one particular body. He made haste to her side and realized the body itself was none other than his father. The shocking revelation gave Kagi a brutal, crushing blow, a sudden, overwhelming sense of shock and numbness as if a vital part of himself had been ripped away, accompanied by disbelief, profound sadness, and a deep understanding of emptiness, leaving him feeling lost, vulnerable, and unsure how to navigate life without the man who not only trained him but shaped the very person he was in this life.

So many answers and so many questions were coming to Kagi all at once, like how could a behemoth of a man like him get killed? He was invincible, a man who was hard to kill, a titan, a man of steel. It was unbelievable that he was dead. The sound of a slight cracking was due to Kagi's fingers curling tightly into his palms, pressing them firmly, forming a ball with a sense of anger behind them. Both eyes became sharp and cold, glaring at the woman before him.

"Where is Keniro!" he asked her.

She continued to sob about the body of her dead husband, but she had not yet realized Kagi was present, so his question did not reach her ears. Kagi's anger snatches the woman by both shoulders to bring her to her feet while staring into the sadness in her eyes.

"Mother. Where is HE!" he asked once more.

She couldn't answer the question, or instead, she refused to answer, so she dropped her off to the side so as not to look into Kagi's eyes, but it did not help. Though she tried to avoid his angry gaze, she could feel the fire fuming from his presence alone.

"I...I don't know. He wasn't here when the attack happened."

Everything in that memory went dark, and his eyes opened when he saw the gaping open door, where the light was unquestioningly present as he walked through. Neither of them would notice or hear his steps, for his movement was inaudible to the ears. The Silent Flash was equal to a drifting cloud in the sky, smooth and quiet motion over the landscape.

A large shadow casts over Keniro, and he witnesses Ren's frustration by pacing and grabbing onto her hair. It is obvious that she was taking the chance to pick his brain, and like everyone else who tried before her, her actions only led to agitation dealing with a nitwit, a mindless stooge. He does not blame Ren, but at least she tried to make some sense to him, but to no avail, nothing got through. Keniro was oblivious, like a newborn, to his surroundings, like how he was caught by Division 2 members, catching him off guard. Like now, having no idea Kagi had been behind him the only indication he would realize his brother was there was the shadow that shrouded his entire frame.

However, it surprised Kagi that Keniro managed to stay in this area for a short period. After all, the masked individual who stood guard at the entrance was alone, given how his brother talked a lot about being capable of handling his members. If he had wanted to leave so badly, he would have tried to cause problems. Perhaps he was too busy entertaining Ren, and for that, it was to make her lose her sanity for his enjoyment. Regardless, Keniro would now be the first of many on the list. Kagi sees to it that his brother.....no, a shinigami, will now face trial, and the court will now be in session. It was time that the member of Division 13, Keniro Senko, be judged for ignoring his duties, abandoning his post, and desertion the line of duty.

"Ren, I'm sorry for having you wait. I will take it from here. However, I need you to do an assignment for me. If you do this and succeed, I shall grant you the rank of Third seat. Do you wish to take this assignment?" The Captain took his gaze upon Ren to see if she understood what she would accept and to be sure she was serious and ready. What she had witnessed so far upon coming into this barracks, he wouldn't blame her for not wanting to accept being a member of this division. However, she didn't realize that she was in an area only for those who were actual members of the division, and those who witnessed this room and were not a member found themselves unalive from this world.


Luckily enough for her, Kagi wouldn't have ordered such a fate for her life. He requested her for a purpose, and he shall see to it that it is fulfilled. Initially, he wanted to train her while punishing the boy with her to test her skills and observe. The same reason Kagi allowed Kinko to be his Lt. He may wear the badge, but Kagi's mission was to test his ability and adaptability to a situation, using his thoughts without asking for permission. Depending on his actions and knowledge, he could lose his place; Kagi is a man who pushes his subordinates but will do what he must if he is not ready. Ren will have that chance to show if she has what it truly takes to be here.

"I need you to go to the world of the living. I need your eyes to witness what is happening there. Only observe and report everything you can; do not return until everything ends. If you come to meet with danger, you can choose to run or defend yourself. I leave that up to you. But I suggest you hurry."


He gives her the task and a choice, though observing and reporting aren't interesting. However, they are significant for Kagi and herself. The task allows for gathering crucial information about an event or situation by carefully watching and documenting details. In this case, Kagi wants to know the ins and outs, strengths, weaknesses, behavior, and who was there. How did it happen? He didn't want anything left out.

Had she left, if she had accepted the terms and conditions and what he expected, his attention would have been on the blue-haired goof who should still be standing before him? Kagi's eyes narrowed at Keniro while his muscles tensed up, and the flow went to his hands and feet. He stared at a nearby wall to give a slight nod, and there, the room began to shift and change instantly. It was an open grassy field with a stream of water and a few trees nearby, but further past that was the rest of the treeline; the sun adorned the sky that day as if it were a wishing well of molten gold. Kagi could feel the heat of the sun against his skin.

"Now.....I will keep this simple so you can understand it." Kagi paused before continuing.

"You want me to train you. I have two choices for you." Kagi snapped his finger, and two members escorted someone next to Kagi. Anyone who sees they brought in a woman just by her frame alone, slender body, and purple robe; her face is hidden due to the bag worn over her head. Both men held her by the arms and kept them locked behind her.

"I want you to slice this woman's neck with your sword. Hesitate. She dies. Deny my request. She dies. If you ask any questions, She dies. Could you do this, and I will make your training less punishable. However, your second option is to fight me for her freedom. You win. I will set this woman free, and I will train you. However, if you lose, the only condition is to give up your zanpakuto and your life as a shinigami and resign from Division 13. Do you accept?"

Kagi waited for his answer, which would determine everything moving forward. Would he be willing to put his life as a shinigami on the line just for training? Or will he kill the woman himself for training? The choice is all his.​

---

 

[Kami Shia]

Keniro Senko

Chills ran down his spine the moment Ren had snapped, and he could feel her wrath like she was about to create a path of destruction starting with his blood as the opening trail, she was angry, frustrated that Keniro's attention drifted elsewhere mid conversation despite her efforts to show kindness which didn’t go unnoticed. Ren had every right to be upset, given the fact that she wasn’t even the one who initiated the conversation. Keniro was just a simple minded individual with a low attention span, it took a lot to maintain focus, something important enough that he can’t put it off or rather something he typically desires like stuffing his face. Food was enough to win over Keniro regardless of what it was; it was like his taste buds didn’t exist. If his nose didn’t turn up at it, he was sure to devour whatever it was in front of him.

“WHY AREN’T YA LISTENING, YA ABSOLUTE DUMBASS?!”
A complete moron or incompetent fool is what he was used to being called but an Absolute Dumbass, that was new he'd be smiling had his face not been gripped within Ren's clutches his eyes opened wide almost bulging out of his head. He could feel her rage building up quickly and by the tone of her voice she seemed more than ready to rip him apart.

“WHAT PART OF ‘YA BROTHER WILL LITERALLY END YA’ DID YOU NOT UNDERSTANDDDDDD?!”

To him it sounded like she wanted to do the job for him, however he would continue to listen as she spoke in fear of her unleashing her wrath upon him.

“WHAT PART OF YOUR BROTHER IS A RUTHLESS, MURDEROUS, TERRIFYING SON OF A BITCH DIDN’T REGISTER IN YOUR THICK SKULL?!”
Despite her aggression Keniro could tell that she seemed to be genuinely concerned about his wellbeing, for a stranger to show this much kindness was unlikely in Keniro's world. As both of her hands slapped his shoulders as she shook him his mind would wonder to a place absent of all emotions for a brief moment as he remembered the night he left his family to spend time searching for materials to prepare for his next prank only to return home to find his brother standing there in shock as their father lied on the ground lifeless. He ran away that night burring that memory deep within mind hoping to forget that living nightmare.
YOU are in a special category. A limited edition brand of reckless dumbassery that should be STUDIED.”
Smiling obnoxiously a tuned back into the conversation with Ren, he anxiously scratched the back of his head preparing to apologize. Just before he could get the words out the hair on the back of his neck would stand up as glooming shadow hovered over him blocking any light from shining upon him. He'd turn to face his brother locking eyes with him this time there was no emotion displayed between either of the siblings. He watched his brother closely as the room shifted around them barely breaking eye contact with the exception of a few blinks.
"Now.....I will keep this simple so you can understand it."
Keniro breathed in deeply preparing himself for whatever it was his brother had to say.
"You want me to train you. I have two choices for you."
A simple question but with a twist to it, Kagi snapped his fingers and two shinigami brought out a woman wearing a purple robe, Keniro raised an eyebrow at the sight as was unable to identify this individual whose head had been covered. Still, he wondered what she had to do with any of this, asking himself what type of test this is. His eyebrows frowning as he cringed at the thought of being helplessly shackled unable to fight or flee, your fate in the hands of someone else.
"I want you to slice this woman's neck with your sword. Hesitate. She dies. Deny my request. She dies. If you ask any questions, She dies. Could you do this, and I will make your training less punishable. However, your second option is to fight me for her freedom. You win. I will set this woman free, and I will train you. However, if you lose, the only condition is to give up your zanpakuto and your life as a shinigami and resign from Division 13. Do you accept?"

To take the life of a complete stranger who appeared to have already suffered was the first thought that crossed Keniro's mind, the thought of taking someone out like that was beneath him regardless of their crime had he been the executioner he'd prefer to fight someone capable of defending themselves or bold enough to attack him. A smile crossed his lips as a loud screeching roar echoed throughout the room, like the roar of dragon shaking the very earth beneath his feet as his reiatsu ran wild. The amount of reiatsu Keniro could release was stunning captivating almost making weakling knees buckle in his presence.

"You think I would pass up the chance to challenge you." His smile turned to into a smirk as he retrieved his zanpakuto. "I understand you may want to punish me for my lack of seriousness" he pauses a moment before speaking still smirking "Well maybe it's time... you hear that Gamu Gamu it's play time." drawing his zanpakuto as it pulses visible and audibly releasing it from its sheath revealing a pink blade. His body surrounded by a crimson aura that disturb the very atmosphere around the causing raging winds flow within the walls of this confined space. Ready to go one on one with his very own brother he was never going to back down from this challenge as he was stranger to fear this was a moment that could not only define his future as a shinigami but potentially shape him into the very man he desired to be. Never doubting himself even when the odds were stacked against him, he was ready to die giving it his all.
​

 

[GhoulBunny]

Ren was still steaming from her argument with Keniro, hands clenched into fists at her sides as she seethed at his sheer, mind-numbing obliviousness. She had tried—tried—to knock some sense into him, had physically grabbed his stupid face and screamed the dangers of antagonizing Kagi into his thick skull. But did any of it stick? No.

And now, because the universe hated her, she could feel something looming behind them.

A shadow.Big.Unforgiving.

Her eye twitched.

Of course.

Slowly, she turned, golden eyes flicking up to see Kagi standing there, his presence heavy, oppressive—unshaken by anything around him.

And Keniro Didn’t even realize he was there yet.

Ren sighed long and slow, rubbing her temples. "If I don’t get out of here, I’m gonna start throwing lightning at people with Amanozako just to see what happens." she thought

But then—Kagi spoke.

“Ren, I’m sorry for having you wait. I will take it from here. However, I need you to do an assignment for me. If you do this and succeed, I shall grant you the rank of Third Seat. Do you wish to take this assignment?”

Ren’s eyes snapped up to him, and for a moment, she stilled.

Third Seat.

That wasn’t a small offer. That wasn’t something he would throw around lightly.

The weight of his stare told her everything—he wasn’t just tossing her a rank as some sort of gift. This was a test. A challenge.

She had seen enough of how Kagi operated to know he wasn’t the kind of man to ask for something unless it was already a demand.
And suddenly, the frustration bubbling under her skin—the leftover irritation, the chaos, the impulse to lash out—turned into something else.

Something quieter
.
This was what she had been running from, wasn’t it?

Commitment. Expectations. Responsibility.

Ren had spent years dodging them all, refusing to let go—holding back, always keeping that wall between herself and her full potential, because she was too damn afraid of what would happen if she finally unleashed what was inside her.

She had played the wildcard, the fool, the erratic and unpredictable storm.

But now?

Now she was standing in front of a man who saw through all of that.

And he was asking her, directly, to step into something more.

For a split second, something inside Ren curled at the idea—some deep, buried part of her that wanted to turn tail and run. To laugh it off, make a joke, avoid it. Because once she really stepped into this—once she stopped holding back—
Would she even be her anymore?

But her pride was louder. Her fear was not going to win today.

She forced a grin, tilting her head at Kagi, arms crossing over her chest as she let out a slow, exaggerated sigh. “Wow, Cap’n,” she drawled, “y’know, most people ease into promotions. Maybe throw in a ‘congrats’ before tossing their subordinates into the deep end. But nah, you’re just straight to the ‘do this or die’ part, huh?”
She cracked her knuckles,as she felt the shift in the air around them.

This is it.

No more running.

Her golden eyes locked onto his, sharp and unreadable.

The irony of Keniro’s chaotic behavior wasn’t lost on her; for a split second, it struck her that this reckless idiot was exactly how others probably saw her. This was how her own erratic, theatrical behavior must seem from the outside. Almost—almost—it made her want to reconsider her own act.

But then again, who was she kidding?

She’d save the introspection for later. Right now, she had other things on her plate.


For the first time in years, she was stepping into something real. A chance to prove—to Kagi, to herself—that she wasn’t just a chaotic storm, all flash and no substance. That she could take things seriously. That she wasn’t afraid of her own strength.


Well…


That last part was a lie, wasn’t it?


Because she was afraid.


But fear had ruled her life for a long time.


Her golden eye flicked to Keniro.


Would this be the last time she ever saw him?


She didn’t know.


And that thought made something tighten in her chest.


For all his recklessness, for all his stupid, boundless optimism, Keniro wasn’t a bad guy. He had a good heart—even if he acted like an absolute dumbass half the time. And now? Now he was about to throw himself headfirst into something far bigger than him.


Just like she was.


Ren exhaled slowly, then—because of course she couldn’t just leave without one last performance—


She bowed.


Dramatic, sweeping, utterly exaggerated—one arm bent across her chest, the other behind her back, her head dipping low. The perfect image of an obedient subordinate.


Except, of course, for the mocking edge to it.


“Your orders are received, oh great and terrifying Captain,” she said, her voice rich with sarcasm. “I shall carry them out with all the grace and elegance you expect of me.”


She straightened, flashing a sharp, fanged grin, then turned on her heel.


And just before she left—just before she stepped through the threshold and out of that suffocating, judgment-laden room—she spared Keniro one last glance.


A look that said don’t die, dumbass.


A look that said I better see you again.


And then she was gone.
(Traveling to the??) ​

 

[KagiSenkō]

​

---

"Wow, Cap'n," she drawled, "y'know, most people ease into promotions. Maybe throw a 'congrats' before tossing their subordinates into the deep end. But nah, you're just straight to the 'do this or die' part, huh?"

Kagi listened to her words and could tell she was hesitating. Given the nature of the event in the world of the living, she would indeed be in danger, and she was far from ready, but what better way to learn and face her fears? Like Kagi, he, too, was thrown into the deep end of the pool of hollows. Kagi was confident she would only come out stronger by facing the danger. There was no guarantee, but he hoped she could succeed; if she couldn't, he would have misjudged but no remorse for the choice he made for sending her. One must learn to adapt to any situation and think independently to survive. It wasn't ideal to send a newborn into the deep so soon; essentially, he would have sent Lt Kuchiki along with her. However, he did not want her near to partake in this between himself and Keniro. He could have quickly sent one of his other subordinates instead of Ren, but Kagi had been sure she needed to experience what it was like on the other side. Because things within the division are soon to change, she will have to be assigned to assignments alone at some point. This "training" sort of speak is practice; she knows her limits, strengths, and weaknesses well. It is up to her how she uses those things in her favor. The question is, will she survive and come out stronger, survive and get cold feet, or will she die in the process?

"Your orders are received, oh great and terrifying Captain; I shall carry them out with all the grace and elegance you expect of me."

She acknowledged what she must do and made her departure.


At this time, Kagi gave Keniro two choices. One of those choices Keniro was given involved killing a woman before him; to be more specific, Kagi wanted him to slit her throat. Keniro had no clue why she was involved; how could he know? Her identity had been kept hidden from Keniro so that he would have chosen the latter. Kagi expected as much, given his way of thinking and behavior. Killing a stranger, he had no clue, wasn't his style. Keniro wasn't a killer like the man before him.

"You think I would pass up -"

Keniro spoke those words, but midway through his words, one of the members suddenly removed the bag over the woman's face. The woman's identity would now reveal itself to Keniro. A face the boy should recognize, a face of the woman that raised him and coddled him—allowed him to run wild and not scold him for his childish behavior, the same boy that was not there to do anything to prevent their father and the rest of the family and people that called friends from dying. The matching blue hair and sea-colored eyes gave her identity away the most—a trait Keniro and her share together. Kagi expected it to deliver a shock to Keniro to prevent him from making his first mistake, which was being directly in front of Kagi. The man had been looking down on him due to their height difference, yet Keniro dared to reach for his zanpakuto. Maybe Keniro has yet to realize this wasn't just a fight, and Kagi forewarned him in many forms that he should fight as if his life DEPENDS ON IT! Even poor Ren tried to give him the same warning; she pleaded her heart out to Keniro as best she could, but he did not listen or heed her plea.

Keniro may be a stranger to fear, but it is because Keniro has never been in the trenches of fear; he has never been in the darkness or faced the horrors. He runs and hides like the coward he has always been, the same reason he hasn't done anything since joining the Gotei 13, no less joining a division that ensures the safety of the humans from hollows and other threats that rise. He helps maintain the balance of souls but continues to hide and avoid his duty. Yet, comes to ask for training? What makes him think he could ever get training? What makes a foolish coward like him deserve ever to be called a shinigami?

All that building up Kagi had done, allowing the flow to go through his body and tensing every muscle within his entire body, led to this moment. Meanwhile, Keniro believes reaching for his zanpakuto instead of creating space was a huge mistake. Considering Keniro's sheath was in the left hand, even if the child carried it on his hip or shoulder, it wouldn't make a difference, for they were both directly in front of one another. It would have taken more time to pull it out and would have been much more challenging to use. To begin with, Keniro made himself completely vulnerable and open, and it wouldn't have taken much time or effort for Kagi to stretch out the right arm slightly in a swift motion, much quicker than Keniro's eyes could comprehend. The boy should feel a mighty grip around the wristbone; it doesn't matter what strength Keniro may have. The grasp was clamped down so tight around the wrist that the veins bulged through the arm of Kagi's tight clothing. At that exact moment, Kagi reached for the wrist, followed by the left hand, while Kagi stretched that arm out further than the right had to travel. It would appear to Keniro that Kagi was motioning to poke him when, ultimately, he would feel the pressure against the shoulder bone of the very arm Kagi should have in custody, right at the joint, muscles of Keniro would feel extremely hot, and may be wondering why he would feel this heated temperature. Though it wouldn't have ended there, more punishment was to follow.
​

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[Kami Shia]

Keniro Senko

Just as Keniro thought things would've been different Kagi pulled a fast one having the woman's identity revealed and to his surprise Keniro paused for a moment in shock of what he had witnessed. Oddly enough he knew that purple kimono looked familiar, but he didn't want to acknowledge it or believe it to be true. He felt maybe perhaps subconsciously this was the reason he chose to face his brother instead the feeling deep inside that maybe one day his brother may go off the deep end and perhaps it was already too late to save him. Was this what Ren tried to warn him about, did he bring him here to witness his own mother's execution by the hands of elder brother.

Hesitating to reach for his zanpakuto instead clinching his fist in anger, knucklers cracking and nails digging into the palm of his skin with blood now covering his fingertips. His anger began to boil over like an enraged monkey stuck in a cage, engaging his brother in true combat for what it seemed Keniro without warning would vanish from his current position unintentionally avoiding his brother grasp only witnessing it from a different angle after reappearing above his old position doubling his center of gravity his feet now lingering in the air where his head would've been, his movement was quick, graceful, and precise as he aimed a leaping jab lunging directly at Kagi with as much speed and power as he could manifest. His adrenaline pumping fueling his ambition as he felt nothing but fury all he wanted to do was punch Kagi right in his cranium, no matter what his position was did he really think this was justice. This wasn't justice and deep down he felt something was definitely wrong with his brother. Was he still angry from that night harboring a grudge towards his own flesh and blood for not being able to protect father.

Keniro's heart wayed heavy on him and regardless of the situation he still loves his family regardless of their differences however the thought of his precious and beloved mother dying at the hands of his own brother put his loyalty to the test. Either side with his brother and execute his mother... or die trying to save her.

Some would think that to be a simple choice for someone whose dedicated their life to becoming a shinigami... "Just follow orders and everything will be ok, you'll be looked at as a hero. Maybe even become a captain one day!" a memory of the past echoed throughout the back of his mind from the time he was lectured by a senior squad member.

"This is bull shit"

Shouting at his brother as he flung his fist at him with such speed and force his hand was invisible to most however, he was sure his brother was capable of tracking his movements but right now he didn't care, he just wanted Kagi to feel his wrath and knock some sense into him. The ideal shinigami he had in mind wasn't a mindless killer who would just follow orders in hopes of becoming a high ranked officer, it was about being someone who could protect those who couldn't protect themselves and ever since he was too late to save his own father, he blamed himself for his death alone. He felt had he been their things could've turned out different maybe he could've protected him... no... the old man's strength back then was far more superior back then Keniro was nothing compared to their father. After that dreadful night Keniro hid his pain and suffering behind smiles and foolery as it was the only thing that brought him joy since he isolated himself from the family, started childishly pestering strangers, and avoiding his duties. Avoiding creating any real new relations in fear of losing those he cared about; he felt that these attachments would create weakness and room for vulnerability and after seeing his mother again shackled by one who shared his blood, those feelings could no longer be contained. Moving forward in a blistering rage his power flourished and the way he was feeling nothing could stop him right now.
​

 

[Elk]

---

From the Rukongai

---

Hideo, the head lieutenant, and the old man would appear at the gates of Second Division. There he would place the woman down and give a small laugh as he looked down upon her for a moment.

“I am so sorry for stealing you away from Rukongai. I’ll understand if something were to happen to me, but in a situation such as that, your name and your rank alone might cause trouble amongst the citizens of Rukongai. Forgive me, Head Lieutenant.”

Both hands would smack up against one another as his head moved to bow in front of her; in doing so, he would drop the old man onto the hard ground beneath them before rising himself up, hoping that she would forgive him for his lack of care.

“As Head Lieutenant, you would most likely know that during the rebellion, 8th Division has lost quite a few artifacts under our care. Opportunists have taken full advantage of the situation.”

A sigh came out from him as his hand moved over to his forehead and pressed up against it, before looking at the Head Lieutenant once more.

“I’ve taken it upon myself, after taking over the 3rd seat within 8th Division, to investigate what was taken and where it might be. With your permission, may I leave this man with Second Division and move on from here? I may or may not have a lead through some records in both 8th Division and the Shihōin family manor.”

It was a lot of exposition he had given her, and he had hoped that she would be accommodating to this, both hands still pressed up against one another as his head bowed to her.

“I want to clear my family’s name of any wrongdoing, and ensure that the Shihōin name is praised and not mocked!”
​

 

[KagiSenkō]

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The young Senko does not fully grasp that Kagi isn't someone who has fallen into despair or needs saving. He has been created this way, and everything given to him has been absorbed like sand and changed its properties to benefit himself. Keniro would have been this way if he wasn't the childish being he is today. He also could have been a calculated assassin, a killer like Kagi. Yet, he ran away from training, avoiding the harshness their Father would have bestowed upon him. Keniro only saw Kagi as less cold and heartless because Kagi made it so because he wanted to; it was a mere facade, not revealing his true self to his little brother, who wouldn't understand the methods and mentality it takes to be how Kagi was constructed. He was still too young to comprehend, too naive to believe in some fantasy of sunshine and rainbows that a brother couldn't be so ruthless. However, Kagi wore his facade of being a laid-back, silent individual who carried out conversations and smiles from time to time. Kagi would be a master of disguise and act in a way that doesn't get perceived as "nice" or easy to talk to so he could blend in and get close to his victims or potential victims. The entire deception is worn like a camouflage, whereas most Stealth forces camouflage their clothing. Some do more than blend in their environment through clothing; they mask their personality to what most people are drawn to.

And for that, ever since the Captain had tortured his victim, that facade is no longer present. It was unnecessary at this time, and even currently, Kagi would not put on that mask for a shinigami he didn't view as blood, showing his true colors to a shinigami that was nothing but a liability with empty hopes and dreams—one who runs away from duty and responsibility has no right to be a shinigami. And the very thing Keniro has failed to understand, Ren tried to warn him, yet he is beginning to slowly see things a bit differently now that the face of their dear mother was revealed to him. And there it was; everything became real for Keniro at that moment. Kagi could see it on his face so clearly; there could have been a sign on his forehead that said, "Oh shit."

And "oh shit" would have been right, whereas Kagi had already been in motion to snatch him, that moment of shock and hesitation cost him. He wouldn't have any moment to react to what was coming for him. He wouldn't have escaped as he thought; he was too slow to respond. He could have made it if he had acted sooner, yet he allowed the distraction and hesitation to sink. The right hand was held tight onto the shihakushō since the right arm of Keniro did not bring itself across the torso, which instead Kagi grabbed hold of and pulled Keniro in closer with so much force, making him meet with what Kagi had prepared for him. Keniro would have felt a wound opening right at the joint of their left shoulder as a small dagger pierced through his flesh. Everything happens quickly, quicker than what Keniro may not be able to comprehend until that pain kicks in and he realizes it isn't any sharp tool but two fingers.

Nevertheless, the burning sensation the young Senko would have felt was the energy Kagi had built up leading towards this moment. The thrust was just the start, but the attack followed right after, and Keniro was forced into it. The energy generated within his flesh was quickly discharged as it appeared at Kagi's fingertips. Suddenly, a cerulean blue concentrated beam pierces through Keniro's shoulder and stretches, creating a trail in its wake until it disappears into nothing. Behind Keniro would have been a tree several feet away with a hole the size of a tennis ball. Even when the beam had been released from Kagi's fingertip, the right hand no longer held the shihakushō. The fingers that punctured this shinigami's shoulder would depart. At the same time, the leg would lift off the ground simultaneously and extend outwards very quickly, leaving Keniro very little time to act. That could cause the poor soul to feel such pressure and force sinking deep into the abdomen had he been able to withstand the prior punishment. The punishment was merely for his lack of character, the shame he puts on the Senko's name, the shame he puts on his squad, and more importantly, the death of HIS Father. Keniro has no right ever to call him that.

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[Amaya Munetoshi]

On the seemingly short kidnapping Fuyuko had one silent thought in her head. Was this what a sack of potatoes felt like? Should we be fuming? maybe. Should she feel special or the oh so girly love of being lifted and carried by someone? Maybe. However she didn't feel anything like that. That lone random thought was the only thing keeping her occupied for the few seconds the trip seemed before she saw the bullet train of a ride come to an immediate stop before she was finally released from his shoulder.

She was sat down on her feet as she fixed her appearance listening to his apology. Clearly the man didn't know her for more then her name and rank. Fair enough. She preferred it that way. The less that anyone knew about her, the better. To her. She was just another shinigami in the crowd. Someday her service would end and she like so many before will be forgotten with time. Making connections and memories were nothing more but cracks in the memories of her blade. Such connections tend to make one weak correct. One connection made her weak. She was still trying to mend that one, it was a task that she found hard but knew it must be done with time and patience.

She looked up towards him as he put his hands together in apology as she listened to his explanation of being there and further hearing his request of what he wished for the old man. She looked to see they were at the squad 2 barracks. Why ask such a thing that was a no brainer. He should have left the attacker disarmed and bound for the 2nd division. He clearly wasn't sent by Kagi surely.

She watched him with no visible expression in her cold eyes or behind the cloth mask covering most of her face. She didn't make any sort of move or motion for a few moments to maybe a minute before her hand shot up, Palm open, as if ready to present a welcomed slapp, only to stop just centimeters from his face as she took a step forwards, lifting her heels off the ground moving her hand to his collar only to pull her fingers back pulling a strand of pink hair as she flicked it aside with the gentle breeze. In any normal situation she might have actually slapped him. She was not one for being touched let alone be carried. Call it a reflex or trauma from her childhood or maybe years of training. Touch to her was the first of many way for one to find cracks. However, She was not one for stray hairs that were just poking their way out taunting her. Appearance was everything and she wasn't about to have a stray hair distract her or taunt her.

" 3rd seat Hideo Shihōin. I will give you this clear warning. Everyone only gets one. Anymore will result in consequences so do so sparingly. Secondly, You are correct to assume, however I was there on my own accord and investigation. I am a Munetoshi. The Rukongai is a place we learn within at a young age. It is where we find potential Shinigami to send to the academy. Me being there can indeed be harmful but can also be a blessing as you saw." She spoke briefly as she closed her emerald eyes.

The Mention of the Rebellion was still a deep wound for her on many fronts. Something she could cover with all the bandages, but those shard were still in and bleeding, she wasn't ready to allow it peace. Not with so much to still do. "I do know of the rebellion, How could I not? It was my captain that lead it. I got all the reports of all that came to be from it. It was a great wound we are still dealing with." She replied opening her eyes allowing their cold stare to become soft before that soft warmth within them vanished just as quickly as it showed. She turned her face back up towards him. "It was actually better to have left him with the Lieutenant and the 2nd division troops if that was your plan Hideo. As for where you are going. I do expect a report sent to myself and your captain of your whereabouts and what you find. We can not just allow everyone to up and leave their posts on a whim when war is or could be right around the corner. However...I do understand your honor as a Shihōin and wiping the stains on your name. I wish you the best of luck in restoring honor for your family. If you need someone to talk to. I always have tea ready for guests. " She Spoke giving her permission and two cents of him investigating.

She understood his want to regain what was lost. the Shihōin lost so much in that war. She Understood the various sides from the reports but now was not the time to fault him. Teamwork and trust was needed to forge a stronger Gotei for the threats that have been causing trouble right infront of them.

She turned away from him moving to the man before looking towards the second letting out a whisper as a few Shinigami formed out of no where around them.

" Take him in custody, Ensure he is nice and comfy, Let Captain Senko know he has company and I would like to speak to him personally when he has a spare moment when he is not occupied with all his guests."

Fuyuko watched the Shinigami nod before taking the man away before she turned towards Hideo to see his next course of action.
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[Elk]

Within the depths of Seireitei, hidden away beneath layers of stone and secured passageways, the Central 46 chambers exuded an oppressive solemnity. Dim lights flickered softly, barely illuminating the rows of shadowed silhouettes behind thin veiled screens—each identity concealed, each gaze unreadable. The air itself was charged with authority, secrecy, and tension.

Slowly, the large doors creaked open, allowing Elk entry into the chamber. His footsteps echoed sharply as he approached the circle of pale, cold light at the center. Silence settled heavily upon him before a firm, commanding voice broke the quiet:

"Elk. You stand before the Central 46. State your requests and purpose clearly. Speak, and we shall deliberate."

"Thank you for your time. I've come to request two things from you all today.”

“The first is the relocation of the Kidō scrolls from the Kidō Corps to the Daireishokairō for the time being. As you all know, we are under high alert due to an impending Arrancar invasion.”

“Recently, a captain forcefully breached a barrier erected over the Kidō Corps barracks. Thankfully, he was not after the scrolls. However, he did kill several of my men. That, of course, was a consequence of my own standing orders to attack anyone who broke through.”

“Before that, the rebellion led to a 12th Division member infiltrating the area and acquiring a scroll, preventing it from falling into rebel hands. However, his curiosity got the better of him, and he obtained knowledge of how to use Jikanteishi. Fortunately, he remained loyal, but such knowledge in the hands of a non-Kidō Corps member is dangerous.”

The chamber immediately filled with tense murmuring as Elk concluded his first request. Behind the thin screens, shadows shifted uneasily, conversing in low, sharp whispers. Finally, a deep voice—stern and tinged with irritation—cut through the mutterings.

"Elk, your proposal is quite presumptuous. The Daireishokairō is a chamber reserved for Soul Society's most sensitive historical records. You suggest we move the entirety of the Kidō scrolls simply because of an isolated incident and your fear?"
A second voice, colder and suspicious, chimed in quickly:

"And now you speak of Captain-level personnel breaching your barriers with ease, yet your solution is merely to shift the target elsewhere. Is your Corps so weak that it cannot protect even its own treasures? What guarantee do we have that the Daireishokairō would not simply become the next target?"

Another voice, calmer yet still authoritative, challenged further.

"You admit that the knowledge of Jikanteishi is already compromised. Would moving the scrolls now even serve a purpose, or is this merely an attempt to shift blame away from your own failures?"

The murmurs intensified, filling the room with tension before a fourth voice, chillingly neutral, brought order.

"You spoke of two requests, Elk. Present your second swiftly, and we shall weigh both together. Speak carefully—our patience wears thin."

A faint grating noise came from Elk’s clenched jaw, his molars pressed together, sending a dull ache through his skull. His thumb dragged across his palm in slow, deliberate strokes, the force just shy of piercing his skin. His eyes shifted between the speakers—quick but cautious—tracking each word the members spoke. All the while, his shoulders remained rigid, his spine locked into place as if bound by chains. The mere thought of shifting even an inch under the watchful eye of Central 46 sent a chill crawling up his back.

"I will admit that it was my failure. However, I will not have you disrespect the Corps. Like many of the other divisions, we were overrun with traitors and had to deal with them. Even so, I protected a good portion of our spells from falling into the wrong hands.”

“The captain who broke in displayed strength far beyond our own. You know him. I dare say you fear him. Captain Date. You approved of his use of the Sōkyoku—though for what, I could care less.”

“When the Arrancar invasion comes, our Corps members will be on the front lines, defending and killing Hollows, leaving our barracks vulnerable to attack by those whose allegiances do not lie with the Seireitei. Captain Date’s incursion proved that even a fully staffed barracks could not stop him. If someone with enough motivation sought to steal our scrolls, they would succeed.”

“Moving the scrolls to the Daireishokairō is a precaution we must take until the Kidō Corps' defenses are reinforced enough to repel any threat, and until the high alert status is lifted. After all, we do not want more individuals acquiring forbidden spells, do we? You do understand that such spells could unravel the fabric of reality and collapse all three dimensions into one another? Or must I provide you with a lesson on this?”

“My other request is authorization to use my Bankai should the invasion occur, alongside several forbidden spells that are inherently destructive. I will not use Jikanteishi—it is far too dangerous."

Central 46 knew that Elk’s Bankai was a plague upon the land. Ever since its outbreak within the Kidō Corps, they had strictly forbidden its use.

"I had forgotten, but I have found a way to deal with the rotting underside of the Kidō Corps barracks due to my Bankai awakening. The solution is simple—burn it all down."


"Nevertheless, given the severity of the threat we face, we shall grant your request—conditionally.

The relocation of the Kidō scrolls to the Daireishokairō is approved, but only temporarily. The transfer is to be executed immediately and under utmost secrecy.

Additionally, your Bankai is authorized for emergency deployment only. You are also granted permission to invoke forbidden Kidō, should the situation demand it. However, be advised—every use must be accounted for, and you are to report directly to Central 46 afterward to answer fully for every consequence."

The voice deepened gravely:

"Do not mistake our leniency for approval, Elk. You now carry a burden few have ever shouldered. Do not disappoint us."

The chamber fell into heavy silence once more, signaling that their judgment was final

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