Central Seireitei

[Jushiro Izanagi]

Jushiro was curious to hear what Seimei had to say for himself. There was a suggestion that the man held back on a few things. Probably not a big deal but can be important all the same. The Captain paid close attention to the determination in Seimei's eyes. Meanwhile sifting through the fluff and words that can be discarded without a second thought. As Seimei spoke of his understanding and subsequent need for strength. The masked one couldn’t help but draw a parallel to Seimei and what was currently transpiring. There was a perfect demonstration of strength on display and yet they weren’t bearing witness to it. While they followed the flow of the battle with their Reikaku, seeing it while sensing may prove more beneficial. The Captain might just move for a change of scenery.

Listening to Seimei’s words made the Captain smile, he was almost satisfied. This was the first step for the current fourth seat of the tenth. Recognizing his own shortcomings and having the desire to do something about it. The silver-haired Captain was never satisfied with his own strength. There was no contentment, he felt restless despite his current status. Jushiro appreciated the conviction shown by Seimei, once again choosing not to interject or impede. The man was on a roll and as they conversed with each other, Jushiro was beginning to learn even more as time passed. As Seimei finished off, the Captain took one last sip of his tea and sighed before rising from his seat. He remained silent for a moment as he took everything in.

Jushiro’s hope of the current battle finding a conclusion was crumbling with every waking moment. The battle was escalating and will seemingly continue to do so for a while yet. And what was all of this for?

“I’m glad”. He said with a pause and without adding any context. “I also agree with your sentiments and insight. Considering all of this, the only thing left is for you to begin taking the next steps. I fear the political landscape is about to change. The trouble with politicians is that they mistake the absence of a crisis as proof of competence. Now we have a battle taking place on their door steps while they cower behind the walls of their ivory tower. The fallout from this should be interesting. We may yet see the Gotei squads amp up their need for more capable Shinigami. I mean, that’s one way to prevent things from happening, no?”. ​

Seimei had identified a need for strength and even the reasons for it. Some of it was sound, however, it is also nuanced, since while serving as a member of the Gotei 13. Your strength is almost always primarily dedicated to serving the establishment.

“This will sound strange to you but I have no interest in stopping or preventing conflicts. I lean more towards managing conflicts if you get my meaning. That is why we’re seen as balancers. We balance the flow of souls and additionally we gotta manage the right level of violence within these cherished walls. When it’s too peaceful we become complacent. And consequently the idle hands will forget why they were spared the burden of war in the first place. Just be wary of those who will use this current conflict to sow seeds of discontent. If this all goes bad then the Sotaicho will have a tough time cleaning up the mess”.​

Jushiro is no anarchist and neither a monk seeking peace. He was not naive enough to live according to such extremes. He was the right level of ‘necessary’ and it is out of necessity why Seimei will have to take the next step.

“We can deliberate about the Quincy a bit further later on. Hopefully in ten days time we will be having a different conversation about them. And ah yeah, that was his name, Iwamura, the wolfy that I came across over a decade ago. I never had an actual conversation with him, not that I can remember. And as for Michiya, well he’s from the twelfth division but he’s been away on a mission for quite some time now. He was able to equip me with a few goodies, I must visit him when he’s back. I could use a few upgrades”. ​

Jushiro stated while brandishing the Kido pistol before it was returned to its holster. He then took a moment a looked at Seimei before making a final suggestion. “While I enjoy these little chats here in this space. Might I propose us moving even closer to the fight? I think you’d benefit from witnessing it first hand. We won’t join, we’re merely there as spectators. I want you to see how Captains do battle and get a grasp on their capabilities”.​

He didn’t wait for an answer as the mask returned to covering his whole face. They wouldn’t stray too far from the first division. However, they will be close enough to watch the battle unfold without interference. And with that Jushiro vanished from his position, only to find himself moving across rooftops. He came to a stop once the combatants were in view and at what he deemed a safe distance. From there he stood watch, taking in the scenery, patiently awaiting the outcome.

 

[Jushiro Izanagi]

The triage unit was seeing a steady inflow of casualties, more than he would’ve anticipated. It would appear that there are far more brainless Shinigami than he could ever have imagined. There was an order sent out for others to stay clear and do not engage. So why was it that more and more casualties found themselves at his triage unit? The sheer incompetence and inability to follow basic instruction, meant that the fodder deserved their fate. Even worse were those begging for aid while looking pitiful. It served them right for not staying clear of the area. Nagarashi was keeping a close eye on things so to speak. Even though he wasn’t present on the battlefield, he had a clear enough picture through sensing alone.

He felt the early exchanges between Captain Itaku and Kagi go from one extreme to another. It’s a shame that he never truly saw his Captain going all out like this against an actual enemy of the Gotei. Instead, it was his hollowfied form that was wreaking havoc. The Kuchiki waited by the triage unit with intrigue, anticipating what was to come. He was also seeking out the young-shoot, Kinko. The head of the Kuchiki headed off to provide support but seemed to have gotten lost. Nagarashi could still sense his presence and figured that he was very much alive. Should he fall on this day of days, it would prove to be rather inconvenient to him.

The fourth division officer sensed others joining in on the fun, some mostly unknown individuals. However, one person stood out to him and that was the Date. The Captain of the eleventh division whom he had the displeasure of meeting. That man also left a cryptic message with the raven haired Kuchiki. A smirk came across Nagarashi’s face as he pondered the implications behind it all. The Kuchiki was also seeking out the unfed mongrel, though she didn’t seem to be involved. More casualties poured in, some even turned up stained by ink. Nagarashi did not soil his hands nor did he move to administer aid. He was there to oversee the operations, give guidance and judge the shortcomings of his fellow officers.

Even as he stood there staring off into the direction of the conflict. The Kuchiki could hear one particular survivor complaining about the lack of medical treatment. In his eyes it wasn’t swift enough for his liking. The raven haired Kuchiki turned and faced the man’s direction. A frown was present on his face as he made eye contact with the ungrateful patient.

“You were told to stay away from the area and not to engage. Even if you were already present, why didn’t you flee? It is clear that you ignored the warning and must now suffer the consequences. While we’re capable of healing the injured, it is beyond our capabilities to heal one’s stupidity. I would prefer if you suffered in silence and lament your poor decisions. I honestly expected casualties, I didn’t expect you to volunteer to be one”. ​

He stated without an ounce of care, the fourth seat then turned away and redirected his attention towards the ongoing battle.

 

[IshikawaInuzuri]

Seimei Ukitake (浮竹 清明)​

---

---

Seimei listened to his liege without interrupting him once. These brief, but precious moments he breathed and lived would perhaps define what kind of a Shinigami he’d be forged into. Seimei had learned many valuable lessons, tutored and questioned by one of the strongest shinigami of Gotei 13. It was a privilege. But it was now up to Seimei to use those lessons and that knowledge, use all of it like a wheatstone to sharpen the blade that he is. To take his next step. But what would it be? The Bankai Aptitude Program? Or perhaps something entirely different? That was a matter to be resolved at a later time. And so was the matter of Quincy. Seimei couldn’t dwell on things of future or past all the time when there was the present to be lived—and the present in itself entailed challenges and threats. There was a rampaging, Hollowfied Captain of Gotei 13 engaged in a battle and if he wasn’t stopped, it would have a devastating effect on not only the thirteen courts but the Soul Society as a whole.

Without hesitation, Seimei charged after his liege to witness the duel of captains with his own eyes. He followed the steps of Jushiro Izanagi, using Hōhō to waste as little time as possible in his quest. He leapt from one rooftop to another as a blend of red roof tiles and pure white walls flashed before his emerald eyes. In a moment's flash, they had arrived as Seimei halted right next to his liege—standing at his right side as his gaze looked down upon the duel ahead. The fire, the water, the smoke, the clash of Reiatsu, the might of their Kidō, the unleashed Bankai.

Power incarnate.

Hollowfied Itaku Ōhei and the mighty Taro Date.

He did see Iwamura, the man he’d met at the dinner at the Tsunayashiro manor. But his gaze caught no sight of Captain Kagi. The leader of the Ōnmitsukidō and the Second Division had perhaps hidden himself, taking an approach of stealth and subterfuge to decide this battle. However, all that aside, it was indeed a different beast seeing these monsters in action than merely sensing them.

”Sheesh, so this is what it really is like.. Don’t know if you’re brave or stupid for stepping into this mess, Iwamura.” He thought to himself as he tried his best in discerning the events transpiring, his emerald gaze following the actions of the captains that were locked in battle.

”Taichō, seeing these guys… Only reminds me why I need to get stronger. In our line of profession, you never know if you have to fight someone of your own or some God-like Arrancar. Their power is amazing.” Seimei stated with a tone of awe, respect but also certain intent or even ambition. He watched the captains, feeling their Reiatsu from this close—he understood that he needed to take more than a step forward if he wished to gain strength. His right hand gravitated towards the hilt of his Zanpakutō—his fingers loosely resting upon it like he almost anticipated that he’d have to use it sooner or later. But he would more than gladly follow the orders of his captain in not engaging these titans. Perhaps that’s why he commended Iwamura, silently admitting that he was indeed brave. And undoubtedly he would be among those who could lead Gotei 13 in the future, hopefully.

As he watched the fight rage on, the storm of Reiatsu ahead, he considered what Jushiro said earlier about the Shinigami becoming complacent without conflict and that he rather welcomed conflict rather than have none. And in a sense, he agreed—Gotei 13 needed fire and blood to measure their ability and to sharpen them, and their institution was only as sharp as the dullest Zanpakutō of a single Shinigami. They all had to be strong so that they could defend the Soul Society and maintain the Balance of Souls. Their job was to keep the universe itself intact, which in itself was demanding. However what his emerald eyes saw was fully unnecessary—who ever thought that having a Hollowfied Captain around was a measured, well thought idea? And now they’re facing a situation where as much as three of them could die.

That was what Seimei sought to prevent in the future.

He was prepared and ready to fight the Hollow, the Arrancar, and if things went awry, even Quincy if diplomacy somehow failed. But internal bloodshed was unnecessary. Their numbers were far from ideal already, and losing more Captain-level Shinigami would be a disaster.

”By the way, what you said earlier Taichō. About us needing conflict, I didn’t think that was weird at all to be fair. In fact, I agree.” Seimei spoke with certain intent as his gaze remained fixed on the fight ahead, yet his expression remained as relaxed as ever. A small smile pulled at the right edge of his lips. ”But the shit over there is absolutely unnecessary.” He spoke with confidence, which was perhaps the reason why he smiled.

”And to be fair, perhaps we need a change in political landscape. Maybe it’d do good if that ivory tower you spoke of… Was shaken a little bit.” He spoke with a certain tone of comfort as his gaze was fixed on Taro Date, watching his movements and how the battle would unfold. Had the political landscape of Soul Society been more stable, and the relationship between Central Forty-Six and Gotei 13 more transparent perhaps, many of the things that have transpired could’ve been prevented. As a former Ōnmitsukidō, he knew that there was a shadow cast between the two. The Tsunayashiro and Shihōin standing on the highest pedestals of their society. Perhaps things had to be evened out. But that was a matter where Seimei didn’t dare delving into, not yet.​

 

[Adonai]

---

Battle Rages On
​

”Bastard.”​

Taro mumbles to himself as his smokescreen is instantly washed away by the opposing Hado. Before the brunt of the winds could push him back he sank into Kurogane’s serpent head. Upon his approach he was planning on hiding within Kurogane, a giant eight headed serpent she may be but she is still made of ink. The white glint was going to be nothing more than her eye with Taro surprising Itaku as he would leap out at him. Alas, this did not happen due to the Vizard striking back instantly, though Taro can still make use of part of his strategy.

Using her gigantic body Kurogane holds her ground, not bending or breaking to the torrential gale of Tenran. Within one of the heads of this inky serpent sat Taro, which one exactly is unknown due to how they are coiled up, letting the tether run through multiple heads to hide Taro’s true location. A surprise attack with brute force will not win him the day here, he has to forgo a forward approach and use strategy and cunning more than anything else to approach this annoyance. This feels like a game of keep away for some reason, why use Tenran to push him away? No, more than push, the goal seemed to separate him as far as possible, if that is the case then why the tether? Taro assumed this thing binding him to the freak was there to keep them in close proximity, the cage to keep them locked in, an intimate battle with no distractions.

His eyes narrow as his thought process continues on the matter and he looks at his arm that has the tether attached to it. This Bankai is not what he thinks it is, the rules of it are not a simple cage match and its user is trying to exploit that in some way. No matter, there are other ways of fighting this nuisance. With Kurogane holding her ground and slowly trudging forward he makes his move from within the confines of one of her heads. He seems to be making a symbol in the air or perhaps he is drawing something in her ink, an ability of the Zanpakuto perhaps.
​

“Hadō #11. Tsuzuri Raiden.” ​

(綴雷電, Bound Lightning; Viz "Lightning")

The howling of the wind deafens the Hollowfied monstrosity to the sound of Taro’s voice, though he does not need to hear what he can easily sense coming his way. The empowered trail of lightning rushing up the corded braid that binds them together. If Taro is locked in place via Kurogane and cannot be moved by the gale of wind then Itaku would be forced to move back or do something to halt the approaching lightning before it attempts to fry him inside and out. Maybe it is a moment of extreme clarity, the sort of thing warriors and athletes experience where the world around them slows down, letting them make more precise decisions in fractions of a second. But for some reason, Itaku’s motor functions were slowly crawling to a halt.

---

​

 

[Jushiro Izanagi]

Jushiro remained quiet while observing the battle taking place down below. In the meantime he was also listening to Seimei. They had a back and forth exchange of words, one whereby they gained even more clarity about the other. It has been quite some time since the Captain found himself in such a predicament. One whereby he was actively participating in conversations consisting of important subjects and small talk. Even as he stood there listening, his golden gaze sharpened, observing every detail. The ink, the monstrous form of a creature that was Taro’s Bankai. Itaku’s situation was different, nevertheless very potent. The clash between both parties was a treat for the Captain. This was his first time seeing either of them in such a state. To witness it all was certainly better than merely sensing it. Behind the mask, his eyes shone like twin suns threatening to rise.

The ruckus down below caused his silver hair to drift around him as though gravity held no authority over it. Jushiro quietly agreed with Seimei’s sentiments. The power on display was indeed amazing. A shame that it was on display against those who should be considered as allies. How much longer will this battle go on? For Taro’s own sake, it would be unthinkable if he wasn’t able to get the job done. He could never truly live it down, no matter how many nobly conjured harsh words were spoken. There was a lot riding on this one. Many questions still remained. What would happen if Itaku regained his composure during the battle? Either way, someone will die and it is likely to be one of the Captains.

“Yes indeed, the political landscape does need to change. The chamber dwellers are partly responsible for what we’re witnessing now. Why have someone capable of hollowfication in such an important role without keeping things in check? And by that I mean, Captain Itaku should’ve been put through extensive training to at least gain control of his hollow powers. What I imagine happened instead were the chambers rats chose to ignore what was before them. It’s always about the optics with them and parading as if everything is fine. What I see down there is just another missed opportunity”.​

The perceived failures of the Gotei squads as an organization was proving to be an annoyance. Difficult to say whether or not this situation was always inevitable. Jushiro knew that it was impossible for them to guard against everything. Despite this, he would’ve preferred if Itaku’s rampage was directed at the actual enemies of the Gotei 13. And should he die during that process, then it could be seen as killing two birds with one stone. The Captain paused for a moment and glanced over at Seimei. A random thought flashed across his mind and so a question followed.

“On seeing those Captains do battle, even though one is out of control. How far along are you?”. Far along? Was he pregnant? Jushiro was hinting at something else. He took notice of Seimei’s hand that was resting upon the hilt of his weapon. Maybe it was instinctive, always on guard and making others aware of it. The Captain only needed to cast his mind back to Naruki City and what transpired earlier. Jushiro soon followed up on his initial question.

“Achieving Bankai is almost always a prerequisite for becoming a Captain. There are those who’ve of course achieved Bankai but are not Captains for one reason or another. In order to wield power like them, you must ask yourself a few questions. Have you truly bonded with your Zanpakuto and have learned absolutely everything about its Shikai? If not, then what are you waiting for? If yes, then does it believe that you’re worthy of reaching that next level? In order to project outward strength, you gotta start by looking within”.

The conversation seemed to have shifted from the battle and onto Seimei instead. Being so close to the chaos felt like the right time to have these discussions. All the while gathering as much battle data as possible.​

 

[IshikawaInuzuri]

---

Seimei Ukitake (浮竹 清明)​

---

---

The battle ahead raged on. It felt like Captain Izanagi had brought him here to observe the battle for a particular reason, it was like a live classroom. There was no abstract philosophy or hidden symbolism underneath the immense weight of Itaku Ōhei’s monstrous Reiatsu or Taro Date’s masterful battlefield commandeering. Seimei observed the bout, perhaps in half awe, but he still retained his calm and kept his discerning emerald gaze especially upon the Date—following his movements to not only gauge his strength but his tactical decisions. That was because Seimei fully understood that the main principle behind victory when faced by such monsters was the decisionmaking in the heat of battle. Blindly perceiving and judging them based on their might would be foolish of him. They were leaders among Gotei 13—Captains. Strength was expected of them, they would need to be powerful in their position. But power alone wasn’t enough. And this battle would highlight that well.

Seimei stood still while embracing the storm ahead of him. The Hadō of Captain Ōhei blew gusts and debris towards them, rooftiles and stones—weight of his Reiatsu. The heaviness of air that came with it. It all made his hair billow in the wind like a golden flame. He however didn’t let it distract him. He tracked Captain Date vanishing into his serpent instead of facing Captain Ōhei head on, and that was tactical decisionmaking at its finest. Facing a monster with such Reiatsu directly was a fool's errand, even for a Captain. Captain Izanagi spoke about carrying intent in every attack and movement earlier when they sparred. He saw intent in everything Taro Date did. And undoubtedly the same was with Captain Ōhei—he however questioned the tactical acumen of a mind possessed by a beast. Ōhei moved and acted like a beast, while it seemed that Captain Date treaded and danced in between it all and not only sought for an opening but looked to create one.

And he did.

In but a moment, lightning flashed and surged through the cord, as if tethering the duelists together. This wasn’t a battle or a contest where overwhelming power was at measure, but a battle that would be decided by information and who wielded that information best. Yet another thing that separated a Captain from the rest. And yet another thing that Seimei would have to refine, develop. His tactical acumen certainly wasn’t the worst. On the contrary, Seimei was tactically acute. He wouldn’t have otherwise noticed what Captain Date was doing.

But he wasn’t a Captain, and he felt it.

”Ah, he wasn’t responding to Captain Ōhei’s attack but rather to the reason behind the attack. Instead of responding to Tenran, he’s countering the reason why Captain Ōhei wants distance. I understand your earlier remarks about intent better now, Taichō.” Seimei stated with a tone of utmost respect and even partial awe. Duels of such power, skill and acumen didn’t boil down to any of the above. It would come down to decisions.

Seimei’s right hand rested upon the hilt of Mugenrō like a slave to an old habit. He couldn’t keep his hands off it. Perhaps it was the adrenaline. Or the feeling of bracing for impact. But it did.

As a simple, blunt manner of agreement in terms of politics Seimei offered his liege a wordless nod. He didn’t have anything to add. It was the arrogance and ignorance of the Central 46 that Ōhei was allowed his position in the first place, among many other things that had occurred along the stream of time. Perhaps they trusted in Gotei’s ability to sort itself out too blindly, and perhaps that Onmitsukidō would keep it safe should things go awry. But that was far from the truth. Ideally, a Soul Society with an unified vision and no corruption would be undisputedly the most powerful organization in the universe. Such an organization could keep Quincy and Arrancar out. But that was a dream far out of reach.

However, Seimei’s ears almost twitched the moment his liege asked him about his relationship with Mugenrō—because it was a difficult question. One he however had an answer to.
​

”I know my limits with Mugenrō.”​

He said calmly as his fingers found grabbing the hilt tighter and tighter as he watched the duel unravel, feeling the charge in the atmosphere.

”I trust him, and I know how to wield his Shikai to the extent it can be. I believe in my heart I know his true name. However, let’s just say that the old man has a way of communicating that… I don’t always understand.” Seimei announced with honesty, his voice sounded rather respectful and even caring when he mentioned Mugenrō’s name. However, there was a certain sadness to it as well. The realization that perhaps his Zanpakutō didn’t trust him enough to grant him such power, yet. Or was it Seimei that didn’t trust himself, and thus, his Zanpakutō enough? They are one and the same. Inseparable in his mind and heart.

”I don’t know if he trusts in me enough to give me that power, that responsibility. Or that’s what I feel. His way of communicating with me is very cryptic more than often, I feel like he expects me to decode gestures I receive from him.”

He continued, stating his truth. Honesty often hurt the most, and he had to admit his own shortcomings. However, seeing this battle pushed him closer towards a path yet not seen. Their sparring session, Naruki City, now this. He understood his lesson better, and what had to be done. His emerald eyes also saw the lone beast who took part in a battle he had no business in joining. He however took part regardless. He understood Iwamura slightly better, perhaps.

”I’ve got some way to go with Mugenrō, I feel. But I want to be worth the power he can grant me.”

He announced, now with intent and confidence as his gaze remained locked on the battle. A battle and a battlefield which was torn apart by ink, lightning and monstrous Reiatsu of a Hollowfied Captain.​

 

[Hyoroshi Iwamura]

​

---

Whether it was wishful thinking or an inadvertent thought casting a veil over his vision, Hyoroshi Iwamura was kicking himself.

Of course. For a moment he had truly believed he could approach the level of the duo inside the container; that he could have ended this madness by his own hand. How foolish of me, he thought from outside Itaku's Bankai. Yes. Even now, I'm trying to prove myself. Trying to play the hero in the story book.

Iwamura glanced at the closest hole in the wall, his eyes micro-shifting as they traced its outline. He could not deny the presence of the temptation, the desire to waltz in and resume the delusion. Iwamura yearned to see the satisfaction and pride on his Captain's face as he would report, "the Hollow has been dispatched. Taro Date and I were able to work together, and have managed to salvage Captain Itaku from the mess, as well."

Childishness; the thought scorched itself to ash. He was treating this like a game, Iwamura was, when in fact this was a banquet he was intruding upon.

"Ghhk--"

Iwamura thrust one blade at the wall in a stabbing motion, then positioned the other just above to try and force a hole open. Nothing yielded. A low growl simmered passed his bared teeth as his ink-submerged feet scrabbled for grip--anything to bridge the gap with his colossal, accursed strength. He felt both the physical and spiritual torrents from the fight blasting through the walls like paper even as they held firm. The ink sloshed around his calves, flowing freely, barely any splashback from hitting the part of the wall beneath the ink.

There was barely any splashback from the submerged wall.

Iwamura froze in place for a heartbeat, then stared into the abyss below. His foot slid forward, further, further, well beyond where the wall should have continued, feeling nothing but liquid and the residual shrapnel of two Captain-class spells.

He pulled his foot back, removed himself from the wall and plunged into the pitch black with kindlings of wrath and without a thought for what Taro Date might think or do. This needs to end.

The swim must have taken hours. Iwamura was convinced of as much for the brief moment he was under; noise nor smell nor light penetrated through, though his nostrils and lips tingled something strange and callous. Not even the Reiatsu of Itaku's Bankai reached his senses. For these few seconds Iwamura floated in the void, robbed of everything beyond the sensation of liquid parting past his body. Had he crossed over yet? Maybe. He couldn't feel the bottom of the wall brushing over. He would need to push out of the vantablack at random, to rise back up into an unknown Hell and face the consequences of what he's done.

Everything happened at once. He broke the surface, black link thrashing off his form and still more soaking him all the way through. No longer was he donning his honorable pelt--rather, at this moment, in this wicked opportunity, regression sank its wretched claws around his core. What emerged just inside the wall was little more than a shadowy mass of black gripped by a rage untapped for centuries. From the mass, near its head, two burning orange eyes seized the Hollowfied Itaku in their grip. Rivulets of ink sizzled off the surfaces of its white-hot dual blades.

Iwamura snarled something reverberant and bloodcurdling and chucked--the blade a spinning missile careening through the aftermath of the last clash. Should his aim be true the blade would punch into Itaku's back at an angle down to the hilt, the exposed blade already evaporating the blood it briefly bathed in. At once the firey explosion consumed the Hollow and the space immediately around it in a brilliant display of white ember, boiling and pulverizing flesh to the point of liquification.

And then Iwamura yanked the blade back, bringing it back into his grip. The sudden pull cauterizing the stab wound, but it would matter little; should he have been successful in his gambit the Hollowfied Captain would be left with a body utterly covered in deep visceral burns, if not outright charred. All the while, heavy smoke would be billowing from his head and shoulders.

Iwamura exhaled.

"Stay down...Hollow piece of shit."
​

---