Central Seireitei

Seimei Ukitake (浮竹 清明)​

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Their return to Seireitei wasn’t one of heroic fables or honor. Instead, they were marching into the cold ivory tower for a hearing—to be stared into by the prying eyes of old men and hags that arrogantly led the Central Forty-Six. As soon as the golden, luminescent light behind him closed and the veil between worlds was shut, Seimei followed in the direct footsteps of his captain as they traversed through the paths and streets of Central Seireitei. For Seimei, the return was indeed somewhat bittersweet. He knew that he’d soon have to abandon the home and abode he’d served, guarded and protected for centuries and leave for the utter unknown. However, he knew that he was the right person to fulfill that mission. As a former member of Onmitsukidō and now a serving officer of the Tenth Division, he combined the best interest of Gotei 13’s external defenses and the discretion of a covert agent. This wasn’t a mission meant for espionage, and if he attempted such and got caught he’d find himself executed in an unknown realm. His mission was to be a diplomatic bridge, and build relations based on good will and peace.

However, an access to their realm would provide Seimei, and furthermore, Gotei 13, with valuable information.

And more importantly, Seimei knew that Adonai hadn’t revealed all things yet. Not his true self, nor all of what’s transpired. The more Seimei dwelled on the thought, the more he came to believe that the Quincy Emperor withheld knowledge despite his apparent honesty and openness. He provided them with big crumbs of bread and words that were true, but Seimei was certain that there was more to their dealings in Hueco Mundo and perhaps even Soul Society. They seemed to know too much about them for his taste and logic. However, all of the ties in his mind would unravel in due time. Seimei walked silently beside his captain, his steps barely leaving any sound and his breathing so silent that one could presume he wasn’t even breathing. He felt the gazes of the operatives of the stealth force on his back the closer they came to the grand ivory tower of Central Forty-Six. The idea of them being reprimanded for such idiotic reasons was outlandish. Seimei did his best in actually being sincere with the Quincy Emperor, and furthermore he was diplomatically sound in his approach. His captain was blunt in his ways, but the questions he asked Adonai were justified and Izanagi-taichō had the best interest of Gotei 13 in his mind as well.

And that much was clear.

Nonetheless, they had little choice but to go to the hearing. Seimei carried a smile across his lips as his emerald eyes shifted from one approaching Shinigami to another. And before long, they’d reached the gates to the chambers of the representatives. As they stopped before the gates, Seimei heeded the advice of his captain without even a glance—knowing full well what to expect and that any silly heroics going forward wasn’t a sound idea. He knew that the people he’d encounter were far removed from the duties of Gotei 13 and the ordinary Shinigami as they’d dwelled in the comfort of politics for all too long. Best he could do was to retain calm and be decisive and careful in his approach and answers. And most importantly, not to lose his nerves.


”Don’t worry taichō, I’m sound and solid. Let’s see how this shit goes.”


Seimei announced with a nonchalant tone underneath his breath as he walked forth beside his captain, entering the chambers of the Central Forty-Six. He saw nothing but a grey group of old, weary politicians whose dark stares tried to oppress the shinigami with a sense of judgment and disdain.

Now all they could do was wait.​
 

Game Master

Storyteller
Staff member
300

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Neither of the summoned Shinigami are accompanied towards the assembly hall of the Central Forty-Six, there was hopefully no need. In spite of being called to this place to be reprimanded, the two are trusted enough to understand that they must answer the summons. Their arrival is not greeted with words or directions, they do not get to see the faces of who they are answering to, all can be seen is the vague outline of forty-six different men and women, faces obscured by wood panels each depicting a number.

These wise men and women of the Soul Society are currently acting as the leaders of the Soul Society, and their jobs are taken seriously. Hidden from view of Captain Izanagi and Seimei, each of the members of the gathering have a document that describes exactly why this meeting is being held, exactly what is to be talked about. A moment of silence follows the arrival of everyone required, and then a familiar voice speaks out, that of the representative who accompanied the two Shinigami. Seeming almost sourceless in this octagonal room, she starts the meeting.
​
“Captain Jushiro Izanagi, Seimei Ukitake, you are both here today for a few reasons. Some differing, some identical. We will start with the most pressing matter first, and hopefully a point of learning.”​

Another silence hits the room, not one for the two Shinigami to speak, but for the matter to sink in. Once more the familiar representative is heard.
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“Both of you seem to have misunderstood exactly why you were brought along for the meeting with the Quincy Emperor. You most of all, Captain Izanagi.” ​

Another voice takes over, a gruff masculine tone this time. ​

“You two were assigned as guards, not as negotiators, not as delegators. For some reason you felt it right to speak out of turn repeatedly, and whilst some of the points posed by the two of you were appreciated, there was a line crossed that could have jeopardized the whole meeting.” ​

Again a different voice resumes where the last left off. ​

“We are sure you understand that the Gotei Thirteen is currently far weaker than it should be. So what gave you the bright idea to antagonise a possible ally? Did it strike you as a benefit to turn a potential friend into another foe? We understand that there was a threat cast towards you by Adonai, but it was earned solely by your own actions. Whilst the threat itself does not sit well with us either, we must accept that we are not in a position to bite back.” ​

Finally the familiar voice of the representative returns this time it offers the time to respond.
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“For someone who has already earned the ire of some Quincy, tell us what exactly was the benefit in speaking as you did towards Adonai? At best he brushes it off, at worst we have a new enemy to face? What was your goal?”​

The chamber goes silent as Jushiro is given the opportunity to speak, the response given will be heard, but for the moment it will go unanswered. Once he is done, a new voice sounds out from somewhere else within the room.
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“Seimei Ukitake, as it stands you are the candidate for this exchange programme. You were there when the terms were established, so we trust that you need no reminders. Make the most of this opportunity, for yourself and for the Soul Society. We will keep in contact, make sure you relay what you have learned of the Quincy whenever possible. We hope that Captain Izanagi has not passed on his unfortunate rebellious streak to you. We expect a fruitful endeavour, what is necessary will be provided to you.”​

Whilst concealed behind numbers, the gaze of the Central Forty-Six is almost felt as it finally shifts towards Jushiro for a final sentence.
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“Captain Jushiro Izanagi, due to your actions during the meeting with the Quincy Emperor, we unfortunately must dole out suitable punishment. From now, until otherwise stated, Captain Jushiro Izanagi is to refrain from any contact with the Quincy, where possible. This does not mean neglect your duties, when necessary you are expected to aid the Quincy in your jurisdiction, but do not seek to fraternize with the Quincy until told otherwise.”​

The punishment given, silence is given space to fill the room after a final dismissal.
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“You are both dismissed, go about your duties.”​

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