Northeast Seireitei
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Under the command of Captain Shihaimono and his trusted Vice-Captain, Fuyuko Munetoshi, the Ninth Division has been one of the few bright spots within the Seireitei. Even in the face of overbearing obscurity, the recent tragedies that befell the fates of several Captains, and the overall decline of the Soul Society at large, Captain Shihaimono has maintained high spirits within his ranks.”The mission of the Ninth too important to let falter,” he’d say, an infectious phrase that has become a motto of sorts for the Seireitei’s Defense Force.
Unfortunately, more and more did the days bring ill omens, for this morning was the Western Gate Guardian, Shirai Hikaru’s lifeless corpse found outside of the Western Gate. A terrible tragedy that shocked the entire Division, even in such turbulent times. The Gate has been officially shut-down and quarantined as investigations continue. It has been noted that both Shinigami and Hollow spiritual power not belonging to the late Hikaru has been assessed and collected at the crime scene. No other leads have presented themselves.
Additionally, riots from disgruntled Rukongai citizens have broken out at all Four of the Great Gates, the remaining three Gate Guardians doing their best to deal with the situation. Word has reached Vice-Captain Munetoshi that the Vice-Captain of the Third, Otokogi Aijō, has deployed his units to the Gates, although his motives are unclear. The Ninth has also received reports that Vice-Captain Aijō has gone deep into the Western Rukongai, near the 48th District.
Captain Shihaimono has entrusted her with the authority to deal with the situation as she sees fit. Where would Vice-Captain Munetoshi go, and what would she focus her time and efforts on?
(The Gates can be accessed through the Seireitei General Thread)
Unfortunately, more and more did the days bring ill omens, for this morning was the Western Gate Guardian, Shirai Hikaru’s lifeless corpse found outside of the Western Gate. A terrible tragedy that shocked the entire Division, even in such turbulent times. The Gate has been officially shut-down and quarantined as investigations continue. It has been noted that both Shinigami and Hollow spiritual power not belonging to the late Hikaru has been assessed and collected at the crime scene. No other leads have presented themselves.
Additionally, riots from disgruntled Rukongai citizens have broken out at all Four of the Great Gates, the remaining three Gate Guardians doing their best to deal with the situation. Word has reached Vice-Captain Munetoshi that the Vice-Captain of the Third, Otokogi Aijō, has deployed his units to the Gates, although his motives are unclear. The Ninth has also received reports that Vice-Captain Aijō has gone deep into the Western Rukongai, near the 48th District.
Captain Shihaimono has entrusted her with the authority to deal with the situation as she sees fit. Where would Vice-Captain Munetoshi go, and what would she focus her time and efforts on?
(The Gates can be accessed through the Seireitei General Thread)
Amaya Munetoshi
New member
This day started as most others have always started. The first thing Fuyuko always did was travel to the four great gates at dawn. It was considered her morning routine to wake her senses up. Each guardian she well, just like the back of her hand, from the years of getting to know each of them. Every day, Each had nothing new to report or need from her or the squad. She often wondered what it was like being stuck guarding a gate for centuries. What strength one must have to the dedication to staying at that one post. She held respect and love for each of them for their fortitude.
Reaching back to the squad barracks, the pink-haired lieutenant had her morning meal and chatted with her captain, speaking of the day's tasks and what would be best for the squad. The ninth seemed the most unfazed by the ill omens of several captains falling to the culprit of death. They stood firm in the face of uncertainty. They were the first security of the gotei. If their falter, then something is wrong. Truly times in the seritei were hard, captains falling left and right, and morality within the squads was tanking. Even though it wasn't Fuyuko's liking for such a fate to befall anyone, it was the way of their life. They live and breathe to bare their swords against those who wish harm on the innocent souls within the Seritei and the Rukongai districts. They were vastly outnumbered by the innocent souls that didn't feel the calling for life as Shinigami, so many suffered greater than others.
Her squad was very much like family. They were not a frontal combat squad or take on the enemy in single fights. However, they were always on standby and ready to jump into combat on seritei soil. She did not wish to send anyone out to die, but that was the fate of all Shinigami, to die for their home and for future generations to survive.
After her morning meal and tea with their captain, she was stopped by two messengers.
"Lieutenant Munetoshi, we have received grave news. Gate Guardian Shirai Hikaru was found lifeless at her post at the Western gate this morning. Riots are starting up at each of the four gates. The lieutenant of the 3rd has sent some of his squad to assist with maintaining the gates." Called out the member kneeling in front of her.
Fuyuko was silent, allowing the squad member to give her the entirety of his report, letting her eyes widen at the news of Shirai Hikaru's Death. She was shocked to hear such a thing had fallen of her squad. To lose a member alone was shocking to her core. She had just seen the woman this morning. How could something like this happen so suddenly? She wanted to destroy whoever decided to take one of her own squad from their duties. Whoever it was. They were going to receive the just punishment for taking one of her own
She closed her eyes, taking a moment to recollect herself and her thoughts before looking back behind her at the captain's office in thought. She was sure he was listening and probably going to be on the same page as her on how to go about this situation.
"Please stand. There is no need to bow or kneel to me. We are equal regardless of what my badge speaks."
She spoke, beckoning the Shinigami in front of her to stand before she sighed, determining the route she was going to go.
"This truly is a troubling and terrible fate to befall one of our gate guardians. However, we will not falter in the face of this despair. We will Honor Shirai's Death by standing form and keeping tide and accurate to our statement.
Send all available squad members to the four gates, Do not use lethal means to stop the riots. The citizens are just scared of the sudden death at the gates. We must show them we will not waiver because one of our own fell victim to this mysterious cause of death. I expect all reports of the various gates to be sent to our captain and myself on the hour every hour without fault."
She usually wouldn't wish to give any orders for such and thing and would possibly tend to the gates herself if it was just one of them, but even her speed had its limits, and she couldn't be at all four gates at once. She thought over which gate she would tend to, which would have been the western gate. That was until she heard a word from the second Shinigami where Vice Captain Aijō had sent some of his squad to assist with the gates. Although she was thankful for the help. She knew the old man was up to something with giving assistance, even if he had her respect and gratitude for the gesture.
District 48th, huh? Old man Aijo. What do you see that the rest of us don't?
She thought, closing her eyes in debate before opening them, a calm determined flame resonating in her eyes.
"My orders still stand firm. All available Squad members are to go to one of the four gates and guard them. We will accept the assistance of the 3rd squad. I will head to the Western gate first then to the 48th district Where the vice captain was last heading. Move out, time is of the essence."
She spoke dismissing the Shinigami quickly as she moved past them heading out of the squad barracks. She stood in the courtyard.
"What a day."
She spoke to herself looking up at the sky hearing a small voice in the back of her head.
"Your right Shibori, we have memories to make."
She whispered disappearing in a cloud of dust heading for the Western gate, listening to her squad members organize and send themselves to the various gates as ordered. She secretly was excited to seek some justice for the fallen of her squad.
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Departing 9th division Barracks <--------------------> Seireitei General
Hachikō Goseikanjo
New member
“What you said to that boy and the elder was not very nice.”
“Psssh, Isn’t lying worse? I DID enjoy killing those traitors! Why is everyone so mad, I even left two of them alive. Besides…everything is going great!”
With glee, Ha kicked a small pebble and sent it bouncing through the gates of the fourth division. On any given day the place was usually bustling with medics and techs tending to the various tasks around the compound that they were entrusted with. Many were in good spirits in the fourth with some laughing, gossiping and lending one another a hand which created a very energetic atmosphere. Strangely enough, every time that the absurdly cheerful Lieutenant crossed into its thresholds, the environment seemed to be void of all life. This was even if only seconds before she could have sworn she’d overheard conversations and even footsteps, soon her golden eyes lifted to steal in all that they could see. Empty, Barren and abandoned, there was nothing out of the ordinary as far as Hachiko was concerned and so she pressed on through the courtyard and toward her Captain’s quarters.
“I just thought I’d have been able to teach you so much better than this, can’t you see that the way you act and the things you do are just not becoming of- of.."
“Of what?!”
“Of a proper lady.”
In the recesses of her mind in a dimension all its own, where all Zanpakuto spirits reside, was a domain belonging entirely to them. The Lieutenant had always been overjoyed when she explored the vast ocean of crimson that was this sacred place. Blood. Gallons, Barrels, Lakes of hot red blood as far as her bright eyes could see. Its scent and texture was enough to drive the vampire mad but the helicopter-like methods of its master did a much better job at that. Now and again, Hachiko would commune with her spirit although it was a huge pain in the– "Language.”
Butt.
For as long as she could remember about their relationship, Chishinishi never let the girl have a second to herself without picking on something about her be it her clothing, her hair or her body and even her speech and actions. Nothing was ever good enough for Chishinishi who manifested in the form of a middle-aged older woman crafted entirely of blood with no facial features or anything wildly specific. The perfection that the spirit expected of her wielder was something that it could not produce itself which often caused the two to butt-heads. Much to Ha’s consistent dismay, Chishinishi conducts herself as the epitome of an overbearing mother.
“Thanks be to Chi No Kami for that!”
“I just want you to be happy.”
Prancing along with her legs kicking out each time, Hachiko passed vacant corridor after corridor until she reached Captain Kuchiki’s office chambers and then knocked on the door. Before it could open, she offered her worried Zanpakuto a half-hearted and futile attempt to assuage her concerns.
“I am happy.”
ARRIVING FROM THE RUKONGAI >>>>ARRIVING IN THE NORTHEAST AT THE FOURTH DIVISION BARRACKS
Hachiko Goseikanjo
Upon arriving at the Fourth Division grounds, the Crazed Doctor set her sights for her Captain’s office chambers, and thus she marched past the world with an unshakeable purpose. In truth, there were very few who could stop her.
Alas she made it to Captain Kuchiki’s office, and knocked on the door. Yet, no response came; if the Vice-Captain were to probe with her spiritual senses, she’d find emptiness, although not a result for alarm, for the Captain was renowned for her control of Reiryoku.
“Vice-Captain Goseikanjo! Good morning,” the Vice-Captain would hear, a young Shinigami officer standing from behind. “Are you trying to locate the Captain? Ah, I’m afraid she’s out of the office. Said something about needing to speak with Captain Shihaimono, said it was urgent. She instructed me to tell you upon arrival…” The young Shinigami smiled warmly, though like every other Fourth Divisioner, she did so with some apprehension, for the Vice-Captain’s reputation for the gruesome preceded her. “Also, the body of the murdered Gate Guardian just recently arrived, it’s being taken into the coordinated relief station for official autopsy. There’s also a Thirteenth officer with the unit transporting the body…”
The seated officer cleared her throat, nervously.
Upon arriving at the Fourth Division grounds, the Crazed Doctor set her sights for her Captain’s office chambers, and thus she marched past the world with an unshakeable purpose. In truth, there were very few who could stop her.
Alas she made it to Captain Kuchiki’s office, and knocked on the door. Yet, no response came; if the Vice-Captain were to probe with her spiritual senses, she’d find emptiness, although not a result for alarm, for the Captain was renowned for her control of Reiryoku.
“Vice-Captain Goseikanjo! Good morning,” the Vice-Captain would hear, a young Shinigami officer standing from behind. “Are you trying to locate the Captain? Ah, I’m afraid she’s out of the office. Said something about needing to speak with Captain Shihaimono, said it was urgent. She instructed me to tell you upon arrival…” The young Shinigami smiled warmly, though like every other Fourth Divisioner, she did so with some apprehension, for the Vice-Captain’s reputation for the gruesome preceded her. “Also, the body of the murdered Gate Guardian just recently arrived, it’s being taken into the coordinated relief station for official autopsy. There’s also a Thirteenth officer with the unit transporting the body…”
The seated officer cleared her throat, nervously.
Kasuka Rikai
The Hound of the Soul Society arrived at the entrance to the Eighth’s Division Grounds, still seated atop his hovering disk of blue light. Before him he found a guarded gate, closed to entry, four Shinigami standing in wait for any intruder to make his claim.
Spotting the boy genius immediately, one of them shouted, “You, leave this place. All non-Divisioners are denied entry. The Eighth is on lockdown under orders of Captain Kusumoto.”
In truth, they knew exactly who Kasuka was, for the young Shinigami’s reputation preceded him. Even still, they would not dare defy the orders of their Captain, and so, their hands fell upon the hilts of their Zanpakuto. They were ordered and prepared to kill any intruder.
The Hound of the Soul Society arrived at the entrance to the Eighth’s Division Grounds, still seated atop his hovering disk of blue light. Before him he found a guarded gate, closed to entry, four Shinigami standing in wait for any intruder to make his claim.
Spotting the boy genius immediately, one of them shouted, “You, leave this place. All non-Divisioners are denied entry. The Eighth is on lockdown under orders of Captain Kusumoto.”
In truth, they knew exactly who Kasuka was, for the young Shinigami’s reputation preceded him. Even still, they would not dare defy the orders of their Captain, and so, their hands fell upon the hilts of their Zanpakuto. They were ordered and prepared to kill any intruder.
Takao Takumi
Takao from the Thirteenth, for his own reasons, chose to listen to the commands of a Vice-Captain of another Division; peculiar, yet noble, as it seemed the cause outweighed the long-standing distrust amongst the Squads.
Through pleasantries the Seventh Seated Officer of the Thirteenth gave his pledge, and when the time came, he escorted the unit of four to the Fourth. When they neared the entrance to the Fourth’s grounds, however, Goro, the leader, turned to face Takao and exclaimed, “This is as far as you go. Captain’s orders are that no one outside the Fourth is to set foot on Fourth grounds, unless requiring medical attention. Sorry, kid.” With that, the four Fourth Divisioners continued their trek into the Fourth Division, the covered corpse of the Gate Guardian carried upon a sturdy stretcher.
Now Takao was left with a dilemma; where, and what, should he do? He had many options, yet which ones were feasible? Would he risk defying the orders of a foreign Captain, or those of his own? The choice was his.
Takao from the Thirteenth, for his own reasons, chose to listen to the commands of a Vice-Captain of another Division; peculiar, yet noble, as it seemed the cause outweighed the long-standing distrust amongst the Squads.
Through pleasantries the Seventh Seated Officer of the Thirteenth gave his pledge, and when the time came, he escorted the unit of four to the Fourth. When they neared the entrance to the Fourth’s grounds, however, Goro, the leader, turned to face Takao and exclaimed, “This is as far as you go. Captain’s orders are that no one outside the Fourth is to set foot on Fourth grounds, unless requiring medical attention. Sorry, kid.” With that, the four Fourth Divisioners continued their trek into the Fourth Division, the covered corpse of the Gate Guardian carried upon a sturdy stretcher.
Now Takao was left with a dilemma; where, and what, should he do? He had many options, yet which ones were feasible? Would he risk defying the orders of a foreign Captain, or those of his own? The choice was his.
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Hachikō Goseikanjo
New member
To say that she was peeved that Captain Kuchiki was out would have been a grave understatement. After all, she’d come all this way tracking down sensitive information that was on a need to know basis just to find she’d end up having to track her down as well and time was very much of the essence. Betraying the growing discomfort inside, Ha turned back around with a giant grin that surely sent shivers down the spine of the attendant who had reluctantly come to greet her. Before the officer could react, she’d find her own hands seized by Hachiko’s with something tiny slipped inside of them.
“Great!~ Do me a favor, Take this guard it with your life and lock it plus that body up nice and tight! Don’t let anyone who isn’t me or the Captain near it. That’s super important, I mean ANYBODY and you let me know right away if someone tries…”
Unfortunately, Captain Kuchiki's disappearance had suddenly put the Lieutenant in a rather sour mood which did not bode well for anyone. It was well known that Vice-Captain Goseikanjo’s sensory abilities were rivaled by next to none and she was able to pinpoint the exact location of any spiritual signature that she had experienced throughout her lifetime as she instantly devoted it to the fibers of her memories and nostrils. Even if they were to suppress their Reiryoku, so long as they did not possess superior control over their spiritual power than she did alongside some other factors, they would never be able to hide from the doctor. Hachiko wasn’t quite sure exactly what was going on but she had her own theories twisting inside of her mind except that there was one in particular she had not hesitated to put to the test. Instantly, with her Reiryoku suppressed down to the last shred she vanished, her shunpo taking her away from the fourth division’s barracks.
It seemed that just as quickly as she had arrived, she was destined to depart. The very moment that the Lieutenant had left the 48th district behind, the proverbial hourglass started to empty and the window of perceived opportunity was closing. Right on time, an unheralded guest foreign to her sensory catalog arrived there and to add to her excitement, the emergence of a specific “spiritual distress signal” indicated that her bad day might have been turning around.
It wasn't anything to help escort the group. Honestly, Takao was only doing it to find some shred of information. While also helping out when he could. With the distrust in the area between the squads, he hoped a bit of kindness would help him out. However, that didn't turn out to be the case.
Now he stood outside the fourth division as the others left him. Orders from the captain and a captain that he didn't know. The questions built in his head as he was faced with a choice. Who would he disobey? This foreign captain or his captain. He stared at the building, walking away slightly to keep hidden. It could be possible to sneak in. He bit his lip and looked at the building once more. For him, it was clear that he was sneaking in. After all, any means necessary was given to complete his mission. The only thing that he wouldn't do was kill other shinigami. With his decision in hand, he would suppress his pressure to the best of his ability. Takao knew if he got caught, he was going to be reprimanded. If he somehow managed to succeed, the information would be valuable. Allowing him to make a report sooner and see what his captain wants him to do next.
So, the seventh seat made his way around the building. With his reikaku to sense where the others were. He could feel his palms get sweaty. The adrenaline began to sink in, but he needed to do this. A mission had to be completed, even when the situation looked impossible. Once it seemed like the coast was clear, he would jump the gate and look for something to hide behind. Takao's stealth mission has begun, much to his fear of being found.
Now he stood outside the fourth division as the others left him. Orders from the captain and a captain that he didn't know. The questions built in his head as he was faced with a choice. Who would he disobey? This foreign captain or his captain. He stared at the building, walking away slightly to keep hidden. It could be possible to sneak in. He bit his lip and looked at the building once more. For him, it was clear that he was sneaking in. After all, any means necessary was given to complete his mission. The only thing that he wouldn't do was kill other shinigami. With his decision in hand, he would suppress his pressure to the best of his ability. Takao knew if he got caught, he was going to be reprimanded. If he somehow managed to succeed, the information would be valuable. Allowing him to make a report sooner and see what his captain wants him to do next.
So, the seventh seat made his way around the building. With his reikaku to sense where the others were. He could feel his palms get sweaty. The adrenaline began to sink in, but he needed to do this. A mission had to be completed, even when the situation looked impossible. Once it seemed like the coast was clear, he would jump the gate and look for something to hide behind. Takao's stealth mission has begun, much to his fear of being found.
With his decision made, the Shinigami from the Thirteenth suppressed his spiritual pressure as best he could, and began walking around the tall white walls that separated the Fourth Division from the rest of the Seireitei. He was looking for the right conditions to hop the wall and infiltrate. When the time felt right, he did so, landing in an empty, yet well-kept garden, a large fountain in the middle, the calming sound of water cascading over porcelain accompanied by chirping birds. In the far distance, Takao would find the four Shinigami hurrying toward an enormous building, its perimeter guarded completely.
Between his location, and that building, was a sea of Fourth Divisionsers, hurrying about to and fro in a state of emergency; he’d be spotted in an instant. What was the Seventh Seats next course of action, and how would he accomplish it?
Between his location, and that building, was a sea of Fourth Divisionsers, hurrying about to and fro in a state of emergency; he’d be spotted in an instant. What was the Seventh Seats next course of action, and how would he accomplish it?
After infiltrating the compound, Takao looked around. The four shinigami made their way toward an enormous building. It appeared heavily guarded as well. The sea of shinigami in front of him worried him. How was he going to get across this? Takao dropped himself behind the fountain. In an attempt to keep himself hidden away. After all, if he was caught now, who knows what would happen? Ideas swirled through his mind. Maybe a distraction could help him. If anything, it could buy him some time. He took a glance around the area, picking up a rock. He tossed it in his hand for a moment. With a toss, he threw it toward the wall. In his mind, the plan was to get some of the shinigami to check the area out. Hopefully, leaving him a way to sneak further into the compound. Of course, Takao's specialty wasn't in stealth, so he had to focus on his task.
Takao would check the pins on his clothing. He adjusted them as he needed, preparing to dash across. If the shinigami fell for his little trick. Which at the moment was still up in the air. The eyes of the shinigami watches and waits for his opportunity. He thought to himself.
"Don't fail me now legs. This is going to be tough"
Takao would check the pins on his clothing. He adjusted them as he needed, preparing to dash across. If the shinigami fell for his little trick. Which at the moment was still up in the air. The eyes of the shinigami watches and waits for his opportunity. He thought to himself.
"Don't fail me now legs. This is going to be tough"
Bane
New member
On a board of light above the greater Seireitei, Kasuka crosses the line between north and south. His senses take in as much detail as possible, from the temperature and precipitation in the air, to the shuffling of sandals on dirt below as panicked shinigami Shunpo around. Concern grows when Kasuka feels the Eighth Division’s Barracks from above. As the curators of the Soul Society’s culture, Eighth Division is constantly alight with noise, whether from broadcast or hosting festivals. Today however it is quiet and dark. No broadcasts of spiritual energy ride the air in invisible waves. No screens display programs, no news, no shows. The dirt of the compound is loose where usually it is compacted by stampedes of sandals. Sensing and seeing all of this, makes Kasuka’s smile fade back to dissatisfaction. The reality of the case replaces the excitement for the job.
As he gently descends, hovering atop a glowing blue disk, four guards stand out front of the Eighth’s usually very public entrance. Unnerved at the sight of the Vice-Chief, they failed to sense him coming, only relying on their eyes to spot him physically. This is due to Kasuka’s masterful control over his Reiryoku, suppressing his spiritual presence to be no more than that of a lousy mutt on the street. Fortunately Eighth Division often cooperates with the Kido Corps, allowing the four to be familiar enough to recognize who their guest is.
“You, leave this place. All non-Divisioners are denied entry. The Eighth is on lockdown under orders of Captain Kusumoto.”
Placing their hands on their Zanpakuto, they pass the first test, not underestimating the boy detective. In turn, Kasuka raises his hands into the air, as though in surrender. Though his eyes remain tired and unamused, his voice carries an energetic sincerity, like old friends cracking jokes.
“Woah, woah, hey, no problem.”
In dismissal, the blue disk under Kasuka disintegrates into flower petals, fading into darker hues as they flutter through the air. They contrast the soft white glow of Kasuka’s open palms, equally held in the air to avoid confrontation.
“I just want to ask a few questions, maybe have a look around.”
Though his hands are in the air in surrender, his expression remains unbothered, bored even. His casual pace, maybe even rushed stride, towards the guards betrays his impatience. He walks between the four guards and directly into the Eighth Barracks, as though he owns the place. The four of them would undoubtedly try to draw their Zanpakuto. Yet the tight grips their hands have around their handles only weakens. Their knees lack conviction, shoulders slumping, vision unfocusing as their consciousness becomes muddled. Should they feel the need to attack, they would find only sound slumber. All four would end up kneeling on the floor, heads slumped back, eyes white, completely unconscious. The simple byproduct of witnessing Kasuka’s Cherry Petals, cast from the energy of his preexisting barrier, would ensure that all would rest easy, and wake with no memory of the intrusion.
“No big deal.”
A single finger places itself on the closed gate of the Eighth Division. From it, spreads a translucent square, which spreads like water through the barrier, physical and spiritual. Between the particles of Reishi that compose the barrier, this white square spreads, overlapping the two Kido constructs. The resulting effect, between an invisible and a translucent barrier fighting for stabilization, manifests physically through cracks in the wooden door. The massive barred door to the Eighth Division Barracks cracks, curving inward as though made of rubber, before exploding into a thousand splinters. By weaving Bakudō #81. Dankū (斷空, Splitting Void; Viz "Airtight"), an airtight barrier, between the flaws he sees in the preexisting one, Kasuka was able to obliterate a small portion of it. With this, he guaranteed his entry into the Eighth Division.
Stepping past the four unconscious guards, the moment Kasuka’s sandal hits Eighth's soil, he is immediately engulfed in yellow light. Behind him, filling the entirety of the entrance, is the twenty foot tall form of Itai Ryōken. The massive dog-creature stands mindless, staring at its master.
As he gently descends, hovering atop a glowing blue disk, four guards stand out front of the Eighth’s usually very public entrance. Unnerved at the sight of the Vice-Chief, they failed to sense him coming, only relying on their eyes to spot him physically. This is due to Kasuka’s masterful control over his Reiryoku, suppressing his spiritual presence to be no more than that of a lousy mutt on the street. Fortunately Eighth Division often cooperates with the Kido Corps, allowing the four to be familiar enough to recognize who their guest is.
“You, leave this place. All non-Divisioners are denied entry. The Eighth is on lockdown under orders of Captain Kusumoto.”
Placing their hands on their Zanpakuto, they pass the first test, not underestimating the boy detective. In turn, Kasuka raises his hands into the air, as though in surrender. Though his eyes remain tired and unamused, his voice carries an energetic sincerity, like old friends cracking jokes.
“Woah, woah, hey, no problem.”
In dismissal, the blue disk under Kasuka disintegrates into flower petals, fading into darker hues as they flutter through the air. They contrast the soft white glow of Kasuka’s open palms, equally held in the air to avoid confrontation.
“I just want to ask a few questions, maybe have a look around.”
Though his hands are in the air in surrender, his expression remains unbothered, bored even. His casual pace, maybe even rushed stride, towards the guards betrays his impatience. He walks between the four guards and directly into the Eighth Barracks, as though he owns the place. The four of them would undoubtedly try to draw their Zanpakuto. Yet the tight grips their hands have around their handles only weakens. Their knees lack conviction, shoulders slumping, vision unfocusing as their consciousness becomes muddled. Should they feel the need to attack, they would find only sound slumber. All four would end up kneeling on the floor, heads slumped back, eyes white, completely unconscious. The simple byproduct of witnessing Kasuka’s Cherry Petals, cast from the energy of his preexisting barrier, would ensure that all would rest easy, and wake with no memory of the intrusion.
“No big deal.”
A single finger places itself on the closed gate of the Eighth Division. From it, spreads a translucent square, which spreads like water through the barrier, physical and spiritual. Between the particles of Reishi that compose the barrier, this white square spreads, overlapping the two Kido constructs. The resulting effect, between an invisible and a translucent barrier fighting for stabilization, manifests physically through cracks in the wooden door. The massive barred door to the Eighth Division Barracks cracks, curving inward as though made of rubber, before exploding into a thousand splinters. By weaving Bakudō #81. Dankū (斷空, Splitting Void; Viz "Airtight"), an airtight barrier, between the flaws he sees in the preexisting one, Kasuka was able to obliterate a small portion of it. With this, he guaranteed his entry into the Eighth Division.
Stepping past the four unconscious guards, the moment Kasuka’s sandal hits Eighth's soil, he is immediately engulfed in yellow light. Behind him, filling the entirety of the entrance, is the twenty foot tall form of Itai Ryōken. The massive dog-creature stands mindless, staring at its master.
Without turning back to look at his Shikai’s manifestation, Kasuka waves a hand in the air dismissively, mumbling to the mutt.
“Stay. Fetch me if anything happens.”
Kasuka can’t allow the entrance into Eighth to go unguarded in these treacherous times, and feels responsible given that he wiped out the guards and poked a hole through their defenses. In place of this breach of security, the well-meaning detective leaves his own Shikai as a watchdog. Coupling the power of this shikai with Kasuka’s own talent in barriers, and the Eighth is more than overcompensated for in terms of defense. How ironic, that they become more secure thanks to an intruder. A calculated move, of course. With little patience and much to catch up on, Kasuka can’t wait around for political delegation and bureaucratic reports. He needs to find answers, fast. If Eighth has been ordered not to cooperate, then Kasuka will just have to be more direct. A big enough fuss would eventually bring someone with enough authority to divulge the Fūin no Kagi’s (封印の鍵, seal-breaking key) purpose.
Exploring the Eighth Division’s grounds like a tourist, Kasuka wanders aimlessly through the barracks. Hands in pockets, dark eyes droopy, he looks about to and fro, seemingly disinterested. Though his Shikai is activated, his sword does not appear to be present, a curious detail that only the most observant and pre-knowledged might ascertain. Indeed, the bland looking boy appears no different than any other shinigami, his reiatsu so suppressed, his appearance so young, that he comes across as an unseated member. Additionally, his attitude and demeanor just make him look further like a rookie with no clue what they’re supposed to be doing right now. However, this in itself is not intentional, with Kasuka opting not to be stealthy. Instead, the bland, boring, background-blending boy is just like this all the time.
As he wanders, waiting to spot someone of importance or some detail of significance, or to be confronted by said person, Kasuka rethinks the details of the case. Something just isn’t adding up here. If Central Forty Six can just order the use of the Fūin no Kagi, why go through such a public effort? The Shihoin and Tsunayashiro seized control over the congregation for the exact purpose of having that type of control. Even further, why would they put in the effort of a diversion in poisoning themselves? They don’t appear concerned with public opinion. Yet public opinion is the cornerstone of Eighth’s duties. Kusumoto is a notorious anti-royalist. His broadcasts, pamphlets, and control over the media were heavily calculated to stir popular opinion against the noble clans. Though Kasuka was a fan of the broadcasts for their dedication to freedom of speech, other forces didn’t agree. Kusumoto’s smearing campaign put him at the center of a rebellious conspiracy. It’s likely he would have defied orders to release a powerful object, especially if he knew it would be used in the Rukongai. Even still, the official authority of the Central Forty Six would have allowed them to apprehend and prosecute Kusumoto. Perhaps then, Kusumoto willingly gave the object up, to support a radical, or an assassin. Maybe his plan extends so far as to allow the Rukongai districts to be sacrificed, so as to further incite anti-royal sentiment. After all, there were currently riots at each of the gates, with one guardian down. Yet Kusumoto was friends with the Ninth, it seems unlikely he would have one of them killed for his own means.
Walking directly towards what looks like the most important building in the compound, Kasuka assumes he will find the Captain’s office there. Walking up the steps, he removes a hand from his pocket, and absentmindedly scratches behind his ear with his index finger. Attuned to his surroundings, he hopes to sense the Captain’s presence in the vicinity, and continues his train of thought.
The point of doing so, the motivations behind it, still all comes down to what the object does. Three captains dead, a gate guardian, and traces of hollow and shinigami reiatsu. The leading theory seems to be that the seal breaking key can break seals. Is there a seal between shinigami and hollow? Perhaps assuming they are a single entity is a mistake. Perhaps shinigami are working with hollows. A wild correlation, but a good detective is always open to any idea. If that's the case, what is the benefit? Can the key break the seal of a Hollow’s mask? Or how about the barriers between dimensions? Could it create a vizard, or unlock Bankai? It could be that this is why so many events happened so far away in such a short time. Multiple culprits. Multiple incentives. A vie for power.
A hollow attack is a concern but common enough to slip under the radar, normal means of suppressing normal adversaries would be used. A vizard on the other hand might be too spectacular, garner too much attention, it’s too unknown, too much of a threat. Regardless, what shinigami would work with hollow? Further, what shinigami could be desperate enough to do that, and attack the central forty six? They still have to have enough influence to be trusted by the guardian as well, and almost certainly came from within the walls. Additionally, they need access to the highest noble clansmen in central forty six.
This really only leaves two possible avenues. The Kuchiki, and the Shiba. Both are noble, holding prestige above everyone except the Shihoin and Tsunayashiro. Both have been devastated by the Shihoin and Tsunayashiro, losing power and influence. Neither would particularly care for the lives of the Rukongai, and both would be desperate to regain their power. Yet even this is too vague. Two noble houses that may or may not be involved, who may or may not be working with hollows or may or may not have become vizards. It’s all too much of a stretch, nothing concrete, all rumor and speculation. The case can’t begin in earnest until this object's secrets are revealed. With so much attention on the Rukongai and events that have already happened, too many people are looking away from the Seireitei and into the past. The real threat is the future soon to come. All this diversion and subterfuge, betrayal and secrecy, all to hide the fact that a tool is missing. Has everyone forgotten that tools serve a purpose?
“What’s the final play here?”
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