TEN DAYS LATER
Northeast Seireitei
- Thread starter admins
- Start date
TEN DAYS LATER
Jushiro Izanagi
Member
The Kuchiki Family Manor
The events of ten days ago still had everyone reeling. The Gotei squads’ was once again thrown into a state of chaos, with uncertainty lurking in the shadows. The thirteen court guard squads were certainly teetering on the brink of total collapse. The Shihoin rose and fell again in a span of ten years. They held the position of leader of the Gotei and ninth division Captain respectively. The tenure was short lived and now the great houses were scrambling once again for power. In the wake of the recent events plaguing the Seireitei. Kuchhiki Nagarashi found himself once again assimilated within the Kuchiki household. His return was unexpected and was met with some resistance. Others saw his perceived insolence as sullying the clan’s great name. And there were others who were happy to welcome him back into the fold. The timing of his return to the noble house seemed a perfect opportunity to help the family rise even higher. With the struggles of the Shihoin laid bare for everyone to see. The Kuchiki would be fools not to fill the void left by the Shihoin.
It all begins now and only the Soul King knows how this will eventually turn out. At present, the Date still has a strangle hold on the political landscape, even if they tend to operate beneath the proverbial radar. None of the other great houses currently held a position of power in the military that is the Gotei 13. As such, Taro Date maintaining his position as Captain only serves to make others nervous. Kinko’s decision to re-integrate Nagarashi into family affairs was perhaps the smartest move. They need capable Shinigami representing the Kuchiki clan. Those that are capable of rising up and claiming one of the vacant seats of Captaincy. Nagarashi was one such Shinigami, although he remained merely a seated member of the fourth division. Whether or not that changes anytime soon remains to be seen.
Kinko and Gyoja are also very capable and will need to position themselves accordingly. All three of them have a very important role to play in all of this. Nevertheless, here he was now, clad in his Shihakusho with a red cape draped across his shoulders. His long raven coloured hair was well kept, he was looking refined. A smirk brandished across his face. He was being plagued by wayward thoughts and so shifted his focus. Nagarashi began composing Haiku as a way to stay on track. He did not voice it, choosing instead to keep it to himself. He was on his way out of the manor, ready to return to the fourth division.
“Old cedar stands still
Phoenix ash upon the wind
New buds split the frost”.
Phoenix ash upon the wind
New buds split the frost”.
The old cedar was what Nagarashi thought of as he returned to the clan’s manor. The family home still stood, maintaining its ancient traditions. The elders were still as stubborn, rooted in the ancient traditions that they seek to uphold. The phoenix ash is symbolic of the recent upheaval, the hollowfied Captain Itaku meeting a bitter end. Not to mention the uncertainty surrounding the Gotei 13. And finally the ‘new buds’ represents the new beginnings. Fuu took over as Captain of the fourth division. The once again acting Commander, Central 46 moved quickly to ensure the fourth division had a leader. Nagarashi was curious to see how his relationship with his new Captain develops. Without any more thought, the man took his leave from the family manor. His destination must surely be the fourth division.
Arriving at the Fourth Division
After a while travelling through the Northeast Seireitei, Nagarashi arrived at the fourth division grounds. He remained his usual self, never outwardly paying attention to his fellow squad members. It would be a mistake to think he wasn’t carefully analysing everyone and everything in his surroundings. The incompetence of some members of the squad was an eye sore. One must wonder how they could ever refer to themselves as medical practitioners. It was a fallacy considering their lack of standards. Perhaps Itaku was far too lenient on these below par Shinigami. Nagarashi made his way to his office, ready to carry on his work. With Fuu now in charge of the squad, things oddly felt different. She may prove to be capable after all. One can only hope.
No matter how much one may want it, the pieces on the board are never allowed to stop moving. No matter how much one protests or idles, the game goes on. Even during times of relative peace, the three realms are always subject to the turning wheels in the background—the emergence of new superpowers, the erosion of stability, or simply general discord. Even a disgruntled soul could make a move that changes the entire flow of the board. Some would call this fate; others, simple coincidence.
At present, the status of the world is in a peculiar place. Hueco Mundo exists in an odd stasis, with the shifting sands being the only thing truly moving. The Human World proceeds as it once did, with no immediate crisis in sight. However, among the Shinigami, there has been the emergence of a new race of beings: the Quincy—another set of hands that could either aid or hinder the balance of all things. Conversations are set to be underway between the governing Central 46 and the leader of this newly apparent faction. It will be there that boundaries can be established—partnerships forged, or, conversely, a derailment into conflict. What comes of these proceedings will determine the fate of the fickle stability the Shinigami try to maintain.
Fuu Shiratori, the newly appointed Captain of the Fourth Division, had a unique inheritance to step into amidst this odd climate. Her role was pivotal to whatever outcome lay ahead, as the well-being of the Soul Society's agents was needed more than ever. However, the reduction of the Gotei's leading figures ultimately created an even more tumultuous situation than what had previously been established. With only four ranking Captains and two Lieutenants, the organization struggled to maintain a firm grip on control—a matter made further evident by court politicians reclaiming power. Despite the harrowing circumstances, Fuu remained unmoved by the weight of it all.
Her utterance was in response to a subordinate who had mentioned the overbearing toxicity of a particular plant's secretions within the greenhouse. The worry was sound to most, as improper handling of the flora in question could hospitalize even a stout soul. The gardens were essential for producing medicine, yet mixed among the outright beneficial plants were ones with more nuanced applications. In higher doses, some could yield fatal outcomes, while others were simply toxic. Nurturing all this varied vegetation meant that Fuu and her diligent apothecaric staff could manufacture many helpful—as well as debilitating—concoctions for use among the Fourth's ranks. Traditionally, the division was known for being the lifeblood of the Gotei 13 by maintaining its troops, yet she saw potential far beyond a single-faceted approach.
The Kanshotai (観象隊, Glasswork Unit) was an initiative started several weeks ago by Fuu, focusing on establishing a more combative presence within the ranks of the Fourth Division. It was a body of soldiers trained not only in the healing arts, but also thoroughly in the means to apply that succor directly in the heat of battle. Rather than waiting at triage centers or on the sidelines of combat, these operatives could join the fray directly, minimizing immediate losses and actively bolstering defensive forces. Ultimately, they would act as both a sword and a shield during conflicts, contributing to sustained exchanges rather than being relegated to simple cot-side care. This proposed unit had entered trials while still under the previous Captain's oversight, but following Fuu's promotion, she ensured its official implementation.
In just a few days' time, the initial group of Kanshotai members had already begun training additional individuals to expand their ranks. Alongside that, Fuu had begun sharing a few of her concoctions more broadly among them to enhance their versatility, keeping their deployment tightly controlled given the precision needed to properly make use of them.
All of this was just a puzzle to solve, and she would need to navigate herself and those around her through the treacherous terrain to come out on the other side. It was a truly fantastical way to view matters of life and death, yet one that was paving the way toward actual, meaningful change. If something became particularly unfair or challenging, it just meant that she had to better stack her side of the playing field to ensure progress. And all of that was entirely exhilirating rather than stressful. And she'd see to it that her lane is fulfilled, especially because at the end of the day, Fuu Shiratori was just so damn good at playing games.
In just a few days' time, the initial group of Kanshotai members had already begun training additional individuals to expand their ranks. Alongside that, Fuu had begun sharing a few of her concoctions more broadly among them to enhance their versatility, keeping their deployment tightly controlled given the precision needed to properly make use of them.
All of this was just a puzzle to solve, and she would need to navigate herself and those around her through the treacherous terrain to come out on the other side. It was a truly fantastical way to view matters of life and death, yet one that was paving the way toward actual, meaningful change. If something became particularly unfair or challenging, it just meant that she had to better stack her side of the playing field to ensure progress. And all of that was entirely exhilirating rather than stressful. And she'd see to it that her lane is fulfilled, especially because at the end of the day, Fuu Shiratori was just so damn good at playing games.
StephDLegend
Member
Kuchiki Manor
Ten days. Kinkō couldn’t believe so much time had passed since Taro insinuated the Date’s potential involvement in Heikō’s death. His investigation into this unsettling possibility had produced no results. There were way too many medical notes to go through. He had to give it to Sachiko for being thorough in noting all developments with Heikō’s strange illness.
He had questions about his predecessor’s loyalty to the family that remained unanswered. Her involvement on the wrong side of the Soul Society Civil War had to be considered. If she could throw away their morals and abandon their duty, what else would she do? Nagarashi unfortunately didn’t know enough about her, even presenting the idea that she could be a pawn.
Kinkō sighed. “Keep looking, and if you find anything, inform me immediately.”
“Yes, sir.”
He stepped outside the archive library, squinting as his eyes adjusted to the bright light of the sun. Before hearing those words ten days ago, he’d enjoy this moment and bask in the sun.
“Lord Kinkō!”
He turned towards the voice, giving a respectful bow to the elderly woman.
“Lady Willow,” he greeted. “Always an honor to be in your presence. How may I assist you?”
“You flatter me,” she laughed, moving closer. “I’ve brought a gift for you. You’ve been working so hard these past few days.” The elderly woman showed him the contents of the basket in her arm. “These teas have relaxing properties. Drink them, especially before resting.”
“Thank you, but there is no time for rest until I fi-“
“You won’t be any help to anyone if you’re exhausted!” Willow interjected. “Now, take the basket.”
He appreciated Willow and her service to his family. She had been there when he was a boy, and even now, as the head of the Kuchiki family, she remained. There was no arguing with her either, so he accepted the basket.
“I’ll be sure to drink them.” After giving one last respectful bow, he vanished from sight.
Kinkō reappeared and vanished again, flash-stepping over to the Kuchiki Manor’s sacred resting place. “Hello, Heikō. I know it’s been a while since I last visited, and for that I am sorry.”
He detached one of the two swords of his Zanpakuto, resting the sheathed blade on the grave. This was Hikari, her former Zanpakuto, now half of his, working in perfect harmony with Yami.
“Progress has been agonizingly slow. The investigation is going nowhere and I still don’t know if the Date murdered you.”
Kinkō knelt down and rested a hand gently on the headstone. “Other than that, it seems Nagarashi assimilated, though he is still at odds with the elders.”
A deep sigh escaped his lips. “Do you think I’m being ridiculous? Chasing ghosts of the past as if knowing the truth would change how I feel. Would you hate me for moving on with my life, for living every day to the fullest without constantly feeling like I’m in mourning? That was the case for a while, at least. Then Taro alleged your sickness was foul play.”
His eyes became misty as he continued. “Now I’m filled with doubt and regret. I just hope that we can find the truth. If justice is to be had, we will do whatever it takes to secure it.”
Elk
Member
With the events that transpired within the world of the living he had only visited the manor a handful of times, reporting in for his duty at 8th division. He had assigned some unseated members to keep an eye on the seated officers of 8th division, ensuring that at the end of the day he would get a report on where they were located.
Within the courtyard Hideo could be seen standing at a wooden pillar, one hand balled up and thrusting forward into a large pole made of steel. Before his other hand lifted up and did the same, each time he repeated his fist connected fully with the pole, his knuckles were bloodied yet still he continued to punch into the pole. In the past 10 days he had been continuously punching the pole for half the day, and by the end he had Suzume heal the wounds he sustained. There was no reiryoku in his punches, each one was made with pure physical force. For 10 days he had punched the steel enough that it had finally begun to dent into the shape of his knuckles.
He wasn’t hiding what he was doing, he was standing out in the open, for everyone to see, including those assigned to watch him. Unseated members of his division came to him during these times to have him sign off on anything with his stamp. He did pay attention, give some advice if asked but overall continued with his training.
That was until the messenger had arrived, as his fist connected with the pole one last time his head shifted over to the messenger. His hand moved away as he turned over to them.
“Lord Shihōin, we had gathered the elders and members you requested along with their journals and dairies. Took their hidden treasures and valuables away as well.”
“Perfect… Do we have word on the Kuchiki lord's location?”
“he was last seen in Kuchiki Manor”
“Ahh! Then it's high time we go pay him a visit. There are a few things that must be… Mended”
TherosAestas
Member
Suzume’s days had become highly routine. Catalogue the vaults, heal Hideo’s hands, then check in with the younger members of the division. She didn’t need to catalogue the vaults or check in with others so regularly but she’d been growing restless just watching Hideo’s bizarre display so she needed something else to occupy her time and mind. The rapid changes amongst the ranks of the Gotei didn’t sit right with her. It’d only been ten days since she voiced her reservations about the captain commander and now there was none. The captain of Ninth had been stripped of her title just as quickly and the captain of Fourth had succumbed to his hollow side. The Shihoins were in disarray so Suzume decided it was best to avoid the manor for the time being. In fact she hadn’t even known for a few days that Hideo had been given the position of head of the family.
Suzume was stowed away in the vault, checking her list of artifacts when Amaya appeared beside her. Her eyes never left the items before her even as she spoke. She quietly ticked off beside the artifacts on her list. One in particular still stood out to her. She was unsure why a member of Zero Division hadn’t come for it yet.
”Hideo is speaking with his informants about the Kuchiki, mistress.”
Suzume’s sky blue gaze finally shifted to her shadowy subordinate. The Kuchiki? She’d heard murmuring that the Shihoin and Date families may have been involved in the happenings of the Kuchiki clan but she didn’t know for certain.
”Is he? Intriguing.”
The vault locks clicked into place as the small Feng turned toward the courtyard with a soft sigh. She silently observed as Hideo’s informants spoke to him, her hand resting gently against Jigitarisu, he was strangely quiet. As she appeared beside Hideo, Inei took his spot at the vaults, standing guard.
Suzume catches just the end of Hideo’s conversation, her face set into a neutral expression. As the others took their leave, she gently captured his bruised and bloody hands in hers. She didn’t need to assess the damage, she knew well how bad it was at this point. Her voice was low, only for his ears as her hands glowed green with kaido, the torn skin on his knuckles stitching slowly back together as her coaxing.
”What are you plotting now?”
Elk
Member
“Plotting? Just making an attempt to make amends with one of the great noble houses.”
Both hands stayed still within the glowing green Kaido, and his smile never wavering, as his skin was repaired, bones healed. It was an odd feeling as he watched and felt every bit of his hands move back into place, a feeling and sight he never got used to as his eyes shifted up and away. Before moving back down once his hands had completed. Once his gaze shifted over to Suzume his eyes closed and he gave a smile.
“After all, it would be nice for three heads of noble families to meet. Though some would think that there’s a plot brewing.”
Hideo’s eyes opened and his smile remained. He wasn’t too sure if she knew whether or not he became the head of the household after everything was said and done with the demotions of his cousins. Though it didn’t really change the way he carried himself, as far as he knew, he was still the same person he always was. Though most would see him as plotting away some half-baked scheme.
“OH! I forgot to ask, how is 8th’s little secret doing? My cousins know of its existence and possibly the Date, I’d like for security to double. ”
“Along with that, I do need to head over to 12th division, and make a request of them. I’ve gotten used to my weights and wish to move it up to my weight.”
His hand shifted up allowing the sleeve to drop as he looked over at his weights, shifting it over side to side, looking at it closely before sliding both hands into the opposite sleeves. His smile returned as he looked back at Suzume. He was never too sure on how she felt about his ramblings, but he kept it nice and short for the time being.
“Shall we get going?”
With his last words his body flickered, across 8th division, where he landed on top of the roof top walls, his eyes looking over at the Kuchhiki manor. A thought occurred, he could just appear in their court yard, but it would be considered unwise to do so. Who knows what would happen as the past 10 days had not been kind to the Shihōin. Only adding to the less than desirable reputation of his family, him appearing in their court yard could trigger something… undesirable.
To that he would disappear again, and just as quickly he would appear at the front gates of the Kuchhiki manor, not once had he ever stopped in front of the manor, never mind entering it. His sudden reiatsu presence alone would be enough for them to know that he had arrived, but when coming for a visit such as this he had moved his hand up to lift the metal rings and knock just loud enough for someone to hear.
“Hellooo, would the head of the Kuchhiki household be around?”
“I would like to discuss some business with him”
Last edited:
StephDLegend
Member
As he knelt there, an idea sprang up. Maybe he was going about this all wrong. The Kuchiki clan’s records, the fourth division's records, and Sachiko’s notes on taking care of Heikō were a great start, but maybe they overlooked minor things. That explained the lack of answers. Or maybe it was foolish optimism that there were results to be found.
They, the ones searching every writing, were not experts in investigation. They were highly competent in their respective fields, but for something this delicate, Kinkō needed the right people. The Sixth Division specialized in this exact discipline. It was time he paid them a visit.
“Continue to rest well, Heikō.” Kinkō stood up, retrieving the Zanpakutō that rested on the grave and securing the sheath firmly into his obi.
A Hell Butterfly materialized, landing lightly on his finger as he departed the grave. “Third Seat Rokka, of the Sixth, I request an audience. I shall arrive at the barracks shortly.” The black butterfly fluttered away to find its recipient.
The young Kuchiki vanished, flash-stepping away from the family burial grounds. But before he could leave the manor, he picked up on the spiritual pressure of the new head of the Shihōin Clan with his Reikaku.
A deep sigh escaped his lips. The two noble families were not on the greatest of terms, but Kinkō was open to hearing what Hideo had to say.
Changing his trajectory mid-step, Kinkō appeared smoothly before Hideo. “Welcome to the Kuchiki Manor, Lord Shihōin. Please, come on in.” He led the way inside to a formal meeting room, gesturing for the other man to sit. “Shall I get you some tea while we discuss business?”
He’d have to send another butterfly to notify Rokka of his delay, but for now, his attention was on Hideo.