Northeast Seireitei

[Elk]

“Is it really wise to have the Shihōin name tied to the supplies? It could inspire some to destroy them, it could also be portrayed as you trying to garner favor with the people.”

”On second thought though, it could be seen as an act of good faith.”


“Now you see it. A story to win hearts, and raise the status of the families. Amongst the people.”

He gave a nod as Suzume spoke about sending one of her own. Meanwhile, his finger lifted, tracing lazy circles in the air.
Then the talk of getting a drink within his office—before the other came.

“Long time no see, cousin.”

His finger continued its spiral as his eye shifted back, his grin never fading. His chest lifted and swiftly fell—a quiet laugh escaped his lips. He turned himself around, eyes closed, as his arms extended outward. When his eyes opened, his gaze was on Yūgure, cheeks slightly raised, fingers wiggling in a playful rhythm.

“Yūgure! It has been a very long time. Come give your favorite cousin a hug!”

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,”
“I simply heard tea was being served… and thought I might invite myself.”

“Nothing truly important, just the dealings of the past coming to the present, is all. As for those drinks! Why don’t we all head to my office? It’s the one place that holds the good stuff!”

“Ohhh! Suzume, have you pre—”

“Huh… I could have sworn she was here.”
He had turned and blinked to find her gone, before turning back to Yūgure. His hand raising up and pointing at her.
His finger and thumb pressed together, hand curling back before flicking forward. In one crisp motion, his fingers slid past each other, leaving a sharp crack that echoed through the courtyard air. Then a flicker—the image of himself slowly faded away, along with his reiatsu signature.

He appeared next in his office, a room filled with small trinkets brought from the World of the Living, such as a golden cat with its arm moving forward, a hastily stamped Shihōin clan emblem resting on its forehead, placed on the left side of his table.

On the right sat a porcelain white teapot—elegant and serene, refined in the style of Ming artisanship. Soft violet flowers trailed along its rounded form, petals curling downward as if wilting mid-bloom. Their stems spiraled; each one carefully painted to draw the eye without demanding it. The spout curved with perfect balance; a smooth arc meant for precise pours. Its lid fit cleanly—airtight, seamless.

In front of the teapot sat three silver teacups, each engraved with the Shihōin family emblem. They were well-polished, though a soft patina had begun to creep along their bases—age and care meeting in quiet balance.

“Aside from tea, what brings you to my humble abode?”

​

 

[TherosAestas]

Suzume maintained eye contact with Hideo, taking in his every movement, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed. She merely acknowledged them with the faintest narrowing of her eyes. Her gaze shifted lazily from Hideo to Yugure, the disinterest evident, she had no interest in their rivalry. After all, it was the only reason the cousins ever came in contact with each other. She didn’t like when anyone’s gaze lingered on her, even if they were a family member of her oldest friend, but still she returned her quick smile. As Hideo turned to greet his cousin, Suzume’s gold and coral hair pin glinted in the sunlight, tucked into his obi. She herself flickered and vanished once his back was fully to her.

Reappearing within the hallway just outside of Hideo’s office, Suzume folded her arms across her chest and strode into the room only to retrieve a beautifully pristine white teapot. She was well versed in preparing any beverage since Hideo had always been rather particular so it took her no time. She gently held the teapot in her hands, gauging the temperature to make sure it wouldn’t get cold before the cousins showed up. As she placed it back in its spot, her fingers lightly tracing the blooms that adorned it, she noticed a scroll impaled with the hair pin she’d embedded into the arm of Hideo’s man. Pulling the pin out, the parchment unfurled and Suzume was greeted only with the words ”Clean shot, lady Suzume.”

Her gentle chuckle disturbed the silence of the room as she slid the now clean pin back into her hair and set the parchment ablaze. Opening the top drawer of his desk, Suzume retrieved three silver teacups and set them out in front of the teapot. Now that that was done, she stuck her head out in the hall and produced a sharp whistle. A tall, slender woman appeared before her, dropping to her knee. ”Accompany Hideo’s man with the supplies, Amaya.” The woman nodded.

”As you wish, Mistress.”

With that Amaya vanished and Hideo appeared in his office, Yugure was sure to be close behind. Suzume lifted the pot of tea off of the desk, cradling it with one hand while the other held the handle, her thumb resting on top as her other fingers curled around it gently. She carefully poured the tea into each cup, her thumb only slipping ever so slightly from its position on the heavy teapot as she moved on to the second cup. She didn’t let this shake her composure.

Once all the cups were filled, Suzume replaced the pot where it was before. Her fingers lightly lifted the first cup around the base, placing it in front of Yugure before moving the second one in front of Hideo, being less careful to not touch the rim of the cup. It was only polite to serve their guest first and she knew Hideo wouldn’t care if her fingers accidentally touched the rim of his cup. As she seated herself beside Yugure, she snatched up the third cup and sipped it. ”I hope you don’t mind black tea. Darjeeling has become a favorite amongst the division, so we don’t keep many green or white teas on hand anymore.” She took another sip, reveling in the warmth the drink spread through her.

​

 

[GhoulBunny]

“Yūgure! It has been a very long time. Come give your favorite cousin a hug!” ​

Yūgure didn’t flinch at Hideo’s loud invitation. Instead, she offered him that same gentle smile she was known for—warm, polite, and practiced.


But she didn’t move.

She didn’t hug often. Not unless it was someone close. And while Hideo was her cousin—family by name and blood—closeness was a different matter altogether. But Yūgure always felt like there was a space between them. One that hasn’t yet been closed.

His energy was the same as always—light, theatrical, charming in a way that made others lower their guard. But she had never been one to relax just because someone smiled. She didn’t trust ease. Not when the world was on edge. Not when their family’s legacy teetered on the brink of obscurity.

Still, she followed.

The room welcomed her with a curated kind of warmth. Small trinkets from the World of the Living gave the space a mismatched charm—like the golden cat with its arm lazily waving, the haphazard Shihōin crest stamped across its forehead, a strange fusion of reverence and humor. But the centerpiece was unmistakable: a porcelain white teapot, elegant and refined, blooming with violet flowers mid-wilt, a soft testament to something beautiful caught between life and decay. Three silver teacups waited in front of it.

Suzume was already inside.

She moved with quiet certainty, already pouring the tea with deft precision. Once all the cups were filled, her fingers lightly lifted the first cup around the base, placing it in front of Yūgure. The second cup she set down in front of Hideo.

Yūgure met Suzume’s eyes with a small bow of her head and a pleasant curve to her lips.

“Suzume,” she said softly, “It’s good to see you again.”

Suzume seated herself beside her and, without pause, picked up her own cup.
​

“I hope you don’t mind black tea. Darjeeling has become a favorite amongst the division, so we don’t keep many green or white teas on hand anymore.”​

Yūgure lifted the teacup to her lips, fingers wrapped gently around the delicate silver. The scent was rich, warm, earthy—nothing too floral, nothing too light. She hummed, the sound subtle, appreciative.

“A fine choice,” she replied, setting the cup back down with hardly a sound. “Darjeeling always did remind me of late summer.”

The moment felt almost domestic—almost.
​

“Aside from tea, what brings you to my humble abode?”​

Her golden eyes flicked to Hideo now, her smile still in place.

“Tea is never always about tea, right cousin?”

She said it with a softness, but the edge beneath it wasn’t difficult to spot. Not for those who knew her.

“I’ve heard whispers,” she continued, tone gentle. “Supplies. A noble gesture. I trust it’s not all for appearances.”

She didn’t say out right that she heard literally every word spoken by the two.

Her gaze lingered on Suzume next, nodding once in acknowledgment.

“I do agree with your earlier thought, Suzume. A show of goodwill is only goodwill if it’s backed by preparation. Still, acts of faith can carry weight when they’re done right.”

There was diplomacy in her words, a velvet touch to her honesty. She wasn’t here to argue. She wasn’t even here to question their choices—not openly. What she wanted to know was whether her cousin had spent the last ten days acting on sentiment… or actually preparing for the coming storm.

She reached for the cup again, lifting it and holding it for a beat, eyes trailing along the delicate violet petals.

“I imagine you’ve spent these days training?” she asked lightly, almost conversationally.

The cup touched her lips again. The steam curled like a ghost between them.

It wasn’t an accusation. Not quite. But for someone who had spent every spare breath refining herself, preparing her squad, securing her name—it was a question that mattered.

Because if he hadn’t been doing the same… if he’d spent these ten days polishing words instead of blades… she wouldn’t be angry because he was careless.

She’d be angry because it meant he wasn’t serious.

And in a time like this, there was no room for that.
​

“You and I both know,” she said as she placed her cup gently down, “no amount of goodwill can stop what’s coming.”

She glanced between them—her cousin and the woman who always seemed to be at his side.

“But maybe a strong cup of tea helps the truth go down smoother.”​

 

[Elk]

“And here I thought you just wanted to come check up on lil' ol’ me...

“But ya caught me.”

“We’ve already set the gesture of goodwill in motion. I don’t need to be at the helm of everything. I have people who can handle the logistics—and show them what long-term stability really looks like.”



His fingers curled around the warm silver teacup, thumb brushing against the Shihōin family crest etched into its side. He lifted it to his lips—no breath to cool it, no flinch at the heat. His head tipped back, hand steady, as he poured the liquid down in one smooth gulp. Then a soft sigh slipped past his lips.

“Aside from moving from the Seireitei to the Rukongai and back again in two steps, I haven’t really been doing much other than looking up old records within our archive.”

“It gave me a lot of insight as to how some of our own kin can be… boring.”

“One tried to figure out how to make Great-Great-Grandma Makiko’s mochi recipe for over 200 years and still hadn’t succeeded.”

“There’s so much more that didn’t need to be recorded… But it was.”

“By the way—the recipe needed a hint of peach sake to give it that extra kick.”

His hand reached for the porcelain pot, fingers and thumb curling around its handle while the other rested lightly atop the lid. With a careful tilt, he poured the clear, steaming liquid into the silver cup before him—precise, steady. Then, without pause, he lifted it to his lips once more. This time, sipping ever so lightly.

“I’m glad you came to check up on me. See if I’m still practicing every day.”

“Suzume’s the only one who gives me grief if I slack anyway.”

“You’ll be happy to know that I have. Just not as intensely. Ten days of scouring records can be… draining.”

His body leaned back, eyes locked on Yūgure’s, before tilting slightly to the side. As he shifted his weight, the floor creaked—soft at first, then deepening into a groan of protest. He didn’t stop. His foot lifted just enough to form reishi plates beneath the soles.

“From what I’ve gathered… these Arrancar are the threat of Espada level. They’re organized. Focused. Dangerous. Almost admirable—if they weren’t trying to kill us.”

“Tell me, cousin…
…Have you achieved Bankai yet?”

His hand lifted the cup once more. The rim touched his lips in a familiar motion, and he took another quiet sip.

​

 

[Lovely Lady]

​

---

"Cherry... been a while since I tasted something this sweet. What... a gracious host you are... it is appreciated, lady Kurayami. Iwamura-san, it... is good to see you. Thank you for your aid during the invasion... I would have gone... but things happened as we both know. I owe you... allow me to treat you to a meal when the time is appropriate."

Shizukana took a piece of candy and popped it into her mouth. There she savored it and listened to Kazuki muse. All the while, she noted silently that certain meetings would have to be had between captains for what had to be done could truly be done but luckily for everyone she had a splendid idea for her Haori wearing brethren when the time came.

This was not that time.

"That decision... is completely to your discretion, lady Kurayami. Unfortunately... my captain is like a fox. One does not control him... fate tempts him and we only can wait to see where it would take him. Yet urgency would appreciated... I would like this information to be shared with the 13th as well."

"So it is, and so is he. How very inconvenient but I’m sure he’ll turn up where he’s meant to be as you say, Kazuki. Believe me, the thirteenth will be informed, but right now you are here to relay what I have to say to Captain Izanagi. Though, this will also be written down, you’re one hundred percent being recorded as we speak.”

Shizukana beamed and then sighed gently. She had meant to send for Kasu Shinka’s presence but was almost certain she’d have been too busy that she’d written off the idea and had intended to have a separate meeting with Shinka altogether. For now, Captain Kurayami needed to get a better understanding of the situation altogether.

"Captain.”

Oyuki’s distaste for the presence of the lower seated Kazuki in place of the arguably more crucial Captain Jushiro was felt by Shizukana because she gave an audible sound of chilly disapproval and lifted her hands so that she could rub the sides of her pale arms. As far as she was concerned, Sazanami was a guest of the tenth division and had done nothing to earn her lieutenant’s biting ire.

“OoooOOh! Brrr! The brisk but good morning has followed you into my office!”

However, she settled down quickly because she’d long grown used to Gekka’s icy greetings. Though this was one of the most uncomfortable parts about the vice-captain’s perpetual attribute like the way that cold was always generally unpleasant to be surprised by. She was no longer surprised. As soon as her right and her left hand had assembled themselves, Hyoroshi took it upon himself to commence the meeting by passing over a file to her.

"In that report is everything I've been able to gather on the Karakura and Naruki incursions, Captain. Allow me to be frank. While the shortcomings of the Tenth and Thirteenth are the most visible, it is us that allowed the situation in our own Division to spiral. It is precisely from this failure that the Hollows were free to scheme and strengthen themselves virtually unopposed."

Shizukana’s lips were still as the wolf man spoke to her and her rose eyes searched his face as he did speak. She was listening* to various things besides the words that he was saying to her as she always did. He was right, everyone in the room knew that he was but she knew it the most intimately. It was by the efforts of herself until her collapse and then ultimately to the bravery of her second and third seated officers that those traitors had been dealt with but ultimately nothing of substance had been learned. She wished that Oyuki’s triumph could mean more than being a commendable action in a time of war but there would always be a stain on the name of the fifth division they had yet to wash away. Above all, she had to remember that they were going to clean it away.

"Once a modicum of peace returns, we must make sure a mutiny of this kind never happens again within our ranks."

"It is so hard to trust people. Isn’t it?”

"With that being said, there's something else. According to eyewitness accounts, multiple humans were captured by the Hollows and brought back to Hueco Mundo. What we do know of those humans are detailed in the report, but from what I've seen, there's next to nothing to explain why they would be taken in the first place. More is needed to be learned on that front.”

Humans? Captured? Not eaten or murdered but there were actual reports of humans being abducted by hollows or rather, hollow-kind? Shizukana began to pace as she listened to Hyoroshi’s report and seemed to be rather deep in thought when…

"There's also the matter of you, Captain, and the coma that incapacitated you. As your subordinate---I'm grateful and thankful that it wasn't from anything you or we could have contracted in Hueco Mundo. But to know that it was your own Zanpakuto that took you out of commission for two years concerns me. If your blade was able to do that to you once, wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that it could do it again, and potentially for even longer?"

The silence of Iwamaura pausing before he chose to bring the issue of her troubling condition up to the room did not last near as long as the silence that was begotten from Captain Kurayami. At first, her expression would have been unreadable as there was nothing almost as if she’d fallen asleep although at the moment she had not. Her hands lowered to her hip where the fiendish Zanpakuto was resting and took it up into her hands, albeit gently as if she were admiring something about it and then ever so gently her lips crept into a smile.

"It’s been too long.”

A gentle smile like the smile of someone reminiscent of something or sometime. However, it wasn’t long before this smile was twisted by a twinge of disgust as well and she lowered it back down withdrawing it into the shadows of her white coat.

“Now I understand. Now I understand! Yurusarezaru can be…such a vile and fickle old man!”

Shizukana abruptly shifted out of her depressive state into one of vibrance and excitement and she clapped her soft hands together to emphasize just how happy she’d become in that moment.

“Isn’t this the most fortunate thing?!”
Then, the Captain began to chirp and fluttered about and did things like looking through books that she pulled from her walls, checking drawers in her dressers and finally she turned to face them. It was all clear, exactly what the fifth division needed to do and what needed to be said to those it may have concerned.

“We now know that there have been humans abducted into Hueco Mundo. The reason why can always be sorted out later, though I suspect we’ll find out more information than we can handle at some point. We can bring them here, where It can be sorted here where we can have more control over this situation. Naturally, It is of the highest imperative that they be rescued and there is none better to do it than we. Ah- Lieutenant Gekka, and Hyoroshi and me I mean but you’re very welcome to join us as we will need all of the bodies that we can get for this trip, Although, I’m sure there’d be other’s willing to help us out too…”

Shizukana then turned away and returned to her desk where she would sit herself gently down, as a feather.

“Bless your consideration of your Captain, but, Where it concerns me is where I am the most fortunate! Don’t you see? The answer is clear. We’ve got no choice but to prepare for another excursion to Hueco Mundo. It’s been too long.”

This was the only answer that she would have to give pertaining to the unorthodox actions of her Zanpakuto that wrestled her away from her duties and her officers. To many these words would be meaningless and not at all a suitable explanation or solution. It would frustrate and confound the unkeen mind but to those who knew the woman who detested even speaking of violence what she had actually said made the entire debacle and how it could relate to their circumstances make complete sense.

Its been too long that her blade has not killed. Its lust has not been sated. Its overwhelming desire to purify the unclean has been refused. Time and time again, Shizukana’s unwavering dedication to peace has been starving her soul reaper’s blade, it's right to reap.

The spirit possessed a strange modicum of control over Shizukana to the point that he could affect her actual body and even her consciousness but he still had to adhere to the laws of the weapon he inhabited. Though this hadn’t happened before, it went unnoticed by the consistency of the defiance to call upon him by Kurayami that clouded her vision until he made a point that she’d been too late to please him.

Too late but she could always try again.
She would always have to try again.

If they all played their cards right then they’d even kill two birds with a single stone! Minds attuned to her’s like Hyoroshi and Oyuki’s would have been likely following her own but the woman’s erratic actions and words probably confused Kazuki who was not yet used to the way that things were in the fifth division and in it’s Captain’s presence.

Couldn’t they see by how reluctant she looked?

"Then he'll forgive me."

It was time to feed Yurusarezaru, it was time to go back to Hueco Mundo.
​

---

POSTING ORDER: Shizukana -> Kazuki -> Hyoroshi -> Oyuki -> ???​

 

[Nobody]

The head of the spear is embedded in the ground, Kishō's foot resting atop its base as a support tool. As the young shinigami lands in a crater. Having followed her trajectory, while she soared through the air like a living sawblade he positioned himself in such a way to keep eyes on her, yet has chosen not to continue with a follow up assault.

The two shinigami are similar in many facets. Both their zanpakuto appear cracked, and shoddy incomparable to the power they hold. Both zanpakuto produce unbearable heat, and now both blades rested sheathed in the ground. As Kuwashii rises, she pulls her blade free from the earth, its flames and light glowing dimmer while the orange glow of Mōshoishi remain ever present, if not brighter. His image slightly distorted from the sweltering heat in the now oven like Division grounds of the ninth, though the look of confusion on his face is unmistakable.

"What ARE you talking about girl?" As always, his words came off indifferent, if not slightly annoyed at her question. The orange glows brighter in response to his question to her. "Is your sword not an elemental zanpakuto? Though a fool you may be, surely you're not so incompetent to not know that? Just by exerting your reiatsu even a bit the heat comes. If you've swung that blade around while releasing your reiatsu, I'm certain you've been cutting and burning things as a result. It'd make more sense if you haven't been doing so because you've actively restrained yourself from it."

Kishō was genuinely confused. This was because, like many other elemental types, his reiatsu when released naturally carried with it the byproduct of the element it reflected. Rather than using control to make this happen, it is only through control does he prevent it from happening. As the girl's blade was similar to his own, he was certain that she knew this already. Halfway through his exchange he had briefly entertained the thought that they were perhaps handling her with kids gloves to prevent any further incidents due to the heat her reiatsu exuded.

The cracks on Mōshoishi had slightly expanded as he spoke, a hot glowing liquid seeping from the cracks like tears. Still, the spearhead remained buried, the already uncomfortable grounds becoming even more unbearable. Raising his hand he aims it towards the blue haired girl, a red orb no bigger than a golf ball hovering before his palm only to quickly swell and expand. It is the result of a spell, one that is undoubtedly familiar to the girl. The spell crackles with energy, appearing rather unstable as it hovers in place. This is a common occurrence for the man as he constantly overloads his spells, yet never to the point that they blow up in his face or fail to be cast.

He seemed unaware that the purple haired spectator and chaperone had left, nor would he care if he did know she had gone. Unfortunately, her absence also meant there was no telling when things would end or how far he would go before satisfied.

"Shakkahō"

A name was all he said, as the red sphere of unstable Kidō rocketed towards Kuwashii. His eyes break away for the briefest of moments, glancing towards the ground before eyes re-fix themselves on his target. The spell illuminates the area, the moment of its impact certain to create a plume of red explosive energy visible to the other divisions surrounding the ninth.

 

[Inkmasterru]

---

Cold Welcome & Growing Flame

"So it is, and so is he. How very inconvenient but I’m sure he’ll turn up where he’s meant to be as you say, Kazuki. Believe me, the thirteenth will be informed, but right now you are here to relay what I have to say to Captain Izanagi. Though, this will also be written down, you’re one hundred percent being recorded as we speak.”

Kazuki slowly nodded his head as he was just relieved of delivering the message to Captain Shinka and her division. Yet instead given the arguably more difficult task of tracking down his Captain to convey the contents of this meeting. Then he felt Oyuki move and effortlessly apparate within the confines of the office.

“Captain.”

The familiar chill of the 5th division's lieutenant crept upon what was once a hospitable environment. His ire upon looking at his "lesser" was obvious to everyone, especially Kazuki. His reikaku easily sensing the "abrasive side" bleeding out as if Oyuki was spitting in his direction. In response Kazuki held a soft smile, closing his eyes and letting out a long exhale. The ice vapors dancing around his lips and head. As if one was taking a breath on a cold morning with dew freshly glistening in the rising sun, simply refreshing. His mind elsewhere as he focused more on Kuwashii's reiatsu... before she vanishes from the barracks. If he had to guess, she was heading towards central, to where exactly he wasn't sure. He was concerned and curious what those two spoke about, but he had some ideas.

He wasn't obvious to how the other division members treated her. The runt of the litter, a child who only threw tantrums, despite the family-like nature the 10th held. Yet it wasn't his place to help her... as others will view it as favoritism from a ranked officer. What little wisdom and advice he could offer was given, the rest, was up to her to figure out. Though at the end, he will always be there to aid her, no matter the result. He just hoped she wasn't doing something reckless and stupid.

...

Maybe he should send a message to Akemi to standby just in case. No.... She was as swamped as it is with still retreiving the dead and injuried from both Naruki and Karakura. Finishing his thoughts, he opened his eyes, setting his gaze upon Oyuki while maintaining the faint smirk, undisturbed by his presence.

"Lieutenant Oyuki, how generous... of you. A brisk breeze worthy of... being married with a good cup of tea."

Words spoken softly, pauses deliberate as if consideration was put into every word.

“OoooOOh! Brrr! The brisk but good morning has followed you into my office!”

Hpmm, the faint smirk silently grew at lady Kurayami's words. In that single instance it seemed the two had shared a brain cell if only for a moment. Finding it endearing of her disapproval at Oyuki's behavior, yet it was understood that they were all expecting Captain Izanagi. Though for those who didn't know the tenth division, will be surprised to find out that this was normal. It was not the first nor will it be the last time that Kazuki was sent in his Captain place.
If Izanagi was the face, Kazuki was the nerves responsible for communication between parts of the "body". Leaving Kuwashii for the heart, Jinnosuke for the muscle and Owari the skin.
​

---

The Report and Excursion

"In that report is everything I've been able to gather on the Karakura and Naruki incursions, Captain. Allow me to be frank. While the shortcomings of the Tenth and Thirteenth are the most visible, it is us that allowed the situation in our own Division to spiral. It is precisely from this failure that the Hollows were free to scheme and strengthen themselves virtually unopposed."

Silence as the words sunk into the atmosphere. The stain that besmirched all three divisions was heavily felt by the four here. Iwamaura's words cut deep as they were the unfiltered truth of the sorry state of the gotei 13. Still in shambles dispite coming back to needed efficiency, though he was afraid that was not happening fast enough. Six divisions still captain-less and eight without lieutenants... the mess they're still in. Siiiiiiiiiiiigh.

"Once a modicum of peace returns, we must make sure a mutiny of this kind never happens again within our ranks."

"It is so hard to trust people. Isn’t it?”

"Indeed... the wound still festers in all of us."

"With that being said, there's something else. According to eyewitness accounts, multiple humans were captured by the Hollows and brought back to Hueco Mundo. What we do know of those humans are detailed in the report, but from what I've seen, there's next to nothing to explain why they would be taken in the first place. More is needed to be learned on that front.”

At that moment, Kazuki felt the need to interject and add to the report. Yet chose to remain silent as he allowed Iwamaura to finish. He understood now the gist of what the reports contained. Basic sightings and patrols written down by those within the incident and the aftermath. He doubted that Iwamaura possessed the report his captain wrote, critical information of the nature of those "Humans".
"There's also the matter of you, Captain, and the coma that incapacitated you. As your subordinate---I'm grateful and thankful that it wasn't from anything you or we could have contracted in Hueco Mundo. But to know that it was your own Zanpakuto that took you out of commission for two years concerns me. If your blade was able to do that to you once, wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that it could do it again, and potentially for even longer?"

Lady Kurayami's Zanpakuto did what? For the first time in decades, Kazuki was dumbfounded by this piece of information. To him, who had such a strong bond with his Zanpakuto, this was inconceivable. In what world would a Zanpakuto do something so selfish to their partner, so detrimental? Yet... a Zanpakuto is a part of us but they are their own being. They have their desires, wants, ambitions, and personalities that can even be opposites of the shinigami. Every relationship differs as no bond in this world is the same.

These were the words of that stranger back then when Captain Date visited the division. How unfortunate and he can only wish the best for Lady Kurayami. While counting his own blessings that he and Kyoki held such a beneficial relationship. He waited a bit, before it seemed that Iwamaura said all that he wanted to.

"I believe I possess some... additional information about those humans."

About to continue, but he was interrupted by Lady Kurayami as she begun to ramble.

"It’s been too long.”​

“Now I understand. Now I understand! Yurusarezaru can be…such a vile and fickle old man!”

“Isn’t this the most fortunate thing?!”

Kazuki watched a bit amused as she scambled about the drawers and archives. Sighing a bit as he waited for her to voice her sudden discovery. Her movements frantic, yet it reminded him a bit of his own captain, so he knew that he will have to just wait it out.

“We now know that there have been humans abducted into Hueco Mundo. The reason why can always be sorted out later, though I suspect we’ll find out more information than we can handle at some point. We can bring them here, where It can be sorted here where we can have more control over this situation. Naturally, It is of the highest imperative that they be rescued and there is none better to do it than we. Ah- Lieutenant Gekka, and Hyoroshi and me I mean but you’re very welcome to join us as we will need all of the bodies that we can get for this trip, Although, I’m sure there’d be other’s willing to help us out too…”

“Bless your consideration of your Captain, but, Where it concerns me is where I am the most fortunate! Don’t you see? The answer is clear. We’ve got no choice but to prepare for another excursion to Hueco Mundo. It’s been too long.”

"Then he'll forgive me."

He noticed the invitation from Lady Kurayami to join their excursion into Hueco Mundo. For a second he pondered the thought, yet he decided that he will more of a burden than help at the moment. Not because of his lack of skill or martial prowess. But because he was a stranger and one that clearly one of the individials didn't trust their lives with. That... can be a death sentence as trust was of the upmost importance in such missions. He cleared his throat softly to draw focus to himself as he repeated his previous statement.

"As I have stated before... I have additional reports on the humans."

Slowly he walked over to the reports and stopped to look at lady Kurayami for permission. Before lightly skimming the contents of the reports.

"During the attack on Naruki, my captain encountered one of the espada and two of such described humans. In his reports, these humans could see both Espada and Shinigami. If it was just that... they will be just written off as humans with high spirtual energy. Or given the case of the invasion, humans exposed to high spirtual energy."

"Yet what is perplexing about them... is that they possessed abilities: one was able to manipulate the very air we breath and the other... manifested his commands into reality. It is safe to assume that other humans kidnapped possessed similiar abilities. How or why these humans possess such strange powers is currently unknown. Yet the reason behind their abilties, may be the reason why the arrancars are kidnapping them."

Gently he closed the reports and walked to the entrance of the office.

"I will try to find out more on the matter, but for now I wish you luck with your Zanpakuto, Lady Kurayami. That you two once more reach a compromise as all partners should. And I wish you all luck with the execursion ... to Hueco Mundo. I would go with... but there are warmer places that call for my utmost attention. Please relay the message you wish for me to bring to Captain Izanagi."

Even though the meeting just started, it seemed as if it was already wrapping up. He came here to exchange reports, once done... there was no more reason for him to stay. Other matters called to him and it will be prudent that he dealt with them.​

---

POSTING ORDER: Shizukana -> Kazuki -> Hyoroshi -> Oyuki -> ???
​

 

[Kami Shia]

Thanks to the fourth divisions expertise he was able to survive almost being completely annihilated by his brother and that he will forever be grateful for. The young Senko continued to meditate for a little bit longer, he was as still as the base of a thick tree as if he were rooted into the ground. His body was surrounded and coated by a thick layer of crimson aura, emptying becoming void of all emotion, locked in, he was focused on the flow of his reiryoku blocking out any unwanted distraction; he was able to feel it in every fiber of being and the only way he could only describe it as weird tingly sensation throughout his body. This specific feeling was something he was familiar with, yet he wanted to up his game and take one step further, his goal was to refine and learn to control his reiryoku subconsciously and improve of the quality of his overall control.

As finished up his meditation the aura blanketing him slowly faded away dispersing into tiny orbs of light. Taking in a deep breath before releasing his meditation pose and opening his eyes slowly, the peace and quiet was different, silence was stranger in the presence of Keniro who always seemed to find a way to be the nosiest person wherever he went. Standing up and gathering his belonging and preparing himself to return to thirteenth only to be stalled by the desire to receive word on his transfer request...

Still, he was determined to right his wrongs hoping for the opportunity for redemption, is young mind was all but displaced in these current circumstances. His heart wayed heavy with the guilt of not being there for his allies when they needed him most, but felt as he was now, he would've only burdened them with his lackluster efforts. *Sighs*... The young Senko finished collecting his belongings and headed without any further hesitation... his destination, was the thirteenth division hoping to speak with the captain who had been missing in action since the start of the young Senko's career. Afraid of what's to come he was prepared himself mentally for the unknown hoping things would go smooth, he was anticipating being scolded or worse. But just maybe perhaps with his newfound motivation he could verbally announce his dedication to improving his performance and producing results that even his old man would be proud of.

Division 4 to Division 13​

 

[Adonai]

She had to think about what he was saying, sure she let her Reiatsu flow out but it always came out as flames rather than just heat. Perhaps it was a matter of her control that let it seep out as flames instead of the feeling of flames. Always wanting to be the center of attention and wanting to be seen, she may have subconsciously undercut herself on her Reiatsu control, releasing too much to the point where it materializes as flames. This is one part of her thought process and the other part thinks that maybe their Reiatsu is just fundamentally different from each other in the sense that for Kuwashii if there is no flames there is no heat. The glow of his spear head caught her eyes right before she had her eureka moment, the cracks were growing or were they larger? Or was it a trick of the eye due to the glow it was emitting? With her mind back on the battle that eureka had to be stalled as the next word he spoke was that of a Kido spell, one she knows well, well enough to counter with full confidence. She leaps back out of the crater but not out of the path of the spell.

“Yūmeijin: San!”
(有名人; Luminaries: Three)

Her Plan of Attack

A pillar of fire erupts from the spot Kuwashii was standing, directly “attacking” the Kido spell and causing it to detonate. When she gouged out the ground when she landed she used her Zanpakuto ability, Yūmeijin to place this remote detonating attack, or in this case defense. The spell detonates and briefly overshadows the white pillar of fire with its red plume. The pillar of fire continues to roar with no sign of extinguishing, which causes Kuwashii to shout her response to Kisho’s earlier inquiry.

”I think I get it! I’ve probably been going about it the wrong way! I associate flames with heat so if there are no flames then there is no heat, or so I thought! I like my flames, I like to see them because they remind me of where they stand on the pecking order for temperature! But learning means changing your way of thinking sometimes, and I think I just might do that!”

The sound of her blade slamming into the ground is all Kisho can hear since he is visually obscured by the pillar of fire. While she is on the right track with her thinking she doesn't realize that the true answer lies in her past, the place where all mental trauma resides. He could also hear in her voice that she was getting tired, though this would be the only true indicator of it because it seems like everyone has misinterpreted the dimming flames of her Zanpakuto. When the flames grow more faint it does not mean she is lacking Reiatsu, it just means her Zanpakuto is lacking flame. But if that's the case, where did it go and how can she get more? Quite simple, she recalls that flame back to her blade when needed. But how much flame has been lost? Well the answer to that lies in the numbering scheme of her ability name, although the numerical value may not make sense to outsiders, to her it makes perfect sense.

”Thank you, Kisho Date, for helping me train! Your actions of attacking my Lieutenant were and still are wrong, but that one act, you considered irrelevant, put me on a path to meet with you today! I will return eventually, with a slightly less aggressive entry! Let’s finish this!”

Full of cheer and joy she is happy that she has learned something here today, through verbal and non-verbal communication. There isn’t a single ounce of fear in her being towards Kisho, she has no basis or precedence to know that fearing him is probably best, well best for those who do not wish to invoke his wrath. She sees him as someone to learn from and after today’s “training session” she will certainly become a pest seeking to learn more from him. After all their Zanpakuto are similar in appearance, she’ll have to bug him about it more. She now settles in to launch her attack or rather recall it to herself.

Something roars through the air, two things actually that seemed to have gone unnoticed by Kisho entirely. When she turned herself into a flaming buzzsaw she released two arcs of flame off into the air, seemingly inconsequential actions but those were both the same Zanpakuto technique employed to stop the Kido spell mere moments ago. If the pillar between Kisho and Kuwashii is three then that means two and one are now on their way. Her placement is no mere coincidence either, landing behind Kisho was part of this plan to ensure the trajectory of the recall put him between the arcs of flame and her Zanpakuto. The arcs of flame, rising into the sky suddenly stop and fly back towards the ground, they do not have to take a straight line back to the blade but can instead curve back towards it, like plasma erupting from the surface of a star that arcs back down in a display humans call a Solar Flare. This attack mimics that action, just in a less showy way.

Once the arcs are close enough they fly over the buildings of the Division, the Shinigami of Ninth surely should have given the two enough space to fight considering the sweltering heat that only continued to build between them. The first arc of flame closes in and perhaps by this time Kisho has enough time to turn around to see the flame, but by then it is already upon him and crashing into him. It does not cut, nor does it explode, it instead burns him and bends around him, still seeking to return to its source, Kuwashii’s Zanpakuto. Like a blow torch burning metal, it conforms to its shape and tries to move around it to continue its forward momentum, that is what’s happening here. The second arc of fire collides with him before the first is even finished with its collision, taking the same actions.

Thankfully the difference in their Reiatsu isn’t so vast that he can nullify its effects and walk away unharmed, but this also means he can take serious damage from it, enough to end the fight. Kuwashii doesn’t want to kill Kisho, there is more she wants to learn from him but if she doesn’t fight to kill he will kill her. As bad as it may sound she has faith that he can survive such an attack, if he is as strong as she believes then he will be fine. The pillar of fire continues to roar as the flames push around Kisho, through said pillar and return to the Zanpakuto that the pillar still obscures. Although behind it Kuwashii makes a face of disgust almost, a mere thought that creeps into her mind that sours her tongue. The fact that she has belief and faith in this man’s strength caused the thought of admiration to seep into her mind. Aside from Otokogi, who saved her from a harsh life in the Rukongai, she has admired no one else but the stars above. So to think that she could possibly be on the cusp of admiring Kisho makes her grimace slightly.

 

[TherosAestas]

The tension between the cousins was enough to instill a dull ache across Suzume’s temples. To soothe herself, she merely closed her eyes as she sipped from her own cup, holding it up with one hand. Even if Hideo and Suzume had slacked on their training, it wouldn’t make much of a difference. Centuries under her belt had taught her that.

Everyone needed a break from time to time and there was no point in pushing one’s self to near exhaustion when invasion was imminent. Even still they had trained themselves in the ways they saw fit as they had always done. Her free hand rested ever so lightly on Jigitarisu which she had lain across her lap. It wasn’t an act of precaution, but an act of comfort.

As her cup emptied, Suzume placed it ever so gently upon the desk that it didn’t even make a sound. The comment about a centuries old mochi recipe requiring peach sake, brought the faintest of smirks to her lips. She’d been the one to determine what had been missing after recalling the only time in her youth when she’d had the original mochi, from Makiko herself who had been nearly ancient at that point. Her eyes opened as Hideo reached for the teapot, watching him keenly.

“I’m glad you came to check up on me. See if I’m still practicing every day.”

He wasn’t. She knew that, and she was certain Yugure knew it too. His comment about her being the only one to give him grief if he slacked on his training elicited a soft chuckle from her. She couldn’t allow him to slack. It wouldn’t be any fun if he let her surpass him so easily.

She reached for the teapot, pouring herself another cup, poised and efficient, not a single drop wasted. Returning the pot to its place, she grimaced as the floors groaned beneath Hideo’s weight shifting. Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly as her gaze shifted lazily to him.

His words about the arrancar produced a snort from Suzume. ”Almost admirable? It is compared to us. We’ve had so much infighting amongst the Seireitei that it’s becoming disgraceful.” She didn’t actually care that other divisions were tearing themselves apart, but she wouldn’t let their inability put her division in peril. Her gaze softened momentarily as she took in the serenity Hideo exuded as he delivered his final question.

Her fingers absentmindedly traced the bleeding-hearts and angel's trumpets that decorated Jigitarisu’s sheath. Her eyes shifted to gauge Yugure’s reaction to the question that still hung in the air. The dull ache returned in Suzume’s skull as the atmosphere of the office shifted to one thick with thinly veiled resentment and hostility. Her delicate fingers closed around her cup once more before bringing it to her lips where she downed it in one swallow. A quiet sigh escaped her lips.

​