Northeast Seireitei
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Nobody
Member
"I should just quit."
A tired voice drawls out from behind a desk. No, not tired, more annoyed than anything. He missed the days of anonymity granted to him by being just another shinigami. His days of leisure exchanged only for burden after burden. He had worked tirelessly to help those injured from the incident back during the clash between the Shiba slayer and former Lieutenant of the Fifth Division, then there was the time he had to act as a proctor for the new Captain of the Eleventh. It was a shame he had to leave early due to unforeseen circumstances...a lie of course. How dare they force him to do something so...demeaning.
If there was anytime to be grateful for Fourths workload, it was then. It facilitated a believable enough excuse. Even if his opponent was less than thrilled or impressed, that was hardly his concern. Resting his head against he desk, he could only sigh and grit his teeth. 'I should really train someone to be at least...partially competent enough to fill in for me.' He never gave any thought to actually training anyone first hand. Sure he oversaw the training and teaching of Healing Kido as a whole, but to raise someone up directly? The thought dared not cross his mind, for who was truly worthy of such attention from him? Who would even had 1/4th of his talent to even be able to grasp...anything he taught?
His eyes glance over a few scattered sheets laying beneath him. The first ones were the obvious results of progress from various staff members and their Kaido, along with a number of potential prospects. Underneath was the intel regarding an alarming spike of reiatsu from Hueco Mundo. Despite the length of time there were some still on edge. Although nothing considerable had happened as a result of such readings, that in and of itself was cause for alarm.
He sits up, leaning back to stare at the ceiling momentarily. "I hope...I wont be getting any more work soon." Perceiving this moment of momentary peace as little more than a red flag.
"Perhaps I'll go visit the Twelfth again."
He exclaimed, pushing himself to his feet as if what he had said was less a thought and more a decision he had made. He was either ignorant of the fact that his presence there was a hinderance, or he simply didn't care. Perhaps it was a little of both.
Arriving Shinigami Research and Development → 4th Division
Entitled she is, Shibuya continued her ignoring of those 'lesser' than her, completely stonewalling any attempts that may or may not have been made to stop her as she entered the grounds of Fourth Division. She didn't want, nor need, help navigating. Neither did she need to be questioned by anyone that would just get in her way, or even try to prevent her from showing up unannounced. Tit-for-tat, petty revenge for the times Itaku or Kokuren have disturbed her.
However, as she began making her way toward Itaku's office she stopped, spying the man in question.
Convenient he seemed to be stepping out, though she dreaded why he'd be leaving the comfort of his office, her headache ticking up a touch at the mere thought of his disturbing her little worker bees.
"Ōhei," she called, head upturned as-if she were attempting to appear larger than she is, "What a coincidence,"
As much distaste as she holds for the man and her perceived idea of who he is, Shibuya wants to appear as professional as possible in public, so as to not damage her standing too much. That doesn't stop the near outright sneer she dons as she approaches Itaku, and asks just barely loud enough for him to hear, yet still with all the audacity of her over-inflated ego, "Would you care for a meal?" her default choice of meeting, far more casual than it otherwise would be, providing her a friendlier approach to swaying whoever she happened to need at the moment.
Her volume raises as she continues, "I've matters to discuss with you,"
Nobody
Member
"Ōhei, What a coincidence,"
Hearing the disturbance he wondered what manner of trouble was heading his way. His face twisting into an annoyed scowl until he saw the disturber. As she stomped his way he greeted the pint sized monster with his most charming of smiles. He wasn't certain as to what reason would actually force the goblin from her hole and into his office, but who cared. The reason was meaningless, what mattered was that she had delivered herself to him on a silver platter herself.
"Ah, if it isn't CAPTAIN Harai!"
He made sure to address her by her title, though if it was done to mock her or not was anyone's guess. He placed his hands on his hips, bending down at the waist some as if trying to draw near, closer to her eye level his smile never vanishing, teeth almost sparkling as he beamed at her. "A meal with you? I dare not pass up such an opportunity!" He readily agreed as he moved to step beside her, motioning for them to proceed onward to go enjoy their meal elsewhere.
"What a coincidence, I also wanted to see you to have a word or two."
Just what is it he had in mind? What was he scheming this time? Questions the short elder might be asking herself, earning her a headache during their travels and perhaps even their meal. He was always up to something, one way or another, and in the end it was always he who benefitted the most out of anything. He made sure his every step matched her stride, glancing down towards her every now and then, eyes gleaming like tiny jewels in the light.
"Dare I ask for a hint to what it is you could need of little ol' me?"
He lightly probed, seeing what he could find out from her for the purpose of her visit. Regardless of what it is, he'd be sure to get something in return.
She bristles as he greets her with her proper title, scowl overcoming her features for a second, before being forced back to neutrality the moment she notices her own twisted expression.
"Is that so? How serendipitous, then. This saves you the trip to Twelfth,"
With some effort, she smiles back, duller, less friendly and familiar. Her annoyance at his visits to her squad going unsaid. Curious she may be, thoughts swarming various trains, as to what he'd want other than to be a pest, she doesn't dwell as much as she may have otherwise. Itaku wants something of her, for one reason or another, and that could allow her a decent trade-off– As long as she keeps her wits about her. Her ego won't allow her to admit that, perhaps, she is too easy to bait into fury, into headspaces that may make her easy prey.
Wasting no time, she turns on her heel, leading Itaku along with a quick flick of her wrist to follow. They aren't going far, a few minutes walk at most, toward a little restaurant tucked away in the maze-like layout of Seireitei that is never particularly busy. Never too many eyes nor ears.
"Eye for an eye," she huffs out, expectant that he'll return the favour.
"Consider it to be an extension of our prior work together," left purposefully vague, not enough information to garner anything substantial, not that she thought she even needed secrecy for this venture in question. A habit more than anything.
Slowing to a crawl, Shibuya gently tugs Itaku's haori sleeve as she veers them down a narrower path, almost an alleyway with the lack of bustling life and lack of direct sunlight overhead. Further down the way a small sign can be seen, advertising their destination with a quaint display written and drawn in chalk.
Nobody
Member
"Intruiging~"
He cooed, not letting on rather or not he understood just what she was referring to. Both seemed to be gauging and playing the other. It was an amusing little game, at least to Itaku that is. He continued following alongside her silently, shooting obvious glances her way here and there. Seeing the pair together brought a swarm of whispers and talks from others, all manner of rumors will have undoubtedly rounded the Seireitei several times over by day's end.
A slight tug at the sleeve of his haori helped guide him towards an unexpected path; an alleyway. He cringed inwardly, not one to tread upon such an unseemly and perhaps nasty place, but for now he'd have to suppress his own disgust.
"Why, Captain Harai, just where are you taking me? I-I don't know if I've prepared my heart or mind enough for this-"
His face growing visibly flush as he turns his head, bringing a hand up to his face shyly. His words alone would cause anyone to misinterpret just what the two were doing, one might even assume he himself had forgotten and was genuinely perceiving this as something rather...scandalous. In reality he did it simply to poke at the midget, seeking to amuse himself until they made their way inside and actually got down to business.
"Can't say I expected to come to such an....interesting place. And to be escorted here by someone so...."
His voice trails off, though it remained to be seen if he was actually talking to her or rather himself.
"I hope the place is clean inside at least."
He huffed, puffing his cheeks as his eyebrows furrowed, and even then he still appeared cute and breathtakingly handsome.
The buzzing began the moment she had walked off with the man, of little enough consequence she'd hardly paid any mind to the influx of whispers her bugs were picking up. Now, however, being made aware of what could be said about the two behind their backs, she suddenly became too conscious of the tittering Shinigami whispering to one another about what they'd seen.
"Nowhere like that! This isn't illicit, you–!" her voice isn't particularly loud, but it's uneven, cracking as it threatens to go above her comfortable range into a shriek.
As-if burned she lets go of Itaku's sleeve, speeding her stride to put distance between them. Her ears flush and hot with embarrassment.
Taking the lead she leads them into the establishment, jaw clenched even as she nods in acknowledgement toward the only other person there– A woman, sweeping quietly, friendly in her returned nod at the duo.
Inside it's small, cramped, only two western-styled tables and two chairs at each, nothing adorning them aside from pillows on each chair. At the bar are two stools, and a stack of wooden slabs. The place is clean– barren, yes, but clean. Shibuya huffs and glances over her shoulder, 'good enough for you?' going unsaid.
She chooses to sit at one of the tables, pushed up against the wall. Slightly more private compared to the other, which basks in what little sunlight the building gets through a window.
The woman offers each of them one of the wooden slabs– Menus. The choices are simple, Izakaya food, tea, sake. Considering the location, Shibuya chooses to assume what they get will be more refined than the average.
"Korokke," she states plainly to the waitress, handing back her menu. She almost leaves it at that, until her eyes flick toward Itaku for a moment.
"And a bottle of Kotei no Hitsugi," she gives a sharp smile to the woman when she notices her pause, about to ask if she's sure. The spiel of it's so expensive on the verge of tumbling out as Shibuya continues, cutting her off properly, "I'm sparing no expense for my dear friend. If you have the Yuzu flavour, we'll take that,"
The woman nods, then waits for Itaku's order before scurrying off into the kitchen. She comes back for only a moment to give them the bottle of sake, and two striped cups.
Shibuya pours herself a cup of her own family's sake and settles into her seat properly.
"Now, then," taking a sip of her sake– particularly sour, she notes, meaning this bottle will run her a decent bill- she looks properly at Itaku.
"I'm sure you've heard that traces of Hollow-like energy, most likely to be an Arrancar, were found in Rukongai some time ago, yes?" her brow furrows as she says it, nearly a scowl, yet not quite there, displeased but not outright hostile, "Call me paranoid, but that has put me on-edge,"
She leans back against her chair, one hand idly holding her cup near her chest, the other resting on the table. Her finger taps against the wood as she continues.
"So, I want to ensure my men know how to utilize Kaidō should we end up in conflict, being taught by the best Fourth has to offer, obviously.
I'd also like to build a small, secondary lab somewhere within Fourth that focuses on the creation and production of medical equipment, medicines, and smaller novelty products. Twelfth will man it, though that being said, the reason I want it in Fourth rather than Twelfth is for the purpose of allowing Fourth to learn from us. To be able to create, or at the very least offer their ideas, of what they want or need as doctors and nurses to do their duties more efficiently.
What better way to secure conveniences of their line of work than to be the ones directly handling or overseeing it, hm?"
Long since calmed from her companions teasing, her words are confident, sturdy. She downs the rest of her cup, and places it back on the table.
Folding her hands over her knee, eyes narrowed to a near glare, Shibuya lets her words stand. The two of them are predators, always sniffing for blood, so she's prepared for any counter-offer Itaku may propose, a million scenarios bubbling in her head, gnashing against the constant headache the Centipede's induce.
dem0nzlust
Member
Michiya is unaware of how long the Captain remains in the current location they are, and has no clue where exactly they are or what they are doing but he knows for sure didn't want to end up chasing her around. The logical solution would be to just phone the Captain about what he wished to discuss although this was something best to talk about in person, and didn't want it on record. A real seeker of knowledge couldn't be afraid to push the boundaries with what he had planned crossing those morally blurred lines, which is why he wanted to gauge what type of person his Captain was before making any rash decisions. This also be a good opportunity for him to try to get more funds requested for his department to push his research progression forward, especially with war believed to be looming on the horizon. A small grin crept on his face with the thought of all the guinea pigs trying some of his newest inventions and drugs on, as times of war meant profit for their division as the demands would increase. From the little rumors and intelligence, he gathered about Captain Shibuya a lot pointed to the fact she was a business tycoon.
After traversing the rooftops to avoid any other social interactions that might come his way, and to move without people hindering his path. Finally, he reached the general coordinates the bakudo gave him and glanced around the general area quite curious about what she was doing in a location like this. Taking a casual leap from the rooftop he landed gracefully below startling a few people passing by before pausing to try to detect the whereabouts of her. To his shock not only did he discover hers, but the strong spiritual energy of another leaving him to only assume conducting business with another Captain or someone who possessed equally strong energy to one. At this point, his curiosity peaked about what may be going down, seeing as they were met up in a public establishment nothing prohibited him from just walking in to properly engage them. With both hands calmly tucked behind his lower back he proceeded forward to where he saw the two of them seated taking it all in and noticing their Captain's coats wondering what kind of business the 4th and 12th divisions would be discussing; maybe volunteer test subjects.
"Pardon me Captain Harai, and Captain Itaku I need to borrow..."
The social anxiety started to catch up with Michiya now being cursed with keen observation and took quick notice of all the people watching him. He started to fumble his words a little bit more with a clear uncomfortable look on his face hating all this attention on him now. He took in a deep breath to steady himself before starting to fidget with the hilt of his Zanpakuto and then that is when it all hit him. A big sweat bead rolled down his face with him looking more closely at the place they were in, what the two ordered at the table they sat as about this time to alcoholic beverage got delivered to the two of them. Michiya's face suddenly now shifted into light red getting flustered at the realization of something all the signs pointed to.
"W-Wait are you two on a date?!" He accidentally blurted out drawing even more unwanted attention toward himself. The introverted side of him began to fire on all cylinders causing him to fumble even more so over his words, "I mean there is nothing wrong with you two dating is statistically proven we all have needs and desires. Some believe we are programmed to seek out a mate." He rambled on a little more about facts and statistics of dating before catching himself.
Clearing his throat he lightly patted himself on the face before getting back to what was the real reason that brought him here. Taking in one big deep breath he started over again.
"Please forgive my intrusion on your romantic outing together, but I think it is important to address with war encroaching on us at any point, that I request more funds. In my most recent discovery I found ways to strengthen one's bond with their Zanpakuto, and as you both know the stronger the bond is you can harness more of your Zanpakuto's power. Soldiers are nothing without well-cared-for weapons, but in our case, they are just not weapons. They are part of us born from our soul so while it is integral we keep ourselves in pristine shape, the same goes for our Zanpakuto spirits."
During the time Michiya spoke to them both but more geared toward his Captain of the 12th division, he pulled out his holographic computer. All the anxiety and nervousness he had before disappeared the moment he started talking about his research coming off as an entirely different person. However, his execution of this could use some work sliding holographic screens with information and charts that help back up his research, and some recordings of previous battles between shinigami that showed their current wavelength communication when they entered into Shikai and Bankai compared to his research showing a clear difference even for those who had obtained their Bankai for years now. The screens projected being slid to them happened to bombard them like virtual spam with Michiya caught up in the moment not paying attention to how much information he sent their way with his holographic computer.
Arriving from Kido Corps to Northeast
After traversing the rooftops to avoid any other social interactions that might come his way, and to move without people hindering his path. Finally, he reached the general coordinates the bakudo gave him and glanced around the general area quite curious about what she was doing in a location like this. Taking a casual leap from the rooftop he landed gracefully below startling a few people passing by before pausing to try to detect the whereabouts of her. To his shock not only did he discover hers, but the strong spiritual energy of another leaving him to only assume conducting business with another Captain or someone who possessed equally strong energy to one. At this point, his curiosity peaked about what may be going down, seeing as they were met up in a public establishment nothing prohibited him from just walking in to properly engage them. With both hands calmly tucked behind his lower back he proceeded forward to where he saw the two of them seated taking it all in and noticing their Captain's coats wondering what kind of business the 4th and 12th divisions would be discussing; maybe volunteer test subjects.
"Pardon me Captain Harai, and Captain Itaku I need to borrow..."
The social anxiety started to catch up with Michiya now being cursed with keen observation and took quick notice of all the people watching him. He started to fumble his words a little bit more with a clear uncomfortable look on his face hating all this attention on him now. He took in a deep breath to steady himself before starting to fidget with the hilt of his Zanpakuto and then that is when it all hit him. A big sweat bead rolled down his face with him looking more closely at the place they were in, what the two ordered at the table they sat as about this time to alcoholic beverage got delivered to the two of them. Michiya's face suddenly now shifted into light red getting flustered at the realization of something all the signs pointed to.
"W-Wait are you two on a date?!" He accidentally blurted out drawing even more unwanted attention toward himself. The introverted side of him began to fire on all cylinders causing him to fumble even more so over his words, "I mean there is nothing wrong with you two dating is statistically proven we all have needs and desires. Some believe we are programmed to seek out a mate." He rambled on a little more about facts and statistics of dating before catching himself.
Clearing his throat he lightly patted himself on the face before getting back to what was the real reason that brought him here. Taking in one big deep breath he started over again.
"Please forgive my intrusion on your romantic outing together, but I think it is important to address with war encroaching on us at any point, that I request more funds. In my most recent discovery I found ways to strengthen one's bond with their Zanpakuto, and as you both know the stronger the bond is you can harness more of your Zanpakuto's power. Soldiers are nothing without well-cared-for weapons, but in our case, they are just not weapons. They are part of us born from our soul so while it is integral we keep ourselves in pristine shape, the same goes for our Zanpakuto spirits."
During the time Michiya spoke to them both but more geared toward his Captain of the 12th division, he pulled out his holographic computer. All the anxiety and nervousness he had before disappeared the moment he started talking about his research coming off as an entirely different person. However, his execution of this could use some work sliding holographic screens with information and charts that help back up his research, and some recordings of previous battles between shinigami that showed their current wavelength communication when they entered into Shikai and Bankai compared to his research showing a clear difference even for those who had obtained their Bankai for years now. The screens projected being slid to them happened to bombard them like virtual spam with Michiya caught up in the moment not paying attention to how much information he sent their way with his holographic computer.
Arriving from Kido Corps to Northeast
Shibuya patiently waited for Itaku's reply, his counter. She was focused on him, wholly, watching every minute movement and twitch, but that didn't mean her Centipede's were.
From the back of her head, the constant drum of the Azamushi morphed from mundane chatter to an alert– Not a threat, but certainly headed for her. They only confirmed it as Michiya closed in on the establishment.
"Twelfth Division, Fourth Seat, Michiya, identified. Entering,"
Turning in her seat, Shibuya propped her arm over the back of her seat, light glare meeting the young man while he approached.
Were it anyone else she may have turned them away, lesser seats often only bothering her for ridiculous problems they could handle themselves had they any sense. But Michiya, for the short time she's been watching him and the other high seats, warrants her actual attention.
She's about to respond, lips moving to speak, yet she's swiftly cut off by her subordinate.
And that does it.
Her face goes slack, her posture loosening. She can't hear his rambling, cotton filling her ears, eyes glazed over, her brain effectively breaking from the simple insinuation. It being spoken directly to her face rather than behind cupped hands and quiet whispers is what does it, she thinks, hearing it so blatantly stated that her honest business venture with a…. peer, could be misconstrued as a date. A romantic outing. An illicit meeting. between lovers!
Horrific! Absolutely horrific!!
Certainly the thought of settling down, producing an heir for her clan, has been a topic she has tread upon before– Just not ever with- Well, no, that's a lie, the thought had crossed her upon their first meeting, he's good looking, but not since has she….
She cannot allow that train of thought to continue.
Shaking her head she pulls herself out of the vacuum of space she almost allowed herself to be swallowed whole by, tuning back in to Michiya's rambling.
Before he can continue further, the small woman raises her palm to him, her other hand brought to pinch the bridge of her nose, her face scrunching back to its usual scowl as if it had never left in the first place.
"Enough, boy." her voice, for all she seems calm, wavers and croaks even with the short words. Briefly she turns back to Itaku, offering him a small nod, then lifts herself out of her chair. "Do take your time considering my offer, Captain Ōhei,"
Reaching into the sleeve of her shihakusho, Shibuya pulls a string of coins with slightly, mistakably, shaky hands, and places them on the counter, not bothering to check how much she knew she was overpaying them.
What really, truly, gives away her emotional state in that moment is the same hand she had pulled the coins out with outright grabs Michiya by the collar, yanking him along behind her as she exits the building, not releasing him until they are out of the alley completely.
Shibuya stops just short of the main street, taking a deep breath.
"You," she begins, not looking at Michiya.
"Absolute,"
"Brat!"
"We were not on a date! We were not! You stupid little– You absolute brat! To insinuate that he and I were– that we– There is! Was! I-Is!! Nothing going on between he and I!"
To be screeching more than once in a day was not, and is not, something Shibuya ever expected to find herself doing. Least of all about a topic she thought herself immune to. The levels in which she both over and underestimated herself are utterly confounding… And annoying.
Her voice breaks as she finishes her therapeutic screaming session, her chest heaving as she once again comes back to herself.
However, she moves to speak again, and what comes out could only be considered a rasp.
".... What did you want, again?"