Northeast Seireitei

[Inkmasterru]

​

---

As Kazuki communicated within his inner persona, the white wolf, he wasn't exactly unconscious. His ears prickling at Kokuren's and the nearby medics criticizing of his character and actions. At first he wanted to interject and protest, but choose to allow them to speak.
​

"Nurse Akemi advised she did not wish to hear the patient's reasoning as he was her brother before he was a patient. She instructed us to stabilize his torso, put his arm on ice and to keep healing until he can use shikai since his zanpakuto apparently has healing properties.

"Ah! I didn't know Akemi ran this place. I see I'll have to go ask her to properly update me the next time I see her."

Well that wasn't exactly how it was said... another sweat bead going down Kazuki's forehead. Her outburst was more to his subordinates about her disciplinary action towards a ranked officer, nothing of the sort dismissing that him being a patient came first. Though either way, the little sister that she was, she still couldn't control her outbursts.

Hope she doesn't get into too much trouble. She was always a diligent and hardworking medic, married to her work. Skilled and a master at Kido and Kaido, more so then her idiot of a brother who didn't even bother at it. Hope she grows out of her naivety and learns to not throw a fit every time he lands there.
​

"You there, grab that Denreishinki in his hand and secure it in a bag for his property. He doesn't need it right now. You, grab the sheers and cut the remaining upper portion of his Shihakushō off. Be sure to take care with any articles that might have melted into his injury."

Standard procedure for a shinigami in critical condition. Kazuki didn't make a fuss about it, allowing the medics to their job. Loosing his fingers to let them take the Denreishinki from his hand and subtlety moving his body to aid them in the removal of the Shihakushō. To the Interns and orderlies they may not notice that he was conscious, left wondering why the body was lighter than it should have been. Relatively easy to move and shift, yet he knew Kokuren will notice, if she wasn't too focused in her orders and charts.
​

"Administer anesthesia around the injury for now. You annnnd...you there, stand by on either side of his bed. Should he open his eyes while we're working or securing anything from his persons, I want you to immediately cast Tanma Otoshi and if necessary Inemuri as well to place him back under."

Another sweat bead went down his face at the mention of the two kido spells. Both which he was quite familiar as his sister will often practice on him when she was still in the academy. Fond, yet painful memories of him face-planting after being rendered unconscious, yet aiding her progression of kido spells. They said that it is to cast the moment he opens his eyes, so for now he will continue to rest.
​

"Also...I want you to secure his Zanpakutō with the rest of his property in the other room."

That Kazuki didn't like that... Kyoki Chizuki is to not leave his side. She never has and never will, no one without permission has or should touch her. Yet he still remained still, waiting to see the reason why his partner in being and soul is being removed. If he interrupts them now, he won't get that information and be put under.
​

"Despite what the patient's SISTER has said, and as amazing as such an ability may be, his best bet at any type of true recovery will be through the use of Kaidō and medicine. Allowing him to become reliant on that aspect of his zanpakutō will not only stifle his growth, but ensure he maintains a reckless mentality...fully reliant and dependent on his zanpakutō's abilities. So, we will remove that crutch from him while he is being treated here."

"EXCUSE ME, What did that B*&%h call me! A CRUTCH! How dare she?!"

The screeching of Kyoki will pierce Kazuki's ear as he slightly winced. Unintentional or perhaps very intentional, Kokuren insulted his Zanpakuto. The blade shaking in it's sheath visible to the nurses who tried to approach it and pick it up. Detering them from touching it and probably scared a few, while Kazuki remained perfectly still. To descalate, Kazuki let out a slow and soft sigh. Keeping his eyes shut as his words wisped out.

"Harsh words, miss medic. Now before you cast Tanma Otoshi on me, technically I haven't opened my eyes. I am neither resisting nor fighting for my possessions and I'm not going to. Though if you would allow it, I prefer for Kyoki Chizuki to stay by my side and an apology. Not for me... as your insult did not harm me more than it did my partner."
"She is not deaf and... she didn't appreciate being called a crutch. Don't worry, I am not going to use her unless it is with your permission. I am very much aware that at this moment, the position of medic far exceeds my own as lieutenant. Do what you deem necessary to expedite my healing process."

Kazuki will keep his eyes shut until it is confirmed by Kokuren that he is allowed to open them. He was very much aware that currently he was at their mercy by his own choice. He didn't want to cause trouble for the hard working shinigami of the 4th anymore than he has already.

"I apologize for my little sister, she is a good medic, she just gets a little emotion around her big brother. Go easy on her, the fault lies in me for her irrationality. I am not usually one for excuses, but this a exception not the norm for her."

Then he cleared his throat.

"As for my wound, it was inflicted by a member of the Date clan. A single thrust attack similar to Onibi with reiatsu being the focal point. The reiatsu is a elemental type akin to lava, wound was inflicted 10 mins and 36 seconds and counting since my arrival at this location. Reiatsu is down 9.25% from my bodies standard amount and I kept anymore from being lost to the best of my ability. My zanpakuto is a Reiatsu manipulation type and amongst it's few abilities, it has a healing one as I am sure you are aware. Yet neither you or my sister are aware of it's capablities and limitations. The way it works, is it takes the reiatsu from those it cuts to repair my body and replenish my own reiatsu if I so choose. The stronger the reiatsu, usually the greater the effect. It was enough to repair my previously mangeled arm, yet I know it is not enough to repair my current situation on it's own that is. So my fate currently lies in your capable hands."
He wasn't a medic, but he was an experienced warrior, a master in zanjutsu. Relaying all information about how the wound was inflicted to aid in his recovery. His only available hand going up to untie his hairtie and set it on the covers. Quickly moving his hair to the side to not get in the way of their work and retying into a loose side plait with one hand. All with his eyes closed, showing that one, he has done this many times and that he was quite dexterous in his off hand. Once tied, he rested his head on the pillow once more.

"Sorry about that, lying down on a ponytail is not very comfortable. I moved it out of the way for you, please tell me if you wish it up again. I am happy to cooperate and will do what ever is needed or that you ask of me. As well as answer any inquires."

Assumptions assumptions assumptions, many were thrown Kazuki's way. All assumed him to be this volatile and reckless ruffian, though the punkish appearance didn't help in that manner nor did recent events. In honesty he was extremely cooperative and hardworking, loyal to a fault. Wasn't his fault that the only two conflicts he had today were both with a Date, known for their ruthlessness and egos. Punished for simply doing his job and standing by his subordinates and fellow shinigami. Yet let people think what they want to think, as one ancient proverb says, "Appear weak when you are strong." Silver lining... at least he gets to take a break from paperwork for a bit. Though he was slightly fidgeting, knowing that an Invasion was occuring in the WOTL and he wasn't there to aid his men. More deaths that could have been prevented and will forever weigh on Kazuki's mind. Another witful sigh left his body as he opened his eyes and smiled softly at Kokuren.

"Thank you and sorry for the inconvinence." ​

 

[Nobody]

The Four Noble Houses within the Seireitei are but fractions of their former selves. The glory they once held, greatly diminished, cut down by infighting, schemes and politics. The Shiba all but extinct, the Shihōin shamed and untrusted, and the Kuchiki clan true to their namesake, was decayed and weakened. Where the Four once reigned supreme, united in their status against those with lesser history, influence and power than them had become a house divided.

"We have to convince him! At least meet with him before he returns to the World of the Living. To let him know about our concerns, that we still support him and WILL support him when he decides to step up and take his rightful place!"

While other members were within the training court yard, swinging their blades as scheduled, something ordained by the current head, a group of seasoned Kuchiki, some elders in their own right sat together in a room as they had done many times before. The voice of the one speaking seemed somewhat desperate, strained.
"I agree, but the young lord will undoubtedly turn us away as he had done many times before. I just don't get it...he is clearly not without ambition, yet seems to have none in regards to the clan."

"Yet we should try all the same! There's no telling how long he will be gone again once he returns to his station in the Human World."

With Sachiko's death the clan's fate and its direction was caught drifting in limbo, a whirlpool of uncertainty. Despite all that had happened, the household was still divided. There were some loyal to Rokuta, and while his position as potential next clan head was stripped from him, their still lay hope in his only son. Then there were those who sided with Heikin's heir. How were they to decide?

As if fate had intervened, Gyōja had gone missing, having left the Seireitei to take up his post in Karakura Town in the Land of the Living. While the Elders had attempted to contact him, they were met with silence. When seeking to throw their weight as a noble house about at the Thirteenth they found their efforts in vain. With no contact from the other potential candidate, and no push back from the man himself, Heiken's son Kinkō smoothly transitioned into position without any overt opposition. Gyōja's return to the Seireitei several times had sparked hope within those that had been loyal to his father, hoping he'd move to challenge the current head, yet their hopes were dashed as he had declined to do so.

While on the surface the Kuchiki clan appeared to be a cohesive unit, in solidarity with one another. Beneath the surface, there was still dissatisfaction and discontent within the family.

"It's the young lord! He's passing through!"

Someone who had been periodically looking out spotted the very man they had rallied behind, the one they supported and the one they believed in.

Gyōja is seen passing through, his hand resting atop the handle of his zanpakutō as it rests at his side. While he does not appear regularly at the manor to train with the others, he ensured that he showed his face from time to time, if for no other reason to show his support for his cousin.

"Young Lord! Young Lord! Wai-"
"Stop."

Without turning to face the group rushing behind him while calling out to him, Gyōja stops them. He is aware of what they were doing, aware of what they not only expect of him, but want of him, and so he again chooses to shut it down before they can speak further.

"Kinkō Kuchiki, is the Head of our Clan. That is how it is, and how it must be."

BZZT BZZT

Before they could continue to push the matter, to plead their case once again any further, Gyōja's Denreishinki begins going off, vibrating within his Shihakushō. He reaches inside, retrieving the device noting that he had an unread message.

​

Naruki in trouble, Karakura to follow.​

The message came from the Division's Third Seated member, Tomi Yume. Naruki City was in trouble? Karakura was next? He squeezes the phone and turns to address them.

"I have to go. Karakura is in trouble, and-"

BZZT BZZT

As he was speaking, his phone began vibrating in his hand once more. Was it a follow up message from Yume on the situation? However, instead it was something else that surprised the Kuchiki.
​

“ This is your Captain, assemble in the courtyard immediately. You have two minutes.”​

"The Captain..."

Captain Shinka had been missing for quite some time, with none of them able to track or locate her. Gyōja was unaware that the Captain who had been considered dead or awol had returned. 'Is the Captain aware of the situation in the World of the Living? Or..could it be in reference to the situation...' He ponders to himself in response to the message. While uncertain about what the situation in Karakura Town is or How bad, what is certain is his Captain's orders. He offers no more words to his supporters, stepping off into a Shunpo. They were given only two minutes to arrive.

That was plenty of time.

 

[Nobody]

The medics moved as were instructed, guided by the vigor and confidence of Kokuren's orders. as his fingers loosened on the device in his hand Kokuren watched him carefully as she was overseeing the work of the orderlies. The man was clearly conscious. No matter, that would be remedied soon enough. With Denreishinki secured the man, keeping his eyes closed was subtly shifting and moving in time with the personnel as they began cutting away at the uniform to remove it. 'The hell he doing, playing possum? If he is, he's bad at it.' Was uncertain to her if he was attempting to come off as being unconscious, or if rather acting he was merely keeping his eyes closed, having heard what would happen the moment they opened.

Rather making a scene, she continued to play along for now, continuing with her instructions without delay. Unexpectedly the sheathed blade began to rattle, something that was unexpected but of no importance in the grand scheme of things. Kokuren huffed, one hand on her hip while the hand holding the charts rested down at her side. The look she gave those around them spoke volumes.

DO IT

Was what her gaze said.
​

"Harsh words, miss medic. Now before you cast Tanma Otoshi on me, technically I haven't opened my eyes. I am neither resisting nor fighting for my possessions and I'm not going to-​

'Finally done playing possum ey' His words alone confirmed what she had already suspected. He was keeping his eyes closed, believing he found a loop hole in her orders.
​

Though if you would allow it, I prefer for Kyoki Chizuki to stay by my side and an apology. Not for me... as your insult did not harm me more than it did my partner."
"She is not deaf and... she didn't appreciate being called a crutch. Don't worry, I am not going to use her unless it is with your permission. I am very much aware that at this moment, the position of medic far exceeds my own as lieutenant. Do what you deem necessary to expedite my healing process."​

She stood there with a deadpan face as he began voicing his desires and preferences regarding his Zanpakutō. She stares blankly at him as he voices her words being perceived as insulting towards his zan, recanting the feelings of the Zanpakutō, feelings that she didn't care for. She wasn't there to deal with his Zanpakutō's feelings, she was there to treat and heal him. Rather focusing on their treatment, trusting in their abilities every word spoken on this tangent merely works to validate her opinion.

"Thank you for your permission Lieutenant. I planned to do just that."

From the way she said his title, it was evident she wasn't hiding her annoyance. Hearing him even bothering mention ranks and positions said to her he was a man who placed heavy emphasis and importance on his position. His rank was not a question of debate, the only thing she cared about was doing her job. With his eyes closed he is able to hear the moving of feet and bodies, the clinking of tools, feel the removal of Kiyoki Chizuki from his side, unable to visually perceive them working.
​

"I apologize for my little sister, she is a good medic, she just gets a little emotion around her big brother. Go easy on her, the fault lies in me for her irrationality. I am not usually one for excuses, but this a exception not the norm for her."​

she suppresses a groan as the man begins speaking once again, this time on behalf of his sister. A notable vein appearing on her forehead, as he outlines the very reason for her annoyance towards his beloved sister. Regardless how skilled she was in medicine or Kaidō, if she couldn't separate her personal life from her work she was a liability, and if she didn't have the wisdom or level of self aware to understand that enough to pass the task to someone who could be objective and impartial that was equally concerning. Kokuren would be able to pass this information on to the boss, stating that Lieutenant Kazuki was her witness based on his testimony.
​

"As for my wound, it was inflicted by a member of the Date clan. A single thrust attack similar to Onibi with reiatsu being the focal point. The reiatsu is a elemental type akin to lava, wound was inflicted 10 mins and 36 seconds and counting since my arrival at this location. Reiatsu is down 9.25% from my bodies standard amount and I kept anymore from being lost to the best of my ability. My zanpakuto is a Reiatsu manipulation type and amongst it's few abilities, it has a healing one as I am sure you are aware. Yet neither you or my sister are aware of it's capablities and limitations. The way it works, is it takes the reiatsu from those it cuts to repair my body and replenish my own reiatsu if I so choose. The stronger the reiatsu, usually the greater the effect. It was enough to repair my previously mangeled arm, yet I know it is not enough to repair my current situation on it's own that is. So my fate currently lies in your capable hands."​

The vein on her he was beginning to throb, a migraine swelling within her skull as he began speaking once again. Part of the information he gave was somewhat useful, hearing this was done by another Date made her wonder if he had somehow made an enemy out of those crazy nobles. She hears that it was a single thrust attack, but she disagrees with his assessment of it being an attack that was reiatsu focused. From the degree of the damage, the structure of the wound if anything the reiatsu aspect seemed residual. But that didn't matter, she was the medical professional here so it was pointless to debate the subject. After that the other information he was throwing out began to drift. What his Zanpakutō could and could not do or how it worked was meaningless information to her right now.

If he wanted to educate her on its abilities after they were done, she might indulge him. For now, it was a moot point.
​

"Sorry about that, lying down on a ponytail is not very comfortable. I moved-​

"Alright do it."

On Cue a needle pricks the flesh of the Lieutenant, a warm liquid flowing into him from that point. A fast acting sedative introduced into his system, causing his body, mind and reiatsu to relax, working to drift the man into an unconscious state. Those she had previously instructed remained rooted in their respective places, Kidō on the ready to help facilitate the process if needed.

"God, does he talk a lot. Now, in his flood of words we heard his account of what happened. Remember however, we do not simply take the patient's words at face value. You use them as a guide point, and then we do our own checks on them bringing their words and our findings to the truth."

As she spoke, those with his belongings carefully began moving them into the property room they used for Captains and Vice-Captains. The others nodded their heads in understanding of her words. Needles pricked the flesh around Kazuki's wound, numbing the area as they proceeded to work, simultaneously hooking him up to an IV, and various devices to monitor his blood pressure, heart rate and reiatsu. Hands covered in a teal glow hovered over his body, encasing his form in their brilliance as they began restoring his reiatsu while also dealing with the foreign reiatsu lingering in the wound.

The process of treating him will by no means be quick, but it will be precise, professional, and coordinated. Kokuren watched and gave subtle silent cues here and there as she observed them working, unaware of the Captain's planned visit to come.

 

[Inkmasterru]

​

---

As the needle pricked Kazuki's skin, he was interrupted in his speech. The apology for the inconvenience stuffed down the back of his throat. His consciousness drifting off and his mind being stuck in a black void, where... he was all alone. No... he wasn't alone as someone clapped his hands behind him and snickered with glee.

"What a woman, straight to the point, feisty, I like that. Well that sure went well for both of us, Lieutenant. I am sure she appreciated that detailed report, Lieutenant. You sure showed who's in charge, Lieut...."

"Enough! I get it!"

Kazuki shouted in unrestrained frustration and irritation. Only bringing forth more snickers from the white wolf as he sat down. Laying on his side, only propped up by his palm and elbow upon the ground. Each time the rank was uttered, it was like a nail being driven into his back, making Kazuki squirm and wince. A vicious cycle that only amused the white wolf more.

"You sure? I can say it a few more times to drive the point home."

"What are you getting at?"

Sighed Kazuki as he kneeled down, but avoided his gaze.

"Well my dear Lieutenant..."

Kazuki glared at his disheveled twin, but it only made the white wolf laugh. Continuing on, enjoying that he was making the prim and proper Kazuki act out, like a child.

"The nurse was wrong. What was your crutch was not Kyoki Chizuki, but your rank. Be honest... you don't think you deserve it. The fact that it was thrown on you by Izanagi so haphazardly after the failure with Estarossa."

"That's not true! I earned it, the squad needed..."

"Exactly the squad needed a lieutenant, and everyday you believed they deserved better than you. In all honesty, you were more useful as a 5th seat and rather then using your promotion as wings to soar higher. They became shackles dragging you down with doubt, regret and overinflated bravado."

Kazuki remained silent, his knuckles turning white as he gripped at his pants. His eyes focused on the void before him. While the white wolf released a yawn.

"People already respected you, for your work ethics, your devotion, loyalty to the cause and for your moral standing to list a few. Yet ever since that promotion, you have been demanding respect. Not so much from your peers who knew you as you are, but from others."

The white wolf stood up and stomped around with arms in the air.

"I am the big and scary lieutenant of division 10th! RAWR, stand down or I will be forced to take action. Or or or wait... how did you put it? Now are we gonna be civil here and fellow proper procedure or are we have a problem?"

The white wolf for a moment stopped and pretended to be Kazuki. Fixing his hair and holding a stoic and still expression and posture. Before letting go of the hair, as it became messy again. Kazuki gritted his teeth and clenching harder with wrath.

"No no hold on, how about... Now step down or I will count this as insubordination to a superior."

At this point the white wolf was cackling and Kazuki yelled in anger. Launching forward off his feet as aimed to punch the white wolf in the face. Easily the white wolf dodged and countered with a swift knee to the stomach. Making Kazuki double over and immediately was grabbed by the hair as Kazuki gasped for air. Squatting down as he pulled him up by the hair.

"Like I said before, you've grown weak, soft. Instead of learning to use me, to hone what I was into some useful, you locked me away. Only unleashing me when someone made you upset, like a child throwing a tantrum."

Kazuki swung his arm to punch again, but the white wolf caught easily by the wrist. And with one swift motion, an audible snap echoed out as the wrist was broken. Kazuki collapsing onto his chest or trying to as he was still held upright by his hair. The white wolf continued to speak as if nothing happened. Making sure that his gaze met Kazuki's eyes.

"If we are to work together as you previously suggested, you need to not just respect and accept me. You need to stop fearing me. If you fear me, than you will never control what I am, I promise you that. Only the strongest of minds and conviction will tame me and you have lost that edge."

Finally he let go and Kazuki fell on his face while grimacing from the pain of a broken wrist. The white wolf stood up and stretched his legs. Before three versions appeared of Kazuki. The kid from his time in the rukongai, the young student in the academy and the time he served in the eleventh.

"As a child you fought tooth and nail to live and make it to the seireitei. To furfill a promise, a debt to a dying man. I kept you alive and all those who provoked my wrath, laid dead or maimed at my feet. You've forgotten that I wasn't as feral as you thought. The flesh of the innocent never reaching my maw, those kind enough to offer me food or respite, recieved that same kindness back."

Scenes of a young child running through an allyway daily. Stealing food from vendors and fighting off bandits who wanted his death and his asauchi. Yet also scenes of kind folk giving him food, banadaging his wounds and giving him refuge for a night or so. A stark constrast to the bloodly and desperate scenes displayed first.

"In the academy, you were ambitious! Using your experiences as an edge amongst your peers. Rising above them as you excelled in Zanjutsu and Hoho. A zanjutsu prodigy you were called. Yet names and status held no claim over you, washing over without a thought as you continued to hone your skills. You fought bullies, defended the weak and didn't mince words. The trouble it got you in, but the respect that you earned with your fame and infamy.

Scenes of a young academy student, alone training his zanjutsu. Constantly getting into fights with different students that caused trouble. One where he was being pulled away, bond in Bakudo after biting a chunk out of someone's neck. Always eating alone at first, before people sat with him. People that he saved or helped in his everyday bouts and skirmishes. A crowd following him, dispite him constantly trying to lose them.

"Then finally, you graduated! You became a shinigami and before you could join the tenth, you were snatched by the eleventh. Oh how we thrived there. The barracks of that division no different from the wild streets of the Rukongai. Only with stronger and smarter opponents for us to learn from, to feast upon. Forcing us to adapt, to grow stronger, to be decisive. Yet..."

Scenes of a young and still somewhat feral shinigami. Fighting daily in the eleventh as his peers cheered him on. Bonding as they drunk together after brawls, bets made daily. Scenes of when he got his first tattoo and his seniors slapping him on his back, beaming with pride. Pouring saki on it to finishing the initiation as they accepted Kazuki as their own. Then one scenes slowly started to come into view.

"The day came, when you got too out of control. Landing a peer in the infirmary from a bout that gone too far. You became scared of me, starting holding back our strength and expedited your transfer to the tenth as date grew close. No... it was because your transfer was coming close, that you started to doubt yourself, doubt me. The moment fear came in your mind of what you were, what you became, you lost control of me."

The wrist slowly healed as Kazuki watched the scene. His friend, lying on his back, choking on his blood as he stood there frozen. Others rushing to push him back and pick up the other. Yet their words failing on his deaf ears, yet this time he could hear their words clearly. Back then he thought they were scolding him... but they weren't... they were comforting him. Asking if he was ok and that it wasn't his fault. Yelling to also get him to the infirmary as he was blacking out from shock. Scenes in the 4th, that were completely erased from his memory of medics applying Kaido to his mind, attempting to heal what was clearly shell-shock. So focused on the scene, that Kazuki didn't notice the White wolf sitting down next to him.

"What I am trying to get at is this. Words can still be our weapon, but don't forget that a blade speak as well, for some more than words. You can still be merciful, but mercy is not for all. You can be honorable and respect order, but you also must be decisive and ruthless when required. And regardless of rank, whether it be yours or others, all bleed the same. That isn't to say it does not matter, but it is to also to say that is not to force respect out of others. Not all will respect it and not all respect is to be sought after."

The white wolf stood up and offered his hand to Kazuki this time. Kazuki with hesitation stood up and took his hand.

"We don't have to be like Oyuki or Yurei and we never will be. We are neither a ruthless tundra nor a serated blade. One meant to be the violence of another and the other just a tool for his master. What kind of lieutenant, more importantly what kind of shinigami we will be is up to you not others. Yet we must show what kind we are and the rest will follow."

"Come we have much to work on. By the time we awake, the shell of who we are now must be cast away to make way for something new."​

 

[Inkmasterru]

---

The two twins stood before one another after the deal has been stuck, hands clasped. Floating in the dark void as hesitation was drawn upon Kazuki's face contrasted by the confident grin of the white wolf. Where it was first Kazuki who reached out his hand, freed the white wolf, believing that he held the upper hand. It was now made apparent to him... that he held no such dominance. The white wolf didn't need him, waiting as he bided his time until he was freed from prison Kazuki placed him in. While Kazuki out of desperation always reached for him, even if it was on a subconscious level. It made him feel weak, useless that he hasn't grown out from being that young welp fighting for survival. Whimpering for the white wolf to come save him and when he became domesticated, attempting to erase all of that bloody past. Believing that he was now civilized and no longer required such a bloody partner. How wrong he was...

Then he winced as the white wolf clasped his hand hard, the hand turning white as snow. Gasping in pain as Kazuki started gently falling to his knees.

"Now that we shook hands, the deal is made. There is no going back, no stopping this metamorphosis, this mending of two fractured pieces of one whole. You must relinquish your fear of me, fear of what we are capable of. To control me, control yourself, you must understand me. To crawl to the deepest and darkest parts of your soul and face it head on. No tricks, no decorum, no fancy words will save you from the pain. This will be messy and degrading and I won't hesitate to drag you through the mud to get to the end."

Then with a swift motion, Kazuki will be yanked forth from his knees. As simultaneously he was kicked in the sternum, knocking the wind out of Kazuki. Yet the leg was still chambered, before the grip on the hand loosened and the leg fully extending, sending him flying backwards. He groaned on his back, struggling to look upwards at the white wolf as the black void begun to shift. The darkness rippling away as a familiar scene came into view.

No

NO

NO!!!

Kazuki scrambled to his feet as he recognized the outskirts of the Rukongai. Scent of blood and carnage filled the atmosphere. Corpses laid bare on the ground, lifeless and unmoving. Hollows of various shapes and sizes feasting on the bodies with no guilt. Only motivated by their hunger. Kazuki attempted to turn away, but the white wolf grabbed his hair and forced him to gaze upon the repressed memory that surrounded them.

"Oh no, you don't get to look away, not this time. Look upon the empty husks, whose souls have already left their torn vessels. Upon the bodies feasted upon as they dissapate into reaitsu. Oh and look here, dear old mother and father, desperation etched in their faces, the pain they must of felt before the sweet release of death."

The white wolf let go of Kazuki's hair as he once more collapsed to his knees. Slowly crawling to touch the cold lifeless hands of his parents. Teeth grinding against each other, eyes on the verge of tears, brimming with wrath. A pit growing in his stomach, a desire for blood, for revenge.

"They must die... ALL HOLLOWS MUST DIE."

"ALL HOLLOWS MUST DIE."

A young voice echoed in tandem with his. Making his head jerk and turn to lay his gaze upon a younger version of him. Who held his arms behind his back while rocking back and forth. Speaking as the white wolf, but in the tone of a child. Sending shivers down his spine as he listened.

"Here I was born, nurturing on the seed of despair and anguish. Manifested by the trauma of your clan's death. I don't deny it as a tragedy, yet how simple it was. Like a candle, extinguished in one night, gone in a single moment. And the foolish shinigami who swore to protect, only adding to the casualties."

The child walked behind Kazuki, almost basically skipping, before coming out as a large dire wolf. Maw and coat matted with blood as it stood before Kazuki.

"Us becoming a beast, drenched in blood and death. No will to live, only to exact revenge for what this cruel world has taken from us! THIS SINGLE MOMENT GIVING BIRTH TO A MONSTER!!!"

Blood begun to pool at Kazuki's feet. Hands clasping his body and dragging him down. Faces of his parents, his family. A sea of shinigami uniforms worn by slain allies he failed to save. Faces of those he killed in the rukongai to survive. Kazuki was drowning, gasping, but didn't struggle as darkness took hold. He deserved this... then... a single feather landed on his shoulder. In an instant, the darkness and all the corpses were dispersed. The feather soon followed by a hand that warmly clasped his shoulder. He looked back and the tears held back begun to stream from his face.

"Hey kiddo, long time no see."

As the nurses tended to Kazuki, they would notice a single tear coming out of one eye. And hoarsely whispered from his lips, one word, a name as his body still laid unconsious.

"Sh-Shin'ichi."​

 

[Adonai]

---

Ten Days Later

---

​

 

[Deleted member 65]

---

Shizukana released a long sigh as she sat back in her chair, currently seated at her desk within the confines of her office. The paper in front of her lying on her table displayed a variety of information but most predominantly, medical jargon from the Captain’s impromptu visit to the fourth and twelfth divisions. In loafs of fancy words, the report stated the presence of an array of medical findings but the long and short of the tests that had been performed on her indicated that she was one hundred percent abnormality free.

It was a big relief, sure, but she was still having to deal with needing to determine why exactly she had lost consciousness for such a long amount of time. If it wasn’t the result of some kind of nasty virus or toxin from her last visit to Hueco Mundo then she only had one idea left.

Yurusarezaru.

The pious and puritanical Zanpakuto spirit that dwelled within the weapon routinely made it a point to demand his weilder’s attention instead of waiting for her to contact him for his council. In most cases, this was traditionally done the other way around but, true of most things concerning Captain Kurayami, her situation was marginally different.

Although it was that she had been born with a sleeping my disorder to begin with which affected her sleep and wake cycle, Yurusarerzaru’s demanding whims worsened the condition so much that whenever he wanted, he could wrench a portion of her consciousness from her and cause her to fall asleep no matter what she was doing or where she was. There, Shizukana would find herself trapped and then doomed to sit alongside the priest’s congregation of shadows while they watched her point of view. When this happened, Shizukana’s body was still able to move and she was still able to speak albeit her tone and the animation of her movements were greatly dulled.

The real struggle for the Captain was regaining the control over herself that Yurusarezaru had stolen from her by making relentless attempts to reconnect with her consciousness and correct the out of the box things she tended to say. Of course, the sinister phantom did not make the task easier for her by initiating ceaseless preaching while she toiled away. The subject of these sermons were almost always about his puritanical idealism as well as the condemnation of Shizukana for refusing to submit to him and for refusing the ‘gift’ that he had given her time and time again.

This gift was the power of the woman’s Shikai and something that Kurayami vehemently and proudly denied employing. To her, he and his gift were a curse and so, she couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps Yurusarezaru had been the culprit all along.

Was it possible?

Had he managed to find a way to be able to execute his modus of control over her that he’d
actually put her into a coma? The thought wasn’t far-fetched, and she wouldn’t have put such a dastardly deed past him if he had felt oppressed enough. Had this mess really been caused by an angry Yurusarezaru, and if so…she couldn’t help but worry that he was capable of much worse. Annoyed, Shizukana refused to acknowledge a whisper of fear that came with the realization that if he had done it once, he could surely do it again.

Even as she came to this determination, her spirit was silent and did not appear to be providing her with anything much less an answer to her suspicions.

“Well, at least there’s nothing wrong with me.”

Yuyurezaru she could handle, the thought that she’d possibly put the seireitei in jeopardy once more, she could not. It was reliving to know that she’d received a clean bill of health and for now that would have to be enough. Not long after she’d visited the laboratories of the fourth and twelfth division, she as well as her chauffeurs were informed of the catastrophic events in the world of the living. To say she was disappointed in herself was an understatement but she also knew that she would not have been much help had she joined in on the fight with her factions that day. Her Shikai, even her Bankai could never be unleashed upon the land of the living for it would be the last day that a human took a breath. It went without saying, Shizukana’s capabilities with her Shikai ability were limited to the vast and barren lifeless sands of Hueco Mundo.

As she shuffled the papers away into a different folder, she spoke up and handed the folder to a rabbit plushie waiting with their paws wide open. The Mod-Soul happily took it to a cabinet where he filed it and rejoined Shizukana by leaping onto her right shoulder.

---

“Y'know it aint your fault Miss Kana.”

A forlorn expression on the Captain’s face had prompted comfort from her friend and so, Romeo received a gentle kiss upon his fuzzy cheek which earned a bashful blush from the self-proclaimed tough guy bunny.

“Thank you, Romeo. You do know just what to say.”

Another stuffed animal leaped onto her desk and strolled over to join the rabbit and his Captain. He seemed more lost in thought than actually present and so, curious, Shizukana lightly tapped his shoulder which seems to wake him from the trance.

"Fabioooo ~, Don’t you know Gekka and Iwamura are on their way here right now? I’d make myself scarce if I were you, I’m sure they’ve already figured out it was you who was ordering them around that day, not me.”

“Tch. Let them come! I was only doing what I had to.”

"Plus, you’ll get wrinkles if you keep scrunching your forehead like that.”

“Hm. I don’t think so. I am a toy after all.

"Heehee, I know! I’m just messing with you.”

"What are you going to do, Shizukana?”

The juvenile grin on the Captain’s face faded away as reality began to creep into the room. A brutal attack which had wiped out the majority if not all of humanity had devastated the world of the living. There was nothing left.

“Well, Oyuki and Hyoroshi should be along soon and then…”

Her rose colored eyes fixated on the door that led to her office as she awaited the arrival of her third and second seated officers that she’d sent for moments earlier.

"We get to work.”

​

---

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POSTING ORDER: Shizukana -> ???​

 

[GhoulBunny]

The 9th Division barracks were never quiet. The air was always alive with movement—hurried footsteps against wood, the constant rustle of shifting paperwork, voices overlapping in rapid discussion. Information moved faster here than anywhere else, whispered between officers, passed along like a current, always flowing. But now, beneath that constant hum of activity, there was something else.

Tension.

The Gotei 13 was on high alert.

Arrancars had been sighted in the World of the Living—not just rogue Hollows, not just Menos, but something far worse. Something stronger. And that changed everything. The 9th Division was always on standby, always prepared to move the moment a threat arose. But now? They weren’t just prepared.

They were expecting it.

This division wasn’t just about information. It wasn’t just about watching.

The 9th Division existed to protect the Gotei 13 itself.

They were the first line of internal defense. If the Seireitei was threatened, if an enemy stepped beyond the Senkaimon with hostile intent, the 9th was expected to be there before the dust had even settled.

There was no room for hesitation.

No time for uncertainty.

And right now, every officer knew it.

That constant, unending hum of motion shifted—just slightly. Not enough to be obvious, not enough to disrupt the flow of the division

She stood at the entrance, golden eyes narrowing before she moved.

Her steps were silent, but her movements were sharp, fluid—a predator scanning its territory. Her gaze flickered from corridor to corridor, across the training grounds, over the figures moving about their duties. She was looking for something—someone.

And others were looking for her.

The first to approach her was a younger officer, his voice cutting through the noise as he fell into step beside her.

“Yūgure-san, where have you been? We’ve been restructuring the patrol rotations in response to the latest reports, and—”

“Oi,” she cut in, voice smooth but firm, her golden eyes not even shifting to meet his. “Not now.”

She didn’t slow her stride, didn’t acknowledge the way he hesitated before stepping back, unsure if he should try again.

Another voice followed from her left, an older officer this time.

“Yūgure, I could use your insight on something. We’ve been analyzing potential weak points in the security shifts, and I was hoping to run a few scenarios by you—”

“Later.”

She cut him off just as quickly, a flick of her wrist the only motion she allowed in dismissal. It wasn’t disrespect—it was priority.

Something in her presence made it clear—she wasn’t here to weigh in on strategies or fine-tune patrols.

She was tracking.

Kishō was here. Somewhere. To anyone watching, she was calm, but beneath that calm, she was bouncing at the seams. Like a friend dying for gossip.

She was a cat on the prowl, golden eyes sharp, breath steady, movements instinctive.

And like a cat who had lost sight of its prey for too long, she was done waiting.

Just as she was about to turn the corner, a quiet presence approached her—a young woman this time, moving quickly yet discreetly. She stepped in close, just enough to whisper something low in Yūgure’s ear.

Whatever was said made Yūgure stop in her tracks.

Her shoulders stiffened, golden eyes narrowing just slightly, annoyance flickering across her face. She exhaled through her nose, a slow, measured breath as she turned to the woman, golden gaze sharp but controlled.

“Tch. Good work. Thanks for the intel.”

The woman gave a brief nod before disappearing into the moving crowd, her message delivered, her duty complete.

Yūgure stood still for half a second longer than she intended, mind turning over the information she had just received.

It was almost enough to sidetrack her entirely, almost enough to make her forget about Kishō for now and handle what had clearly just become a bigger priority.

Almost.

But instead, she clenched her jaw, pushed down the irritation buzzing at the back of her mind, and kept walking.

The Gotei 13’s safety always came first.

And so did answers.

Whatever the message was, she would deal with it.

But first—she was finding Kishō.​

 

[Inkmasterru]

---

Gracefully Kazuki appeared before the guards of the 5th division. No wasted movement, no dust cloud as if apperating out of thin air. So subtle was his arrival, that it took a minute for the guards to even register that he was there. Upon seeing him they straightened immediately, not even a murmur escaping from their lips. Kazuki glided to them and stopped short as he waited for them to let him through. No words spoken, his expression couldn't be read beyond the tired soft smile. Sweat beat went down both their faces, before they got the hint that they were supposed to let him pass.

The moment they moved aside, Kazuki bowed as thanks for their cooperation. Then stepped through them and walked into the barracks. He could hear the guards let out a breath of relief as he passed. Whispers spoken that he heard all too well.

"Is that..."

"The white wolf..."

"He didn't have eyes like that before..."

"Tired eyes?"

"No... I can't read them, but something is hiding behind them... I felt hunted."

"He wouldn't..."

"I...I don't know if that is true."

Both looked at each other and then Kazuki. Before looking forward with a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach. Shivers still controling their bodies as their hairs stood on end. A feeling that did not subside even as Kazuki stepped further away.

Eventually Kazuki approached Shizukana's office. His presence dimminished as no-one noticed him walk through the courtyard. Reaching the door quite easily with no one getting in his way. His knuckle rapping the beam to get her attention dispite her already looking at the door.

"Hello Captain Kurayami... I come to exchange information."

He looked like he was slightly swaying, his body relaxed. Whether it was because of fatigue or finally letting go of control, it was impossible to tell. He bowed and reintroduced himself as if he wasn't sure she remembered him. Their meeting was brief after all.

"Sazanami Kazuki of sqaud 10, 5th seat. Here to bring reports... of Naruki city in exchange for information about the arrancars movements in Hueco Mundo."

Eyes slowly opened and closed, the soft smile still plaster on his face. His gaze eventually noticing the stuffed toys standing and walking around on her desk. A short chuckle escaped from his throat as he leaned against the beam to support his stance.

"I hope... I am not interupting anything with your little friends."​

 

[Adonai]

From Southwest Seireitei: 10th Division

---

Fifth Division would get their second visitor today, it seems like Tenth Division has business with their Captain and Lieutenant. Though each of them are there for different reasons, Kuwashii is there to hone and train her mind, or at least she hopes to. At the gates she looks at the two guards, still perturbed by Kazuki’s arrival earlier, however the sight of Kuwashii shakes them out of it as they are able to feel a bit superior again, not to mention she is someone of no renown. The guards stare at her and she stares in return, trying to dig deep to say something and sound imposing or important enough to head inside. She grits her teeth and falters.

”I… I’m here to see Lieutenant Gekka, is he in?”

The guards look at each other and nod, opening the gate for her to allow her entry. They didn't make any remarks to her but she felt it all the same. That sense of superiority looming over her, that feeling of being looked down on. All she could do was frown as she walked into the barracks and she looked around, pausing for a second because the layout was different from Tenth’s and that's when she realized that she had never been to another division before today. Sure she knows where they all are but navigating them once she is in them is a different story. She walks around, aimless at first, just pretending to act like she knows where she is going only to eventually get stopped by a passing Shinigami.

Are you lost? What are you doing here?”

They were simple questions but to her ears they sounded accusatory and a twinge of anger arose in her as a response.

”I’m here to see Lieutenant Gekka! Back off!”

”Woah, hey now miss, just settle down. What’s with the hostility?”

”Stop talking down to me!”

She punched the man in the gut and used Shunpo to quickly leave the area. The man will be fine, the air was knocked out of him but he’ll recover in a few minutes. The Reiatsu control she learned in the academy began to slip as wisps of flame began to dance along her body. The feeling of misplaced anger was shredding her control over her Reiatsu, but this slight loss of control is what helped direct her to Lieutenant Gekka. The cool air became more apparent as she began to heat up. She stopped on a rooftop and looked in the direction she felt the chill and proceeded to follow it. She moved with urgency as trying to race to a store before closing to obtain some valuable item that just couldn’t wait. She arrives at the Lieutenant’s office and opens the sliding door, forgetting her manners to knock.

”Lieutenant Gekka I-”

The air was so much colder than before, so much colder than it was on that day. She is much closer to him now than before, being this close already felt like too much and her instincts told her to take a step back and so she did. She hates the cold, but hate and fear are different emotions, right now she feels fearful. To become brave one must conquer their fears and so she does, only just enough to say what she was trying to say initially.

”Lieutenant Gekka I wish to seek your counsel on something, an issue I’m having. I- How do I make people stop looking down on me?! How can I walk with my head held high like yours?! How can I strengthen my pride and not be treated like a child anymore?”

She stood her ground amidst the chilling air, raising her Reiatsu to mitigate it, to keep herself warm. She wasn’t sure what sort of answer she would get from the man but she wouldn’t leave with nothing. If he told her no then she will respond by doing what that Date did, when words fail then actions must be taken to make people understand and listen. There is no delusion here, she knows Lieutenant Gekka could defeat her with ease, but she needs answers to her questions and she won’t leave without them.

---

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