Northwest Seireitei

[Nobody]

The theatrics in Ren's demeanor, her words, her actions do nothing to put Gyōja off or even annoy him. Rather he finds himself relieved. If she could act like this, it meant she was alright. As they walk, she speaks, and as she speaks he listens, choosing to remain silent. In her rambling she, perhaps unconsciously, follows the Kuchiki un-hesitantly.

The more they walk the less there is a crowd as they venture within the barracks of the Thirteenth Division.
​

“So yeah. I’ve been… all over the place. But I’m here. And I ain’t runnin’ anymore. …Unless there’s a surprise training session in the world of the living, in which case I’m obligated to flee.”​

"Don't worry, no surprise training in the world of the living. When its time to train there it'll be anything but a surprise."

Having finally spoken after letting her speak for so long, Ren perhaps only now realizes that they have stopped walking and have done so for at least several seconds. Tiled floors within the courtyard outside bear various marks, some of which appeared to be claw marks somewhat. Gyōja has brought Ren to the very area he had been training prior to her arrival.

"Draw your sword Ren. I'll be evaluating just where you're at within the Zankensoki. I need to see what your strengths and weaknesses are so we can know where to focus."

With the Seireitei on high alert he needed to evaluate her immediately, and quickly polish what he could. She needed to at least be able to properly protect herself should she ever get beyond his reach.

His hand rests gently on the handle of his zanpakuto oddly enough. He had ordered her to draw her blade yet left his sheathed. Was he looking down on her?
.
.
No

Merely looking into his eyes she'd be able to tell. He wasn't insulting her, underestimating her or looking down on her. He was genuinely seeking to find out what she could do. This was no test, it was training. After seeing what he was able to do, albeit briefly and only a fraction of his ability, she should be aware enough to realize how capable he was. He would deal with whatever she dished out, and at the end of it...he'd help her.

"Come."
​

 

[GhoulBunny]

Ren had been rambling for the better part of their walk—filling the silence with whatever nonsense popped into her head. Normally, by now, someone would’ve snapped at her to shut up, groaned dramatically, or at the very least rolled their eyes. But Gyōja did none of those things. Instead, he walked beside her in quiet patience, his calm expression unchanged by her chatter.



Oddly enough, the more he let her talk, the less nervous she felt. Anxiety gradually slipped away with each absurd sentence she uttered, replaced by a strange kind of comfort she hadn’t expected to find so quickly.



They stopped.



Ren’s voice trailed off as she finally took in her surroundings, noticing deep claw marks gouged into the tiles beneath her feet. It looked like something large and angry had tried to tear its way through solid stone, and the sight sent a small jolt of tension up her spine.


​

“Don’t worry, no surprise training in the World of the Living. When it’s time to train there, it’ll be anything but a surprise,” ​

Ren blinked, letting out a short laugh that didn’t fully hide her sudden spike of nerves. “Whyyyy thank you Purple Head! I’ve already had enough close-“



But her humor faltered when Gyōja spoke again, his voice calm but firm.


​

“Draw your sword, Ren. I’ll be evaluating just where you’re at within the Zankensoki. I need to see what your strengths and weaknesses are so we can know where to focus.”​

Her fingers tightened instinctively around Amanozako’s hilt, anxiety rippling through her. Sure, she had spent days training in the Second Division’s simulation room, slicing through holograms of Captain Kagi. But holograms were one thing; sparring against Gyōja—a living, breathing Shinigami who had already seen her at her weakest—was entirely different.


Her Zanpakutō thrummed beneath her touch, electricity crackling gently across her fingertips, almost like a quiet reassurance.



Drawing in a steadying breath, Ren slowly unsheathed her blade.



“Fair warning,” Ren said, forcing a casual grin she hoped masked her nerves. “She’s got an attitude problem. We’re working on our communication, but we’re kinda stuck at the ‘awkward roommate’ phase right now.”

She adjusted her stance, leveling Amanozako carefully in front of her. Her pulse quickened. This wasn’t a simulation. Gyōja stood opposite her, completely still, hand resting easily on his sheathed Zanpakutō. He didn’t need to draw his blade yet—but it sent her nerves spiraling out of control. He wasn’t underestimating her, she could tell by how he looked at her, but he was absolutely assessing her capabilities.



“Alright then,” she said, forcing herself to steady her voice. “Just your average training match. Nothing to worry about.”




She exhaled slowly, grounding herself in Amanozako’s restless hum, and prepared to move.




Ren felt the familiar weight of Amanozako in her grip, the katana’s hilt reassuring against her palm. Though her nerves buzzed beneath her skin, there was a steadiness—a quiet confidence—that came from holding her Zanpakutō.




She eyed Gyōja carefully, sizing him up, her mind racing through the strategies she’d learned but rarely tested in a real fight. This wasn’t some hologram programmed to imitate Captain Kagi, predictable in patterns and limited in responses. This was a person who had their own thoughts. And clearly a person who was stronger than she was.



With a deep, calming breath, finally Ren moved, dashing forward in a burst of determination. As she sprinted, her footfalls echoed softly against the tiled ground, her heartbeat loud and quick in her ears. Just before reaching striking distance, she drew upon her Reiatsu, pushing it into her feet and jumped. The air blurred around her, the sensation exhilarating as her form seemed to vanish, only to reappear a split second later, suspended directly above Gyōja.



She gripped Amanozako tightly in both hands, adjusting her stance midair for a swift, downward strike aimed at his shoulder.




Yet, as she descended, Ren’s thoughts crowded in, betraying her moment of focus. her grip tightening anxiously around Amanozako’s hilt.



For a brief moment, uncertainty flickered across her expression—but just as quickly, she pushed through it. She committed fully to the strike, trusting herself and her blade. This was her chance to prove herself, to show that beneath her chaos and bravado was the genuine potential everyone always spoke about.
​

 

[Nobody]

The weight of the moment fell heavily on Ren's inexperienced shoulders. She understands the magnitude of what is taking place, of the risks and dangers that can take place in training with real weapons. As experienced as Gyōja is he is not ignorant to this yet he asks her of this, demands this of her all the same.
​

“Fair warning, She’s got an attitude problem. We’re working on our communication, but we’re kinda stuck at the ‘awkward roommate’ phase right now.”

"Warning received. Now....come."

Gyōja once again orders Ren to come at him. She grips her zanpakutō, unexpectedly she does not rush in. She takes her stance. Gyōja's gaze rests on her; her grip, stance, breathing. It all appeared text book, while not necessarily a bad thing it was telling. It showed just how fresh she was from the Academy. He remains quiet, observant, saying nothing to rush or disturb her.

They stare at one another

Not yet

Ren observing Gyōja just as he observed her. Taking in all she could.

Not yet

She steeled herself, her nerves drawing strength and confidence from the feeble well within her.

NOW!

In a single burst, she propelled herself forward, a beeline towards the Kuchiki. She was a quick one, bridging the gap between them in nearly an instant. However, despite her lack of experience, Ren was no fool. Short of striking range, her path is changed and in nearly the same instance, she was over Gyōja. Her blade cleaves through the air, carried by both the weight of her swing and her fall.

DOOOOOON

Debris was kicked up, clouding the area around them. "You hesitated." He remarks to her. Within the cloud of dust, Ren's blade is revealed against the tiled floor as Gyōja stands behind her, his back towards her own.

"Quiet your thoughts. They'll only be weight added to your every move. A moment's hesitation will make you a step slower, a step too late. It could spell the difference between life and death...be it yours or those around you."

Still his hand rests on his sheathed blade, glancing over his shoulder towards her. "You're fast, once you get rid of that doubt you'll be even faster. The way you use your reiatsu is a bit telling though, perhaps work on your control." He begins his critique, counseling her based on her opening gambit alone, still fixed in the same position he now stands.

"Also, never place everything on one gambit. An attack with no continuity, no plan for what to do after that first swing is a fool's gamble. Nothing is certain until the enemy is defeated."

He presses against the handle of his zanpakuto, causing the sheath to bump her from behind.

"Again."

He encourages her to continue, to try to attack him once more. Now Ren can perhaps be certain, that he is planning to point out the errors in her actions, her movements and attacks. He is there to guide her, but only if she'll let him.

 

[GhoulBunny]

Ren stiffened slightly as Gyōja’s voice pierced the dust, calm and unbothered despite the swirl of chaos she had just caused.

​

“You hesitated.”​

She grimaced, frustration momentarily flickering across her face, but she masked it quickly with a dry smirk. His voice continued, stern yet patient, each word resonating in her head with irritating clarity.


​

“Quiet your thoughts. They’ll only be weight added to your every move. A moment’s hesitation will make you a step slower, a step too late. It could spell the difference between life and death…be it yours or those around you.”​

“EASY FOR YA TO SAY GRAPE HEAD!,” Ren yelled sarcastically, though her voice betrayed a hint of genuine appreciation. “But fine, less thinkin’, more reckless abandon. Got it.”



She adjusted her grip on Amanozako, the familiar pulse of static energy whispering comfort through her fingertips. Gyōja continued his critique, unflinchingly honest, pointing out her weaknesses with precision.

​

“You’re fast, once you get rid of that doubt you’ll be even faster. The way you use your reiatsu is a bit telling though, perhaps work on your control.”​

“Oh, control,” Ren drawled dramatically, rolling her eyes. “My favorite subject. Absolutely no problems there. None at all.”


Despite her sass, she took a deep breath, trying to calm the frantic dance of her reiatsu, pulling it closer, sharper, into a blade’s edge rather than letting it scatter wildly. She could almost feel Amanozako’s approval through the faint crackle along her sword’s hilt, a steady hum rather than a chaotic buzz.

​

“Also never place everything on one gambit. An attack with no continuity, no plan for what to do after that first swing is a fool’s gamble. Nothing is certain until the enemy is defeated.”
​

Ren’s smirk broadened as she felt Amanozako’s familiar thrum of energy tingling in her grip, the static buzz mingling with her own pulsing reiatsu. She gave Gyōja a mock salute with her blade before lunging forward, this time not wasting anytime to move into another attack.



As she closed in, her movements became a blur, a testament to the speed drills pounded into her back at the Academy. Yet, instead of launching a straightforward attack as she had before, Ren’s approach this time was laced with cunning and unpredictability—traits she naturally possessed but had struggled to refine in combat.



Just meters away from Gyōja, she feinted to the left, her body tilting as if committing to a diagonal slash. Her eyes, sharp and focused, watched for any telltale shift in his stance, any preparation to counter. But even if Gyōja adjusted his position to meet her feigned attack, Ren’s true intent surfaced.



With a swift, fluid motion, she twisted her torso, redirecting her momentum to the right. Her feet, barely skimming the ground, pivoted with dancer-like grace, shocking contrast to her personality.


Her blade, Amanozako, sang through the air, slicing a low, sweeping arc aimed to catch Gyōja at the side. If Gyoja were to move, her blade would cut through the space where Gyōja stood moments before.



Her stance remained loose, ready to spring into another attack or roll away should he counter swiftly. Her breathing was controlled, a rhythm amidst the chaos she created, her mind clearer than it had been moments ago. The thrill of the challenge sparked within her, a fierce joy that came from testing her skills against someone who for whatever reason wanted her to succeeded.



“FUCK YAAAAA! DIDN’T SEE THIS COMIN PURPLE HEAD!”




And just like that, even if she was of course being loud and celebratory, at the wrong moment but the nerves were gone and she was ready to learn how to kick some Arrancar ass.
​

 

[Jushiro Izanagi]

"Should I dispose of the body Lt. Michiya?"

"That will not be needed Josho, but thanks for the quick assistance request. Oh Captain Izanagi, if I did such a thing you wouldn't be aware of it unless I desired to study the profound effects."

“These two are just as creepy as I am. Michiya is certainly one to watch out for. I wonder what abominations he’ll be able to bestow upon me?”.

Jushiro thought as he smiled inwardly after the response to his antics. As things progressed between them, Jushiro was curious to see Michiya’s response to the information given. And the man did not disappoint, sharp as nails and even had some ideas about the solution to the problem. Jushiro listened intently, taking time to maintain his observation of the duo consisting of Michiya and Josho. Josho’s name and the concept of Tenshintai still played on Jushiro’s mind. The response from Michiya brought a smile to Izanagi’s face, his mask turning it into a fox grin. He should definitely have something to drink at times like these.

“Quantum displacement on a large scale, yes. Messing around with the space-time can be tricky, I just wanted to make sure that you’d be up for the job. And based on your answer, I can see why Shibuya Taicho made you her Lieutenant and left you in charge. However”.

Jushiro paused for a brief moment before resuming where he left off. The concept of moving the humans from one location to another was something to be excited about. Jushiro was learning a lot from his so far brief encounter with Michiya. The Lieutenant would’ve noticed that Izanagi showed no ill will despite his comments. He was far from being perturbed, even after being referred to as primitive. But that was perhaps a misunderstanding that was of Jushiro’s own making.

“It's okay, I forgive you. Do not misunderstand me. I am very much interested in learning more about these humans possessing unique abilities. It’s agonizing not knowing and I’ll go to great lengths to gain this understanding. I would go as far as to protect them but make no mistake about this. If I were to extend my hand in friendship and they instead make an enemy of me. Then those who’re responsible may find themselves at the pointy end of my trusted companion. I’ll make you a deal though, I won’t kill them until you’ve had an opportunity to examine them”.

In all honesty Jushiro’s first instinct is to protect the humans and to learn more about them. And from there they could possibly form an alliance, one that is mutually beneficial to both parties. There was something else that Jushiro wanted to ask Michiya but before that could happen, it would seem the Captain was being propositioned. And oh what a proposition it was. Michiya wanted to trade Hollows in return for some goods. Such a thing could be dangerous but Jushiro couldn’t yet refuse without first understanding the nature of such an arrangement. The Captain raised his left eyebrow as is demonstrated on the mask being worn by the man. Michiya’s case of goodies seemed interesting but there was only one issue. Jushiro wasn’t yet sure what they were all meant to do. Some demonstrations and in depth explanations will be needed.

“How shrewd. I am tempted by this offer but first I need to understand two things. I want to know how all of these trinkets work and if these hollows are needed dead or alive. And while you’re at it, please explain the connection between these humans and hollows as you alluded to earlier. I believe you said they possess a unique spiritual reading similar to hollow”.

It was a simple request of information and after said request Jushiro flashed a smile at Josho which mirrored that of its own. Michiya's offer was certainly tempting but Jushiro always preferred to know what he was getting himself into.

“Josho, can you or Lt Michiya explain why I still want to stab you?”.

 

[Kasu Shinka]

She reflects… her thoughts carried to a time before her disappearance, but they quickly moved on, there wasn’t much to keep her there. She struggled to regain any information during the time she was adrift through time and space. So many fractures, obscured images, things that could not be truly explained by her alone. Her thoughts moved on again, focusing on the immediate past and present.

Ren Mikasuchi, the newest addition to Squad 13. Inexperienced to put it simply, but Gyoja saw potential, a flicker of greatness in this young woman, and his willingness to take responsibility for her and look after her allowed for Kasu to agree to his request and approve her transfer. She held a great deal of trust in Gyoja’s judgment, as well as his teaching capabilities which is what he was currently putting to the test.

Both himself and Ren begin their training session and with closed eyes Kasu could still see what transpired without even being present at the moment. The movement of Ren’s reiryoku, her quick ascension through the use of flash step, but up against a clearly superior opponent she found her first attack to be short of success, but her failure would become a learning opportunity just seconds after. Gyoja’s swift and precise movement would be a testament both to his own skill and how Ren needed to perceive her next offensive approach. She would demonstrate her speed yet again, her training in hoho prospering and flourishing in that right. However, her flamboyant nature would be her disadvantage.

Kasu’s eyes opened, her muscles growing somewhat numb from sitting too long. As the tingling sensation creeps through her lower limbs, she still manages to gain position amongst her feet, even leading into her first few steps as she attempts to shake this irritating feeling. Now that she was on the move again, her flash step would lead her to the meeting hall for all Squad 13 members. There they conducted group studies in both performance in their job, training, reports on an individual's time within the world of living. At the foot of the door stood guard two members and upon their sight of their Captain they bowed immediately.

“ HELLO MA’AM!”

In unison they speak and straighten their position. Stepping to the side allowing their Captain to pass them by, she herself nodded to the two of them in return.

“ No one is allowed past this point unless they are the rank of Lieutenant, Captain, or have received direct orders from me. Keep these doors closed at all times.”

She proceeds to enter the establishment and removes her Soul pager to send out a message to only a select few. Gyōja, Tomi, and now Ren.

The message reads:
“ As soon as you all are available, report to the meeting hall. We have much to discuss. Decisions to be made.”

Concealing her soul pager, she stands at the back of the building amongst a small stage straight ahead from the door. The room was empty, brightly lit with lanterns, simply a wide empty space that could seat at least 100 people. Her arms tucked within the sleeves on both sides and her eyelids resting once again. She patiently awaits each of their arrival.
​

 

[Nobody]

Ren had misunderstood some of his points but, she seemed to at least be digesting the gist of things. Unlike before she foregoes any ceremonial preemptive build up, stepping straight into her attack. The Kuchiki's gaze remains fixed ahead, eyes doing nothing to try and track her steps. The weight of her attack comes hurtling towards him from one direction, only for its trajectory to alter itself mid-swing.

Thunk

Instead of the man dodging, Ren's blade finds itself striking the scabbard of the still sheathed Aojūkiri. "Not bad, though if you develop your sword swing as much as the speed of your steps, rather picking one side to attack you'd be able to attack on both fronts, forcing your opponent to truly have to retreat or bare the weight of the attack." Like before he responds to her attack, and gives his critique of it, advice he can only hope she bears in mind.

“ As soon as you all are available, report to the meeting hall. We have much to discuss. Decisions to be made.”

In the middle of the training session their respective Denreishinki go off. With everyone on high alert Gyōja chooses to check the message, uncertain if something like what happened Ten Days ago was happening again, or perhaps something far worst. Ironically, it was an unexpected message from the Captain. He looks towards Ren who should have received the same message as him.

"Seems we'll have to pause the training for a moment. The Captain calls, lets not keep her waiting."

He motions for her to come with him so as to guide her to the meeting hall. He passes through the various halls and corridors. His pace is not a brisk one, despite him telling Ren they shouldn't keep her waiting, while also not being overly slow.

It was a casual walk, allowing Ren to take in her surroundings, to get a layout of the Division as they traveled. "We're here." Coming to the door of their destination, he gives her a nod before opening the door and stepping in where the Captain awaits them.

 

[dem0nzlust]

"I am sure, as a Captain, you are aware that the Central 46 are for lack of better words very ana-" he paused for a second picking more polite wording before continuing, "—uptight and scared of anything that taps into the time and space continuum, hence the forbidden kido. So for me to even begin trials on this matter will need their approval."

When it came to the next matter addressed Michiya remained very observant and curious about how the Captain would respond to what he said. Reaching for the kettle he poured himself another cup of tea slowly drinking it while stopping to swirl the liquid around but remained focused on what Jushiro had to say. From how he would respond a lot could have been learned from this encounter, and didn't seem like he was disappointed letting him know what kind of person he was working with.
​

“It's okay, I forgive you. Do not misunderstand me. I am very much interested in learning more about these humans possessing unique abilities. It’s agonizing not knowing and I’ll go to great lengths to gain this understanding. I would go as far as to protect them but make no mistake about this. If I were to extend my hand in friendship and they instead make an enemy of me. Then those who’re responsible may find themselves at the pointy end of my trusted companion. I’ll make you a deal though, I won’t kill them until you’ve had an opportunity to examine them”.

"That is the answer I was hoping to hear from you, Captain Izanagi. I feel more confident in continuing further with your request because nothing I do is taken lightly. Every invention and creation I touch, I treat as my masterpiece with my utmost skills. Although, I can modify your mask to scan and formulate a growing database with facial recognition, reiatsu detection, and the works so each encounter we can gain more information and create a record on these unique humans."

He took another sip of his tea smiling warmly knowing they were on the same page. Michiya was too curious about these new humans' awakening and what it meant. His warming smile couldn't help but become twisted thinking about the probability of learning more about these individuals and what it would bring. Just like he was learning about Jushiro, vice versa was going on with the Captain with him learning how Michiya was not one much for holding his tongue saying things bluntly, and foremost the ambitious drive that got him where he is now. Hearing how Jushiro was curious about the transaction requested between the two it was expected to want to know how these things offered work and see them in action. Placing his teacup down he called for one of the unseated division members to come please give them a refill. The moment they entered the room, he pulled out the kido gun and quickly fired on the division member causing a discharge surge through their body temporarily paralyzing him, and immediately after grabbed one of the bombs. With a click of a button gremlin-like snicker came from it as it flew on its own directly to the paralyzed shinigami it detonated creating a crystal tomb around them entrapping them in place.

"The kido gun in short fires concentrated blasts of kido or can be used to shoot paralyzing shots for non-lethal attacks. In the hands of adept the art becomes deadlier, but the opposite allows for them to use kido in its basic form. The bomb causes a specific reaction with the reiatsu they lock onto forcing that pressure to crystalize around them. The stronger the reiatsu the more indestructible the crystalization. The vials contain a dangerous poison that hinders the mind's ability to process basic actions and complex coordination with anti-toxins included."

He looked to the crystalized shinigami knowing that eventually they would be set free and just continued acting like they were not there. The final question asked caused Michiya's wicked smile to return, "I will consider that question as consent for all that takes place now." Not giving the Captain any further explanation on what he meant he gave Josho a small nod. Slowly he unsheathed his Zanpakuto with the most notable thing being it wasn't a Japanese sword like all other shinigami, but a Chinese long and short sword duo. The short sword remained tucked in his obi as he flipped the long sword in reverse grip and then stabbed Josho who willingly accepted the blade. Soon Michiya Zanpakuto completely got absorbed into his body followed by a strong surge of spiritual energy released as Josho's form morphed.

"Josho allows for Zanpakuto spirits to use its body as a vessel to manifest in the living world. Through this, I managed to learn Bankai."

Now what stood beside Michiya's side was no longer Josho, but his Zanpakuto spirit Hakuoki, or to be exact the one known as Tentoki. The tree branches consisting of its legs receded inward with the rest of the body taking a more humanoid form better suited for battle. The Zanpakuto spirit now manifested into the world dashed out eagerly at the Captain with its wooden clawed hands attempting to force him out of the barracks out into the open. No matter the outcome Michiya poured one more cup of tea before calming standing up and began placing the barracks into a multilayered barrier only finalizing once they all exited it outside one way or another.

"Unfortunately, Hakuoki wishes to see where he stands against a Captain...and all truths too so do I."

In the middle of speaking, they both disappeared before appearing on opposite sides of Jushiro, the spirit wielding the Zanpakuto in its base Shikai form. Michiya wielding the short sword still sheathed and wrapped up in a seal made a perfectly timed slash striking toward the abdomen while the spirit made a sweeping slash aimed at the head. However, Captain Izanagi could easily tell that the Zanpakuto spirit moved faster than Michiya, and the way it wielded the black Jian blade in hand effortlessly showed much greater experience and skill compared to its owner. Simultaneously as the two of them attacked rising from the ground were a multitude of various blades like flowers blooming. In a matter of seconds, the 12th division grounds was swarmed with weaponry all of which Hakuoki was capable of using at a masterful level, and moved with such speed it was almost close to the Captains.​

 

[TherosAestas]

Something about the cloth mode of travel, left Tomi’s stomach doing somersaults. She clung to Elk’s arm for a moment as she got her bearings. They weren’t far off from 13th division. She supposed it was for the best. It was time she faced her captain. Before she could take a step away from him, she felt the telltale vibrations of her Denreishinki. Fishing it out of her bra, she opened the message.

“ As soon as you all are available, report to the meeting hall. We have much to discuss. Decisions to be made.”

Her fingers tightened around the device as something seethed within her. Letting out a huff, she took one last look at Elk. ”I forgot to tell you. While I was in Karakura, I ran into a young girl that looked identical to Risa. Do with that information what you will.”

She turned to leave, waving goodbye. ”I’ll see you later for dinner. My captain is calling a meeting. Can’t wait to be fired!” She said that, like it was a joke, but deep down she feared that would be the outcome of this meeting.

She had no real reason to think that way. She’d done her duty and hadn’t abandoned her post like the Senko boy. Unsure of where these thoughts were stemming from, Tomi chewed on her thumb nail as she stepped off into shunpo. She reappeared within the confines of her room and changed out of the reiatsu concealing cloak before storing it in a safe place. Once dressed in her uniform, she hurried over to the meeting hall, walking at a brisk pace.

As she walked, Tomi spotted the back of her squadmate with another shinigami. They seemed to be walking rather casually, but they were practically at the meeting hall’s doors so it didn’t much matter. She caught up to them easily and waved to them, fixing her usually dour face with a welcoming smile. ”Good day, you two!” As Gyōja disappeared through the door, Tomi followed suit, holding the door open for the girl.

Tomi’s gaze settled on their captain, standing at the head of the room, arms folded and eyes closed. The unsettled feeling returned but she suppressed it, focusing on what was to be discussed.

​

 

[GhoulBunny]

Ren felt a jolt surge through her arms as her Zanpakutō clashed against Gyōja’s scabbard, the sharp sound ringing briefly through the courtyard. She let out a huff of air, half relieved she hadn’t made too much of a fool of herself, half annoyed she hadn’t even made him move. Typical.

“Not bad,Though if you develop your sword swing as much as the speed of your steps, rather than picking one side to attack, you’d be able to attack on both fronts, forcing your opponent to truly have to retreat or bear the weight of the attack.”

Ren withdrew her blade, flipping it casually before resting it on her shoulder, a cocky grin spreading across her face.

“Oh yea? I’ll take notes. More focus sword swinging. Less on speedy toes.”

Before she could toss another smart remark his way, her Denreishinki buzzed sharply, pulling her attention. She quickly retrieved it, her eyes narrowing slightly as she read the message displayed:
​

“As soon as you all are available, report to the meeting hall. We have much to discuss. Decisions to be made.”​

Ren glanced up, noting Gyōja reading an identical message. The tension that had slowly eased from her shoulders during their sparring quickly snapped back into place, settling in her bones. She’d barely been officially part of the Division for a full day, and she was already getting summoned by Captain Shinka herself? Perfect. No pressure at all. The last time this occurred, she was thrown in the world of the living.

Gyōja’s voice broke her thoughts.

“Seems we’ll have to pause the training for a moment. The Captain calls, let’s not keep her waiting.”

Ren exhaled dramatically, sheathing her Zanpakutō and nodding reluctantly. “Well, can’t argue with the boss-lady, I guess. Suppose ya lucked out this time, Gyōja. Next round’s mine.”

She fell into step beside him as he led the way through the winding halls of the Thirteenth Division. She took a moment to appreciate how drastically different this place felt from the Second Division—even though everyone was still in edge the Divison seemed warmer, less rigid somehow. It felt more like home than she’d expected, even after only a few hours officially being in the division. Ren peeked at Gyōja out of the corner of her eye, wondering how the hell he’d managed to drag her into this place. Whatever the reason, she owed him one.

“We’re here,” he announced, pulling her from her wandering thoughts. Ren swallowed, rolling her shoulders back to shake off her lingering nerves.

Just as he announced their arrival a voice sounded, her gaze caught another familiar face—a fellow purple-haired Shinigami who had also lent a hand during that chaotic day in Karakura Town, Tomi.

“oh HEYYYY, Tomi! Fancy seeing you here, too!” she exclaimed, her voice a bit too loud in the quiet hall.

Her enthusiasm was abruptly cut short as she remembered the solemnity of the situation and the presence of their captain behind the door. Ren clamped her mouth shut, cheeks puffing out as she forced herself back into a more respectful silence, giving Tomi a sheepish, apologetic grin.

As the doors swung open, the bright lit hall came into view. Captain Kasu Shinka stood waiting patiently, her presence strong yet serene. Ren felt her usual bravado falter for a heartbeat—this wasn’t the moment for jokes or antics. She knew that much at least.

Taking a breath, she stepped inside after Gyōja, bowing respectfully toward Kasu. “Cap’in,” she greeted, keeping her voice steady despite the butterflies flitting chaotically in her stomach. “Thanks for havin’ me.”

Ren straightened up, determination clear in her eyes. She may have been fresh out of the Academy, and her nerves might have been bouncing off the walls, but she knew one thing for certain—this was her chance. Her shot at proving herself. And there was no way in hell she was going to mess it up.​