Northwest Seireitei

[GhoulBunny]

Ren felt the air grow heavy as Captain Kasu spoke, each word resonating through the meeting hall. Her golden eye briefly darted between Gyōja and Tomi, sensing the underlying tension as the conversation centered on Keniro’s exile. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the kid—even after their explosive meeting back at Second Division. Sure, he’d been infuriating, immature, and stubborn as hell, but exile from the division? That was rough.

As Gyōja stepped forward to speak, Ren tilted her head slightly, taking in his words.
​

“Ren can do this, that much I can attest to. And as you’ve heard, more importantly she wants to do this.”​

Gyōja had just publicly vouched for her, his faith evident despite the serious undertones of the meeting. It wasn’t just a boost of confidence—it was a wake-up call.

A surge of emotions tangled within her, appreciation for Gyōja’s support mingling with a touch of self-reproach. She reflected on the past, on all those who had believed in her capabilities, whose encouragements she had brushed aside under layers of jokes and dismissal. Her past teachers, peers who had nudged her towards taking things more seriously.

Ren’s self-frustration was palpable. She’d been hiding behind her chaotic façade, using humor as a shield against the expectations that terrified her. But Gyōja’s straightforward belief in her, his stern yet encouraging critique earlier, had peeled back some of those layers. It underscored a truth she couldn’t dodge anymore: it was time to get serious. Time to stop letting fear dictate her choices. She owed that much to those who’d stuck their necks out for her—including Gyōja.

Ren listened intently as the discussion turned towards Keniro Senko’s demotion again. The air in the room was thick with the weight of responsibility and blame. Gyōja presented his views, his tones infused with a sense of personal accountability that Ren couldn’t fully agree with. Her chaotic nature was often a mask for deeper, more analytical thoughts that she rarely let others see, and in this moment, her mind raced with judgments and conclusions.

Internally, Ren scoffed at the idea that all the blame could be placed on the lack of guidance or leadership. Sure, guidance was crucial, but so was personal responsibility. Keniro had graduated from the academy; he should have ingrained within him the core values that all Shinigami were supposed to uphold. His actions spoke of a deeper flaw, one of naiveté and perhaps an overestimation of his own autonomy. How could he so easily forget the fundamental duties that were hammered into them from day one?

Ren’s time at the academy might have been filled with antics and laughter, but she had absorbed every lesson, every warning about the weight of their badges. The responsibilities of a Shinigami were clear: protect, serve, and adhere to the code that bound them all. Keniro’s failure to do so wasn’t just a lapse; it was a willful ignorance, a child’s play in a field where only adults should tread.

She wanted to interject, to argue that not every mistake could be cushioned by the excuse of inadequate supervision. But she held her tongue, choosing instead to let her thoughts simmer internally. Her expression remained neutral, though a spark of irritation flickered in her eyes—a telltale sign for those who knew her well that her gears were turning at high speed.

To Ren, the situation wasn’t just about Keniro or the failures of their superiors; it was a testament to the reality that sometimes, the failings were wholly one’s own. And while she felt a pang of sympathy for Keniro—she wasn’t heartless, after all—she also felt that this was a learning moment. A harsh, real lesson that the world of Shinigami was not a playground.


Captain Kasu’s voice cut back through the tension with absolute clarity, addressing them all directly. Her stance was firm, unwavering, and commanding.
​

“You are both right. We can take blame into each of our hands. I have been gone for far too long and that has weakened us greatly. Keniro is his own man, who has made his own choices.”​

Ren rocked gently on the balls of her feet, fighting the urge to jump into the conversation. She agreed wholeheartedly with Captain Kasu—Keniro wasn’t some helpless kid; he’d willingly made his own choices. If he couldn’t handle the consequences, that was on him. She knew what it felt like to run away from responsibility, to hide behind jokes and chaos. But even she wouldn’t have outright abandoned her duties, no matter how scared or overwhelmed she felt.

The sudden shift in the captain’s voice pulled Ren sharply back to reality. Kasu’s eyes landed first on Gyōja, then Tomi awarding them both the rank of Lieutenant. Ren wouldn’t really be listening because she for sure wouldn’t get anything. Possibly more instructions to train and do better and not-
​

“For now Ren, I will place you in as our current fourth seat. During your tenure we will see if you are able to rise above your current level and achieve a greater understanding of both yourself, and your Zanpakutō. We will bring strength out of you.”​

Ren’s jaw dropped, her visible eye widening comically. She’d expected to simply join the ranks, maybe as an unseated officer at best, barely making a ripple in the division hierarchy—but fourth seat?

“Woah—seriously? Fourth seat?” she blurted out, unable to stop herself as excitement and disbelief spilled into her voice. “That’s crazy!”

Realizing her outburst was hardly professional, she immediately straightened, trying desperately to regain some semblance of dignity. Her fingers nervously fidgeted with the hilt of her Zanpakuto, but despite the sudden anxiety that washed over her, she couldn’t hide the bright, excited grin on her face.

“Uh—I mean, thank ya. Really. It’s an honor. A big honor. Huge, actually.”

She took a shaky breath, her chaotic nature returning with an anxious chuckle as she added, “I’ll, uh, do my best to make sure ya don’t regret it. True to my word.”

Captain Kasu gave the final dismissal, instructing them to keep their soul pagers close, and Ren felt herself slowly start to relax. She’d done it—she’d finally taken that first step forward. Fourth seat. A seated officer. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, something unfamiliar yet wonderfully comforting: pride. Genuine pride.​

 

[Nobody]

Gyōja remained silent as Tomi spoke, understanding that what she spoke was truth. Of course it was. He knew that Keniro had successfully graduated from the Academy, and had been deemed competent and capable enough to be entrusted with a seated position despite his inexperience. He knew all this and understood what the facts meant, yet..yet he still at least had to speak up. It was less for Keniro, and more to acknowledge his own failings that as a consequence, affected the young soul reaper. How could he dare to bear the Kuchiki name, yet not take accountability for his own shortcomings?

To brave greater heights, he had to be willing to claim all faults, to bear any and all shame, to stand and rise above even that. He could not allow it to become a seed of doubt, he could not let it fester within his soul for him or anyone else to use as a blade against him.
​

“I’m not saying he should be forgiven, every action has consequences, whether good or bad, but a conversation should at least be had before he is whisked away to the nest of maggots and stripped of his zanpakuto.”​

"No, not forgiveness. I agree that he must be punished. A conversation with the boy IS ca-"
​

"You are both right. We can take blame into each of our hands. I have been gone for far too long and that has weakened us greatly. In order to do that, hard choices need to be made. Keniro is his own man, who has made his own choices."​

The Captain speaks, recalling the Kuchiki's attention. Like with Tomi, he cannot refute the words the Captain has spoken, as she has only spoken the truth. An unfortunate truth for the young Senko.
​

"Speaking of further strengthening us, this is long overdue. Tomi Yume, I grant you the title of Lieutenant of Squad 13.”​

This was unexpected, was this perhaps the true purpose for this meeting? 'I suppose this means I'll become the new Third seat. One step closer.' He thought to himself. "Congra-"
​

“ Gyoja Kuchiki, I grant you the title of Lieutenant of Squad 13.”​

Gyōja's eyes widened as he looked from the Captain towards Tomi, silencing his premature congratulations. He had expected to be promoted after Tomi yes, but to Third seat, not to Lieutenant as well. Two Lieutenants to the Division, this was truly unorthodox. He would have been fine with Third Seat, there was no shame in working his way up, but this was a true boon. 'Mother...Father...wait for me. I'm almost there.' His goal had become that much closer to him.

The Captain wasn't finished there, Ren their newest addition, had earned her stay amongst their ranks, and a seated position as well. He looked towards Ren to nod her way only to find his mouth twitching at her outburst. Was it second hand embarrassment or perhaps the Kuchiki was actually suppressing a grin. With their positions established and matters settled he nods his head towards the Captain.

"Yes Captain...and, thank you."

He spoke with a bow, before turning towards both Ren and Tomi. "Congratulations are in order to all of us I suppose." He glanced at Ren before looking at his co-Lieutenant. "What are your plans Tomi? Before the meeting, Ren and I were training, helping to sharpen and hone her abilities." He looked towards their Fourth seat, a grin briefly showing itself before covered once more by the mask of stoic professionalism. "I'm sure she's rested up enough thanks to the meeting. Right Ren?" He asked, though regardless of her answer he had already set in his mind what would happen.

 

[Jushiro Izanagi]

Jushiro’s defensive measures went ahead as planned with the Bakudo spell successfully warding off the attacks of his current opponents. Michiya and his partner in crime, Hakuoki were pushed back, this in turn left room for Jushiro to advance and launch his own attack. The silver haired fox took his opportunity to do just that. All the while remaining on alert and equally as vigilant for any sudden changes. His mind, body and soul was moulded in such a way that such things had become second nature. As both Michiya and Hakuoki came to a stop, Jushiro took note of Hakuoki’s choice of weaponry. In the midst of being pushed back, the Zanpakuto spirit lost its blade. Or perhaps it simply discarded it? Whatever the case, Hakuoki was now armed with two blades. This gave Jushiro a crazy idea, one so outrageous that it might work or prove to be disastrous. The masked one could only assume that Hakuoki was adept at wielding both blades at once. Jushiro himself happens to be ambidextrous, fully capable of wielding his blade with either hand and equally as effective. Jushiro deduced that the blades were of course part of Michiya’s Shikai. And if not, then the man would have to teach him such an ability.

Hakuoki intercepted Jushiro’s slash while forcing their blades into a deadlock which brought a grin to the surface of the mask. What to do, what to do? It was evident that Michiya was doing his best to force him into a corner. And once cornered then Jushiro will have to bare his fangs. The man wasn’t yet sure as to how he felt about such a thing happening. There they were, trapped in a cage of blades surrounding them. Jushiro was cautious of this but was already committed to attacking Hakuoki. Now seemingly trapped by Michiya, Jushiro could easily sense the kido spell about to be used by Michiya. Tut, tut. The masked man had already taken some precaution against certain possibilities. Already completed the incantations for not one but two kido spells. It was completed albeit almost inaudibly with his mask providing further cover. This way it would prevent Michiya’s reading his lips. He wouldn’t put such a thing past the Lieutenant of the twelfth division.

Simultaneously to their blades clashing and forcing a deadlock, Jushiro could see the movements of the blades which had them trapped in a cage. The man remained silent as his own kido spell was activated at that moment. Michiya may not have noticed it just yet but Jushiro was crafty. His capabilities with kido made him a force to be reckoned with, utilizing spells in creative and unorthodox ways. It would appear that Hakuoki and Michiya were well in tune with each other. The Zanpakuto spirit burrows into the ground at a crucial moment, leaving Jushiro to face the onslaught of blades that had seemingly vanished. He would’ve altered his plans to protect himself had it been anyone else. Unfortunately, Michiya remained a very suspicious person to him. He expected all kinds of antics, since antics were part of Jushiro repertoire too. The blades that went invisible didn’t rattle the man, he decided to stay the course. Then came the inevitable collision with Jushiro, the blades all appearing to hit their mark. However, they didn’t exactly reach him as a low hum could be heard. And as the short moments went by the hum began to sound like swirling winds. At this point seeing the blades wasn’t necessary, he could feel them pushing against his own kido technique.

“Hado 58, Tenran” he said softly to announce the spell.

What Michiya will now see is layers of wind based kido energy forming a barrier between his blades and Jushiro’s body. Stopping his attack in its tracks, thus preventing the blades from reaching him. As observant as Michiya is, he’d be able to tell that Jushiro was using his whole body as a medium to channel the spell. It was made even easier for him due to techniques recently learned by the masked one. Push. Jushiro didn’t maintain the hado spell very long. As Hakuoki began to rise from the ground to his left. The Tenran technique was fully expelled from Jushiro’s body. Pushing away everything close to him in a violent manner as winds whipped about the grounds. The technique expanded outwards, having protected him from all angles previously. To think he would employ an hado spell as one would a bakudo based spell. Blades were sent flying in both Michiya and Hakuoki’s direction. Meanwhile also scattering east, west, north and south. It was now time for the next part of the bout. The cunning fox remained calm while shifting his weight ever so slightly to keep a close watch on his opponents.

“Why are you being so selfish? Release me, I want to be free”.

“Always so impatient, let me have fun a while longer”

“Dickhead”

“Here we go. Always so mean to me”. ​

Jushiro was having an internal battle between himself and Kisshouten. Meanwhile, pondering and actively seeking out Michiya and his compatriot’s next move. Jushiro could sense that their spar was amassing some spectators which was only natural. This wasn't an everyday occurrence after all.

 

[TherosAestas]

The thoroughly polished bronze ring on Tomi’s left hand twisted effortlessly against her skin as she nervously fidgeted with it behind her back. She wasn’t sure how her take on the situation would be received, but she’d felt the need to voice her beliefs and concerns anyway. Relief washed over her as well as a touch of surprise as her captain agreed with both her and Gyoja. She listened intently as Kasu spoke, every word sinking in like a stone in water. Three shinigami taking responsibility in their own ways for this outcome- none of them being the only one who should have been taking responsibility for his own actions.

“Speaking of further strengthening us, this is long overdue.”

Tomi’s eyes finally raised to meet Kasu’s.

“Tomi Yume, I grant you the title of Lieutenant of Squad 13.”

Her joke to Elk rang loud in her ears. ”I’ll see you later for dinner. My captain is calling a meeting. Can’t wait to be fired!” She hadn’t expected the outcome to be the exact opposite. Her face remained unchanged as her heart beat rapidly and her own words were replaced with a soft ringing in her ears, the rest of the room growing muffled. She just barely caught that Gyoja would also be lieutenant of the division.

Tomi.

Tomi!

"What are your plans Tomi? Before the meeting, Ren and I were training, helping to sharpen and hone her abilities."

Tomi’s eyes and mind finally snapped out of the haze, the conversations around her coming into focus. She gently tapped her fingers against her chin as she contemplated the question. ”Elk was helping me train in Kido before this and I’d already made plans to have dinner with him. I suppose I should go tell him the good news and keep him out of trouble.” She chuckled softly, well aware that there was no way she could keep him out of trouble if she tried and that she was never actually working on kido. Gyoja’s mention of Ren being rested enough from the meeting elicited another chuckle from Tomi.

”Don’t push her too hard. If you both would like a break from training, there is a bottle of Sake on the bedside table in my room that you both are welcome to have.” She didn’t mind them going into her room to retrieve it. She had nothing to hide from them, and the reiatsu concealing cloak was safely tucked away under a floorboard that was under her bed. Her usually sullen face brightened as her lips stretched into a smile, after all congratulations were indeed in order for everyone. She offered them a quick wave goodbye as she took off.

It took her no time at all to arrive on the walls around twelfth. She’d assumed Elk would have headed this way after they parted ways and she was right. She spotted him observing the fight between Michiya Senko and the captain of tenth division. She appeared beside him silently and folded her legs under herself in a swift, graceful movement as she sat beside Elk, watching the captain utilize Tenran. ”I’m starting to think maybe you should teach me Kido, what with me being a lieutenant now.” Her voice was soft so it wouldn’t carry on the wind and so she wouldn’t startle her “brother”.

​

 

[GhoulBunny]

The pink haired girl felt the weight of the new title settle over her like an unexpected downpour. Fourth Seat of Squad 13. Excitement fizzed through her like a shaken soda, but beneath that carbonated thrill was a persistent, gnawing anxiety. Responsibility had always been the specter looming in her peripheral vision, the ghost she’d laughingly dodged with jokes and diversions. Now, it stared her straight in the face, unavoidable and demanding.


As Gyōja spoke, his voice slicing through the thick of her burgeoning panic, Ren snapped back to the present.
​

“Congratulations are in order to all of us I suppose. I’m sure she’s rested up enough thanks to the meeting. Right Ren?”​

“HA! Rested, or just rustin’ from sittin’ too long—ya pick,” Ren shot back with a spirited chuckle, playing off her nerves. The idea of jumping back into training with Gyōja, now not just a mentor but her Lieutenant, somehow made the vast room feel smaller.



Tomi’s response, light and humorous, offered a brief reprieve. Ren’s eyes followed the newly appointed Lieutenant as she spoke of her plans, mentioning a bottle of sake that sounded more and more appealing by the second.

​

“Don’t push her too hard,”​

Tomi warned Gyōja, a soft laugh accompanying her departure.


Ren pouted playfully at Tomi’s retreating back before shouting

“HEYYYYYY! I WAS HOPIN’ TO SNAG SOME DOUBLE LIEUTENANT WISDOM TONIGHT!”


Her tone layered with faux disappointment and real regret at not getting to know Tomi better just yet.



Turning back to Gyōja, Ren’s grin widened.

“Heck yeah, Purple-head! Gettin’ trained by a lieutenant is an honor, truly,”

She teased, her voice dripping with mock solemnity before breaking into genuine enthusiasm. The realization that she was about to dive more into her potential under the guidance of someone as skilled as Gyōja sent a thrill through her. She was ready to prove herself, to push beyond the limitations she’d always playfully ignored but secretly feared.


Her hand tightened around the hilt of her Zanpakutō, Amanozako, the familiar feel of the handle grounding her. The whisper of steel seemed to echo Kasu’s words about growing stronger, about harnessing her potential. Ren knew that Amanozako wouldn’t tolerate weakness, not when there was strength to be forged from the fires of determination and hard work.


And with that, she skipped out of the captains office, knowing Gyōja would follow her.​

 

[Kami Shia]

As he arrived the thirteenth division barracks after suffering a brutal defeat from his own brother Keniro, also learned that the captain of the thirteenth division had returned. Heading directly for the meeting hall uninterrupted, as he made his way to the captains he couldn’t help but notice how the halls were silent today, so silent that if it almost seemed that the barracks had been abandoned, however the only voices that could be heard echoed into the halls from the captain's office. He could hear them conversing and after hearing his name floating in the air as the center of the discussion, he would soon realize that he was in more trouble than he may have anticipated. At least knowing some of his comrades had spoken up on his behalf only made his cowardice way even heavier on his shoulders. He hobbled down the hall using his zanpakuto as walking stick to prop himself up.

As he reached to enter the captain's office, the door slid open just before his hand could make contact and out came skipping a pretty, young, and courageous shinigami Keniro knew all too well. While in his current condition the young Senko wasn't able to move fast enough to get out of the way and she would crash into him knocking him to the floor and revealing his bandages. Keniro started groaning in pain as his wounds started aching.

"Well, geez Ren... if ya missed me that much you could've visited me while I was in the infirmary"

A sly smirk crossed the boy's lips as he helped himself off the ground, he wanted to speak with the captain in hopes of favoring a chance of redemption but in order to do that he knew he would need a lot more training and own up to his lack of responsibility. His heart dropped as he prepared himself and tried to gather his thoughts but the more, he thought about it the more he realized that all this was like a hard pill to swallow. This caused a bit of hesitation for him to approach the captain after it was inevitable... she was standing right there. He let out a sigh before opening his mouth.

"Excuse me... captain... I take full responsibility of my own actions"

He paused for moment to kneel and continue to speak immediately after.

"It was my own ignorance that ultimately caused issue for the rest of the division... I admit that my failure to participate in the last mission was a grave mistake, but I humbly beg your forgiveness and allow me the chance for redemption. I am no longer afraid, and I give you my word that I will lay down my life in service to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I've allowed my foolishness to distract me from my duties for far too long. If it isn't too late and if you would allow me to retain my position, I'll do the best I can to prove myself? You won't regret it ya know."

Taking a deep breath as he hoped that the captain would accept his plea, the young Senko was sincere with every word spoken, this was as serious as Keniro had ever been. He had hoped his words wouldn't fall on def ears, he was grateful to the others for being in his corner, but he knew that their words could only do so much. He hoped that perhaps there was a chance that his words would make a difference and reach more than just the captain's ear drums. His voice trembled as his body was shaking from pain and fear, one could easily tell he was still suffering from his injuries. However, the young Senko felt obligated to tell his side of the story in hopes lessening his punishment.

​

 

[Nobody]

​

”Elk was helping me train in Kido before this and I’d already made plans to have dinner with him. I suppose I should go tell him the good news and keep him out of trouble.”​

Gyōja understood but, couldn't deny feeling a bit disappointed. With everything they had seen, everything they had gone through he was hoping they'd be able to come together as a Division. To not only correct their failings with Keniro by helping Ren, but also maybe discuss the Karakura incident and come up with a plan should something happen again or...worst case scenario, the Captain vanishes again. While he felt pride in the position he was elevated too, he also felt the weight of that responsibility all the more.

Hearing her offer of the Sake in her room along with her permission to go and retrieve it in her absence Gyōja folded his arms and turned his head. "Even with your permission, its not proper to enter the dwelling of another, especially a woman in their absence." He let out a series of slight coughs. "We'll leave the sake there. Maybe when we can have it altogether."

He says nothing in response to not pushing Ren too hard. While he understood that already, the warning didn't hurt. He couldn't allow himself to subconsciously push Ren too far too fast. At the same time, he had to push her beyond where she was right now. For her safety, and for the good of the Division, the Seireitei...and the Soul Society.
​

“Heck yeah, Purple-head! Gettin’ trained by a lieutenant is an honor, truly,”​

The Kuchiki stared at her, before resting a single hand casually on his hip as he tilted his head. "Are you saying it wasn't an honor to be trained by me before I got promoted?" He retorted. Despite the tone of his voice and his expression, this was a joke, something odd for him to those who didn't truly know him. Ever dutiful, there were actually very few who truly knew or understood Gyōja. As a Kuchiki there were those who kept him at a distance due to his nobility, others who did so due to the sins of the noble family like the other major houses, and those who kept their distance due to his stern expression, his quiet demeanor and the perceived haughtiness in which he spoke and conducted himself. Yes, truth be told there were none who the man could truly call friend, something that he was either unaware of or...was aware of and somehow had convinced himself it didn't matter. For years all that mattered, all that had driven him was his mission, his vow to himself and his parents.

Opening his mouth to speak again he stops when he sees an unexpected face; that of Keniro Senko's.
​

"Well, geez Ren... if ya missed me that much you could've visited me while I was in the infirmary"​

Gyōja stared quietly at the boy, his gaze breaking only to glance towards Ren. Seemed the two of them were acquainted somewhat. Still, it seemed what was done was done, and either Keniro wasn't aware of his fate or, perhaps he believed there remained a sliver of hope to overturn his fate.

"Good luck."

He spoke lightly as he walked past the boy. He led Ren through the courtyard and back to the training grounds they had been prior to the meeting. He stood at the center, his back to Ren.

"Your blade. take it out."

The air around him had shifted, he remained as he had been, back to her as his instruction in that moment came more like an order barked. Had Gyōja changed because of his recent promotion? Was he becoming bossy with the title of Lieutenant now placed in front of his name? With his back to her it made it impossible to see his face, to get a glimpse of the expression he currently wore.

 

[Elk]

There he sat with his forearm resting upon his knee, the other pressing down on the tiles. The only movement came from his eyes—not watching their motions alone, but their reiryoku flow. The subtle shifts in their reiatsu said it all; their spiritual pressure was flaring up as their spells were cast in secret—not just one, but two. Each of them had been double casting.

The sound of a thud pulled his gaze aside. A body in a white coat lay sprawled nearby, and not far from it stood a woman—likely from the same division—her fingers still faintly wrapped in residual reiatsu. Most likely Sai. He chuckled softly, his fingers lifting from the right and swinging inward to rest in front of him.

Then the cages appeared as Captain Izanagi countered with his own spell, but this had Elk’s head tilting a bit. It wasn’t a Hadō to use as a defense, but something else—something different. A delay? Or was it infused? Either way, it had to end. Before he pushed himself up, the shift in the air drew his gaze.

“Congratulations, Lieutenant Yume.”

A small chuckle came from him as his arms lifted to make a simple barrier—one made of teal sliding out from his hand as it began to extend across the courtyard. As the blades launched and deflected back from Jushiro, they collided with this barrier—then another—as some impacted the one he had just moved from the back of his neck to the front. To the two, it would only appear as if the blades stopped in mid-air before dropping below.

“Though I think I’d drive you up the wall if I started training you.”

His head turned back toward Tomi with a smile before he vanished and reappeared on top of the blue barrier.

“I think the fight is over. Besides, I need to talk with this man about some contingency plans for my Bankai. I don’t want to see the Seireitei rotting away because of my usage.”

Both hands rested in his pockets, his eyes shifting side to side before settling on Michiya. A smile could be seen beneath the hood of his face—yet his presence? Unfelt by anyone within the division. No master was able to sense him, though he had been lightly tapping his fingers against his body.


​

 

[GhoulBunny]

Ren’s exit from the meeting hall was less graceful and more chaotic—a blur of motion and noise. She hadn’t taken more than a few steps when she collided with a figure so familiar yet unexpected that it threw her for an instant. The impact sent both of them tumbling to the ground, revealing Keniro, bandaged and clearly in pain.

“KID! WHAT HAPPENED TO YA?!”

Ren exclaimed, her voice echoing down the hallway. She helped Keniro up, her eyes scanning the visible injuries with a mix of concern and disbelief.

“Did Captain Kagi do this? When did all this go down?” Her tone mixed worry with curiosity, trying to piece together the events that had led to his current state.
​

“Well, geez Ren… if ya missed me that much you could’ve visited me while I was in the infirmary,”
​

Ren scoffed, shaking her head as she steadied him.

“Missed ya? Please, I’ve had enough of your drama to last a lifetime, Kid. But seriously, stay outta trouble, will ya? Looks like you’ve got yourself in a fuck ton of trouble.” She patted his shoulder, her usual brashness softened by a hint of genuine concern.

Before she could continue the interrogation, Gyōja’s firm hand guided her away, pulling her back towards the training grounds. Ren cast a backward glance at Keniro, shouting over her shoulder with a grin.

“WELL, YA AREN’T DEAD!!! GOOODDDD JOB!”

Her words were loud enough to bounce off the walls as she let Gyōja steer her away.

The walk back to the training area was silent for a moment, allowing Ren to collect her thoughts. Her mind raced with the rapid changes in her life—from a chaotic but directionless Academy student to a seated officer in the 13th Division under the tutelage of Gyōja, with whom she couldn’t deny she looked up toward . It was overwhelming, and she felt the weight of expectations pressing down on her.

As they reached the training grounds, Gyōja’s voice snapped her back to reality.


“Your blade. Take it out.”


His command was sharp, more authoritative than before, reflecting his new role as her lieutenant. Ren’s hand went to the hilt of her Zanpakutō, feeling the familiar buzz of electricity from Amanozako. The sensation, once comforting, now served as a stern reminder of the seriousness of her training.

She glanced at Gyōja, trying to read any change in his demeanor that the new title might have brought. His back was to her, making it impossible to gauge his expression. She squared her shoulders, shaking off the nerves.

“Heck yeah, Purple-head! Straight back to it! Love it.”she quipped, her voice carrying a mix of sarcasm and genuine nervous excitement.

This was it—the chance to prove herself, to grow stronger and meet the expectations not just of her superiors but of herself. Ren knew that Amanozako wouldn’t tolerate weakness, and neither would she. With a deep breath, she readied herself, focusing on the task at hand. She was ready to learn, to fight, and most importantly, to not let her fears define her.​

 

[Frea]

Upon being behind a protective barrier for the twelfth division with the fighting between a captain and her lieutenant, she sighed at the fact that the twelfth was being used as a battleground; if they were not careful, it could disrupt Shibuya's studies. Nanami looked up towards the wall to see two unfamiliar shinigami watching the match between Jushiro and Michiya, but they both were in the firing range and if not careful, they could be dragged into the conflict themself. Of course, naturally, it did worry Nanami a little. She wanted to warn the male and the female about being in the firing range of the possibility of being killed; however, she didn't want to cause a ruckus if the other took offence and caused trouble. She hates conflict; by all means, she shook her head in displeasure at how these youngsters were so quick to battle each other.

Nanami turned her back from the fight as she didn't want to get pulled into the mess this could cause. As she walked past, she stopped by an advanced technological underling and whispered in his ear to place the twelfth in lockdown for extra safety measures. There, the shinigami nodded in agreement and immediately started to place down extra durable metal walls, fences and doors around the whole seireitei, locking anyone who was in the premises of the barracks would've been trapped in it. This would also protect outsiders from being harmed by any debris that flew across the battle, as any of the spectators of the fight would not be able to see due to the heavy metal. Of course, before the lock, Nanami had to shunpo'd away and make her way out of her division gracefully.

Though many may wonder when the system of protective measures of the twelfth was put in place. Well, Nanami was planning and building the system for months, if not years, in the making. The wall's purpose was for protection in general for the twelfth and perhaps other divisions, if there was a general attack on the soul society as a whole. The metal barrier is laced with technology to absorb any type of Reiatsu, or rather, reiryoku and reflect it just as powerful. This was the perfect time to put it in place for the first time. It was also impossible to do any physical damage to the structure, due to it being made from the best technological metals that Nanami could've found. If there was any physical damage to it, there would likely only be scratches and scrapes. Nanami wasn't too bothered about the scratches upon the walls, as it was bound to have them one way or another, of course, the walls didn't just stop at a certain height the walls would be a dome shape, creating a somewhat of a ceiling to prevent any odd cases of intruders flying over the top of the abnormally large walls.

Nanami had an instinct to go head towards the eastern gate for some odd reason, there she began to stroll on over there, perhaps there was something in the rukongai where she needed to investigate. either way she was in somewhat no rush but yet she was beginning to get faster as she did travel towards the eastern gate.​