Northwest Seireitei

[Ywi]

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Arriving: Northeast --> Twelfth Division

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On their walk back to their squad headquarters Shibuya humoured Michiya's questions about his new companion.

"No, you do not need to feed it. It feeds on my spiritual energy,"

"No, it does not have any other bodily needs, nor functions,"

"It can hear and see everything you do,"

"Yes, it projects everything it observes to me,"

"Yes, it can speak,"

"..... Fine, you may name it,"

Among other questions posited her way about the Azamushi. She's perhaps a bit too accustomed to them, not understanding why Michiya would be keen to ask about what she considers obvious about her little pet project. Well, if the boy does make this breakthrough, he'll become acquainted with one species of her parasites whether he wants to or not.

The Flea could finally materialize.

But, that is for the future, much as she'd love to run through the prospect more in her head.

As the two approach 12th Division, Shibuya picks up on dull familiarity down, deep in the bowels of her division, toward her office.

Entering through the main entrance, Shibuya subtly checks herself in any reflective surfaces she passes, adjusting her hair and clothes as she notices anything out of place, anything that makes her look anything but prim and proper.

Clearing her throat, she speaks up as the elevator clicks to their floor, "Boy," a quick glance shot up toward Michiya, stepping off the lift, "I'd like you to accompany me to my office,"

Without waiting for Michiya to reply, she continues toward her office. It's up to him whether he listens to her request or not, her tone lax enough that it clearly wasn't an order, that he had an actual choice to the matter.

She picked up that Taro wasn't alone at some point. Nanami was expected, who wasn't is who she assumes is Taro's Lieutenant. If both Captain and Lieutenant are present, then her idle hopes of a casual visit and chit-chat with one of very few people she could stand are null.

It's business.

That doesn't stop her from letting a small, barely there, smile cross her features as she opens the door.

"Captain Date," Her voice is pleasant, rising above her casual growl, gravel cleared for the most part, words coming smoothly, as she addresses Taro. It's weird that she's capable of speaking without sounding like she's about to rip someone's head off.

If Michiya chose to follow her, he'd be told to stand himself behind her desk and behave.

Glancing toward her other subordinate, she waves her hand flippantly at the taller woman.

"Teishi. You are excused," it's non-hostile, but it's still an order masked by that pleasantry she's keeping up.

Once Nanami is out, Shibuya gestures for Taro and Yurei to sit where they please. Her office, for what one might expect, is clean, organized, orderly aside from a few loose papers strewn about her desk. Two chairs on the other side of her desk, for guests and the like. Walls lined by both bookshelves and filing cabinets. And a few additional seating options pushed up against the only bare wall, near the door, out of the way.

The earlier girl that Nanami had sent for tea and snacks returns, bowing quickly as she finishes placing the requested items, and scurries back out.

Shibuya sits at her desk, propping her elbows up, and steepling her fingers together.

"Now, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
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[Itami]

When Taro arrives, Yūrei immediately stands at attention, bowing deeply as a mark of respect. His demeanor is stoic, his voice low and resolute.

"Captain Date, your timing is impeccable. I stand ready to assist as you require."
When tasked with creating a teleportation point, Yūrei acknowledges with a nod, unsheathing Kagehime in a smooth, deliberate motion.
"Kagehime shall anchor us as needed, Captain. The shadows are ever at your command."

A door in Twelvth Division opens; The Division's Captain, with a small smile, calls to Yurei's Captain Date and allows them inside her office., while excusing another one of her division members at the same time.
Upon encountering Shibuya, Yūrei would silently assess her appearance and demeanor, noting her precision and the orderliness of her surroundings. This would earn a degree of reluctant respect, but he would remain guarded, as she is not of his division.
(Inner Monologue): "At least this one values discipline and order. A rarity among the rabble."

When Shibuya addresses them, Yūrei bows respectfully but remains curt, letting Taro lead the discussion. His loyalty and purist attitude dictate that he follows his captain's lead, seeing no need to engage beyond necessity.

"Captain Harai." Is all he says while bowing in respect of her status among the Gotei 13. During the discussion, Yūrei remains standing, even after being invited to sit He serves as a silent, imposing presence behind Taro, offering his captain quiet support. If addressed directly by Shibuya, he would respond with measured words, respecting her rank but keeping his answers brief and to the point.
(Inner Monologue): "Fools grow fat on the peace bought by blood. If they fall, it is deserved. Captain Date understands what must be done—he alone is worth following."

Northwest Seireitei: Twelfth Division

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[dem0nzlust]

He pulled out a small virtual notebook writing down all the information while listening to everything his Captain was sharing about this so-called Azamushi. Michiya valued all forms of information especially from the source of the person who created them, despite already knowing some information about them. He started to ponder on how she would feel about experimenting on his newfound specimen, but this was going to be a topic for another time.

Now with limitless possibilities opened up from this arrangement with Captain Harai his mind already began planning for his next stage of research. He couldn't help but let a smile of eagerness come out with his ambitions either about to lead Soul Society into a new era for the better or the worse but whatever outcome came from it would be loved all the same. He believed there were no such things as failed experiments since each discovery allowed for one to further and learn from in the constant state of improvement as long one continued onward. When they got closer to the 12th division barracks he immediately picked up on two presences from his time at the 10th division hoping for something interesting to happen and the familiar member from their squad Nanami. The two of them approached to go meet their guest within the barracks but out of the corner of his eye, he saw something quite peculiar as he tilted his head.

"People normally try to pretty themselves up and become self-conscious of their appearance statistically when there is someone they hold deep affection for."

He noticed the subtle smile making him ponder on how many romantic outings she had been on with Captains although her mannerisms appeared on a completely different spectrum compared to the encounter with the 4th division Captain. He glanced over at her with a slight eye twitch of him calling him boy while they took the lift together.

"All due respect Captain Harai, I exceed the age limit to be considered a boy although I most closely fit in the category of young adult or adolescent depending on people's views and my name is Michiya. Nonetheless, I will gladly accompany you I am quite intrigued to learn what the business they have here."

He followed behind her as the two entered the room where the three already awaited them giving a small bow of the head respectively to the Lt and Captain. Not wish to socialize anymore unless needed to and simply took a casual standing posture behind the desk as requested with both hands tucked behind his back. Quitely Michiya observed the two before him taking it all in and personally curious if his Captain did anything embrassing to make a fool of herself.​

 

[Inkmasterru]

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SOME TIME LATER...

The sound of training could be heard from the barracks of division thirteen. It was quite some time since his return from the fourth division. A while more since his bout with Captain Date and he hasn't seen his mangy mug anywhere. He was slightly worried what that bastard was planning in the shadows, but it let him do his work unhindered. Though he hasn't seen his captain either. Captain Izanagi didn't even respond to his wolf and remained in the Rukongai with no indication for how long. At least his location is known if an emergency arises or his presence is needed. Though... the paperwork that he had to do for both division was annoying. With the captain being out once again, it fell on Kazuki to do them as always. You would think he will be used to this by now, he was, but it was still irritating. At least he has loyal seat officers to spread the workload as required.

The 10th division sent a few Jigokuchō his way, keeping Kazuki up to date on their actions and endeavors. Though not much control or monitoring was required beyond that. As in those past year and 6 months, they have been completely reinvented to the upmost efficiency and effectiveness. He could trust his men to do well in his absence, even with him being gone as long as he has today. He had their full loyalty and devotion, to disappoint big brother Kazuki was unheard of and he used it to his and the squads advantage. Now as for the thirteenth... he didn't have an another year and 6 months to bring them to the same level of strength and efficiency. Yet he wasn't saying that the change in the division wasn't significant, even in this short amount of time. From a disheartened and shambled group of cadavers they have become hardworking and driven shinigami. Much is still to be desired in terms of their skill and reiatsu. Yet at least their chances of survival have risen to a somewhat hopeful level. Strange what a little motivation and proper leadership can do to regular men.

As for his own training, it was coming along too. In the time that he spent developing his hakuda, he came up with a name for it. He will call it Kirute (Severing hand), an appropriate name even though the technique didn't just apply to his hands. He walked to two straw dummy and took a deep breath. His fingers were slightly bandaged and calloused as they swayed at his side. Then in a blink of a eye he flicked his arm outward into a upward diagonal strike. His arm cleanly severing through the dummy, a clean cut as if done by a sharp blade. Then without taking a pause using the momentum to step back and load his leg into a downwards roundhouse kick. Severing the other dummy only halfway and getting his leg a bit stuck. With a grunt, he got his leg out and sighed. It was slowly coming along, but still needed work. He mostly figured out the slashes with his arm and the piercing attacks, but just needed... practice.


"Not... bad..."


It was a massive improvement, but it can still be better. It can be done faster, more efficiently, it was still far from being a mastery. Yet it was getting there... it was getting there. Maybe if Captain Izanagi turns up, he can improve Kirute along with increasing his mastery of Hakuda. Yet until then, he must tend to other matters. Just as he was pondering the thought, his wolf appeared next to him and yawned. I knelt next to him as he hopped up and tapped my lieutenants badge. He was signaling that something has occurred at the 10th barracks. Was the captain back? Man did he take his time, I guess it's time to head back. Turning to the entirety of the thirteenth, he projected his words to all those currently on the grounds.

"I must be off, duties call me elsewhere. Despite my departure, I expect for things to continue as I commanded. Training is to resume per schedule, patrols are not to be changed and paperwork filled with due diligence. I expect the seat officers to uphold this and more. I will not accept any laziness in your roles as shinigami. If you wish to not be branded cogs, then prove your might, become the wolves you are meant to be."

"YES SIR!!!"

All the shinigami shouted in union and bowed towards Kazuki. Kazuki bowed back and used Shunpo to vanish before their eyes. As him and his wolf flickered their way towards the 10th barracks.​

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LEAVING FOR SOUTHWEST SEIREITEI (10TH BARRACKS) --->​

 

[Adonai]

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”We appreciate the timely assistance, Cog. As secretive as the Twelfth Division may be, I can at least expect someone to get down to business. The quicker I’m out of your hair the quicker you are out of mine, correct?”

Taro speaks to Nanami as he and his Lieutenant follow her to the office. Then there is a feeling within him that he has not felt in centuries, not since his development years in the Academy and bowels of the Date Estate. The thing he felt was nervousness, he looked at his palm and it was slightly sweaty, it made him frown. What did he have to be nervous about? Of all things in the three worlds, what could bring on this feeling? Was it something here in this division sending his senses into overdrive, were they working on some sort of creature that his body was resonating with on a primal level? It wasn’t until they reached the office and he read the name on the door that the source of the nervousness became clear. How long has it been since he last saw Shibuya since they decided to part ways over the risk of political implications of their houses joining forces? He eases his frown, relaxes himself, there is no need for these trivial emotions, there is business to conduct.

”Thank you, Cog, warm tea would be good for the nerves.”

He thanks Nanami as he looks at a chart on the wall, not realizing what it was he just said. He doesn’t read anything on the chart, doesn't try to analyze it he just looks at it while calming his mind and stifling his emotions. Some time passes and Shibuya arrives with one of her seated members in tow. Taro hesitates to turn for a moment, hearing her speak his name and rank he decides to return to courtesy but doesn’t turn to face her.

”Captain Harai.”

He speaks in a tone most would find unnatural to him. There is no trace of venom or disdain in it. The greeting was genuine, maybe even a hint of actual joy? Not the sort of joy the man experiences when talking down to others or insulting them, no a true sense of joy that all beings experience. Once she dismisses Nanami Taro finally turns to look at her, his trademark smile nowhere to be seen instead his expression is neutral. He doesn’t take a seat, he decides to remain standing and puts his arms behind his back.

”I have come to commission an item from you personally. I have gained the permission from Central Forty Six to use a certain artifact. However, as you know, I am not the self sacrificing type so I wish to take precautions against its dangerous effects.”

He looks to his Lieutenant and then to Michiya.

”While I have trust in my Lieutenant and you may have trust in your subordinate, this is something I do not wish to be discussed outside of us Captain’s. Because I will have to give vital details to you on what artifact I have been given permission to use. With that said I would like to have them dismissed before I continue with my request.”

Yurei may have already left the room after Taro’s first sentence. There is a reason he is the Lieutenant of 11th Division, Taro rarely has to explain much to him for him to understand what is being asked or told of him. An efficient Shinigami, so much so that he exists in a grey area where he is not referred to as a Cog or Gear, but he is also not called by name. Taro simply refers to him as Lieutenant, a sign of respect from the arrogant Captain. Once the others left the room, Taro waited for a moment before speaking again to make sure they were down the hall far enough to be out of earshot.

”Now… Shibuya, what I wish for you to develop for me is armor, cloth or anything to protect me from the soul destroying flames of the Sōkyoku. You have seen the readings from Hueco Mundo and given your status as a noble you know good and well that these Arrancar have found fragments of the Soul King. One of our best options is to use our own relics to counter them the best we can.”

He stares at her for a moment, a silence builds that almost becomes awkward before he speaks again.

”I do wish we could have met under better terms than this, but at least it seems like you are settling in well as Captain.”

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[Kami Shia]

Keniro Senko
Fleeing the scene in a hurry with an enraged woman chasing after him after successfully pulling off his most recently developed prank, drenching the woman in a strange liquid substance that gave off a disturbing scent that would probably be in her hair for weeks. His cackling only fueled her anger as she chased him around the thirteenth division's barracks, shouting at the top of her lungs promising to kill him. Afraid of what she might do had she caught him he continued to run while antagonizing the poor lady. However, this was also his unique way of keeping his fellow squad members from becoming too content, lazy forcing them to remain on their toes and prepare for the unexpected however young Keniro was as cunning as he was playful making him the ultimate prankster. “Get back here you brat!!! You’re dead meat!!!” shouted the woman chasing after Keniro. The woman struck a nerve and Keniro’s right eye twitched in response to being called a brat.

“Hey…hey who do you think you’re calling snot nosed brat? You worthless old hag.”

Shouting and bickering with an older squad member from the thirteenth division about his wild antics, he was no stranger to being scolded by his elders; however, he never backed down when it came to a scream off. Just barely avoiding conflict with his comrades on a daily basis was a norm for him and despite getting on their nerves some wouldn’t have it any other way, most saw him as that annoying little brother that they couldn't get rid of but would die to protect. A lucky bastard was a nickname given to him by those who sought to punish him for his childish antics. With that being said a new idea popped into his head as he thought it would be a great idea to pay someone close to him a visit as it has been several years since they last spoke given the recent events, it was time for him to catch up with his elder brother. Vanishing from sight the woman would stop running as she could no longer keep up with his movement speed clutching her fist in a fit of rage she shouted out “You Lucky Bastard, i’ll kill you!!!!.” cursing him as he quickly made his escape. He chuckled as he soared through the air like a bird hovering in the wind currents, strands of his dark hair dancing in the wind as his earring clinked together creating a beautiful melody to those who could hear it.

Despite the recent events that passed young Keniro always remained optimistic even in the worse conditions which often led to a unique form confidence most wish they could manifest, his fearless personality was an inspiration to those who didn’t see him as just some trouble maker however because of his lack of commitment to his duties most of his adventures go unnoticed and he had planned to do something about that in the near future by proving himself to the rest of the division that he has what it takes to become as strong as the captain of the stealth force. He truly believed in himself despite being somewhat of a slacker he found himself growing quite bored of his everyday antics. Toying with his comrades was all fun and games but he knew one day there would come a time where he would have to fight for those he cared about and there was only one person he could think of to help show him the ropes.

Northwest Seireitei - Central Seireitei​

 

[Itami]

With Taro making it clear he would like an audience with as least prying ears as possible, Yurei would make his way through the same door he had just entered. He continued until he was out of earshot of any possible raised voices and turned to look at the other two Shinigami who were supposed to have followed him out.

No words would be spoken. He would look to them in complete silence, with a cold, unemotionally tethered blank look on his face. It was impossible to tell if he was even blinking or breathing.

Yurei would then cross his arms over his chest and lower his head without so much as a sigh. Looking once over to Michiya and once over to Nanami. Yurei would wonder about what his Captain would need to use his bankai for. Yurei's bankai was one in which the ability was not common, it was used to teleport objects or people within a certain range, it is also Yurei's greatest lie.

To most, it would seem the Lieutenant of the 11th had mastered his zanpakuto. Yurei simply had mastered the abilities known to him, given by his Zanpakuto. IT was good enough for Yurei, and better yet that he knew somewhere along the line the capacity for growth was still there. If needed to be pushed to such lengths.

Stepping out of his daze he would find the awkward two still standing there, Yurei awaited words from them.

Northwest Seireitei: Twelfth Division

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[Frea]

We appreciate the timely assistance, Cog. As secretive as the Twelfth Division may be, I can at least expect someone to get down to business. The quicker I’m out of your hair the quicker you are out of mine, correct?”
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'Cog'

The nickname rang disgustingly into Nanami's ears, never in her life had she been nicknamed cog. Whether that was an insult or if that was just Captain's Date way of speaking, nonetheless, she didn't let show it bothered her greatly a simple sweatdrop ran down her face. She nodded before speaking a response.

"Of course, Whatever is business you have to discuss with Captain Harai shouldn't be a concern for me."
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”Thank you, Cog, warm tea would be good for the nerves.”

She then noticed his little slip in speech of him being somewhat nervous.

"Tea is an excellent choice to calm nerves. We all feel nervous at some point in our lives."

She tried somewhat comfort the fact the captain was feeling a little nervous, Though she did want to tease him his nerves could've been from the thought of Captain Harai coming in, and he was nervous cause she can be quite strongheaded, or was it something romantic? Nanami would never know what his nerves could be nor she will pry.

"Teishi. You are excused,"

Speaking of the devil, she saw her captain coming in, and her demand for Nanami to leave the room at once, before doing so the purple-haired woman had bowed down respectfully and stood to attention, her greetings towards the captain made her question instance of change of demeanour. She glanced across to see the newest fourth seat was just behind her, Michiya. Nanami gave a slight smile towards him and a nod of greetings.

"As you wish, Captain Harai."

She thought it was a bit odd how Harai was acting and as Nanami left the room, her lips spread a smile with a small slight chuckle in response she came to the conclusion there was something between the two captains. In other words, Nanami would be a great supporter of their romance blossoms, it wasn't every day that Harai was quite pleasant whether that be other captains or even lower seats, her pleasantries were quite..how to put it..quite strong in terms of words.

She noticed that there were two others behind her that also just left which meant the two lovebirds were in there alone. She stopped walking and turned around her eyes scanned the two awkward males and noticed the lieutenant had scars on his face, which was expected for the eleventh division to have some form of scars she felt a little relaxed she wasn't the only one to have a scar on their face. She then looked over towards Michiya and scanned him, he looked similar to the mysterious second division captain, perhaps a relative. After a couple of minutes, to cut the awkward silence Nanami was first to ask a question.

"So, Should we perhaps go outside and perhaps get to know each other after all, it's a lovely day is it not?"​

 

[dem0nzlust]

As Michiya stood calmly behind Captain Harai, he helped himself to one of the snacks brought in at the request of Nanami, the third seat holder. He continued to observe the two high-ranking members closely, still raked with curiosity about what brought them to their division. The moment he took a bite of the rice ball, he heard something mentioned that gave him a great ordeal of excitement and disappointment in the same breath before a sigh escaped him after taking another bite.

"On other thought, I think I lost my appetite..."

He discarded the half-eaten rice ball into the bin near the desk wiping away any crumbs or food lingering on his cheek. Before stepping away from the Captain's side he awaited any departing orders she may have to share before he leaned downward with a light touch on the shoulder whispering something only audible enough for the two of them to hear.

"Try not to embarrass yourself too much Captain."

Not giving her a chance to throw outrage at what he just said like their exchange back in the alleyway, he casually made his exit returning the respectful bow of the head to the Captain Date on his way out. He closed the door behind him being the last one to leave from the Captain's office and saw the other two walking down the corridor to give them the privacy they requested. Once Michiya reached the halfway point he lightly tapped the back of his ear turning on the earpiece, then carried on where the two stood. Using the tactics taught to him by his father right before he threw the rice ball away he slipped a small listening device into it but remained with the same expression of disappointment as he looked at them. His father may have been a hard ass and put him through hell growing up with the intense training he was forced to do the moment he was able to walk. Though despite the harsh upbringing by Kagi he continued to hold respect for him in high regard because it was the things he etched into him that allowed for him to learn the true value of the skills provided to him. From the looks of it, Lt Yurei didn't appear to be much of a talker which gave him some relief especially, after how his last two social interactions went. When Nanami broke their awkward silence he enjoyed his facial expression didn't hide one bit of his unenthusiasm of even more social reaction while hiding his true emotions of thrill overhearing what the 11th division Captain had in his possession.

"I suppose there is merit in this interaction with what is going on at the moment we will never know which squad we will be working side beside. My name is Michiya, I run the Research and Modification Department of Zanpakuto. If you ever need repairs I will be the one assisting you."

He kept things direct only sharing what he felt was necessary while following along walking to the outside if that is what the two chose. A few seconds after he was approached by a member of his research department with a tablet device in hand as the unseated member began to relay some information to Michiya.

"Here is the information you requested about any out-of-the-norm activity going on in the Rukongai districts Sir. Also, we are ready to begin the first phase of the experiment at your bequest."

"Excellent I want you to begin the procedure immediately." He paused briefly removing the sealed dao Zanpakuto from the obi and placing it into the unseated member's hands. In that brief exchange Michiya, spoke to his Zanpakuto spirit known as Ryutoki confirming if this was still what they wanted. No words were exchanged besides an eager menacing toothy grin from the wooden dragon spirit.

The unseated member handed Michiya the device before bowing excusing himself from interrupting the three and taking the Zanpakuto given to him back to the labs. Once the unseated scientist returned to Michiya's lab he walked into the specialized room more heavily secured than others. There are five other scientists greeted his arrival with them all staring forward at a large tank with neon greenish red liquid bubbling inside of it. Attached to the tank were ten smaller tanks each housing captured hollow in them with various machines connected to them suspending them in half-alive state. The unseated member placed Michiya's Zanpakuto into the center tank where it hovered in the center, and sealed it securely. At his command, they started the machine as needles pierced into the hollow body draining them of their blood which soon submerged the suspended Zanpakuto into it. With this, the first of his experiments was underway leaving for it to soak in the hollow blood and reishi while the six scientists kept close watch on monitoring the experiment. Meanwhile, after the unseated member departed Michiya glanced at the tablet device reading up on the reports that happened with other squads in different districts of the Rukongai and currently one going down as he spoke. On a smaller display screen showed a status report concerning the World of the Living, and the statistics of specific natural disasters predicted to occur conveniently in locations where Naruki City housed their largest prison along with the casualty outcome. He smiled to himself seeing these results knowing if that were to happen it would cause an influx of souls coming into Soul Society which meant necessary balance needed to be made. He tucked away his tablet for now before calmly looking back at Yurei and Nanami with a friendly smile.

"Pardon my interruption, shall we continue?"​

 

[Itami]

Unwavering, almost statue-like, Yurei stood perfectly still. Nanami had decided to be the first to break the silence and spoke up;

"So, Should we perhaps go outside and perhaps get to know each other after all, it's a lovely day is it not?"

Yurei's head would turn slowly towards Nanami, but not fully, just a slight almost twitch. He would then look over the same amount towards Michiya. The male's face was either a good bluff or he was not up to the idea of ... 'hanging out'... just as much as Yurei was. Yurei however was calculated and controlled enough to never show this kind of emotional response.

"I suppose there is merit in this interaction with what is going on at the moment we will never know which squad we will be working side beside. My name is Michiya, I run the Research and Modification Department of Zanpakuto. If you ever need repairs I will be the one assisting you."

Michiya said, almost begrudgingly. Yurei would close his eyes and continue to remain silent. Yurei watched as Michiya, the shinigami who worked on Zanpakuto. Interesting, thought Yurei. They were soon joined by another, one who had business with Michiya. Yurei made note of what he could overhear and watched the exchange without saying a single word. His eye's cold and sharp.

Yurei would stand straight and look back towards the Captain's location down the hall.

" As much fun as it would be;" The start of the sentence was snide, full of venom, and with palpable disgust. " I would rather spend my time flaying my skin, than wasting time galavanting in the sunlight. I will remain here until I am needed."

Yurei would then walk to the opposite end of the hall and sit against the paper screen door. Placing his hands in his lap with his Shikai still in his sheath across his lap. He was done entertaining the idea of running around with cogs during a time like this.

Posting Order: Yūrei → Nanami → Michiya

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