Rukongai

[Amaya Munetoshi]

Fuyuko took in every sound, every breath, every small sign or signal of all life around her, beyond her closed eyelids. it felt so familiar. being this way. focusing on all her senses with her reiatsu flowing around her. it's warm embrace was naturally calming, light and thin.

Even with her shut eyelids. she could tell where everyone was around her. the shouts, the calls. the rapid footsteps. They all were so clear. She felt her sheathed blade before turning it down towards the ground to her left side.

"Not yet."

She said to herself taking in one last breath as she leaned forward ever so slightly before seemingly disappear. One by one she appeared long enough to send one disarming, or knocked out strike to each of her attackers with her sheathed blade finishing with the last one she twisted on the tip of her left foot lowering her other foot as she opened her eyes looking towards her former opponents in sad disappointment.

She brought her left hand to her collarbone taking in a deep breath pulling her reiatsu back in allowing it to disappear before bending her knees again moving quickly around the somewhat sad battlefield taking out any stray attackers that either went after her or went to assist their leader.

"Enough with the resistance. Everyone here is under arrest. You old man, you will be taken in for interrogation by the lieutenant here. The rest of you will follow and await judgement for your actions of the riot."

She spoke shaking her head, readjusting her hair piece, feeling it had gotten loose within the tussle. she looked relaxed but her guard was up. that was something she could never get herself to put down.​

 

[StephDLegend]

This matter was getting old. Something that could have probably been wrapped up sooner was now being stretched out. The men who weren't bound by the way of binding persisted in antagonizing the shinigami. How foolish of them. They knew they had no chance yet they still tried to make things worse for themselves? What did they think they'd accomplish? Wouldn't it be wiser to stand down? Well, it didn't matter. They chose their path and while Kinkō wouldn't execute them, he believed it was time to change his tactics.

The past had come up quite a lot in that day; many thoughts and feelings. Having to think back to childhood and how it felt... it was something that reminded Kinkō just what he had been through and the result of it. He remembered the rigorous training that sharpened his skills as a youth. Within that skillset, he became a master of using tiny tools. It was situations like this that he found using these tools to be appropriate.

Kinkō grew fond of using senbon. Those men and women who approached him and the leader would get to see why. In a swift manner, he pulled the needles out and sent them precisely into the offenders, hitting non-lethal spots. The special thing about the senbon he used was the paralytic agent. Once each needle had found their mark, the agent kicked in, making it hard for them to move.

Kinkō summoned a few members of his squad. Those who were trained liked they belonged to the stealth force in the last few years; a pseudo stealth force unit, were under the command of the lieutenant. When they appeared, Kinkō deactivated Hikari's shikai and sheathed the blade. "These rioters are under arrest for conspiring against the seireitei. See that they are taken in and properly held until their time for judgment comes."

His gaze then turned to the old man. "Your attempt at insurrection has been foiled." Kinkō had two of his men take the man into their custody, with the way of binding still intact. "Now then, we should be going for your interrogation to begin."

​

 

[Elk]

---

His arrival so far had gone unnoticed by the crowd below. It was unknown how long he had been standing in the air, but it was long enough to witness Dankū appear and protect an old man. To this, his eye raised. The citizens of the Rukongai had been riled up by this old man—he knew exactly what to say and when to say it. Each word that man spoke had the crowd riled up, each one causing the Rukongai citizens to raise their pitchforks.

“Lieutenant Munetoshi… why would you want to stop a Bakudō from binding the ringleader? He’s far too dangerous with that tongue of his. Even more interesting… he wasn’t outright killed by Lieutenant Kuchiki. I heard that Second Division members were ruthless in their endeavors… Though they are proving to be a useful distraction. I should thank them later…”

Just as Lieutenant Kuchiki released his Zanpakutō, he vanished from sight and moved toward the nearby compound, pushing past the door before anyone could take notice of him. His footsteps were light and fast, each movement making him appear for only a fraction of a second. His eyes scanned each room he passed through—several bedrooms, a dojo, a kitchen, and a dining room—until finally, he reached a room with a desk.

Nothing but a simple chair and desk sat in the room. The walls were barren, cracks running along them, no art pieces hanging from them. To this, his head tilted before he lifted himself onto a set of reishi plates, slowly walking above the floor. With each step, more plates formed beneath him until he reached the desk.

He walked behind it and pulled open each drawer, finding nothing inside. To this, he sighed. His fist clenched before slamming down onto the desk, shattering it. The sound echoed through the compound, wooden fragments scattering across the room. On the floor lay the broken table, but more interestingly, a leather-bound notebook with a Shihōin family crest made of brass and copper resting on top. A simple leather strap held the crest onto the notebook.

His fist clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his teeth biting down on his lip for a moment.

“To think there are still traitors within the Shihōin family running about. Looks like I got my work cut out for me… Though this looks old… real old…”

His hand reached down, grabbing the notebook and undoing the bindings before pulling the medallion from its leather confines. As he opened the book, he was greeted by a series of numbers, each sectioned off in different lengths. His head shook for a moment before pushing the medallion into his shitagi, letting it rest against his bare skin. He haphazardly wrapped the notebook back up before disappearing with Shunpo, heading back outside. This time, he reappeared not far from both Lieutenants.

“Lieutenant Kuchiki! Lieutenant Munetoshi! I found something that might be of interest to both of you!”

His hand lifted the book high, waving it back and forth to catch their attention as they finished wrapping things up with their member.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but look inside of it—curiosity got the better of me. But all I can see is just numbers, and it doesn’t make much sense to me. I wonder what the numbers could mean.”


​

 

[KagiSenkō]

---

Head Lt Munetoshi was calculated by her actions, which were vicious and quick. Unlike Kinko, she did not want to use her zanpakuto, not because she was inadequate to use it against her attackers. But because they were not worthy of her using her blade on them, She did not want to give them that much satisfaction of being a significant threat. Very aware that they were no threat, just a bunch of people that could be viewed as nothing more than harmless dogs pretending to be vicious. And like dogs, she quickly dismantled them by utilizing her expertise in flash steps. She was a mere image, blurring in and out of her movements. It was too fast for them to realize they had been hit until seconds later. It hardly lasted a second before every one of the oppressors was oppressed by the Head Lt, Fuyuko.

Lt Kinko, on the other hand, apprehended his targets with permeate with senbon needles but planted them in areas that weren't lethal, injecting paralytic toxin to make their muscles numb. Making sure that they were utterly unable to try and escape, which led him to summon squad members to help escort them to the Seireitei.
​

---

"These rioters are under arrest for conspiring against the seireitei. See that they are taken in and properly held until their time for judgment comes."​

"Yes, sir!"

"Oh, Fugi Fugi. You had one job. Tsk Tsk!" A voice said from a distance, away from everyone's ears.

They shouted in unison while rounding up everyone caught and knocked out. Then, a third party with white hair and golden hues appeared on the scene. They have offered both Lts a book that he is waving teasingly.
​

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but look inside of it—curiosity got the better of me. But all I can see is just numbers, and it doesn’t make much sense to me. I wonder what the numbers could mean.”

While their intentions are unknown as to why he went through all the trouble, why did he give up the book to them? He didn't even bother to introduce himself; could he be trusted? Or was it a bait? Suppose the Lts had a choice to make, but it wouldn't matter at all. The unknown presence who had been watching the entire scene play out, not a single sound was made as they waited. Patiently sitting and observing both shinigami, the individual noticed their sharp skills and movements were on point.

However..........

The arm was slung in a half-arc motion clockwise from left to right as the fingers released four sharp metal pieces, each held between each of their fingers, slinging with great force and speed, one by one, each following their paths, a second behind one another. It pierces silently through the air without making any audible sounds besides the sound of rustling bushes that it first penetrated upon release. Four targets were in the line of sight of having the sides of their skulls punctured, but the main target among them all was the feeble, crinkling, white-haired male who was captured. The other three were nothing but in the way. Fugi needed it to be silent as he was no longer of use to the cause. He served his purpose, and now it was time to cut him out of the picture. And within a second, each of them would succumb to the feeling of their flesh being touched by cold metal.

---

​

---

 

[StephDLegend]

Kinkō was already ready to move when he noticed someone new had joined the party. He didn't have time for this though; duty came first. He had already given the old man over to two of his subordinates. He was set to return for the interview process though the words of the newcomer would have been enlightening. His gaze sat on the Shihōin male, who spoke of numbers being in the book. "I'm sure there's a better time for this kind of thing, third seat Shihōin." Kinkō knew who he was but it didn't matter at a time like this. "If you are truly going to hand it over, then stop wasting time." Kinkō reached over and took the book and simply put it away in his Shihakushō.

The importance of the situation outweighed the mystery in Kinkō's eyes. There was a reason behind the riot and the young Kuchiki wanted to know why. He was sure his captain wanted to know why as well. Why else would he have entrusted this task to him and Munetoshi? It was of the upmost importance and enough time was already wasted by things going bad when the impatient and reckless head lieutenant showed up. Then there was the after action report that needed to be written up. There was plenty to be done.

Kinkō's sharp senses picked up an intent to kill and while he couldn't pinpoint where it was, it set his survival instincts off. The rustling of the bushes caught his attention and he immediately turned his attention to the area. He saw objects flying his way from the direction. He casted Bakudo #81 Danku without use of incantation so it was instant. The barrier wall would be big enough to defend all 4 of the targets. The four metallic objects clanged against the barrier before dropping to the ground.

"Go now! Get him to the captain!" He commanded which the men nodded and shunpoed away.

"The projectiles came from that area." He pointed. "Whoever sent them wants the old man dead. I'll leave it to you; in the meantime, I will protect the old man to make sure he safely arrives at the 2nd division barracks." With that, he vanished, using the cover of the forest to stay hidden while keeping his senses sharp for any incoming threats.
-------Heading to the Squad 2 Barracks-------​

 

[Elk]

“Oh hoo, you know my last name and position, quite scary coming from second division. What else do you know? Do you keep your eye on all the noble houses' family members and their position?”

His head tilted to the side as Lieutenant Kuchhiki grabbed the book and put it away into his uniform. Hideo would only sigh, as his finger lightly pressed up against his head.

“If you don’t think that little book isn’t important, then why would it be coded? I only request that I work alongside second division in returning the artifacts sto—”

The sudden surge in reiatsu had caused Hideo’s form to flicker for an instant. His afterimage remained frozen in place, with an all-but-pleasant smile, his eyes seemingly lifeless in front of the lieutenant, as he reappeared high above once more. As the barrier came into place, Hideo’s eyes snapped toward several glints, his gaze narrowing as he moved them up and across the crowd and to the bushes. Just as the lieutenant’s voice began to cut through the commotion, the afterimage began to dissipate, while his body above was nowhere to be seen, leaving only the blue skies above.

“Danku? Such a powerful spell, don’t you think? Almost a little too powerful to deal with such simple tools don’t you think?”
Hideo’s voice would echo behind the old man in the bushes who had thrown the darts. He found this old man strange, though his hat seemed to be pretty nice. He might have to actually get one.

Several jabs could be felt across the back and arms of the old man in the hat. Each one seemed to pinpoint areas on his body that would cause his arms, legs, and body to go limp. He wouldn’t be able to move whatsoever; every muscle in his body would be effectively useless except for breathing and speech.

“Are you working with a traitor from the four noble families? Where did you hide those artifacts that were stolen from 8th division? If you don’t answer those two questions, I’ll be sure to knock you out and bring you to Seireitei, where you can be dealt with by them… Actually”

His reiatsu began to leak out and press down upon the old man as his fist rose up in the air, his golden eyes looking down at him, his smile gone and replaced with a scowl. His breathing was slow and light as he looked down at the old man. A swift motion came down on the old man’s head, with more then enough force to knock him out, before his arm moved to attempt to lift him up.

“You’re pretty heavy for an old man!”

His hands moved into his Shihakushō, where several audible clicks could be heard before two loud thuds echoed from the bushes. Moments later, Hideo could be seen carrying the old man out over his shoulder. His eyes surveyed the area and spotted Head Lieutenant Mumetoshi. A mischievous smile could be seen spreading across his face as his body disappeared and reappeared beside her. With his free arm, he moved to grab her by the waist and hoist her up onto his shoulder. She would most likely protest, but he didn’t care; he saw her as someone who really shouldn’t be there. In a single step, he disappeared with the two in hand, leaving a small dust cloud at his feet.

In a single step, the three had already surpassed Lieutenant Kuchiki; then, in another, the trio would find themselves near the gate entrance, pushing past the guards without them even noticing for the briefest of moments.

---

To central seireitei.
​

 

[Amaya Munetoshi]

Fuyuko listened to the lieutenant talk with the Shihōin. She seemed relaxed with all the Shinigami around and the threat taken care of. This was nothing but a false front. No matter whether she was awake or a sleep, she could react to any small change in the environment. It was then within an instant the smallest rustle in the bushes set the two lieutenants and 3rd seat into action. She herself didn't move as Danku was casted quickly by Kinko while the 3rd seat closed the gap.

So much potential and quick skills. Such an interesting sight to reflect on later. Kinko had grown a lot from the kuchiki she had meet way back in the civil war. Kagi raised a great lieutenant in her opinion and the Shihōin had great potential in many aspects for his own squad. Both were worth watching.

She closed her eyes letting out a sigh as the attack was taken down by the Shihōin in quick ease. It seemed cockroaches were just trying to defy the natural need to evade the light. In what universe did the attack think this was the best plan to attack three officers with other Shinigami within proximity? Obviously there was no plan in his mind to attack as the projectiles hit the Danku, bouncing off to the ground.

"I expect a report from you both on this." She spoke bending her knees. She was not needed here. The fact her presence was requested was enough for her to wonder if this was a test from Kagi. Did he not have faith in his lieutenant that she had to be here? She could not think of any other logic other then Kagi's want for constant eyes and knowing of what was going on within the walls of the seirtei. Was his days of the omni bleeding into his duties as the 2nd squad captain? He needed to keep to his own squad and abilities not continue looking for a boogieman in this big pile of trash that was the current seirtei. Then another silent thought of the possibility came to her head as she immediately dismissed it to the back of her mind.

It was about time for her to head back and make sure there was no reports or requests waiting for her from the assembly of a single hive minded assembly of old men too afraid to reveal their faces or be on the front line. Honestly dealing with them was a drain on her day. not hearing from or dealing with them was a blessing in her book. However her train of thought was cut short of making her list of to dos when Hideo immediately appeared back to the side of her just as she was about to push off the ground feeling his hand wrapped around her waist getting lifted backwards then on to his shoulders before the world flew by as he snatched both her and the former attacker, whisking them away without a moment's notice.



Heading to Central Seirtei​

 

[Adonai]

---

Ten Days Later

---

​

 

[Takamura Raizen]

Takamura Raizen walked through the northern districts of Rukongai, his steady pace carrying him along the winding streets. The air was crisp, the lingering chill of morning still hanging over the district. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, noting every movement—the way merchants shifted uneasily when passing shifty-eyed drifters, the subtle nods exchanged between figures in the shadows, the tension in the way some held themselves as he passed.

Despite the relative calm, he remained alert. Northern Rukongai had a reputation—better than the outer districts, but still riddled with those who thought they could defy order. He had no patience for troublemakers, but he also had no interest in needlessly cracking skulls. Letting his hand rest lightly on the hilt of his zanpakutō, he continued forward, letting his presence alone be a deterrent.

His footfalls echoed against the dirt-packed road as he exhaled through his nose, eyes narrowing slightly. *How long has it been since anything worth swinging a blade at happened?*

"This is getting old," he muttered to himself, voice low, more out of habit than frustration. "I could be training… or fighting. But no, here I am, walking in circles." He clicked his tongue, shifting his zanpakutō slightly at his hip. "I swear, if I have to break up another drunk fight over a spilled drink, I might start one myself."

A commotion ahead caught his attention. Two men argued near a vendor’s stall, their voices sharp with the kind of hostility that could spill into violence. Raizen stopped a few paces away, watching without interfering. Conflict in Rukongai was common, but there was a difference between posturing and real intent to harm. One of them made a sudden movement, reaching for something inside his robe.

Raizen stepped forward.

The man froze mid-motion, eyes darting to meet Raizen’s, and in that instant, the hostility drained from his face. He knew better.

Without a word, Raizen turned and walked away, the situation already resolved. No wasted energy, no unnecessary fights.

He sighed. "Not even a warm-up. At this rate, I’m going to forget what a real fight feels like." His eyes flicked toward the horizon. *Might have to start patrolling a little further out…*

His patrol continued.

 

[Lovely Lady]

​

---

Sauntering down a crowded street, Omoni and Jinnosuke searched for a bar. She was not searching for a specific place as she wasn’t aware of the variety of taverns that the Rukongai had to offer and before long she spotted one. The place wasn’t kept well at all and a pair of drunken men were currently battling it out that day but Omoni didn’t seem to care as she shoved them aside in order to head into the establishment. Sounds of their disapproval were swallowed by the bustling noise of the rotten village until all that she could hear were glasses clinking and the customers laughing.

Everyone seemed abuzz with liquor and beer being consumed by the pint, a far cry from the dignified aura that permeated the seireitei. Honestly, more than any other place in the soul society, Hageshi had always felt more comfortable there among the rabble and repugnant. At least there, the rules were clear and societal dynamics were plain.

“Hey folks! Welcome in. What’ll it be?”

Almost as soon as she sat down, a barmaid arrived by her side, bright eye’d and bushy tailed even amongst the madness of the Rukongai it seemed that one soul refused to have a damper put on them. Although Omoni’s ever present glower gave her pause.

“Two pints.”

Hageshi’s grumble sent her scurrying away to tend to the order and then it was Omoni and Jinnosuke there alone. A couple of wary eyes watched them as it wasn’t often that soul reapers visited the Rukongai since the end of the civil war during which many of their mothers, fathers and children lost their lives. The people’s animosity toward the reapers hadn’t subsided but it was also not enough to garner violence from them, all that she could hear from their onlookers were a few choice words being mumbled beneath their breath so as not to be heard by the wrong ears. Namely the two shinigami’s.

After a minute or so of sitting in silence, Omoni sat back in her booth and gave a heavy sigh. Though, nothing came from her after that. She just sat there, glaring daggers at Jinnosuke even though she had requested his presence.

Just what was going on in her head?

​

---

ARRIVING FROM THE SOUTHWEST

POSTING ORDER: OMONI -> JINNOSUKE -> ???​