Southeast Seireitei
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The name Kasuka Rikai had built quite a reputation among the myriad of Seireitei circles, to include those of the highest stature. “Boy genius,” they’d say. “The Prodigy,” whispered during private encounters. It seemed the young Souls reputation preceded him in ways similar to the Seireitei’s historical giants. And truth be told, it was a station backed with merit, for he held the rank of Vice-Kido Chief of the Kido Corps, a position of high reverence even amongst the other Divisions. To achieve such a feat at his age deserved the utmost admiration and respect.
Even so, with the times being what they were, his remarkable standing would help the young Soul little in his soon-to-be endeavors, for the Divisions looked upon each other with distrust.
Mysteries were to Vice-Chief Rikai what drugs were to an addict; there was no life without them, and as such, when the plethora of reports arrived at the Kido Corps – some from the Third Division, some from the Onmitsukido, some from the First, and even some from his own organization – a set of cross-roads presented themselves; each one held its own mystery, and yet, with a mind like his, could he fathom the possibility of a common thread?
The reports presented to him were as follows:
Strange hybrid Shinigami-Hollow activity in the Rukongai, with noted incidents in both Semariyami, the Forty-Eighth District of the Western Rukongai and Kusajishi, the Seventy-Ninth District of the Northern Rukongai. Additionally, it is reported by the Onmitsukido that Vice-Captain Goseikanjo has massacred a village within Semariyami, her motives yet unclear.
The death of the Ninth’s Western Gate Guardian, her body found lifeless this morning. It is reported that the Second, Fourth, and Thirteenth have gotten involved, though in what capacity it is yet unknown. The investigation is said to be led by Vice-Captain Munetoshi.
The attempted murder of certain Central Forty-Six members earlier in the day. The Second is keeping the details under wraps, though it is rumored that a connection exists between the Gate Guardian’s murder. It is reported that the Head Vice-Captain, Kasu Shinka, is currently addressing the Central Forty-Six during an emergency assembly.
And finally, the disappearance of one of the Eighth’s many prized possessions, the Fūin no Kagi (封印の鍵, seal-breaking key). No one outside the Eighth has ever heard of, much less seen, this artifact. It is suspected to have been stolen, but no other details have left the Eighth.
Vice-Kido Chief Kasuka Rikai, you have been granted the authority to investigate any and all of these matters by your only superior, the Kido Corps Commander Masanori Obara. You are tasked to complete your mission by any means necessary.
And so, what mystery would the Boy Genius pursue, and what would he discover?
Even so, with the times being what they were, his remarkable standing would help the young Soul little in his soon-to-be endeavors, for the Divisions looked upon each other with distrust.
Mysteries were to Vice-Chief Rikai what drugs were to an addict; there was no life without them, and as such, when the plethora of reports arrived at the Kido Corps – some from the Third Division, some from the Onmitsukido, some from the First, and even some from his own organization – a set of cross-roads presented themselves; each one held its own mystery, and yet, with a mind like his, could he fathom the possibility of a common thread?
The reports presented to him were as follows:
Strange hybrid Shinigami-Hollow activity in the Rukongai, with noted incidents in both Semariyami, the Forty-Eighth District of the Western Rukongai and Kusajishi, the Seventy-Ninth District of the Northern Rukongai. Additionally, it is reported by the Onmitsukido that Vice-Captain Goseikanjo has massacred a village within Semariyami, her motives yet unclear.
The death of the Ninth’s Western Gate Guardian, her body found lifeless this morning. It is reported that the Second, Fourth, and Thirteenth have gotten involved, though in what capacity it is yet unknown. The investigation is said to be led by Vice-Captain Munetoshi.
The attempted murder of certain Central Forty-Six members earlier in the day. The Second is keeping the details under wraps, though it is rumored that a connection exists between the Gate Guardian’s murder. It is reported that the Head Vice-Captain, Kasu Shinka, is currently addressing the Central Forty-Six during an emergency assembly.
And finally, the disappearance of one of the Eighth’s many prized possessions, the Fūin no Kagi (封印の鍵, seal-breaking key). No one outside the Eighth has ever heard of, much less seen, this artifact. It is suspected to have been stolen, but no other details have left the Eighth.
Vice-Kido Chief Kasuka Rikai, you have been granted the authority to investigate any and all of these matters by your only superior, the Kido Corps Commander Masanori Obara. You are tasked to complete your mission by any means necessary.
And so, what mystery would the Boy Genius pursue, and what would he discover?
Bane
New member
A white room, devoid of crevices or creases, as though going on for infinity. Inside sits a young boy, tapping on the ground with a pen impatiently. His brown hair glows in the fluorescent light, its silhouette hectic and unshapely. Undoubtedly this is the small frame of the infamous Kasuka Rikai. Tap. The pen, forged for calligraphy, taps its bronze tip against pure white light. A ladle of craftsmanship, the metallic spout pours forth ink. A pool of black forms at the sandaled feet of the criss-crossed kid. Tap. Another hit of the pen’s tip against the floor, sends the ink sputtering out in all directions. Moving as though having come to life, black snakes of liquid turn at sharp angles. They form zig-zagging patterns across the floor, finding foothold in the invisible crevices. Soon, the center of each wall, including the floor, is covered in what can only be described as black screens. Tap. The final hit of the pen against now black floors springs these screens to life. Blue light, static like a retro human television set, now illuminates the darkened space, framing the black squares. Forming blue veins, the light spreads out like roots, interconnecting each screen into a singular network.
In every direction, a twenty foot screen plays a different scene. An advanced form of Bakudō #77. Tenteikūra (天挺空羅, Heavenly Rickshaws in Silken Air; Viz "Heavenly Charged Sky Net"), altered to project images from the casters mind. Kasuka once sitting on the floor, now appears to be hovering, legs-crossed, in the middle of the air. One screen depicts the young man’s life as a runt out in south District 378, Inuzuri (戌吊, Hanging Dog). Each frame of footage playing out an entire day of Kasuka’s life, while it appears to be fast forwarding to the naked eye. Another screen plays a series of disasters, scenes of destruction, death, and victimization. Each frame of this showcases a casefile from the Vice-Chief’s previous assignments. Never one to let a case go, he continues to observe each frame simultaneously to the others, recounting the details of his cold cases. Another screen flips rapidly through what seem like snapshots of random files, numbers, names, of people, of street signs. Here every issue of the Seireitei Communication Column flashes, along with every broadcast to ever air on Seireitei TV. This catalogs all the miscellaneous content Kasuka can recall. Every screen plays scenes like these, reminders, details, memories, cases, a constant stream of information, projected straight from Kasuka’s mind,
Every single frame, every moment, every detail, is recalled, projected, re-observed, and cataloged. Green pupils blur, moving with shunpo speed, until the entire eye glazes over a pure white. Kasuka’s other senses as well are activated to their prime, hearing every detail, recalling every sensation. The noise of it all soon overlaps, fading from detection, becoming white noise, static. Absent-mindedly, Kasuka's tongue ticks in his mouth, reciting a list of demonic arts incantations. Moving down the line, his fidgeting tongue recites every incantation known to the public, and even those only known within the Kido Corps, further still, those only known by himself and the Grand Kido Chief. With every sense stimulated in such a way, the tapping of the pen comes to a stop.
Suddenly the first screen turns off, having caught up to the present. Another follows, then another after. Soon, every screen turns black, and the blue light that frames them retracts its roots. The room itself fades to black, before the screens suddenly lose their form, splashing to the floor. White light emanates through the puddles of ink, growing so bright that it burns it away all together. Like the lights turning on after a film has ended, Kasuka once again finds himself in a white room, devoid of crevices or creases, as though going on for infinity. Tired eyelids close rapidly, blinking as they adjust to the light.
“Huh?”
Kasuka says, rubbing the dark circles under his eyes. He moves his neck from side to side, causing an audible crack from the vertebrae inside, before swinging his shoulder around in a circle, stretching the muscle.
“What time is it anyway?”
He speaks through a yawn, reaching out with an open hand to empty air. Yet when his fist closes, it is around today’s newspaper, printed this morning. On the other end, sharp canines, yellowish white, the size of Kasuka’s head, bite down. Behind him, having appeared from nowhere, is a large brown mutt, a dog-like monster standing twenty feet tall. The yellow light of the creature’s eyes shine like lighthouses in the dark. The spotlight of the creature’s focus immediately lands on the pen in its master’s hands, as he pulls the newspaper from its mouth.
“What’s the weather like I wonder?”
Suddenly absent of the creature, Kasuka is once again alone, as though always this way. He unfolds the newspaper with a flick of a single wrist, opening its pages like a paper fan. Bored, saggy eyes, do not seem to move, or even glance down at the news at all. Instead they are completely disassociated. Yet despite this, every word printed on the paper is somehow read and retained.
“Did I miss anything interesting?”
Having never once looked at it, Kasuka drops the newspaper. Its papers unfurl and glide through the air, scattering about the infinite space. However, as they drift downward, instead of softly landing on the floor, they seem to phase completely through, like rocks drifting to the bottom of a lake. The same hand that flicked the newspaper away, now closes around a series of envelopes. Kasuka’s face is suddenly illuminated by the yellow rays of the dog-like creature’s giant eyes. Ever so gently, a single tooth presses against the other ends of the envelopes. Yet before Kasuka can even squint in reaction, the creature is gone. The young man however is unbothered, tearing open the bottoms of each envelope with just one flick of his finger. The contents pour out from the bottom, unfurling, revealing today’s reports. Seemingly uninterested in this, his eyes do move this time, but slowly, glazed over. Though in the act of reading physically, his mind wanders off mentally. Having sensed the differences between the paper in ink, Kasuka was already fully aware of their message. Instead while his body puppeteers, he works towards immediately deciphering the details of todays case, wasting no time.
"Hm?"
Hybrid Shinigami-Hollow Activity, in two separate locations within the Rukongai Districts #48 West and #79 North. The timelines and distances don’t add up, suggesting multiple parties involved. The hybrid energy however can almost definitely be associated with the theft of the Fūin no Kagi (封印の鍵, seal-breaking key). As closed off as ever, Eighth Division has released no details about the object itself. A precaution to prevent the wrong hands from knowing how to use it, yet an annoying obstacle. Still, from the name alone it can be inferred that this item is capable of breaking the seal between Shinigami and Hollow. The theft of which, along with the locations in the Rukongai, can explain the dead Gate Guardian. Likely the guardian wasn’t killed by outside forces trying to get in, given that she was qualified enough to earn their position as a guardian in the first place. Instead she may have been betrayed or tricked, caught off guard. Which means the thief may have came from within the Seireitei. This all coincides with the attempted assassination of key Central Forty Six Members. All nobles, either Tsunayashiro or Shihoin, were poisoned and then cured. Receiving quick enough attention that there were no casualties. Could be an attempted coup, but more likely a diversion. Nobles of Central Forty Six, specifically, have enough power to supersede the authority of Eighth’s vault, and have enough information to know the contents inside. This same authority would grant them access through the gates however..."So why kill the guardian? No witnesses perhaps?" Certainly Noble Central Forty Six chair holders would have no quarrel testing the device on the Rukongai citizens. Finally, faking their own assassination would serve to take suspicion off of them in the eyes of the public.
With a flick of his wrist, Kasuka swirls the calligraphy pen in the air. The ink that flies from it splatters in a circle in front of him, split into four quadrants. A quick tap of the bronze pen tip against the ground, causes the circle to glow a familiar blue light. Activating, Bakudō #58. Kakushitsuijaku (摑趾追雀, Footprint-Attentive Pursuing-Sparrows; Viz "Seize Foot, Chase Sparrow"), a series of numbers and letters rapidly flash in each quadrant of the glowing circle, until they lock onto a specific set: the longitude and latitude of Vice-Captain Goseikanjo. Goseikanjo is a wild one but a non-factor, her report can be read later. The lights flicker again, as a rapid series of symbols flash to life, ending on the coordinates of Vice-Captain Munetoshi. His report too can be read later, the guardian's death has already happened. The crime scene can be visited on Kasuka’s way to the victimized Rukongai districts. Once again flipping to life, numbers clash with letters in a battle to be seen, before they end on the precise location of Head-Vice Captain Shinka in the Central Hall. Shinka’s handling the Central Forty Six in her assembly, and the surviving members too can be interviewed later. If this was a stunt to avoid suspicion, then they would be more than willing to share their stories. Everyone dispatched to handle this case appears to have been so deliberately. Each is a vice-captain level shinigami, enough to hold authority but affordable to lose. Each investigates a singular symptom, which will lead to a dead end without knowing the true cause. However there is one aspect that is being ignored.
The real mystery here is “What does the Fūin no Kagi do?”
Kasuka says out loud, mumbling to himself. His circumstances are not lost on him, knowing that he fits the bill of fall-guy just as easily as the others. A Vice-Captain himself, of little repute, Kasuka has been drafted into playing this dangerous game. The only outstanding factor is that the young detective is not a part of the Gotei Thirteen, but the Kido Corps. Regardless, if his theory is correct, the Central Forty Six still maintain control over the Corps, and the Nobility still controls the Central Forty Six. "How deep does it go?" The only ones that can be trusted seem to be the Vice-Captains that have been involved. This means that even the Grand-Kido Chief, the most powerful Kido user in the Soul Society, and Kasuka’s direct superior, could be a threat. He’s going to have to play his cards right here, and it all starts with the Fūin no Kagi.
The answer to this crucial question will provide the who, how, and why. The timeline, destinations, and priorities of the case are established, a theory is formed. The first destination is the Eighth Division. Given that this case has now fallen under the jurisdiction of the Vice-Kido Chief and Head Spiritual Adjudicator, Eighth will just have to cooperate, and divulge the information to the proper authority. After all, lives are at stake here, and with deaths involved, and the Central Forty Six now roped into this, there’s no doubt that the Eighth will want to save face.
The infinite room of white immediately fades away, causing the cross-legged Kasuka to fall from his hovering position. Outstretching his legs under him, the young Vice-Chief falls a meager five feet to the floor. His surroundings no longer pristine and white, but cluttered and crowded, Kasuka finds himself in his own office. Stacks of papers, large books, and thick scrolls, are piled high, leaving absolutely no room for a walk path. His desk is obscured among these piles, and burdened further by even more reports and information that stack themselves atop it. His fall from the air, though graceful, plants him waist deep into the paper clutter. Having dismissed his barrier, Kasuka finds himself back in reality of sorts. Surrounded once again by the real world, he pushes himself through his office. Wading through the sea of information, he knocks over books, and tumbles through scrolls. Suddenly, he disappears, and a rapid burst of air erupts through the office. The entire space becomes a blizzard of white and ink, as papers fly scattering about in a flurry. Kasuka’s Shunpo can be as rough and unkempt as his hair when he gets excited.
Soaring in the air on a disk of blue light, Vice-Chief Rikai surfs above the Seireitei. The gushing wind explodes through his fluttering hair. Though his eyes were tired and heavy, surrounded by dark circles and lacking much energy. A noticeably entertained smile still spreads across his face, revealing a pronounced canine. Nothing brings Kasuka to life more than a mystery, and it feels nice to get outside for once. It’s been too long since someone wanted to play his favorite game. En route to Eighth Division's barracks, the Hound of the Soul Society is on the case!
Heading to Northeast Seireitei
Mujin Ryodoji
Mujin Ryōdoji had been unleashed to the Soul Society long ago. To many this had seemed a mistake at the time, all those hundreds of years ago, until they witnessed his wrath against the forces of Las Noches. He’d won many over, but still, there remained those who looked upon the beast of a Soul as nothing more than a rabid animal needing to be put down.
Alas, the late Captain of the Seventh wasn’t one of them; a participant too within the war, she had witnessed Mujin’s strength first-hand, and took a direct interest in him, eventually taking him into her Division upon his graduation from the Academy. She nurtured him like a mother, helping him develop into the Shinigami that he is today. And yet, Minori Hara, Captain of the Seventh, a powerful Gotei Captain, met her end gruesomely, her body severed in two and left to rot. Her murder shook the Seventh to its core, casting a darkness over the squad never before seen.
The burden fell upon Vice-Captain Kohaku Uyeda, a once confident and bold Soul, turned coward after the murder of his Captain. Known to spend his days locked up within his office, the Vice-Captain is seldom seen, even more so outside of his Division grounds. With troubling reports from the First disseminated later in the morning, his instructions to his Division were: "...stand down, stay clear, and do not get involved in any of it."
A memo was disseminated to all members, containing the following:
The murder of the Ninth’s Gate Guardian; suspect unknown, motives unknown, time of death estimated to have occurred sometime in the early morning.
The attempted murder of several high-ranking Central Forty-Six members sometime in the morning; suspect known, motives unknown, believed connection to the murder of the Gate Guardian.
Strange spiritual energy signatures assessed across the Rukongai; the Vice-Captain of the Fourth, and the Fourth Seat of the Fifth, are reported to have massacred a village in the 48th District of the Western Rukongai. The Vice-Captain of the Third has reportedly also been seen with the two, though his involvement is yet unknown.
An ancient artifact has gone missing within the vaults of the Eighth, known as the Fūin no Kagi (封印の鍵, seal-breaking key). No further details.
With orders to remain uninvolved, would the Fallen Prince listen?
Mujin Ryōdoji had been unleashed to the Soul Society long ago. To many this had seemed a mistake at the time, all those hundreds of years ago, until they witnessed his wrath against the forces of Las Noches. He’d won many over, but still, there remained those who looked upon the beast of a Soul as nothing more than a rabid animal needing to be put down.
Alas, the late Captain of the Seventh wasn’t one of them; a participant too within the war, she had witnessed Mujin’s strength first-hand, and took a direct interest in him, eventually taking him into her Division upon his graduation from the Academy. She nurtured him like a mother, helping him develop into the Shinigami that he is today. And yet, Minori Hara, Captain of the Seventh, a powerful Gotei Captain, met her end gruesomely, her body severed in two and left to rot. Her murder shook the Seventh to its core, casting a darkness over the squad never before seen.
The burden fell upon Vice-Captain Kohaku Uyeda, a once confident and bold Soul, turned coward after the murder of his Captain. Known to spend his days locked up within his office, the Vice-Captain is seldom seen, even more so outside of his Division grounds. With troubling reports from the First disseminated later in the morning, his instructions to his Division were: "...stand down, stay clear, and do not get involved in any of it."
A memo was disseminated to all members, containing the following:
The murder of the Ninth’s Gate Guardian; suspect unknown, motives unknown, time of death estimated to have occurred sometime in the early morning.
The attempted murder of several high-ranking Central Forty-Six members sometime in the morning; suspect known, motives unknown, believed connection to the murder of the Gate Guardian.
Strange spiritual energy signatures assessed across the Rukongai; the Vice-Captain of the Fourth, and the Fourth Seat of the Fifth, are reported to have massacred a village in the 48th District of the Western Rukongai. The Vice-Captain of the Third has reportedly also been seen with the two, though his involvement is yet unknown.
An ancient artifact has gone missing within the vaults of the Eighth, known as the Fūin no Kagi (封印の鍵, seal-breaking key). No further details.
With orders to remain uninvolved, would the Fallen Prince listen?
Itami
New member
Listen while you read!
Standing there alone in his quarters, Mujin would tower over the average accommodations typical Shinigami were given. One arm rested on the back of his head while the other clutched a piece of paper in his hand as he stared confused at it.
"...stand down, stay clear, and do not get involved in any of it."
His eyes darted over the writing repeatedly until he crushed it into his hands.
" The hell is this shit... "
Mujin would toss the paper into a bin sitting next to a desk before sliding the door open and stomping down the hall. Retrieving his Zanpakuto from the hook against the wall he slid the white sash around his hip and back. Mujin then turned to leave through the door, without shutting it. each footstep was like thunder crashing against the wood with his bare feet. A few random shinigami ducked and dashed out of the way as Mujin marched down the hall's length to another more ornate door.
"Vice Captain"
The sign on the door ornately read.
" You gonna sit in there and hide the entire time, coward. Don't be here when i return.
" Mujin slammed his fist against the door, it bent and bulged from the impact but remained intact although off center and hanging.
Walking away, Mujin's thoughts were filled with worry, He didn't grasp the deeper plots at hand just yet and only cared directly about a few things. Who was responsible for the killing of Minori Hara, The mother figure who allowed Mujin a chance and showed him the benefit of helping others, and His close friend Hachiko who was in the midst of some plot he knew little of. His stomping slowed to a crawl as he see this hand against his chin.
" What would you do, Mom? "
Mujin would then take a hard turn and dash off to his fallen Captain's old room. Surely it was ransacked by investigative teams and the other specialists Mujin cared little for. He didn't know what or even if he would find anything but he had to try. It only took a short time to arrive at the door, he took it and removed it softly from its track as it was lifted up and out and set against the outside wall.
Taking a step inside the first thing he did was slide back the curtains to allow the natural light to shine in. a thin blanket of dust lingered in the air as dust motes danced around. Mujin made his way around the room, looking at things and examining those he found interesting. This exploration of Minori's office seemed wrong to Mujin, but he had to try and learn more. Finally making his way to the desk he sat there for a while examining the desk and its many drawers. Looking for anything someone might of missed, unless they knew Minori as well as Mujin.
Listen While You Read
With the chips having fallen where they would, Mujin decided on his course of action; to express his frustration against the door to his superior’s office, and then to storm his way to his late Captain’s office.
Mujin was one of those within the Seventh, most affected by Minori’s death.
Upon entering her quarters, he would find the dust-coated room ransacked. Papers everywhere, furniture toppled over, a mess by all accounts. As he sat upon her desk chair, he looked about the place in search of something, anything, to help him understand the mystery surrounding her untimely demise. She had left too soon, too abruptly, leaving his soul restless for answers.
As his mind wandered, reminiscing on his times with the woman he looked upon as his mother, her voice, ever so real, whispered into his ears. Surely, he would wonder if what he’d heard was some trick played upon him by his own memories, and yet, her voice came to him again; no, this was real, he was sure of it.
Her gentle voice, ever so persuasive, told him to go to a specific water garden near her office, where she would often be found sitting by her lonesome, lost in her thoughts. The whispers took Mujin to the giant fountain nestled in the center of the garden, the sound of splashing water heard throughout; the round visage of a buddha statue looked down upon him, smiling, with the overcast sky sitting in the backdrop. Was it her residual spiritual pressure doing this work, or a portion of her will left behind?
As Mujin looked down into the rippling waters of the fountain, he would find a bed of uneven stones, as the whispers spoke. Underneath them, he’d find a waterproof sack, and within it, a tome. Upon opening it, he would recognize his Captain’s handwriting.
Her personal diary.
Eventually, he would come to the final page of her text; the last entry, dated exactly a month ago, the day before her murder. It read:
“2200 hours
Today is a day I wished would never come. When I awoke, I could feel that something was wrong. Deep down, I knew that I would have to make a difficult choice.
I wasn’t expecting a visit from Captain Shihaimono, of all people. But as soon as I saw him, I knew, and it all made sense. His words only confirmed my suspicions. He spoke so calmly, so matter-of-factly, that my heart wanted to join his cause. But my mind wouldn’t allow it. I swore an oath to the Gotei 13, to uphold its laws, and to defend the Seireitei from any enemy, foreign or domestic.
So I declined his offer to join him in a quest to usher in a new Seireitei, and to return peace to the Soul Society. I couldn’t.
Does that make me a bad person?
We both knew that by him approaching me, and having told me what he did, that we would be at odds; as was my duty, I would take the knowledge of his treason directly to the Commander. As was his prerogative, he would end my life.
I am a dead woman walking.
Mujin, my dear, I’m sorry if my choice brings you harm. It is duty that drives me, and duty that binds us. Please forgive me.
Maybe one day, I’ll get to see you again.
Much love, Captain Hara.”
With the chips having fallen where they would, Mujin decided on his course of action; to express his frustration against the door to his superior’s office, and then to storm his way to his late Captain’s office.
Mujin was one of those within the Seventh, most affected by Minori’s death.
Upon entering her quarters, he would find the dust-coated room ransacked. Papers everywhere, furniture toppled over, a mess by all accounts. As he sat upon her desk chair, he looked about the place in search of something, anything, to help him understand the mystery surrounding her untimely demise. She had left too soon, too abruptly, leaving his soul restless for answers.
As his mind wandered, reminiscing on his times with the woman he looked upon as his mother, her voice, ever so real, whispered into his ears. Surely, he would wonder if what he’d heard was some trick played upon him by his own memories, and yet, her voice came to him again; no, this was real, he was sure of it.
Her gentle voice, ever so persuasive, told him to go to a specific water garden near her office, where she would often be found sitting by her lonesome, lost in her thoughts. The whispers took Mujin to the giant fountain nestled in the center of the garden, the sound of splashing water heard throughout; the round visage of a buddha statue looked down upon him, smiling, with the overcast sky sitting in the backdrop. Was it her residual spiritual pressure doing this work, or a portion of her will left behind?
As Mujin looked down into the rippling waters of the fountain, he would find a bed of uneven stones, as the whispers spoke. Underneath them, he’d find a waterproof sack, and within it, a tome. Upon opening it, he would recognize his Captain’s handwriting.
Her personal diary.
Eventually, he would come to the final page of her text; the last entry, dated exactly a month ago, the day before her murder. It read:
“2200 hours
Today is a day I wished would never come. When I awoke, I could feel that something was wrong. Deep down, I knew that I would have to make a difficult choice.
I wasn’t expecting a visit from Captain Shihaimono, of all people. But as soon as I saw him, I knew, and it all made sense. His words only confirmed my suspicions. He spoke so calmly, so matter-of-factly, that my heart wanted to join his cause. But my mind wouldn’t allow it. I swore an oath to the Gotei 13, to uphold its laws, and to defend the Seireitei from any enemy, foreign or domestic.
So I declined his offer to join him in a quest to usher in a new Seireitei, and to return peace to the Soul Society. I couldn’t.
Does that make me a bad person?
We both knew that by him approaching me, and having told me what he did, that we would be at odds; as was my duty, I would take the knowledge of his treason directly to the Commander. As was his prerogative, he would end my life.
I am a dead woman walking.
Mujin, my dear, I’m sorry if my choice brings you harm. It is duty that drives me, and duty that binds us. Please forgive me.
Maybe one day, I’ll get to see you again.
Much love, Captain Hara.”
Itami
New member
Listen while you read.
Mujin's eyes raced over each word; "Today is a day I wished would never come." Mujin's gut wrenched, where was he what was he doing? His Captain had never mentioned anything or anyone to him before this. She had seemed fine, acting just like usual, teaching him things about Seireitei and allowing him the freedom of training how he saw fit.
"I wasn’t expecting a visit from Captain Shihaimono, of all people."
Mujin would not forget that name, ever. He continued reading the diary, quickly gathering his thoughts and continuing
"So I declined his offer to join him in a quest to usher in a new Seireitei, and to return peace to the Soul Society. I couldn’t."
"Does that make me a bad person?"
Mujin had to summon every ounce of willpower he could manifest to stop himself from going into a rage-like tantrum. Someone had dared make his captain question her safety and her morals. It took everything to stop himself from flinging wrath towards this Capgain Shihaimono's direction and keep his Reiryoku suppressed. The one single thing keeping him planted and calm was the voice of Captain Hara he had just heard. He could easily remember all the lessons in keeping collected and level-headed in times of severe stress.
"Mujin, my dear, I’m sorry if my choice brings you harm. It is duty that drives me, and duty that binds us. Please forgive me.
Maybe one day, I’ll get to see you again.
Much love, Captain Hara.”
.
.
.
"Breath, idiot."
.
.
Mujin took a deep breath before closing the diary and placing it back inside the waterproof bag. He would then remove his Shihakusho, all but his hakama. Stuffing the diary into the sash around his waist, he would hang his kosode over his shoulder and stare at the sky.
Mujin would then fold the garb into a nice square and set it on the edge of the water fountain. Letting his hand rest on it for a while before catching himself with his other hand. A tear fell down his face.
" Idiot, no time for that now. Remember we gotta come back for this shirt, if we lose another one Mom might come back and kill us. "
Mujin would crouch and compress his legs tightly into the garden's grass. Taking a deep breath in he would kick off into the air before landing on the rooftops of his Division, running toward the edge of the Division walls and then leaping up onto the giant wall dividing his Division from the next area over. There he would ponder his next move, He couldn't make a fuss about the diary just yet, not until he understood what his Captain had meant by protecting the Seireitei, from what? He sighed but knew this wasn't exactly his cup of tea. Playing investigator in serious matters might only make things worse, but he couldn't sit idly by and let others manipulate things going on.
" I need to talk to someone that knows what's going on. I hope you're home Hachiko. "
Mujin would then dash off along the top of the walls, heading towards the Fourth Division. Mujin knew of a way into her office without alerting the Shinigami around the 4th Barracks, The had used it a lot in their past so she could get samples of Mujin's blood.
Traveling to Northeast Seireitei: Fourth Division Barracks ->From Southeast Seireitei: Seventh Division Barracks
Listen While You Read
An enormous blade’s edge of vibrating red screeched as it rose to the sky, its immense power reverberating within the Fourth Division, and those adjacent to it. Surely, anyone worth their salt within the Seireitei would feel the spiritual energy screaming off the forbidden spell; Shinigami from all over the Seireitei stopped what they were doing, their full spiritual attention commandeered, many coming out of their Division buildings to look upon whatever had caused it. When the crimson edge dissipated, and its singing power diminished, all that accompanied the colorless, rising smoke cloud was an unforgettable stillness.
On the precipice of new beginnings, the cursor of history slid ever closer to the edge of an eerie quietness; it was a silence layered in three parts.
The first layer was one that played its empty tune to the physical senses. If one were to look up at the shaded sky, an already gloomy overcast would have seemed to have gotten darker, and stiller, as the clouds remained in place as if holding their breath. If one were to listen, they would find emptiness in the wake of the once sweet whispers of the wind. If one were to reach out to touch the world, all they would feel is a numbness beyond the pale.
The first of three.
The second layer was one that spoke its hollow words to the spiritual senses. It hid behind the physical in wait for those well-enough attuned to notice it. Where once the spiritual bands of Souls glowed inharmoniously across the Soul Society, existed a blank gray that spread for miles and miles, to the ends of the City of Wandering Souls. Everyone, it seemed, ceased to exist.
The second of three.
The third layer was one that existed on a plane beyond the conventional. A quietness so deafening, so overbearing, so empty, that its presence could only be perceived by those who, when confronted by a world devoid of stimulus, could completely relinquish their bodies, minds, and souls to absolute nothingness. Only then would they realize that time had stopped.
The third of three.
This was a rare brief lapse in time, a serene moment of quiet that preceded a storm not seen, and yet brewing for centuries. What seemed like an eternal silence came to a thundering halt as the world returned to color, waves of technicolor reverberating throughout the Soul Society like layers of film, and those who lived and breathed within it. The entirety of the Seireitei, and the Wandering City, trembled as the spiritual power of unburdened Souls twisted around one another in a battle of Reiatsu.
Listen While You Read
An enormous explosion of purple, larger than the Ittō Kasō that came before, erupted at Sōkyoku Hill; even those not initiated in Reikaku would sense the Captain Commander’s roaring Reiatsu, and in opposition, the equally magnificent spiritual pressure of the Captain of the Ninth, Hitoshi Shihaimono.
In the Northwestern Quadrant, the Reiatsu of the deadly Captain of the Second, Nobu Tsunayashiro, and that of the esteemed Captain of the Fourth, Sachiko Kuchiki, would be sensed at the ready to strike one another down.
In the Southeastern Quadrant, Captain Arisu Nakazawa’s radiant spiritual pressure could be felt clashing with that of the passionate Captain Kusumoto’s.
Lastly, within the First District of the Northern Rukongai, one Souls spiritual pressure could be felt across the entirety of the Soul Society, reaching out even beyond the known Districts, and drowning out all others; it was a spiritual signature so demonic, so filled with killing intent, that the blood of his future victims would be tasted upon the tongues of all; such a signature belonged to the Kenpachi, Kenta Murakami. Alongside him were two, that of the Twelfth’s Captain, Hatsumei Takaki, and that of the Sixth’s Captain, Etsuko Nakajima, the latter of which faded quickly…
With the Soul Society under siege by an immutable song, it was a miracle that the words that would soon ring within the minds of every Shinigami would be heard nonetheless. Those of a Kidō background would recognize the sensation belonging to Bakudō #77. Tenteikūra (天挺空羅, Heavenly Rickshaws in Silken Air), coursing with the spiritual signature of the First’s Third Seat. Her voice spoke clear as day, filled with shock and anger.
“This is an emergency broadcast! This is Third Seat Takenaka!
The Seireitei is under attack! I repeat, the Seireitei is under attack!
A group of Captains, led by the traitor Hitoshi Shihaimono, have declared war against the Gotei 13! The Captains of the Fourth, Eighth, and Eleventh have joined the Betrayer’s cause!
The Captain Commander’s order is that the members of these rebel Divisions stand-down; those that follow the Commander’s orders shall be pardoned for such treason; those that defy his orders, he will personally execute!
All other Divisions are to infiltrate the Divisions of the rebels, and arrest all who do not denounce their treasonous Captains; those who resist are to be eliminated!
I repeat! Those who resist are to be eliminated!“
And like that, her voice was gone, leaving the denizens of the Seireitei to decide their course of action; a crossroads had presented itself to each Shinigami, a choice that would change the course of both their lives, and that of the history of the Soul Society.
Yet, there were a handful of Shinigami who would receive an additional message, as the respective hell butterflies fluttered to land on their shoulders…
An enormous blade’s edge of vibrating red screeched as it rose to the sky, its immense power reverberating within the Fourth Division, and those adjacent to it. Surely, anyone worth their salt within the Seireitei would feel the spiritual energy screaming off the forbidden spell; Shinigami from all over the Seireitei stopped what they were doing, their full spiritual attention commandeered, many coming out of their Division buildings to look upon whatever had caused it. When the crimson edge dissipated, and its singing power diminished, all that accompanied the colorless, rising smoke cloud was an unforgettable stillness.
On the precipice of new beginnings, the cursor of history slid ever closer to the edge of an eerie quietness; it was a silence layered in three parts.
The first layer was one that played its empty tune to the physical senses. If one were to look up at the shaded sky, an already gloomy overcast would have seemed to have gotten darker, and stiller, as the clouds remained in place as if holding their breath. If one were to listen, they would find emptiness in the wake of the once sweet whispers of the wind. If one were to reach out to touch the world, all they would feel is a numbness beyond the pale.
The first of three.
The second layer was one that spoke its hollow words to the spiritual senses. It hid behind the physical in wait for those well-enough attuned to notice it. Where once the spiritual bands of Souls glowed inharmoniously across the Soul Society, existed a blank gray that spread for miles and miles, to the ends of the City of Wandering Souls. Everyone, it seemed, ceased to exist.
The second of three.
The third layer was one that existed on a plane beyond the conventional. A quietness so deafening, so overbearing, so empty, that its presence could only be perceived by those who, when confronted by a world devoid of stimulus, could completely relinquish their bodies, minds, and souls to absolute nothingness. Only then would they realize that time had stopped.
The third of three.
This was a rare brief lapse in time, a serene moment of quiet that preceded a storm not seen, and yet brewing for centuries. What seemed like an eternal silence came to a thundering halt as the world returned to color, waves of technicolor reverberating throughout the Soul Society like layers of film, and those who lived and breathed within it. The entirety of the Seireitei, and the Wandering City, trembled as the spiritual power of unburdened Souls twisted around one another in a battle of Reiatsu.
Listen While You Read
An enormous explosion of purple, larger than the Ittō Kasō that came before, erupted at Sōkyoku Hill; even those not initiated in Reikaku would sense the Captain Commander’s roaring Reiatsu, and in opposition, the equally magnificent spiritual pressure of the Captain of the Ninth, Hitoshi Shihaimono.
In the Northwestern Quadrant, the Reiatsu of the deadly Captain of the Second, Nobu Tsunayashiro, and that of the esteemed Captain of the Fourth, Sachiko Kuchiki, would be sensed at the ready to strike one another down.
In the Southeastern Quadrant, Captain Arisu Nakazawa’s radiant spiritual pressure could be felt clashing with that of the passionate Captain Kusumoto’s.
Lastly, within the First District of the Northern Rukongai, one Souls spiritual pressure could be felt across the entirety of the Soul Society, reaching out even beyond the known Districts, and drowning out all others; it was a spiritual signature so demonic, so filled with killing intent, that the blood of his future victims would be tasted upon the tongues of all; such a signature belonged to the Kenpachi, Kenta Murakami. Alongside him were two, that of the Twelfth’s Captain, Hatsumei Takaki, and that of the Sixth’s Captain, Etsuko Nakajima, the latter of which faded quickly…
With the Soul Society under siege by an immutable song, it was a miracle that the words that would soon ring within the minds of every Shinigami would be heard nonetheless. Those of a Kidō background would recognize the sensation belonging to Bakudō #77. Tenteikūra (天挺空羅, Heavenly Rickshaws in Silken Air), coursing with the spiritual signature of the First’s Third Seat. Her voice spoke clear as day, filled with shock and anger.
“This is an emergency broadcast! This is Third Seat Takenaka!
The Seireitei is under attack! I repeat, the Seireitei is under attack!
A group of Captains, led by the traitor Hitoshi Shihaimono, have declared war against the Gotei 13! The Captains of the Fourth, Eighth, and Eleventh have joined the Betrayer’s cause!
The Captain Commander’s order is that the members of these rebel Divisions stand-down; those that follow the Commander’s orders shall be pardoned for such treason; those that defy his orders, he will personally execute!
All other Divisions are to infiltrate the Divisions of the rebels, and arrest all who do not denounce their treasonous Captains; those who resist are to be eliminated!
I repeat! Those who resist are to be eliminated!“
And like that, her voice was gone, leaving the denizens of the Seireitei to decide their course of action; a crossroads had presented itself to each Shinigami, a choice that would change the course of both their lives, and that of the history of the Soul Society.
Yet, there were a handful of Shinigami who would receive an additional message, as the respective hell butterflies fluttered to land on their shoulders…
Hachiko Goseikanjo
Captain Kuchiki’s voice…
“My dear Hachikō. I’m sorry that this information had to reach you in this way, but forgive me; Captain Shihaimono pleaded that I keep our plans away from all, even my most trusted.
What you’ve just heard is true. Captain Shihaimono leads us in rebellion against the Captain Commander, and the Central Forty-Six. The Soul Society has suffered too long, and our patience has run thin. Kō, my love, I plead to you: believe in Captain Shihaimono’s cause, and help us see it through.
My blade has crossed with Captain Tsunayashiro’s; I do not know if I will see you again…
…find me.”
Fuyuko Munetoshi
Captain Shihaimono’s voice…
“Vice-Captain Munetoshi, listen to my words; let them ignite the fire within your heart.
As you did with me, and I before you; we as the Ninth, have pledged to protect the Seireitei from its enemies, both foreign and domestic. The Gotei 13 is a shadow of itself, filled with rot that has been festering for too long; if left untreated, the disease will eat away at us all.
That is why we must defend it against itself. It is time to cut out the cancerous tumor, and allow the Soul Society to heal.
I kept my plan away for you, to protect you; I see now that it was a mistake. I hope you can forgive me.
Now, protect the Division from anyone who would seek to do it harm.”
Shin’eki Uemura
Third Seat Akinawa’s voice…
“Rusty! HELLO?! The Captain’s vanished and Vice-Captain Tsunyashiro just got woken up by that transmission! He’s PISSED! Where the hell are you?! Hurry up and get here before the Vice-Captain loses his shit!”
It is another nice day in Soul Society, while the Seireitei is still recovering from the events from ten months ago things are rather peaceful. Routines have, for the most part, returned to some state of normalcy. Shinigami on patrol, delivering messages, on break grabbing a bite to eat or just out for a leisurely stroll. Some are even out for a visit at the Shino Academy, visiting old teachers before continuing their own duties.
Enter Kuwashii Hakunetsu
Walking with a casual stride, a manila envelope in one hand and a strange candy that is obviously from the World of the Living in the other hand is a young Shinigami who is only in the Seireitei to deliver a report, contained in said envelope. She walks with a bit more swagger and attitude than other Shinigami around her, an obvious effect of spending an extended amount of time around humans who aren’t barred down by thousands of years of tradition. The name of this girl is Kuwashii Hakunetsu or Kuwa for short. A former human who had died and was sent over to Soul Society she spent her time in the Rukongai, at first living alone before being adopted by a couple in the Rukongai. Problems with Nobles lead to the death of her adoptive parents, leaving her alone once again, defending their home from any who tried to take it from her. She was a little fireball back then, literally, she was able to utilize her Reiryoku as a weapon in the form of Reiatsu, burning anything in front of her or around her.
She had defended her home for so long, at so many different moments that her Reiatsu had scorched the land black and burnt the home multiple times but through some miracle it remained standing. It wasn’t long before a Shinigami caught word of this transpiring and went to investigate. After much trial and error to earn the girl's trust he was able to convince her to go with him to the Seireitei where she can learn to harness and control her power. Her only stipulation was to ensure no one touched her parents home and the Shinigami agreed to that stipulation sending word to Otokogi Aijō who was a Lieutenant at the time. To this Day Otokogi has honored his word and kept that place safe and untouched, the only thing he added was a shrine for her parents. Because of this she often stops by the academy to give thanks to her former teacher in the form of snacks she acquired from the World of the Living.
Since he became a Captain it had become increasingly more difficult to find him at the Academy and when she could he was in the middle of teaching. Given her duties as Guardian of Naruki City she couldn’t idle around until the class was over. This is why she is here today, among other reasons. Firstly, she is back to deliver a written report to Tenth Division on minor occurrences that transpired in Naruki City, things that don’t need a rush of communication. Secondly, as already addressed she wished to use this time to visit Otokogi who is completely absent from the Academy, apparently he is at Third Division training someone. Third Division is too much out of her way to drop by for a visit which brings up the third reason why she is in the Seireitei. Apparently there is something going to be organized soon that she will need to take part in and so her superiors in Tenth Division needed to communicate with her directly about it.
Whatever this task was they were going to assign her must have been important if they made her come all the way home for it outside of the typically scheduled visit.
”Hope this crap doesn’t take too long, I gotta get back before the shops close, have to stock up for school lunch.”
After spending so much time in the World of the Living, her mind is somewhat attuned to human issues and troubles, such as having food for lunch of all things. She hasn’t entirely lost sense or sight of who or what she is, she still enjoys the rush of battle and growing stronger.