Southeast Seireitei

[Vaspart]

Captain of the 8th Division - Hiro Tanaka ​

Listen as you read.



It's been too long. A young, but weary voice emerged in a particular place in the Seireitei, and soon thereafter vanished. In that very same place, an inaudible melody had been playing, inaudible to all but seemingly one - the young man who stood in front of the great cherry tree crowning the local park.
His arms moved gracefully, conducting an unseen performance. His eyes were closed and a dreamy expression befell his face.
As his hands wove patterns, his feet shifted. The tension in the shoulders eased and a sense of tranquility overcame him.
As a deep breath leaves one's lungs, this peace too had left him for a long time, but it was time for it to come home.
As the fuel of life is shared between all things, with each breath this tranquility spread to all things around him. For just that small period of time, this was a place of much needed healing.
A glistening sheen overcame the captain's body, his gentle spiritual energy slowly rising to the surface. As the wind blew the last of the tree's autumn leaves away, they too basked in this healing light and for a few moments became like fireflies, burning with inner fire before being slowly carried away.


Much has happened in the past ten months. Not just in the Hiro's life, but rather in all of Soul Society. The coup left Seireitei bleeding, weakened. Many lives were lost and many bonds were severed so quickly.
The Court Squads were almost shattered by the Court Squads themselves.
A lot of guilt has weighed on Hiro's mind about his lack of presence in the Seiretei at the time. He was sent on a mission beyond even the Rukongai, accompanied by the now Captain of the Second Division, Kagi Senko. His rational mind admitted that his presence likely would not have affected things to a large degree, but he still wished he could have prevented the conflict from occurring in the first place.
As an agent of the Special Forces, this was even more so a point of shame. The Onmitsukido did nothing, and their two best agents were rather conveniently sent away during a critical time.
This web of lies had been a burden on his mind. At this point, it was difficult to know whom to trust. In a true Special Ops fashion, the answer would be to trust noone, but Hiro knew that such a structure does not thrive. They would have to pick up the pieces of what's left, in spite of any barriers that may have still existed between them.

As the months passed, the haori adoning Hiro's back seemingly grew heavier and heavier. Despite that, however, his personality seemed to have grown even more joyful and vibrant. He found comfort in carrying this burden and that was perhaps the most important thing he could have done.

Soon, this moment would pass, and life would return to its natural, chaotic state.

But for now, there was peace.

 

[Estarossa]

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Having finished her candy she balled up the wrapper and stopped for a moment to look around for a trashcan. After looking around for a moment she had to remember where she was, the Seireitei would not have such things just lying around and she was not about to just litter. She lets out a frustrated sigh at the inconvenience of not having anywhere to throw her trash and so she tucks it away inside of her Shihakusho and continues onward to her destination. She begins mumbling something to herself that was rather repetitive in nature almost as if she was trying to memorize it. This continued on for some time until she began to pass by a park that held a rather large cherry tree as its central feature. She stood there, staring at it for a few moments watching the last of the leaves fall off of it before suddenly sensing Reiatsu coming from its direction.

“Hmph.” She begins to approach the tree wondering what someone could be doing releasing their Reiatsu next to it. The closer she got the better she could feel the Reiatsu, sensing that it was calm and gentle in nature, all while still mumbling to herself. Once she was close enough to see who it was she had stopped mumbling, she was reciting a lesson to herself that she had learned in the human world, school specifically. She found the lessons taught in Human schools to be rather simple, not as complex as those found here in Soul Society as she can recall them clearly in her mind. That aside the first thing she noticed about the person in front of her was the Haori, she stared at the Kanji on the back of it that represented Eighth Division. Her eyes moved up to notice the bucket hat that sat on the man’s head. She sat silently for a moment and wondered if she had slipped into an alternate reality for a moment since this person is now somehow a Captain.

”Uhh, Tanaka-san? That you?”

She calls out to the man almost in a confused tone of voice as if she was unsure about the person’s name. Hiro Tanaka was her senior by the time she had joined the Academy and he had graduated long before she was even close to obtaining her Asauchi. Despite this though she still knew who he was, everyone in the Academy at the time did as he was a rare genius. By the time she herself graduated there was another boy genius who graduated before her who was actually much younger than her as well. Sandwiched between two geniuses made her think she missed the time frame to be born into this world. Regardless of this she stood silently, waiting for a response from the Captain.​

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[Vaspart]

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The brief moment of peace soon ended, almost as if prophesied. But what was already there was more than enough. The captain, feeling a presence approaching him and hearing a somewhat familiar voice, turned around to look at the soul that stood nearby. His face boasted its usual, relaxed smile. His eyebrows raised sharply, as if he was trying to recognize the girl.
Ah? Oh, are you Hakunetsu by any chance? It has been a while. He blurted out automatically, as if his mouth had found the answer before his brain did.
Ah, yes, now he remembered. The girl that stood before him was Kuwashii Hakunetsu, a talented girl he remembered hearing about from around the time of his graduation. Or at least that's who he hoped she was, having noticed that her appearance fit the description he heard back in the day. He found it interesting that he would get to meet her at such a seemingly random time, after centuries have already passed.
As you can see, I changed my wardrobe recently. With all the chaos going on, probably not everyone heard the news yet. He added soon thereafter, boasting somewhat. Hiro was not generally the type of arrogant fool bashing their supposed achievments into other people's faces, but this was a point of genuine pride for him. Not many get to wear that prestigious, white haori, after all. Not many could bear the weight that is now causing Hiro's shoulders to sag. It would have been apparent to everyone looking at Tanaka now, that he looked fatigued and in need of rest.

Life hadn't been easy on him recently and he was hard at work at rebuilding his divion's strength and gaining their trust. Getting his squad to trust him was probably Hiro's most vital goal and a very difficult one at that. Word of mouth spreads quickly and soon the entire division knew about the captain's Onmitsukido background. Despite his best efforts, most of his squad has so far proven slow to warm up to him.
They are obiedient, yes, but Hiro knew that he needed to establish trust and loyalty if he wanted to build a successful division.
Just as Hiro was about to open his mouth, his senses detected the enormous spiritual pressure rippling through Seireitei. He recognized it immediately as belonging to the Captain of the 3rd Division, but why would he release such power out in the open at this time? Judging by the intensity, it must be the product of a Bankai. Hiro didn't detect any signs of killing intent in the enormous reiatsu.
What in the hell is he doing? He thought to himself, briefly gazing in the direction the energy was coming from. Just a few moments later, another immense spiritual pressure flared in the distance. Though not as strong, that one was filled with rage.
That's not good.
Well, today sure seems like an eventful day, doesn't it? He said out loud, as a disappointed expression befell his face. Hiro didn't know what was going on, but the situation in the distance didn't seem like it was heading for a peaceful resolution. Then again, he did not particularly feel like finding out more. If there are more idiots that want to kill each other even after everything that's happened, then by all means, let them have at it. There will be less to worry about for the rest.

 

[Estarossa]

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Feeling a bit awkward, Kuwashii's eyes darted from left to right to see if there was anyone else there he may have been speaking to. Being so heavily conditioned by Human culture his response seemed odd to her but she had to remember where she was and who she was talking to.

”Uhh, yeah that’s me…”

She returned to her awkward silence as he went on to state, in a roundabout way which seems to be his style of speaking, that he had become a Captain. Normally most Shinigami would bow and quickly switch to a more polite way of speaking, but not Kuwa. It didn’t matter if the Captain Commander was standing here with him, she would still be behaving in the same way, not bowing or using honorifics. A scolding would definitely come her way if this were the case but she would take it in stride and probably repeat the offense again later on. But to be fair she had not heard the news, during the entirety of the Civil War Kuwashii was in Naruki city doing her job, she only kept up with what was going on via her Denreishinki. Access to the Senkaimon at the time was cut off, possibly to prevent reinforcements for either side to arrive so she was essentially stranded in the Living World for a few weeks.

During those few weeks she was also bombarded with questions that seemed odd and heavily political. She was thrown off and confused by the questions which were all answered with selfish responses. These responses are what allowed her back into the Soul Society and more specifically back into the Seireitei.

”Yeah things have been hectic for me, I’ve had to double down on my patrols in Naruki, even had to pick up a few in Karakura because we’re so short handed. I’ve had to let my mod soul take my place at school to keep up appearances there.”

Not used to talking strictly business she scratches her cheek awkwardly because she didn’t know how to speak to a Captain otherwise, all business and no fun. Although she did catch Hiro basically dancing with the tree next to them so maybe he isn’t as business oriented as she assumes him to be. Though, before she could think up some small talk her Spiritual Senses pick up on two obvious signatures. One was Otokogi and the other was unknown to her. She couldn’t tell that Oto was using his Bankai as her sense of Reikaku was not that precise but she could tell this other violent surge of Reiatsu was headed his way. She furrows her brow wondering who would point such malicious intent towards the old man? She heard about his rise to Kenpachi but the chaotic nature of the other Reiatsu doesn’t exactly scream “Challenge” more like “Murder”.

”Y-yeah it does… Hey, I’d love to stay and chat a bit more, Tanaka-san, but I still have to drop off this report to my Division. Sorry!”

She turns on her heel and begins running off towards her Division. While in the minds of others they would rather avoid whatever ill fated confrontation is headed Otokogi’s way, Kuwashii hopes to drop off her report and move to assist him. She believes herself to be strong, strong enough to assist the old man and not get in his way. This is merely arrogance on her part, however, it is how she operates and it is why, to date, no Hollow has ever escaped from her in the World of the Living. Sadly, that Shiba is beyond any mere Hollow she has ever faced.

To Southwest Seireitei: 10th Division barracks​

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[Vaspart]

10th Division, huh? Sometimes I wish I was there instead, just so I could go to the world of the living myself, every once in a while.
Indeed, reading books about the world of the living, or even from the world of the living, wasn't the same as actually being there. It had been at least a hundred years, if not more, since the last time Tanaka had the chance to visit any of the human cities. And even then, it was strictly on business.
Every once in a while a thought would pop into his head, to sneak away for just a little while. Maybe if Gotei hadn't gotten itself into this mess, it would be possible...
Then again, the Captain was not the only one inconvenienced by most of Seireitei's fighting force dying off in one way or another. Everyone felt the impact or was somehow affected, whether through injury, the loss of a friend or a loved one, or even something as simple (and yet brutal) as the workload multiplying, since there were no longer enough hands and feet to do the work that needed to be done.

Eh, no problem. Good luck with your work!​

Hiro noticed the change in her behaviour as soon as the two spiritual pressures in the distance flared up. He wouldn't let it be known, but he was at that moment about to be overcome by anger boiling deep inside. It was not directed at Hakunetsu, or even the two whose power resonated throughout Seireitei. It was anger and sadness, that what had happened ten months prior was apparently not enough.
Not enough good women and men have died, not enough were left eternally scarred, whether emotionally or physically.
The hatred still burned in people's hearts, ready to take more.
As Hakunetsu was leaving, Hiro took a deep breath and with a single use of Shunpo found himself overlooking the distant landscape from the roof of the tallest building in the vicinity.
It seems I care about it a bit more than I'd like to admit.
Surely, the massive spiritual pressures alerted many more than just himself and Hakunetsu. In fact, Tanaka expected that forces were already rallying to try and contain the situation. Despite that, Hiro felt that his presence could prove useful in avoiding casualties, if he could make it in time.
Let's hope I won't even be needed.
In truth, the reason behind this anger was his own feeling of guilt, of not being in the Seireitei at a time when his presence was needed. There was little point in dwelling on the past and feeling sorry for the dead, but at the very least he could try and ensure that the same mistakes are not repeated.
Or was this just wishful thinking?
A pathetic show of idealism from someone who should have known better?
The Captain sighed, his right hand pressing firmly on the top of his hat.
With yet another use of Shunpo , his figure vanished from the rooftop, now racing like a shadow through the streets of Seireitei.


Travel Destination: Northwest Seireitei

 

[Estarossa]

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10 months later

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[admins]

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1 Year and Six Months Later

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[Elk]

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Arriving from the southwest 10th division.

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“You got some kidō on you”

His hand pointed to several of the beams sticking onto the man’s body. Despite the use of hanki, it wasn’t as effective as Michiya wished for, as the flow of the hanki followed the motion of his hand, which flowed around himself, making the perfect circle, but not spinning it in the opposite direction of kidō that was casted against him. Still, the kidō hadn’t fully bound the man. Yet, this use of hanki had worried Elk enough to wonder how Michiya didn’t outright die from practicing the forbidden arts.

“Then why did you choose to practice the forbidden arts in secrecy? Did you not trust the kidō corps once more? You’re right about one thing: you’re not a child playing with a toy, you’re a child playing with a bomb. All it takes is one wrong move, at best offing yourself, and at worst, ripping the fabric of reality apart.”

Both hands would clap together as he dispelled what remained of the bakudō before he began to walk forward. His hand extended back to motion for Michiya to follow as several people looked at the two randomly appearing within the courtyard and started walking towards the barracks.

“You know, they would normally send out a team to come and get people like you. However, they… didn’t get the memo I was going after you today, only that I would be out and about today.”

He never did look back at Michiya, yet his words had no malice behind them as they finally entered the barracks. Both hands were placed behind him, with one curled up and the other holding onto the wrist.
“Going back to forbidden arts, it would have been easier had you joined the kidō corps so that you COULD practice it with supervision, stopping it before it becomes too dangerous. Actually, now that I think about it, why didn’t you join? You would have made a great kidō officer!”

He turned around to look at Michiya. He had a bit of excitement in his voice but also a look of confusion at his own question. He expected an answer, but at the same time, he turned himself around and let out a soft sigh as his shoulders sunk.

“Well, that doesn’t matter now. You’re in 12th division… Oh yeah… That reminds me… I wanted to ask you something… Do you know anything about a plague that ravaged the Rukongai?”

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[dem0nzlust]

The cloth unfurled around them, receding from where Elk had released them. Michiya took the time to examine his new surroundings, curious to see where they had been taken. It's been a long while since he fully visited this section of the Seireitei before his attention finally reverted to Elk's presence who had been speaking since their arrival, although he didn't actively listen to what he said his subconscious picked up all the information. Doing a quick recap on what this kido corps member had to say, he sighed heavily seeing how he was the opposite of him, and loved to hear their voice asking things where the answers should be obvious. He flexed his hand and wrist curiously coming to understand the unique patterns of spiritual energy that consisted of this foreign kido.

"Why do people practice their Bankai in privacy? Why do some people choose to train in privacy and not in front of a crowd? People work better when they have full concentration and no background distractions. Again you are so quick to presume that is the only thing that has taken place working on incomplete information. If you are going to attempt to spy on someone should make sure you do it correctly. Kido Corps doesn't govern everything only spiritual law, yet here you are outside of your jurisdiction where no laws have been broken."

When Elk started walking he casually followed suit behind him taking in everything with both hands tucked into his back. For now, he let the remarks of him calling them a child but if he thought could get away with it again, he was more than happy to rip his tongue out. Gathering intel on what's going on and any other knowledge out there though took precedence over causing conflict over his choice of words for the time being.

"So it is not a blunder on Kido Corps just you acting on your own accords I see. Yeah, that is a possible outcome just like anything else. It's our job as scientists to look at all the information before us to find the possibilities, and I considered joining once but Kido Corps lacks the technology I need for my research,"

The next question Elk had to ask piqued his curiosity quite greatly with his hands slipping from his pockets, and reached into his Haori pulling out a device for a holographic computer. He quickly began typing looking up any information concerning this mentioning.

"Hmm records show there been some strange instances out there but due to a change of things with a new Captain recently, our division is still settling. Why does this interest the likes of Kido Corps though?"

Just as quickly he brought it out looking up the information, he deactivated it and tucked it back into his haori. His posture shifted a little for once since Elk started rambling did he take full interest in what he had to say.​

 

[Elk]

His eyes looked down at the man as he spoke of strange instances. Now both parties seemed to be interested, though the question that was asked had Elk thinking for a moment. An awkward pause followed between the two, or at least it felt that way to Elk, as he wasn’t too sure how to break it to the introvert. A light twitch of the finger, the small movements of his mouth, and then a sigh of relief. He got a partial answer, but one that cleared Michiya of his wrath.

“It doesn’t… But I’ve seen a plague out in the Rukongai long ago. Almost feels like a lifetime since I saw it... Anyway, let's make a deal. I’ll show you something I consider far better than Hanki, and less risky to you, along with ripping any report I have on you about your practice. In exchange, you can find out if the 12th made a plague? Sounds like a fair trade to me. After all, I made the spell to help fight hollows and their pesky ceros.”

He didn’t like that he had to ask someone to snoop around for him, and it showed in his tone, but that somber tone quickly changed to a more pleasant one—or rather unpleasant to the man he brought over. It seemed to be on track for Elk in his rambling. He didn’t bother waiting for a verbal response, as he turned back around, walking down the hallway. He turned left, walking down a long set of stairs, before passing a taped-off room that seemed long abandoned by time. The tape itself bore biohazard symbols, along with letters written in Kanji, stating: Quarantine – Keep Out.


He continued past several large doors before finally stopping at one. He pressed a button to reveal a rather large room, its ceiling about 50 meters high, with the length of the room 200 meters and the width 100 meters. The walls were concrete, with lights shining down from above. The ground that held this stadium-like practice area seemed to be soft, like dojo mats—comfort for practice, something people weren’t used to, but Elk found it nice to be able to practice without worrying about injury. He kicked both straw sandals off before using Shunpo to go directly to the middle of the arena. His right arm pointed up, along with his finger, as he began to speak.

"Bakudou number 88! From the abyss where darkness reigns supreme, Arise, Mugen no Shinkai, the boundless void! Pull all creation into your endless night!”

A circular black void appeared at the tip of Elk’s finger, growing and growing before finally rising. The light around it seemed to bend, twist, and warp. The Kidō was foreign to anyone outside of the corps, yet, stranger still, not many people had seen the Kidō within the corps either. This one was rather close to Elk’s chest.

“Shoot a kidō at me!”

His voice boomed with confidence as he lowered his hands and slid both into his pockets, watching closely and waiting for something to come his way.



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