Southwest Seireitei

[Adonai]

---

[From Northeast Seireitei]

Finally back at his Division Taro lets out a sigh. He isn’t tired or really even annoyed, despite the rounds he has been making today he is in a rather good mood. Truth be told, he is bored. Ten long years of what he considers to be stagnation, nothing happening within the Soul Society and nothing happening in Hueco Mundo. Worse still is he has not been able to utilize his Shikai to pass his boredom floating on Kurogane. The mandate to not draw or use Shikai outside of training has been the one thing that has kept him in a chokehold for all this time. He doesn’t wish ill upon the Soul Society in any way, this peace is a good thing, however, he needs something more than just training to keep himself occupied. Speaking of training the ever silent Sameko finally arrives, he glances at her then looks elsewhere.
​

”I suppose I should begin teaching you some proper techniques now. We’ll start with Hakuda and by the end of it you may wind up with multiple broken bones. Unless you manage to mitigate the damage. First we will start with a simple technique, Raiōken (雷王拳, Thunder King Fist), you should be able to-”​

Taro is cut off midsentence by an announcement.
​

“All divisions, be advised. Captain Itaku has entered a Hollowfied state. Captain Kagi has engaged. Maintain distance from Outer Perimeter—Grid Seven, Sector Four, and proceed with caution. Captain Kagi is working to maintain containment and assess the remaining consciousness within Captain Itaku. If you arrive on scene, do not engage with aggression unless Captain Kagi issues the order. Again—proceed with caution.” ​

Taro stands silently for a moment, his face unchanged for a while as he lets the information of the message sink into his mind. Kagi is seeking to save the mutated freak? Insanity, he should cut him down while he is in the early stages of Hollowfication. Should Itaku mutate further he could become a high level Adjucha or worse, a Vasto Lorde. For ages Taro has sought to crush the head of Itaku for merely existing, today may finally be the day. If Kagi does manage to save him Taro will certainly capitalize on Itaku’s weakened state and kill him then. If it happens once it’ll happen again, the cracks are already formed and more than likely Itaku won't be able to keep it at bay again.
​

”A rare opportunity has presented itself to us, Sameko. We get to put down a liability. I expressed my displeasure of letting the freak roam about to Central Forty-six before but naturally they told me it was none of my concern. How foolish they must feel right now… They probably feel nothing since being foolish is their default nature.”​

Free at Last

Taro grabs his Zanpakuto and draws it slowly and looks at the blade, the detailing on it and his own reflection. What he is about to do next is going to feel very cathartic indeed. A genuine smile of happiness crosses his face as he speaks.
​

”Drown the world in truth, Kurogane…”​

Ink coats the sharp edge of the blade followed by eight orbs of ink detaching from said ink, growing in size until they “hatch” into rather large floating ink fish of different varieties. From exotic fish like Koi to average run of the mill gold fish these eight fish swim through the air as if they have been set free into a pond. Five meters in length, two and a half meters in width and two meters in height, these eight fish are designed to consume Taro’s enemies or feast on their limbs one at a time. It has been a long time since he laid eyes on Kurogane and it fills him with true joy to see her once again. Three of the fish surround Sameko, radiating hostility as another floats up to Taro for him to pet it.
​

”It’s been too long, Kurogane. Communicating like this is much better than Jinzen, don’t you agree? Now, let's head to the Central Seireitei, there is an abomination we must kill.” ​

Taro hops on the fish he was just petting and immediately lays down, resting his arms behind his head as he gets comfortable. As she rises into the air to “swim” towards Central, Taro gives her another order.
​

”Give Sameko a lift as well and be nice. She’s… Well, you already know. Now, let's go.”​

Once Sameko is seated on a fish the school of eight ink fish rise into the sky and begin swimming towards Central. On lookers from below felt a sense of old dread they haven’t felt in a decade. Seeing those fish is a herald for bad things to come, a herald for the barbarism Taro may instill once he arrives at his destination. While others view this as doom and gloom Taro was in a state of complete relaxation, not the kind that has his guard down but the kind that allows him to enjoy the rushing air around him and the comfort of floating on air itself. Sameko would be seeing the Seireitei from a new angle, an aerial view that many Shinigami have never seen in their life, to say its a treat is a real understatement. When Taro arrives at Central what exactly does he plan on doing? Only time will tell.

---

[To Central Seireitei]​

 

[Jushiro Izanagi]

The Captain stood silent while extending Reikaku far and wide. Pinpointing the showdown between the two Captains, Kagi and Itaku didn’t take long. Now locked onto his target, he began building a clearer picture, immersing himself in the developing battle without actually being there. In addition to this, he was looking forward to seeing how well Seimei could follow the events. And as things unfolded, the masked one was searching for the subtle things that Seimei may have missed. Jushiro was relaxed, casual in his approach. He was in no hurry to rush to Kagi’s aid. The only thing worth while to him was having a first hand witness account. Seeing it all with his own eyes could prove to be usual as he collects some much needed data.

Seimei soon broke the silence by giving a condensed version of the events between Kagi and Itaku. The masked man continue the trend of seeking the little things. He did not agree with Seimei’s assertion regarding Kagi’s ability to contain Itaku. It was still very early and no conclusion or assumptions should be made. There is only so much the use of their Reikaku could reveal to them. Without a first hand account, they had no real way of capturing the minor details. Whatever the case, it was rapidly developing into a battle. And there may well be more casualties.

“This is bothersome. It irks me more than you know. I wonder what might have caused this incident to come about? And furthermore..”. ​

The Captain paused for a moment. His senses caught a whiff of something and his eyes confirmed it. Flying or rather swimming through the air was none other than Taro. His mode of transportation was always unique considering that he uses creations from his Zanpakuto to zoom through the skies. These creations were fishes, a mere by-product of his Zanpakuto. Jushiro smiled, figuring more or less that Taro will be heading to Central Seireitei. He would be surprised if that wasn’t the case.

“I wonder what he’ll do when he gets there. Stand and observe or get involved?”.​

Jushiro said aloud, his words not directed at anyone in particular. Before he could go any further, another alert pinged to his Denreishinki. This time it was directed at Izanagi and not one that Seimei was privy to. The message was read by the Captain and was also aware that the Commander was informed.

“This is not how I expected the day to go. Seimei listen up”. ​

He said before taking a breath, having already decided on his next course of action. ​

“We have a potential problem in Naruki City. You may have heard the name Antonio before. He was part of the Arrancar forces which invaded over a decade ago. We’ve been searching for him and that creature and other remnants of their army. Thus far, we have nothing. However, he’s just appeared in Naruki City. And despite orders not to venture into the world of the living. I can’t just sit idly by and let this opportunity slip through our fingers. We’re going to Naruki City. Gather your shit and make your way to the Senkaimon gate. I would very much like to question him and should he prove to be a nuisance, then eliminating the threat is fine by me”. ​

The Captain turned away from Seimei and without any further delay he was gone. Vanished from his position by means of flash step. Time was of the essence and right now. And Jushiro could care less for the commander’s rules about Captains excursions to the world of the living.

[Leaving for Naruki City]​

 

[IshikawaInuzuri]

Seimei Ukitake (浮竹 清明)​

---

---

If anything, this day became more and more eventful as time passed. After Seimei returned from his last patrol rotation in the World of the Living, he had dined as a guest of Toru Tsunayashiro which was interrupted as captain Izanagi requested a report—only for them to spar. And now, there was a rampaging Hollowfied captain rampaging in Seireitei and suddenly Arrancar activity in Naruki which he’d left just some hours ago. And by the looks of it, Seimei was to return to Naruki City alongside his captain.

In the present, he still reached further and further to create a map and a picture as real as he ever could. He used Reikaku at the edge of his ability and used this opportunity to further refine and evolve his skill. He did his best in shaping the most vivid picture of what was happening, and perhaps his initial assessment was wrong. The exchange between Captain Senkō and the now Hollowfied Captain Ōhei was still in early stages, but it seemed that the monstrous Itaku Ōhei had a slight advantage at this stage. Whether this advantage was deliberate on Kagi’s behalf was yet unknown, but the conflict at hand was only seeking its true shape at this point in time. However, whether Kagi’s efforts to contain Itaku Ōhei would fail, it could prove devastating.

He retained his spiritual perception in a lock as he did his best in listening to his captain while he did so. And it seemed that it wouldn’t be long until the bout would receive a third party, he detected the presence of yet another in the very same sector. It was none other than the infamous Taro Date—the captain of the Eleventh Division. And as he’d heard, perhaps the most powerful duelist among the shinigami of the Gotei 13. Perhaps if Captain Senkō failed, Captain Date would ensure that Itaku Ōhei wouldn’t get any further. At least he hoped so.

However, it seemed that more pressing matters emerged. Matters that had Captain Izanagi even go against the orders imposed by the Captain Commander himself. And undoubtedly Seimei would follow suit, acting according to the orders of his captain. He finally felt that they had found a mutual sense of trust.

Respect, even.

But before Seimei could offer as much as a sign of understanding, the captain had already departed for Naruki. It was clearly a matter of great significance. And Seimei did recognize it. He remembered Antonio, much like he remembered most of the Arrancar who invaded the Soul Society a decade ago. And the opportunity at catching one of them was undoubtedly one they shouldn’t miss.
​

”Finally we get to catch that shitstain.”​

His mind was filled with excitement as that thought began to burn in his chest. The thought was sharp and immediate as his hand brushed the hilt of his Zanpakutō. That excitement was quickly overrun by something else however, his rationale and cold, analytic thoughtfulness. Why did Antonio emerge now? Where are the rest of the remnants? Where have they been? Or more specifically, how have they eluded our Shinigami for so long? What exactly occurred in Hueco Mundo in the aftermath of their invasion? All he knew was that Antonio wouldn’t emerge in the World of the Living without a reason.

And as rebellious and freeminded Jushiro Izanagi was, he didn’t strike as someone who acted without reason. Therefore he wouldn’t break orders lightly. This was an opportunity that shouldn’t be squandered. And despite Seimei breaking the orders of Yuichirõ Shihōin as well, the trust he had gained from his captain was something he didn’t take lightly. He needed nothing with him that he already didn’t have. His Reiryōku spiked for a second, a blur.

And he was gone as quickly, leaving behind nothing but empty air as he had long stopped caring about what was happening between Captain Ōhei and Captain Senkō. His mind was already moving to the World of the Living as he used Shunpō, blitzing through Seireitei like a breeze of wind.

And before long, the Senkaimon gate came into his emerald view in all of its towering silence. He slowed to a stop before it as he gathered his posture, as his gaze was filled with determination and even a sense of vengeance. His eyes turned to the guarding shinigami operating the gate, almost in a commanding manner.
​

”I am here on Captain Izanagi’s orders. Seimei Ukitake, Fourth Seated Officer of the Tenth Division. Departing for the World of the Living, conducting an operation in Naruki City.”​

He spoke with confidence and strength underneath his breath as the guardians wasted no time in letting him go—the light split the air before him as the familiar hum of the interdimensional corridor as if invited him there. Whatever was waiting for him in Naruki City, he didn’t intend on being late. It was his second time there just within a day, and how different those two visits were to be…
​

---

[LEAVING FOR NARUKI CITY]​

 

[Jushiro Izanagi]

Into the light they went as they exited the Seireitei to Naruki City and out of it they came as they returned home. Jushiro and Seimei alike both had a very interesting time in the world of the living. One for them to reflect on at a later time, sharing analytic thoughts between themselves. Stepping through the Senkaimon gate, the duo were promptly greeted by some attendants. A casual nod in acknowledgment came from the Captain. But before he made any further steps, the silver haired Captain paused. His gaze fixated in the direction of Central Seireitei. A shake of the head showed his disappointment towards the current situation. To think he left and dealt with a situation in Naruki City. And yet, the situation between Captain Senko and Captain Itaku remained the same.

Jushiro could sense Captain Taro’s Reiatsu and knew all too well that the man was using his Bankai. For things to have escalated this much, meant that it was worse than Jushiro initially thought. A sigh came from the masked one as he brought forth his Denreishiki. His digits went to work as he directed a message to the second division Captain.

“Stop flirting with Captain Itaku, it’s clear you’re no longer his type!”. ​

The message was simple and informal, much like the sender. However, the point of the message was to force an appropriate response from Captain Senko. The back and forth dance between the two was not to anyone’s benefit. He couldn’t allow the hollowfied Captain to run wild anymore. There were far more pressing issues at hand. And having unnecessary victims as a result of hesitation showed callousness on Captain Senko’s part. This incident is unlikely to be brushed under the rug. Kagi had all eyes on him now, but two Captains versus one should surely be enough.

“Oi Seimei, we’re gonna head to Central and see the Sotaicho. Not only that, but we will be within a stone’s throw of the action, should we be required to intervene. I really hope that’s not the case, I’d much rather spend time talking about what happened in Naruki City. Another thing too, we need to liaise with the thirteenth division and find out what they know. If there is nothing else, let us head out”. ​

And with that the man vanished as he made his way towards Central Seireitei.

[Leaving for Central Seireitei]​

 

[IshikawaInuzuri]

---

Seimei Ukitake (浮竹 清明)​

---

---

The light once more split the air—the Captain of the 10th Division, Jushiro Ukitake and Seimei himself returned from their sudden and surprising diplomatic encounter. It wasn’t just a simple diplomatic meeting, but a formal introduction between two civilizations. And the moment of revelation for one of them. He took a deep inhale as they reentered Seireitei, tasting the familiar air that felt all so different compared to the winds of the living world. Here in the Soul Society, the air certainly felt heavier but it felt like it belonged to his lungs and vitalized his bloodstream. Seimei was still searching for answers within his mind, and he felt that coming back home was perhaps going to clear his mind.

As soon as they returned, he couldn’t help but sense that the conflict between the Hollowfied Itaku Õhei, Kagi Senkō and now Taro Date was still ongoing and perhaps escalating. Taro’s involvement certainly helped, knowing the might that he possessed. He used his Reikaku to reach out to see and feel their duel, the dance of the leaves and the march of the waves. He saw that Taro had unleashed his Zanpakutō fully—the strength it emanated only meant that he had used Bankai. He surmised that even if the situation escalated, Captain Commander wouldn’t likely send more of Gotei’s leadership into the fire. It would be too risky. Seimei listened to his Captain’s orders carefully, and he had already prepared himself for meeting their common commander—the Sōtaichō Yūichirō Shihōin. He responded to his captain promptly, like a soldier should.

”Yes sir. I’ll follow your lead, Taichō.”

He uttered with certainty and posture underneath his voice. His mind still kept racing, pacing and thinking about the events that happened in Naruki. The evaporated Antonio. And his sister, his mighty sister that could predict every single move of the Shinigami—he remembered that she as if toyed with them. The flashes of those memories made him feel uncomfortable to the core, but he didn’t let them overwhelm him. He recalibrated his mind to the matter of Quincy once more as he began preparing his Reiryōku for use.
​

”Adonai. Lichtreich. Sternritter. Soul King Fragments… How the hell do they know about the fragments or how they relate to anything? Why does this Adonai label their wielders as Sinners? Nothing here adds up.”​

He thought to himself. With the Captain mentioning the 13th Division, he in fact hoped they had any unusual sightings from their area lately. If so, they could perhaps help with identifying some of the Quincy that already occupied the world of the living. However, in just a flash, Seimei used Shunpō to follow in the steps of his commanding leader—following him to Central Seireitei.


[TO CENTRAL SEIREITEI]​

 

[Game Master]

TEN DAYS LATER

​

 

[Adonai]

---

Despite the fallout after Itaku’s death Taro and the Date had remained fairly inactive and quiet, which created a growing concern for those who were wary of them. Rightfully so as members of the clan had been seen going to and from Central 46 over the last ten days all while Taro himself continued his duties as Captain of Eleventh Division. He stood before Central 46 once when they offered him thanks for defending them along with orders to put down the remaining two Vizards in the Soul Society.

This task wasn’t given to him just because he dealt with Itaku, no, it was given to him due to his ruthless efficiency. Just as he dealt with the Shiba all those years ago. He doesn’t cut corners and is very thorough in his execution of orders, especially orders pertaining to violence. The judges’ faith was not misplaced as he was granted access to the Muken to put down the Vizard trapped there. Thirty minutes was all it took for Taro and his vassals to enter the Muken and execute Kasuka.

Taro wasted no time attempting a fight or even opening dialogue with the abomination outside of lying to him about taking Kasuka to see Central 46. A great detective Kasuka may have been but even detectives can be duped even if only briefly. By the time he figured out what was going on his head was already rolling at his feet. Things such as honor and fair fights are beneath Taro, so long as the target is eliminated it doesn’t matter how he achieves it. This was seen during his fight with Itaku, feigning his own death just to reposition himself to use Hitotsume: Nadegiri (一ツ目・撫斬, The First: Killing Stroke; Viz "First Strike: Mow Down") against him.

The Date mentality of “For the sake of the Soul Society” is already taken to the extreme but Taro further perverts it by his willingness to use underhanded methods to achieve that goal. He does not lie and deceive because he is weak, he does it because the path of least resistance creates quicker results, even if it means sacrificing those around him to achieve that.

Another interesting thing transpired over the ten days, Hyoroshi Iwamura transferred to his Division. The very same beast who was threatened by him for swimming in Kurogane’s ink so casually put himself closer to the danger. The transfer was accepted and he was granted third seat, something of an honor in Eleventh Division as Taro had kept the third and fourth seats vacant since he took over the division. He found no other Shinigami worthy of those seats, not even Takamura or Sameko who sit at fifth and sixth seat respectively.

Hyoroshi is expected to be a warrior for the Soul Society above all else, he will not be coddled and treated like a pet here. He will not be given false promises and treated with such niceties. He will fight and die for Soul Society so long as he is under Taro’s direct command, he will grow strong or be executed for weakness. No more relaxation, no more peaceful meditations. From the moment he was accepted the reaper slung its scythe around his neck in anticipation of his failure…

Today the training yard for Eleventh Division is cleared out, which is odd for this division. A place of constant drills, strict regimens, with a Captain who would never allow his soldiers to slack on their training has allowed the training yard to be empty. The Shinigami who usually occupy this yard are lined around the outside of it, observing the two in the center of it, Sixth-seat Sameko Kosame and her Captain, Taro Date. Sporting a new scar on his left forearm from his confrontation with Itaku ten days ago he seems to be ready to put on some sort of demonstration for his Division, or at least for those willing to watch.
​

”Today’s stipulation will be a bit different, Sameko, which is why I’ve ensured the Division is here to witness it in case you succeed in the task I’m about to give you.”​

He places his hand on the hilt of his blade, slowly drawing it as he continues his explanation, getting to the point with vivid and grim detail.

Bizarre Request!!
​

”I want you to kill me.”​

This statement, this request, hit all in attendance like a sudden stop into a brick wall. Gasps and hush whispers erupt amongst the gathered Shinigami.
​

”Sameko, do you understand me? I want you to KILL me. Not wound, not render unconscious, not debilitate for weeks or even maim. I want you to kill me DEAD.”​

His blade is fully drawn, but his Shikai is not activated. Having mastered his Bankai it doesn’t take anything but a mere thought for his Zanpakuto to shift over to Shikai at a moment's notice. His arms hang at his sides, his guard seemingly wide open although there was a slight jerk and shift in the motion of his sword arm. A crisp breeze wafts over the yard slowly.
​

”Should you succeed you will become Captain of this Division. I need not tell you what will happen if you fail. Now, show me that you aren’t a worthless COG and come end my life.”​

What will Sameko do? Will she do the impossible and kill Taro Date and take his place? Or will she fail and face the well known consequences?

---

​

 

[Nohi]

---

​

Ten days had long since passed after the incident with the late Captain of the Fourth Division. The altercation between him and Captain Date had sent ripples through the sea of officers of the Gotei Thirteen. She’d hardly seen much of her captain as Central 46 handed down task after task, things that they could never entrust the likes of to anyone other than that of Taro. In those times, Sameko had reflected on her purpose, the boundless gap that had made itself more than apparent between her and Captain Date.

She’d locked herself away in her room, having constant bouts in the world of her Zanpakuto using Jinzen day and night to fight against her zanpakuto and fighting with everything that she had in order to come out victorious. The tenacity and ferociousness she exuded left new scars carved into her flesh, over and over again. Blood seeped through her shihakusho, and the times in which her spirit would call for her to rest and heal, she would, taking that time to mend her wounds halfheartedly just to restart the process over again.

Today had been different though when the rattle of her barrack doors opened and brought the girl back to reality. Fresh off of a rampage, the unsheathed blade whipped around but came to a screeching halt at the sight of Captain Date. Of course, he’d been the exception to any disturbances to her training. Offering the bow of her head, Taro dismissed the offense with a wave of his hand, and with his signature sickly sweet grin, he had told her to follow him for further training when decent. Looking down upon herself, she had yet put herself through another series of rigorous training as her garments, once clean and kept, were now frayed and blooded.

She cleaned at her wounds, wrapped them, tossed the rags in a corner and made herself neat before falling in line behind her captain, zanpakuto fastened behind her and eyes forward, occasionally taking glances at the passing members who were occupied with their own training or headed in the direction that they were. The two of them take their places at center stage, and already Sameko is preparing herself, drawing her blade without a word. There were many eyes today, roving over their captain and their sixth seat and the eventual traded blows to come with it.

Even as Taro spoke, her gaze never faltered, eyes steady on where his hands fell. The captain spoke of a different stipulation to today’s training and her ears perked up. This was a new development, and it made the hair on her arms stand up.

“I want you to kill me.”​

It was said in such a simple tone, a request, more than a demand or order, but Sameko’s grip only tightened around the hilt of her blade, silver tip pointed at the center of her Captain’s throat.

He questions whether or not she understands the words that spill from his mouth. While the others of the division gawk at the order, Sameko’s gaze never faltered, pupils dilating to zero in where she needed to go first. Her muscles were screaming from just how tense her body was, and many mistook that for trembling, some painting her as the sniveling child unable to go through with what was ordered of her.

Taro was by far stronger, faster, tougher, more experienced, and more ruthless than the young shinigami, but that would mean nothing should Sameko put him in the grave.

Her becoming Captain held no semblance to her. She was not fit to lead, nor had she any intention to. The only purpose that kept Sameko functioning was to serve Taro Date until her last breath, even if it meant taking his.

Her non-dominant hand traces a path across the length of the silver sheen as he goads her on, and from the spout of her golden tsuba water begins to leak from her wakizashi, the liquid pooling and flowing through the cracks and grooves of the training ground floor. Superfluous swings spread the viscous liquid farther and farther once Sameko has released her shikai. She was no fool. Rather than hold onto some stuttering pride that some shinigami have in holding back their power, Sameko would use everything and anything to her advantage in order to fulfill this ‘last’ order.

Like a coiled spring, she takes off, the ground cracking beneath her feet in a burst of potent energy and her sword brandished. Her torso twisted with her blade pointed behind her only to whip forth with enough velocity to send a sharp wind cutting through the grounds as she aimed to cleanse the burden of his head from his heavy shoulders with an upward strike, her weapon poised to cut cleanly through the start of his collarbone and through, up to his jaw from his right side.

Many in her place would hesitate-- that was a luxury she was never afforded, nor cared to own. The “heroic” code of saving thy neighbor did not resonate in Sameko’s soul; instead, Taro had made sure that it was ingrained that she would cut down everyone who did not prove functional for the Soul Society. The guilt of biting the hand that fed her would not eat away at her conscience. Should she fail to do as ordered, that would bring far more negative backlash than doing as she was told.

 

[Adonai]

---

Blade Before Blood

Taro grits his teeth, a maddening grin spreading across his face as Sameko doesn’t hesitate, she doesn’t stumble nor falter. This is exactly what he wants from her, to be a killer without hesitation or remorse regardless of who stands before her.
​

”YES!! THAT’S THE WAY!! COME TAKE MY LIFE! SAMEKO!!!!”​

That uncanny excitement, the light in his eyes, for these things to radiate from Taro is nothing but disturbing to witness. He is not a man to show this level of heightened emotion and for someone to be this excited to have another make an attempt on his life adds to this strangeness.

Sameko’s blade would be parried by an ongoing series of strikes her eyes may not have been able to see, the jerking of his arm and the breeze suddenly taking over the yard were a sign of what was to come. Hōzan Kenbu (崩山剣舞, Fallen-Mount Sword Dance; Viz "Crumbling Mountain Sword Dance") was the technique Taro had prepped and was actively using. The parry of her blade was heavy, a vibration that could potentially run down to her hands and render them numb, maybe even a slight pain seeping down to the bone. As he parried he made sure to lean out of the way to avoid any water from her Zanpaktuo splashing on him. That wide eye crazed look still etched on his face as he ceases the technique, crouching low to the ground with his left hand touching the tile at his feet and speaking.
​

”HADO #58. TENRAN!!”​

The torrential force begins low at the ground as he sweeps his hand along it and extends his hand towards the sky in front of the girl. The swirling winds blow upwards, seeking to launch small Sameko high into the sky. The tiles rattle and shake as anything not latched to the ground is sent skyward. At the epicenter of the gale of wind Taro clenches his hand, making a claw as he speaks a follow-up spell.
​

”BAKUDO #21. SEKIENTON!!”​

The smoke bursts forth from his hands, and is quickly wrapped up within the gale he is still conjuring. If the rushing winds didn’t disrupt her breathing the presence of this red smoke surely will. His blade flips in his hand as he takes on a reverse grip with said blade, watching Sameko closely, waiting for what she will do next. He is not underestimating her, there is no room for underestimation against another killer. He has not raised this girl to be coddled or to know what a pulled punch is. It is kill or be killed, be of use or die, there has never been any in between, no room for compromise.
​

”KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU SAMEKO!! DON’T DIE SO SOON!!!”​

---

​

 

[Nohi]

---

​

Veridian orbs hardly break their gaze from the overwhelming figure before her. The ferocity that bleeds from his flesh is palpable and stifling as excitement overtakes the ravenous captain. The widened, toothy grin of his only stir the ocean storm that resided within Sameko.

He parried her blade, and despite not being able to fully register that fluid and ghost-like movement, the resounding vibrations she felt in tandem along with the graceful avoidance of her zanpakuto's viscous touch were more than enough to scream that this was far from over. Her grip could only tighten around the hilt of her weapon to keep herself steady as she could when he casted Tenran. Her brows furrowed, and teeth grit as she pushed back against the momentum of his parried blow to guide herself to safety. Not even a breath had passed before he casted a red smoke screen, lying in wait with his fangs bared, ready to attack at any inkling of attack.

With

the ground far beneath her, Sameko's stares at the vivid-red tornado as Sekienton bleeds from its caster's palms. The rapid and superfluous winds bite at her exposed flesh and ripples away at her shihakusho, hearing the roar of her captain as he continues to express his wanton ferality for this captured beast he raised to be released from its cage. Sameko's eyes widen, her pupils dilating as she brings the blade close to her face, guiding the silver away from her person, but the hilt to rest against the top of her torso, hands poised in a position to cleave the blade across the air in two. Her sharpened teeth come to view, showing off the gleaming white points as she mirrors the vicious glee that reflects her benefactor.

Though she is lacking in terms of years, Sameko's constant tenacity to train has bettered her through and through to excel over those far above her in age in performance. The honorable Sixth Seat responds in gusto, using Senmaioroshi (千枚卸, Thousandfold Grating) to cut through the swirling winds and create even more reach towards her goal with each swing of her blade. Taro's reddened storm has created this never ending torrential downpour as Sameko's movement creates a heavy and seemingly endless rain that begins to cover the likeness of the training grounds.

The bits and pieces of unshackled roofing serve as footholds as the young shinigami races from tile to tile to close the distance between cutting away at the smoke screened tornado and descend upon Taro like a comet. Onlookers watch as their captain stalked forth and goaded for his lone trainee to cut him down. Many would have qualms, but who in their right mind would take a step into a raging ocean? Puddles steeped the grounds, showing multiple facets of Sameko's reflection as she zeroes in on her target. The flurry of swings seem to grow more restless, but nonetheless precise and straightforward with one goal in mind: Taro.