Southwest Seireitei

[LucianRedgrave]

Despite Kazuki’s and Kisho’s display of their reiatsu it was almost as if Oyuki was entirely unmoved by the display. The biting chill of winter, the presence of wolves, and the volcanic temperament of a beast lying in slumber seemingly all on display at once. Yet Oyuki’s facial expression hadn’t budged even a little. The cold emotionless expression ever present as he looked between the collective members of 10th division as well as his own compatriot that stood beside him it seemed as though Oyuki was unmoving in his intentions of the aforementioned encounter being inevitable. Low and behold just as he foresaw a clearer picture was painted by none other than that of his own captain. His goofy fur covered partner in crime much like himself met with the soft touch of his captain’s own reiatsu just the same as everyone else present. However where they were being forced into a sense of false comfort Oyuki’s sense of tension was never raised as he was merely here on the jest of his own captain’s mod soul. The welcomed touch of her reiatsu however was the least of his worries as she commanded Hyoroshi and himself to merely stand down. A welcomed command but he could only think to himself that the captain knew all too well that he wasn’t even close to drawing his blade let alone jumping into an all out brawl. When she commanded Oyuki merely gave a nod and continued his path beyond the members of tenth division to the door they so eagerly guarded like puppies on a leash.

“Lieutenant Oyuki! Please stand aside and wait for more instructions! The same goes for you, Iwamura!”

Even with Kazuki’s reiatsu coming to a crescendo and inevitably a subtle end upon Shizukana’s arrival he would find that ever present chill that followed Oyuki still present. Despite their being not a single drop of snow beneath his feet or even a sparkle of an ice crystal coating the ground the aura he permeated caused the ground to spider with a touch of winter. The soft earth beneath his feet becoming as rigid as a corpse even amidst the after of Kisho’s own reiatsu. An opposing force that would likely be thought to be an outright detriment to the lieutenants very essence and yet the chill of winter he brought with him was unyielding even in its dormant infant state within its sheath. The raucous within 10th division was uncalled for as far as Oyuki was concerned. He knew the sense of duty that came with being a lieutenant but he could only hope that Kazuki could put two and two together. Given the exception of Kisho merely arriving on a whim, surely he knew that even if Kisho were here with malicious intention his captain would’ve been capable of handling themselves let alone two captains handling a threat all at once. He merely shook his head as he now stood with his back to the door leading to shizukana’s previous location, his cold demeanor still present.

Oyuki couldn’t help but think about just how soft hearted his captain was. He really was her blade, a tool she used when she felt violence was beneath her. It wasn’t often she ever extended the need for such a thing to Oyuki but when those times came she knew with certainty he would not hesitate which meant a situation like this was no different. She knew very well he had no intentions of violating the laws of the seireitei by unleashing his bankai within its walls when not faced with a threat. His expression darkened as he laid in wait for his captain to accompany himself, Hyoroshi, and Kisho to their meeting place.

Despite his captain’s reiatsu playing on his overall feeling his mind couldn’t help but wander into that place. Where Kazuki and the rest of his division members were so quick to present the option of their blades, Oyuki was unmoving. He didn’t deem them a threat, he couldn’t even fathom the idea of lieutenant Kazuki or even those around him being worth the very ground they stood on in combat. His heart fluttered at the thought. They didn’t truly understand the bloody baptism that was combat in its entirety and it was likely they never would. In the eyes of Oyuki it was a concert of feelings, emotions, faith and most importantly to his own pleasure, strength. A holy matrimony of just what an individual had to offer to those around them. These people hadn’t built a tropaeum of their former comrades or even truly their former selves. The weak shell of their personality they thought was protecting them from their insecurities, their unsettled grudges, their weak hearts filled with the folly of emotion. Had anyone stopped to gaze upon Oyuki in those moments of what could only be described as tranquil thoughts his face would appear just as cold as before. His expression darkened only by the fall of his eyelids appearing as if he were mimicking his captain’s own sleepy nature. A half measure between the sleeping beast within and the soft hearted camaraderie that his captain often carried with her.

[Location: 10TH DIVISION]
​

 

[Adonai]

Kuwashii was not enjoying this tension one bit, it was agonizing to watch purely because the chances of a brawl erupting were becoming more obvious and possible by the passing second. She keeps thinking about what her late teacher would do in this situation. He could merely show up and casually ask what is going on and the situation would be diffused, she doesn’t have that presence nor near that level of respect to pull off such a stunt and if she got any closer the Reiatsu between all of them would surely knock her out. What would Otokogi do next then, if his words failed what would he do? She draws her blade ever so slightly, her nerve on fire with anxiety.

”A-All is gone…”

She mumbles to herself so that no one could hear her, for once in her life she doesn’t want any attention on herself. She blinks once still vigilant of the crowd before her, the clashing of ego, duty, self importance, and Reiatsu, it all frustrated her, it was all ugly to her. She was not in the Soul Society during the Civil War so she was not tainted by the ugliness of it, she is not so ready to cross blades with fellow Shinigami as the others are.

”...All have fled…”

The next set of words are spoken with an air of confidence, still spoken softly and quietly but more confidently as she feels the Reiatsu of her Zanpakuto surging through and around her. She takes solace in its power, in its flame. She knows what she is about to do is risky, stupid and could cause her to end up injured or dead but she feels like she has to put an end to the ugliness happening before her. She withdraws her blade a bit more, white flames dance along the blade, the blade guard, and handle threatening to consume it all with her hand.

”Show them the peerless flame…”

Before she could speak the next word and draw her blade, a calming and relaxing Reiatsu washes over her, taking away her anxiety and even the confidence she had built up to this point. Her flames die down until they vanish entirely and she sheathes her blade, the flames of her Zanpakuto fading as well. She adjusts her posture, no longer on edge or ready to strike as her eyes glance over to the source of this Reiatsu, Captain Kurayami. She smiled ear to ear as her Reiatsu gave her comfort and relief from all the combative energies flying around and more than that she was happy a Captain showed up. In the eyes of Kuwashii, Captain's are the be all, end all of Shinigami, if one shows up whoever is acting up is sure to be in trouble. As far as she could tell everyone was acting up and in trouble, save for herself and Jinnosuke who were just spectators to all of this. She waits to see how the situation will unfold now that a Captain is here, Kuwashii will not be turning her attention away from this situation so long as it is developing.

 

[Hyoroshi Iwamura]

---

If Oyuki was on a coin, Hyoroshi would be on the other side. The corpse of his hesitant positivity had long been abandoned, decapitated by Kishō's unceremonious interruption; yet as he watched the bloodthirsty wolves and the erupting volcano, and as Oyuki remained as much of an ice cube as ever, a somber, pitying frown had sunken Iwamura's face. In his eyes this show of force, though impressive and even a tad intimidating in its density and ferocity, never needed to enter the equation--though like Oyuki, Hyoroshi had expected its arrival all the same. He had heard the stories particularly of the Date clan and knew what they were capable of, their relentlessness and totalitarian elitism knowing few boundaries. How the clan could remain a sanctioned Noble House was one of the many mysteries of the Seireitei Iwamura continued to wrestle with, even now. Bile briefly burned in his chest at the thought; his outward sobriety yet held.

Just as it seemed Kazuki and Kishō were about to cross the proverbial line, a warm, wafting gust of an all-too-familiar spiritual energy washed upon Hyoroshi and flowed into his nervous system. To him it seemed almost dainty in its request for his attention, but as Shizukana exited the barracks to greet the group, she gained the sense that her wordless persuasion of Iwamura was completely unnecessary. He had arrived not to argue, let alone quarrel; his unbridled, bestial passions had long been tempered by this very woman. No container could quantify the desire to resolve the debt of what she had revealed to him--the sheer potentiality of life.

In the blink of an eye Iwamura was kneeling before his Captain, having flitted to her with Shunpo.

"Captain Kurayami."

Where Oyuki was her Sword, Hyoroshi was her Shield, the most immediate line of defense for the protection of her grace, as well as a symbol of the peace that can be achieved through strength. Wherever Kurayami was needed, whatever task or issue needed resolved, he was either by her side or acting as her emulation, her protege.

Hyoroshi rose to his feet and turned with Oyuki to the rest of the gathering with a dry, professional gaze. Perhaps, Iwamura reflected, a difference in perspective and experience had influenced their outbursts. As uncouthly as some were handling themselves, they were still men and women of the Seireitei, individuals who hadn't been sobered by the necessary slaughter of colleagues and friends, of being forced to wear the beastly mantle. No, Iwamura could not find it in his heart to condemn their naivete and presumptions, though as he turned and followed his superiors with Kishō into the barracks, he wondered how best such naivete could even be grown out of.
​

---

 

[Nobody]

The Tenth Division currently existed as a fragile vase, cracking under the pressure of everything poured into it. Aware of the rising tensions of spiritual pressure, Captain Izanagi does his best to spare the vase that is his Division from being destroyed under the weight of all it was forced to bear; drawing into him both the cold and the heat brought about by Lieutenant Oyuki, and Kishō of squad Nine. It is an act while impressive, goes unnoticed or, perhaps unconcerned by the two. In an act of wisdom, he sends forth Captain Kurayami, unaware that he has successfully sent the very source of all these individuals being gathered to them in order to mediate...but was it a decision made too late?​

---

" Woah, you guys might not be the best for the environment around here. Messing with the temperature like that might kill the plants."​

He joins his fellow members of the Tenth in taking hold of his blade, his own reiatsu now flaring up. Where he had been otherwise ignored by the Date, now he too has drawn his attention.
​

" Now, all of you are acting like a bunch of jackasses, except that cold dude who just showed up and that big-ass wolf man. Other than Lit-"​

His words are drowned out, or..rather ignored, his Lieutenant exerting his own reiatsu now in his anger. Kazuki's disdain towards Kishō is perhaps an subconscious hate of the truth; and that is the similarities between them. Both come from Noble Clans in one manner or another, and while he hides it under a veil of civility, both are beings of extreme pride. Currently, Kishō's anger is born from the constant annoyance of this Lieutenant before him, while Kazuki's anger at its core is born from the lack of respect he feels he is deserved, a smack against his pride. With his family wiped out, Kazuki had trudged through the mud, strove to be elevated from not only the position of a seated officer, but a Vice-Captain no less. Yet before him was a man who seemed to dismiss him, caring nothing for the rank he so prided himself in.


Kazuki takes this as a heavy slight, and in his anger ignorance is born. Many know the Date to disregard nearly everyone regardless of rank yet no one has ever heard of anything negatively befalling the clan despite this, something the enraged Kazuki does not question or ponder about. From a clan of renowned trackers, with renowned Reikaku himself his anger, his wrath has blinded him to the situation that continues to quickly devolve because of him. While he directs his reiatsu against Oyuki and Kishō, Kishō's reiatsu had not been focused on anyone, simply expelled from his anger, very much like a volcano he erupted.

As Kazuki's reiatsu smashes itself against his own, Kishō's hand finds itself gripping Mōshoishi's handle for the first time since he has stepped onto the Division grounds.
​

"You all have a lot of nerve, coming in here and making demands. Barking orders to us like we are a bunch of mongrels, Date. I apologize for speaking in such a crude manner before... not my usual way of speaking. I was just speaking in a tongue more familiar to you."​

As he speaks, his words become drowned out, muffled as if spoken underwater. Mōshoishi begins sliding from its master's sash. In the midst of his anger he would perhaps been unaware that Kishō was neither cowering, trembling or even being suffocated by fear.
​

"YET... you do not threaten my subordinates. I suggest you dismiss the thought of head-hunting for your own well-being. With a invasion on it's way, the seireitei won't bode well from one less head. Now step down or I will count this as insubordination to a superior."​

Kazuki whule a Shinigami, despite possessing a Zanpakuto, only ever seems to be armed with words, words that the Date cannot be bothered to even care for. He speaks of insubordination as if his rank truly mattered to those beyond his Division. While being a Vice Captain was an achievement to him, it was a position that only came at the whim of the Captain he served. Captains could pick the lowest and weakest soul to become their Lieutenant if they so desired, and it was Captains who spear headed the divide within the Seireitei years past. Yes, rank meant nothing to the Date, least of all Kazuki's rank.

He continues to speak muted words, and as he stands defiant in the face of the Date's anger and hubris. Even in his anger and his ignorance he is able to perceive the sheathed Zanpakuto that had been gripped, then retrieved from its resting spot before finally being pointed towards him, before the arm gripping the blade begins to retract, as if drawing back a bowstring. Every action performed almost at a drawl. Rooted in both stance and conviction, the prideful Lieutenant is perhaps able to feel a ring of warmth wafting against his right arm as he stares down the volcano that is Kishō who, from his perception is preparing to now make good on his promise, yet why he would do so with his blade sheathed may very well be a question the Lieutenant finds unimportant or may not bother thinking on at all.

As things seemed to be on the cusp of exploding, the reiatsu of someone else seems to seep through the cracks of the various combined spiritual pressures. 'She's here.' Kishō thinks to himself. As Captain Kurayami approaches, the heat along with the pressure from Kishō's reiatsu begins to recede. A fool would believe this to be due to the Captain's own peculiar reiatsu, yet she at the very least would know better. She had not overpowered the man, nor had she affected his mental faculties, the active volcano had become dormant by his own volition. The hand still gripping Mōshoishi lowers as he turns away from the fool of a Lieutenant.

He allows the Captain to address her subordinates. Like her Lieutenant Oyuki, Kishō's own expression had not actually shifted despite his feelings of annoyance and aggravation. He watches silently as the members of the Fifth Division interact, glancing away towards the distant glowing ring emblazoned on the Tenth's wall behind Kazuki and his gathering of rabble. before the Captain finally addresses him, slightly bowing her head in the process.
​

“Kisho! It’s good you’re here! I could really use your advice right about now. Would you care to join in on Captain Izanagi and my meeting? If you’re in a rush, we can cover what’s on your mind first and proceed without you but I would owe you one if you’d share some of your wisdom with me! After you. Then, if you truly want, you can always resume all this kneeling stuff to your heart's content!”​

"My business here is with you to begin with. We would have words, you and I."
There is no sense of reverence towards the woman for her rank or position, and while she spoke with a tone of familiarity with him it was difficult to tell if he was merely reciprocating the gesture, or if the man was merely being disrespectful towards a Captain. Only those who knew him or had seen how he interacted towards other Captains could truly know...chances are it was the latter rather than the former. ​

“Lieutenant Kazuki, I ask that you please let my guest and my subordinates return with me to our very important meeting. Thank you for yo-"​

"You can placate that rabid cur another time. You and I have more pressing things to discuss for the moment."
He cuts the Captain off in her pursuit to mediate and calm down the heated Lieutenant, dictating that his business takes precedence over such matters. To Kazuki and perhaps some others watching or overhearing, they would perceive this merely being the arrogance of the Date yet again, believing they were more important than anyone and anything. While this stood true, the Captain also knew that Kishō was not one to mince words or waste time. It had been centuries since his time in Fifth Division, and since his departure he has not sought her out, yet he is doing so now, today and after she had woken from her coma to boot.

For those like the green haired oaf, they would seek her out after her coma to check on her wellbeing, to see someone so kind and tender, to see a friend after so long. such sentimentality was lost on Kishō. No, whatever he was here for, it was for business, something to do with his current post and duties no doubt. He begins to slowly walk past her, expecting her to follow suit so they could speak and he could be on his way. As he walked, each casual step seemed to be accompanied with the sound of distant sizzling.

Just what was his business with Captain Kurayami?

 

[Itami]

Jinnosuke would balance the weight of his Zanpakuto in the palm of his hand, he was gritting his teeth, grinding them down as he waited for Kisho or Kazuki to finally lay it out bare and show the Soul society their pride as shinigami, he was sunken into the pits of his eyes when he found out it was more talking.

This made him grip his Zanpakuto tighter, the muscles could almost be heard by those keen of hearing, the tension in the tension starting to fade was palpable for Jinnosuke, he could taste their pride failing and faltering to do 'their jobs'. This notion made Jinno suck his teeth, a smacking sound lobbing from his tongue-in-cheek motion.

He would look down at little blue, it seemed she was hyper-focused in her mind, Jinnosuke liked what he saw in her. He was a little disheartened that she wasn't hyped for the chaos of battle like he was, the mere thought of people showing their skills, showing their training, the whole reason they exist laid bare and on the floor for all to see, it was beautiful, the pride of shinigami.

This nonsense was unnecessary, but it was fun.

" You kinds of Shinigami make me SICK!" Jinnosuke would scream out before their talking hit a crescendo and their reiatsu was invaded by the very soul of their desire.

Jinnosuke's head turned before anyone else, this was the very same signature that helped him out of the Rukongai and into the Shinigami academy. It was no badass tale of mysterious lives vanishing, or the prodigy son returning from the darkness, or some beast murderer from the outskirts. Jinnosuke's childhood is one of fear and helplessness.

Feeling that very same reiatsu in over 50 years stirred Jinnosuke's memories. Why was his life plagued with so much fear and trauma? His mind raced back to the dirt and rock roads of the shack-like houses and huts of District 77, Sōshō (創傷 – "Wound").

----Fear is Fleeting

Or as they say, Jinnosuke a small boy of 10 years once again in his memories. The last few years sneaking around and hiding from 'bandits' as he knew them back then, was becoming increasingly more difficult to avoid, it's like they could pinpoint him with otherworld means. Ironic that even spiritual abilities can seem so foreign if you are out in the rukongai far enough.

Most people from the rukongai have a sort of devotion to each other, like making it out of a poverty-stricken waste only to spend the rest of their lives trying to help people who could care less if they ever saw the light of the shinigami or not.

The district was so far gone that no allied forces, no developmental help, nothing came. It was plagued by disease and crime so often that most overlooked the wound in soul society at all costs.

Most, except the Date. A clan that takes their work in the SEireitei so highly that they will do anything to nip the weakness from their cloth. This is what was happening to the wound. unknown to all apart from the Date and Jinnosuke. They were the reason for most of the fear and unease that far out in the rukongai.

To be fair; it's not like anyone truly cared about souls on the edge of the world. Who would blame them for ending the taint at the end of a limb before it reached the heart? This is why Jinnosuke never cared or made a big deal about the secret tests on the Rukongai people, or the murder of many of those who could or should have been brought up alongside Jinnosuke.

The Date aren't all to blame. The same things said about them, can be said about the 5th division for the Kido tests in the past, the willingness to disregard life to benefit the whole of the society was a common undergoing that didn't look like it planned on stopping ever. What would prompt Shizukana to be in the wound in the first place you might ponder...

Speaking of the willingness to forsake useless life to save meaningful life, The 4th Division was no better. Most understood that the cost of learning how to keep shinigami alive longer, heal them better, and save them faster, really only cost one resource, and that was death.

Death must be paid for most services a shinigami can offer.

The flashback of Jinnosuke running in the streets from the bandits, disease, famine, and poverty, blurred around him when thinking of Shizukana. He had respect for that woman in the sense that she saved his life. There was no grand friendship, he felt like in small part he owed her a brief hello for all she had done for him.

For Shizukana Kurayami had discovered the Devil of the Rukongai. a sleeping beast with immense spiritual pressure that was waiting to explode and become a problem for the gotei 13. If it wasn't for her Jinnosuke would likely be killed by the date... of course that could never be proven. If they had the foresight Shizukana did, then his future might of been like the LT of 1th, a slave of the Date with no free will, and that just wasn't Jinnosuke's style.

In his head, he was the only one that mattered.---

Some more words might have been exchanged, but Jinnosuke would unironically and unintentionally cut Kisho off after he had cut Shizukana off; " Shiiiiiizuuuukanaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!! " Jinnosuke's voice, stronger than reiatsu, heavier than steel would slice between the tension and the pride, the humor, it cut through it all, another irony.

" Good thing you're still here, look at all these people in desperate need of your help! Get to it, Lady! Woohoo! " In some way Kisho and Jinno were two sides of the same personality flaw. Rank meant nothing to Jinnosuke, you were either strong or you weren't. From this brief, and over-exasperated exchange Jinnosuke knew who of this gathering was in fact truly strong.

Kazuki was in for a rude awakening, Kisho and Jinnosuke would irritate him to the ends of the earth if Kisho didn't have his head first. The only difference between the two was their delivery.

Just as surely, someone had something to scorn or scold Jinnosuke for his phone started going off.

A text message has been received!~

Jinnosuke would take out his phone and activate the screen, unlocking it and then walking away from the group ignoring them completely. He looked at his Denreishinki XI and his jaw nearly hit the floor.

Without warning, Jinnosuke would vanish. His reaitsu staggeringly dropped and vanished as he got further and further away from the 10th Division meeting of cocks and towards the nearest senkaimon.

" Omoni's gonna fuckin' kill me for not being in the living world when I said I would! " A school friend of Jinnosuke, Omoni was one of the only people he truly knew was strong like him. These two would stay up studying and helping each other with Kido for test exams, Spending their extracurricular activities beating the shit out of each other.

She had a mean temper and a short fuse, Jinnosuke did like to watch her blow up, just usually not on him. Leaving the tenth division with a cloud of dust, Jinnosuke would hurridly get to the Senkaimon and exchange the proper resources to get travel permitted.

>>>>>Posting Order: Kazuki, Oyuki’s, Kuwashii, Iwamura, Kishō, Jinnosuke<<<<<

​

 

[Inkmasterru]

​

---

Kazuki was not buried in his wrath, his conscious still processing the information of the events transpiring before and around him. His reikaku dissecting everyone and everything as reiatsu ebbed forth and clashed in the barracks of the tenth division. The captains in their balcony room overlooking the courtyard, Jinno and Kuwashii behind him, and Oyuki with Iwamura standing behind Kisho. Yet he already dismissed everyone as threats, except for the Date before him. The Date, in only meeting two of their members, has his distain for them only grown. Arrogant, prideful, egotistical, cruel beings that expect all to submit to their authority. Not out of respect or loyalty, but fear and subjugation through force. Marking them bullies with titles, nothing more, not worthy of respect in Kazuki's eyes.

Pride, prestige, status, respect was not what summoned forth Kazuki's wrath, his anger only raging forth at the threat so carelessly thrown to the wind. The promise of taking the heads of not just him, but his subordinate. To Kisho and his kin it was perhaps as simple as breathing, yet to him a threat is not one easily made nor one to be taken lightly. Whether it be as a shinigami, seated officer or lieutenant, his inner truth prevails, honor and blood stands above all. Blood does not discriminate, for we all bleed the same. Despite the positive front the Date held, Kazuki learned to never trust only gossip, believing in judgement with his own eyes and so far he saw little to no merit in their actions.

Is this what it means to be a shinigami? To be as arrogant as a Date or as cold as Oyuki or as careless as Jinnosuke? Who cares about honor, ranks, order, loyalty and respect as long as one is entertained. As long as the task or mission is complete, the end justify the means. The very thought sickened Kazuki to his core. Shinigami shouldn't be basic brutes and murderers, but guardians and balancers. Ranks is to be respected, rules are to be maintained, and order must be upheld. No matter if it be captain or a meager shinigami. All matter, all have their place.

All he asked was for the Date to identify himself. To not disturb the captains and he couldn't even follow a simple command. Then lieutenant Oyuki came along and foolishly interjected without properly assessing the situation. Kazuki would have let him through if it wasn't for his witless inference. Contributing to the chaotic clash of ego and duty. Yes... what was mistaken for pride was his commitment to his role, his station and nothing more. To a urchin of the Rukongai... no to one saved by Kitoku Shin’ichi, his path is one paved by eternal debt and regret, not pride.

" You kinds of Shinigami make me SICK!"​

Jinnosuke's words drowned out just as Kisho gripped Mōshoishi, the sheathed zanpakuto pulled forth from his sash, pommel pointed at Kazuki. Kazuki simultaneously gripped Kyoki Chizuki, tsuba resting on his lips, handle pressed against his forehead, as if conversing with her. The threat of jaws clamping on the back of Kisho's neck will be felt just as Kazuki felt the heat focus on his right shoulder. Which is faster? Kisho's thrust aimed at the shoulder or Kazuki's nonlethal battojutsu aimed for the back of the neck. Yet before it could be put to the test, Captain Shizukana's reiatsu will wash over all. Almost simultaneously, both Kisho and Kazuki will disengage, their reiatsu receding of their own violation. Kisho's hand lowering, while Kazuki rested his zanpakuto upon his shoulder, no longer baring his path. A deep irritated sigh leaving his lips, but other than that, Kazuki's disposition remaining still quite neutral despite the wrath that still simmered within him.​

---

---

Once Kisho's back was turned to Kazuki, he turned his attention to poor Kuwashii who was present for this unfortunate mess. His reikaku now returning to a subconsious state as he continued to gather immense data from all the reiatsu that was recently unleashed, currently drinking it's fill of Captain Kurayami's presence. His attention wavered to Oyuki who passed him by, sensing the disapproval and dismissal in his gaze at Kazuki actions, before transforming into a book that opened before Kazuki. And Kazuki allowed Oyuki to see the same: his eyes full of devotion, loyalty, regret, loss and diligence in the face of unprecedented odds. He didn't dare to assume what Oyuki has gone through nor to denounce all that he survived. Yet in his gaze he beseeched Oyuki to do the same, for he didn't know either what bloody baptism Kazuki went through. That unlike him, Kazuki remembered every single one that died in his vicinity. His curse that both his reikaku and his zanpakuto forbid him ever to forget the reiatsu of slain comrades for as long as he lived. Their presence forever to haunt him for his sin of being the survivor.

Only when Iwamura and Oyuki stood guard, did his eyes follow Captain Kurayami as she approached Kisho.
​

“Kisho! It’s good you’re here! I could really use your advice right about now. Would you care to join in on Captain Izanagi and my meeting? If you’re in a rush, we can cover what’s on your mind first and proceed without you but I would owe you one if you’d share some of your wisdom with me! After you. Then, if you truly want, you can always resume all this kneeling stuff to your heart's content!”

"My business here is with you to begin with. We would have words, you and I." ​

... ... ... this was the captain of the fifth division? To Kazuki's sharp eye, she wasn't weak nor spineless, far from it. She was just kind, maybe too kind to be a shinigami, too agreeable at least from first impression. A ray of sunshine in a barren field of grimaces and discontent. Better suited to be a captain of the fourth if anything... though it certainly explained her lieutenant, the yang to her yin. Yet it was perplexing and simuteanously intriguing how she appealed to Kisho's better nature, as if one existed, but interesting nonetheless. Then the unexpected happened, the captain embraced him in a hug, catching the lieutenant off guard. His body stiffening, not knowing how to respond, slightly bewidered as he gingerly removed her arms off of him. Stepping back as she passed down her order to him.
​

“Lieutenant Kazuki, I ask that you please let my guest and my subordinates return with me to our very important meeting. Thank you for yo-"

"You can placate that rabid cur another time. You and I have more pressing things to...."


" Shiiiiiizuuuukanaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!! "

" Good thing you're still here, look at all these people in desperate need of your help! Get to it, Lady! Woohoo! "​

Of all the impudent... siiiigh, it was now in the captain hands. As Kazuki was dismissed from his previous order, what fate befell the arrogant Kisho was now no longer his concern. He wanted the captain's attention and now he had it, for better or for worse. As for Jinnosuke, the new member of the 10th, he will get a scolding later. Kazuki easily sensing his disappearance and reiatsu moving towards the senkaimon. Most likely heading to Naruki city, for a patrol he was supposed to be assigned to with... someone named Omoni. Kazuki momentary forgot about it in the chaos, but remembered as most patrols and stations in Naruki he handles with a occational suggestion from his captain. He will have to be reprimanded for that as well at a later time. And sadly for Jinno, there is no where he run where he can hide from his lieutenant. For once a Sazanami memorizes someones scent, you are forever in their sight.

As he thought of punishments for Jinno, Kazuki ignored the insult thrown his way, after all why would he reward the Date with a response. He been called cog, gear, rukongai skum, mongrel and so being called cur was nothing new. Showing that the whole ordeal was never about wounded pride. Giving a bow to Captain Kurayami, he would then walk over to Kuwashii as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I apologize for the delay, miss Kuwashii. I hope you are alright and the whole ordeal didn't shake you too much."

Slowly his reiatsu ebbed out, but instead of fear, she once more felt a boost to her spirit. Now with the clashing of wills gone, it was more prominent in effect as she looked upon her lieutenant's sudden shift. Going from stalwart shinigami of a higher station to a big brother worrying about a younger sibling. Already moving on from the situation as if nothing happened. Together he would guide her to courtyard as his zanpakuto returned to his sash.

"If you are still up for it, we can resume your evaluation. As a reward for being so patient, you get to choose the first attribute to test."

Before was the question asked if Kisho, Oyuki and Jinnosuke were the example of what it meant to be shinigami. The answer was no in Kazuki's mind. No, true examples, true standards of shinigami were like the others before him. To be a ambitious as Kuwashii, as kind as Shizukana, as loyal as Hyoroshi and as welcoming as Izanagi.

For shinigami were more than just mere blades, more than mere butchers or rather... they should be.​

 

[LucianRedgrave]

Oyuki almost wanted to chuckle at the display before him. His cool, calm, and collected demeanor is a staple of his very being and yet the hot tempered nature of Kisho was somewhat amusing. He could only hope all Date had the merit to back up such an aggressive high and mighty nature. He was sure Kisho was no different than Taro in that regard but as far as he was concerned it was fun to play with the idea like orca’s played often played with their meals. However Kisho had a point, those of 10th division were in fact rabid cur, they were falling on their swords to stand in the way of people who effectively had no need for their interaction. It was likely both Kisho and Oyuki could’ve waltzed straight past the lot of them and ended up in the captains meeting. Yet they decided to entertain the idea of formality for the sake of appearances or perhaps because they knew the level of amusement that would come from such an interaction. The two of them were playing chess while they played checkers, rapid interactions in hopes of conquering whatever stood before them; a hearty fools errand in Oyuki’s eyes.

Despite the loud interjection from another member of 10th division it was clear that the collective was hard set on the intentions of ensuing something more than humble conversation. Oyuki had already assessed the entirety of the situation before his captain had even arrived. It was almost enticing like having a carrot dangled in his face as a rabbit. The idea that Kazuki was so hell bent on presenting himself as someone who was in charge, his own captain coming to play on the idea that violence was never necessary, or perhaps even the fact that Kuwashii, the young woman in the back was just as eager to make her presence known by uttering almost silent commands to the very weapon’s all shinigami held dear, her zanpakuto. Even the waxing and waning of reiatsu was something that only chipped away at the icy exterior that was his very being. Amidst it all it was likely something went amiss for everyone involved. They all had been having a silent battle of reiatsu to subdue one another or play at the idea of submission by fear, yet perhaps they hadn’t noticed Oyuki had never even gone so far as to touch his blade. Let alone unleash even an inkling of his own reiatsu. Despite the sudden flare ups amidst everyone gathered they would likely come to notice he had never even let his own loose. The chill they felt was sheerly from his presence alone, the bite of his zanpakuto dwelling in its home in hopes of tasting the open air, clawing at the idea of bringing it all to a standstill at a moment's notice.

Had all the events come to a close he would merely await his captain’s departure deeper into 10th division’s barracks. It was clear Kisho and himself were here for the same reason and even that rambunctious fool Jinnosuke had some business with Captain Kurayami. His cold gaze was now only blocked by that of his eyelids once again taking after his captain’s seemingly sleepy demeanor. Perhaps in his calculated and cold nature he was growing bored with the idea of having to watch pups battle amongst themselves battling one another for pack supremacy. Oyuki’s time in Hueco mundo for the entirety of his captain’s coma. He scoffed at the reality of the things that were going on behind close doors even after the civil war with the soul society. What was going on in Hueco Mundo’s hushed hallowed halls was something to be feared. He knew all too well even the marred beast and the tainted creatures in the depths of that forsaken desertscape could come to terms with their own machinations in hopes of one day laying waste to something more than just the place they called home. It was only a matter of time before the reality of the worlds collective situation as they knew it was turned on its head.

[Location: 10TH DIVISION]
​

 

[Jushiro Izanagi]

“Tea? I suppose I can make more tea”.

Afterall, Shizukana was about to handle the children just like he wanted her to. Izanagi could feel her Reiatsu as it poured out, taking the opportunity to further familiarise himself with it. Said Reiatsu signature was committed to memory, stored in a library filled with countless other Reiatsu signatures. Izanagi will have to trust that Shizukana will handle the situation that they now found themselves in. All he wanted was a quiet word and simple exchange of information. Knowledge was power and Izanagi was also curious to know how his words were received by Shizukana.

Izanagi decided to wait to see how others may yet react to his actions. The heat and cold which gripped the area felt all too familiar to him. The Captain found it ironic that he wasn’t the one tampering with the temperature. It was nice not being blamed for such things that were beyond his control. The masked one could hear some of what was being said while he maintained his heat filled disposition. Shizukana had managed to quell the unnecessary flare up that was tethering close to a disaster.

“It seems asking mommy to deal with the children was the right decision”.

Izanagi already guessed what had caused the commotion. Many may view Kazuki as overzealous in his role as a Vice Captain. Kazuki was forthright and believed in order and a streamlined way of doing things. Some would view him as uptight when carrying out his duties. It was however a quality that Izanagi admired about the Lieutenant, even if he too was on the receiving end of it. Izanagi shared the idea that one should show proper etiquette and respect where necessary. The masked one is far more chaotic than Kazuki, in almost every sense of the word. This is why he didn’t begrudge Kazuki’s reaction, while also showing some understanding to his visitors. Shizukana had only just risen from her long slumber. And as anyone can imagine, the news of her resurrection was sure to travel fast. Many will want to exchange pleasantries with the 5th division Captain. Izanagi was happy to be one of the first, although the meeting was moving rather slowly.

In the meantime though, Izanagi decided to return to preparing tea for the others. He doubted that they would all have a taste but he was being a good host all the same. The recent heat filled tension made it so that the tea maintained its temperature. Although with Oyuki's presence, it was a pain in the ass maintaining it. Keeping the tea warm required minimal effort but it was effort all the same. Izanagi thought about joining Shizukana but decided against it. He was still hoping to see what Kuwashii was capable of. That was the whole point of this. Sip on tea, discuss what was happening, plan, trade information and observe the sparring session. All of this may come to fruition but there was a certain wait at the moment. Now that the tension had died down for the moment. The Captain once again sat down and sighed as he waited for the others.

 

[Adonai]

Almost as if right on queue it seems like everyone finally began to settle down with the appearance of Captain Kurayami. Kuwashii was happy to see everyone finally settling down, it meant things can go back to normal and everyone can behave like the allies they are meant to be. Although she does stop to look at the hilt of her Zanpakuto, a little disappointed with herself that she almost added to the turbulence. Only now, in hindsight, does she realize that her act of neutrality would have been perceived as further provocation from Tenth Division as a whole rather than someone trying to diffuse the situation. Her eyes shift away from her Zanpakuto and begin looking around at the ground. Scanning it as if she had dropped something. She was actually just reflecting on the situation, looking back up at everyone in the barracks then back to the ground. She needs to think of all the repercussions to her plans, she can’t just think one step ahead, she has to go further than that.

Her head quickly lifts up when she hears someone approaching her, it was her Lieutenant, with the situation defused he is able to return to his original task. He places a hand on her shoulder, using his Reiatsu to boost her spirits. At the moment she wasn’t exactly downtrodden but more so in a self reflective state of mind. Kuwashii may be brash, loud, and attention seeking but she isn’t dumb, just misplaced intentions and motivations. This one little incident gave her plenty to reflect on and learn from, the clashing of egos, the battling of words. Before she set her eyes on the Lieutenant she looked around at everyone gathered once more and continued to think. Did anyone here truly want to fight? If they did, why didn’t someone just attack? What was the point to any of this? Her line of questioning is cut short by her Lieutenant's voice cutting through.

"I apologize for the delay, miss Kuwashii. I hope you are alright and the whole ordeal didn't shake you too much."

She hesitates to speak for a moment, her mind having to wind down from her own line of internal questioning.

”Ah, umm, no, not shaken, just puzzled. Everyone was just throwing words around, grabbing their blades, doing… Nothing, well in hindsight and in reflection it amounted to nothing. We’re all allies so I don’t understand it, the tension and anxiety… It… It makes no sense…”

She goes silent for a brief moment before speaking again.

”Why not just strike and be done with it. There is no tension or anxiety after that, you know where you stand afterwards… We should- Umm, nevermind.”

She brings a close to her speaking, the confidence boost from Kazuki’s Reiatsu is restoring her perspective of herself as a Star. A star knows what it is, it burns away all who get too close without hesitation. It doesn’t dawdle, it doesn’t keep things at a distance with threats. Either everything submits and obeys its gravity or they burn. Kuwashii wants to get stronger, needs to get stronger so that she can become a glorious, white hot star.

"If you are still up for it, we can resume your evaluation. As a reward for being so patient, you get to choose the first attribute to test."

She looks at her Lieutenant once more and nods her head with confidence, no longer smiling ear to ear like some overly excited school girl, she is focused and ready to do what she must to get stronger.

”Let’s start with Zanjutsu, please. I really need to hit something.”

 

[Deleted member 65]

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"You can placate that rabid cur another time. You and I have more pressing things to discuss for the moment.”

"You kinds of Shinigami make me SICK!"

Cut off not once but twice, Shizukana directed an incredulous look at the voice that shook the rafters of the building and pierced through the atmosphere to get to her. Once she realized it was Jinnosuke she beamed at him.

“Shiiiiiizuuuukanaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! Good thing you're still here, look at all these people in desperate need of your help! Get to it, Lady! Woohoo! "

Now, anyone who knew the fifth division Captain knew that she hated when people were rude. However, she could forgive the man since she could tell he was as elated to see her as she was to see him.

Granted, Kurayami detested the untoward but she was not a fool. The woman wore multiple hats in life as a Captain, all of which demanded a different skill that she possesses. She is a diplomat, well aware of nobility and the true weight that it carries over the common. Shizukana would take nor show issue with Kisho’s curtness outwardly. Furthermore, his presence as well as his decision to come to her was, in a word, peculiar. Though they had shared a division, other than her incessant attempts to become his friend, the two were rarely around one another. Both tending to their respective tasks, for some reason she found that she was always assigned something different than the Date was and always very far away from his station. He was not the type to visit her if she were ill in the hospital nor particularly care whether she awoke from her coma out of something sentimental. So, centuries later, the fact that he was there specifically to see her was in fact very abnormal.

“Of course! After you, and goodness I think you’re absolutely right Yamazaki!”

The captain adored the abnormal, it excited her and inspired her, he had something VERY interesting to say and she couldn’t wait a second longer to hear it. So she could forgive him if he was being a little rude.

"I apologize for the delay, miss Kuwashii. I hope you are alright and the whole ordeal didn't shake you too much."

Shizukana glanced back at the crowd just in time to notice Jinnosuke’s departure and Kazuki’s expressions below before she lifted her pale hand to wave them all goodbye.

“Bye-bye everyone! Do carry on, I’m really looking forward to this fight!”

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The comforting blanket effect of her reiatsu had done its job where it counted in order to pacify the icy and heated situation from earlier and so there was nothing keeping her on the staircase any longer. She tried and failed to ignore listening to the sound of the wood burning beneath Kisho’s every step and with a brief gesture of her head to Oyuki and Iwamura, she invited the both of them to join her in her ascent to the balcony where her seat, the Captain of the tenth division, and her tea were waiting for her.

The bond between the three of them was significant enough for the both of them to be able to discern what she wanted from them with nothing more than a shifting of her eyes much less a more noticeable and public nod. Truly she knew that in their own ways they were overjoyed to see that she had survived and there would be time to exchange their pleasantries as much as she wanted to give her icy compatriot a warm hug and give Iwamura some wonderful scratchies ground his fluffy ears. There was business to attend to here, and that was lovely but she was starting to grow rather sleepy. Oh how she hoped she didn’t fall asleep while Kisho was speaking to her.

“Right then, Captain Izanagi our guests have arrived.”

She traveled over to her place, and waited for her entourage to join her by her side. One on each, Oyuki her right and Iwamura her left. This was a common way for them to arrange themselves as it was one of many manners to shelter the Captain when she was out and about. It was a symbol of their unity as the fifth division rarely encouraged separation amongst their ranks. The places and hells that they traverse offer nothing but pain, injury and death around every corner. It was most notably the division with the least amount of members and due to this, they lived by a code to function together in groups of two or three. They traveled in packs the size of which depended on where they were going. The Captain had a fondness for wandering off on her own, following peculiar leads and signatures in the barren wasteland of Hueco Mundo but Oyuki and Iwamura had always been with her, each played their own part in applying control over it’s cursed territory and chasing after her.

She did not sit, however, but this was not because she was uncomfortable or was trying to be more formal on account of Kisho. She was standing because she was less likely to fall asleep standing up than she was if she sat down. The last thing she wanted to do was insult Kisho, not only because he was a Date but especially since he’d come all that way to meet with her. Not to mention that they had worked together now and again and he was likely already well aware of when she was asleep and when she wasn’t.

“If you don’t mind, Captain Izanagi, Kisho’s come all this way to see me. I’d like to find out why.”

Although her statement sounded like a question, it was decidedly not as she addressed Kisho seconds later.

“Now, then. How can I help you?”

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