[BitP:R] Soul Society 2

[HirokatsuGoto]

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[Heading Towards the Maggot's Nest]

It wasn't uncommon for someone too be at least concerned, when they see an installation begin to collapse on itself, especially Misaki Ichimyouri.

Prior to seeing this Misaki was outside in the Kido Corp Gardens, watering some plants. There wasn't that much in the way of a garden, but no one seemed to be concerned with expanding it current state, let alone the possibility of expanding the garden in Kido Corp. Misaki was humming to herself a song she had heard on a visit to the Mortal World with her brother.

That was when she saw the dust cloud form over the Maggot's Nest. Misaki dropped the water bucket and in a flash was flying towards the Maggot's Nest She had been aware that Kujo had appeared, and fighting was going on in the Maggot's Nest. No doubt her friend Taro Banzuke was somewhere in the thick of it. She would hate to see him get hurt.

INVASION DAY

Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division:
(Shunpo'ing towards the destruction of the Maggot's Nest with five other young 10th Division unseated members)


The large 3rd Seat of the the 10th Division, Taro Banzuke and five unseated Shinigami from the 10th Division were shunpo'ing at top speed towards the explosion which just had occurred. He hadnt heard from his Captain in a while, but knew he should be heading towards the explosion. And if his Captain hadnt been involved in the reason it happened, he undoubtedly would be going there shortly. Plus, the explosion from what Taro gathered, was in the direction of the Maggot's Nest, his Captain's seeming pride and joy. Taro hoped the problem wasnt related, but he had a bad feeling it did.

At top speed going through the roads and alleys in the Seretei can be dangerous, especially when there are large groups of other Shinigami moving at high speeds through them as well. It was not out of the ordinary for Shinigami to run into each other.

This was exactly what went through his head as he came to an intersection and saw his little friend, Misaki Ichimyouri (who was on her way to the same place it seemed), directly in his and his men's way.

At the front of his men, he yelled out a loud "WHOOOOAAAAA!!!!!" in reaction to the potential collision. He put on the brakes immediately, going from top speed to nothing, skidding to a halt only about a foot in front of her.

He looked down on Misaki with a heavy sigh "ughh!" He looked down to her and couldnt help but smile at her, glad to see her safe, plus it didnt hurt that she was cute.

He had only smiled for the briefest of moments, before his eyes went very wide with worry as he turned his head to look behind him to see his five members falling over themselves trying to stop. They were a bit farther behind him and Taro hadnt factored in their inexperience in stopping so quickly when he stopped. "WAHHH!!!" they yelled

There was no way they were going to stop in time, and he looked quickly back at his cute friend Misaki before turning his whole enormous Sumo body to be in the way of his out of control 10th Division members. He took a Sumo like wide stance, with one foot slightly back and his knees bent, to serve as shield between his members and Misaki.

He exhaled loudly and tightened his muscles, as the five Shinigami all ran straight into him, bouncing off him in all directions their flailing arms and legs goign in all directions. They all groaned and roleld around as they hit the ground and tried to gather themselves, before rising.

Taro stood strong, and while he defintely felt them (and it didnt feel good), he was not injured nor was the slight Junior Kido Corps Member Misaki, and that was most important.

Taro relaxed slightly looking at his members seeing they were all fine, but obviously needed a few moments before they could continue. "Sorry guys!" he said to them as he turned to look at his little friend Misaki. They all just groaned in response to their 3rd Seat as they shoook their heads and rubbed their wounds.

Taro Banzuke stood large looking over Misaki. He smiled largely to his friend, the open top half of his Shingami robes showed his big chest. His Zanpaktuo tucked in his belt, looking so small on such a large man. Taro was an attractive guy, at least as attractive as a Sumo wrestler could look being so large. His smile was warm as he look to Misaki.

His voice deep but almost cheerful "Misaki-san...what a surprise to see you..." motioning to his groaning squad members "...sorry about that...we almost ran into you! .... are you on your way to the disturbance too? do you knoww hat is going on?"

Taro stood with his hands on his hips. His large smile to his friend only equalled by his large stature.

[Sucrose]

Invasion Day-After the Collapse-4th Division

The eyes of one of the more recently-admitted patients shoot open at the sound of the titanic landslide. Remaining in his bed, and avoiding worsening his injuries for the moment, Hayashi Goro conscientiously refrains from bothering the orderlies, permitting them to carry on with restoring order after the battle. Instead, he silently prays to any kami that may happen to be listening for some sort of status update.

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Such little initiative, master... you're a member of a noble family! You should take what you see fit!

In my state, it would accomplish little... better to let them carry on without interruption.

...Hmph. How could such a boring man have manifested a zanpaktou spirit of my caliber?

I ask that every time you end your silence.

[Frozen_Feet]

[Meanwhile, in 11th Division]

The group led by Himura Michiko finally arrives at the Division gates. "You. Find Miyaki, tell him to get there with those 12th Divisioners", he beckons wearily to Kurosaki. "You. Get to 10th, tell them to bring Reiatsu suppressing shackles. I'm not sure we have those around here."

Then she turns to Karite. "I trust you know what follows now, Mitsukai-kun", she says plainly. "If you have something to add, please say it now. Otherwise, I think I'll be seeing you in yout trial."

[Ruins of Maggot's Nest - Ryouichi & Co]

The gust of wind blows over the rubble, buffeting clouds of dust up the slope and into small canyons and crevices caused by the earthquake. It reveals a few curious things - first one is a black hole that seemingly leads into depths of the mountain, with black cracks surrounding it. However, it is just a trick of perspective - in truth, it looks like it's suspended in midair, as if struck into the fabric of reality itself. Most curious.

On a more mundane note, Ryouichi and Masaru, plus others hurrying to seeing range of the mountain, can see few indistinct, humanoid shapes stumbling in the wreckage. One of them collapses to its knees, and other two hurry to help it back up. There's also a small explosion, marked by loud sound and a new cloud rising up from the side of the mountain - but what's going on there, Ryouichi can't tell from his perch. His line of sight is obscured by a ridge of stone.

[Ruins of Maggot's Nest - Taiki]

Taiki's journey isn't an easy one. All the familiar landmarks, all the passages he knew so well, have been rearranged by the cataclysm. The entrance isn't where it's supposed to be, and the tunnel doesn't lead anywhere. The central pit of the Nest is barely visible, having been largely filled by ruble.

A few, forlorn shapes emerge from the darkness, dressed in rags and shackeld with red cuffs. They stare at the sky, falling to their knees and shielding their eyes from the brightness, faces agape with awe.

It very much looks like the Captain has to dig to reach his goal.

As he ventures further, a low moan emerges from the wreckage. A twisted, reptilian form crawl from under a slab of sekisekki, torn remnants of a Shihakusho hanging from its body. Was it one of the inmates? Or the wardens? Or are the rags just another creation of the black flames, nightmare spawned from the last vision of a dying madman?

Impossible to tell. Its eyeless head swings towards Taiki, mewling pathetically, as if asking for help...

[Deep, deep underground]

Where is everyone?, a forlorn form thinks, staring at the roof, even though he can't see it in the dark. He'd drank last of the water he'd had with him... who knows how long ago? It's not like he has anything to tell time by.

Why? Why does he feel hunger, even with all his powers robbed? Many other prisoners had ceased to need food as their imprisonment had slowly sapped away their Reiryoku, but it had never worked for Hannibal.

Maybe Taiki had finally called it quits. Decided to let him starve, die alone and forgotten. Leave past behing, let go of his obsession, go on to live as a happy family man ever after. Good for him, Hannibal thinks wearily. ****ing Broken Sword. His eyelids feel heavy, and he yawns drowzily. He'd fall to sleep soon. His thoughts drift as he lanquishes in isolation. Maybe it'd be the last time...

Hey. Hey. What ye think yer doing?

Himura's in danger.

Ain't no time to sleep, ****er.

Get up!
Get up!

Hannibal is awake. More awake than in years. His eyes are wide open, even if he can't see. The pangs of hunger, sore muscles from working out to ease his boredom, the desire to punch his way through the walls and be free again - they're all back, clear in his mind. And there's more - a faint rumbling, echoing through the walls.

What he ****, he thinks as he crawls to a sitting position, holding his head with one hand. Was th-

CRASH!

The land quakes and horrible noise permeates the air. The large man is thrown across his cell, landing painfully in the corner. He presses his hands against his ears to avoid being deafened, gritting his teeth as the rumbling sound grows and grows.

And then it stops. Well, not quite, but it abates to a tolerable level. Hannibal stays huddled in the corner for a long while, wondering whether the world just ended. The floor feels... odd. As it is... tilted? Nah. Must be my imagination.

Then, he hears a new sound, a faint rustling coming from... within his cell? Hannibal blinks, as if it could help hem see anything. Within his... cell?

The man straightens himself on the floor, reaching his hand towards the sound. He brushes away Taiki's note, still left unturned, until his hands meet something that shouldn't be there. Something sharp.

Hannibal grasps the item and feels it in his hand, bringing it close to his face in amazement. Rock. A small, sharp piece of rock, and a handful of dust. And he can feel it as more dust falls on his head.

At first, the prisoner of two centuries feels elated. Something had cracked open his cell. Maybe he'd finally be free!

Then the feeling fades, and is replaced by panic. Even if the cell has cracked, there's who knows how much rock above it. Most likely, that weight is what had cracked the cell in the first place. It could come down tumbling down any moment, and crush him underneath, never to be found.

**** it!, the ex-captain thinks, his face twisting in angry grimace. His hand curls to a fist around the shrapnell of sekisekki, until it bites into his flesh, drawing blood. It's just one effin' mountain! I can dig myself up from here! I'm the ****ing Captain of 11th...!

But even as his rage escalates, a nagging feeling at the back of his head reminds him off its futility. As cold sweat caused by fear runs down his bronze skin, the Ex-Captain can almost feel the white tattoos constricting around himself. A painful consciousness that had made his hatred of Taiki grow by each passing day.

It isn't the mountain keeping him in. It isn't the guards, the bars, even the block of sekisekki he's trapped in. It's the ancient spell wrapping around his flesh, etched to his own skin. Everything else is just... dressing. Cream on top. Overkill. Needless.

Hannibal opens his fist, weighing the sharp fragment on his palm. Mio, he thinks. Mio... the prior Captain of 10th. She'd been a... friend of his. She'd come to see him even after everyone else had abandoned him, even Himura. She'd understood how he felt, buried alive in his cursed prison. She'd promised that she'd get him out, some day...

Guilt surges through the ancient man's head. It had never happened. He remember how he'd been angry at her for it, how... how he had tried to break out himself. How it had seen Mio dead.

In the end, he might have understood Taiki, if his hatred of him had been about Mio. But as far as Hannibal could tell, Taiki hadn't even known her. It wasn't even anything personal - Taiki had put Hannibal in solitary confinement before he'd had even a chance to wrong him in any way.

Maybe that's the worst part. With the Kido binds on him, Taiki could've let Hannibal walk free on the streets if he'd wanted to, and he wouldn't have been able to get away. Yet he'd opted to go to ridiculous lenghts so he'd have as little connection to outside world as possible.

Why? Had it all been just spite? Prejudice because of some passing resemblance he might have to a Hollow? Maybe he had missed something, but in the end, Hannibal had never really understood what grudge Taiki held towards him.

"**** it", the captain mutters alone, in the dark. "**** it all. I WANT TO GET OUT, DAMMIT!"

He strikes the shrapnel into his forearm, and draws a long cut across the white bindings. He can barely feel the pain or blood through his furious haze. He repeats the process over and over again, cutting his own skin in mad hope that it'd set him free.

From the corner, a grinning Hannya mask stares, as if laughing silently...

[The Librarian]

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[SIZE="4"]INVASION DAY

The large 3rd Seat of the the 10th Division, Taro Banzuke and five unseated Shinigami from the 10th Division were shunpo'ing at top speed towards the explosion which just had occurred. He hadnt heard from his Captain in a while, but knew he should be heading towards the explosion. And if his Captain hadnt been involved in the reason it happened, he undoubtedly would be going there shortly. Plus, the explosion from what Taro gathered, was in the direction of the Maggot's Nest, his Captain's seeming pride and joy. Taro hoped the problem wasnt related, but he had a bad feeling it did.

At top speed going through the roads and alleys in the Seretei can be dangerous, especially when there are large groups of other Shinigami moving at high speeds through them as well. It was not out of the ordinary for Shinigami to run into each other.

This was exactly what went through his head as he came to an intersection and saw his little friend, Misaki Ichimyouri (who was on her way to the same place it seemed), directly in his and his men's way.

At the front of his men, he yelled out a loud "WHOOOOAAAAA!!!!!" in reaction to the potential collision. He put on the brakes immediately, going from top speed to nothing, skidding to a halt only about a foot in front of her.

He looked down on Misaki with a heavy sigh "ughh!" He looked down to her and couldnt help but smile at her, glad to see her safe, plus it didnt hurt that she was cute.

He had only smiled for the briefest of moments, before his eyes went very wide with worry as he turned his head to look behind him to see his five members falling over themselves trying to stop. They were a bit farther behind him and Taro hadnt factored in their inexperience in stopping so quickly when he stopped. "WAHHH!!!" they yelled

There was no way they were going to stop in time, and he looked quickly back at his cute friend Misaki before turning his whole enormous Sumo body to be in the way of his out of control 10th Division members. He took a Sumo like wide stance, with one foot slightly back and his knees bent, to serve as shield between his members and Misaki.

He exhaled loudly and tightened his muscles, as the five Shinigami all ran straight into him, bouncing off him in all directions their flailing arms and legs goign in all directions. They all groaned and rolled around as they hit the ground and tried to gather themselves, before rising.

Taro stood strong, and while he defintely felt them (and it didnt feel good), he was not injured nor was the slight Junior Kido Corps Member Misaki, and that was most important.

Taro relaxed slightly looking at his members seeing they were all fine, but obviously needed a few moments before they could continue. "Sorry guys!" he said to them as he turned to look at his little friend Misaki. They all just groaned in response to their 3rd Seat as they shook their heads and rubbed their wounds.

Taro Banzuke stood large looking over Misaki. He smiled largely to his friend, the open top half of his Shingami robes showed his big chest. His Zanpaktuo tucked in his belt, looking so small on such a large man. Taro was an attractive guy, at least as attractive as a Sumo wrestler could look being so large. His smile was warm as he look to Misaki.

His voice deep but almost cheerful "Misaki-san...what a surprise to see you..." motioning to his groaning squad members "...sorry about that...we almost ran into you! .... are you on your way to the disturbance too? do you know what is going on?"

Taro stood with his hands on his hips. His large smile to his friend only equalled by his large stature.

Misaki ducks into a crouch closing her eyes when she senses the 10th patrols shunpo'ing behind her.
EEEEPPPPPP!!!

She prepares for a collision that doesn't seem to be happening. Infact all she can hear is the groaning of others individuals nearby.
Huh?
She peers open one of her eyes to notice the giant shadow being casted over her. Then she hears the familiar voice of Taro, turning around and seeing him, she jumps in the air with a seemingly sudden jubilance.
Taro-Kun!
Misaki now standing up looking at Taro would look like a stick in comparison to Taro massive body.
Yeah, I was going to the Maggot's Nest, because I thought you were there, an-and maybe you could use some help. Y-you know, in case you were in a bind.
Misaki seems to be blushing a little bit at her concern. She probably a little embarassed she just cause half a dozen noobies from 10th to faceplant into Taro's back.
Umm...they aren't hurt, are they?

[Draken]

[Rukon - Outside the Avalanche]

Masaru gives a curt nod to the Commander, before starting his duty. He takes a few moments to summon a couple of Hell Butterflies, sending them towards the Kido Corps, aiming to contact several of the highest-level officers, in case one or more of them is busy at the moment.

He then dials up the Captain of the 12th.

"Sending you the coordinates now; please get as much aerial surveillance as possible. Thank you."

He wraps up that call, before sending a call through to the 5th; things were scattered enough he needed their help.

Soon enough, orders had been given, with Masaru passing on an appropriate alert code to his own Division, to help with the organization. They wouldn't take command, but they would help clarify Masaru's intent.

"I estimate less than 10 minutes before the first few teams arrive, though it'll be longer before the bulk of them are here. No telling when Ryou will arrive."

Ryou Kazuo...

Appears behind Masaru in a flash of shumpo, the stalks of his shikai writhing around him.

"Positive and operating, captain."

Kazuo aims his tentacles up, and launches several small objects into the air, which then gain buoyance and start dashing across the sky into set positions.

"Scouters deployed. Want me to analyze the level of reiatsu in the area?"

Come on, say yes. You, you know what is coming.

[KnightDisciple]

Ryou Kazuo...

Appears behind Masaru in a flash of shumpo, the stalks of his shikai writhing around him.

"Positive and operating, captain."

Kazuo aims his tentacles up, and launches several small objects into the air, which then gain buoyance and start dashing across the sky into set positions.

"Scouters deployed. Want me to analyze the level of reiatsu in the area?"

Come on, say yes. You, you know what is coming.

Masaru nodded at Ryou after he appeared.

"Good to see you, Captain. And yes. Levels, individual sources, locations, as much information as you can give us. If you've got regular visual surveillance, that will help too."

[HirokatsuGoto]

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Misaki ducks into a crouch closing her eyes when she senses the 10th patrols shunpo'ing behind her.
EEEEPPPPPP!!!

She prepares for a collision that doesn't seem to be happening. Infact all she can hear is the groaning of others individuals nearby.
Huh?
She peers open one of her eyes to notice the giant shadow being casted over her. Then she hears the familiar voice of Taro, turning around and seeing him, she jumps in the air with a seemingly sudden jubilance.
Taro-Kun!
Misaki now standing up looking at Taro would look like a stick in comparison to Taro massive body.
Yeah, I was going to the Maggot's Nest, because I thought you were there, an-and maybe you could use some help. Y-you know, in case you were in a bind.
Misaki seems to be blushing a little bit at her concern. She probably a little embarassed she just cause half a dozen noobies from 10th to faceplant into Taro's back.
Umm...they aren't hurt, are they?

INVASION DAY (post collapse)

Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division:
(Standing at crossroads with Misaki, while his men collect themselves)


Taro smiles as wide as he can as he relaxes a bit, then he lets out a large belly filled friendly laugh "HA!"

Taro almost felt overwhelmed that Misaki cared for him enough to head out like she did, but he knew (as an officer of the Gotei) that she should probably be thinking more of her duties to her Corps than him. Also with all the strife going on today, Taro didnt like that she was alone, the Seretei didnt seem safe at the moment.

He looked down onto her with warm eyes, his hands on his hips then moving one of his enormous hands onto her head patting it as gently as he could

"Oh Misaki...it is always so nice to see you...now, i am sure what you MEANT to say was that you were heading towards the ruckus to help set up a kido barrier or something with the other Kido Corps members...and HOPED to see me there ok and well..." Taro said playfully sarcastic while trying to be charming and cute with his little friend.

"and..oh..yeah..." turning to look at his men still on the ground collecting themselves, motioning slightly with his hand "them...yeah...they will be fine...WONT you guys???" he said to them as he turned his attention back to Misaki. A soft groaning like... "ye..yess..s..ssir....ughhh" was all that was heard from them in response

He knelt down next to her, still probably taller than her, resting his heavy hand on her shoulder lightly while warmly looking on to her. "Well, me and my guys were heading that way too, ya know...to see what was going on and to probably find our Captain....why dont you join us on our way?" Taro said this all hoping Misaki didnt feel he was being overprotective. He knew Misaki had talent and power and could probably handle herself, but that didnt stop Taro from wanting to protect her.

His hand on her shoulder Taro looked on to his little friend smiling.

[The Librarian]

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INVASION DAY (post collapse)

Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division:
(Standing at crossroads with Misaki, while his men collect themselves)


Taro smiles as wide as he can as he relaxes a bit, then he lets out a large belly filled friendly laugh "HA!"

Taro almost felt overwhelmed that Misaki cared for him enough to head out like she did, but he knew (as an officer of the Gotei) that she should probably be thinking more of her duties to her Corps than him. Also with all the strife going on today, Taro didnt like that she was alone, the Seretei didnt seem safe at the moment.

He looked down onto her with warm eyes, his hands on his hips then moving one of his enormous hands onto her head patting it as gently as he could

"Oh Misaki...it is always so nice to see you...now, i am sure what you MEANT to say was that you were heading towards the ruckus to help set up a kido barrier or something with the other Kido Corps members...and HOPED to see me there ok and well..." Taro said playfully sarcastic while trying to be charming and cute with his little friend.

"and..oh..yeah..." turning to look at his men still on the ground collecting themselves, motioning slightly with his hand "them...yeah...they will be fine...WONT you guys???" he said to them as he turned his attention back to Misaki. A soft groaning like... "ye..yess..s..ssir....ughhh" was all that was heard from them in response

He knelt down next to her, still probably taller than her, resting his heavy hand on her shoulder lightly while warmly looking on to her. "Well, me and my guys were heading that way too, ya know...to see what was going on and to probably find our Captain....why dont you join us on our way?" Taro said this all hoping Misaki didnt feel he was being overprotective. He knew Misaki had talent and power and could probably handle herself, but that didnt stop Taro from wanting to protect her.

His hand on her shoulder Taro looked on to his little friend smiling.

Misaki suddenly straightens herself into a more formal stance, remembering both that she should actually be over there setting up the kido barrier, and that she remembered she was talking to a superior officer.
Y-yes. I meant to be heading over to this battle site to aid in setting up a kido barrier.
Misaki face turns a very noticeable tint of red with embarrassment.
May I accompany your group, seeing as you are also heading to the site Taro-kun?

[riccaru]

Yuuki stops short and looks at Magatsu with an expression of surprise, and distaste. Magatsu-kun, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I believe I told everyone not to interfere, which unfortunately includes you.

Suzume's eyes widen in horror as the blades rush for her. As the lightning courses through her body, wracking her with pain and temporarily blacking her out, and in her mind a scene again plays out.

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Suzume's eyes shot open. She was in fourth division, she had been there before. Her left side felt abnormally light and as she went to look a division member screamed for her to stop. Her eyes shot to the shinigami before darting to the door to her room, and in walked the captain of Fourth Division. Udeoshi came toward Suzume as she began to sit up, and pressed a hand firmly yet gently on her shoulder to stop her. “Sit, officer Kimi. You've been through a lot today, but I'm afraid I have bad news. Captain Hannibal of eleventh has hollowfied and attacked you. He took your arm just before you blacked out and we were unable to heal your injury. I'm sorry.”

Third Division - Nao
A dozen leaf shaped blades fly over Suzume, blocking the descending weapons with a rather large explosion. As Magetsu's Shikai ability goes off, a long curved knife is thrown into the ground near the vice-captains feet. "You heard the Captain, Lieutenant Magetsu. This is a matter for the second division to carry out. You don't belong here murderer. Nao casually jumps from the rooftops and begins walking toward the group.

"Captain Yuuki, the mountain near Onmitsukido headquarters has suffered major structural damage and is collapsing on itself. Officer Kageen was keeping me posted while I came looking for you. It's bad." Nao was well aware that the Onmitsukido was close to a prison, as he had taken a single prisoner there long ago. What he failed to realize was the scope of said prison, but he knew Yuuki would want to hear this.

Third Division - Suzume
Suzume's eyes widen as she notices her chest still moving with the shallow breaths she took. Looking up she saw a figure that still haunted her. Nao, her second in command before she left Seretei so long ago.

Prison Tower - Akio
Akio had since awoken from his slumber and began pacing the cell, back and forth like a dog. Every step made him remember his fight with the mortals as a dull pain throbbed in his leg and chest. "What's going on?" He asks the first person to walk by the cell.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Ruins of Maggot's Nest]

When the 4th division group arrives, Alysha is with them. She looks around the area, eyes wide as she takes in the sight.

This...this is...horrible...

She stands in shock for a moment, then shakes her head as she pulls her mind back to the task at hand.

Keep it together, Alysha. You have a job to do here.

With that, she'll join the other 4ths in setting up a designated field hospital, to help with the injured.

[KnightDisciple]

Yoshi's frown deepened considerably at the actions of both Captain Yuuki, and 4th Seat Nao. That both were from 2nd Division was only more troubling.

His Kido bonds holding Suzume did not let up. Without taking his eyes off of her, he reached one hand up to the headset he wore, and pressed a few buttons.

Suddenly, all present could hear Suzume's voice.

"You told me to go along with it! I attacked sixth division because I knew it wouldn't cripple the Seretei! I could have gone straight for fifth and the Reishi phone network, or I could have gone with Nara-kun to fourth! If I wanted to make Seretei bleed, It would be on its' knees! I could have gotten away at any time without a hiccup!" She's practically pleading now, and her voice cracks throughout the plea. She moves toward Yuuki, not a single movement showing signs of hostility.

"In and of themselves, those words mean little, Captain. However..."

More button pressing, and now Yuuki's voice comes out.

Yuuki grins. Let's let the others decide. He turns around to everyone who he'd seen fighting Suzume before he decided to show himself. Do you think we should forgive poor little Suzume-chan?

Yuuki gives him a nod. Your point is well taken. Kujo's definitely still up and kicking. We can't ignore that. Anyone else have a say? He gives Suzume a look of amusement, but it is cruel.

"A rather cavalier approach, wouldn't you say, Captain?"

More buttons, and Suzume's words again.

Suzume falls into his chest as he looks at her, tears streaming into his uniform. "Please, don't do this Yuuki. I only did all of this because I was lost! I felt abandoned! I loved you, Yuuki. That's why I joined second division, that's why I killed the ex-captain for you! I did everything you told me to, and you let me believe you forgot me in the mortal world!"

"Again, they could be dismissed as the ravings of an insane criminal, except for your own reaction."

Once more, Yuuki's voice.

Kill me now.... Yuuki thinks. He takes Suzume's shoulders and gently pushes her away from him. I apologize. The Seireitei has branded you a criminal. If you give me some information, I might be willing to rethink your punishment. Say....oh, I dunno....what's Kujo's objective here?

"Instead of denying a single thing she has said, you merely apologize, then offer leniency if she gives information. Completely ignoring her highly destructive acts."

He all but growls out his next words.

"Acts which I took great risk to lessen, I might add. This Division behind us would be rubble if she had had her insane way. But that's probably not the worst part."

One final recording plays.

Suzume lets the Horin reach her, wrapping her arm around it and pulling Yoshi closer. "Excuse me, officer. I believe we were having a conversation. If I'm insane, you must be absolutely suicidal you know, disobeying a captain like that and attacking a "dangerous criminal" all by your lonesome. You're damn lucky I'm in a forgiving mood." She then looks to Yuuki, still entangled in the bakudo. "He didn't tell me his whole plan, but he said he was going to kill the new Captain General as a show of his power. I'd get the Commander to safety, if I were you."

"You allowed her to threaten me for simply trying to restrain a dangerous criminal. She is flaunting the laws, authority, and order of Soul Society. I see no reason we should leave this in the hands of Second Division. If anything, we should bring in any available members of 10th to secure this prisoner, as 2nd Division cannot be trusted to be impartial in this matter. I will not release her until this occurs, or until another, impartial Captain orders her release into your custody."

He shifts his gaze slightly, calculating something about Suzume's current situation. His free hand shifts from his headset, to pointing at the insane woman. He chants for a moment under his breath, before speaking an incantation more clearly.

"Bakudo 15: Spider's Web."

The Kido web manages to just barely miss striking anyone besides Suzume, further tying her to the ground.

"That should assist in restraining her. I do not feel like killing her just yet."

[Draken]

Kazuo takes a few moments to process the data acquired from the scouting devices.

"At least nine class ten sources of reiatsu have been active in the perimeter in the last one hundred alternate time units Masaru, the majority are identified as captains of the Soul Society, including you, me and Ryouichi. One is a hollow reiatsu, the primera espada, by my databanks. Several smaller signatures are in the area, but most are drowned out."

Kazuo pauses to make further calculations.

"By my estimates, the best strategy is to withdraw our troops and sweep the perimeter with class thirty-three hado charges."

He means carpet bomb it with fire.

Ignore him, it is always his first suggestion. He recommended that once to clean an infestation of termites in the captain meeting room.

[strawberryman]

[Rukon - Catastrophe Border]

Ryouichi considers the humanoid shapes for a moment. "...It is possible that the integrity of the Maggot's Nest has been breached. It would be unwise to purge the area as there may still be potential evidence." His tone is detached, and emotionless. Such was the usual fare when the Commander had business to tend to.

"...We may not have time to request for the assistance of other divisions. We should start immediate subjugation of potential escapees. Shall we, gentlemen?" The last bit is injected with a bit of emotion, before he leaps into the dust, immediately heading for the humanoid shadows.

[riccaru]

Yoshi's frown deepened considerably at the actions of both Captain Yuuki, and 4th Seat Nao. That both were from 2nd Division was only more troubling.

His Kido bonds holding Suzume did not let up. Without taking his eyes off of her, he reached one hand up to the headset he wore, and pressed a few buttons.

Suddenly, all present could hear Suzume's voice.


"In and of themselves, those words mean little, Captain. However..."

More button pressing, and now Yuuki's voice comes out.



"A rather cavalier approach, wouldn't you say, Captain?"

More buttons, and Suzume's words again.

"Again, they could be dismissed as the ravings of an insane criminal, except for your own reaction."

Once more, Yuuki's voice.

"Instead of denying a single thing she has said, you merely apologize, then offer leniency if she gives information. Completely ignoring her highly destructive acts."

He all but growls out his next words.

"Acts which I took great risk to lessen, I might add. This Division behind us would be rubble if she had had her insane way. But that's probably not the worst part."

One final recording plays.

"You allowed her to threaten me for simply trying to restrain a dangerous criminal. She is flaunting the laws, authority, and order of Soul Society. I see no reason we should leave this in the hands of Second Division. If anything, we should bring in any available members of 10th to secure this prisoner, as 2nd Division cannot be trusted to be impartial in this matter. I will not release her until this occurs, or until another, impartial Captain orders her release into your custody."

He shifts his gaze slightly, calculating something about Suzume's current situation. His free hand shifts from his headset, to pointing at the insane woman. He chants for a moment under his breath, before speaking an incantation more clearly.

"Bakudo 15: Spider's Web."

The Kido web manages to just barely miss striking anyone besides Suzume, further tying her to the ground.

"That should assist in restraining her. I do not feel like killing her just yet."

Nao
"Captain Yuuki, if you told Suzume to do those things, does that mean she never defected from the Seretei and is therefore still a member of Second? I believe that's correct." Nao speaks directly to his captain, not bothering to look at the others, but still holding his blade close to fend off any possible attacks to himself or the wounded Suzume.

Suzume
As another bind comes to her she glares at Yoshi, a look of disgust coming to her face. "If you think you can kill me, then bring it on, kiddo. One on one, while I'm not tied up. You talk big for such a young Shinigami. I can see you going places, such as Hell!" She struggles against the bindings, pushing her reiatsu into the ropes around her. The metal wiring breaks first, and Yoshi can feel her pushing at the web next.

[KnightDisciple]

Yoshi quickly tapped another button sequence on his headset. A few lights started blinking, and the eyepiece seemed to start glowing a bit.

"Everything previously recorded by my headset has now been sent to the secure servers at the 12th Division. At this time, I have a real-time secure connection to 12th as well. Everything said, and now done, here is being recorded for posterity. Do try to watch the implications of your words and actions, ladies and gentlemen."

His voice was perfectly calm, but the message was clear.

"As for the criminal, I would ask my present peers to assist with restraining her. Better safe than sorry."

With that, he layered another net onto Suzume, before casting yet another Horin, this time aimed around her neck.

[KnightDisciple]

Kazuo takes a few moments to process the data acquired from the scouting devices.

"At least nine class ten sources of reiatsu have been active in the perimeter in the last one hundred alternate time units Masaru, the majority are identified as captains of the Soul Society, including you, me and Ryouichi. One is a hollow reiatsu, the primera espada, by my databanks. Several smaller signatures are in the area, but most are drowned out."

Kazuo pauses to make further calculations.

"By my estimates, the best strategy is to withdraw our troops and sweep the perimeter with class thirty-three hado charges."

He means carpet bomb it with fire.

Ignore him, it is always his first suggestion. He recommended that once to clean an infestation of termites in the captain meeting room.

"That solution seems...counter-productive on a few levels. Nonetheless, thank you for weighing in with one option."

[Rukon - Catastrophe Border]

Ryouichi considers the humanoid shapes for a moment. "...It is possible that the integrity of the Maggot's Nest has been breached. It would be unwise to purge the area as there may still be potential evidence." His tone is detached, and emotionless. Such was the usual fare when the Commander had business to tend to.

"...We may not have time to request for the assistance of other divisions. We should start immediate subjugation of potential escapees. Shall we, gentlemen?" The last bit is injected with a bit of emotion, before he leaps into the dust, immediately heading for the humanoid shadows.

Masaru nodded and turned to the other Captain present.

"Get us as much detail as you can, and keep us up to date. Ryouichi and I can take the lead, you follow behind to provide backup in whatever form necessary."

With that, he followed the Commander, his twin swords drawn, though their power was still sealed and leashed.

[InyutheBeatIs]

[The Suzume Incident]

Sigint heard the whole thing play from the various headsets that the Onmitsukido had at that point. At that point, he was starting to find it difficult not to roar over the speakers in anger. Ease, Sigint. Now, we must resolve this situation.

At that point, Sigint dials up a nob that connected to Yuuki's headset. Soon, the crack of the incoming message shows up, blaring out of the speaker for everyone to hear. "Nao-san is right, Captain. The mountain is indeed crumbling as we speak."

"Yoshi-sama, Magatsu-sama, right now we must resolve this situation as quickly and efficiently, because right now we might have a more pressing situation on our hands. My suggestion is that we contain the currently known traitor," Sigint managed to throw some force behind "currently known", apparently aimed at Yoshi, "and find the best course of action to pursue next."

[HirokatsuGoto]

Spoiler

Show

Misaki suddenly straightens herself into a more formal stance, remembering both that she should actually be over there setting up the kido barrier, and that she remembered she was talking to a superior officer.
Y-yes. I meant to be heading over to this battle site to aid in setting up a kido barrier.
Misaki face turns a very noticeable tint of red with embarrassment.
May I accompany your group, seeing as you are also heading to the site Taro-kun?

INVASION DAY (post collapse)

Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division:
(Standing at crossroads with Misaki, while his men collect themselves)


Taro pat her shoulder lightly, and rose back up with a smile. "Of course you can join us Misaki!!...it would be our pleasure to have you with us" motion to his men who have stumbled to their feet slightly and are clumped behind him, a few holding their heads, others their sides and arms... "right guys!?!?" he says with a bit of a boom to his voice... "s..ssure..3rd Seat Banzuke sir... of co..co..course" they said still groaning a bit in their responses

Taro quickly turned to look at them, he was still smiling slightly with his hands on his hips and his feet wide apart strongly, but his tone changed a bit as he spoke, his eyes were a bit more stern. "Straighten up men!...be on your best behavior, we will be traveling the rest of the way with a pretty girl!! not to mention an advanced Kido specialist!...you dont want to look like slouches do you??"

He turned to look back at Misaki, his warmness returned immediately. Taro reached out his large right arm and hand to her inviting her to take hold "Why dont you let me carry you, that way we avoid any further collisions?" pointing back to his guys behind him with his thumb without looking, whom had straightened themselves up and were in a straight line and were no longer looking weak or complaining.

He smiled widely to her, hoping she would take his offer. He indeed wanted to avoid a collision, but he also knew he could move faster if he carried her, not to mention protect her if anything happened.

[Wahrheit]

The blades of Eien Uzumaki returned to their usual floating positions around Magatsu when the dust from their explosion settled, his face a mask of utter fury.

"Murderer? Look around you, Fourth Seat. This is the Execution Division. Who are you to judge me?"

With a snarl, Magatsu seized a floating broadsword and thrust it into his scabbard. It reshaped into a to as it slid home and the remaining seven weapons burned away in wisps of dark green fire, but Magatsu remained obviously on fighting edge and spoke through clenched teeth. A vein twitched in his neck.

"We will not be handing the criminal over to you. If Yuuki-taichou is innocent of commanding her, then she is a dangerous criminal. Tenth Division will take her into custody until she can be executed."

He pointed at Suzume seemingly-casually, but his knuckles were white.

"Bakudo 9: Geki. And if, as I increasingly suspect through his own words, Yuuki-taichou ordered this woman to murder the former Captain of Second, then he is also a deadly criminal to Seireitei, and will likewise be handled by first the Tenth Division, then my own."

He wanted nothing more than to shred Nao into bloody ribbons for his impertinence, followed by Suzume on general principle, but he wasn't officially Captain of Third yet. Just acting. Magatsu nodded at Yoshi, his unusually formal tone a hint of how hard he was trying to keep his murderous temper in check.

"Good work with the recording. I'll commend you to Ryou-taichou for it."

He returned his full attention to the trio before him.

"This matter will be brought to the attention of the Commander-General."

[Kayne650]

[Gates to the 11th]

Seiko hangs limply from Heihachi, barely conscious. He's just hanging on until the 4th can get an IC unit here.

[With Natsuko, in the 4th Barracks]

"Okay, Natsuko-taichou. Just lead on and I'll..." Daisuke trailed off as his tails pricked up, feeling a very familiar reiatsu permeate a distant area. He'd felt that so many times that he could recognize it from any distance. Magatsu-sama was angry. Very angry. Daisuke just hoped that he wouldn't do anything too bad, because he couldn't just leave Natsuko-taichou alone here.

[3rd Division Barracks]

Shishimaru stared in amazement at the scene before him, as Yoshi heaped Bakudo after Bakudo on the woman, and Magatsu made his statements. He could see both sides of the argument, but right now it was basically captain vs captain, since Magatsu was the acting captain of the 3rd. He really didn't see Suzume getting up anytime soon, but he kept his guard up just in case. He also kept an eye on Nao, who had just attacked Magatsu.

"Nao-san, attacking an acting captain is no less of an offense that attacking a captain. I advise with all due respect that you cease now before you make this situation worse."

[riccaru]

[Gates to the 11th]

Seiko hangs limply from Heihachi, barely conscious. He's just hanging on until the 4th can get an IC unit here.

[With Natsuko, in the 4th Barracks]

"Okay, Natsuko-taichou. Just lead on and I'll..." Daisuke trailed off as his tails pricked up, feeling a very familiar reiatsu permeate a distant area. He'd felt that so many times that he could recognize it from any distance. Magatsu-sama was angry. Very angry. Daisuke just hoped that he wouldn't do anything too bad, because he couldn't just leave Natsuko-taichou alone here.

[3rd Division Barracks]

Shishimaru stared in amazement at the scene before him, as Yoshi heaped Bakudo after Bakudo on the woman, and Magatsu made his statements. He could see both sides of the argument, but right now it was basically captain vs captain, since Magatsu was the acting captain of the 3rd. He really didn't see Suzume getting up anytime soon, but he kept his guard up just in case. He also kept an eye on Nao, who had just attacked Magatsu.

"Nao-san, attacking an acting captain is no less of an offense that attacking a captain. I advise with all due respect that you cease now before you make this situation worse."

Nao
"I have not attacked anyone, I simply stopped an unwarranted execution of a possible member of my own division. Until such a time as Officer Kimi has had her trial, no executions can be carried out by third division." A broad grin is all that can be seen of the fourth seat's face under the hood. "And anyway, if Captain Yuuki commanded Suzume to perform an assassination, he was working as a sole member of the Onmitsukido, and therefore any punishment to be carried out by law is up to the Central 46, and is outside the jurisdiction of the Gotei in it's entirety, including Third Division. Any action that would harm Officer Kimi is an act of treason, if her story is true. I possibly just stopped Vice-Captain Magatsu from committing murder and dragging you all with him for not stopping the murder."

Suzume
A look of pain forms over Suzume's face as she hears Magatsu's words and inflection. "Shut the hell up, Nao! If you get yourself killed I swear I'll come find you!" She then looks to Yoshi and then to Magatsu. "Let me up if you're so intent on killing me. At least show us you've got some stones, you cowards! You both know you couldn't take me if I wasn't like this."

[The Librarian]

Spoiler

Show

INVASION DAY (post collapse)

Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division:
(Standing at crossroads with Misaki, while his men collect themselves)


Taro pat her shoulder lightly, and rose back up with a smile. "Of course you can join us Misaki!!...it would be our pleasure to have you with us" motion to his men who have stumbled to their feet slightly and are clumped behind him, a few holding their heads, others their sides and arms... "right guys!?!?" he says with a bit of a boom to his voice... "s..ssure..3rd Seat Banzuke sir... of co..co..course" they said still groaning a bit in their responses

Taro quickly turned to look at them, he was still smiling slightly with his hands on his hips and his feet wide apart strongly, but his tone changed a bit as he spoke, his eyes were a bit more stern. "Straighten up men!...be on your best behavior, we will be traveling the rest of the way with a pretty girl!! not to mention an advanced Kido specialist!...you dont want to look like slouches do you??"

He turned to look back at Misaki, his warmness returned immediately. Taro reached out his large right arm and hand to her inviting her to take hold "Why dont you let me carry you, that way we avoid any further collisions?" pointing back to his guys behind him with his thumb without looking, whom had straightened themselves up and were in a straight line and were no longer looking weak or complaining.

He smiled widely to her, hoping she would take his offer. He indeed wanted to avoid a collision, but he also knew he could move faster if he carried her, not to mention protect her if anything happened.

Misaki's attitude reverts back to its girlish innocence in response to Taro's offer.
Yay! Piggyback ride Time!

She hops her way around behind Taro and hops onto his back holding herself on his shoulders. She points in the direction of the battle, shouting exuberantly:
Onward to Battle!

[Wahrheit]

Nao
"I have not attacked anyone, I simply stopped an unwarranted execution of a possible member of my own division. Until such a time as Officer Kimi has had her trial, no executions can be carried out by third division." A broad grin is all that can be seen of the fourth seat's face under the hood. "And anyway, if Captain Yuuki commanded Suzume to perform an assassination, he was working as a sole member of the Onmitsukido, and therefore any punishment to be carried out by law is up to the Central 46, and is outside the jurisdiction of the Gotei in it's entirety, including Third Division. Any action that would harm Officer Kimi is an act of treason, if her story is true. I possibly just stopped Vice-Captain Magatsu from committing murder and dragging you all with him for not stopping the murder."

Suzume
A look of pain forms over Suzume's face as she hears Magatsu's words and inflection. "Shut the hell up, Nao! If you get yourself killed I swear I'll come find you!" She then looks to Yoshi and then to Magatsu. "Let me up if you're so intent on killing me. At least show us you've got some stones, you cowards! You both know you couldn't take me if I wasn't like this."

"I believe her bombing of the Division grounds is all the reason I need to execute her here and now." Magatsu snarled at the grinning fourth seat. "Do you find this amusing? Do I need to teach you respect as well? Don't shame your Captain by acting so improperly in front of him."

You don't have to kill them now, Magatsu. Dark laughter, like a hyena's, brushed Magatsu's mind.

There you go again, telling me not to kill. What's gotten into you?

You can crush them far more thoroughly for their disrespect by exposing their double-dealings, you know. Think long-term for once.

"I'm not backing down on this. She will be taken by the Tenth Division until this mess can be sorted out. Because, Fourth Seat, even if she was performing Onmitsukido business, a Captain died. That very much makes it Gotei business."

He glanced at Suzume.

"You're eager to die, aren't you?"

[riccaru]

"I believe her bombing of the Division grounds is all the reason I need to execute her here and now." Magatsu snarled at the grinning fourth seat. "Do you find this amusing? Do I need to teach you respect as well? Don't shame your Captain by acting so improperly in front of him."

You don't have to kill them now, Magatsu. Dark laughter, like a hyena's, brushed Magatsu's mind.

There you go again, telling me not to kill. What's gotten into you?

You can crush them far more thoroughly for their disrespect by exposing their double-dealings, you know. Think long-term for once.

"I'm not backing down on this. She will be taken by the Tenth Division until this mess can be sorted out. Because, Fourth Seat, even if she was performing Onmitsukido business, a Captain died. That very much makes it Gotei business."

He glanced at Suzume.

"You're eager to die, aren't you?"

Nao

"I thoroughly suggest you do not threaten me, lieutenant Magatsu. If you intend on keeping up your attitude of reckless abandon for Seretei regulations by brutally murdering a member of another division for feigned crimes which as far as we know were sanctioned by Central 46, an authority above the Gotei's then I will have to take action against you. If you threaten myself or my fellow fourth seat Kimi again, I will be forced to deal with you under heavy suspicion of both inability to lead your division in a constructive way and for delusional psychopathic behavior, leading you to be closely examined by fourth division before you ever hope to see active duty again." Nao makes no movements to show aggression. It seems that he's not going to unless one of the conditions are met. "OH, and if it does come to a fight, Magetsu, remember one thing... I'm not bound like all your previous victims." The grin has faded from Nao's lips and now his face shows nothing but passive distaste for the raving mad man who's now in charge of executions.

Suzume

The girl begins shifting, trying to push against the bakudo that binds her in place. "Magatsu you raving lunatic, I'm not eager to die, you're eager to kill an innocent girl tied up at your feet you sick perverted monster. You tried to kill me while I put up no resistance to being arrested! Anyway, the old man wasn't a captain anymore moron. He was forced to retire because of his incompetence!"

[InyutheBeatIs]

[Onmitsukido]

At this point, Sigint sighs audibly, the speaker relaying this sigh. He stands up, and focuses his attention on one of the squad leaders. "Leader 5, prepare for my arrival." Within an instant, he's gone.

[A funny thing happened when Suzume showed up...]

A few moments after the sigh, everyone will notice more than a few figures closing in, apparently having formed a circle before. Now, all of them seem to be falling behind one figure in particular, Sigint Kageen. Six feet tall, completely covered in black from head to toe, except for his right arm, which now looks more like a clawed arm of fire than a normal arm. On his left shoulder is a black nodachi, the blade passing the tsuba in a manner not unlike a butcher's blade. He walks towards the group standing tall and authoritative, rather loudly telegraphing his arrival. Where he came from is anyone's guess.

He looks first to Nao with eyes that are covered by a white visor, oddly shaped with a demon motif. "Nao." He calls out to him in his raspy voice. His tone is oddly rather light, rather than a bark as would be expected in this situation. "As acting commander of the Onmitsukido, I order you to stand down. No sense making things more complicated for our Captain."

He then turns to Magatsu and Yoshi, giving an appropriate bow along with the rest of the Shinigami behind him. "Magatsu-sama, Yoshi-sama." He then straightens himself up, holding up his clawed hand in a peaceful gesture. "Allow me to propose a theory."

"I have no reason to believe that Captain had anything to do with Suzume's assassination. His lack of denial was, perhaps, a form of protection. After all, Suzume has admitted herself that she was a follower of Kujo, did she not? We know that Kujo is rather insane, so it would only make sense that his followers would be also. Would you not also want to be sure and diffuse any potentially disastrous situation, such as what the Captain was in just recently, facing down an insane criminal who has shown no hesitation in killing his predecessor?"

He then looked Magatsu in the eyes, managing a feeling of staring right through him despite having his eyes completely covered. "However, none of that matters now. I am not attempting to cover anything up. In fact, I welcome the chance to stand trial before the Commander-General and undergo investigation, as will the rest of my Division. I am certain of that. However, now is not the time nor the place to be fostering inter-Division hostilities over the chain of command. Currently, the entire Seireitei is still under attack, and I believe it is still our duty to protect the people. Would you rather have us work together to fight off this threat, contain the currently known criminal and have us under trial when we are not in such immediate danger, or would you stand here idly and bicker over what may be fruitless accusations while the nation we were supposed to protect crumbles around us?"

With that, Sigint falls silent, leaving the decision up to them.

[riccaru]

[Onmitsukido]

At this point, Sigint sighs audibly, the speaker relaying this sigh. He stands up, and focuses his attention on one of the squad leaders. "Leader 5, prepare for my arrival." Within an instant, he's gone.

[A funny thing happened when Suzume showed up...]

A few moments after the sigh, everyone will notice more than a few figures closing in, apparently having formed a circle before. Now, all of them seem to be falling behind one figure in particular, Sigint Kageen. Six feet tall, completely covered in black from head to toe, except for his right arm, which now looks more like a clawed arm of fire than a normal arm. On his left shoulder is a black nodachi, the blade passing the tsuba in a manner not unlike a butcher's blade. He walks towards the group standing tall and authoritative, rather loudly telegraphing his arrival. Where he came from is anyone's guess.

He looks first to Nao with eyes that are covered by a white visor, oddly shaped with a demon motif. "Nao." He calls out to him in his raspy voice. His tone is oddly rather light, rather than a bark as would be expected in this situation. "As acting commander of the Onmitsukido, I order you to stand down. No sense making things more complicated for our Captain."

He then turns to Magatsu and Yoshi, giving an appropriate bow along with the rest of the Shinigami behind him. "Magatsu-sama, Yoshi-sama." He then straightens himself up, holding up his clawed hand in a peaceful gesture. "Allow me to propose a theory."

"I have no reason to believe that Captain had anything to do with Suzume's assassination. His lack of denial was, perhaps, a form of protection. After all, Suzume has admitted herself that she was a follower of Kujo, did she not? We know that Kujo is rather insane, so it would only make sense that his followers would be also. Would you not also want to be sure and diffuse any potentially disastrous situation, such as what the Captain was in just recently, facing down an insane criminal who has shown no hesitation in killing his predecessor?"

He then looked Magatsu in the eyes, managing a feeling of staring right through him despite having his eyes completely covered. "However, none of that matters now. I am not attempting to cover anything up. In fact, I welcome the chance to stand trial before the Commander-General and undergo investigation, as will the rest of my Division. I am certain of that. However, now is not the time nor the place to be fostering inter-Division hostilities over the chain of command. Currently, the entire Seireitei is still under attack, and I believe it is still our duty to protect the people. Would you rather have us work together to fight off this threat, contain the currently known criminal and have us under trial when we are not in such immediate danger, or would you stand here idly and bicker over what may be fruitless accusations while the nation we were supposed to protect crumbles around us?"

With that, Sigint falls silent, leaving the decision up to them.

Nao

"Officer Kageen, I respectfully suggest that yourself and Officer Yoshi stay here to keep the prisoner in place to be transported by tenth, as impartial third parties it's best if you are the ones to stay with her. I'm sure each of us have more important things we could do, but I'm under he impression that you can do your work from here, am I right?" Nao still shows no signs of even a twinge of anger as he looks to the two in question. "Officer Yoshi, I'm aware that you may want to stay out of the situation at hand as much as possible, but objectively you're the best choice for staying with Officer Kimi."

[Wahrheit]

"The easiest solution would have been to kill the ninja in open combat, since she lacked the element of surprise that would let someone of her caliber come anywhere near a Captain. But you're right."

He looked over at his subordinates and Yoshi.

"Shishimaru, contact the Tenth Division and ask for a team to pick up this... thing. Nasumi, keep an eye out to make sure nothing... unexpected... breaks this agreement."

As Magatsu turned to re-address the other Shinigami present, he paused with his mouth open. Now that he had calmed down a tad and wasn't in his tunnel-like Murder Vision, and thanks to the Third Division's location on relatively high ground and corresponding nice view, he noticed that there was, indeed, something unexpected going on.

"...What the hell's happened to that mountain?"

[riccaru]

"The easiest solution would have been to kill the ninja in open combat, since she lacked the element of surprise that would let someone of her caliber come anywhere near a Captain. But you're right."

He looked over at his subordinates and Yoshi.

"Shishimaru, contact the Tenth Division and ask for a team to pick up this... thing. Nasumi, keep an eye out to make sure nothing... unexpected... breaks this agreement."

As Magatsu turned to re-address the other Shinigami present, he paused with his mouth open. Now that he had calmed down a tad and wasn't in his tunnel-like Murder Vision, and thanks to the Third Division's location on relatively high ground and corresponding nice view, he noticed that there was, indeed, something unexpected going on.

"...What the hell's happened to that mountain?"

"She took captain Hannibal for a run while he was hollowfied two hundred years ago. Thinking she wouldn't have gotten any stronger since then is just absurd, Lieutenant Magatsu. As for the mountain, I believe that is Kujo's doing. No clue why he'd go through all this trouble for a damn mountain though."

[InyutheBeatIs]

Sigint nodded his head as Nao offered his suggestion. Then, Magatsu finally snapped out of his Psychopath Mode. His suddenly noticing the mountain's current condition almost brought up some youthful rage within Sigint, but all that manifested was a slightly deeper breath than he usually takes. "Currently unknown, Magatsu-sama. Probably has something to do with Kujo, no doubt. The mountain's very structure seems to shift into things that would be physically impossible otherwise. As for why, I believe we'll find out soon enough."

"Well, if everyone agrees, I agree with Nao's suggestion. Yoshi-sama and I can stay here, while the rest of you can go out and help as best as you can. I will try and provide support as best as I can until the 10th Division can pick up Suzume." He motions towards the men and women behind him. "These 25 fine upstanding members of the 2nd shall assist you as best as possible. Their skill sets are varied and shall serve you well."

[Draken]

[Rukon - Catastrophe Border]

Ryouichi considers the humanoid shapes for a moment. "...It is possible that the integrity of the Maggot's Nest has been breached. It would be unwise to purge the area as there may still be potential evidence." His tone is detached, and emotionless. Such was the usual fare when the Commander had business to tend to.

"...We may not have time to request for the assistance of other divisions. We should start immediate subjugation of potential escapees. Shall we, gentlemen?" The last bit is injected with a bit of emotion, before he leaps into the dust, immediately heading for the humanoid shadows.

"That solution seems...counter-productive on a few levels. Nonetheless, thank you for weighing in with one option."

Masaru nodded and turned to the other Captain present.

"Get us as much detail as you can, and keep us up to date. Ryouichi and I can take the lead, you follow behind to provide backup in whatever form necessary."

With that, he followed the Commander, his twin swords drawn, though their power was still sealed and leashed.

"No one ever listens to my recommendations."

Kazuo adjusts his visor to see through the dust cloud and changes the eight stalks of his shikai into the plasma gun configuration.