[BitP:R] Soul Society 3

[Kuroimaken]

Sayuri doesn't even consider lingering to check the note. Once she'd get back home, there'd be easy enough ways to check whether the man had been truthful to the slightest.

The strange weighting of his words catches her attention, though. Ah... it must've been the cake after all, she thinks. She can hardly believe the outrage of it all, but the thought never gets to the surface, her demeanor remaining steadily glacial as she walks through the restaurant.

"Define reality, Namae no Ataenushi", she whispers as she reaches the door. The illusion of an umbrella is too frail to conceal the metamorphosis, it seems, and it is replaced by lone feather of a swan with its tip black with ink. Of course, her body now conceals the pen from Soushi's vision.

"Yes, I do want my letters to reach their proper recipient", she snaps, turning to look at Soushi one more time. She does it carefully so that her hand holding the pen is left behind her back, and still hidden. "I believe the 5th Division will be more than happy to help you in that regard."

Suddenly, Soushi can feel something sharp pressed against his temple, above his right eye. There's a satisfied glint in Sayuri's eyes, before she disappears from the doorframe and to the street. Once there, she begins hastily walking towards 10th Division.

"What about the cake, sir?"

"I'll deliver it along with the letter. Sorry it turned out this badly, boys."

"Not at all, sir."

Soushi reaches for the sharp object, carefully removing it. Assuming there's an object there at all.

Saiyuri will find a cake, completely untouched, as well as the letter from Kiku. And an additional note from Soushi.

Spoiler

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I know you were very upset when I last let myself in, but the cake was sent by Kiku herself. I'd rather you be mad at me instead of risking it going bad.

[Kuroimaken]

Aya hugs Shishiou as she speaks to his ear. "The core credo of the Shinigami is teamwork, I do not understand why accepting help is in any way an indication of a lack of trust." Oh Aya...if only you are not so naive towards matters of pride, especially a warrior's pride...or perhaps not.

"And if you go spouting macho nonsense about a man's pride, or that a warrior's fight should not be interfered with, it is often such pride that led good men astray and bad men into greater mistakes. Pride should not be on oneself, but also one's faith in having his or her back watched by their comrades, and to face the enemy together, in cooperation and coordination, hearts to hearts, blades to blades."

He's happy to hug her back.

"I'm a simple man, honey. I'm afraid I've got a looooooong ways to go when it comes to fully understanding what your heart wants and needs.

...Love you."

[Nicklance]

He's happy to hug her back.

"I'm a simple man, honey. I'm afraid I've got a looooooong ways to go when it comes to fully understanding what your heart wants and needs.

...Love you."

Aya smiles. "Take your time dear."

[Kuroimaken]

Awww, they're at the terms of endearment phase now. Doesn't it just make you wanna eat them up?

"Thanks for your patience." He chuckles, but doesn't break the hug just yet.

[Nicklance]

Awww, they're at the terms of endearment phase now. Doesn't it just make you wanna eat them up?

"Thanks for your patience." He chuckles, but doesn't break the hug just yet.

Aya holds Shishiou back at arm's length after a minute or two, blushing and looking away. "Uhm, alright...time for me to learn the Bakudo?"

[Kuroimaken]

Aya holds Shishiou back at arm's length after a minute or two, blushing and looking away. "Uhm, alright...time for me to learn the Bakudo?"

"If you want to. What's the highest level Bakudou you know?

Still, I thought you were going to be attacking? I could cast the Bakudou myself, you know."

[Nicklance]

"If you want to. What's the highest level Bakudou you know?

Still, I thought you were going to be attacking? I could cast the Bakudou myself, you know."

"I could go into the 70s. And its always good to have someone else that can keep this Bakudo up just in case."

[Frozen_Feet]

The cake gets to wait for quite a while. First, Sayuri treks through the streets to tell her story to Gotei Police. "Hello", she says plainly to the duty officer. The poor fellow looks quite confused, as the illusionary outfit (if it really is such) has yet to fade from Sayuri. "I'd like to report misdemeanor from part of Nagamichi Soushi..."

Meanwhile, Soushi finds that there indeed isn't any object. He just gets a bloody smear on his hand, as if something had pierced his skin just enough to draw blood. Very confusing, indeed.

While Soushi wonders what horrible fate has befallen him, Sayuri herself sits waiting in the 10th lobby, calling to her three Jigokucho's.

First is send to Yama Yuuta:

"Central 46 has granted permission for us to briefly visit Daireishokairō to recover a copy of their Kido archives. Meet at gates of Central Chambers Compound tomorrow at noon."

The second and third are sent to Konpaku Aya and Tsukikage Shishiou, both carrying the same message:

"From Yamamoto Sayuri, 1st Division Vice-Captain: your presence is required for a hearing considering your report on Kitano Takeshi. Meet at my office at 7:00 AM."

Sayuri doesn't return home that night. Instead, once she's done recounting events of the evening to the 10th officer, she has herself escorted to 1st Division barracks, checking in sometime during small hours. Hopefully, she'll feel a bit safer sleeping among her comrades. Also, unlike Sayuri's apartment, the barracks have security cameras, warded doors, and a duty officer keeping a check on the place, which is at least something of an improvement.

[Nicklance]

The second and third are sent to Konpaku Aya and Tsuchikage Shishiou, both carrying the same message:

"From Yamamoto Sayuri, 1st Division Vice-Captain: your presence is required for a hearing considering your report on Kitano Takeshi. Meet at my office at 7:00 AM."

Konpaku Aya turns her head at the Hell Butterfly and acknowledges the message. Turning to Shishiou, worry creases her forehead. "It looks like we don't have much time before we will force a confrontation."

[Kuroimaken]

It's not very long after Soushi decides to properly care for the unusual wound, as he returns home and uses a first aid kit and a mirror.

[Kuroimaken]

Konpaku Aya turns her head at the Hell Butterfly and acknowledges the message. Turning to Shishiou, worry creases her forehead. "It looks like we don't have much time before we will force a confrontation."

"They're calling us, huh?"

[Nicklance]

"They're calling us, huh?"

"Yeah. Tomorrow morning. I'll walk you back to your barracks. Let's have an early night." Aya nods and takes Shishiou's as she turns about to lead him out.

[Frozen_Feet]

It's not very long after Soushi decides to properly care for the unusual wound, as he returns home and uses a first aid kit and a mirror.

Well, the wound itself is not very bad. It's more like few scratches that just bled profusely for a moment. But looking at it closely, it looks like the thin lines are arranged in a specific manner - bit like writing, but it's hard to decipher what it reads from a reflection.

Of course, if Soushi spends some time squinting at it or fetches another mirror to reflect the reflection, the meaning becomes abundantly clear: バカ, "baka".

Hopefully, it will heal over quickly.

[Kuroimaken]

Well, the wound itself is not very bad. It's more like few scratches that just bled profusely for a moment. But looking at it closely, it looks like the thin lines are arranged in a specific manner - bit like writing, but it's hard to decipher what it reads from a reflection.

Of course, if Soushi spends some time squinting at it or fetches another mirror to reflect the reflection, the meaning becomes abundantly clear: バカ, "baka".

Hopefully, it will heal over quickly.

Soushi smiled.

That's all I get for pulling a stunt like that? I must be doing something right. Somewhere along the line.

[Kuroimaken]

"Yeah. Tomorrow morning. I'll walk you back to your barracks. Let's have an early night." Aya nods and takes Shishiou's as she turns about to lead him out.

"Only if I get to kiss you goodnight twice." Shishiou jested as he followed along.

[Nicklance]

"Only if I get to kiss you goodnight twice." Shishiou jested as he followed along.

When the couple nears the 13th Division gates, Aya takes the firm initiative and grips Shishiou by the shoulders and plants her lips on his. Letting go after two minutes, she winks and disappears with shunpo.

[Kuroimaken]

Shishiou stares in disbelief into space for a couple of seconds. And then he yells.

"Each minute counts as a separate kiss!"

[Nicklance]

Shishiou stares in disbelief into space for a couple of seconds. And then he yells.

"Each minute counts as a separate kiss!"

Shishiou would have to spend the rest of the night wondering if his message got through.

[Hadrian_Emrys]

Originally Posted by Yamamoto Sayuri
"Central 46 has granted permission for us to briefly visit Daireishokairō to recover a copy of their Kido archives. Meet at gates of Central Chambers Compound tomorrow at noon."

Startled from his trance, and pickled from his sweltering rest, Yuuta makes note to meet her there. Then, he settles anew and resumes suffering his verbal abuse.

[Terry576]

[13th Division]



The unseated at the sidelines keep murmurring to each other in befuddlement. What is their Lieutenant after? This is just warm-up, right? Isn't the real training supposed to come after? What are they supposed to learn if they hospitalize their superior? It's not exactly prudent to cut loose with real Zanpakutos, is it?

The warrior behind Karite dodges the stab, skidding backwards to get out of his reach. The other guy pulls his blade back from the ground and aims a rapid upwards slash at Karite's gut. The other three just stay out of the way, waiting for a good opening.

Karite sidesteps the attack, and cuts at one of the unseated.

"Christ, Natsuko was right about you. Are any of you decent with a sword? At all?"

[strawberryman]

[Day 19 afternoon, 1st Division]

Ryouichi receives a response to his request surprsingly quickly - within the same day, even. A familiar, grizzled man in garments of a noble comes to his office towards the end of the day.

"Greetings", the man says, ember-like eyes glistening. There's a crooked smile on his scarred face. "I believe we've met before. How's things?"

Ryouichi looks up in... well, neutral regard to the man.

"It's been a busy few days, so I must apologize for not recalling our last meeting. Nonetheless, Central certainly can be prompt when pressed."

[Frozen_Feet]

The elder man blinks. "Oh? I thought I'd be a memorable sight", he chuckles, reaching inside his satchel to draw out a sealed letter with Central's emblem on it. Once opened, it reads:

"In the light of the current events, the case of Kitano Takeshi and other Kido Corps defectors is handed to Gotei 13. Each of them is to be captured and brought to justice under suspect of high treason. Commander-General Tsukada Ryouichi has full authority over the operation and involved personnel. Use of any level of force or resources is allowed."

"Your recommendation of Nagamichi Soushi for the next Kido Commander has been taken into consideration."

"Normally, it wouldn't have been this quick", the messenger admits, now with a more solemn expression, "but this has been a long time coming. What to do about the Kido Corps has been under discussion for the whole past week."

"In the past, these kinds of things would've been given to Onmitsukido, but since your organizations are joined at the hip these days I was pretty sure it would be given to you instead. I was practically in the Compound lobby, waiting for your orders already when your letter came. Considering how quickly the decision was made, I suspect verdict had already been made and only took minor modifications."

The old man glances over his shoulder, to see that the office door is closed. Hopefully no-one is eavesdropping. Then, he continues with a slightly more subdued voice. "Though your recommendation of Nagamichi Soushi for a commander came as a surprise. Care to enlighten me on that part?"

[strawberryman]

Ryouichi subdues a confident smile as the message is delivered.

As for the question...

"I will admit to no small degree that this is a political recommendation. Masaru is one of the oldest and most-trusted captains, irregardless of whether he is also one of my most trusted comrades as well. Nagamichi Soushi has displayed a considerable amount of competence and good judgement, and overall I trust him far more than anyone else suited for the position, and this may well give good opportunity to reign in the errant Kido Corps for once."

He pauses, bridging his fingers together in front of his face.

"I will fully understand if this arrangement is not met, and will react accordingly to see what favor I can gain with whomever you appoint as the new Kido Commander."

"I would hope and assume you would not mention my recommendation to any other candidates, or anyone else for that matter, so as to not bruise any egos."

[Frozen_Feet]

The old messenger looks pondersome at the reply. "I just considered it odd, seeing that I've never heard of this person ever having interest towards the organization. Usually, high-ranking officers have been promoted within Gotei, or have requested this kind of transfer themselves. Indeed, I think there have been times when such shift would've even been considered a punishment."

Afterall, the Corps is a wreck. Being put to lead something with little knowledge of the organization as a whole and no personal relations to its people poses a significant challenge for even an experienced leader.

"I can't say how much weight your word will carry. In my opinion, the stunts pulled by the former two Commanders put the whole Kido Corps' existence as an independent organization under question. If it is allowed to remain standing, however, I'm not sure if people would be happy with a Gotei officer being nominated for the spot. Not everyone is happy with how Onmitsukidou has almost been swallowed by the Gotei. To have the same happen to Kido Corps... if I've understood correctly, part of the current situation resulted from that exact fear."

"What would you say, General? Do you think Gotei has obsoloted the Kido Corps?"

[strawberryman]

"The Old Kido Corps? Yes."

Ryouichi pauses to allow for reaction. "We do not need a rogue organization who would rather work towards its own vision of a better society than compromising to the majority and achieving things without upsetting the laws of our world. I will grant that Nagamichi-fukutaichou may not have first-hand experience in the Kido Corps, but he is as intelligent and able as any of them."

"Whether that kind of cooperation will be achieved from any other is yet to be seen. I am aware my Lieutenant is working with the former Vice-Commander of the Kido Corps. I am not saying I mistrust her, no, I trust her as much as Masaru. I do not, however, trust him. I will not deny it is possible I am just jumping at shadows, but over three centuries of careful planning and accounting for the worst have served me more than well."

[Frozen_Feet]

"Ah yes, the case of Yamamoto-san and Yama-dono", the messenger says and nods. "I was wondering whether they were working behind your back or what. I've gotten the impression she and the Vice-Commander desire to do something about the current crisis themselves. But I suppose that they'll reveal their plans to you sooner or later, or you could question them on your own accord."

The messenger turns and takes a step towards the door. "Well, my part here is done. Good hunting, Tsukada-san."

[HirokatsuGoto]

Spoiler

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Misaki nods excitingly.
Yep, its a fire-based power. My father says elemental based powers are kind of a thing in our family. What even better is that its a ranged attack.
She points her shikai at a sizable chunk of debris from the Maggot's Nest collapse.
Here I'll show you.
Misaki turns her gaze to the piece of stone and then merely flicks the sabre. A crackling of crimson red and amber yellow fire begins to form briefly around the blade. It then propels itself from the blade, producing a screeching noise reminiscent to a bottle rocket, as the bolt of fire flies towards the stone. When it hit the bolt explodes, leaving behind a small crater that is searing hot, with a fire burning in the center. The small flame dies down about 5-10 seconds later.

Misaki pleasantly satisfied with her little performance turns to Taro.
Pretty neat isn't it.

INVASION DAY (post collapse)

Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division:
(on break from overseeing the 10th Division near the collapsed Maggot's Nest, eating candy in the grass with Misaki from the Kido Corps, she is showing him her Shikai)


Taro smiled as she showed more of the Shikai to him and explained it briefly. Misaki had grown up faster than he ever thought she would have.

"I am so very proud of you Misaki!, congratulations ...i might just be calling YOU 'sir' if you keep progressing this fast!" Taro said with a grin to her in a an encouraging but jovial tone.

As he looked on to her with a smile, Taro realized one of the lower seats in the 10th was approaching carefully, trying not to interfere with Taro's 'break" with his friend.

Taro sighed a bit to himself as he smiled once more to Misaki, nodded slightly to her and turned his head very slightly, to just catch the eyes of the lower seat in the 10th.

"yes?" Taro said slightly annoyed.

"sir..." stepping forward more assertively... "sir...many apologies...it would be of great help if you could lend us your strength in getting these prisoners to the temporary holding cells..."

Taro sighed again, but nodded to the young man.

"understood...i will be there immediately.."

Taro then turned back to Misaki, as the young lower seat bowed and moved off.

Taro's annoyed face was seen by Misaki briefly...but then it changed greatly and all in one instant. Taro was smiling wide again to her, his hands on his hips and his belly sticking out. He stepped towards her, being careful around her Shikai.

He bent over and pat her lightly on the head and smiled to her.

"I'm sorry Misaki-kun...duty calls...." he said as he straightened up reaching into his sleeve pocket. Pulling out a bit of a broken piece of watermelon hard candy, he snapped it half again and tossed her a piece, putting theo ther in his mouth and smiling wide to her.

"Enjoy the rest of this candy...and keep up the training with that Zanpaktuo Misaki... let's meet up soon...maybe in a few days? ok? I'll meet you at the Kido Corps grounds!" He said as he stepped back and away from her, waving a bit to her with a large smile before turning around to head off back to the mess of the collapse. AS soon as his back is turned his face furrows as he did not like being taken away from Misaki ever...let alone for these prisoners...

----------------------------------------------

(Day of the Kido Corps defection...i dont know what number that is)

Taro had been shunpo'ing at his top speed towards the Kido Corps grounds. He had heard through a scout that something happened with the Kido Corps, and that there was a mass defection.

Taro had dropped everything he was doing when he heard this happened and bolted to find Misaki. Taro's stamina for shunpo was not his strength, but nevertheless, he pushed himself as fast as he could to the Kido Corps grounds to find Misaki.

He arrived at the Kido Corps grounds not sure what to find. He had met Misaki a few times here before, but it was never at a dormitory or barracks. Misaki always wanted to meet in the large open courtyards on the soft grass.

The large open courtyards were the only landmark he knew at the Kido Corps grounds so he figured he should start there. If she wasnt there, hopefully someone was around who could help Taro find her.

Taro moved quickly, a body his size was truly uncommon a sight for any passers by. If Misaki had gotten caught up in this or hurt during these events, Taro would never forgive himself for not being able to be there for her.

He arrived in the open courtyard, the grass was soft just like he remembered. Taro looked around for Misaki, panting heavily, his hands on his knees, sweat beading down his back and chest.

[The Librarian]

Spoiler

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(Day of the Kido Corps defection...i dont know what number that is)

Taro had been shunpo'ing at his top speed towards the Kido Corps grounds. He had heard through a scout that something happened with the Kido Corps, and that there was a mass defection.

Taro had dropped everything he was doing when he heard this happened and bolted to find Misaki. Taro's stamina for shunpo was not his strength, but nevertheless, he pushed himself as fast as he could to the Kido Corps grounds to find Misaki.

He arrived at the Kido Corps grounds not sure what to find. He had met Misaki a few times here before, but it was never at a dormitory or barracks. Misaki always wanted to meet in the large open courtyards on the soft grass.

The large open courtyards were the only landmark he knew at the Kido Corps grounds so he figured he should start there. If she wasnt there, hopefully someone was around who could help Taro find her.

Taro moved quickly, a body his size was truly uncommon a sight for any passers by. If Misaki had gotten caught up in this or hurt during these events, Taro would never forgive himself for not being able to be there for her.

He arrived in the open courtyard, the grass was soft just like he remembered. Taro looked around for Misaki, panting heavily, his hands on his knees, sweat beading down his back and chest.[/font]

Kido Corp Gardens: Day of Kido Corp Defection

When Misaki had returned to the Kido Corp, she noticed it was even more of a mess than it was before. After asking a few people, she managed to get fragments of the event with other members and was able to piece it together from there. Takeshi's comments were contradictory to what she had been taught by her father. This made Misaki uneasy and confused regarding the matter and went to ask her father about it. Katisugo, was able to explain the Takeshi event better to her than the bewildered Kido Members that had witnessed it. Still confused, Misaki decided to ignore this confusion for now.

Misaki sat there in the garden staring at a pair of white butterflies fluttering over a scarlet sage plant. Her father, Katisugo was sitting on a stone bench adjacent to Misaki, wrapping up his conversation about the event.
...And that's pretty much where the Kido Corp stands right now.
Misaki turns to her father sighing sounding a little discouraged.
What about me tou-san? I'm pretty damn sure my chances of going to the Mortal World are completely shot now.

Katisugo slowly shakes his head standing up. Misaki again averts her gaze to the pair of butterflies now feeding from the sage's red flowers.
Seeing as you were still helping with the clean-up at the time of Takeshi's defection, they will probably not make any insinuations about your innocence in the matter.
Katisugo walks over to Misaki putting his hand on her shoulder with a soft grin on his face. Misaki's looks up at her dad.
Everything, will work out just fine Misaki.
Misaki nods, placing her hands on his.
Yeah. I'm sure your right tou-san.

Katisugo nods, turning his head and then notice a particularly bulky character standing in the courtyard trying to catch his breath. He also appeared to be looking around for someone. Katisugo points hi finger towards the individual.
Friend of yours?
Misaki turns and almost instantly spots Taro.
Hmm...Oh, that's Taro-san.
A suddenly hops to her feet with child-like exuberance, running to the garden gate and shouts out to Taro waving her arm in the air.
Hey! Taro-san!

To Misaki, the presence of one of her good friends was all she needed to put her mind at ease about the whole Kido Corp situation.

[Kasanip]

Kaki
[9th Division Headquarters]

Kaki hides her yawn and takes a deep breath and stops outside the door of Hirokatsu Goto's office.
"Okaji Kaki, 9th Division temporary vice captain and fourth seat, reporting." She announced the long title at the door.

In her arms there are a large numbers of papers that look heavy to carry and make balance. She was awake until very early to write and finish these reports and to move to the new office. Actually she sleeped on her new desk. But now, she came to give the paper to her new captain.

Vice Captain Goto was always a strict but confident leader. Kaki had not been here for as long as most members, but she had heard many stories of him. So, she always tried to have a good atmosphere of seriousness. Being one of youngest members and to be 4th seat, it was a shock for her to be told to become assistant to the captain. But it was a big honor, and Kaki wanted to do her best.

So she was here early. Maybe thirty minutes is too early. But this morning she also had prepared coffee for everyone (the last three days there was much need for coffee, and Kaki had preformed such a role.

[HirokatsuGoto]

Spoiler

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Kido Corp Gardens: Day of Kido Corp Defection

When Misaki had returned to the Kido Corp, she noticed it was even more of a mess than it was before. After asking a few people, she managed to get fragments of the event with other members and was able to piece it together from there. Takeshi's comments were contradictory to what she had been taught by her father. This made Misaki uneasy and confused regarding the matter and went to ask her father about it. Katisugo, was able to explain the Takeshi event better to her than the bewildered Kido Members that had witnessed it. Still confused, Misaki decided to ignore this confusion for now.

Misaki sat there in the garden staring at a pair of white butterflies fluttering over a scarlet sage plant. Her father, Katisugo was sitting on a stone bench adjacent to Misaki, wrapping up his conversation about the event.
...And that's pretty much where the Kido Corp stands right now.
Misaki turns to her father sighing sounding a little discouraged.
What about me tou-san? I'm pretty damn sure my chances of going to the Mortal World are completely shot now.

Katisugo slowly shakes his head standing up. Misaki again averts her gaze to the pair of butterflies now feeding from the sage's red flowers.
Seeing as you were still helping with the clean-up at the time of Takeshi's defection, they will probably not make any insinuations about your innocence in the matter.
Katisugo walks over to Misaki putting his hand on her shoulder with a soft grin on his face. Misaki's looks up at her dad.
Everything, will work out just fine Misaki.
Misaki nods, placing her hands on his.
Yeah. I'm sure your right tou-san.

Katisugo nods, turning his head and then notice a particularly bulky character standing in the courtyard trying to catch his breath. He also appeared to be looking around for someone. Katisugo points hi finger towards the individual.
Friend of yours?
Misaki turns and almost instantly spots Taro.
Hmm...Oh, that's Taro-san.
A suddenly hops to her feet with child-like exuberance, running to the garden gate and shouts out to Taro waving her arm in the air.
Hey! Taro-san!

To Misaki, the presence of one of her good friends was all she needed to put her mind at ease about the whole Kido Corp situation.

Day of Kido Corp Defection

Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division:
(Kido Corp Gardens, looking for Misaki)


Taro was bent over at the knees sweating and looking in the opposite direction, when he heard the sweetest and happiest sound he could hear.

He spun around as quick as he could and squinted his eyes as he saw the small silhouetted form of his dear friend Misaki behind the gate to an adjoining garden to the courtyard. Behind her he thought he could make out another form.

Taro straightened up and sighed heavily in relief as he waved back to her and began to walk towards her. His strides large he closed the distance quickly without looking like he was in a hurry. With his sleeve, he wiped his brow, chest and arms of their sweat as he approached the gate and garden.

His face was warm, but tired, and his smile was large, though behind a sense of concern still weighed in its corners and on his brow.

Taro came to the gate door, and bowed to her slightly.

"Oh Misaki-kun...i am so happy to see you...i came as soon as i heard what happened with the Kido Corps.... how IS everything?...and how are you?"

His tone sincere his care obvious, his full professional and personal sentiment was on display for Misaki to see as he did not hide his care for her.