For years now within the warring factions of the spiritual world. Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo have been living under an age of Cold War. It is a time where tensions run high between the two factions. And yet despite this, Soul Society has flourished in these years that could be considered the closest thing they have known to "peace". However, this uneasy "peace" has finally been broken.
Soul Society awakes to the day after an invasion led by Kujo, a rogue shinigami, condemned by Soul Society for the murder of the former Commander-General of the Gotei 13. Kujo was accompanied by his followers: Suzume Kimi, Eriku Gimimamori, the Primera Espada, Genoveva and her underlings, and the mysterious modsoul known as Naraku. Genoveva and his underlings were intercepted by 11th Captain Himura Michiko, and 13th Vice Captain Mitsukai Karite. The Primera was forced into retreat, but Captain Michiko was severely wounded, and Karite underwent a hollowfication. Meanwhile, 10th Captain Takashi Taiki engaged Kujo in battle, and Suzume Kimi was captured by 2nd Captain Miyagawa Yuuki. The attack left much of Soul Society in dismay, especially with the destruction of the Maggot's Nest, an installation kept secret even amongst the Gotei 13, where the worst case criminals of Seireitei are held.
With the invasion now over, an operation has begun to clean up the destruction of the attack. This attack now brings a close to an era of non-aggression in the spiritual world. Many questions arise from this event, as the once dormant gears of the machine of war once again begin to turn. Is Soul Society truly prepared for another age of war and death? Can the past generation of war-torn shinigami, pass the torch to a new rising generation, who are ignorant of the cruelties of war? And who will step up amongst this new generation of shinigami to lead the Gotei 13 towards a future that has yet to reveal itself?
Only time and the actions of those within the Gotei 13 will tell us.
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"The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done. --George Carlin"
Magatsu slumped into his chair, hand already cramping from writing reports. The Third Division had responded well to the attack, especially thanks to the low damage inflicted, but the entire situation had put a sour taste in his mouth. Resentment boiled behind his eyes as the report utterly failed to distract him from thinking of how cavalier Second had been when they waltzed onto Third's grounds.
Suzume had been his, damnit. Right there, in his f***ing hands, basically gift wrapped with a ribbon saying "Please execute me, Shizuka-fukutaichou! Merry Christmas!"
And then Yuuki had popped in to complicate everything with all the damn superiority Magatsu hated so much about the Onmitsukido. Even then, he could have killed her. At least maimed the bitch. He smiled slightly as he contemplated how nice it would have been to take her other arm and make her watch as he obliterated it. But that fourth seat had to jump in. How dare the bastard call him a murderer, say all he could do was kill restrained criminals. Magatsu had just slaughtered an Arrancar that would have made the ninja crap his pants and was still more than up to the task of killing Suzume. He should have ripped one of the bastard's arms off for his disrespect.
Magatsu became aware that his hand hurt. He glanced at it to find that his grip had tightened enough to snap his pen and drive several splinters into his palm. He ripped the wooden shards free and tossed them aside.
Heh heh heh. Poor Magatsu. Still upset that you're not respected? Eien Uzumaki slunk into Magatsu's mind, snickering.
What do you think?
I think that you're sitting around feeling sorry for yourself when you could be doing something useful. The distinct impression of a too-toothy smile tickled Magatu's thoughts like blades across a whetstone. Nobody will cross you once you've got a haori. Look at how much people indulge the other Captains. But they won't just indulge you, Magatsu. They'll fear you. We can kill anything, and we'll force Seireitei to acknowledge us as more than just their useful shame. Not pawns any more, but players. The zanpakutou's laughter faded away.
Magatsu thought for a moment, then dispatched a pair of Hell Butterflies. He needed to speak with the Commander-General, and after that... that unseated girl. She'd faced him down. If nothing else, she had guts. Useful. He'd need to fill in Daisuke-kun as well, but he'd do that in person.
The Hell Butterfly to Tsukada-soutaichou was simple and polite, little more than a statement of Magatsu's desire to meet with Ryouichi at his convenience.
Nasumi's was short and direct, bordering on rude as usual, telling her to see Magatsu in his office when she was finished helping repair and relief efforts.
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If you're in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallicus
I picture some NPC kid running up to the wearer, going "Sir... why are you wearing a chopped off hand?", at which point the wearer launches the kid's hat 15 feet away and snarls, "DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW? THIS IS TRUE POWER!"
Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division: (at the scene of the collapse, with 5 other 10th division unseated)
Taro shakes his head a bit, and looks back to his 5 men. At that moment a large cadre of 10th Division members of all ranks showed up, near the 3rd Seat. The orders were flying from all directions it seemed, but Taro knew his job at this moment. Or at least he knew what eh and his men were going to do.
Taro quickly gathered the 10th Division members close and relayed the organizational orders. Taro then sent out the majority of the group (save the 5 members whom had been with him), to follow those orders and work in coordination with the other divisions, per the command structure. He sent them off with a large "GO!" which was followed by an even larger division response of "HAI!" as they ran off.
Taro kept the 5 men whom had been with him from arriving apart. He looked to them, one older unseated Shinigami looked unfazed, but the other four looked as if they were in shock almost, the destruction and large assembled force for cleanup seemed to bring them out of their comfort level.
Taro smiled to them, and bent down slightly as they looked to him. Taro spoke confidently to them. "Now...you five...you are coming with me, I am sure there are some 'people' who need our special attention..." (referring to prisoners)
Taro them smiled largely and adjusted his robes, as he turned and looked to the rubble...still speaking to them "...let's go, i have a feeling not all of this is going to be fixed by cleaning up some stone and dirt..."
A brief look back to them men, and a nod, and they shunpo'd off towards the rubble, but seemingly around it. Taro wanted to do close observation from some of the less populated sides of the destruction, in case any prisoners thought they could slip out.
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(Near collapse, away from the masse of gathered Shinigami)
Taro saw them after a while, it was a group of about 15 prisoners, loosely gathered together ducking in and out from behind large rocks moving away from the rubble. It looked even like their shackles were off, as he saw their hands free. One could never be too safe with prisoners, but this was no time to be safe.
Taro stopped his shunpo, with his men stopping too, behind a large boulder barely big enough to hide the large Taro, but along the route the escapees were taking. His back against the boulder he looked to his men and brought his large hand up to his lips and quietly said "shhhh....escapees" as he pointed with his thumb behind him around the boulder.
Each man snuck up to the edge of the boulder and peered around it, each seeing them before returning back behind the stone boulder and the flesh boulder of Taro.
Taro looked to them sternly. "These men need to be apprehended immediately, do not take them lightly...and do not hesitate...they have broken Soul Society law..."
Taro then peered behind the rock quickly, and then back to the men. He looked at them strong, then smiled very widely, he then adjusted his belt and strode out boldly from behind the large boulder. The escapees, were only 20 yards away as he did so.
"HO... HO.. HO..ho... what do we have here guys?" as his men came out behind Taro, with their hands on their swords hilts. "...looks like a bunch of riff raff thinking they can get away with breaking laws without paying the consequences..." he had both his hands on his belt and his stance was wide as he looked at them with a smirk. "...you think you are above the law eh?"
The escapees all stopped dead in their tracks, and gathered near a large man in front of them The escapees looked to be in good shape, and the man leading them was pretty big and strong, and had broken shackles at his wrists, his hands were somewhat bloodied, as were the other escapees broken shackles.
"This guy must have had his shackles broken in the collapse, and then went about freeing these other ones" Taro thought.
The escapees did not look scared, and the man in front of them definitely not. They seemingly made this choice knowing they might have to fight their way out. And here was their fight. Some of them were picking up rocks in their hands, a few had large pieces of broken wood with nails in it.
"Why don yooo...get out of our way fata$$..?" the large one said to Taro mockingly. "...there are a bunch of us..." (15) "...and you only have a few wimps and your larda$$...." laughing a bit to the other prisoners..
"...make it easy on yourself fatso....let us by and go eat some cake...at least you will enjoy that" the large man said pumping his fist into his palm
Taro's stern look turned to a large smile...then slowly...started to laugh..."h..ha...hha...ha...ha....hahahaha...ha..HAAH...HA AHA HAHHAAHAHAHA.." His men behind him had faces of anger at the large man's words towards their 3rd seat. NO ONE talked to Taro that way.
"ha...ha...haha..ha...h....Oh my...you must have been in there for quite a while to talk that way...." he then took one LARGE step forward, BAM and was immediately in his Sumo crouch, his right foot forward and his large right hand with an open palm (curled fingers) directed at the escapees.
"...i was hoping you would come quietly and accept your fate...but it looks like you will be adding more than just attempted escape onto your list of crimes....but also ... ASSAULTING an officer of the Gotei....NOW COME ON!..." Taro's voice boomed to the escapees.
It was at this moment when one of the escapees, a pretty strong looking guy, dropped his rock. He timidly said..."oh...oh...my...that...that...that's Taro Banzuke!" the man ran forward towards Taro his hands in the air "Who's that?" one of the other escapees said back "he was a Yokozuna in the SSSWF (Soul Society Sumo Wrestling Federation)....he went 115 matches in a row without losing...you guys really must HAVE been in here forever to not know of him!"
"ah...a fan" Taro said as the man approached and dropped to his knees in front of him...speaking in all ernest "Banzukewaka...Banzukewaka!!... i am so sorry...i give up, please take me back to prison...i wont be a problem..." Taro then nodded and pointed him over towards a boulder to sit out of the way.....the man said "hai!" but then lingered a moment with his head down..."what is it!" Taro said "...um Banzukewaka...can..i get your autograph!!!" his head sprung up with a large boyish like smile...
Taro and the rest of the gathered Shinigami and escapees looked on for a moment quizzically...dumbfounded.
Then all of their jaws dropped to the floor! Well except Taro....
"Sure kid!! no problem!! Nothing i wouldnt do for a fan!!!" Taro said while easing up and belly laughing once "HA!" Then out of nowhere came a little piece of paper and a pen from inside Taro's robes, it looking like a toothpick in his large hands. He quickly signed his name with a flourish and handed it to the man, and pat him on the head like a little boy. "Now go sit down...I have some work to do..." he said as his voice and posture return to "serious" mode as he pushed aside the Sumo fan and escapee.
The escapees and 10th members all tensed back up. The escapees re-gripping their makeshift weapons, the unseated Shinigami with their thumbs under their tsubas.
Taro stood crouched his right hand and foot forward, his left foot back, his left hand slightly above his shoulder and beside his head.
"Enough of this $hit!..come on!!!" The large escapee then lunged forward into a run with a yell "YAAAAHHHHH!!!" the other men following suit with him
Taro smiled "bring it" he said softly to himself.
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(at the collapse)
9TH DIVISION
9th Division squads are seen to arrive from multiple directions briefly (though not the whole division), only to then shunpo off in multiple directions (after butterflies reach the commanding officers). Few words were said by the officers, head nods and different types of pointing seemed to be the prevalent type of communication at the moment. They sped off to surround the mountain and observe and take notes of any stragglers, prisoners, or of any misconduct (by or towards prisoners) which might go unnoticed in such confusion.
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(Near Taro and his 5 unseated somewhere on the far side of the rubble)
9th DIVISION
A small 5 man (but there is one woman in it) squad of 9th Division members, observe from afar 3rd Seat of the 10th Division, Taro Banzuke and some of his men as they approach some seeming prisoners attempting an escape. They watch, but do not approach.
Spoiler
INVASION DAY (post collapse)
Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division: (at the scene of the collapse, with 5 other 10th division unseated being rushed by 14 escaping prisoners)
The escaping prisoners rush forward in two masses. One group of 8 men rushing ahead of the "leader" of the group with broken timber as clubs. The other six headed by the "leader" come in a little slower, probably hoping to serve as an impact to overwhelm while the first wave weakens the Shinigami.
The group of 8 rush forward yelling, some with hate in their eyes from years of anger and imprisonment, others with a kind of frightened welling of tears in their eyes. This may be their one and only shot at freedom once again.
Taro looks on as they get closer, his eyes somewhat lighthearted but still intense. The first eight get closer and closer, 10ft, 9ft, 8ft....Taro's eyes hardened along with his muscles and stance awaiting the impact, his hand not on his zanpaktuo.
7ft....6ft....5ft!! The prisoners yelling intensifies as they all bring their weapons up and swing in for their attack on Taro
Taro's eyes widen, as what he sees in front of him as the prisoners came no further stopped in their attacks within only a few feet of Taro.
The "leader" of the prisoner's eyes harden as his group stops and watches, his eyes fill with anger.
In front of Taro, all contorted yet all cohesive in a kind of beautiful pose, Taro's 5 unseated members stand having blocked all 8 strikes from the prisoners with their swords and stand in defense and guard of their 3rd seat Taro.
The eight prisoners eyes and mouths are wide, they had planned to go after Taro in hope to deal with the other after. Chopping off the head of the snake first...
"No one strikes our 3rd seat without coming through US first!!!" the older member of the unseated group accompanying Taro said with a staunch firmness. "you will stand down and come quietly!!...or we will be forced to make you come quietly...one way or another..."
Taro's smile returned for a moment as he heard his unseated's voice call out with such vigor. He knew the Cpt had trained them all well, no matter their rank they all KNEW their jobs and did not hesitate.
"we will take care of these guys sir" looking back to Taro for the briefest moment... "...we'll have em in chains in no time right guys??..." he said then to the other four unseated. "HAAAI!!" they all said in unison as they in concert pushed off their blocks of the prisoners and the prisoners themselves, walking them away from in front of Taro to one side about 20 ft away. Taro only nodded lightly with confidence to them.
The prisoners moved to the side with relative ease as they backed off slightly at the sword point of the 5 unseated. one looked back to the prisoner "leader" but was only met with disgust as he said with false bravado "You eight kill those sissies and then join back up with us when you are done with them!" looking on to Taro stepping a few steps forward pounding his fist into his other hand harshly.
The leader and the other six moved forward towards Taro, it was clear these were the bigger of the group as well. The leader of them was obviously stronger than them all, but the others were not slouches, and there was no fear in their eyes as they came forward, only hate and anger welled in their eyes as the grip their metal rods tightly.
"I'll give you all one more shot and it comes with an offer...stand down and come quietly...and i will do all i can to make sure you are treated fairly and get no extra years on your sentence for attempted escape or assault..." looking briefly over to the one prisoner from before was sitting quietly nearby admiring his Sumo signature...then back to the "leader"... "...this is your last chance however, after this point...i will do everything in my power to not only stop you, but also make sure you never see the light of day again..." Taro's voice was somewhat more harsh as it went on
"FPpputtt!!!" was the only sound Taro heard as he looked on seeing the "leader" spit towards Taro. Taro shook his head slightly, even though he knew his offer would go unheard.
Five of the "leaders" men rushed forward towards Taro now yelling, also he could hear the sounds of swords and yells from his side where his men were fighting. Taro stood confidently and in a Sumo crouch, as they ran forward. Taro smacked himself hard on the chest with both hands, and did a kind of shaking violent stretch motion quickly, removing all the sweat and dirt on his body (would look like a kind of prematch Sumo routine)
10ft..8ft..6ft....4ft.... they all swung their weapons at Taro with such anger and violence. Their eyes had no remorse, no care, they were already dead it seemed to Taro, this was their only chance at something more than darkness and imprisonment.
They came straight on towards Taro, this was a mistake.
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(Near Taro and his 5 unseated somewhere on the far side of the rubble)
9th DIVISION
The small five person squad of 9th Division Shinigami stood from concealed areas dispersed amongst some outlying rocks and trees. They watched 3rd seat Taro and his men. One member was writing in small notepad. They continued to look on silently.
INVASION DAY (post collapse)
Taro Banzuke, 3rd Seat of the 10th Division: (at the scene of the collapse, being rushed by 5 escapees and their leader, with 5 other 10th division unseated Shinigami fighting 8 other escapees nearby)
The five escapees rushed headlong at Taro, their screams of anger echoing the fight nearby between 8 others and five unseated Shinigami from the 10th.
They were in a loose straight line as they brought up their metal shafts and wood pieces with nails in them, above their heads to strike Taro.
6ft...4ft..3ft...2ft!!!. "...that was far enough" Taro thought as he smiled almost cynically from his crouch.
He pivoted in his stance bring his rear foot forward and his huge upper body across it directed at the man on the farthest left, shortening the distance to him at the last second. The man's metal rod above his head still when Taro attacked him with both his open right hand pushing him down to the ground at the chest, then as the man's back hit the ground his feet hung in the air, and Taroo grabbed them with both his massive hands, and then pivoted around his left, rear, foot bringing the body of the escapee around with him like a lifeless man shaped bat, held with two hands.
As Taro spun around towards the other four he swung the body of the man by the feet. The weight was nothing to Taro, he brought the flailing man fast with him, smashing the escapee's body into the next two farthest left escapees in the group, they not yet reacting to the swift moves of Taro. Taro released the human bat as he connected his attack. All three of their now unconscious bodies flew towards the leader, who was approaching from the rear of these five men. The leader had to stop and duck as one man's unconscious body flew over his head.
The other two escapees jumped back from Taro and held up their wooden planks with nails. Their eyes wide, and full of fear now..."..they had made a mistake...they should have given up...what were they thinking???...they had no chance" But they were committed now, the large man had given them a generous choice, and they spat at it....
"WAAHHHHHH!!!" They both yelled at the top of their lungs, hoping to gain some more guts in the process. With their wooden weapons above their heads coming down they both jumped onto a nearby boulder and up in the air and then down towards Taro, whom had just pivoted back still in his crouch but with his stance open to them to look to them.
Taro's smiled as they came down from the air for their attack. Taro thought to himself as everything seemed to go into slow motion for him "Had they not learned? when your weapon is above your head and facing a faster and stronger opponent...you leave your whole body open for a strike.....idiots..."
Timed perfectly Taro rose quickly to a standing position from his crouch towards the two men descending from above on him, much like he did the first escapee, but this time he struck with both extended arms and hands. Each on target to an escapees neck, grasping them in mid air.
Taro's large hands grabbed each of their necks and squeezed slightly, both of them still in the air. They dropped their weapons and grabbed at their necks and Taro's hands trying to relinquish his grasp, their eyes widen and bulged white, their faces turned red, their feet searching for the ground and then kicking harmlessly at Taro's large body. Taro held them both up in the air and looked up to them, his smile still set as he wasnt killing them, just teaching them a lesson.
They started to redden even more, and their eyes began to close and fade into unconsciousness, their hands weakened and fell to their sides, their feet slackened and dangled. Taro lessened his grip laying the escapees to the ground somewhat gently before he smiled a bit more, happy with his own restraint.
His smile turned to a grimace only a moment later, when he felt the sharp sting and heard the CLANG of metal against his upper back. Taro spun quickly to face the escapee's leader whom had struck him with a large metal piece of debris. He flung it to the ground and it CLANG out again as it hit a nearby rock.
Taro's grimace turned to a smile again as he straightened up a bit bringing his hand to his own back to rub the pain from the attack. The strike did hurt a little bit there was no doubting it, it was definitely more than an average Soul's strike. Taro guessed this man might have been a Shinigami at one time.
He looked to the now lonely leader..."ya gotta nice swing there....yer making me curious...why'd you get locked up in the first place? you go AWOL from yer Division?" he said sarcastically assuming his membership in the Gotei.
Both of the leader's fists, covered with dried blood form breaking his shackles, squeezed tight in anger. His face reddened with madness, and he spit out his response loudly...Taro's words bringing up a deep psychological scar in the man
"...shut your mouth...you fat piece of $hit!!..they had no right to kick me out and lock me away!!!...all i did....ALLL I DID WAS TRY TO SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE!!"
Taro looked on to them en rubbing his back a little bit more as he looked on to the man with a furrowed and almost curious brow.
The man continued in anger...his voice bold and enlivened by years of madness of thinking over his actions "...the Captain...the Captain....that piece of crap...he..he was going to kill that Soul...she was turning into a Hollow...dammit!!... and he didnt do anything to even TRY to save her...he was just going to strike her down...he didnt even say anything..."
Tears began to swell at the leaders eyes...adding to the anger... "She was so pretty...she....and i...she....we.....we were so happy....THAT A$$hole Captain....he didnt do a dam thing to help us...her.......so i had to stop him..."
It became clear enough to Taro now...he didnt need to hear any more. He interrupted the unstable man... "sir...please do not continue...it will mean nothing to help your situation and will not bring her back...and will only make you more angry...you have as much power to change laws as i do...and you know that...attacking a Captain..." he was cutoff by the man's loud voice...
The man's hands clenched tighter, his face redder....his voice louder "...you defend that piece of $hit and you have never met him???... you are all alike...you think you have the right...you... HE....he killed my sweet...." the man's tears over took him as his head bowed down.
Taro briefly looked over to see that his men had subdued the other eight escapees, and were tying them up. Taro then pointed over to them.... "...you are alone now...you have no chance...stop this...give up now and you will not be harmed..."
The man's head came up and his face was no longer red, his eyes were dark and it seemed like all his muscles were tightened as he looked on to Taro. "You will pay for HIS mistake Shinigami...i coudlnt get him then...but i can get YOU now....and you will pay for killing her...and putting in this prison to die"
The large leader lunged and ran forward toward Taro at full speed, his hands to his sides, he didnt scream or yell....and he was FAST.
5ft,....4ft...3ft..2ft!!! He brought his right hand up and went to punch Taro in the face. And it was a fast punch, Taro brought his hand up to grab his hand, but missed as the man was faster than he seemed. The man's punch connected on Taro's shoulder, as he had been able to move fast enough to glance the blow onto his shoulder....but it hurt...if it had been his face, Taro would have lost some teeth without a doubt.
"UGH!" Taro grimaced.
Taro reached up and rubbed his shoulder, them an hadnt broken anything, but that was no weak attack.
After connecting his blow the man continued on past Taro, and skidded to a halt, before spinning in his place and running back towards Taro.
Taro thought to himself...it was not unheard of for a Shinigami to spar and harm their own Captain from time to time, even in rarest circumstances anger might even be involved. Some of the Captain;s even promoting dangerous sparring including themselves even. But all out attacking a Captain, even with a good reason was a big no-no, but even then placing them in the Maggot's NEst seemed harsh....but after feeling the weight of the man's attack it seemed obvious he not only attacked a Captain, he probably hurt him pretty bad, and depending on the Captain that could very well get you locked up.
Taro would not underestimate the man anymore, he watched as the man approached him quickly. He was not faster than Taro, but he had surprised him. Taro figured to return the favor.
As the man closed in for another attack, Taro pulled out his zanpaktuo from its sheath saying its name and its command phrase.
"NOMI NO SUKUNE!! "Hand of fate, your fingers spread wide!!"
In a flash his sword turned into a large general's war fan, he held with one hand, kanji written on each face of the fan. Taro held it up towards the man as he approached who swung his fist at him with speed and high force.
This time however, the punch did not land, instead the man's hand rebounded along with his body as a large brilliant blue energy "shield" had extended a few feet from the edges of the fan. The man hit the ground as he bounced of the blue energy.
The escapee grimaced, and sprung to his feet and rushed back in, and met the same fate, falling to the ground. He did this 5...6...7 more times, each time he weakened, and Taro looked on through the blue energy each time.
The other five unseated 10th Division Shinigami had rounded up the other unconscious escapees and the one who had given up already and had them tied up in a line, the conscious ones carrying the unconscious ones. One unseated stood at the head of the line, another at the end, the other three ambled towards Taro and the leader as he kept on with his futility. Their eyes weakened each time the man attacked, 10...12...14th time falling to the ground. They grimaced as they watched the man as he bloodied himself and stumbled more and more on each strike. Then they looked to Taro, who looked on to the man with pain in HIS own eyes.
The escapee wasnt even attacking Taro anymore, he just couldnt stop. Taro felt sad for the man, this was all he had left in him...anger...frustration...and for all the years he was inside he had no recourse he could take. Taro WANTED him to stop, but he couldnt bring it in him to do so, would anyone act any different in the man's situation? Would we all not lash out at those who would attack/kill the ones we love, no matter who they were? A Shinigami's morals often seem to clearly defined by the law, but are rarely if ever that clear when love is involved.
The man stumbled to his feet after the 20th 'attack', he could barely hold his hands up, he stumbled forward towards Taro again. His fists came up and he swung weakly at Taro. Taro's blue shield did not come up this time, he moved his war fan to the side and let it strike him on the chest. It didnt hurt...the man's other hand came up and swung at Taro's chest and he let it hit him as well....it didnt hurt either. Then the man slumped forward onto Taro, tears filled his eyes....as his clenched hands lay on Taro's large chest.
"why...why....bastards....why...why...bastards.... why.." the man murmured repeatedly, his mental state so fragile that he couldnt even compose himself.
The man's legs gave out from underneath him, and Taro grabbed the man by his torn prisoner's outfit keeping him from falling. Taro's zanpaktuo returned to its sealed form and he re-sheathed it quickly, then grabbed the man with his other hand, both hands now on the escapees shoulders. Taro looked down to the man, pity in his eyes and compassion in his grip.
Taro then looked over to the unseated members nearby, who came running up, two of them grabbing the man, tying him up briefly before carrying him along with the others.
Taro looked to the prisoners, now back in their bonds. Then looked to his men, each had bruises form the encounter. Taro reached up to his shoulder, rubbing it slightly, he even had one.
He adjusts his robes a bit, re-situating his zanpaktuo, then said to his men in a somber voice before waiving to them to follow him as he began to move off.
"nice work men...now let's get them out of here and back with the others..."
Normally Taro was lighthearted after a fight, but this was not the same nor the time for it.
They moved away for a while and then the one unseated not with the prisoners walked up and next to the large Taro, the young man waited a few steps before speaking up "....Sir... what's the deal with that guy? he barely put up a fight..."
They walked a bit farther before Taro responded softly..."sometimes the Maggot's Nest is not for protecting those inside from those of us outside, but more to protect them from themselves..."
Taro continued on without another word taking their time bringing the prisoners back to the now designated area for loose escapees. As they arrived and he checked them in, he made sure the prisoner with his autograph was allowed to keep the paper on him at least for the time being using his rank to get the favor done. Then he ordered his men to go and assist the other squads nearby. Taro looked them all in the eyes before the left, making sure they knew he was proud of them. They all bowed deeply in respect to their 3rd Seat before rushing off as ordered.
Taro watched them go before scanning the area for his dear friend Misaki, he figured she would still be around with the Kido Corps setting up barriers around the Nest. It had been a long and crazy day, and he knew her face and smile would help relax him.
He was not sure what the aftermath of all of this was going to be, nor did he know the full extent of the damage, but he knew for sure there would be plenty of work to do. Now where exactly was his Lt and Cpt..?
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(Near Taro's and his 5 unseated's fight and victory observing from a distance)
9th DIVISION
The small five person squad of 9th Division Shinigami watched as the 3rd seat and his men gathered the escapees and headed off. The leader of the group looked to the other men, all of which had paper and pen out and were writing feverishly, he waited for them to stop and catch their eyes in his before he nodded to them all. They all nodded in return and headed off as a group farther around the perimeter of the collapse, towards the next bit scene of activity to observe and document.[/spoiler]
"Tsukada-soutaichou! Glad to see you!", Sayuri greets joylessly. There's a distinct sense of urgency in her voice. "We've been trying to contact you for a while now! We have a lot we need to inform you about." She adjusts her glasses, glancing anxiously at the tactical display on her right.
"There have been haphazard sabotage attempts all across Seireitei. There was a fire in 4th, and we've had at least one confirmed casualty - Fukui Kyo. Really tragic, that one. They're still sorting through the rubble to see if there are any others."
"In addition, we've received word from 3rd and 6th that they were also attacked... there was some incident with an experimental warmachine from 12th involved as well, but we've yet to receive a report of the collateral damage. Just a moment 10th called in and told that they've been asked to fetch a caught culprit from 3rd - they should be on their way now."
"Several high-level officers are currently Missing in Action - we've not received single word from Takahashi-taichou for more than an hour, and Hayashi-taichou... her zanpakuto was seen on the skies not long, but we've not had word from her yet either. 10th has also said they can't reach their squads in Rukon, nor the squad of Karashi Ren. That reminds me..."
Sayuri turns away from the tactical markers showing the chaotic state of Gotei forces at the moment. Red and blue lines mark communication lines and troop movements - people from 7th are scurrying all around the map, as are various squads from 9th and 10th as they still patrol in search of more intruders. But most notably, at the corner of the map, where there should be nothing important... there's a huge cluster of forces, not only from Gotei but from their sister organization of Kido Corps as well.
"What have your last orders been about, soutaichou?", Sayuri asks, looking sternly at Ryouichi. "I got the impression that you and several others embarked for the location of Nagamichi Soushi and Karashi Ren but... frankly, we've not received word from anyone that they were actually found. Neither has anyone verified their sighting of public enemy number one. What exactly has been going on for the past two hours? We've been searching all over for Nagamichi-fukutaichou, but he was completely MIA before that phone call... it would significantly improve my... our understanding of the situation if you could tell us his whereabouts."
Ryouichi is pensive until Sayuri asks him a question directly. "Recovering what we can from the maggots nest as well as investigating the area for Public Enemy #1. At the very least, insuring the destruction does not spread is important. I've no information regarding the whereabouts of Officers Ren or Nagamichi, but given the latter communicated with Masaru-taichou, I wasn't under the assumption he was missing; after all, given I was responding to the Primera Espada terrorizing the rukon, you could say I have been somewhat out of the loop."
Ryouichi is pensive until Sayuri asks him a question directly. "Recovering what we can from the maggots nest as well as investigating the area for Public Enemy #1. At the very least, insuring the destruction does not spread is important. I've no information regarding the whereabouts of Officers Ren or Nagamichi, but given the latter communicated with Masaru-taichou, I wasn't under the assumption he was missing; after all, given I was responding to the Primera Espada terrorizing the rukon, you could say I have been somewhat out of the loop."
Sayuri stays silent for a while after hearing Ryouichi's explanation. So that's why they we're running a strategy for "high-profile prison breaks", she thinks. It had been a chore to keep track of 8th jargon while simultaneously tying to do a job that was effectively meant for three.
A frown teeters on her lips for a moment as she strugles to retain a neutral expression. "Forgive me for being honest, Tsukada-soutaichou", she speaks, bowing apologetically to Ryouichi, "but I must say I think your choices to chase after the Primera, and then Public Enemy Number One, were... tactically inadvisable."
She turns to beckon towards the tactical display again. "The Hollow incursion was very limited in scope", she says, "none of them ever even reached the walls. Overall, there were 4 adversaries. However, the force that was sent to intercept them included 6 acting Division Captains."
"Furthermore, most of said acting Captains acted on their own accord, without running a plan through us first. For the past several hours, we've been piecing together a picture of events from disorderly and delayed messages."
"This is not a fault of 5th's - they did all they could. Most problems were caused by the fact that the upper echelons of Gotei leadership were not present so they could be kept up with the situation, and thus could not make... informed decisions to lead their Divisions." By which she mainly means Masaru, Ryouichi and especially certain Nagamichi Soushi had not been present to help her, and she's been overworked to death because of it.
"Frankly, we have one person's word that Public Enemy Number One ever was within Seireitei limits", she finishes. "Until Nagamichi Soushi and Karashi Ren are found and brought in for hearing, there's no evidence that he was ever here. All events up till now might have been a mere diversion to draw away the attention of the most important person in Gotei: yours." Sayuri has no idea what such diversion might be for, but the idea is there, gnawing at the back of her head. She turns to look at Ryouichi again.
"From what evidence we do have, we know that this event was an inside job", she continues, looking sternly at her commander. "Destruction of Maggot's Nest confirms that. It's existence and location were strictly need-to-know. Only high-ranking officers of Gotei or Onmitsukido could have leaked that information. This means that until further notice, all officers who haven't yet reported themselves are under suspect. This includes Takahashi-taichou and his wife, Nagamichi-fukutaichou, Karashi-san and all his underlings."
Sayuri takes a deep breath. "We have few other leads. There have been several recent, illegal uses of Senkaimon. One of them was by Yama Akio, 3rd seat of 13th. He disappeared without warning several days ago, only to return as abruptly yesterday to give a gift to Hayashi-taichou." She neglects to mention that it was only a matter of minutes that she did not run afoul of Akio in 4th lobby as she was there with Soushi.
"10th has him under arrest right now. I've announced that I would head over there for his preliminary hearing as soon as the situation just allows." She bows. "I ask for permission to leave and you to reassume your command, Soutaichou."
---
[3rd Division]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wahrheit
Nasumi's was short and direct, bordering on rude as usual, telling her to see Magatsu in his office when she was finished helping repair and relief efforts.
For the record, Nasumi had just managed to return to her quarters, leaving extinquishing and rebuilding the Division canteen to firefighters from 7th. She isn't feeling very happy - the whole day has been plain chaos, and it's left her drained.
Did she actually help anyone? Or was she just in the way? She'd tried to do things like her common sense and training had dictated, but her superiors just acted like she was nothing but a load or annoyance. Even Shishimaru... wasn't he supposed to be stronger than her anyway? Isn't he an officer? Yet he had acted like a scared little kid. Had he been scared of her? Or what their superiors might do once they'd hear of what she'd done? It'd all be his responsibility, wouldn't it?
I'm useless, aren't I?, Nasumi thinks pensively. Worse than useless. I just cause trouble to everyone! It's why they kicked me out of home. It's why they called me with funny names in the academy... The memories are painful. Especially those of her old foster family - she'd tried so hard to become a better person! Worked so that she wouldn't disappoint anyone that badly again.
They're going to kick me out again, aren't they? Just like they kicked me out of 10th. That's why her internship had ended, right? Well, at least it feels like! It hadn't seemed so bad then, just smugling one book to Hannibal-sama. What wrong could one book do? But she'd broken the rules. She'd caused trouble. And now she'd caused trouble for 3rd too...
She lies on her bunk for a good while, bad thoughts wallowing in her head, before Magatsu's message shakes her out of it. That's it. They're going to kick me out, she thinks as she gets on her feet and starts trudging towards Magatsu's office. Her hand wanders until it wraps around the hilt of her Zanpakuto.
But you'll never leave me, right, Shin-chan? We'll always be friends. Friends to the end.
Sometime later, she knocks on Magatsu's office door, steps in, and bows. "Unseated Zaraki Nasumi present, Shizuka-fukutaichou!", she says, snapping into attention.
---
[Deep, deep in the ground...]
Quote:
Originally Posted by tgva8889
The kick sends Taiki into the wall on the right. His reactions are quick enough, however, to shift quickly to the side and dodge the stone. Genei cuts Hannibal over and over in its movements as Taiki dashes away, moving further away from Hannibal and further towards the deepest caverns of the old Nest.
"No...you're dead. You're DEAD!" His steps bring him further and further back, Benei joining its master to fend off the coming strikes.
Hannibal is confused by what's cutting him. In the dim lighting cast by the fading kido quickly being left behind, he could've sworn Taiki had not been holding a blade. Looks like yer blade ain't broken after all, he thinks, leaving more distance between himself and Taiki so he won't get cut. They're going deeper, exactly to the wrong direction. Hannibal's instincts scream he should turn and run... but he knows that turning around now would only give Taiki a chance to cut him down. He'd need to walk over his cooling body, no matter what.
"Dead? DEAD?", he howls, spittle flying through the dark on Taiki's face. "News for ye buddy, we're all dead in this frellin' place! And yer standin' between me and my reb-... urgh..."
There's a strange, cracking sound as Genei cuts near Hannibal's chest. The old prisoner jumps and rolls backwards, momentarily vanishing from sight before getting up earlier in the tunnel, his silhouette visible against the light of the Kido. He's taking something from under his torn robes, and Taiki can hear some rubble falling down - had Hannibal tied something against his chest to serve as armor...?
"Ye think I'm the big villain here, don't ye? Don't ye?", Hannibal snarl - lifting up a leering Oni mask with one quarter of it shattered by a sword blow. Never thought this'd come in handy.
"I dun' care about fightin' ye. I dun' care any of yer ****. Just wanna be free", the disgruntled, bleeding veteran growls. "But ye think I'm a villain? Okay. I can play a villain here." In the darkness, just before spell gives up and the light fades, Taiki can see Hannibal lift the mask against his face...
---
[Maggot's Nest]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kuroimaken
What in blazes...?
Kazuma's curiosity doesn't overcome his carefulness, but he approaches all the same. He had no idea what creature that could be. Not Hollow, definitely not Shinigami.
He doesn't know whether to be wary of it or pity its existence. It almost looks in pain.
As it gets close enough to touch Kazuma, the creature reaches to rub his face with long, deformed fingers. Whether it's really in pain is hard to say - it has no visible wounds, just some kind of... slime sticking to its back limbs and parts of its back. It look like it's just recently hatched.
But soon, another thing enters Kazuma's attention - a faint rustle from a nearby pile of rocks. "Oh, thank Kami! I never thought anyone would come for me!" It's a small woman with disheveled black hair, wearing a prisoner's garb and red shackles. She stumbles towards Kazuma, almost falling on his feet, grasbing the hem of his Shihakusho. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou, I wouln't have know what to do without you..." Something seems to be wrong with her shackles... maybe the fact that the locking pin is conspicuously missing...
__________________ "It's the fate of all things under the sky,
to grow old and wither and die."
Kazuma is positively dumbfounded by the situation. It just seems horribly surreal somehow. It... doesn't make any sense. Well, the reptile-like creature didn't, anyway.
Something in the back of his head yelled "ALARM". Contact with this strange creature could cause all sorts of things, but he had no idea what they could be. Just in case, he reached for the creature's hands with his covered by the sleeve of his shihakusho and lightly shook his head.
That female prisoner though... she feels even more out of place than the creature.
"Calm down, ma'am. If you're hurt, I can take you to the 4th's medical care."
__________________
The Void, the Cold Steel, the Just Sword courtesy of Prime32.
AWSUM
Spoiler
This one's new.
Spoiler
I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."
She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."
"Sir, are you sure I shouldn't be carrying that? It's bad form for a Vice-Captain to let his immediate superior do that kind of work." Soushi questioned.
__________________
The Void, the Cold Steel, the Just Sword courtesy of Prime32.
AWSUM
Spoiler
This one's new.
Spoiler
I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."
She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."
"You have your own stack of reports; as well, you will be giving testimony about your reconnaissance activities once inside. These reports are paper. I'm not straining my strength. And I was the one who collected them. I'm not an invalid, Soushi."
Despite the serious expression on his face, the final sentence carried a hint of humor within it.
"Lucky me for being organized enough that I can get my work done and out of the way in record time. I don't get why the other officers complain so much about it. It's just paper, like you said." Soushi replied with a smirk.
"Still... the events of today were quite the nasty shock. I've heard we're still tolling casualties between those MIA and confirmed..."
__________________
The Void, the Cold Steel, the Just Sword courtesy of Prime32.
AWSUM
Spoiler
This one's new.
Spoiler
I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."
She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."
For the record, Nasumi had just managed to return to her quarters, leaving extinquishing and rebuilding the Division canteen to firefighters from 7th. She isn't feeling very happy - the whole day has been plain chaos, and it's left her drained.
Did she actually help anyone? Or was she just in the way? She'd tried to do things like her common sense and training had dictated, but her superiors just acted like she was nothing but a load or annoyance. Even Shishimaru... wasn't he supposed to be stronger than her anyway? Isn't he an officer? Yet he had acted like a scared little kid. Had he been scared of her? Or what their superiors might do once they'd hear of what she'd done? It'd all be his responsibility, wouldn't it?
I'm useless, aren't I?, Nasumi thinks pensively. Worse than useless. I just cause trouble to everyone! It's why they kicked me out of home. It's why they called me with funny names in the academy... The memories are painful. Especially those of her old foster family - she'd tried so hard to become a better person! Worked so that she wouldn't disappoint anyone that badly again.
They're going to kick me out again, aren't they? Just like they kicked me out of 10th. That's why her internship had ended, right? Well, at least it feels like! It hadn't seemed so bad then, just smugling one book to Hannibal-sama. What wrong could one book do? But she'd broken the rules. She'd caused trouble. And now she'd caused trouble for 3rd too...
She lies on her bunk for a good while, bad thoughts wallowing in her head, before Magatsu's message shakes her out of it. That's it. They're going to kick me out, she thinks as she gets on her feet and starts trudging towards Magatsu's office. Her hand wanders until it wraps around the hilt of her Zanpakuto.
But you'll never leave me, right, Shin-chan? We'll always be friends. Friends to the end.
Sometime later, she knocks on Magatsu's office door, steps in, and bows. "Unseated Zaraki Nasumi present, Shizuka-fukutaichou!", she says, snapping into attention.
Magatsu glanced up from yet another stack of paperwork. He despised this part of his job, but at least it was keeping his mind off of his furious resentment. Mostly.
"You stood against me today, Nasumi. Actively defied your acting Captain." Magatsu let the silence stretch on, growing more uncomfortable, before continuing. "You may have been right to do so. I was... upset. Not thinking as clearly as I should. Standing as you did showed conviction, and more importantly, it took guts." Magatsu bared his teeth, and this time the expression actually approached a genuine smile. It held a hint of respect, anyway. "Those are qualities I'll need in my Shinigami in order to realize my vision for Third."
Magatsu stood to look out of his window. "We've been the unwanted child of Seireitei for far too long. I plan on restoring respect to this Division. Once I'm finished sorting through the aftermath of this event, Nasumi, I'll be leaving for a while to train for Bankai and full leadership of Third. I want you to come with me."
__________________
If you're in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallicus
I picture some NPC kid running up to the wearer, going "Sir... why are you wearing a chopped off hand?", at which point the wearer launches the kid's hat 15 feet away and snarls, "DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW? THIS IS TRUE POWER!"
Sayuri stays silent for a while after hearing Ryouichi's explanation. So that's why they we're running a strategy for "high-profile prison breaks", she thinks. It had been a chore to keep track of 8th jargon while simultaneously tying to do a job that was effectively meant for three.
A frown teeters on her lips for a moment as she strugles to retain a neutral expression. "Forgive me for being honest, Tsukada-soutaichou", she speaks, bowing apologetically to Ryouichi, "but I must say I think your choices to chase after the Primera, and then Public Enemy Number One, were... tactically inadvisable."
She turns to beckon towards the tactical display again. "The Hollow incursion was very limited in scope", she says, "none of them ever even reached the walls. Overall, there were 4 adversaries. However, the force that was sent to intercept them included 6 acting Division Captains."
"Furthermore, most of said acting Captains acted on their own accord, without running a plan through us first. For the past several hours, we've been piecing together a picture of events from disorderly and delayed messages."
"This is not a fault of 5th's - they did all they could. Most problems were caused by the fact that the upper echelons of Gotei leadership were not present so they could be kept up with the situation, and thus could not make... informed decisions to lead their Divisions." By which she mainly means Masaru, Ryouichi and especially certain Nagamichi Soushi had not been present to help her, and she's been overworked to death because of it.
"Frankly, we have one person's word that Public Enemy Number One ever was within Seireitei limits", she finishes. "Until Nagamichi Soushi and Karashi Ren are found and brought in for hearing, there's no evidence that he was ever here. All events up till now might have been a mere diversion to draw away the attention of the most important person in Gotei: yours." Sayuri has no idea what such diversion might be for, but the idea is there, gnawing at the back of her head. She turns to look at Ryouichi again.
"From what evidence we do have, we know that this event was an inside job", she continues, looking sternly at her commander. "Destruction of Maggot's Nest confirms that. It's existence and location were strictly need-to-know. Only high-ranking officers of Gotei or Onmitsukido could have leaked that information. This means that until further notice, all officers who haven't yet reported themselves are under suspect. This includes Takahashi-taichou and his wife, Nagamichi-fukutaichou, Karashi-san and all his underlings."
Sayuri takes a deep breath. "We have few other leads. There have been several recent, illegal uses of Senkaimon. One of them was by Yama Akio, 3rd seat of 13th. He disappeared without warning several days ago, only to return as abruptly yesterday to give a gift to Hayashi-taichou." She neglects to mention that it was only a matter of minutes that she did not run afoul of Akio in 4th lobby as she was there with Soushi.
"10th has him under arrest right now. I've announced that I would head over there for his preliminary hearing as soon as the situation just allows." She bows. "I ask for permission to leave and you to reassume your command, Soutaichou."
Ryouichi nods slowly. "I understand your reasoning, Sayuri-chan. You could say I'm still a little green to the job, and I appreciate your input; I simply saw direct action as the best use of my time, and I may well have been wrong." With that, he bows.
"Dismissed, then, Sayuri-fukutaichou." This may come as a slight shock, given Ryouichi's tendency to stick to informal tone.
The commander makes way to his desk and notices a hell butterfly resting on the table. Apparently it was from the lieutenant of 3rd, requesting a meeting. This, of course, provokes a slight sigh as Ryouichi pulls out his schedule and gets back to the more prevalent, if boring part of his job; paperwork.
Hannibal is confused by what's cutting him. In the dim lighting cast by the fading kido quickly being left behind, he could've sworn Taiki had not been holding a blade. Looks like yer blade ain't broken after all, he thinks, leaving more distance between himself and Taiki so he won't get cut. They're going deeper, exactly to the wrong direction. Hannibal's instincts scream he should turn and run... but he knows that turning around now would only give Taiki a chance to cut him down. He'd need to walk over his cooling body, no matter what.
"Dead? DEAD?", he howls, spittle flying through the dark on Taiki's face. "News for ye buddy, we're all dead in this frellin' place! And yer standin' between me and my reb-... urgh..."
There's a strange, cracking sound as Genei cuts near Hannibal's chest. The old prisoner jumps and rolls backwards, momentarily vanishing from sight before getting up earlier in the tunnel, his silhouette visible against the light of the Kido. He's taking something from under his torn robes, and Taiki can hear some rubble falling down - had Hannibal tied something against his chest to serve as armor...?
"Ye think I'm the big villain here, don't ye? Don't ye?", Hannibal snarl - lifting up a leering Oni mask with one quarter of it shattered by a sword blow. Never thought this'd come in handy.
"I dun' care about fightin' ye. I dun' care any of yer ****. Just wanna be free", the disgruntled, bleeding veteran growls. "But ye think I'm a villain? Okay. I can play a villain here." In the darkness, just before spell gives up and the light fades, Taiki can see Hannibal lift the mask against his face...
Taiki wastes no time. Immediately he draws his sword into position and speaks the only word he knows will help.
"Bankai."
The light of the kido is slowly, silently snuffed out as all around them, smoke fills the small cavern space. Taiki's reiatsu flares in response, but slowly it too disappears, blocked by the oppressive reiatsu of the smoke filling the air. Soon all Hannibal's senses can detect is Taiki's reiatsu, everywhere around him. The Captain himself fades completely from view, though just before he does he watches Hannibal's mask finally affix itself.
Hannibal gets very little time to maneuver, however. As soon as his vision is eclipsed completely, Taiki leaps forward from the smoke, driving an invisible sword in a downward striking motion.
__________________
It's tgva8889. If you can't spell it correctly, just copypasta it, please.
Pokemon White Friend Code: 3353 3706 1386
Thanks to araveugnitsuga for my current Poke-atar.
Magatsu glanced up from yet another stack of paperwork. He despised this part of his job, but at least it was keeping his mind off of his furious resentment. Mostly.
"You stood against me today, Nasumi. Actively defied your acting Captain." Magatsu let the silence stretch on, growing more uncomfortable, before continuing. "You may have been right to do so. I was... upset. Not thinking as clearly as I should. Standing as you did showed conviction, and more importantly, it took guts." Magatsu bared his teeth, and this time the expression actually approached a genuine smile. It held a hint of respect, anyway. "Those are qualities I'll need in my Shinigami in order to realize my vision for Third."
Magatsu stood to look out of his window. "We've been the unwanted child of Seireitei for far too long. I plan on restoring respect to this Division. Once I'm finished sorting through the aftermath of this event, Nasumi, I'll be leaving for a while to train for Bankai and full leadership of Third. I want you to come with me."
Nasumi tries hard to retain neutral expression during the long pause. She doesn't really succeed, as even with all her effort her lips curl downward to a really sad frown. It's like watching a puppy being scolded.
Then Magatsu continues, and Nasumi blinks. Several times. She looks really comical standing there, batting her eyelashes uncomprehendingly. "So I was right?", Nasumi asks, a hopeful smile creeping on her face as her normal cheerful mood starts to return. Leaving for a training trip with her lieutenant? That sounds good. They aren't going to kick her out after all!
But wait - there's something that doesn't quite make sense. "Uh... why me? I don't think I'll be much of a challenge", Nasumi asks sheepisly. And there's something else bugging her too - it's itching at the back of her head and she feels like she really should remember, but it's not coming back to her. "And what's a Bankai?", she asks, cheeks flushing red from embarrasment.
Please don't be a stupid question! Please don't be a stupid question! Please...!
---
[Outside 3rd]
"Okay, I want whoever did this here, right now! How the hell am I supposed to move the culprit with tons of metal pinning her in place?", a tall, pale officer shouts to his underlings as he examines the iron pillars holding Suzume in place. Two of them are kneeling besides her, ready to cuff her once the pillars are removed. One other is holding a notepad and searching for someone to explain the situation. "Excuse me, are you an eyewitness? Could you please report...
One of the policemen is already about to snap one of the red bracelets around Suzume's wrist, when it dawns to him there might be a problem. "Hey...", he quips to his companion, "these are meant to lock the hands together, right? Do they work when she's missing an arm?"
The other fellow gives him a blank stare, glancing at the stump that's left of Suzume's arm. It's her only limb not pinned under the pillars - it's a bit too short, so the pillar crashed to the ground just next to it. Not that it's helping Suzume any, mind you.
"Uh... I'd need to check the manual. Technically, it should work, since it's based on blocking outlets for Reiatsu, and she only has... one. Right?" The other guy scratches his head.
"You know, that's what I was wondering", he mutters. "Maybe we should just wrap her in anti-spiritual vinyl to be safe."
"Stop mulling about that and get someone to dispel this darn spell!", their leaders barks. "She isn't going anywhere with all those kido on her, and I bloody well mean it!"
---
[1st Division]
"Thank you, Soutaichou", Sayuri replies, turning to leave. Before she makes it out of the conference room, however, one of the other officers notifies her that there are visitors coming. Sayuri quickly glances around for someone to delegate the task to. Her eyes fix on Eiji, fumbling on the floor with his papers. Sayuri resists the urge to roll her eyes.
"Ito-san! Nakamura-taichou has arrived with Nagamichi-fukutaichou! Fill Nakamura-taichou in and detain Nagamichi for a hearing!", she shouts. Another quick whisper from the adjudant, and another order follows. "And someone please go and help Hayashi-taichou with her baby!"
Then she's out of the door.
---
[Maggot's Nest]
As Kazuma stands there, wondering what to do with the reptile and the woman, the ground suddenly shakes. Not very strongly, but noticeably, and some rubble starts tumbling down the sides of the crater. "Wh- what's that?", the woman yelps, jumping to grab a hold of Kazuma's left leg.
---
[Deep within the ground]
The mask doesn't affix itself on anything. It's all a trick of light and Taiki's imagination. As the activation phrase escapes his lips, Hannibal drops to the ground and flings the mask from the darkness towards Taiki's voice - most likely, it'll hit him in the face.
The smoke obscures his vision, but in the end, that's not so different from how the battle began. They'd started in darkness, and they'd solve it in it.
But while Hannibal can't see, and has no idea what Taiki's Bankai actually does, there's few things he can count on. Most importantly, they're still in a tunnel. There's very limited space for either to move. No matter what he'd try to do, if Taiki would want to hit him, he'd have to come forward.
And secondly... in the glow of the kido, he'd seen Taiki's other arm is ruined. How that'd happened, he can only guess, but he's near certain that the next strike would not come from that side. To his fortune, out of all possible maneuvers his Bankai might grant him, Taiki lets his fear to get the best of him and opts for simplest, and most predictable move: a simple charge.
So, his blade cuts nothing but air before striking the stone underneath, Hannibal rolling away from under the blow at the last second, to the side of Taiki's injured arm. Through the blackness, both of the ex-captain's fists shoot like shots of a catapult, one aiming for his injured shoulder and the other under his ribs. "HA!"
---
[Sometime later, in 10th Grounds]
It seems fate might be kind to Karite and Akio in that they don't have to suffer each other much longer, as Yamamoto Sayuri walks briskly to their cell, guided by two guards. "Akio Yama?", comes the question. "We've come to fetch you to your hearing. I hope you are ready."
In a few moments, the guards open the door and step into the cell, shifting Akio's cuffs behind his back again. They give suspicious glance to Karite as they start leading Akio out into the corridor.
__________________ "It's the fate of all things under the sky,
to grow old and wither and die."
Nasumi tries hard to retain neutral expression during the long pause. She doesn't really succeed, as even with all her effort her lips curl downward to a really sad frown. It's like watching a puppy being scolded.
Then Magatsu continues, and Nasumi blinks. Several times. She looks really comical standing there, batting her eyelashes uncomprehendingly. "So I was right?", Nasumi asks, a hopeful smile creeping on her face as her normal cheerful mood starts to return. Leaving for a training trip with her lieutenant? That sounds good. They aren't going to kick her out after all!
But wait - there's something that doesn't quite make sense. "Uh... why me? I don't think I'll be much of a challenge", Nasumi asks sheepisly. And there's something else bugging her too - it's itching at the back of her head and she feels like she really should remember, but it's not coming back to her. "And what's a Bankai?", she asks, cheeks flushing red from embarrasment.
Please don't be a stupid question! Please don't be a stupid question! Please...!
This time it was Magatsu's turn to blink in surprise. It's an odd expression for him. "...you don't know? Don't they teach that at the Academy?" He shook his head. "It's the final growth of a Shinigami's power, kind of like Shikai but far, far stronger. Not many can reach it. I will."
Did she actually have guts, or was she just clueless about the danger she was in?
He continued. "Original questions. You were probably right. This time. Don't make a habit of it, got it? And why I chose you, well..." It was probably a very, very good thing he was currently unaware Nasumi had made the death-cookies he'd blown up earlier.
"You're not a challenge to me, which is why that's not the reason I'm bringing you. I'll need someone to spar, not to fight, but be a distraction from keeping my focus on my Zanpakutou and an aid in my precision." A training dummy, in other words. Even Magatsu wasn't tactless enough to call it that. At least, not when it might still scare her off.
Quote:
[Outside 3rd]
"Okay, I want whoever did this here, right now! How the hell am I supposed to move the culprit with tons of metal pinning her in place?", a tall, pale officer shouts to his underlings as he examines the iron pillars holding Suzume in place. Two of them are kneeling besides her, ready to cuff her once the pillars are removed. One other is holding a notepad and searching for someone to explain the situation. "Excuse me, are you an eyewitness? Could you please report...
One of the policemen is already about to snap one of the red bracelets around Suzume's wrist, when it dawns to him there might be a problem. "Hey...", he quips to his companion, "these are meant to lock the hands together, right? Do they work when she's missing an arm?"
The other fellow gives him a blank stare, glancing at the stump that's left of Suzume's arm. It's her only limb not pinned under the pillars - it's a bit too short, so the pillar crashed to the ground just next to it. Not that it's helping Suzume any, mind you.
"Uh... I'd need to check the manual. Technically, it should work, since it's based on blocking outlets for Reiatsu, and she only has... one. Right?" The other guy scratches his head.
"You know, that's what I was wondering", he mutters. "Maybe we should just wrap her in anti-spiritual vinyl to be safe."
"Stop mulling about that and get someone to dispel this darn spell!", their leaders barks. "She isn't going anywhere with all those kido on her, and I bloody well mean it!"
An unseated 3rd Divisioner watched them attempting to deal with the kido with some amusement.
"If you want witnesses, Shizuka-fukutaichou was there. So were Zaraki and Shishimaru." He leaned back against the wall, keeping his distance to avoid getting in the way.
__________________
If you're in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallicus
I picture some NPC kid running up to the wearer, going "Sir... why are you wearing a chopped off hand?", at which point the wearer launches the kid's hat 15 feet away and snarls, "DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW? THIS IS TRUE POWER!"
The first person to try to take Hikari off Natsuko's hands recieves a death glare, and a spike of reiatsu. "I don't care how inappropriate it is, after the events of today I'm not letting Hikari out of my sight until we've organised some sort of formal security measures. Understand?"
__________________
Spoiler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revlid
And so it was that Zaeed, Aang, Winry, Ezio, Sadoko and Snow White all set out on their epic journey to destroy The Empire.
"Thank you, Soutaichou", Sayuri replies, turning to leave. Before she makes it out of the conference room, however, one of the other officers notifies her that there are visitors coming. Sayuri quickly glances around for someone to delegate the task to. Her eyes fix on Eiji, fumbling on the floor with his papers. Sayuri resists the urge to roll her eyes.
"Ito-san! Nakamura-taichou has arrived with Nagamichi-fukutaichou! Fill Nakamura-taichou in and detain Nagamichi for a hearing!", she shouts. Another quick whisper from the adjudant, and another order follows. "And someone please go and help Hayashi-taichou with her baby!"
Then she's out of the door.
[INVASION DAY] (post collapse)
Eiji Ito, 4th Seat of the 1st Division: (1st Division conference room near the 1st Lt. and Cpt General)
Eiji is feverishly finishing up a large stack of paper on the floor and was picking them up to place in his "out" box, when the Vice Captain Sayuri speaks to him. He almost drops the stack of papers as she had startled him with her orders
He listens intently, nodding as she speaks, thinking hard on who each of those people are. She finishes her orders to him and Eiji straightens up to salute her and the tall stack of papers begin to tilt back and forth getting closer and closer to falling. She rushes off and he immediately gathers the papers balance and sets them in the "out" box, next to an ever growing "in" box pile.
Another 1st Division member comes in and sits at his workspace, having heard the Vice Captain's orders tot he 4th Eiji. The new squad member furrows her brow a bit, not quite understanding how Eiji coudl keep up with such a huge task. Eiji nods to her as she sits and cracks her knuckles to begin.
Eiji looks over to the Captain General moving to his desk/table, and straightens his robes a bit thinking and repeating her orders.... "...ok...so the 8th Captain is coming with the 8th Lt......i wonder what she meant by 'fill him in'... and wait...i am supposed to DETAIN the 8th Division Lt? for what?...ugh...i guess that's what that little cell we have here is for...hmmm....i guess i will bring them both here to the Soutaicho first though.....and the 13th's Captain is here with her baby?..."
Quote:
Originally Posted by horngeek
The first person to try to take Hikari off Natsuko's hands recieves a death glare, and a spike of reiatsu. "I don't care how inappropriate it is, after the events of today I'm not letting Hikari out of my sight until we've organised some sort of formal security measures. Understand?"
Eiji moves out of the conference room, bowing to the Captain General as he leaves, regardless whether he notices. Then Eiji turns and speeds off for the front door. He is about there when he hears a female voice coming from outside it, asking for someone to knock for her. He speeds up a bit and dashes down the corridor to the door, skidding to halt by it, and opens it very slightly peering out a bit not sure whether he will see the 8th Cpt and Lt...or the 13th Taicho and baby in tow...
As his eyes adjust he sees that it is the 13th Taicho with her baby, along with the 3rd seat of 3rd Division Koishima Daisuke...Eiji smiles quickly and opens the door to greet the three of them.
He bows deeply to them all and rises to look to the Taicho.
"Taicho....welcome to the 1st Division... how can we help you?"
Eiji smiled widely to her and then to the baby, then back to her, his boyish face rarely lacking for a hospitable crowd.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KnightDisciple
"You have your own stack of reports; as well, you will be giving testimony about your reconnaissance activities once inside. These reports are paper. I'm not straining my strength. And I was the one who collected them. I'm not an invalid, Soushi."
Despite the serious expression on his face, the final sentence carried a hint of humor within it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kuroimaken
Stop the presses, Masaru-taichou is smiling?
"Lucky me for being organized enough that I can get my work done and out of the way in record time. I don't get why the other officers complain so much about it. It's just paper, like you said." Soushi replied with a smirk.
"Still... the events of today were quite the nasty shock. I've heard we're still tolling casualties between those MIA and confirmed..."
As he looked on to her he saw approaching behind them, the 8th Division Cpt Masaru, and Lt Soushi...
His smile did not fade, as he awaited the 13th Taicho's response, though inside he was concerned a bit as both these two parties were about to intermingle.
Strangely or not, Soushi wasn't around once the 10th's team actually arrived. Though he DID leave a note attached to a pillar.
Spoiler
"Dear 10th division: should there be necessity to remove the Gochuutekkan, kindly recite the keyword 'wowimsuchabigbigdummy'.
Sincerely,
Nagamichi Soushi <3"
[Kazuma and the weirdos]
Clingy woman, wasn't she?
"I have no idea, but it's obviously not good. Let's get away from this crater, immediately. Can you walk?" He asked the woman, then turned to the reptile creature. That one, he was completely unsure what to do with. It seemed... lethargic. If he left it there, it would surely die. But he wanted to observe it before doing anything.
[Back to the present with Masaru]
Soushi sneezes, blushing fiercely.
"I feel like I just got missed by a secret admirer."
__________________
The Void, the Cold Steel, the Just Sword courtesy of Prime32.
AWSUM
Spoiler
This one's new.
Spoiler
I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."
She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."
Nasumi tries hard to retain neutral expression during the long pause. She doesn't really succeed, as even with all her effort her lips curl downward to a really sad frown. It's like watching a puppy being scolded.
Then Magatsu continues, and Nasumi blinks. Several times. She looks really comical standing there, batting her eyelashes uncomprehendingly. "So I was right?", Nasumi asks, a hopeful smile creeping on her face as her normal cheerful mood starts to return. Leaving for a training trip with her lieutenant? That sounds good. They aren't going to kick her out after all!
But wait - there's something that doesn't quite make sense. "Uh... why me? I don't think I'll be much of a challenge", Nasumi asks sheepisly. And there's something else bugging her too - it's itching at the back of her head and she feels like she really should remember, but it's not coming back to her. "And what's a Bankai?", she asks, cheeks flushing red from embarrasment.
Please don't be a stupid question! Please don't be a stupid question! Please...!
---
[Outside 3rd]
"Okay, I want whoever did this here, right now! How the hell am I supposed to move the culprit with tons of metal pinning her in place?", a tall, pale officer shouts to his underlings as he examines the iron pillars holding Suzume in place. Two of them are kneeling besides her, ready to cuff her once the pillars are removed. One other is holding a notepad and searching for someone to explain the situation. "Excuse me, are you an eyewitness? Could you please report...
One of the policemen is already about to snap one of the red bracelets around Suzume's wrist, when it dawns to him there might be a problem. "Hey...", he quips to his companion, "these are meant to lock the hands together, right? Do they work when she's missing an arm?"
The other fellow gives him a blank stare, glancing at the stump that's left of Suzume's arm. It's her only limb not pinned under the pillars - it's a bit too short, so the pillar crashed to the ground just next to it. Not that it's helping Suzume any, mind you.
"Uh... I'd need to check the manual. Technically, it should work, since it's based on blocking outlets for Reiatsu, and she only has... one. Right?" The other guy scratches his head.
"You know, that's what I was wondering", he mutters. "Maybe we should just wrap her in anti-spiritual vinyl to be safe."
"Stop mulling about that and get someone to dispel this darn spell!", their leaders barks. "She isn't going anywhere with all those kido on her, and I bloody well mean it!"
---
[1st Division]
"Thank you, Soutaichou", Sayuri replies, turning to leave. Before she makes it out of the conference room, however, one of the other officers notifies her that there are visitors coming. Sayuri quickly glances around for someone to delegate the task to. Her eyes fix on Eiji, fumbling on the floor with his papers. Sayuri resists the urge to roll her eyes.
"Ito-san! Nakamura-taichou has arrived with Nagamichi-fukutaichou! Fill Nakamura-taichou in and detain Nagamichi for a hearing!", she shouts. Another quick whisper from the adjudant, and another order follows. "And someone please go and help Hayashi-taichou with her baby!"
Then she's out of the door.
---
[Maggot's Nest]
As Kazuma stands there, wondering what to do with the reptile and the woman, the ground suddenly shakes. Not very strongly, but noticeably, and some rubble starts tumbling down the sides of the crater. "Wh- what's that?", the woman yelps, jumping to grab a hold of Kazuma's left leg.
---
[Deep within the ground]
The mask doesn't affix itself on anything. It's all a trick of light and Taiki's imagination. As the activation phrase escapes his lips, Hannibal drops to the ground and flings the mask from the darkness towards Taiki's voice - most likely, it'll hit him in the face.
The smoke obscures his vision, but in the end, that's not so different from how the battle began. They'd started in darkness, and they'd solve it in it.
But while Hannibal can't see, and has no idea what Taiki's Bankai actually does, there's few things he can count on. Most importantly, they're still in a tunnel. There's very limited space for either to move. No matter what he'd try to do, if Taiki would want to hit him, he'd have to come forward.
And secondly... in the glow of the kido, he'd seen Taiki's other arm is ruined. How that'd happened, he can only guess, but he's near certain that the next strike would not come from that side. To his fortune, out of all possible maneuvers his Bankai might grant him, Taiki lets his fear to get the best of him and opts for simplest, and most predictable move: a simple charge.
So, his blade cuts nothing but air before striking the stone underneath, Hannibal rolling away from under the blow at the last second, to the side of Taiki's injured arm. Through the blackness, both of the ex-captain's fists shoot like shots of a catapult, one aiming for his injured shoulder and the other under his ribs. "HA!"
---
[Sometime later, in 10th Grounds]
It seems fate might be kind to Karite and Akio in that they don't have to suffer each other much longer, as Yamamoto Sayuri walks briskly to their cell, guided by two guards. "Akio Yama?", comes the question. "We've come to fetch you to your hearing. I hope you are ready."
In a few moments, the guards open the door and step into the cell, shifting Akio's cuffs behind his back again. They give suspicious glance to Karite as they start leading Akio out into the corridor.
[10th Grounds]
Karite cheerily waves at the suspicious guards. It's not like they can really do anything to him. He's just being incredibly sarcastic, infuriating, and aggravating.
Which is what he did to his division. So nothing's really changed.
__________________
I make avatars. Send me a request.
Touhoutar by Kurien. BiTP:RCharacters Let's Play: Video Games! I suffer from major insomnia, don't be surprised if I'm on at odd hours.
Most likely, the 10th Division personnel would find someone having a rather hearty laugh at the situation. "I'm afraid Soushi-fukutaichou is to blame for the Bakudo."
Those who would see him would probably be rather intimidated by him. Between his gravely voice, body completely covered in black cloth except a clawed red arm that appeared to be on fire, and a gigantic nodachi lazily resting on his shoulder, all wrapped up with his six-foot tall frame can do that to a person. And yet, he seems to try and give off an impression that yes, he's the good guy here, please put the sword down. "If at all possible, sir, I may be able to provide some assistance. I can't dispel that particular Bakudo, but perhaps my efforts will help it along."
He then turns to the woman with the notepad. "I also might be able to file a report."
__________________ How is my roleplaying? Feel free to send me thoughts and/or constructive criticism.
Quotes:
Spoiler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moff Chumley
...and now I'm imagine Yoda as a DJ. Thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cracklord
We've already got a perfectly rational explanation. We don't need to get Ponies involved.
"Okay, I want whoever did this here, right now! How the hell am I supposed to move the culprit with tons of metal pinning her in place?", a tall, pale officer shouts to his underlings as he examines the iron pillars holding Suzume in place. Two of them are kneeling besides her, ready to cuff her once the pillars are removed. One other is holding a notepad and searching for someone to explain the situation. "Excuse me, are you an eyewitness? Could you please report...
One of the policemen is already about to snap one of the red bracelets around Suzume's wrist, when it dawns to him there might be a problem. "Hey...", he quips to his companion, "these are meant to lock the hands together, right? Do they work when she's missing an arm?"
The other fellow gives him a blank stare, glancing at the stump that's left of Suzume's arm. It's her only limb not pinned under the pillars - it's a bit too short, so the pillar crashed to the ground just next to it. Not that it's helping Suzume any, mind you.
"Uh... I'd need to check the manual. Technically, it should work, since it's based on blocking outlets for Reiatsu, and she only has... one. Right?" The other guy scratches his head.
"You know, that's what I was wondering", he mutters. "Maybe we should just wrap her in anti-spiritual vinyl to be safe."
"Stop mulling about that and get someone to dispel this darn spell!", their leaders barks. "She isn't going anywhere with all those kido on her, and I bloody well mean it!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wahrheit
An unseated 3rd Divisioner watched them attempting to deal with the kido with some amusement.
"If you want witnesses, Shizuka-fukutaichou was there. So were Zaraki and Shishimaru." He leaned back against the wall, keeping his distance to avoid getting in the way.
A "polite" cough sounds from the side.
It appears that 20th Seat Yoshi is still on site, leaning noticeably on his staff.
"I also have full video records of all events I was present to witness. I could easily send you copies from the 12th.
As for your cuffs, they will still work. We've studied those and similar devices. I would suggest applying the cuff, then binding her feet manually. She likes to run, that one does. Maybe use another set of those cuffs? She's very aggressive, when all is said and done."
He rolls his eyes when the note is discovered, having gotten the gist of Soushi's message when it was left.
"I can dismiss the couple of Bakudo I have on her at any time. Just give me the word."
------------------------- [First Division]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kuroimaken
Stop the presses, Masaru-taichou is smiling?
"Lucky me for being organized enough that I can get my work done and out of the way in record time. I don't get why the other officers complain so much about it. It's just paper, like you said." Soushi replied with a smirk.
"Still... the events of today were quite the nasty shock. I've heard we're still tolling casualties between those MIA and confirmed..."
Smiling? Of course not. Smirking slightly? Yes.
"The full reports aren't in yet, though the casualties are lighter than they could have been. They're mostly focused at what was one of our strongest prisons."
Since it's a giant hole in the ground, secrecy seems a bit silly.
"Still, definitely a shock. Probably our biggest concern is the reports I've started to hear about some of our Gates being compromised, security-wise. That's something I'll be keeping watch on personally. We may need to revise several of our defense strategies."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kuroimaken
[Back to the present with Masaru]
Soushi sneezes, blushing fiercely.
"I feel like I just got missed by a secret admirer."
Masaru quietly snorted.
"You can track them down later. We need to speak with the Commander."
He stopped short for a moment, evaluating Natsuko's presence, along with Eiji.
Being somewhat shorter-tempered than usual this day, Masaru nods to the both of them and gestures for Soushi to follow him further inside. In his mind, these initial reports (especially from Soushi) were absolutely critical.
It wasn't long before they were at Ryouichi's door, knocking.
Last edited by KnightDisciple : 04-15-2011 at 10:56 PM.
Soushi was careful enough to offer a smile to Natsuko-taichou and Hikari as well as a bow.
"Agreed, sir. I have, in fact, something of an idea in place for that already."
He followed, as per his superior's request. It was... noticeable that he wanted to spend a few more moments looking at the cute little baby. It was easy to see the child made him more than a little forgetful of where he was.
__________________
The Void, the Cold Steel, the Just Sword courtesy of Prime32.
AWSUM
Spoiler
This one's new.
Spoiler
I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."
She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."
It takes a while before the 10th squad leader to notice it - mainly because it's on the exact opposite side of the pillar he's facing. When one of his underlings notices it and brings it to his attention, he gives it a quick once-over and scoffs. "Ha. Ha. Ha. Whoever did this must think he's a real joker. Dumbass...", he mutters, crumpling up the note.
Meanwhile, the manwoman with the notepad turns to give Yoshi a delighted look. "That's sound great! It'll save us a lot of work. I'll still have to take your names and all, but be sure to bring the tape to our Division as soon as possible!" She points at her disgruntled superior. "You can talk to him about the kido when we're done." If no further protests occur, next few minutes of Yoshi's and that 3rd Division member's life is spend in a brief interrogation.
Meanwhile, the two remaining policemen wrap Suzume's feet with what strongly resembles a red sheet of vinyl. They can't get too far with the process before the pillars are removed, though.
---
[Inside 3rd, Magatsu's office]
To speak the truth, Nasumi had not paid much attention to the power progression of Shinigami. She'd been taught that Bankai is something one Shinigami in a century manages to achieve, on average. They'd never gone to depth of how one would be supposed to do that, so it had slipped her mind.
As for Shikai, Nasumi had always had Shin-chan. It had seemed positively odd to her that some students did not even have a sword of their own before coming to the Academy. In the end, she had deemed it not her problem - she might not have been the best swordsman ever, but she'd felt mildly proud that she'd always possessed a trait some people had to work for. Not that it had been much of a solace at times...
"Oh. I... guess I can do that", she says hesitantly. "So we just spar? Doesn't sound too difficult. How long will we be gone?"
---
[10th Division]
"Trial?", Sayuri asks coldly. "This is not your trial. This is preliminary investigation. It will determine whether you will even have a trial." Of course, what Sayuri means is that theoretically, if Akio is deemed to have done no crime based on it, he won't be charged. What her icy tone makes Akio think she means is another thing entirely.
Soon, Akio is left into a plain, cubical room with smooth white walls and only a small table and two chairs as decoration. Akio is made to sit on the further chair, his hands and feet locked to it with a kido. Sayuri sits opposite to him and pulls out a long roll of paper and an elaborate quil pen. "Thank you gentlemen. I can take it from here", she says to their escorts, and the 10th members leave the room, closing the door behind them. Akio doesn't see them do it, but they walk to the surveillance room right next to them and start recording the discussion.
"So... Yama Akio, 3rd Seat of the 13th Division", Sayuri says, seemingly reading from the paper. "Left 4th Division intensive care unit 5 days ago without checking out. Assaulted two fellow Divisioners on Senkaimon guard duty and used Senkaimon for unauthorized entry to the mortal realm. Did not report back until yesterday, when you visited 4th Division maternity ward to bring presents to your Captain Hayashi Natsuko and her newly born daughter. Received orders to report back to your Division at noon today at your... usual residence it seems. Reported and was taken to custody at 13th shortly after." She keeps few pauses to allow Akio to correct her.
When she's done, Sayuri shifts her eyes from the scroll and turns a piercing gaze at Akio. "Care to tell me what this all is about?"
__________________ "It's the fate of all things under the sky,
to grow old and wither and die."
It takes a while before the 10th squad leader to notice it - mainly because it's on the exact opposite side of the pillar he's facing. When one of his underlings notices it and brings it to his attention, he gives it a quick once-over and scoffs. "Ha. Ha. Ha. Whoever did this must think he's a real joker. Dumbass...", he mutters, crumpling up the note.
Meanwhile, the manwoman with the notepad turns to give Yoshi a delighted look. "That's sound great! It'll save us a lot of work. I'll still have to take your names and all, but be sure to bring the tape to our Division as soon as possible!" She points at her disgruntled superior. "You can talk to him about the kido when we're done." If no further protests occur, next few minutes of Yoshi's and that 3rd Division member's life is spend in a brief interrogation.
Meanwhile, the two remaining policemen wrap Suzume's feet with what strongly resembles a red sheet of vinyl. They can't get too far with the process before the pillars are removed, though.
---
[Inside 3rd, Magatsu's office]
To speak the truth, Nasumi had not paid much attention to the power progression of Shinigami. She'd been taught that Bankai is something one Shinigami in a century manages to achieve, on average. They'd never gone to depth of how one would be supposed to do that, so it had slipped her mind.
As for Shikai, Nasumi had always had Shin-chan. It had seemed positively odd to her that some students did not even have a sword of their own before coming to the Academy. In the end, she had deemed it not her problem - she might not have been the best swordsman ever, but she'd felt mildly proud that she'd always possessed a trait some people had to work for. Not that it had been much of a solace at times...
"Oh. I... guess I can do that", she says hesitantly. "So we just spar? Doesn't sound too difficult. How long will we be gone?"
---
[10th Division]
"Trial?", Sayuri asks coldly. "This is not your trial. This is preliminary investigation. It will determine whether you will even have a trial." Of course, what Sayuri means is that theoretically, if Akio is deemed to have done no crime based on it, he won't be charged. What her icy tone makes Akio think she means is another thing entirely.
Soon, Akio is left into a plain, cubical room with smooth white walls and only a small table and two chairs as decoration. Akio is made to sit on the further chair, his hands and feet locked to it with a kido. Sayuri sits opposite to him and pulls out a long roll of paper and an elaborate quil pen. "Thank you gentlemen. I can take it from here", she says to their escorts, and the 10th members leave the room, closing the door behind them. Akio doesn't see them do it, but they walk to the surveillance room right next to them and start recording the discussion.
"So... Yama Akio, 3rd Seat of the 13th Division", Sayuri says, seemingly reading from the paper. "Left 4th Division intensive care unit 5 days ago without checking out. Assaulted two fellow Divisioners on Senkaimon guard duty and used Senkaimon for unauthorized entry to the mortal realm. Did not report back until yesterday, when you visited 4th Division maternity ward to bring presents to your Captain Hayashi Natsuko and her newly born daughter. Received orders to report back to your Division at noon today at your... usual residence it seems. Reported and was taken to custody at 13th shortly after." She keeps few pauses to allow Akio to correct her.
When she's done, Sayuri shifts her eyes from the scroll and turns a piercing gaze at Akio. "Care to tell me what this all is about?"
Akio sits quietly until suddenly speaking up after her reading. "Three, Vice-Commander. There were three guards. I had went to the Senkaimon in order to enter the mortal world and once again confront the hollow known as Elder. The division members informed me that I would not be allowed to use the Senkaimon without direct word from Captain Hayashi, who was of course busy at the time. When I went through the Senkaimon I located the park I had previously fought Elder." Akio pauses for a moment, looking off away from Sayuri. " A short time later three individuals came to the park, one Bount, one unknown, and one whom I later found out to be Elder. With them there was a young spirit, which I performed soul burial on as per regulation. Soon another mortal came to the location, followed shortly by another, whom I suspect was his superior. The newest arrival then initiated combat and proceeded to bring bodily harm to myself before I escaped into a Senkaimon back to Soul Society. The rest is in that report."
Sayuri watches Akio impassively, writing down on the paper without looking at it. "How long did you spend in the mortal realm? After stepping into the Senkaimon and during your re-entry to Seireitei, did you check or notice anyone following you? What were you doing between your return and bringing gifts to Hayashi-sama?"
__________________ "It's the fate of all things under the sky,
to grow old and wither and die."
Sayuri watches Akio impassively, writing down on the paper without looking at it. "How long did you spend in the mortal realm? After stepping into the Senkaimon and during your re-entry to Seireitei, did you check or notice anyone following you? What were you doing between your return and bringing gifts to Hayashi-sama?"
"I spent only a few hours at most. The exact timetable escapes me, however. I am completely confidant that I was not followed into the Seretei. I would rather die than bring enemies to the Seretei." Akio leans forward in his chair as far as he can. A dead stare meets Sayuri's cold eyes. After a moment of this he leans back in his chair. "When I arrived in Seretei I went to the Akio household for minor medical treatment where I sat and waited for the child I had sent on to arrive. He had no family to speak of in Soul Society and so I, as an Akio family member, adopted him."
"I see", Sayuri says deadpanly, still writing on the scroll. She is not very convinced by Akio's story. In the surveillance room, the 10th officers beckon to each other and send a Jigokucho to one of their comrades, telling him to go and check Yama household. "Would rather die than bring enemies to Seireitei"? Nothing but empty words in the light of Akio's actions, as dead as the dull look in his eyes. Such haphazard appeal carries no weight in Sayuri's ears.
"I think that's enough of what you did. So mind telling me, Akio-san, why you chose to chase Elder alone?"
__________________ "It's the fate of all things under the sky,
to grow old and wither and die."
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