Culture Clash (Wanzer, ask to join)

[Darkoda]

The steady sounds of light footsteps reverebrated through the halls of the third Division, as their owner walked through the place with purpose. Of course, one would expect the Gate Defense division to have shinigami on patrol, questioning the stranger, but the moment anyone came with twenty feet of her, they all as a whole dropped unconscious. The owner of the steps was not impressed.

Rin had decided to drag herself over here, after the Commander General 'suggested' that she pay a visit to the new captain of Gate Defense. Under any event, the old man had a point; she needed to discuss training for the defense section of her squad, although from the looks of things, his squad had far more to learn than hers did.

Okay, maybe she wasn't being very fair; they weren't being given much of a chance to defend if she was knocking out everyone with her reiatsu. The number of people she ran into alone was a sign of force in numbers at least, but unfortunately for them, she didn't need a guide to track down a captain, nor did she particularly want one; she was feeling like messing with the new guy a bit.

[Wanzer]

In the backdrop of the shade, nestled into the corners of the Third Squad's barracks stood Makkuro Shiboo's abode. The current captain sat outside of this pleasant building sipping hot green tea with the pot still steaming beside him. A part of his daily rituals, Makkuro took time during his tea to observe the nature around him and to write down his thoughts into a small pad by his side. "Ahh...what a lovely day." He said out-loud not planning for anyone to visit him. Thats when the spiritual pressure of another captain in his barracks hit him. A faint smile appeared on his lips as Rin appeared within view.

"I wasn't expecting company today, Rin Shimizu, Captain of Squad 13. What do I owe this pleasure and what can I help you with today?" Makkuro said this smiling and gestured for her to come sit with him. "Would you like a cup of tea?" He said this as politely as he could before reaching over to retrieve another cup should she say yes. Rin would be the first captain that Makkuro had met face to face with the exception of the Commander General. He was excited, unsurprisingly, he liked to meet new people especially people we would be working with soon enough. He wanted to get to know her better, learn how the court guard system really worked from a captain's view.

[Darkoda]

When the new captain was in sight, Rin took a second to study his form and see what could be learned early. From looking at him, Rin was distinctly reminded of the peasant farmers from when she was alive; he had the build of someone who worked in fields all their life. His salt and pepper hair and overall appearance just kept hammering that image at her. The only thing that let him stand out was his shirt. It was certainly not a kimono; while it had the shinigami colours it was much tighter and.... did it have frills? Really?

What's wrong with frills? Chi asked in her usual energetic tone. I think it suits him

I think it just looks silly. Came Bara's monotone reply. Never liked frills, just a waste of space

Ignoring the two of them, Rin accepted the captain's invitation, sitting across from him on the other side of the kettle. Nodding her assent to the tea, she let him busy himself with the cup as she thought up a suitable answer; saying that she was forced here wasn't exactly nice.

"I'm here on business mainly. I know that you're newly appointed, so I don't know how much of your duties you've been told about so far, but as the captain of the Reinforcements division, I need to arrange schedules with all the other captains. Also, as I'm likely the first captain you met, I'll take on the task of getting you organised in your new post."

She waited a few moments, sipping on her tea and leaving him the opportunity to ask any questions.

[Wanzer]

"So the Commander General saw fit to send you to me to aid me in my set up. How admirable of him, send him my warmest regards." Makkuro said with a bright smile and a sincere voice after finishing off his tea and a small english style cookie. He offered one to Rin as soon as he had finished biting into his. Makkuro did his own anaylsis of Rin as she did for him, she was pretty he would give her that. Though something about her was slightly off. He couldn't put his finger on it, but she seemed unhappy or like something was haunting her. He ignored it for now and went back to asking questions for his own seat.

"Well, seeing as you have had more experience than me on this matter. What should I do about soldiers whom i check sneaking into my quarters and also as the Captain of the Gate Guard is there any specific protocol I should follow before sounding an alarm? Should I engage first and only call for aid if we find ourselves getting beaten back?" He talked slowly, letting her take in each word as he spoke and looked her dead in the eyes as he poured both of them another glass of tea. Meuma chuckled as he did this.

"You seem to have taken a shine on this young woman, Makkuro. Keep your guard up though, you never know how you can trust." Makkuro didn't look at his sword, but rubbed it quietly and responded mentally.

While your thoughts are well founded as you've been betrayed in the past, do not worry. My guard is always up and I will see that my friends, you nor me come to any harm.

Makkuro grew quiet again and looked back up at Rin curiously. "So your the Captain of Squad 13...do you enjoy your duties?"

[Galihan]

Having not too long ago ascended to captaincy himself, Tsuno Azuka was at least grateful for the fact that he was already well established as a competent commander who needed no childish rites of initiation to impress his own subordinates, having been promoted directly from vice-captain shortly after unlocking his bankai release and claiming the seat that many people had predicted he would as opposed to having another be appointed from the ranks of the Onmitsukido's Patrol Corps, providing that there actually was anyone from their ranks above Tsuno in the first place. Suffice to say, Tsuno was able to see to it that Squad Two was able to run as smoothly as ever despite his lack of experience as a full-blown captain, however still regarding that he was no longer a vice-captain meant that he was obligated to introduce and acquaint himself with the other captains of the Gotei 13 whom he was not already familiars with.

Similarly, after the devestation Soul Society faced following first contact with the Horror Vacui, many squads were in need of new captains and so he himself was not actually the newest of Shinigami to reach captain-rank. One such squad to find itself with a new captain was the third, Gate Defense, with whom Tsuno in the past has been able to maintain fairly friendly standings with previous captains of. The new captain of Squad Three, Makkuro Shiboo, was not much older than himself from what he gathered and seemed to be a very respectful man with a diligent sense of honor and duty not unlike himself, if only a bit more ridiculous as if he were some sort of French knight as opposed to Tsuno's origins akin to the ninjas of Feudal Japan. Not that Tsuno would hold Shiboo's values against him, to each their own as long as they served the common good above all else.

Captain Azuka decided that he'd best try and see if Makkuro was in the mood for a friendly talk among new captains, but as he approached the familiar territory of Squad Three, a dark and heavy reiatsu spiked for a moment that Tsuno recognized as the captain of Squad Thirteen, Rin Shimizu if memory served correctly. Perhaps he was not the only one who had decided to pay the new captain a visit, let alone be the only member of the current captains to test the Third Squad's capabilities to guard the gates. Tsuno vanished with shunpo, closing the distance between the two other captains who had just seemed to meet up before he would be interrupting anything important.

[Darkoda]

Rin kept an eye on the new captain as she observed the odd cookie that he gave her. She couldn’t particularly fault him for scanning her when she was doing the same a minute ago, and it was somewhat expected for a captain who was supposed to be guarding the gates. There was something about him that was making her war though….. it was likely because she didn’t know him yet. She lightly bit into the pastry as Captain Shiboo listed his concerns, all of which were things that he should be able to deal with himself. Rin was starting to wonder if there was any point to this, but she was keeping the old man happy and the new captain didn’t appear to be a bad guy.

“First, the important parts…. No matter who tries getting in here, you should report it; that anyone would be crazy enough to force their way in is already a cause for concern. As far as engaging, that is up to your discretion. If you believe that more help would be necessary before engaging, call for help, but every situation would be different. As the captain, it is up to you to make judgments when under fire to protect as much people as possible. The most I can advise you is to ensure that you choose what you believe, so that you don’t regret your decisions later.”

She paused a moment to take another bite of the cookie – really, she was stalling slightly as she tried to get another read on Shiboo. His direct stare was starting to draw her interest; it was one thing to maintain eye contact while talking to someone, but he was taking it to extremes – he did not need to keep staring into her eyes while pouring more tea.

Maybe he’s interested in you.

Or your hair, or your clothes, or that umbrella you got us tied up in….

Or maybe he’s interested in her.

You know what, I regret noticing that now.

“As far as your subordinates, that’s up to you to deal with. I’m sure that you can think up a suitable threat or punishment to dissuade them from going through your personal items, although the fact that they were willing shows a lack of respect… that’s likely because they aren’t used to the new captain yet. All of your questions are essentially you questioning your own capacity to lead, which is understandable, but the old man wouldn’t have appointed you as a captain if he didn’t trust your judgment. Have a little more self-confidence.”

Hypocrite.

Indeed.

……Shut up.

While Rin was waging her internal battle, Shiboo posed another more personal question.

Well now, why do you care about that? Fishing for information? “Why do you ask? Do I look depressed to you?” The comment was clearly delivered in a teasing tone, and it would be obvious to anyone not dense that Rin was just joking around. A small smile grew on her face as she noticed that they had company. Apparently, Shiboo was a popular captain today. “Having second thoughts about the job? Maybe Captain Asuka can give us his opinion. Are you enjoying your new job captain?” This last sentence was said with enough volume to ensure that Captain Asuka heard her.

[Wanzer]

"It would seem I have many honored guests today, please come join us Captain of Squad 2, Tsuno Azuka. I can make another pot of tea if you'd like that." The sentiment was said with the sort of politeness many took as pushing for a favor, but the look in Shiboo's eyes held no thought of that nor did the way he held his body. His attention only turned to the other captain for a moment, before returning it back to Rin and back into her eyes. He didn't consider it staring, more his way of being polite; he had been raised with those values in tow and that eye contact was a way of giving respect.

"I see, your right I have been to soft on my soldiers and I need to prove to them I can be a valued leader. I'll round up the transgressors after our meeting and discipline them." There was a certain passion in his voice as if he suddenly realized that he had been far to lenient and needed to take control. A grin came across his face as she ended her last statement.

I think she likes you Makkuro Meuma's regal tone clamored in his mind just as he was about to respond and a blush broke out across Shiboo's face leaving a burning sensation there. You seem embarrassed did I hit a chord?

What a silly notion, what gave you that idea? Makkuro exclaimed back now flustered by the sudden thought, no he couldn't think about it, Meuma was just trying to get under his skin as always or was he? Shaking it off, he answered her finally. "I have no second thoughts about this job, though your teasing ways have given me a second thought before I take the advice of another Captain." He said with a grin letting her know he was teasing her as well.

Smooth kid, why don't you compliment her on her bust next?

Meuma....

What? I'm just saying they are rather nice breasts.

Please shut up

"In all do seriousness though Shimizu, I take pride in learning as much as I can about the people I'll be working with. I don't like to disappoint anyone and always want to be a shoulder to lean on, whither in battle or in more personal matters." Makkuro never broke eye contact as he said this, though Meuma chuckled.

Chivilary is dead Shiboo.

So long as I live, no it isn't

[Galihan]

Tsuno was not surprised that Shimizu was able to pick up on his presence as he came upon their discussion, and was pleased to hear that he was not intruding upon anything significant apart from a little bit of friendly banter glazed with a sprinkle of professionalism. Tsuno entered the room calmly, making sure that all respects be made including a short bow as he passed under the doorway into Makkuro's quarters, and addressing the host's offer before moving onto the other question directed at him.

"If you would be so kind, I will gladly accept your hospitality, Shiboo-dono."

Tsuno made sure to include a genuine smile as he accepted a drink, particularly considering the fact that his eyes were hidden behind dark sunglasses that concealed much of his emotion if he so wished. Afterwords, Tsuno turned to face Rin and replied.

"Personally, I have to say that being a captain myself is rather enjoyable. With the privilege of assuming a seat of such authority and power, it is us few who truly represent everything honorable and mighty that Soul Society stands for. Though honestly, I have nothing to complain about as captain, asides from maybe not yet having a vice-captain to help me run the division. There are a few promising candidates for me to choose from but I think I already have an idea who I want for the job."

Tsuno slowly sipped on his tea - not minding the hot steam that could have burned his tongue had he not already been accustomed to heat from his own abilities and inclination to favor the element of fire - and nodding as he listened in to Makkuro's comments on leading his own soldiers. Tsuno couldn't help but place the warm cup down and speak his mind on the subject after the host was finished promising to be a nice guy who anyone could rely on.

"If I may," Tsuno began, waiting a moment before continuing. "I absolutely agree that it takes a powerful leader to command the respect of one's subordinates, but also a sense of kinship helps from my own personal experience. I like to follow the example of a family, as captain I am the pack alpha and my subordinates are all equally my responsibility to take care of as their leader. The hardest challenge any leader faces is how to treat his subordinates with the kindness and respect that makes them want to obey, and also with the strict discipline needed to force them into their place."

As he spoke, he made sure to periodically turn his head back and forth to face both of his peers, so as to appear as if he were talking to them both at the same time seeing as he was unable to use eye contact like the other two who seemed to be taking to all new levels that if he had to guess from their hidden expressions was bordering on flirtation. It also made Tsuno particularly conscious of his own lack of eye contact, and the possibility that he may accidentally end up offending either of his colleagues if he wasn't careful.

[Darkoda]

Rin looked on with some interest at Shiboo’s interaction with Azuka. She really couldn’t remember ever meeting someone who was so….. energetically polite. The closest thing she new to that was Masa when he was younger, but he was generally a shy person to the point that she looked outgoing compared to him. Shiboo was quite upfront with the chivalry. It was certainly different and somewhat amusing when you got past the creepiness.

Then his attention turned back to her, and she felt herself locked under the eye stare of death again. Despite her Japanese upbringing, Rin knew enough of other cultures to know about eye contact being a form of respect, but she also knew that there was a point where it stopped being polite and got a bit more…… well creepy. Yeah, that word worked. Back to Shiboo’s antics, his impassioned response to her advice on dealing with minions was quite a riot. She was quite sure that he wouldn’t appreciate her laughing at him, but the guy was quite a character.

Aww, Rin likes the new captain. There’s hope for her yet!

…..I’m afraid to ask, but what are you going on about this time?

Don’t play dense, you two are mental flirting.

……….The hell are you talking about you cosplaying freak?

Her attention was drawn from the freak maid by Shiboo’s random blushing. Okay, that’s just weird.

Maybe his mind wandered off to other things after all that eye-sex you two were doing.

Only Rin’s experience with her over-sexed spirits allowed her to keep a blush off her face, although she had to fight the urge to play with her hat while internally willing her body to calm down.

I’m going to hurt both of you later.

It’s not our fault that you’re dense.

In denial.

Whatever! The point is that he is clearly flirting with you, and you must at least tolerate him since you haven’t been looking for a reason to leave yet. You haven’t had so much as a casual dinner with anyone for nearly four hundred and eighty years! You will go out with him, and you will lose your spirit virgini -

Chi’s speech was akin to an especially psychotic fanatic raving, and Rin was mildly disturbed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t masking the embarrassment and general anger well.

I swear, when I’m alone, I’m going to kill you slowly.

Ignoring Chi, you cannot deny that he’s flirting with you.

Oh really? Just watch me.

Of course, this was before she heard his speech on pride, complete with reference to personal matters, and intense eye contact. Not even Rin was capable of that level of denial of reality.

He really is flirting with me……

An enthusiastic muffled cheer let Rin know that Chi was still somewhat detained.

Let’s make a deal, at least attempt to maintain friendly conversation instead of running, and I’ll keep Chi gagged.

Done.

Fortunately, Azuka added to the conversation at this point, giving her a reason to look away from Shiboo to answer him.

“I go for the principal student relationship more. My subordinates understand enough that I do respect their opinions, but they also understand that bad things will happen if they step out of line, and more importantly, that despite them not seeing me, I’m generally aware of what’s going on. It helps immensely when you prove that you are willing to back up your words by actually carrying out the punishments you promised. There will always be the hardheaded ones, but generally, the masses get the idea and fall in line.

Rin…..

Now, to actually maintain friendly conversation with the guy with a crush. What to talk about….. ah, why not, she was curious enough and it was mild payback for the soul piercing stare.

“So, where did you get the frills?”

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

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the 24th District West, a hole in reality was torn open as a garganta formed.

[Wanzer]

You can break eye contact now....if you keep staring at her your gonna imagine her naked and you wouldn't want that now would you? She would see another 'part' of you. Makkuro turned his head to Tsuno as Meuma said this to him and griped his hand to his knuckles were white enraged by his spirit. Meuma was normally more reserved in his comments to Makkuro though when it came to more sexually based matters; the damn horse couldn't keep his mouth shut.

Meuma...shut up you pervert.

Hey, I'm not the one staring like I'm awe-struck

Making eye contact is only polite.

Sure it is and I'm the King of Soul Society...you got it bad for her.

Makkuro sighed and looked back at Rin for a moment, just to answer her question in all politeness. He liked his frills and enjoyed the french culture in general so a pleasant smile came to his face as he looked down a little avoiding eye contact this time. "One of the female officers knew how much I liked the culture and made them for me. It was a rather sweet gesture when she found out how much trouble I was having here." He chuckled a little, when Meuma burst his bubble.

Oh, so you got the hots for two girls now? I never knew you had it in you!

I swear to God, I'm going to have horse steak for dinner tonight. He had a question for Rin now, one he had been wondering about since she had arrived. "Miss Shimizu, that umbrilla is housing your zanpakuto isn't it? Is it simply a spiritual casing or a real one and would you mind talking about your spirit or spirits as well? The same question goes to you Azuka."

He wanted to see if all people had as much trouble with their spirits as he did, the idea of having to deal with someone whose personality was a direct opposite to his was annoying enough. Not even adding to the fact that Meuma could voice his opinons inside of his head at any given moment. A sigh escaped his lips as he looked at them both. "I ask simply because the relationship with my own zanpakuto spirit is...haphazard? i guess thats the right word for it, we're total opposites and he drives me insane sometimes. I understand that we're partners and I respect his input, but for all the help in battle he gives he has a large amount of...quirks."

Oh cute, really cute you ass.

You asked for it Meuma...always butting into my conversations and keeping me up all damn night!

I throw one mental party....

One mental party, that I remind you lasted for over two years.

Point taken

The sudden feeling of spiritual pressure hit Makkuro, though he ignored it. It wasn't enough for him to be concerned at the moment so he continued his conversation with two listening to their answers, before it really hit him.

"Do you two feel that?"

[Galihan]

It was quite humorous for Captain Azuka, being a third person present yet not entirely a part of the conversation between the two other captains who had clearly appeared to become drawn to each other. Not that he in the slightest suspected that he was witnessing love at first sight unfolding before him, but it was obvious that both people - having each a rather unique look to them - were at least having a hard time getting past their own hormones. Taking an generous gulp of his tea, the Second Squad captain was having a hard time not chuckling at the horribly awkward tension between Captains Shiboo and Shimizu. It was almost so much that Tsuno was tempted to tease his companions into seeing if they'd like to go out together for dinner at his manor with himself and his own wife, but he resisted the urge, nearly breaking out laughing until Makkuro changed the subject altogether.

Upon actually saying something worth replying to, Azuka reached his hand to his back, resting upon the grip of his short-bladed zanpakuto's handle and began caressing gently as if petting a half-asleep dog on the head.

"Funny you should ask, my Lotomasa is quite similar in that regard. Nearly every single aspect of our personalities are different, he acts totally opposite than I would in any situation. I choose to have a strong work ethic always try to lend a helping hand if others are overworked similar to yourself from what I've come to understand, but Lotomasa would never so much as budge if he weren't in fact a weapon for killing."

Tsuno paused for a moment the instant the pulse of reiatsu from afar had echoed against him just as Makkuro had also seemed to notice. Captain Azuka looked around and finished off his tea with one more large gulp, perhaps a little undignified but being posh had no place on the battlefield and his instinct told him that there'd be one in due time.

"And then that bring up a new point. My zanpakuto is only good for killing when I need him to, anything else, like noticing that presence that you just did, is up to me." Not that he particularly disliked how it was between his zanpakuto and himself. It was quite convenient not having a zanpakuto teasing him like was the case with other people from what he gathered. Not that Lotomasa would have lots to tease about mind you, considering that Tsuno was perfectly content with being married life, something he was rather proud of in truth. Korin Azuka gave her husband Tsuno all the inspiration he needed to survive and become stronger no matter what challenges he faced.

[Darkoda]

Rin was somewhat surprised when Shiboo looked back at her without staring straight into her eyes. It was a bit of a relief, but still quite odd.

Maybe he realized that he was being a bit too obvious with his feelings.

Under any event, it looks like you have competition for his frilly heart. This calls for drastic measures.

Why am I hearing your voice?

She got out of that faster than I thought. Here I thought that duct tape would hold her for a few minutes.

Nope! Now back to the French captain, try asking him out, you like being direct, and besides, French people are supposed to be –

Bara……

Okay, let’s try the ball gag this time.

Back to the real world, at least Makkuro seemed to have the common sense to notice that her umbrella was a sword. And he was having some zanpakuto woes as well; at least they certainly had that in common.

“It’s spiritual; my zanpakuto’s condition doesn’t exactly lend itself to the use of ordinary sheaths. Or most spiritual ones for that matter.”

“As for my spirits…..let’s just say that we agree to disagree most of the time. As far as combat goes we’re fine, solely because we all value not dying, but anything personal becomes a small war. I wouldn’t say that we are total opposites, but our opinions on certain things….varies.”

Varies huh? That’s an odd way of putting it.

What would you rather have me say, that the two of you are the most perverted beings I’ve ever met, and that you’re both completely insane?

Well, we needed something to do for the past few centuries while waiting for you to notice us. We were bored.

If that’s your answer, I’m afraid of what Chi has to say.

That is her answer; she just can’t talk right now. Not coherently anyway.

What did you……no, on second thought, I don’t want to know. I really, really, don’t want to know.

Seems like you already do know.

You’re evil, you know that? [/color]

I’m being nice, I could remove the gag.

Point taken.

After losing yet another confrontation with the smarter half of the duo, Rin slumped in her seat, the figure of comica depression.

“I wish I could have spirits who actually slept all day, better than two who make it their mission to make you show emotion, no matter which one it is. It’s impossible for us to get along.” She felt the pulse just like the others, but she wasn’t particularly concerned. If it was important enough to warrant captains, they would find out quickly enough what was going on.

“So, it seems that getting bankai doesn’t necessarily make your spirits more reasonable.” She was wondering about that for awhile, but she couldn’t very well go around asking others without having to explain why the captain seemingly without bankai cared. At least now she knew that it wasn’t anything unique; zanpakuto spirits simply didn’t change just because you learned how to use the sword to its full potential.

[Wanzer]

"Ahh...well it seems that Shimizu and I have our own problems with our zanpakuto spirits and you, yourself Azuka don't seem to have many issues. It's rather a blessing that you have such a laid back spirit. Meuma is a bit loud mouthed and thinks himself a regent or some king. I've tried to reason with him in the past, but all I've ever gotten out of him was some witty response or backsass in a holier than thou tone." Makkuro's hands had folded into of his hakama for a moment as he touched where he kept a small packet of sour candies and slipped one out to chew on it. It was his own vice in life, he just couldn't get enough of anything that made his lips pucker and while he was considerate to others when he cooked, he still had a stash hidden away under the floor boards of his lodging.

I swear, you need help with those Makkuro. If you ate anymore of those you'd probably turn into a lemon.

I don't really care Meuma, I don't drink, I don't gourge myself at meals and I am no lustful man. Forgive me for having a problem with sour candies. Meuma often got onto Makkuro about his problem with the lip puckering treats; though it was one of the many things that they argued about, it was the one things they couldn't find a solution to. Many of the others had been many and had been easy enough to solve with a little change or application of something simple. Makkuro no matter what would not give up his addiction, even if the candies ruined his taste buds forever he would never give them up.

Fine, let your tongue rot for all I care.

"Your right about gaining bankai Shimizu, it does little to improve their attitudes. In Meuma's case in only served to make him worse. What was once an arrogant, but at least wise and mysterious spirt, turned into a narcassistic bastard. I've had problems with him from day one, when he threatened to take control of the body if I didn't protect it properly. Though he should know by now, there is no way for him to control me."

I'll figure it out someday, I just need to get access to your brain.

Forget it Meuma, you aren't going to find a way to do it.

Makkuro's eyes turned to the disturbance as he felt the pangs again, but ignored it. The court squad's normal members would handle to the issue for now, he need not worry. Though in the back of his mind he hoped nothing bad happened to any of them. If one of them became injuried it would be his fault for not acting sooner and he so hated to know that anyone came to harm because of his negligance. "Shimizu, I don't mean to gossip, but whats your opinion of the other Captains? The same question goes to you Azuka. Are there any people I should worry about or stay away from or do you all get along well enough? I had heard rumors that the Captain of squad nine was a bit on the crazy side."

He had heard more than that, but he didn't want to comment more in case the information he had received was false.

[Galihan]

Captain Azuka was intrigued by what he was hearing as Shimizu and Shiboo discuss their own relationships with their zanpakuto since attaining their bankai releases. In both of their cases, it seemed that after unlocking their second release, both of their companion blades had become if anything more troublesome than before. It sounded odd to the youngest, though not necessarily least experienced, captain that this would be the case for them.

"If memory serves, I think I recall Daichi-dono saying once that the nature of our zanpakuto is a personal reflection of our own repressed instincts... or something like that."

Tsuno was under the impression that the process of obtaining bankai was a matter of subjugating the zapakuto's inner persona to the shinigami's will, in which he understood as that from that point on the swordsman was now under full control of their own power. Perhaps it was solely a matter of each individual's own deep personality that determined the nature of a shinigami's relationship with their zanpakuto, though he was no expert on the subject himself. If Minoru Daichi of Squad Twelve were present for this gathering, then surely he'd be able to explain it with much greater detail considering that supposedly he's been a captain longer than most of the current captains have even ever lived, and would surely have a greater understanding considering how renowned he was as a scholar. At that, Tsuno decided he might as well spill what he personally thought about some of their other captain-peers, particularly the nefarious captain of Squad Nine since the topic was now out in the open.

"Just a bit?" Tsuno grunted a he turned to face Makkuro open-mouthed.

"Laetitia... I've never liked her personally. She and I were both fellow vice-captains and promoted after our own respective captains were... lost during that battle, so I've been able to keep a bit of an eye on her when she appeared one day as the Ninth's lieutenant after being vacant for so long. If she wasn't directly under Hitotsu's wing, I'd have had the Detention Unit lock her away for good long ago and now she's a captain, I can't lay a finger on that psychopath while she's free to torture anyone her squad can get their hands on."

With that, it was obvious Captain Azuka was felt very strongly against the fellow captain of Squad Nine. Laetitia was the archetypal definition of why the Onmitsukido's Detention Unit had the Maggot's Nest to prevent dangerous people like her from endangering Soul Society from within, but with her holding the position of the Ninth Squad Captain, not even Tsuno, the Commander-in-Chief of the Secret Mobile Corps was permitted to imprison her. He decided he's let it go for now, and try to move on to a different captain to discuss.

"Well, asides from Laetitia, I really can't say anything bad about any of our other fellow captains. I have lots of respect for Arashi-san from Squad Seven. he's a formidable sparring partner if you ever have have the time to try your luck at Hakuda; despite also being a master of Kido, he and I have learned much from one another. And then there's Yun-dono and Daichi-dono. They're probably the two most respectable and powerful of us captains other than Irashi-sama himself, both of them could very well be next in line as Commander General if we needed a new head captain. They both are brilliant leaders in their own right though not without their flaws, either of them in charge would surely mark the beginning of a new era for all of Soul Society without a doubt."

Azuka then silenced himself as he felt yet again the pangs of that distant, ominous presence that both Makkuro and himself seemed to notice and Rin was dismissing seeing as it wasnt really their problem for now.

[Darkoda]

While the three captains were otherwise occupied, a team of Third Division shinigami had been dispatched to investigate the odd readings coming from the 24th District. The moment the first scouts got near the District, the signatures vanished without a trace, almost as if whatever was causing it had decided to flee the area. Of course, the scouts couldn’t just pack up and head back; while a clear reading on the signatures couldn’t be obtained, the 12th Division were at least 90% sure that there were hollows in the area.

The team of twenty turned to the squad leader for instructions on how to proceed – due to the lack of clarity on the strength of the intruders, three seated officers had been sent along to observe, and neutralize the hollows, if any. It was assumed that the threat wasn’t dire enough to call for any captains; anyone that dangerous would have given a clear reading. The squad leaders decided against splitting up for the safety of strength in numbers. Of course, this was assuming that their numbers could make a difference….

The first thing that was clear was that something certainly happened here recently – there was no sign of anyone, no villagers looking out from windows and doors, not even the faint reiatsu signature that even the powerless souls would give out. The explanation to this was quite quickly discovered, although the shinigami present would likely have greatly preferred never seeing that sight. In the center of the town, the bodies of men, women, children, were spread across the area, pinned to the ground and walls by multiple metal rods. All of the shinigami there were momentarily stunned by the sight, made even worse when one of the villagers let out a faint moan in the silence.

One of the seated officers present was able to pull himself together enough to rush to the aid of the few still alive.

“What are the rest of you doing? Go save the survivors, and send word to the 4th Division immediately! We need a healing team down here now!”

The rest of the shinigami, brought back by their leader’s words, scrambled to save as many villagers as they could, while the other two officers took some of the shinigami to stand guard, and prepare a Hell Butterfly to report the findings to their captain.

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Rin was thinking over both Captain Makkuro’s comments on his spirit, and Captain Azuka’s comment on what a zanpakuto spirit represents. She had of course, known of a spirit being a reflection of part of the wielder’s personality, and she even accepted to some degree why her spirits were insane, even if it still annoyed her to no end. That said, she was quite grateful that she didn’t have any takeover attempts to deal with. Granted, she was sure that was impossible, but her spirits attempting to seize control of her body was not a pleasant thought. The damage those two would do…..

The sudden stop to the constant pulses of reiatsu drew her attention; whatever was causing it had either left, been neutralized, or was in hiding now. Whatever the answer, she would find out what was going on soon enough when whoever got stuck with scouting sent back a report. Until then, she would keep an eye on both new captains and see just how well they were adapting to their new posts.

“All of the captains are unique in their own way, mainly by being somewhat eccentric. I’m sure that the shinigami who have known me for a considerable amount of time have a list of my own habits, but most captains are reliable in their own way.”

“Laetitia though, the rumors you have heard are an understatement. The only reason that the entire 9th Division hasn’t been disbanded and all the members locked up, is because they’re particularly gifted at hiding hard evidence, and they do a good enough job at extracting information that the Commander General leaves them alone as long as they aren’t too blatantly psychotic. Be very careful around her, she is certainly the most untrustworthy person here. I would also strongly suggest not sending any unseated officers to deliver anything to the 9th Division for their own safety.”

Before the conversation could carry on further, a Hell Butterfly floated by, before landing on the table and immediately relaying its message.

“Reporting in to Captain Makkuro. There are signs of hollow activity in the District, unusual ones. All the villagers have been dragged to the center and impaled on metal rods, we request that a medical team be sent to save the surviv- “

The shinigami’s words were cut off by the screams of those around him, and the unmistakable sound of liquid splashing on the ground.

“Ari-sama! Quick, regroup and strike back, it’s only one – “

The Hell Butterfly didn’t fail to record a single scream of pain and fear, as from the sounds coming through, it was quite clear that the squad was fighting a losing battle. The recording grew faint after a minute, signaling the departure of the Hell Butterfly, but the overall tone of the clip did not bode well.

So, it looks like the new captain is going to be tested early.

Throughout the message, her demeanor never showed any sign of interest, or emotion, instead, her attention was focused on Captain Makkuro’s reaction. “So, what will you do Captain? This is your responsibility after all.”

Rin’s comment, and overall emotional detachment might have seemed cold, but the point of this was to see how the new captain handled an emergency, and especially how he handled the death of his subordinates. Would he be able to handle it? Would he be able to make rational decisions under a crisis? The next few moments would show just how reliable Makkuro really was.