PRELUDE TO EXTINCTION

**Date Started:** 07 December, 2021
**Date Completed:** Ongoing
**Next Role-Play**: N/A
**Users Involved:** User:EmperorSigma, User:TheGoldenBuddha, User:DazzlingEmerald, User:GoldenPiece, User:AbysmalShadows, User:ComicMaster619, User:Nearó Unlimited, User:Starving Skeleton
**Setting:** Seireitei,
**Characters Involved**:
* **Gotei 13:** Tsunayoshi Nishikawa, Shizuka Kurogane, Kenpachi Kiokushi, Takamaru Yasuhira, Togashi Hiramochi, Murakami Hayashi, Yoshino Jūsuke, Samasu Jū, Kahoru Ikumi, Minamoto Kuchiki, Kurome Kuchiki, Soichiro Tenma. Touwa Kashiwaeda, Akaoni Ouga
* **Other:** Tsuyuri Yamakage
* **Mentioned:** Kaima Kuchiki

## MEETING DEATH

Fourteen days had passed since those of the Beast Realm had declared themselves the new enemies of the Shinigami. A lot had happened over those days around the Soul Society. Tsunayoshi Nishikawa never cleared the air regarding what happened to his barracks that day, which left a lot of the divisions in the dark regarding the whole situation. Only the two Captains present, Togashi and Tenma were aware of what had happened, but even then they were ordered to keep their mouths closed. This was for the better, Tsunayoshi didn't seek to create propaganda regarding the situation and wanted to keep it as under control as possible.

As granted by Central 46, Tsunayoshi organized and appointed a number of Captains to the vacant positions that he could. Ten days wasn't a lot of time to work with, but it was enough and was grateful to have gotten as far as he did. Tsunayoshi worked diligently to organize and gather as much information as he could regarding the group that called themselves so that he could meet with the new Captains. He wasn't the most supportive of large group meetings, they were too clunky and took too long and half of the people that attended them couldn't even engage themselves in the topic that was at hand. Still, he *needed* it to be done.

In front of Tsunayoshi's desk stood Shizuka Kurogane. She held the position of sixth seat within his division, but she was more active in how vocal she was than the rest of the division. Tsunayoshi admired it, but as of recent, it because far more troublesome than he had anticipated. Among those two Captains mentioned, Shizuka was the only other Shinigami to recall what happened the day Hati and Kujo appeared within the Seireitei.

"What is it, Shizuka-chan?" Tsunayoshi asked, finally acknowledging her after she appeared and stood in silence for well over ten minutes. He had a general idea of what it was she was going to say, but he still needed to hear it from her mouth.

She wore a frown on her face and looked to Tsunayoshi with absolute anger. "Captain Nishikawa, why haven't you put any effort into the retrieval of Haruto?!" She yelled at the top of her lungs, "Aren't we also supposed to protect the Noble Clans as wel-, aren't we supposed to protect our own men until our lives."

Tsunayoshi stood from his chair with a smile and tucked his arms underneath his haori. He made his way around the desk and walked to Shizuka's side, he was facing the door and she was facing his seat. He extended his arm and placed it on top of her head and ruffled through her golden mane. "Our duty is nothing more than to maintain the balance of souls. However... My apologies, Shizuka-chan. I'm aware that you feel as though I failed you. You will never feel that feeling again."

Removing his hand from her head, Shizuka had a moment where she blushed. In that crack of a moment, all of her worries had been lifted off of her shoulder. The anger, the hate, and the remorse she had felt before was no more. She simply watched her Captain head off into the meeting room with a smile of her own and returned to her post.

"Hey, have you heard of the news lately?" A man outside of the Eleventh Division Barracks says with a kabab in his mouth as he gnaws down on it, whilst he's reading the Seireitei's newspapers. "Hm?" the other responds back in confusion to the sudden question. "Apparently they've appointed a new Kenpachi just a few weeks ago! And that's not just it, what's more is that the First Division got completely wrecked by some furries!" The boisterous man yells out the news to his partner. "Is that so?" His partner calmly says back, seemingly not reciprocating the same amount of energy.

There's then a man that appears in a blink of a eye from nowhere, cloaked with a black robe similar to shinigami attire and a mask tested upon his face, obscuring his appearance even more. "Pardon the intrusion but may I request captain Kenpachi Kiokushi to head to the First Division's Barracks for a meeting between her and the rest of the captains?" The man asked to the two caught off guard Shinigami. "U-um sure we'll go and call her!". Knowing that Kiokushi was a late sleeper and probably would get angered if they interrupted her slumber they tried their best to think of a strategy to get her going to the designated location.

"Do you think an alarm would work?" One says whispering quietly as they approach her room "Nah, she's going to get super pissed." They keep throwing suggestions at eachother as they enter her room. But to the shock of them as they turnt their back to face Kiokushi, she wax already awaken by the noise they caused and stared glaring sharply at the two. "Dafuq you in my room fo?" She says as she wiped off the mucus on her eyes after her sleep. "O-oh we just wanted to inform you that Head Captain Tsunayoshi requested a meeting for you to attend!" They both say in uniform speedily, being panicked by Kiokushi.

"Oh? You should've said so." Kiokushi said as she jumps out of her window, something sort of a gimmick of hers which became second thought to her. Without even preparing herself fully she puts on her captains haori and that's all she did. She didn't know the exact location of the First Division's barracks so she went around asking some people she knew until she eventually got there. "Dam this junk all torn up!" she said as she stretched from the morning excercise she got by running there. Looking at the barracks, she noticed the guards welcoming her into them, and showing her where the captain's meeting room was gonna be at and she complied with them, entering as civilly as she could.

After walking into the room filled with beautiful scenery fitting for a place to assemble all thirteen squad captains. She notices there's also one other person seated on a chair, the Head Captain of the Gotei 13 Tsunayoshi Nishikawa. Although she never saw him or held a conversation with him before she greeted him like any other person she would. "What's good man? Life been hard captaining the entirety of the Gotei 13?" She then took a seat of her own on the round table.

"About time you showed up!" beamed the ever boisterous Takamaru Yasuhira, newly named Captain of the Seventh Division. He'd been the first of the captains to arrive within the meeting room and there was a good chance that he too was the first of the captains to arise from his slumber that very day, unlike Kiokushi who had rode her sleep all the way here. "What's the matter, bedhead? You seem out of it. Hey, you're not sleepwalking are you?"

Takamaru turned to the Head Captain with his face wearing a grin, "hey, Captain Commander, is it alright if I check her? You know, just to make sure she's not dozing off on her duty." Takamaru was a man who prided himself on his utter devotion to his craft. This was the same manner in which he was found; in the midst of one of his ridiculous challenges which he imposed upon himself. He'd been up already for hours, eleven thousand five-hundred seventy six pushups into his workout when he received word for a summon to the barracks of the First Division. He left before the messengers could even finish their mission.

No matter all he did it could not be denied that Takamaru, much like the other captains, was still a newbie. Which is why it often came off as if he was trying to do too much, too soon. Prior to his promotion he was the Third Seat of the Tenth Division, a position which had since been filled by Hikari Shiba. Working under Togashi Hiramochi he'd developed a strong sense of devotion to his work which showed blatantly in all crevices of his life.

Just as quickly as he had scorned Kiokushi, Takamaru's attention span diverted at the sound of footsteps down the hall. He greeted two more captains as they set foot into the conference room. One was his very own Captain, Togashi Hiramochi, who he held too much respect for to play around with, and the other was Murakami Hayashi, who was received his promotion a day after Takamaru received his. In fact, Takamaru was present for Murakami's Captain Proficiency Test and so he couldn't help but feel as if he had something over him. "Oh, Captain Murakami! Holding Togashi-taicho's hand, are we? Why don't you try doing something by yourself for once!"

In strike contrast to Takamaru, Murakami was a man with a much too reserved personality to be made Captain. In the days since his promotion he had struggled to earn the respect of his division for that very reason. As Takamaru hollered at him, Murakami responded by shriveling up and cowering behind his glasses. "W-What? N-No... we were both on our way here and crossed paths... so we ended up walking together." Not only did Murakami take what Takamaru had said literally, but he also took it to heart. As he and Togashi walked to stand in line beside one another, Murakami was still replaying the scene in his head over and over again.

Four Captains in all had gathered. Standing in a row, shoulder to shoulder, starting from who was closest to the Captain Commander was Takamaru, Togashi, and Murakami. Togashi found it best to stand between them so as to keep their clashing personalities from causing any further complications. Togashi's eyes scanned Takamaru's unique profile. Takamaru had shaggy hair which fell over his eyes and a headband around his head. He had also completely abandoned his Shihakusho, instead wearing only his captain's haori over his muscular figure. As this was Togashi's first time seeing Takamaru since his promotion, he couldn't help but laugh.

"Just trying to be like you, eh, taicho?" Takamaru reached his hand towards Togashi, whose own Shihakusho was split in half, exposing one side of his bare body. He pressed his fist into Togashi's exposed pectoral.

"Just don't go making a fool out of yourself, Takamaru. For my sake. Captain or not, you remain a former subordinate of mine," said Togashi. His mind flipped a page; he began to think about Ryujin Suiiki, envisioning a day where he too would grow from being a subordinate to stand beside him as his equal just as Takamaru and Murakami had. *Only time will tell what sort of Bankai you have*.

The clear sound of wood clattering against the floorboards would soon follow just in toe of the other Captains, its source belonging to that of the two new figures clad in the stark contrast of the otherwise white robes worn by the other people present. Soley wearing the black Shihakusho befitting someone of their station and a badge strapped around their arm. The figure in front walked at a slow pace to the group whilst supporting most of their weight on the metallic, walking crutch helping to support the female figure. Walking just behind her was not a member of her Division, but a robotic figure and a member of the S.R.D.I. that held onto a piece of clothing in its hands whilst keeping the same pace as that of woman infront of it.

Stopping at the far end of the group and still quite a few steps away from the Captains present, the red haired woman placed both hands on the palm of her crutch and lowered her head as best as she could before speaking, "Yoshino Jūsuke, Lieutenant of the 12th Division and Deputy-President of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, present." As her head rose, the figure behind her would unfold the attire in its possession that appeared to be that of a lab coat and place it ontop of Yoshino's shoulders. Whilst it was clear that she presented herself with good posture, the placement of her right foot would inevitably signal her deformity and prevent her from standing without putting some weight on the cane at her side. Unlike that of the Captains currently present, her build was scrawny and the round glasses did little to hide the signs of sleep fatigue at the corner of each eye, of whose sight was noticeably vacant as a result.

Turning her gaze over her shoulder to look at her assistant at this occassion, "Thank you, Samasu. You may leave now." Of whose words was enough to prompt it to bow its head before turning around and leave the vicinity. Leaving the only known member of the 12th Division with enough authority and jurisdiction to be present... Until proven otherwise at the very least.

Kahoru Ikumi was well aware of her tardiness for the meeting; in fact, she had anticipated her tardiness as soon as she learned of it. It wasn't because of disobedience or some kind of rebellious stage; it was much simpler than that. While she was a Shinigami, one of the older ones at this point following the disappearance of the previous Gotei 13, she was also one of the last remaining medical experts in Soul Society, and as such it was her responsibility to ensure the safety and health of all residents, so she had of course prioritized the injured over the meeting, especially given the small number of Shinigami present. She should seriously consider hiring a good lieutenant to assist her with some of the recent workload.

Kahoru briskly yet regally made her way into the meeting hall, brushing aside a loose strand of her silvery white hair and smoothing any wrinkles that littered her attire, her silver eyes held firmly forward without any hint of nervousness or emotion. "Please excuse my tardiness, Captain-Commander; I needed to make sure the injured were well taken care of because we cannot afford to lose any more Shinigami at this time."

Following her explanation, Kahoru took her place to the right of the First Division Captain and directly beside the Second Division Captain, Kamui, as she awaited the arrival of the remaining Division Heads and the start of the meeting.

The promotion of Minamoto to Captain was nothing extragravant. It had been a simple ceremony among the gathered Captains and due to the machinations of Captain-Commander Tsunayoshi. When news first reached that he had been personally recommended he was not surprised. He had afterall achieved Bankai, and he had chosen not to cover his tracks. Hiding such a power was not only foolhardy but grossly irresponsible. As such he was not surprised, especially given his own impeccable record. The Captain-Commander was ever on the lookout for useful talent and Minamoto had proven himself in this capacity several times over.

Still it was... hard leaving his position in the Kido Corps. For years he had cultivated something like a cult of personality, and nurtured his reputation with meticulous care. Yet, he was a Shinigami of Soul Society and he would perform his duty wherever he was needed. Since the promotion he had been busy reorganizing the Third Division with little time for anything else. Since the disappearance of the Captains and Lieutenants, many divisions were suffering from direction and panic, and the Third was especially distraught.

Ichimaru Gin's betrayal had rocked the division rather harshly. Yet not so long ago another member the former Lieutenant Nakamoto Rakkī Shin Takara was subsequently killed for his own betrayal. Suffice to say, the legacy and reputation of the Third was in shambles and it was his responsibility to rebuild it. However it was time that he made his appearance at the First to commence the meeting. Finishing off the reports on his desk, Minamoto uttered a quick spell and in moments was wrapped in a swirling dome of white cloth before disappearing a white flash from the Third Division.

In a brief flash outside the First Division, Minamoto appeared and made his way towards the gathering. Upon entering he found that he had arrived just in tim, he said nothing to those already assembled simply nodding respectfully as he moved opposite of his fellow Captain Kahoru.

The Captain of the Sixth Division, Kurome Kuchiki had just entered the premises as well. For someone of her position, it was a little surprising that she was not the first person there, but she had other important matters to attend to as well. "Kurome Kuchiki reporting, sir." Kurome bowed in front of the Captain Commander, while the others briefly observed her. She soon recognized the order in which the Captains stood, and made her way to her position.

Most of these were all newer Captains that Kurome did not a prior working relationship with. The Gotei 13, being as spread out as it was, came at its own detriment. Most squads never discussed things with each other with the exception being Captains and Lieutenants. Kurome was silent as she observed her surroundings. Most of all, she looked towards the Captain Commander. Her task for the Captain Commander had only just completed, but in this Captains meeting, she was unaware if she could bring it up herself.

She noticed Minamoto's presence. Kurome was unaware that Minamoto had been promoted to Captain, however it didn't come as a shock to her. His skills were definitely of an appropriate level. She flashed a small smile towards Minamoto, before returning to her neutral expression. Kurome merely waited patiently for the other Captains to make their way through so she could understand Tsunayoshi's orders.

Much like the Captain of the Seventh Division who had been there well beyond his orders to arrive had reached him, Kamui Shihōin stood at one of the closer sides of Tsunayoshi. Back straight, head forward, and arms behind his back he assumed the position of attention and truly embodied what it meant to be a soldier. Unlike most of the captains present he had been informed of the situation via Central 46 whom he possessed a strong relationship with. The only thing that managed to break his sturdiness was the late arrival Kurome.

Kamui unleashed a mental sigh as shr assumed her position. How could Kurome appear after any of these Captains? It had nothing to do with him, yet he felt insulted the most. Her ability to remain loose in situations like this bothered him the most but now wasn't the time for petty back and forths. Now, he waited.

Still at the barracks, Tenma was glossing over all the paperwork he was charged with filling out, some simply detailing his division's living expenses while providing a document listing all of their current projects, placing his seal across the letter. Before he could continue, a member of the Stealth Force had appeared out of thin air behind his door, sliding it open to greet him with news. From his uniform alone, it was evident he was an Inner Court Troop, tasked with transmitting information across the Seireitei.

“Sir, your presence has been requested by the Captain Commander, you are to report to the Captains' Assembly Hall immediately.” He muttered, quickly vanishing with Shunpo before anyone else could see him go.

“Hmmm, it's about time,” Tenma mumbled to himself, dropping everything he was doing to get ready for the meeting. Grabbing his white haori from across the wall, a part of him was weary to participate in what was the first Captains meeting since the Vanishing, with so many new members filling up the ranks as of late. But he couldn’t help but worry that it was due to recent events concerning the Beast Realm, the thought tugging at his stomach the more he thought about it.

Heading for the Captain meeting, Tenma was accompanied by not just members of the 5th Division, but several Kidō Corps officers, all lined up in rows of two, following him in a neat fashion. Although uite, the officer to his right, whispered various details from his investigation, providing him a report about the events that unfolded in the 1st Division barracks, something that was kept heavily classified from anyone less than those present from the incident. Considering the time, Tenma was right on time, taking note of the other Captains just arriving, of the lot, Tenma took note of the red-headed young woman that seemed familiar to him, as if he had seen her somewhere else. Before he could pursue it any further, he was interrupted by his officers, alerting him they had arrived.

“Remain on standby until after the meeting.” Giving him a small bow, his troupe of officers vanished in an instance, following their Captains orders until he was available again. Pushing past the large doors, he was greeted by the several faces he already knew, being the commander and Kurome, with Togashi fitting the description he had heard of, since they were the newer captains recently promoted before this immediate draft. “Commander,” Tenma said respectfully, giving him a small nod, as a show of respect, quickly taking his place among his fellow Shinigami.

Moments behind the commander of the Fifth Division came the next captain of the group, Thirteenth Division Captain Touwa Kashiwaeda. Recently promoted upon his Zanpakuto spirit and Bankai returning to him. He had walked alone to the first division barracks. He probably knew this building better than any living being, and a certain comfortableness lingered around his being as he walked through its ancient halls. Sweeping into the room with measured steps, he stopped at a place on the floor with a slight dip in it, the spiritual wood marred by centuries of many captains bowing to this room's former master. Giving a slight bow, Touwa greeted the captain-commander. Re-adjusting his glasses as he stood up, he occupied the outside edge of the line of captains, standing at the far side of the Eleventh's captain.

Touwa was aware of more than a few people in this room, albeit he had talked to none beyond Kiokushi directly. Plenty of new faces, but that was to be expected. After all, not many in his generation still lived, even discounting how many of their number had been snatched by the vanishing. But that was neither here nor there. After all, there was a meeting at hand.

"Are you ready for this, Akaoni?" She asked. The white haired girl who once served the Kidō Corps without a face or name now followed her captain in standard shinigami uniform; complete with a false Asauchi for her usage. Although she didn't know the first thing about swinging a blade.

"Its captain Akaoni now." Akaoni responded. The massive shinigami wore his new haori proudly. His blade resting at his hip. He didn't think this day would ever come. Or perhaps...he didn't care if this day came. But that battle in the cave ignited something within. A desire to bring forth change. To become strong enough to protect his loved ones and ensure nothing would come to those beneath him. "And I hope so. Kiokushi was able to get to Kenpachi so at least I have some kind of help."

"Don't tell me you were scared, Akaoni?" Mamori teased as they made their way to the meeting hall. "The mighty swordsman! Famed for his ability to cut lightning afraid of a meeting among colleuges."

"It's captainnnn." He grumbled beneath his mask. "And I'm not afraid. Its just a meeting like this would've been nicer after a bit more time adjusting. But knowing Nishikawa...something's coming for him to move so abruptly." The two had finally reached the hall when Akaoni turned to Mamori and nodded. "Stay close. I'll come to you when everything's over."

"Be safe." She said softly.

He entered the hall and felt his heart drop into his stomach's deepest cavity. How many years did he pass this building with slight wonderings of its innards? And yet now he walked its ancient halls and breathed in antique power as an invited guest. What started as lost soul slowly grew into something more. *"Sensei...please watch over me."*

He entered the captain's area and joined the line. He recognized several faces and was shocked to find others who were just as tall and demeaning as himself. Akaoni nodded to Kiokushi. A dip filled with pride hidden only by the demonic mask covering his visage.

## DISCUSSING DEATH

Tsunayoshi didn't need to confirm whether or not each of the Captains were present with his eyes. His ability to detected a reiatsu and attach it to a being was top tier which had been a result of his century long training to hone his spiritual awareness. The Captains he appointed within the last ten days squeezed themselves into their positions well except one division which had been represented by their lieutenant. It had been over four years since he attempted to get that position filled and it was one of his biggest regrets in not pursuing that person more aggressively.

Those matters were neither here nor there and definitely something he had no business dwelling on. There were much more important matters to tend to and he needed to tackle them and clear the air as soon could so that he could get all of the Captains up to speed and inform them on what was coming up. He smiled to the gathered Captains, but his eyes didn't focus on a single person. His fingers combed through his hair as he tied it up into his signature ponytail.

"I'm happy to have learned that you all heeded to your summonings," Tsunayoshi said, welcoming the twelve captains before him. "Due to the large number of recent appointings, I figured it was best to get all of this out of the way in one go because honestly, we won't have much time to have individual cons." Cracking his fingers and bones, Tsunayoshi quickly transitioned right to business wasting no time in getting down to the details. "You all have been summoned today regarding an incident that occurred here just twelves days ago." That was correct, twelve days ago the First Division barracks had been turned into a wasteland without warning and destroyed in the matter of seconds due to an unexpected guest.

He didn't want to take long breaks between what he was saying, but he wanted people to truly understand and take in this information so that they could prepare for what was to follow. "We of the First Division were attacked by an unknown enemy who has essentially appeared and claimed themselves to be our newest enemies. They have made their words loud in clear in that they have attacked not only the Seireitei, but heavily injured an officer from the Second Division and an officer from the First Division. Their names are Aoki Mifune and Haruto Yamakage. Aoki was returned to us by the enemy, but Haruto was kidnapped and taken to the enemy's stronghold."

Again, he allowed for everyone to gather their thoughts before continuing on once again. "Captain Kuchiki-chan," Said Tsunayoshi, distinguishing Kurome from the other Kuchiki captain, "Would you relay the information you have acquired regarding the enemy."

"Yes, sir." Kurome said, choking back her reaction to the events transcribed by the Captain Commander. It was a shock, but she was given her orders. She had to fulfill them.

"Our enemies are those of the Beast Realm. They are individuals who were sinners in their previous life that have been condemned with a bestial form, such as the likes of former Captain Sajin Komamura." Kurome paused for a moment, paying her respects to the inactive Captain. "As seen by the former Captain, these are beasts who possess strength and reiatsu that can easily match our Captains. They may also bond with zanpakutō if need be. After all, much like us, they are born within the Soul Cycle. Even if they are exiled, we must be careful."

Kurome paused for a moment, allowing the other Captains to take in the information. "We are unaware of how long the Beasts have been planning this invasion. However, after the promotion of our former Captains...it is likely that their forces have grown enough to match our own."

Touwa was the first to respond to the noble's last statement, asking calmly, "Do we know much about how they fight without Zanpakuto?"

"The Beast Realm is similar to our world." Akaoni answered Touwa. His gutteral voice deep enough to vibrate the walls of the First Division barracks. "The temple where I'm from was burried deep in one of Rukongai's forest. Our masters told us tales of the Beast Realm to keep us from straying from Bushido. Raise your sword in wickedness and you'll turn into a bear monster."

Akaoni crossed his arms. "I've only encountered a stray once in my lifetime. Almost killed me...if not for my Sensei. But from what I remember, they can fight like us except with animalistic traits. That's one of the things that make them so dangerous."

"Hmm I see, and thank you Captain Kurome-chan." Tsunayoshi responded to Akaoni and thanked Kurome. "Its quite clear they possess great fighting abilities as evident in Sajin Komamura and the fact that one managed to defeat two of our own." Said the Head-Captain, piggy backing off of Akaoni's input. "But, what honestly concerns me isn't their fighting style, it's what they hold in their possession. I have full faith in you all as Captains and your abilities." Tsunayoshi waved his hand and a member of the First Division shuffled over to his side holding a folder of papers. Luckily, as cruel as this may have sounded, he was deaf and had no knowledge of what was being said and respected Tsunayoshi enough to not read his lips in an attempt to invade their Captains and their privacy.

"Haruto is a member of the Yamakage Clan. It is a clan of people who have are often stated to have natural affinities to Zanpakuto. They can manifest their Zanpakuto spirits internally, without the need of an Asauchi." Tsunayoshi explained to the listening Captains, buttering them up for what he was going to say next. "These people are able to forge their Zanpakuto without an Asauchi, that feature alone is one to behold but their ties lie much deeper than just being able to do that." He lifted the papers in front of himself, "They, if they will their reiatsu to, can also forge other weapons of their Zanpakuto as some sort of mini-Zanpakuto alternative."

Heels clacking in the distance could be heard, "Oh, Tsunayoshi, how ignorant of you give such a half-hazardous explanation of how those *tools* are forge." A woman's body appeared through the opening of the meeting hall. She had long black hair tied up into a fluffy ponytail and wore the standard Shinigami shihakusho and Captain-like haori over her back. Her right arm was tied by a light blue rope and on her ring finger was a golden bond. Her skin tone matched Tsunayoshi on the surface, but anyone with a good eye could tell she was a tad bit darker.

She slammed an oversized scalpal into the ground and placed her hand on it, using it as if it were a cane. "You'll lead the Gotei 13 in their deathbed if you don't give them every bit of information needed in order to properly deal with what they are up against."

"Tsuyuri-*hakase*," Tsunayoshi said, dawning a surprised expression as the woman revealed herself. "I didn't think you'd be coming to speak on behalf of the Yamakage Clan. What an unexpected, but well appreciated surprise."

The woman turned her head and smiled as she stood behind Yoshino. She was much taller than the lieutenant and she danced her golden gaze over the Shinigami before batting her eyes and walking behind the rest of the captains on the side she was on before reaching Tsunayoshi's side. "The Yamakage Clan also possess the ability to use reiatsu and forge it into other tools. Unlike Zanpakuto which are a byproduct of the user themselves, these tools are the desires of the user. It is common knowledge that each Yamakage Clan member can forge at least one of these tools and those who can not are not considered true members of the family. These weapons have special abilities." Tsuyuri said, snatching the papers from Tsunayoshi's hands and balling them up turning them into trash.

"I apologize for going on and on about this explanation. I know the thought of what makes these so important may be running through the though process of a few of yours, so allow me to explain." Swipping her hand in the air as if she were wiping away at dirt, the holographic image of a rifle appeared.

"This is the weapon of Haruto--the Reijuu," Said Tsuyuri, "This rifle shoots bullets of spiritual energy that doesn't wound one like a normal rifle wound. Instead, if one is to be hit by one of these unique bullets it will split into two halves which attack the Saketsu and Hakusui. I'm quite certain you are all aware what happens when those two are attacked. Additionally, I'm sure you know what that means for us as their enemy to have such a tool in their possession."

Suspicion had gotten the better of Yoshino at the woman's entrance, which surely had gotten the attention of not only herself but also that of the entire room for one reason or another. At first she was surprised at seeing someone walk into the Captain-Commander's chambers like she either owned the place or was on equal footing. But that wasn't really what caught the Lieutenant off guard, no. It was seeing Tsuyuri take the extra time on her hand to stare at the red-haired woman and the robe she was wearing. She couldn't get read on her at all, the posture said one thing but her eyes said another... Starring back at them, Yoshiro would've wavered right then and there if things had gone on for a moment longer. Feeling relieved as the new arrival decided to walk past her and stand next to the Captain-Commander instead.

Yet already she would raise her left hand from the cane as the woman finished speaking. Evidently she wanted to get confirmation out of Tsuyuri, as well as the others, about the woman's role here and perhaps for the future... But she wouldn't bring it up, it wasn't the right time. Even despite how much it now gnawed at the back of her mind. Yoshiro would have to focus on what's relevant right now, and that finding out as much as possible on these new enemies of Soul Society.

"It's clear that these tools don't operate like the ordinary weapon used by a normal Shinigami, but perhaps falls closer to tools or weapons that are permanently in their Shikai state. Much like the ancestral Zanpakutō used by some of our Noble Families, no?" Lowering her hand to point and shifting her gaze from staring blankly at the open air, to then turning both of them at Tsuyuri... Only to point at the large scalpel at the woman's side just a moment later.

"My apologies to the company we keep but is that one of them... Ma'am? And would anyone of us be able to use it just like the Beast Men are able to to that of your kind? And lastly.. Do we know if the member of your clan was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time or was he specifically picked out by the Beast Realm?" Finally, Yoshino lowered her hand and placed it on her cane once more to support herself. Almost instinctively lowering her posture as if to hide herself, or perhaps just to show respect to the people around her by taking up less space.

Touwa sighed internally at this relevation, albeit his only external reaction was a narrowing of his eyes. Not only was a noble kidnapped, but it was also a noble who just happened to have a special ability that was dangerous to the Gotei 13. If it had been anyone else besides one of the three remaining great families, that ability would have gotten him imprisoned or worse for existing. "So we can't allow this Haruto to remain in their possession then," he added out loud.

For a moment, the spotlight had been taken from Tsunayoshi. Not that it mattered much to him, he'd much rather have someone who understood what he was trying to explain give a better overview of the situation. He left all the explaining and questioning answer to Tsuyuri while he placed his elbow on the table and held his face up with his chin.

In the meantime, Kamui's eyes drifted to the position of Kurome before falling back onto Tsuyuri. In the moment of eye locking with Kurome, the both of them thought the exact same thing. *"If she is going to be here, they may as well free everyone from the Maggot's Nest as well."* Kamui said to himself, briefly closing his eyes as the conversations went on. *"If there was one thing I never understood, it was the fact that over the centuries, I have never been able to sense this woman. Even at my current level, I can not."*

Tsuyuri continued to nod her head as Yoshino gave her deduction of the entire situation. Head nodding and eyebrows lifting, she turned over to Tsunayoshi and nudged him on the shoulder in an attempt to get him to acknowledge the lieutenant. "I commend you for such a conclusion," Tsuyuri started, truly stunned by Yoshino's thought process. "It's not everyday you meet someone who is capable of using more than five percent of their brain, Yoshino." She paused, calling Yoshino out by her name, despite the woman never relaying her indentity to her. It wasn't like she needed to anyway, well before Tsuyuri had appeared within the meeting hall she had done a complete analysis of all the Captains present and even looked over their respective lieutenants.

"Retrieve Haruto?" Tsuyuri smiled wider and chuckled, "Of course not, he can stay. I would even be willing to allow them to keep the tool. It isn't a matter of needing to retrieve it or even if someone else is capable of using it. In my honest opinion, it's not neccessary even in a politic setting." The Doctor went silent and squinted her eyes as she looked to Yoshino. Her smile was still present, "What will become a problem is if they learn that something can exist that is capable of riding a Shinigami of their abilities. *That* concept alone is a problem. These beast leave their normal field of wanting to simply get rid of us to a more sophisticated manner of thinking such as direct counters. Are you following along, Yoshino-girl?"

She then lifted the scalpel onto her index and middle finger, balancing the oversized lab tool. "Also, no. Just a large scalpel, see?" She said, holding it up for Yoshino to see. "I actually don't use one of the tools I was able to forge." She immediately got rid of any other suspicions regarding her own tools that Yoshino or anyone else within the meeting would have.

"I believe that also answers your question, Touwa. There is no need for us to retrieve Haruto whatsoever." She ended, waiting for either another question to go flying or for Tsunayoshi to take over.

"With everything that has been said," Tsunayoshi took up the spotlight once again. "Are there any questions before I dive back into the situation at hand?"

In the grand scheme of things, there was little that Minamoto did not know or could not learn if he so chose. Suffice to say the only thing he was truly ignorant of was the inner workings of the other Noble Families. They alone possessed an authority that rivaled even that of the Central 46 at times. It was an authority he verily recognized and at times exploited to his own benefit. Listening to the noblewoman prattle off about the particularities of the Yamakage clans esoteric powers was fascinating to his mind, however what galled him was the casual dismissal of one of their own to an enemy. Truly a civilian in among those who knew war, her countenance and utter disregard for not only kin but a Shinigami was… displeasing to hear. Especially since it made the clan look weak, the Shinigami themselves look weak and most of all the Gotei 13 look weak. The audacity trample on the pride of a Kuchiki was a dangerous thing.

"I beg to differ Tsuyuri." Minamoto's voice cut through moment of silence. "It is in my *expert* opinion as a Shinigami and Captain that we *must* retrieve Haruto." He was very deliberate in his emphasis. Peering pointedly at Tsuyuri and then the Captain-Commander he continued. "By your own admission Captain-Commander, these beastman have already played their opening gambit and whatever schemes they devised, they succeeded."

It rankled him that he they had been caught so blatantly unaware's despite the efforts of the Twelfth Division's monitoring system as well as the Kido Corps who were busy investigating the stability of the dimensions. To have overlooked this!? It was an embarrasment.

He let the implications sit for a moment. He added, "We have no way of knowing if allowing them to keep Haruto would be complicit in their plans, and to dismiss this as a possibility is the height of foolishness." It was clear that whatever reservations Minamoto had were gone, and it was clear exactly who he was talking to. Civility at this point was mere pretence.

"Secondly," Minamoto's gaze shifted back towards Tsunayoshi, and here his tone became much less hostile and more diplomatic. "-Haruto is a Shinigami and a member of the Gotei 13. Captured by an avowed enemy who seeks our destruction. Naturally they will expect retaliation for this transgression. And rightly so. The Gotei 13 can ill afford to look weak in such tumultuous times. Nor can we discount what possible intel Haruto in his imprisonment may have gleaned. Strategically and tactically it is in our best interest to retrieve Haruto from the enemy." Minamoto was keen to underscore the pertience of this situation as one Shinigami to another. For whatever that was worth.

He turned to address the rest of his peers. "However, there may yet be an avenue for such a mission. Some time ago I was tasked to investigate the Valley of Screams. The reason being was its potential as a war force vehicle. Now, some among you may not be aware of this history, so I shall enlighten you." Nodding to Kurome Kuchiki, likely in recognition in status as the Kuchiki heir apparent, he began his tale.

"During the events of the Thousand Year Blood War, when the Sternritters stormed the Soul King Palace, a team of Shinigami entered the Valley of Screams. Why you ask? Through the clever use of the assembled abilities, they were able to construct after a fashion a vehicle; a stable method of transportation that allowed them to traverse the Valley of Screams safely. Most notably it allowed them to breach undetected into the dimension of the Soul King Palace *without* the necessity of the Oken."

That bit of history was not dissminenated to the populace at large. The very notion that the Soul King Palace could be breached? Impossible. Yet if what if he said was true, then perhaps a rescue was in the realm of possibility. "Naturally such a vehicle could not be overlooked. Bearing this in mind, I would like to request the services of the Fifth, and Twelfth Division to aid in securing a route to the Beast Realm. Such a team would be able to discretely enter determine Haruto's whereabouts, and from there we can plot any further course of action."

Immediately interjecting, Tsuyuri shook her head and brushed off Minamoto's rambling regarding recovering Haruto back. "I see, you've managed to recruit.. some intelligence among your ranks, Tsunayoshi-boy. But, I do think it's best you remind them what it means to be a member of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. You all have four duties and four duties only." A congratulations was to be said to the Captain-Commander in regards to the information shared between Yoshino and Minamoto. Truly, the intellect this group seemed to have possessed blew past her expectations and she was humble enough to admit that. "However, this little Valley of Screams-vehicle-hidding in the shadows theory of yours will not take you to their domain," Tsuyuri said, her signature smile continued to be worn. "The Quincy, when they connected the World of the Living and Soul Society they created a sort of distortion. A previous genius of ours concluded that this was phenom released a massive amount of motion energy. The same thing isn't being applied here with the "beastmen" as you've dubbed them, Minamoto-boy."

Tsunayoshi sighed and held his hand up to his face, he honestly thought that Minamoto had cracked the code even though he hadn't been on board. *"Damn,"* he cursed to himself almost as though he didn't want to go any further with this conversation. It would have been better if things were much more simplier like Minamoto suggested.

"The Soul King Palace exists as a dimension *within* Soul Society. Within being the keyword here. Meanwhile, this Beast Realm that's being spoken of is no such thing. The term realm is simply there for convenience and to make them more comprehendable. It is not as simple as "traveling" there. No, it's a much more complicated equation than that, Minamoto Kuchiki."

She didn't need to go further into her explanation. Kamui had already mentally agreed when she mentioned leaving Haruto where he was. Though, as predictable as ever, he assumed that someone would be against it. Kamui's philosophy was much different than the rest of the Gotei 13, at least the ones he knew, in that he followed those four duties mentioned by Tsuyuri to a point. But, as Minamoto spoke, he couldn't help but to replace his voice Kurome's own. The two sounded like exact replicas of one another.

"There's no way to travel there?" Tsunayoshi asked, a look of confusion finally broke his favorite smile. Truly, he wanted Minatmoto's method to be the way to go. It was simple and straight to the point, but he knew better than to believe things would be that easy.

"Oh, but indeed." Tsuyuri said, "The only people that can get into the Realm of the Beasts are the beast themselves or it seems to be if they permit you to by physical contact." The room would have easily gone silent for the moment, Kamui, though his gaze was set straight began to think of the many possibilities and so did Tsunayoshi.

Then it was broken. Tsunayoshi brought his other hand down to the table and placed both of his elbows on top. He interlocked his fingers and looked directly to the front door. "So, you're implying that we need to become the beast? And just how would we achieve that?"

"I'm not implying it at all," she said, looking to each and everyone of the Captains. "That's exactly what I'm saying. You all would need to become beastmen yourselves and there's only one way, technically, to do that." She held her finger up in the air, "You all are familiar with how those souls were *turned* into beastmen correct?"

Tsunayoshi quickly picked up where she left off, "To give an abridged version, they were all banished to this form and "realm" due to the grave sins they committe-"

"Ah, so, you've picked up." Tsuyuri lowered her hand, "You all are going to have to die with a lot of sins to your name and be banished into the realm of the beast as a part of your punishment."

Kurome listened to the entire conversation intently. She had agreed with Minamoto's philosophy of rescuing Haruto. It was callous, and not to mention, foolish of the Gotei 13 to simply abandon one of their own. Even if it was difficult, the morale it would raise would be tremendous. The difference between two opposing sides of equal power was *morale*. Right now, the Gotei 13 was on the losing end.

"*...Sins...is it?*" Kurome commented internally at Tsuyuri's suggestion. It was truly brazen to believe that killing the Captains and sending them to the Beast Realm would work as intended. If they had all turned into a bestial form they could not control...well, that would simply lead to their loss.

"Tsuyuri-sama." Kurome spoke up, likely causing a little bit of surprise among the other Captains. She gulped. The words that she was about to say would be...difficult, to say the least. This was information that should not have been revealed to anyone, particularly the other nobleman standing in this meeting. But it was too late, and the situation was too urgent.

"I understand you are confident in your plan, but to banish us without complete understanding of the conversion into a bestial form is dangerous...Unless you are implying that you have tested this theory already?"

Her eyebrow waved and her golden gaze fell upon the speaking voice of Kurome, "Tested this theory you say?" Tsuyuri asked, her smile switched from amusement to curiosity. "You're enticing me, Kurome-kakka-girl." Tsuyuri's use of honorifics, specifically towards Kurome, were for the sole purpose of grinding her irritation. Even at a young age, Kurome hated the thought of someone not utilizing proper honorifics and Tsuyuri couldn't help but take that and run with it.

"No, Kurome, I have not." The noblewoman said, batting her eyes at Kurome.

Meanwhile, in his position, Kamui couldn't help but to let out a sigh and break his breathing pattern for the first time since he had appeared there. He knew better than everyone else present where this conversation had been headed and he honestly wish he wasn't going to be there for the end of it.

"...Very well." Kurome was slightly irked by Tsuyuri's 'honorific', but she let it slide. This wasn't the time for such petty discussions. "To suggest such an experiment regarding death and sin...on not only *Captains* of the Gotei 13, but *three* members of the Four Great Noble Families...is very brazen of you."

Kurome did not hesitate in what she said. This wasn't an environment in which Tsuyuri could harm her. She'd merely throw a tantrum and move on. What Kurome was about to say was truly shocking.

"Rather than testing this theory on all of the Captains...I believe you already have a candidate that you do not need to pile any sins on further."

Tsuyuri relished the challenge, "And who might that be?" She asked, placing her free hand on her hip.

"Captain of the Sixth Division...Kurome Kuchiki. In other words, myself."

She waited patiently to say her next words as everyone's eyes no doubt landed on her immediately. A *noblewoman*? Sacrificing her life? For an untested theory!?

"I am...the only one among the Captains who has committed a sin grave enough to be banished into the Beast Realm." Kurome's voice began to shake, but she clenched her fist tightly and retained control over herself. "Over a decade ago, with my own blade, I killed my older brother, Kaima Kuchiki in mortal combat. The sin of fraternicide...the sin of being pleased with the death of the prospective head of the Kuchiki Clan..."

Kurome felt the stares on her become cold. She could hear the whispers occurring in everyone's spirits. Kurome Kuchiki, the sinner. That was who she was at this very moment. Her identity as a noblewoman, a Shinigami, at this very moment, had no value.

"The sin of being powerless to stop his death. If there are any sins that could justify becoming a Beast...those would be appropriate." Kurome's eyes flashed to Minamoto, and then stopped at Kamui's for a moment. She tried to look at him in the eyes, but her eyes bowed in shame.

"I...will volunteer, if it means opening up a path for Soul Society."

Every word Kurome spoke had been heard by each and every one of the Captain's present. To Kamui, and maybe a few of the closely informed nobles, this wasn't neccessarily news, but it was the way it was said that truly would have created a new point of view on the situation. *"I see,"* Tsuyuri thought to herself, *"So, that's how that truly happened."* It was a simple deduction regarding the Kurome and Kaima situation Tsuyuri had made, but it wasn't her business to make it vocal for everyone else around to understand. She had drained the information that she needed out of her and it would stay there.

Kamui on the other hand bit his lip. He understood what she had been saying about the killing of Kaima, but that wasn't what triggered him to enter such an irritated state of mind. *"Tch,"* he said to himself, listening as Kurome continued on with her statement. The part that irritated him the most was the fact that she was so willing to volunteer herself for everything. *"You will forever remain an idiot, Kurome."*

"Captain Kurome-chan," Tsunayoshi said, "You would be so willing to volunteer yourself for the sake of Soul Society?" He had heard her words clearly, but he asked the question clearly because he needed for her to truly understand the position she had been putting herself in. "If so, then I will shift our entire strategy around you, Captain."

He would never surrender his mystery. It was why Minamoto hid his emotions behind a clever remark or knowing smile. Any emotion he did portray was a carefully crafted tool suited for the situation to elicit the response he desired. Yet today, with those words that she so carelessly uttered, he very nearly did. On the outside his face did not change, even at the snide remarks from Tsuyuri. Words such as those were merely that, words. He was used to playing games with the nobility and this would have been no different.

Until she voiced her willingless to be the sacrificial pawn in this grand game. Minamoto was silent between the back and forth exchange which ended with the Captain-Commanders final response. In that interium Minamoto had struggled to maintain his bearing, to swallow back the emotional tide that threatened to consume him. Several breathes passed and his mind settled. It had been a moment of weakness. Of hesitation and inaction on his part.

No more.

**No.**

That single solitary intonation contained more honest raw emotion then Minamoto had ever displayed in his entire life. Multiple sets of eyes snapped to him and he had to take a moment to realize that he had said that aloud.

"We can not sacrifice a *Captain*, let alone the *heir apparent* to the Kuchiki Clan for an *untested*, *unproven* foolhardy ***experiment***!" His eyes bored into Tsuyuri for daring to be so brazen as to offer this ridiculous strategy. It was the way of the nobles to toy with one another but Minamoto had to consider if this was simply a plan within a plan to cut the head off a rival clan while keeping her own hands clean in the process. Worse, it would all be written off as an acceptable, even noble sacrifice for the greater good of Soul Society.

Minamoto continued, "Do we even have an understanding at what actions would constitute the necessary sins to force this transmigratory process? No. We do not even have a theory for what would happen to one of us should this succeed!" It should have been painfully obvious to all that despite Tsuyuri's duplicitous nature, by her own words had admitted that her own theory was simply that - theory!

Minamoto looked between the various Captains, before stepping forward. "This transformation could irrevocably change us. Turn us against each other. Against the Gotei 13 and Soul Society. What then would have accomplished? In this endeavor to gain access to the Beast Realm, you would have us inadvertantly become the instruments of our own destruction? To grant the beastmen a powerful ally to call upon and rain hellfire down upon us?" Someone, anyone had to see the obvious flaws in this plan. There was no guarantee of success, and by the woman's own admission she cared not for the fate of Haruto. Even if attemping to brute force a method of transportation took time, what loss was it for Tsuyuri to wait and see? None, thats what. So then why suggest this course of action?

Minamoto's tone seemed almost pleeading as he made his case to the assembled Captains and Captain-Commander. To Kurome Kuchiki herself. When he spoke next it he was not facing the Commander, but her. "To even consider this as a potential plan of action is foolishness! The fact that the beastman possess a means of transportation here means that there does indeed exist a way! Our understanding of the Garganta has increased exponentially thanks to the efforts of former Captains Urahara and Mayuri. There's no reason as to why we could not find their world in due time. With the full might of the Gotei 13 behind us, we can find another way. We must."

"I'm inclined to agree with Captain Minamoto. Sacrificing one of the Captains for a gamble is foolhardy at best." Touwa added in with a grave tone, eyes hidden behind his glasses. The ancient shinigami was more than well aware of some of the various misdeeds of the shinigami in the past. But willingly sacrificing one of the shields of the Soul Society on a gamble was outrageous. "Captain Akaoni has noted that sometimes members of this realm can be found in Rukongai. Maybe we could capture one and... Convince them to take a team to the realm. Not to mention the possiblity of finding a second way into the realm does exist. So unless Lady Yamakage can prove that this is the only method, I see no reason to use this as the first option. And if we were to do so, it'd be wiser to canvas for a less important member of the organization, if not just the outer districts for one." he finished darkley. "So I'm lodging a full disagreement with this course of action."

Silence ensued, but it was nothing normal. Tsuyuri couldn't help but to shake her head as Touwa and Minamoto both blurt out with their emotions. She could have said something, but, she knew better than anyone else that it wasn't her place to correct anyone. She just came to inform them of what she had been instructed to do. All she could do was lean on her scalpel and wait for the man who was to command these soldiers to speak instead.

Tsunayoshi, for the first time, got rid of his smile. That warm smile that was used to cheer the faces of the low motivated, saddened, and soemtimes hated soldiers was no more. Though it wasn't expressly obviously, the anger he held was evident within his silence. "Being a *heir* means absolutely nothing once you have become a Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. You two blurt out with emotion rather than with what both of your responsibilities of being a member of this force means." Tsunayoshi held up four fingers, "The defense of the Seireitei. The deployment of Task Forces as defensive measures in the World of the Living. The guiding of souls to Soul Society. And lastly, he deployment of Division members into enemy territory for combat operations."

Wiggling these four fingers around, Tsunayoshi had effectively listed each of the responsibilities that ae to be carried out by members of the Gotei 13. "It seems to me that Captain Kurome-chan is the only one present who has remembered her duties as a Soul Reaper." Tsunayoshi sighed and leaned back in his chair, "If you would like to scuffle about it *after* we've prevailed in this battle, then all of you be my guest.

"I see, Kurome-kakka-girl," she straightened her stance and tossed her scalpel over her back. "I appreciate you for offering yourself up for this experiment of mine, but," the noblewoman's eyes fell upon Tsunayoshi. "This is why you don't allow nobility to join militaries. No matter how noble or humble they may appear when they are faced with sacrifice the only thing that can think about is their status." Whether Minamoto and a few of the other nobles present wanted to admit it or not, what Tsuyuri had said was nothing but the truth. In one sense, Minamoto and Touwa were without a doubt correct. They had every right to feel as though it could be another way for this to unfold, but Minamoto kept blindly suggesting his garganta theory as though Tsuyuri hadn't addressed it already. He was so head-over-heels in defending his "heir" that he had come up with any conclusion possible to avoid having Kurome sacrifice herself.

Tsuyuri gave a slight grin as she placed her gaze onto the red-headed Captain-Commander. "You're not the soldier to make the sacrifice play. To lay down on the wire and allow the other soldier to crawl over you."

The Captain-Commander kept his eyes locked onto the center of the meeting hall as Tsuyuri spoke. "I'd just cut the wire."

In what seemed to be a quick back and forth between Shinigami, quickly turned to the exposing of the Captain-Commander. On the surface, this either revealed to be a petty argument between the two but her statement and his response had a much deeper meaning. In a simpler fashion; She, presented Tsunayoshi the blueprint of what it meant to be a Shinigami and Tsunayoshi responded with the blueprint of what it meant to protect Soul Society.

"Hehehehehehehe," Tsuyuri laughed, tossing the scalpel back over her shoulder. "Politics, nobility, sacrifice, emotions!" These four words echoed throughout the meeting hall as Tsuyuri stated them out loud. "Luckily dying won't be neccessary. As rementioned by Touwa-boy, there are a few beastmen who still live within the Rukongai. I say, the deployment of a few men to retrieve a few of these beastmen will suffice." In a random turn of events where tensions seemed to have been at their peak for this meeting, Tsuyuri opted for Touwa's suggestion with little to no resistance. Why had she waited until this moment, well after the conflict had happened, to even agree with an alternative that would result in ensuring the safety of the captains. Well it was simple of course--for her own data.

Despite the admonishment by the Captain-Commander, and his earlier emotional outburst, Minamoto's face may have well been a porcelian mask. After she so easily agreed with Touwa's recommendation did he pose a simple question. "Before you go Tsuyuri, would you be willing to share the information you've kept hidden from us so far about the Beastman and their realm?" Minamoto asked.

"You are right about emotions," he said chuckling. "-they are such a clever means to an end. Especially when they serve a dual purpose in revealing the hidden truths about things."

His neutral stare slowly morphed into a menacing gleam. "Such as where exactly your knowledge came from." Minamoto spared a glance to the Captain-Commander. "I'm not wrong about the Valley of Screams sir. At least I shouldn't be, given what we know of how the cycle works. Though I do have to question as to why you would so readily accept Tsuyuri's assertion that such an endeavor would not work."

Minamoto faced Tsuyuri with a questioning look. "So quick did you dismiss the idea outright, it struck me as odd. How could you possibly know? Unless..." he paused, letting the thought linger. "-you already attempted it yourself?"

He smiled thinly at the implication, and continued. "As you well know the Valley of Screams is the dimension that formed between Soul Society and the Human World. Specifically it is the place where souls ejected from the cycle of transmigration reside. If beastman are simply the reincarnations of souls who have sinned, then the Valley of Screams which is a waypoint in this cycle, would be the most likely place they would end up. I'd imagine it would be a pocket dimension with their unique characteristics that souls sharing those same traits would resonate with, and become bound to. However, if this beast realm does not reside in the Valley of Screams, then it must be a realm located in the Garganta. Though I am disinclined to believe that."

Minamoto swept his gaze across the Captains before settling once more on the Yamakage noblewoman. "Yet you Tsuyuri seem quite sure that the beast realm reside in neither dimension. Further, that no conventional effort made would ever reach it. In fact, for a foe that even the Captain-Commander himself had only just recently discovered, you seem quite... knowledgable on the subject matter. So again I ask how exactly do you know? What experiments have you been conducting behind closed doors and what role do you intend for us Captains to play in your little game?"

It was no surprise to see how few of the people present were taking a stand on this matter, and instead opted to listen in on the more... vocal or otherwise high ranking members of this meeting. But nevertheless, they had been listening and making their own deductions on the matter for certin. One of which had duelly been shifting her gaze from one speaker to the next, yet couldn't help herself from peering over at a cat-like figure - having expected something from their view or at least that someone would bring it up.

Swallowing the saliva that had been gathering inside her mouth, all the while placing both hands on the tip of her walking crutch as began straightening her posture. Yoshino was seemingly preparing herself mentally to some extent, even if her vacant and sleepless eyes would be masking this internal struggle with her body's deformity. She'd finally clear her throat as to bring attention to her words now before more words broke between the new arrival and the Captain Minamoto.

"I do not wish to put the words in anyone's mouth, but I must interject about the usage of the Garganta which is under the jurisdiction of the 12th Division." Peering through her glasses at Minamoto before she continued to speak, "With full disclosure, the device hasn't been in use since Captain Kurotsuchi last authorised it. And those of us that remain has yet to rediscover and bring many of the inventions of First and Second Presidents back online... This device in question, albiet soon within its testing phase, can't be sanctioned to be used until we're certain that it's operational again without causing any unfortunate accidents..."

Taking the moment at hand whilst still having the ears of people present, Yoshino hesitated for a moment before speaking up again.

"My apologies for speaking out at a point where our course of action already appears to have been decided. But after having been reguested to appear before this council as the representative of the 12th Division and the institute of which we house, I must speak honestly on their accord on these topics. And while there's certainly a frustration at the knowledge of hearing that this information was withheld from the S.R.D.I for well over a period of time where numerous more options might've been presentable here today. I must ask if these are the only options at our disposal that the Captains of this room are willing to consider?" Raising her left hand whilst keeping her other limb wrapped around the cane, she wasted no time to raise an open hand to Kurome as to highlight the person in question.

"The Captain of the 6th Division can offer herself up to theoroatically open a path to the realm of the Beasts..." Yoshino's hand then procceeded to gesture over to that of Touwa, "Or hope for cooperation among the denizens of their realm amongst Rukongai." As the two options were once again repeated, the red-haired shinigami lowered and placed her hand back at the support at her side, only to raise the other towards the Captain of the 2nd Division. "But if it's a sinner that we're looking for, then why aren't we considering the many hundreds already behind lock and key?" Following at an even faster pace, she shifted her gesture towards that of Soichiro Tenma. "And has all the possible scenarios been explored about the assistance from the Captain of the 5th Division, and more importantly, the Kidō Corps Commander. He is a member of the Onryōkai Clan and with it, perhaps enough of a connection open up a path?"

"And before I finish and the questions before you are either proven otherwise or considered, and my deepest apologies if I'm stepping beyond my boundaries as a Lieutenant. But I wish to ask that this body does not forget about the value of cooperating with S.R.D.I in the future on the earlist, possible occassion. Two weeks is a long time Captains. And in times of war, we're perhaps its best intrument in prepation for that encounter." As she finally concluded herself on the matter, Yoshino would rightfully take a step back once again. While she was still managing to keep her posture and her keeping her gaze from looking any one person specifically, Yoshino felt herself being out of breath and she could feel it creeping up her leg. Only now did she regret not having brouhgt some form of chair to support herself with.

Both of Tsuyuri's hands went up into the air as Minamoto directed his line of questioning towards her. "You are quite a few centuries too soon to question what my research consists of Minamoto-boy." The Yamakage clan representative said, "I haven't done anything and games are definitely not something I cherish taking part in." She didn't even think to give him her eyes, but she heard every word that he said. "Well, of course, every scientist weights in each of their options and preforms thorough tests of the matter before presenting something as "unable to be achieved"." She said before dropping her gaze to the lieutenant who had a mouthful to say.

She clapped her hands together collectively, truthfully, Yoshino continued to impress her. "What a great conclusion you've arrived at, Yoshino-girl. I believe I am going to enjoy my time with you in the Twelfth Division. Though," With a smile she snapped her free fingers and then slammed her scalpel into the ground and a rift behind her began to open in the form of the air itself. The image that was the logo of the Gotei 13's First Division shattered into what sounded like a panel of glass falling to the ground. At the end of its crumbling, the only thing that could be seen covering the entire wall and even portions of the ceiling as well was a black void in the shape stretched out oval—the Garganta.

No person, no sound, not even a feeling, came from the dark void as it was summoned into existence by Tsuyuri. "I created a passage through the Garganta a few years ago thanks to the efforts of Kamui-boy and his many *missions*. The moment the beastmen disappeared from the Seireitei, I did everything imaginable in an attempt to track them down. I was even accompandied by a team who traversed the Garganta in an attempt to locate their home. It was then through plenty evaluations I had come to a clear conclusion; this realm that these beast are using as a home can't be accessed unless you are either permitted or a beast yourself."

Kamui turned his head away once Tsuyuri mentioned his name. He hated that his efforts had to have been used in one of Tsuyuri's irritating experiments. Though it wasn't him directly offering his body to her will, it felt the exact same and in a sense brought great shame to his name. *"Quiet yourself, Tsuyuri."* He said to her, his voice low.

"Alright, alright," Tsunayoshi said, bringing everything to a calm point. "Lieutenant Jūsuke-chan, while I understand your frustration with not being informed, I would like to share something with you. As the Head-Captain I am permitted to take action which would result in the protection of the Soul Society no matter the cost. Relaying this incident to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute wouldn't have aided me much in what was needed to ensure the safety of our home. I took the actions that would best achieve that first and then gathered everyone to inform them accordingly. If you have a problem with that, then please feel free to kill me. But do so after *we* have full-filled our duties as Soul Reapers."

Standing to his feet, Tsunayoshi placed both of his arms into the sleeves of his haori. "Whether we like it or not, the simplest and most effective method for finding a route to their safe haven would be by going the route of Captain Kashiwaeda-san and locating these stray beastmen who have bound themselves to Soul Society."

"Squad Seven, Captain Yasuhira-san, can you gather a few members of your squad and send them out to Aokigahara immediately." Tsunayoshi ordered the Captain of the Seventh Division, wasting no time in an attempt to block out all other shenanigans that could have occured. "There is no telling when the enemy plans to attack again, but before vanishing they spoke of having run out of time within Soul Society. This means that they aren't able to maintain existence here for long. We need to move quickly."

Kahoru looked over at the Sixth Division Captain with a slight frown on her aged face after remaining silent and allowing the others to argue amongst themselves. "Captain Kurome," says the captain. She started before pausing to think of the appropriate words. "While I understand your reasoning and willingness to carry out your responsibilities and beliefs, do you not think your approach is a little risky?" As she stared passively at the heiress, she questioned.

"One must not forget that we as a whole are not in a comfortable position where we can wastefully sacrifice anyone; have you forgotten that everyone present was unexpectedly thrust into our current positions with the promotion of a large number of our forces and heroes from the previous war into the Royal Guards?" She enquired further. "Our current numbers are a mere fraction of what they once were, and our strength pales in comparison, let alone the fact that only a few of us have access to our Shikai and Bankai." Kahoru spoke calmly, trying to remind the gather captains that they were still in the process of healing. "Unnecessary loss of life should not be an option."

"Indeed. With that line of thinking, there's a better way to facilitate this battle, Tenma exclaimed."

Having heard enough, the exchange of theory and proper application of said theory and all the conjecture in-between would get them nowhere, if a beast was required to give them any insight on where to find this "realm", it was a role Tenma would put his part in. Yoshino's idea was a better alternative to using prisoners to create more beats, something that Tenma found intolerable to contemplate, the thought tugging at his stomach the more he thought about it. Clearing his throat, Tenma interjected on the conversation. "Lieutenant Yoshino and Captain Touwa raise valid points. And Tsuyuri's reasoning bring up a valid point. But rather than wait and lt this whole ordeal repeta itself, I suggest we take the initiative this time." Signaling to the pair, Tenma stepped forward, raising his voice a little higher to focus the group. "If a 'beast' is needed to enter the Beast Realm, all we need to do is create our own gate and I can simplify the rest." If Hollows had the Garganta, and Shinigami the Senkaimon, they simply needed to create a gate that served as their counterpart, and if it required Tenma to facilitate that, he was more than willing to do whatever it was demanded of him to see that through.

If their gate required a Hell Butterfly to traverse through it, it only made sense for him to serve a similar function to guide them to their realm, whoever small or large it was. After the whole fiasco with the 1st Division, he wasn't about to let other parts of Soul Society get dragged into their fight.

Takamaru grinned as soon as he heard mention of his name. This was the very moment he had been waiting for ever since setting foot into the barracks of the First Division. "Of course I can. It's about time we get this up and moving." Takamaru swept his fingers through the hair that fell in front of his face. He flashed his sparkling teeth at the crowd of Shinigami Captains. Then he struck a dramatic pose and even went as far as to flexing his muscluar arms in front of their eyes so that they should know to entrust the rest to him.

They were in good arms. In fact, they were in incredibly great, muscular arms. Takamaru kisses his bicep and said, "Kahoru, what's with the negativity?! Are you really that scared? Heh. Leave it to the Fourth Division to soil my mood. You're not a real Captain! So quit acting like you are! You're only here so that there would be someone to heal me when I get back."

Togashi palmed his face out of sheer embarrassment alone. On the other hand, the reserved Murakami wanted to say something in retaliation to defend Koharu but simply could not find the words in time to do so. Takamaru took his leave, throwing up his arm as his back faced the rest of the Captains. "As far as I'm concerned... there's only one beast around here. And that's *me*. The rest of you can go back to sleep," he glanced at Kiokushi's bedhead as he said this. "Now that I'm on the move... there's no more use for the rest of you." And with that Takamaru was gone.

"K-Koharu-san, please don't take what that man said just now to heart!" beamed Murakami, his cheeks red. Stepping out of his comfort zone made him shy. "Y-You are an extremely capable Shinigami who is deserving of her position as Captain!" He bowed his head towards the Captain of the Fourth Divison.

Kiokushi who was largely absent from the meeting in it's entirety due to her fatigue leaving her barely awake in front of the presence of the other captains, as she leaned back and forth trying to keep her posture up standing. Although she didn't hear a lot of what was going on in the room, she did have time for herself to think about the solutions gaven by Tsunayoshi and the rest of the captains, keeping the mission in her mind just waiting on her orders to execute it. She realized Takamaru's message was directed to her when he was taking a leave, and tried to respond back to his trashtalk but to no avail as he didn't even look back. "Bruh." she said as Takamru walked out. "Excuse me, but since it seems that the meeting has concluded so far, I'll also take my leave." Kiokushi says yawning, as she looks at the other captains as if she's asking them if it's okay for her to just go.

## BEAR TRAP

Night fell over the giant district of Aokigahara. It was a foresty place with houses build in trees by the Souls that occupied it. Some considered these people "junglemen". People with an affinity for living in harsher enviornments, hunting for their food, and immunity to normal sicknesses that would put normal people on bed rest. Originally, it was known as a place used for training grounds but recently it had become a place that was segregated by people and the *creatures* that lived within it.

There was no war persay, but there was a mental agreement that there would be no interaction between the creatures and the Souls as a sort of in the air pact. Deep within the terrortory of the creatures lived a handful, small tribe, of beastmen who had used the district as their sort of "base of operations". They were ridiculed by the rest of society and forced to live among themselves seeking to keep their identity hidden from the rest of the district. Over the years they had become cannibals, not of their own kind, but of the creatures that had also been at peaceful war with the Souls that occupied it.

Where they had been hidden from the most of existence, Akaoni Ouga, one of the current Captains of the Gotei 13 had already given their location up to the rest of the Captains a few days ago in a meeting. Aokigahara had now become the hunting grounds for the Gotei 13's neccessitys.

Within what seemed to be a shallow cave, a large purple-hair bear lounged around against a rock. If there was one comparison could be made, it was that the bear appeared to be a lazy slouch as evident by how he laid and everything around. Packaged food filled the cave leaving a trail to the front entrance while one of his hands laid on his stomach and the other in a beehive. Removing his paw from the beehive the bear stuck it into his mouth slobbering on it as he removed every bit of honey he could.

"*NOM NOM*," the bear chewed on the substance, "Ahh, I wish I had more honey."

"Hmm, would you like to trade, then?" A somewhat curious voice echoed from behind the bear. It was alarming that someone could make their way so close to the bear without suspicion, but that was simply the nature of the person who had spoke. This was Hakyō, 3rd Seat of the Seventh Division and currently an emissary for the Gotei 13. His unusual use of the Tengai would no doubt draw attention to him. Even if the bear did not care for him at all, perhaps bribery would work in his favor.

Head lifting and pawn in mouth with saliva running along his arm, the bear looked over to Hakyō who wasted no time in making his appearance known. "Trade? "Otso, won't trade with strangers." The bear said back to the Shinigami, completely unaware of who could have been under the mask. Otso wasn't adept in battle, he never saw a reason to take up the ability to sense others and distinguish their reiatsu between different beings. All he needed to be able to do was sense the smell of honey and the sensation of bees and his life would find itself complete enough.

"Otso don't want a trade. No, no, no." The bear said, slowingly rolling over to his side while continuing to refer to himself in third person. "Otso want honey."

Hakyō's gaze couldn't be seen. But he was curiously staring at the bear in front of him. He didn't appear to be particularly malicious, nor did he emit any sort of violent intent. He was purely interested in honey and lounging around. "If Otso wants honey, will Otso do anything to get honey?" Hakyō asked, trying to probe the beast a little further.

"But you have come with no honey..." Said Otso, quickly turning over to fac Hakyo in an attempt to confirm he had come empty handed. He slouched further in the dirt and put his paws in the air while holding the hive of honey over his face, allowing what was left of of the hive to fall on his face and into whatever portions he could catch with his mouth. "You lie?"

"No, I do not lie." Hakyō revealed a gourd from within his shihakushō. "This gourd is empty. It is meant to store sake. But, if you help me, I will fill it with honey. I can get one hundred gourds of honey for you." Hakyō boldly claimed, but he was not lying. The size of the gourd fit the entirety of his forearm. It was a substantial gourd. A hundred of those would easily quench Otso, he'd hope.

Otso sniffed the air and snuggled back in the dirt. "You bring Otso a lot of what ifs, but you don't bring Otso the honey." The bear said, starting to grow more irritated as the conversation started to lead to nothing. "You want to make Otso happy, Otso need honey. That hard to understand." He dropped the beehive back to the ground and began to suck on the base of his paw. "Honey, honey. The bees go buzzz buzzz, honey, honey, the bees go buzz buzzz, honey." He sang.

"..." Hakyō pondered silently. If he went back empty-handed, it would be an issue. There had to be a way to sort out this dilemma. "Is there no honey where you come from?" Hakyō asked.

"Where I come from? Otso from here, there is tons of honey here." The purple-haired bear revealed to the Shinigami. "If you want Otso to talk to you, Otso will need honey. A hive, a hive, a hive!" Otso sang, "I suggest you get a hive. A big one! Otso needs lots of honey. Otso a little bear, but Otso want to get much bigger!"

"*From here...?*" Hakyō was perplexed, but looked inwards to the cave. If he had understood the bear correctly, then...

"Can I find honey if I keep going inside, Otso?"

Otso rolled over to look over to the masked Shinigami once more. The bear went silent for just a moment before raising his eyebrow. "Inside? There are bees inside with Otso. Honey outside, somewhere outside." The bear clarified, clearing the air of whatever misunderstanding that Hakyo may have had with his instructions.

"I see." Hakyō turned around, realizing he was overcomplicating the situation. Ultimately, Otso was a beast who was pursuing honey. It was Hakyō who thought this would develop into something else. "I will be back with honey, Otso." Hakyō left the cave with the surprising intent to actually acquire honey for the bear.

As Hakyo traveled, it wouldn't take long for him to inhale the rich scents of honey within the forest. There were hives all over the nearby trees, latching onto the trunks as if they were attached by glue. In what seemed to be a simply journey through the forest, Hakyo would have found himself surrounded by the golden ticket he needed in order to won Otso over so that he could come to a flawless conclusion.

"Interesting..." Hakyō thought to himself. He said he would bring a hundred gourds of honey, but he didn't have that much on hand. Nonetheless, with the gourd he had, he filled up what he could reach easily enough. But one gourd wouldn't be enough. He decided to do the one thing he normally wouldn't do. There was nobody here besides him, so he took off his Tengai in a shocking move.

The sun had been bright enough through this forest, reflected even further by the golden honey that Hakyō's face was covered mostly by the huge beams of light. As he drew out enough honey from the trees, he returned to the cave where Otso was. He placed the gourd and tengai of honey down in front of Otso, hoping the bear would recognize him from the tengai he put down.

"Here you go, Otso."

The scent of the honey traveled through the cave before Hakyō could even reach it fully. The bear tucked itself into a ball and rolled over to Hakyō appearing right before him as he took the first gourd of honey from the Shinigami and quickly removed. "You brought Otso lots of honey!" Otso cheered, immediately taking the contents of the gourd down his throat in what was one fell swoop.

Otso's cheeks lit up as he licked his lips and stood to his feet, literally towering Hakyō. "Okay, Otso help mask man. What does Mask Man need?"

"I only need one thing. How did you get here from your home in the Beast Realm? And how may I go to the Beast Realm?" Hakyō asked, internally pleased the little deal worked out.

"What?" Otso said, reaching for another one of the gourds to drink from it. Though he seemed to have had his attention locked onto the honey that was kindly bought to him by the Shinigami, Otso had no idea what Hakyō had been talking about. "Beast Realm? Otso have no idea what the man is talking about. Otso home is here, this forest."

"...Here?" Hakyō thought to himself. This particular forest was his home. He had to ensure that Otso knew what Hakyō meant. Though...he had a strong feeling Otso wasn't as foolish as he thought. "You were born here?"

Otso licked the rim of the groud with his tongue. "Otso was born here, yes." The oversize bear said, before briefly turning his attention to Hakyō. Though he didn't say anything, not that he was the type to even do so, he could sense the uncertainty in Hakyō's question and intended to immediately meet it with the truth.

"There is no place Otso remembers, he was born here with his momma bear and papa bear." The beat went on to say, "Otso never heard of a Beast Realm before. What is it?"

"Hmmm." Hakyō mulled over his thoughts, before picking up his Tengai, that Otso had licked clean off honey. He wore it on his head again, although he knew he should wash it. "It's nothing. Just a fairy tale I heard. Thank you, Otso." Hakyō began to walk out, waving. "Hey, the next time I come back, I'll bring more honey. Ok?"

"Wait!" Otso extended his arm out, "Where do you go? Do you go somewhere with lots of Honey?" Otso asked, curious as he partook in another one of the gourds. "Otso doesn't know much and Otso feel bad to not repay the favor. And, you been nice to Otso." The bear dropped his head and the mood immediately changed. By the tone of his voice and his expression, Hakyo would be able to sense the sadness in the situation.

"Otso never had someone be nice like you since his parents died. Otso have no friends, just..." he held the gourd up and poured some honey out of it. "Honey and bees."

Hakyō listened to the situation Otso was in. He did pity the bear, but he couldn't let that show yet. "The place I go has a little bit of honey. But...not everyone is a nice person."

Hakyō didn't turn around. He briefly clenched his fist as he remembered his own experiences.

"Give me some time, Otso. If you come now...there might be too many problems." Hakyō looked at him again. "I'll be back, just stay here and wait for me a little longer, yeah?"

Rolling onto his back, Otso began to drink from the gourd. "Okay, Otso stay here," The bear concluded, heeding to the suggestion of Hakyo. Though he humbly did, deep down inside he wanted to travel alongside the Shinigami. No one, aside from his parents, had ever been so nice even though Hakyo sought a personal gain from the situation. Still, it was something the beast would never forget.

"Otso see you later then."