New Beginnings

[Seimitsu]

chapter ONE
new BEGINNINGS

"What's going on?"
"Who is that?"
"What's all the commotion?"
"They better not expect us to clean up after this is done..."

The whispers ran rampant throughout the crowd. Rarely did the Rukongai see any kind of formal procession, let alone one of this magnitude. In the lead of it was a group of four robed and masked beings- two male and two female- forming four columns. The two men, both on the outside corners, carried snow white banners that flapped in the windy wake of their movement, adorned by a golden orb with a blue and white flame around it. The two women leading the inner columns had their hands clasped together with index fingers extending and pressing to form a triangle between them. Within the gaps of their hands, a bright pink flame burned, and streams of similarly collared smoke rose high above them- becoming cherry blossom petals at some point, falling gracefully to the ground around the procession in a beautiful rain.

Following the four in front came a heavily armored guard of forty-seven men. Walking in-step, they were all but a reflection of one another- each swinging arm perfectly in sync with the next; each stomping foot sounding out at the precise moment as every other. Their armor was as pure a white as the guide-banners, trimmed in gold, with a faceplate of white and blue. Each and every one was identical even down to the series of three swords carried at their waist; save for their faceplates, which were the only difference among them with each carved into the likeness of some creature or another.

Following the guard came an elegantly simple yet ornate palanquin. Born by four men who wore white robes with gold sashes and the symbol of the banner on their backs, it seemed to be made of a white wood. All along the extended carrying poles, white and blue filigree etched out a beautifully meaningless design that lead to a candle on any end. Though small and simple as the golden candles were, the flames that sat atop them rose ten feet into the air- burning in the blue-white color of the banners. Each time a cherry blossom petal touched a flame, it burst into pure white smoke that rose in incensed plumes above the flames.

More curious than palanquin was the one born upon it. Wearing ceremonial robes of white atop dark blue clothing sat a man that looked in his twenties. He wore a large hat that was the same dark blue of his clothes, with the golden disc surrounded by blue and white flame embroidered in the middle. His head was bowed slightly, his eyes closed, as he sat with legs crossed in the butterfly position on the palanquin's platform. Even more curious than the curious man on the palanquin was what sat on the man's lap. Standing out in stark contrast to everything else about the procession sat a small, childlike being of furious red with large eyes of spring-like green. It looked around the crowd curiously for a moment, before reaching up to press it's fingers against Seimitsu's cheeks.

"We're almost there," the man spoke- his voice deep, but soft. A warm smile dawned across his lips as he wrapped his arms around the thing and pulled it to his chest and opened his eyes to look forward- at the sight of the forty-seven guards, and four leads. He did not have to look behind to know that following the palanquin was another forty-seven guards, and four more people, all four holding banners instead of just two. Rarely did the Rukongai see such a procession- the last having been near one hundred and fifty years ago. It came to a halt as it entered the gateway leading to the Seireitei.

"Announcing Dai Kidōchō Kōseitan'i Jujutsushi Narikuse Seimitsu."

The voice boomed out as if amplified a hundred times, and the procession set forward once more, the four guides spreading and allowing the forty-seven guards to fan out in an ornate formation. The palanquin bearers lowered themselves to a knee, and the rear guard rushed past them to fall into formation with the others as the eight banner-guides found their places as well- the sight of the emblem on the banner seen from the sky were one to look down upon the formation. Still holding onto the fiery red being, the man- Seimitsu- rose to a standing position gracefully and walked down upon unseen steps of air- his ceremonial geta sounding out loudly as they made contact with the ground of the Seireitei. The two women that had been creating the rain of blossoms brought their hands together and then pulled them apart- and a great white-blue flame exploded around the procession and let off one last gout of the white incensed smoke before vanishing all together.

He stood, looking around just past the gate. It had been quite some time since he had been there, and he wondered if he would be met by any known faces.

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❖ NOX ❖

[Seimitsu]

chapter ONE
new BEGINNINGS

"Dai Kidōchō-tono, you honor us with your visit. We would have assembled a proper reception, had you sent word that you w-"

The man that had begun speaking quickly fell into silence as Seimitsu held a hand up. Smiling as he returned his hand to wrap around the being he held, he stepped off the palanquin and closed the distance to the man. As he stopped before him, his arms unwrapped and the being within them floated around Seimitsu and came to rest on his shoulder.

"I will take it by your statement that my word was not received- meaning this Gotei is still without someone worthy of donning the Commander title. A shame that my most sacred teachings must remain with me alone."

Though his words were somber, the smile on his face remained. Bringing his hands together within the sleeves of his nagajuban, he bowed before the now speechless man- the being floating at his shoulder letting out a soft coo as it too dipped with the bow. Straightening, he gestured off towards the buildings in the distance.

"If you would be so kind, I would appreciate a warm cup of tea. It was quite the journey."

He allowed the smile to fall from his face as the man nodded quickly and began leading the way. The being floating about perched firmly on Seimitsu's shoulder- looking this way and that, cooing here and there as if excited. The procession they had arrived with broke their formation, and filtered out of the gateway so that it could be closed- loitering near it in knelt meditation as they waited for their Lord to return.

"I agree, Byakuren. It has grown a considerable amount since our last visit. I have spoken to the clan, and they understand our time here will be much longer than before. We have many children to see."

The being let out a long coo, fidgeting as it switched shoulders and then climbed the length of his hat- holding onto it as if it were King Kong on the Empire state building. Seimitsu chuckled, shaking his head slightly as he was lead into one of the buildings and set at a table. Beckoning the being to his lap as he sat, he bowed his head in thanks as a pot of tea was brought and warmed.

"It would be ever so kind of you found some of your Captains to join me. I would hear tales of the last one hundred and fifty years."

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❖ NOX ❖

[ming]

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Tag: Seimitsu, Shinigami
Location: Seireitei

Kōhei was not one to forget his roots.

As he returned from his trip to the wilderness beyond the Rukongai, he made a detour to his district instead of heading straight for his division barracks. Walking down the streets, he was simultaneously filled with nostalgia yet distanced by a strange sense of unfamiliarity. The district had changed a lot since he left. He didn’t recognize quite a number of the buildings, and those that he did had aged quite a bit. He didn’t know any of the current residents either, and they were cautious and wary of him. Belatedly he realized why: dressed in his modern hiking gear, he did not look like a Shinigami at all, and his zanpakutō only served to make him look more intimidating.

There was no point lingering here any longer, so Kōhei took a last look at his district before departing. Before long, he encountered a massive crowd in the streets. He was too far back to see or hear anything, but judging from what the crowd was saying he learnt that it was a grand procession for a very important and oddly-dressed man. His attempts to bypass the crowd weren’t particularly successful either, indicating that the procession was headed towards the Seireitei as well. By now he was able to guess who it was, and the knowledge delighted him. After all, this man’s teachings had helped Kōhei find his direction in life during his most turbulent years and made him the person he was today.

Finally, he arrived at the Seireitei and learnt from one of the Shinigami on duty that the VIP had arrived unannounced and was already waiting in one of the main halls by himself. Deciding that he would rather appear in his hiking gear than make the guest wait, he headed straight for the hall instead. As he entered, he bowed deeply. “I apologize for the lack of a proper reception, Kōseitan’i-sama,” he said, his tone formal and respectful. “I am Sakurai Kōhei, captain of the Fourth Division. We are honoured by your presence. What brings you to the Seireitei today?”

[Seimitsu]

chapter ONE
new BEGINNINGS

Though fully aware of the new arrival, Seimitsu gave no indication he noticed the man. Instead, he lifted his steaming up to his lips with both hands- his eyes closed- and took a long sip. After several long moments with the cup held in place, he smiled and opened his eyes, nodding.

"Excellent tea. Another cup I think, Byakuren, for Sakurai no Kimi," he said softly, glancing sidelong towards the spirit at his shoulder. With a coo, it nodded as it's eyes narrowed in what was obviously a smile, and then moved off to grab another cup. Wordless after that, Seimitsu regarded Kohei over the brim of his cup while Byakuren clumsily poured the second cup across the table. "Please, sit and drink with me Sakurai no Kimi. You must be tired after your trek through the Rukongai. I imagine food will be brought before long, as well." Smiling again, he took another sip as Byakuren reached up trying to steal the cup from him.

"As I have been known to do since my teachings spread like wildfire, and especially since organization has been founded with the Gotei, I have come down from the mountain of my Family to see that the children who make toys out of my teachings are not misusing them. And to see if your Gotei has found someone proficient enough to fully grasp said teachings, and lead others during my sojourns home. But as I was, as you put it, not received as one would have expected, it seems these lands remain the playground of children. Present company excluded, of course. Though..."

He gave pause, taking a sip of his tea and then passing the cup to the Spirit, which quickly filled it to the brim with a joyful coo. His gaze was almost piercing as he looked at Kohei- though there was no threat behind it.

"...I admit, I would have expected a different aura to surround the one leading the Healers. That is what you do as the Taicho of the Fourth division, no? I admit, I could be mistaken in your duties... But, that is neither here nor there. Come now, drink your tea, and see yourself to proper clothing. I would hear what I have been absent from for one hundred and fifty years."

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[tweak]

Kasumi Goto.

510 - shinigami - BGM:Arcadia

Years had passed since the head of the Goto Clan had last seen her native home in the Rukongai. Much to her silent shame her family name and their infamous assassin’s guild Boshoku had become relics of the past. Everything that she had held dear prior to becoming a Shinigami had become mere memories. The Goto clan was a dying breed, though one that sill held high pedigree. Kasumi had visited the Rukongai for a single reason. News had reached her that an old acquaintance, well more so a benefactor than anything was coming to the seireitei. Grand Kido Chief Kōseitan'i Jujutsushi NarikuseSeimitsu, the very inventor and primary teacher of Kido was on his way. Based on the information from her spies Kasumi had decided to meet the man in person prior to his arrival in the Seireitei. She left today’s operations in the hands of her Lieutenant and whisked herself away by shunpo. Her speed allowed her enough time to actually visit her old estate before going to see her old teacher. She could sense his spiritual pressure as well as that of Division 4’s Captain Kohei Sakurai. It seemed someone else had made an effort to show the grandmaster of kido a proper welcome. Realizing she had wasted enough time dwelling on her past, Kasumi moved on to deal with the present. She made her way through the crowds that were amassing to bear witness to the large procession. The man always did have a flair for excess. Kasumi saw no reason to flaunt such things needlessly. It could easily disappear in a mere flash. She had happily given up much of her own wealth for the sake of building the Seireitei and the 2nd Division. Though to say she didn’t miss it would be a lie. She continued to gently push her way through the crowd; slipping between any cracks that formed. Few seemed to notice she was a Shinigami at all mostly due to Kasumi’s efforts to conceal this fact. Her zanpakuto was concealed within the shaft of a parasol. The biggest tell however was her haori, which bore different coloring than the rest. Rather than the traditional black and white that marked most Captains, Kasumi garb was black and red. In addition to this she had made sure to conceal her spiritual pressure. The only ones whom were likely to recognize her were the few agents in the area, Sakurai and Seimitsu. Once Kasumi arrived she allowed her power to flow at its more regular level as a way of announcing her arrival to her fellow Shinigami. Though glad to see her former master again she restrained her urge to smile. “Seimitsu-Dono, many years have passed since your presence was last sensed in the Rukongai. It’s good to see you are well. Sakurai-Taicho, good to see you as well. We captains hardly see one another these days. May I join you two?” Kasumi gave a bow as she spoke giving both men the respect their titles commanded. She then patiently awaited a response before moving.

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Tag: Seimitsu, Kasumi, Shinigami
Location: Seireitei

It seemed to Kōhei that he could have picked a slightly better time to enter, rather than interrupt the Dai Kidōchō’s tea drinking. Someone he knew during his younger days had been especially particular about eating and drinking, insisting that even emperors had no right to interrupt someone’s else meal. Suppressing a smile at the recollection, he waited patiently for Seimitsu to finish.

Based on his reaction, Kōhei could tell that the Dai Kidōchō was satisfied with the brew. "Excellent tea. Another cup I think, Byakuren, for Sakurai no Kimi.” Immediately, the curious little creature on his shoulder obeyed, somehow managing in spite of its size. "Please, sit and drink with me Sakurai no Kimi,” Seimitsu continued, his cup still in hand. “You must be tired after your trek through the Rukongai. I imagine food will be brought before long, as well."

Accepting the invitation respectfully and gratefully, Kōhei took his seat at the table. It was a tad uncomfortable; hiking boots were not designed for such a posture, but he settled down as best as he could. Taking a small sip of the tea, he took in its pleasant flavour and lingering aroma. The tea was excellent indeed, sweet and mild and perfectly balanced. The hallmark of tea leaves of very high grade, he noted with the knowledge that he probably wouldn’t have the chance to enjoy it if not for the Dai Kidōchō’s arrival.

Playfully the little creature tried to reach in vain for the cup as Seimitsu took yet another sip before he moved on to the next topic. "As I have been known to do since my teachings spread like wildfire, and especially since organization has been founded with the Gotei, I have come down from the mountain of my Family to see that the children who make toys out of my teachings are not misusing them. And to see if your Gotei has found someone proficient enough to fully grasp said teachings, and lead others during my sojourns home.”

A valid concern, Kōhei thought to himself, since the common folk were usually too unenlightened to consider anything else beyond their basic needs and worldly desires. But that was not their fault, of course. Rather, the fault lay with those who govern, for it is their example that the masses follow and their responsibility to ensure that all was in accordance with the natural order of things. At Seimitsu’s words, he could only shake his head regretfully at their lack of progress.

“But as I was, as you put it, not received as one would have expected, it seems these lands remain the playground of children,” Seimitsu concluded. “Present company excluded, of course."

“I wouldn’t dare to claim complete understanding of your teachings, Kōseitan’i-sama,” Kōhei replied, out of honesty rather than humility. “I must say that the more I learn, the less I realize I know. I can only do my best based on my limited understanding.”

"Though I admit, I would have expected a different aura to surround the one leading the Healers. That is what you do as the Taicho of the Fourth division, no? I admit, I could be mistaken in your duties... But, that is neither here nor there.”

That statement intrigued Kōhei. “If I may ask,” he ventured boldly but still keeping his diction and tone respectful, “may I know of your expectations and how I fell short of them?” He paused for a moment to organize his thoughts. “A river does not pick its own course, but cuts its path in response to the rocks it encounters. I confess that I never expected to become Taicho, but that came to be and I accepted it. The same can be said of the Fourth Division’s responsibilities: I instinctively knew that my division should provide medical care for all the divisions and the whole of Rukongai, and that was what I set out to do.” And indeed, the Fourth Division has contributed greatly in his own way, nursing the injured back to health and paving the way forward in the development and use of Kaidō techniques. But in hindsight, the Fourth Division had indeed done some really strange things as well over the years, such as the food and nutrition advisories, and the counselling and mental health department. Not the most practical ideas in light of the hollow threat, but important nonetheless in the long run.

As Seimitsu pointed out that he had barely touched his tea (it had already cooled considerably), he felt that he might have spoken too much. His growing discomfort due to his posture and the boots was probably quite apparent as well. “And see yourself to proper clothing,” Seimitsu advised.

Fate had it that his exit cue had come in the form of a fellow captain. He knew who it was without even looking: the sudden presence of her unmasked reiatsu at close proximity was unmistakable. “Seimitsu-Dono, many years have passed since your presence was last sensed in the Rukongai. It’s good to see you are well,” Kasumi greeted the Dai Kidōchō first before addressing Kōhei next. “Sakurai-Taicho, good to see you as well. We captains hardly see one another these days. May I join you two?”

Kōhei smiled as he turned to her. “Please, Goto-Taicho, do join us,” he said, his choice of words slightly less formal. “You’re especially hard to catch.” He turned back to Seimitsu. “Please excuse me for a minute, Kōseitan’i-sama,” he said as he rose to depart. ”I will rejoin you in a moment.”

[Seimitsu]

chapter ONE
new BEGINNINGS

"A river does not pick it's own course? My dear boy, a river is a river- always there, and yet the water flowing through it is never the same water and is never still. It’s always changing and is always on the move. And as each new second is a new river, so is each new second a new course. It widens and deepens as it rubs and scours, gnaws and kneads, eats and bores its way through the land. You may not see the river picking it's course- but with each new second, the river has changed it's course just as it has changed itself!"

His smile was wide- mirth and joy in his voice. His words had come slowly, and there was no hint of what one might have expected- an Elder correcting a junior. No, his voice came as if it were every day conversation with one's self. Quickly draining his cup, he held his hands out over the table- and with the slightest gesture, a dome appeared over it, with a miniature plateau of a translucent but earthen structure. At it's base, water pooled, and slowly began to make it's way around the plateau. Another gesture, and the water sped up- and before their very eyes, the plateau was carved in two, forming a valley. His smile grew wider yet as he looked up Kōhei, and then allowed his gaze to drift to Kasumi.

"Ah, Kasumi-kōhai! I thought I felt a familiar presence sneaking around," he said, lowering his hands to absolve the spectral image. Byakuren cooed rather loudly, floating to it's post upon Seimitsu's shoulder. "I was just telling Sakurai no Kimi how I felt he had allowed expectations to send his aura in an unexpected direction. Sit, sit. The rice should be here shortly!"

It was almost as if he were a youth that had just discovered the joy of music, the way he gestured and spoke- not at all what others that had begun to file into the building had expected when they heard the Dai Kidōchō had come to the Seireitei. Byakuren had left his shoulder, to pour a new cup of tea and clumsily carry it over to the empty spot in front of Kasumi.

"Your aura has changed as well. I know our personal lessons were brief in time, but I sense you have not followed my instruction since then. Is the way of Kidō so mundane and slow to you that you could not stand to further your practice?"

However chiding his words might have seemed to the other inhabitants, they were still light and jovial- his eyes aglow with a certain playfulness.

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Tag: Seimitsu, Kasumi, Shinigami
Location: Seireitei

Seimitsu’s advice was like a friendly and gentle reminder from a friend about something Kōhei knew but forgot, instead of a lesson from a teacher about something entirely new. “Yes, indeed…” he acknowledged with a smile of his own. “It seems that I got too carried away. Thank you, Kōseitan’i-sama.” Seimitsu proceeded to show Kōhei how a river cut its course in a plateau, reminding him of Zanka’s cryptic message during the jinzen session in the wilderness the other day. The zanpakutō spirit had been unusually quiet, saying nothing but leading him upstream along one of the larger rivers in his inner world until they arrived at its source: a spring that he had completely forgotten about. The miniature valley bore a striking resemblance to that particular river in his inner world, as though Seimitsu had been aware of what Zanka did during the jinzen session.

After Kōhei excused himself , he headed for the Fourth Division barracks to change out of his hiking attire and into his shihakushō and haori, using Shunpo so he could rejoin Seimitsu and Kasumi quickly. When he returned, he realized that the food hadn’t even arrived yet.

He took the opportunity to clarify some doubts with the Dai Kidōchō. On his way back, he had noticed how much his former district had changed. Not just in its appearance, but also in the overall atmosphere: where the district used to be close-knit and the residents united by a sense of community spirit, he found that the present residents kept mainly to themselves, as though they distrusted each other. The crime rate was still under control, but it seemed to be due to the strict policing on the part of the Gotei 13 instead of the residents’ respect for each other. And he relayed these observations and opinions to Seimitsu. “Thus far I would say that we have done a fair job governing and managing Soul Society, I cannot help but feel that it is not a long-term solution,” he added, summing up his thoughts. "If the Gotei 13 is all that maintains the peace and order in Soul Society, then I fear the day when it is no more."

[tweak]

Kasumi Goto.

510 - shinigami - BGM:Arcadia

Kasumi gave another light bow in response to the greetings she was given the pair of men before her. It was a bit of a shock to see that Seimitsu hadn't lost his jovial spirit in all of his years away from the Gotei. It seemed the time away had done him well. At the very least it was enough to keep him content. Kasumi couldn't help but feel as if she had interrupted something between the two gentle after Kohei announced his departure. This was quickly negated once he stated he was to be returning soon. That in mind Kasumi took a sit in the place next to where Kohei previously sat. Despite her years and titles, Kasui couldn't help but feel like a mere child before Seimitsu. She sat in the traditional seiza posture and took the cup of tea presented to her. She took a short sip before resting the cup in her lap. "Seimitsu-dono, I have not forgone your teachings. My other skills have simply taken higher priority. I still practice I assure you. I've actually developed a theory for a new technique based on what you've taught me. I just need to master the more refined aspects before i can start to put it into practice." She raised her tea cup up to her lips once more, thing time taking a longer drink. Almost wallowing in the aroma and flavor before lowering the cup. Kasumi had always liked the delicacies Seimitsu exposed her to. They were often pleasant experiences for her. Much like the training she had undergone with him so many years ago. It was unfortunate that she rarely had to put such skills to use as opposed to her other powers. In any case it was better to have such techniques and not need them than to be without them at all. Her eyes drifted over to the curious creature that was Byakuren. Where Seimitsu found such a thing was beyond her. She nothing thought much of the thing. It seemed a helpful pet and never caused her any trouble. She brought her attention back to her former master, realizing they had been reveling in silence longer than was comfortable. "So, what brings you to the Rukon Districts? Have you made yet another break through in the demon arts? I doubt you've come this far to simply check in on your former pupils. Not with this kind of procession." Just as quickly as he had left Kohei had returned. Now donning proper shingami attire complete with his captain's haori. He seemed to have some reservations about the duties of the Gotei; doubts even. This disturbed Kasumi internally. How could he have such doubts and why? An investigation would have to be placed on the fourth division later. For now Kasumi maintained her stoic demeanor. "Kohei-san, Our job is not to simply police and govern. We are guardians. We are the defenders of the Soul Society as well as the Human World. There is no long term solution to such a task. Much like the Sun we must simply exist to perform out duty. If we fall to darkness, we shall rise again and provide light once more. Don't you agree, Seimitsu-dono?"

(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE