Wayne
The Rustler of Jimmies
3,150
Seizing Leverage
Wayne | Shady
Seizing Leverage
Wayne | Shady
It seemed that for the longest time, barely anyone spoke of the SRDI and its presence in the Gotei. After some considerable amount of time, the department spearheading research and development remained at a standstill. Under the direct supervision of the Central Forty-Six, little was done in regards to its funding or of its activities. The technological assets it provided to the shinigami were left to gather dust... up until now, of course. With the renewed pact established between the Thirteen Court Guards and the Judges, the Ninth had once again merged with its science-based counterpart, alive and well for all to utilize.
And if one were so inclined, take advantage of.
Within one of its bigger facilities, brimming with analysts and interns alike, an outlier needled through the groups seeking out one individual in particular. Practically blending with the other white-garbed shinigami, the Captain of the Eleventh treaded with sharpened eyes in pursuit of his mark. There was no way he could miss; this person stood out far too much, garnered too much attention whether he liked it or not. The fact that Kyuketsu had already seen him before was irrelevant. All he had to look for, really, was rolls of bandages and tape.
As much as the newcomer blended in color with the surrounding scientists, his demeanor made him stand out like a sore thumb. Barely a minute in the door had marked the trespasser as not one of the native Ninther’s nor one of the hired help who had been transporting equipment the past few days. The fact that he wore a haori was secondary. “Umm sir,” the petite receptionist called through the intercom at her desk, “I’m pretty sure the Eleventh’s captain is wandering around looking like he’s stalking someone. He’s scaring the other researchers and I am not getting stabbed. Can you come see what he wants?”
Moment’s latter the elevator which spilled out onto the bright and bustling Ninth Division Reception area opened to reveal Feng himself. The bandaged man heaved a sigh as he found the man he was looking for. Be polite, don’t anger him. He could be of use soon enough. Striding over, the biologist tried to put on a pleasant smile however his mostly wrapped face and remaining scars led to the whole display looking morose. “Captain Kyuketsu, what a pleasure. To what do I owe this surprise visit? If it is something best discussed in private my office is available.” So that you can stop terrifying the poor people doing their job.
The suspicious, wary stares were beginning to irk him. His zanpakutou was hidden well enough underneath his haori, but it seemed that wasn’t enough. Still, he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel slightly amused by their fear.
Attention focusing on the lieutenant, Kyuketsu gave a quick, shallow nod.
“Curiosity, is all.” He shrugged. “It’s been ages since I’ve last been within these walls. I knew one of your researchers... Seth, I think his name was? It’s no issue, he’s dead.”
Imparting his left hand forward, he motioned for the scientist to the lead the way.
“Yin Feng, was it? I sat next to you during the committee a few days ago. I had... something in mind, but it’s of no immediate concern.” A sharp, leery light glistened in his eyes. “I’m actually more interested in... ‘helping’ your squad’s funding. You’ll accept all aid you can get, yes?”
How quaint when the swordsmen think themselves subtle. A coy smile spread on Feng’s face which easily could have been confused for honest consideration of the captain’s offer. “I prefer matters of this variety be discussed away from prying ears who might not enjoy the way I negotiate.” Motioning for the man to follow, the researcher lead him back to the elevator he had just taken. “I would say now is a rather unfortunate time for the division to take private contracts.” The bandaged man said with a laugh. The elevator casually dinged back to the third floor offices as the researcher finished.
“It seems my little terrifying account managed to get the division back in the good graces of the SRDI, with no small help from President Iha,” the door to the office was unlocked as the men stepped inside. It was rather spacious though cluttered with a number of research proposals scrawled with Feng’s shorthand either marking them as approved or denied. “A week ago I would have leapt at the chance for additional funding. Now it seems my funding concerns are greatly diminished.” The bandaged biologist strode around his desk and took a seat motioning for the captain to do the same. “That being said, depending on the agreement, I’m sure I could find some researcher to suit your needs. Provided, of course, that the price is right.”
He followed the man to his office, making only passive notes of many projects being undertook all around him. Right as Kyuketsu sat in the offered seat, he made a quick reach for his pocket, pulling what appeared to be a small pouch roughly larger than the average fist. Even with the minutest of gestures, metal clinking sounds chirped from inside.
Without another word, he tossed the bag on analysts’ table.
“Oh it’s nothing of considerable trouble. While a commission sounds tempting, I’m more interested in information... something less tangible.” He sat back, crossing his legs.
“As for that,” he pointed at the pouch, smiling as his voice fell to a more controlled, robotic tone, “Think of it as a... token of appreciation. From my squad to yours.”
“Kyuketsu-taichou, you really should leave the subtlety to someone better suited,” Feng said masking a laugh behind his hand. The pouch remained where it was on the table and as the bandaged man continued he made no motion to try to take it. “Against someone born and raised in the Game of Houses you are only going to look... how should I say it, out of place. I have respect for your handling of your division Kyuketsu, I ask a favor because I am required to trade. It is a part of me, however you do not seem the type to dance around what you need.” Raising a bandaged hand to stop any protest, the researcher’s mouth curled into a genuine, if off putting, grin. “If you need something from me, and it is not a terrible inconvenience I will try to see it done. I’ll be asking of you something far more important in the coming weeks. I wouldn’t want you to think ill of me. At least,” the biologist added still smiling, “until after I see that massive favor done.”
“Ah. I expected no less from someone of nobility.” He tossed his hands halfway into the air. “Subtlety to me is lost completely, I’m afraid. I’m more of a man of action, if anything else. As for this ‘game’ you speak of... I’d hope to watch it someday. I might just find it rather entertaining.”
Giving no moment to ponder on the Ninth’s response, Kyuketsu pushed his hands together, fingers interlocking in place.
“Whatever it is you need of me, I’m the type that always aims to please.” His head tilted to the side. “I just hope, for your sake, that you bear the same mindset, my lord scientist. For starters, you can explain to me again the cycle of reincarnation for souls... a swift crash course, if you will.”
Always refreshing to deal with someone who says what they mean, Feng thought leaning back in his seat. “It’s akin to a wheel, from my understanding of it. If you ask ten men in this division who research the flow they will give you ten different theories as to why the cycle exists. I am of a mind that we exist in transient, all of us, the living, the dead, and the countless unborn. We are churned through the wheel living, loving and dying only to be forced back into the world as the turning continues.” There was a distance to the man’s voice, this was always more of a philosophical rather than a scientific pursuit. No one in their right mind would approve the experiments or do the data collection to expand this past a theory. Yet still the thing had managed to pique Feng’s interest, if only for the oddities to the cycle if nothing else.
“The wheel spins us onto the opposite side of the coin, we are either born or find ourselves here or we end up on earth living as the mortals do. There are of course exceptions, souls for whom the wheel spins quicker or in some cases has stopped spinning entirely. We as shinigami fight to, above all else, ensure the balance between worlds is preserved. Should it swing too heavily the wheel threatens to break asunder. What that actually means is a matter of debate, though most scholars believe we shouldn’t be of a mind to test what actually happens.” The mystery was gone nearly as quickly as it appeared. The bandaged biologist had moved leaning forward. His gunmetal eyes locked on the captain, “I am no philosopher, however I must say you already knew all that. So then, if that is where this ‘favor’ is leading you have my interest. I hope that course was quick enough Taicho. I am the one who will be needing a lesson as to what that mind of yours is planning.”
He gave an open palm to the man, dismissing his worries.
“This will be quick, I assure you.” His eyes, though focused on the researcher, still seemed preoccupied with the given explanation. “So the wheel, if I understand this correctly, becomes askew should a Quincy dabble in its gyration. The wheel loosens, and its spin becomes wobbly. Simple enough.”
Kyuketsu flashed Feng two fingers, noting his intent. “I merely have two more questions, and we should be done... for the time being. After that, I’ll be more than delighted to amuse your recourses.”
“The first, while in no way abstract, has been clawing my mind for quite some time now. How long is the natural lifespan of a soul, assuming they are... captain-level or more in terms of spiritual energy? I’ve heard of some live from a thousand years to two. But what about beyond that?” He paused, giving emphasis on his query. “...What about ten, twenty thousand? Thirty?”
“The records are scattered of course,” the bandaged man said thinking about it. “It’s hard of course to get any definitive records. As it stands most people with the level of reiatsu you’re talking about die in service to the Gotei.” The man hmm’ed as he recollected the various scraps he had been given. “There are of course rumors as there always are, about people who defect living for a few thousand years old. However there’s never any hard evidence and when the claims are attempted to be verified we usually find it’s someone masquerading as the dead person and using their legend to inspire. The scientist in me believes reiatsu has been shown to slow down and even stunt most of the effects of aging so it is not outside the realm of possibility.”
“I see.” There was a hint of disappointment in his voice. “Our history’s strongest soldiers have all fallen, and in turn there is no hard evidence to prove such a theory. Those from the Age of Masaru, to Faust’s... all that’s left of them are written names on dusting codices. But to suggest that it depends on the individual, and a little stroke of luck... that certainly makes the most sense. Wouldn’t that be a twist, no? To find a hundred-thousand year old soul reaper hiding away on Earth?”
Leaning his back against the chair’s spine, Kyuketsu broke his gaze from the man, bouncing to the deformed monstrosities casually set on display on the wall behind them. Pickled and jarred like the science experiments they were, Hollows of all kinds floated dead with some incomprehensible labeling under each specimen.
“And that brings me to my next and final request, actually.” His sights never strayed from the carcasses. “I like to believe that it’s not outside the SRDI’s capabilities to track a specific soul cycling through the process of reincarnation. Find out what state they’re in, and where they are? Because that’s exactly what I need.”
“That will be a pain, captain,” The bandaged researcher said sighing. “It is not technically outside of our capabilities but it is near the fringes. It will be tying up a number of resources and with the idiot the Central Forty Six has decided to place above me it will take a lot of work to ensure he does not see this as something which is a waste of money. You’d be happy to know the price is quite reasonable,” Feng said with a smile, “Much more so than my other request. I require a training session with you, it would be nice to stretch myself against a man of your skills and learn a few things about how to truly dominate an opponent. That is of course,” the biologist continued slyly, “if rumors are to be believed. If you don’t mind, which soul are you tracking exactly?”
“Training, you say? Simple enough. We can begin right now, actually,” he said, purposely circling around the analyst’s question. “Style, technique, methodology... as I said, I aim to please.”
He could see it in the noble’s eyes, as much as he tried to hide it. Those of wealth tended to be more...’nefarious’ than others. They were less likely to abide by the societal norms given their pompous nature of self-gratification, and should the right circumstances abound... they might even just bend the laws to their whim. Gaining an ally born from nobility was a wonderful asset that Kyuketsu would dare not miss. However, for the time being, ambivalence and caution were his only true colleagues when dealing with the Ninth’s vice-captain. There was more to be seen beyond those bandages of his, and the captain would rather not stir the pot... for now, at least.
Who or what he had in mind for them to track was best kept between ‘friendly’ ears. And whether or not Yin Feng was of such ears, was still yet to be seen.
Pushing back the side of his haori, he exposed his zanpakutou to the man, signaling his readiness.
“I don’t suppose your office transforms into a training room just for occasions such as this,” he teased coldly. “That certainly wouldn’t surprise me.”
“Sadly it does not, and if you wish this to be serious I would suggest one of the unrestricted zones. A week or so will be more than enough time to secure the Arena to a private area especially when a captain’s name is mentioned.” The bandaged man had spent long enough for one day with the captain. Yet there was still the small matter of baiting his last trap.
“It will give you plenty of time to consider the proposal that goes along with my request. The Central Forty-Six has given me back funding only to take away my control of this division. I believe it is time that the Ninth has some stability. I believe it would take filing a certain vacancy before that happens. I would not be so forward, however if Onmitsu is allowed to run this, I see only ruin in the future. For that, I am willing to forgo the usual ass-kissing of captains I would need to do before asking. I am on good terms with at least a few of them and can prove my worth to the rest, I believe anyway.”
There was a smile on the researcher’s face before he dropped what he hoped would be the hook that caught him what he needed. He believed he had seen through the man, or enough to gain an instinct to what lay at the core. Kyuketsu was, for all intents and purposes, a very simple individual. He valued power, his position as the captain of the sword of the Gotei had left that impression. Feng would offer him all the power he could want, if his reading was correct. “I said I would forgo most of the usual ass-kissing, but not all of it. If you forgive me captain, I believe you are a man of noble intentions.” The emphasis held no question as to what the man believed those intentions were, or at least how the researcher could address them. “Perhaps me and my family could be of some help in that area.”
The offer hung in the air a moment before Feng mocked remembering something important, “No need to answer me now Kyuketsu-taichou. I will see you in a week. That should provide ample time to think about it. I do have work to do if you would be so kind. I believe you remember where the elevator is?”
A smug, satisfied smirk practically consumed his countenance. Right there, with not a moment’s hesitation, his presumptions were now backed with ironclad certainty. The entire exchange was so deliciously hilarious, more so by the less-than-subtle approach taken by the nobleman. Both of them were levying the situation to their favor, and for now it seemed the ball was on Kyuketsu’s court. The man in bandages seemed adamant on getting the most out of this would-be alliance (as shadowy as it was), considering the special nature of his request. At first glance, the Ninth appeared quite complacent on the idea of ‘equal trade.’ Shame, that the feeling wasn’t entirely mutual between both parties.
Shrouding the sword underneath his haori, the Duelist commander took to his feet, the same smile from before still ever-present on his features. He made no attempt to take back the pouch settled on Feng’s desk.
“Well, at least you’re straightforward with your intentions. Shameless... but blunt. You don’t see that too often here.” He turned around, starting to pace for the exit. “When you’re ready, you know where to find me.”
Pushing open the door, the captain brought his entire body halfway through beforglancing back at the analyst. “Oh... and something to consider for the near-future,” he tugged lightly at his haori’s shoulder, “Do you prefer with sleeves, or without?”
Without awaiting any response, Kyuketsu made off, and soon enough he was gone.
A satisfied smirk spread across the researcher’s face, for better or ill he had cast his lot. If Kyuketsu proved to be a man of stupid bravado, this would ensure Feng never wore the haori. However, if the researcher’s estimations were correct, the two would leverage all they could from one another. Right now Feng was playing at a slight disadvantage, it was fine. He had always enjoyed the challenging jobs much more than those which were throwaways.