[9th/Captains][Taishuu] Week 295: Exhibition: Calculations

[K3]

Inori was moving even as the colossal Bankai moved to attack. The man had once again slipped away, and static arced from his body in show of the Gundanchou's growing restlessness.

The blades slammed down harshly, colliding against their target with such force the ground beneath the executioner cratered and rent apart. Yet, fresh energy had swarmed to the Gundanchou's body, and the blades failed to part his flesh. Feeling the monstrosity beginning to swing the blades sidelong to throw him, the man once more sunk beneath the earth.

Feng cast a wary eye below him, ready to react at a moment's notice. Then, Inori exploded from the ground beneath him! He dove out of the way, his blade lashing out but failing to pierce the reinforced constitution of the Kanritai leader. The shattered chains of Keirizama Shikei flashed outwards, glancing off the Lieutenant's sword arm in a painful sting.

All the same, that same screech repeated itself. A third, long line had been raked into the cross, and now Inori afforded it his full attention. With deliberate steps, he walked towards it.

[ 183 / 3344 ]

 

[Shadowwind]

Amid the researcher's heavy breathing, the chain strike caused a sharp intake of breath. Feng tried to stifle the gasp that wanted to escape his throat. He once more resorted to supporting his weight on the dual blades. The former-assassin’s mind seemed to be hinging on some unknown truth. Something about the graves seemed to distort the sensor. The tombstones seemed entangled with the biologist, but there was something deeper. The signatures seemed to be hinting at something that the virulent man just couldn’t connect. Divine revelation hit him all too late as the Gundanchou stood over the mark grave. A single word flitted on the wind, filled with shock at not grasping the concept sooner, “Oh...”


[117/3472]

 

[K3]

Raising a single, manacled hand up, Inori brought it across deftly. With a heady crunch, the Grave was shattered before him, and the Gundanchou bowed his head before the destroyed tombstone.

For a moment, it seemed as though nothing would happen. Then...

A toll, long and loud, that echoed throughout the arena louder than the whine of a firecracker. An instant later, agony engulfed Yin Feng. The sinned, the guilty, who had erred and brought about judgment for himself.

It was a red-hot poker in his gut, growing and growing as fire lanced through his veins in an all-consuming pain. His vision flashed in whites and blacks, threatening to black him out entirely. A ragged, hoarse scream was wrenched from his lips as an unbearable pressure seized around his chest like a vice. The heat condensed back inwards, bucking him in the chest so hard that the breath to scream seemed to elude him for a moment.

Then, it was a thousand knives driven into his body, the pain mounting into a hell that left a certain clarity in the researcher's mind as his body seemed to wretch and cry out in reflex. These blows were definitive, nostalgic almost: as though he had felt them before.

The Noose tightened. Yin Feng screamed. The Grave lay in ruins. The Executioner remained with his head bowed. Judgment had been passed.

[ 228 / 3572 ]

 

[Shadowwind]

The seconds ticked by as Feng’s inert body lie in the dirt. The only indication that he wasn’t actually dead was that the researcher’s bankai was still present on the field. I didn’t know you could be taught to play dead. Ekibyou sent floating into the former assassin’s mind. I wonder what other tricks he could teach you given time. The mood suddenly shifted from the playful banter to two deadly serious words. They weren’t a suggestion, but a command, Get up.

I have it. Feng sent back as his hands began to twitch. A single feeling was sent along with the thought, it caused the titan to rumble as it wheezed. For many it seemed as though the colossus were about to disappear. That is, until it became clear the rhythm of the noise wasn’t the beast’s deconstruction. It was beginning to laugh.

One of Feng’s ichor soaked hands tightened around his zanpakutou, the other scrapped the compacted earth as the scythe blade tried to find firm footing. What strength remained in him was spent prying himself upward. It was clear, the researcher could barely support himself, let alone fight. Still though, there was a spark in his eye of some plan having been completed. When he spoke, though it sounded pained, it was with an assurance that he was correct.

“The Ninth Division,” he began, “is not a combat division. Our duty is to know our opponents better than they know themselves. In that end, perhaps you should not have taken my bait so readily. I would like to thank the Gundanchou,” it became clear that Feng was no longer addressing his opponent. His hoarse voice carried across the arena silencing the few conversations taking place in the stand. “He is the first current member of the Onmitsu Kidou Corps to have their bankai contained in the Ninth Division’s database. Though perhaps it is for the best. In some ways, part of Inori-san,” the honorific sounded strained, “has returned home.”

There was the briefest of pauses before Feng continued. His voice grew more steady the more he talked feeding off his growing momentum. “I say this of course because the Gundanchou’s elusiveness is from his manipulation of the Void,” gasps broke out amongst some of the researchers while Feng continued, “For those unfamiliar with the division, that would be he used to serve in this very division.”

The former assassin continued, pressing the advantage he could feel, “Ah, and of note in his bankai, is though the graves bare my name, they are not mine. However, their reiatsu signature is something that myself and Frey-taichou would both be familiar with. They are the physical manifestation of the Gundanchou’s very being. Perhaps then, Inori-san will grace the crowd with the identity of whose bodies litter his very soul?”

A smile appeared on the researcher’s face revealing a line of broken, ichor stained teeth. When he gave his final line, one might have thought Feng Yin had delivered a killig blow, “I believe my report is complete.”


[507/3979]

 

[K3]

Seconds passed. A deathly silence seemed to fill the arena as eyes and heads swiveled to the visage of Takeda Inori. The man had yet to relinquish his Bankai, the crumbled remains of the Grave behind him as his head bowed.

A low rumbling began to build from around him, the ground denting inwards beneath an invisible force. Flesh-hued reiatsu flashed and arced low to the ground, and the stormy cobalt of the man's eyes was a furious storm as he gave Feng a deathly glare.

In a flash, the Gundanchou appeared before Feng, arms bearing the broken chains of Keirizama Shikei. His eyes were wide, his hoarse voice scratchy with rage. "Koumuru!"

An intense energy built in the chains, the man preparing to bring it down across the Lieutenant's chest - and end his life entirely.

[ 137 / 3709 ]

 

[swaswj]

Enough.

The ominous gloom of the arena flashed a bright silvery white, as though from a bolt of lightning. There the Soutaichou stood, between the Gundanchou and Yin Feng's broken and bleeding form; stormy grey eyes were hard, filled with wrath and fury. In his hand: Karino Yadori no Kamayari, its broad, razor-sharp tip angled upward toward Takeda Inori's throat.

Muscles tightened in the man's jaw and in his arm. The spear thrust forward.

... and found only air.

The black-cloaked form of Matsurine appeared in front of them, slapping his open palm to Inori's face. With a show of effortless force, the Soushireikan halted his Gundanchou and then slammed his head to the ground of the arena with an air of cold finality. "Do not disgrace me further," Matsurine growled. The chilling backdrop of gravestones began to fade, one final toll of the bell suggesting that Inori would not be hearing the admonishment.

Matsurine rose back to his feet, back still turned toward Sayis. "You would have killed him, too, Soutaichou?" the man accused.

Sayis stared at the extended spear silently, wondering that himself. If not for the man's intervention... "So doubtful already?" he retorted coldly, instead. "You, yourself, approved that woman watching over us from the stands."

His counterpart turned, a hint of doubt in his eyes, but said nothing besides, "Call it, then."

The spear lowered and then turned to rest against his back. "Captains! Your vote?" Sayis called out, his eyes never leaving Matsurine's.

[248/948]

 

[Time Lady Katie]

In many ways this was more a moment of truth for Adelaide than was the decision at her own taishuu. She watched with a sort of visceral joy as Yin Feng got the beating he so richly deserved for his underhandedness. She may not have been a particularly deserving Captain, but she was more deserving than he. If Yin Feng’s sins could be so easily overlooked because the apparent point of a practical was to measure brutality, then Adelaide’s faith in the institution would match her faith in herself.

What right did she have? What gave her the right to pass judgment? The question had tugged at her since she manifested her illusory haori. There was but one answer: her right to judge came from the moment he attempted to bribe his proctor. That called the legitimacy of his moral evaluation into question. Could his proctor there have accepted a bribe? Surely that must’ve been the case, or Feng’s skills at hiding his moral bankruptcy were exceptional until exposed by Inori.

“I thank the Acting Captain from the Onmitsu Kidou, in a strange twist of fate,” the Mystic spoke first, her tone absent it’s usual playfulness. This was a moment of condemnation. She didn’t have the right to judge Feng, she had the responsibility, “for without him, I doubt the true moral character of Yin Feng would have been exposed to we assembled.” It was probably a dig at Kyuketsu, though it wasn’t aimed to be. She didn’t care. She had one goal.

The Mystic, summoning all her righteousness and indignation, continued her proclamation, “As angry as you are, Commander sir, at our ‘friends’ for their irreverent behavior in this taishuu, how can you forgive Yin Feng? The greater insult to the Gotei’s authority and majesty, to our honor and sacred traditions, was not the... fundamental unkindness from our colleagues, but the attempt to defraud the entire institution made by our own man in that ring.

“I would believe no more in the notion that his attempt at bribery was some ‘tactic’ than I believed Haresuno honestly thought he administered a trial by combat. I believe less in Yin Feng’s integrity and moral compunction than I do in Mabara Tsubaki’s.” Here she was, the person who no one (in he mind) believed deserved a haori, standing on high and declaring another unworthy. What hipocracy.

But with purpose. She had belief, total conviction in her words and it showed with the righteous fury with which she spoke, “Nothing makes up for this transgression. Nothing makes up for a pale attempt to undermine our collective integrity. Not even the rather commendable fact that Yin Feng is still alive washes him clean of his sin.” That was the purity of Adelaide’s judgment. She left the word ‘sin’ to hang on the minds of her fellows, and was weary at this moment when she did. What if she stood alone? What if the others forgave Feng his trespass? What if it was another nail in the coffin of Adelaide’s legitimacy?

It didn’t fucking matter.

If she meant anything at all when she squared off to become a Captain, if the influence of Lilith and Senesati meant anything to her, if even the Soutaichou’s influence had any effect on her, it was to stand for the convictions of the Gotei.

“No.”

Like a gunshot, the word rang out. Absolute and definitive. She had decreed it to be so with all the authority she didn’t believe she had. And like a gunshot, she could never take it back. It was like she used to say, chasing around the ghost of another corrupt shinigami’s actions: let justice be done, though the heavens fall.

616 Words
1131 Total​

 

[Nargles]

The raw, unbridled anger of the Soutaichou frankly scared her. She had felt the man’s strength first hand, but it never carried the ferocity he seemed to carry now. It took her a moment to recover, push pass the tenseness of the situation and deliver the judgment she was now authorized to. It still felt foreign to her considering it had only been a week since her own ascension. It amused her that her first act as a Captain would be in regards to the possible promotion of another.

She paused for a moment to listen to Adelaide’s reasoning, before a cocky smile appeared on her face. “Feng. You’re an idiot,” she started, “a brilliant one, but an idiot nonetheless.” While the Mystic Captain remained focused on the moral caliber of the Gotei, the noblewoman instead focused on the practicality of the situation. Over a century in noble politics gave her a rather unique view when it came to the taishuu.

It had hit Lucia almost instantly, as she put two and two together. She wasn’t spectating a fight. She was spectating nothing more than a business transaction.

“The unreasonable deal... a tactic well suited for the infamous House Yin. When attempting to barter with someone who is far more suited and prepared for the situation, a drastic hail-mary pass is sometimes necessary,” the Medic Captain began to explain in an almost professorial tone, “You put forward a deal so ridiculous that it will never pass. However, by doing that, you’ve single-handedly caused them to ignore their prepared plans and now work on your own terms!”

She turned to face the staircase behind her, quickly descending it in a flash step. Within seconds she appeared next to the ichor-stained combatant. “Superior Mend, Superior Mend,” she chanted twice, as a golden light erupted from her palms and covered the entirety of the diseased man’s body.

“There’s a big difference between a meeting table and an arena though,” the lavender-haired woman continued, “While you did goad out his Bankai and pulled off a staggeringly accurate analysis, it almost got you killed in the process. Your deal was too egregious for my liking. You crossed boundaries that in any other situation would have gotten ripped to pieces, no matter how clever you think you are. Remember your place, remember your duty. Cross that line again and I’ll personally make sure you pay for it. But...

“I can think of no one else to lead the shadier side of the Gotei. Yin Feng, you hve my vote.”​

Final: 1035

 

[Apeiron]

“How quickly you paint the Gotei as a paragon of purity, Captain Pierce. Sadly, we have to acknowledge that we are not.” Haresuno commented calmly. His words weren’t heated or raisesd, nor were they biting. Just factual. “We are not all meant to be the unbending, stainless, or the righteous. If we were, the Gotei would long have failed in some of its attempts to maintain balance. And those who think we are or should be have not had the misfortune to be completely without their morals. A blessing.”

He left unsaid his opinions of the Gundanchou. This was not the place, nor was it the time, but he did cast his eyes momentarily to the side where the other acting captains stood before his cyan eyes took in all below in the arena again.

Haresuno ground his teeth, his eyes growing narrower as he dragged his reasoning and vote out, though he doubted anyone could notice who wasn’t more than five feet away.

“Yin Feng receives my vote. During the taishuu I made the comment that the Ninth - more than anything - is about the results. Vice-Captain Yin has demonstrated that regardless of what we want to believe or think, he can get results. He can use his ban kai in such a way that it can aide him, and that - against in impossible opponent who clearly has more experience than him - he can survive.

“Morality is not a question for researchers or assassins,” the Founder-Captain added, though it sounded painful for him to say that. Lowering his voice and turning to the other captains, he finished, “We will just have to be his morality.”

[790]

 

[Rob]

“Fact of the matter remains, however,” Nana said, her voice unsurprisingly cold as she glanced from contestant to captains, and from the Soutaichou to the Soutsireikan, “that Feng provoked a sleeping beast. I often get berated for being headstrong, but I at least can say I can live to tell the tale without someone having to intervene in my fights.

“Even back during my own taishuu this was the case. For Yin Feng? Not so much. He would’ve been killed for his tactics, for his tricks, for his moral compass.”

For once during a heated moment in which she could literally exploded in a sea of fire, Nana’s reiatsu was oddly composed, calm even.

“Like so many before him, he shows something that stands above just mere promise. I ask of you all to consider the following, though: is that all it takes to become a captain? To show us a glimpse of what we might expect?

“Had I been there as a witness to my own taishuu, I can damn well tell you that I would’ve said ‘no’ to myself back then, just as I will to Feng today as well. Being a captain brings a burden often overlooked, and we’ve lost way too many good captains as of late because we hurry them along.

“Because they’ve shown promise. Might I remind you all of the fate of Kaede Kusajishi? A mad genius who showed great promise? The burden was too much for her, she tried to shoulder all of our combined collars by giving us an idea of what was to come.

“Do not mistake my declination for my distaste of Feng’s methods. I honestly could care less for his moral compass, or his crazy antics. He may be great in his field of study, but for me... that is simply not enough.

âœMy answer is no.”


[305/540]

 

[Beaks]

"Lord almighty." The former Captain shook her head sadly, pushing off from the railing with one fluid motion. "I try and do something nice for the Gotei and they hold it over my head forever." The sad resignation turned into a knowing smirk as she looked at the Mystic Captain from across the arena.

"Whatever. I'd rather risk getting my ass kicked on the way to kick someone's ass instead of of sitting around with my thumb up my butt like Adelaide on prom night." With one last chuckle and a parting wave to her own leader Tsubaki started to walk out of the travesty that apparently passed for a Captain's exam in the current day and age.

Good luck, mummy boy. You're gonna need it.

[126/300 Final]

My Dearest Katiekins

 

[Wayne]

“A person’s nature never changes.” Kyuketsu’s voice echoed out amidst the decisions of his peers. Batting a quick glance at the others present, his golden, leonine eyes at last fell to the captain candidate bloodied and battered in the center stage. “Yet... their prowess, their capabilities can grow exponentially should they be dedicated enough. I would even dare say, despite being captain of the Duelists, that nature can sometimes trump skills.”

Surely, though he tried to sound as reasonable and analytic as possible, there was no doubt a hint of bias in his thoughts. After all, he was the one to validate Yin Feng’s desire for captaincy, and he was the one who pushed him forward into the spotlight. The simple fact that Kyuketsu himself didn’t face off to test the man was a shocker unto itself.

The swordmaster snorted, holding back a churlish laugh unbecoming of the situation.

“Too many times do we delude ourselves to the simple concept of good against evil, that we are the righteous hand of God sending fair judgment upon those who threaten the balance. We all know that to be horse shit. Sure enough, white knights have their purpose... but so too do cold, callous knaves conspiring from the shadows. If our enemies are cutthroat, then what’s stopping us from returning the favor tenfold?” he continued, carrying an almost thematic exaggeration through the movement of his arms.

He outstretched a single digit, pointing to the would-be captain. “That miserable excuse of a mummy over there will become stronger, shrewder... more frightening than anything he displayed today because of his nature. Beyond Kusajishi or Rakushun... nobody really knows, yet worth investing in nevertheless. Thus... it is only right that we give him the nudge he so deserves.”

For your sake, I do hope you keep your end of the bargain.

Kyuketsu motioned with his head, ending with a simple answer: “Yin Feng has myvote.”

707​

 

[IshinOnigami]

Ishin had been decidedly quiet throughout the majority of the match. He had watched as everything unfolded, been witness to the attempted bribe, and reveled in it's after effects. And for once, he wasn't the first to speak. He was last among the actual captains to cast his vote. All eyes turned in his direction, as the usual grin was replaced by a somber, thoughtful frown.

"Well, this is odd. Me being the last to vote of those of us that actually matter. Yin Feng, you are a ridiculously stupid man. Did you think that giving him a bribe would work here, in front of everyone? Don't bother answering, because i know what you thought. You were provoking him, poking a sleeping dragon. In that regard you succeeded. Now, i won't speak to your intentions, as no one in this arena, save possibly yourself, knew what your actual goal was. However, what i will say is this. That stupidity led to us seeing some amazing fireworks, and for that, I thank you."

He paused here, his mind taking a moment to catch up and reveal all the thoughts he had at the moment.

"However, that should not be confused with success in what we all were looking for. As the leader of the Ninth, you would be tasked with the study of both our enemies and our allies. Always remember that neither are mutually exclusive, either."

This last part had been directed, while thinly veiled, to The substitutes. Especially Matsurine.

"Perhaps what is more ironic is that you are probably better suited to be the :Leader of the Seventh than I am. But that's not the division that you are trying to run, now is it? What will you do if handed the reigns of the Ninth, I wonder?"

He paused once again here, letting his decision solidify itself in his mind.

"If i were to condemn anyone it would be a great hypocrisy, but that is not why i hesitate. I do so because I am conflicted on your nature. Above all, a captain must put his charges above himself. I am not yet fully convinced of that. However, you showed that your goals are important, even more so than your own life. I hope you give your subordinates that much attention and consideration."

"Yes. Give him a shot. If he fails, we can always throw him in prison afterwards."

401/485 final

 

[swaswj]

Arms folded, the grin had faded from Shahei's face, replaced by poorly concealed disgust. Though it wasn't aimed entirely at the would-be captain, there was clear disdain for Yin Feng. "This one is nothing like the two who came before. The fight was hardly begun before he had already given up. My vote is no."

"Whether it was a ploy or not, the offered bribe, in front of all the gathered spectators, was insulting to the station which he purportedly aspires to. It availed him nothing of value in the battle to warrant such." Nakamikado Kyuushi shook his head. "My vote is also no."

Ashanti Kwasi seemed to give it more consideration and nodded. "Yin Feng's strategy was poorly conceived, but do not ignore the valid words of the other captains. We view ourselves as paragons of morality and virtue -- and let such always be considered truth! -- but to sacrifice the image of morality for the sake of success is neither vile nor reprehensible, so long as the reality of morality is maintained. Technology, research, and development all require thinking beyond the given, thinking in new ways that are not limited by the old. In this, Yin Feng appears to pass. He has my support."

Matsurine scowled at that last vote, but turned his attention to Sayis again. "Soutaichou: your vote?"

Briefly, Sayis considered demanding his peer vote first -- as Soutaichou, he had the right to cast the final vote. It would serve no purpose, though.

He put a lot of stock in Haresuno's opinion. Ishin's support was expected, while Lucia's and Kyuketsu's came as no surprise. The unexpected support of Kwasi put the 'for' votes at five.

While Sayis had expected Shahei to carry a similar mindset to Ishin, here they differed, to Feng's detriment. Adelaide was morally opposed while Nana was... Nana. Feng's plan to throw off Inori, if that had been the plan, had sorely backfired by insulting Kyuushi's pride with its implied disrespect toward the Onmitsu Kidou's integrity. Four votes against.

Without Kago present and Inori unconscious, that left two votes remaining. If Sayis decided in Feng's favor, the decision was sealed. It was almost worthwhile to cast that vote, just for the sake of defeating the Onmitsu Kidou in this battle of wills. To do that, though, would ultimately be a loss. Compromising the integrity of the Gotei for the sake of pride would only hurt them in the long run, no matter how satisfying it would be in the moment.

"Everyone brings up valid points, both for and against," Sayis began. Though he was addressing all of the assembled, the words were for Matsurine. "Ultimately, the truth of the matter is that 'good' and 'evil' are not things we should consider for the future of the Gotei. They are entirely subjective, and thus of no value to our collective consideration. I don't believe for a moment that Yin Feng would make such a bold offer in front of all the gathered witnesses here.

"However, that leads into another matter. Yin Feng, you seek the office of Captain of the Research and Development Bureau. To bear that haori means to bear the responsibility of the entire Gotei Thirteen, specifically to bear the responsibility of innovating technology which either improves the efficacy of our shinigami or ensures their well-being. For all of his many inventions, gadgets, and experiments, the single greatest thing that Saika Rakushun ever accomplished was to design a method for Senkaimon to breach Hueco Mundo. In doing so, he safeguarded the lives of thousands of shinigami, granting us all a lifeline when no other could or would be provided."

Sayis turned finally to the combatant, still in the midst of Lucia's healing. "I don't know how you entered this fight, Yin Feng. I also don't know whether you failed to plan out an escape at the ending or if my intervention was your escape. If it was, or if you didn't: both are failures. Data gathered at the cost of your own life is of uncertain value compared to having the researcher capable of analyzing that data.

"We found that out all too keenly with Kaede's sacrifice. Though her death showed us the risk of forcibly removing the curse of Prometheus, how much sooner might we have found a solution if our head researcher had remained alive?

"Such single-mindedness and stubbornness is unfitting for a Captain of the Ninth division." Sayis turned back to Matsurine, meeting his eyes coldly. "My vote... is no."

If the Soushireikan was surprised he did not show it. Instead, the dark-eyed man nodded slowly. "You are getting better, Inuzuri." The words were quiet, loud enough only for Sayis and possibly the two captains behind him to hear. Then he raised his voice, loud enough for the spectators to hear.

"I vote yes."

Sayis' jaw dropped. "What are you playing at?"

"I have no heartfelt speech, but I gave it no less thought than you," Matsurine replied calmly, a hint of smugness in his tone.

Gritting his teeth, Sayis grasped at one last straw, "Until we receive Kago's vote, it's not official."

Lifting a finger, Matsurine shook his head. "Not every captain need be present for a ruling. Even so, Takimoto's vote won't be necessary: Takeda Inori votes 'yes.' Seven of thirteen is a clear majority and thus the decision is... official.

"Yin Feng is the new Captain of the Ninth Division."

The surprised crowds of onlookers hesitated but soon began cheering loudly, clamoring with excitement that another division was, at long last, being revived. The roar of the crowd soon drowned everything out, but the final, unspoken words of the Soushireikan came through loud and clear:

Yin Feng is the new Captain of the Ninth Division... whether you like it or not.

Shahei came forward then and hoisted Inori up over one shoulder. Without another word, the five Gundanchou walked off the field, leaving the new captain and the cheering fans behind.

What did I just lose??

[1000/1948] Final

 

[Shadowwind]

A slight smirk emerged on the researcher’s face as he bowed to the departing Gundanchou. So I shall be a reminder of what happens when the Soutaichou reveals his hand too soon. Feng thought ruefully. The titan collapsed fading back into the black cloud which had birthed it. A mistake like that again could doom us all. How, interesting...

“Frey-taichou, I believe that’s more than enough to get me where I’m going. Please do expect me in a few hours to finish the procedure. However, I had documents made up for this eventuality which require the Ninth Captain’s seal for them to be enacted.” Over the din of the crowd the hiss as the man’s blade returned to their resting positions were all but lost.

“Thank you,” Feng said bowing before the roar of the crowd. The words seemed to carry a heavier meaning to them than simply responding to the spectators, “Forgive me for not partaking in the jubilation but there are some matters to attend to to ensure the Ninth Division makes a smooth transition. That, and I believe I’ve spent enough time outside my bandages to fill everyone’s liking for a few years.”

He disappeared in a series of flash steps ending up into the stands besides one particular person, “A suggestion Pierce,” the lack of an honorific was an instant identifier that the man was not going to be praising. However, the man’s voice dropped so his words were masked to all but the subject of his ire, “Consider this report on the house. Before one speaks of morality, they should perhaps consider how treasonous the act of giving away half one military organization to the jurisdiction of another is. One might also consider using their mental talents, which they've shown to be quite low, to be more concerned with whose bed they will be sharing that night. Leave the real thought for those who have shown some aptitude to it.” Giving a simple baneful laugh, the man disappeared from the stadium aiming directly for his old office.

[342/Final 4321]

 

[Time Lady Katie]

Wait.

For a moment, everything Adelaide thought she knew was validated. Everything she opposed about Yin Feng was propped up by the Soutaichou even where her colleagues derided her for her stance. Even where the allies she held her hands with were the people she had sworn to drive out of the Gotei. Strange bedfellows were made, and even in that light Adelaide stood tall. Because justice would be served with the Commander’s word.

And then the world fell out from under her.

Were there any doubt that the leader of the Onmitsu Kidou took his position as being one designed to undermine Sayis Inuzuri, this moment solidified that reality. He was here only to thwart the Soutaichou, and in so doing offer proof that the Gotei was broken. He had appointed a Captain only to challenge Sayis’ authority. Only to outdo the Soutaichou.

And where those assembled here today would have never allowed Adelaide to wear the haori, they willfully gave one to someone so morally repugnant as to make Adelaide blind with rage. The unconscionability of the taishuu as a method for testing Captains was proven beyond doubt now – first it produced Adelaide, now it produced Feng. First it rewarded failure, now it rewarded moral bankruptcy, all for the sake of not leaving a haori unfilled. For the sake of ‘promise’.

Eyes narrowed as they gazed down in judgment on the new Captain of the Ninth Division.

Never again, vowed one of the two ill-advised decisions provided by this august, decrepit process.

Never again.

256 Words
1387 FINAL​

Note for Nobles

House Pierce declares Yin as a rival house.

 

[Nargles]

“Feng wait!” shouted Lucia, as the bandaged man disappeared from her view. The golden light of the healing chiyudou faded as the connection was forcibly broken. Her arms dropped down to her sides, as she turned to look back at the commotion behind her.

Was Sayis just outplayed?

She paused for a moment, lingering on the thought, as she watched the form of the Keigun Gundanchou disappear. While she personally did not have any qualm with the replacement Captains, the rising tensions between the groups did put her at unease. She frowned as she tried to piece together what happened. Was Feng’s ascension the byproduct of a thought out decision, or was it simply spite? She knew, either way, the researcher was satisfied with the outcome.

Creeping suspicions appeared from the recesses of her mind. Perhaps it was because her idea of Captaincy was based off an idealistic interpretation of it. To see the rampant distrust and downright anger from the group... the leaders of the Seireitei actually started to frighten her.

However... it was at that moment that she remembered that she was one of them too.​

Final: 1223