The representatives of the Onmitsu Kidou bristled at the accusation, but Matsurine calmed and nodded. "Well-noted, Adelaide Pierce. That is, unfortunately, how I came into this position."
Up at the judge's table, Ashanti Osei scowled, running a hand through his graying hair. "I hardly think this bears relevance to the current state of affairs, Yoshinari Matsurine."
The Soushireikan glanced up at the Forty-Second member but then looked back to the Gotei and continued. "My predecessor was Ashanti Kofi," he explained, his tone dry and strictly factual. The judge glared but said nothing more. "The younger son of the esteemed Ashanti Osei. There were several unusual bodies found in Seireitei, not just the one planted in front of the Tenth Division. Kofi determined that this was a direct threat and dedicated the entirety of the Keigun to the tracking and apprehension of whoever was responsible. This included pulling security from the Central Forty-Six at a time when it clearly would have been better not to."
Matsurine's glare shifted to the shackled vizard. "He did this because the Central Forty-Six felt assured that their other line of defense was insurmountable and that they would be safe for the few hours Kofi claimed to need." The Soushireikan met Sayis' eyes next, then Igasho's. "Honoka Mizuki was not the only individual to be swayed by Raifuku's promises, though. When I discovered what was going on, it was already too late. Kofi continues to claim that nobody was supposed to die, and that he only acted for the chance to save Soul Society."
Standing up, the imposing man frowned and folded his arms across his chest. "I consider my responsibilities absolute, and I refuse to let anything get in the way of seeing them through. If that means keeping men devoted to protecting the Central Forty-Six at all times, then it will be done. If that includes disposing of the man who taught me everything I know, it will be done. If that means sitting peacefully in the same room as murderers deemed 'innocent,' it will be done."
Sayis frowned thoughtfully, getting an inkling of where this was going and not liking it one bit. He sighed and wished Adelaide had left well enough alone.
"Lady Adelaide Pierce appears to be suggesting that the Onmitsu Kidou should pool resources with the Gotei Juusantai. At the same time, Okamii Igasho is highlighting the gaps in leadership that the Gotei is suffering. I recognize both of these as opportunities, and am willing to approach them.
"The Onmitsu Kidou shares domains of influence with several divisions of the Gotei Juusantai. It appears that there are some individuals here who may already be slated to fill roles as future captains, but there are many that aren't. I propose, then, that until such time as Soutaichou Inuzuri is capable of filling the role of taichou in all thirteen divisions, that we Gundanchou of the Onmitsu Kidou will serve as Substitute Captains, Taichou o Daiyou."
Sayis' fist tightened, but as much as he hated the idea, there had to be a way to make it work for them.
"Ashanti Kwasi, my Keiratai Gundanchou, will serve as Taichou o Daiyou for the Second Division. The Keiratai will assist in re-establishing the data networks of the Second Division and in the training of newer members.
"Inori Shahei, my Eiheitai Gundanchou, will serve as Taichou o Daiyou for the Sixth Division. The Eiheitai will establish framework for a defensive division, and train members in the usage and application of mobile defensive tactics.
"Nakamikado Kyuushi, my Riteitai Gundanchou, will serve as Taichou o Daiyou for the Ninth Division. The Riteitai will begin by opening communication with Iha Oudoutai's Spiritual Research and Development Institute and relocating any equipment needed to initiate groundwork for developmental purposes.
"Takeda Inori, my Kanritai Gundanchou, will serve as Taichou o Daiyou for the Thirteenth Division. The Kanritai are specialists at unarmed, non-lethal combat. The Thirteenth division can benefit from their training and especially their structure, along with discipline."
There wasn't a hint of a smile on the man's face as he rattled off his suggestions as fact. The Gundanchou that he called out each seemed stunned by his idea and they were all looking back and forth at one another worriedly. "I, Yoshinari Matsurine, in my role as Keigun Gundanchou, will step in to serve as Taichou o Daiyou for the Twelfth Division. The Keigun will rapidly clear away any webs of confusion, erase the excuse of communication, and revive the Twelfth Division as a place for assassins to train and improve their skills, not as a soulless barracks existing solely to keep shinigami fed and housed."
Directing his attention to Adelaide, he remarked, "We will not at any point cease our existing duties as Onmitsu Kidou. This will leave our forces stretched horribly thin. To compensate, it may be necessary for members of the Gotei Juusantai to assist at times, as needed, in the completion of the Onmitsu Kidou's duties." His dark, shadowed eyes flicked to Sayis, next. "I do not relish the thought of this arrangement in any shape or form. The Gotei Juusantai is necessary to the health and protection of Soul Society as well as to preserving the balance of souls. You cannot afford to reject this assistance.
"Be it known, however, that as soon as qualified candidates are ready to take over, I will pull my Gundanchou out so that they may resume their own duties. Lines of communication will remain for as long as it is mutually beneficial to do so."
The Soutaichou rose to his feet as well. "What you suggest, as much as it pains me to admit it, seems perfectly sound. I do have candidates in mind for some of these positions, but it will take some time before they can be properly tested and prepared for the role. I have one addendum to your sweeping declarations, however. When captains are prepared to fill those roles, they will be considered peers to your corps commanders.
"Just as you and I remain on equal standing as Soutaichou and Soushireikan."
"'Equal' is as inaccurate as the issue isn't worth debating."
"Since you two seem to have sorted this out so beautifully," Yuuto spoke out, with an edge of amused sarcasm, "I believe I must lend my support to the motion."
Osei laughed harshly. "There's no approval needed here, everything has already been decided on the swiftest of whims. I would have preferred if it had been done without the unnecessary addition of needless history, however." Clearly, the betrayal of his son still rankled and served as a source of shame.
Michelle smiled vaguely, running her fingers through her long white hair. "Very nicely done, Yoshinari Matsurine. You must have been planning this for some time to have everything prepared so quickly!"
At the center of the five judges, Reigen frowned and turned toward Isshisouden. "Iha has thrown his support behind the Ninth Division of the Gotei -- a little too eagerly for my sensibilities -- and now Matsurine has put his duties ahead of his own desires to assist the Gotei Juusantai in reestablishing its fractured and fragmented structure. Where will your Kidoushuu fit into this?"
Isshisouden Tedika stood up from his chair. Meeting Sayis' eyes squarely, first, the blue-haired Sousui answered at length, "I do not feel that the Kidoushuu and the Gotei Juusantai can directly benefit from one another. Our roles are too different, with the Kidoushuu steeped in knowledge and the Gotei Juusantai steeped in war. I would not presume to have my members try to teach military tactics to the military of Soul Society."
With a short laugh at the idea of it, Sayis nodded. "Nor would I try to teach the finer details of planar manipulation to one of yours."
"Still," Isshisouden continued, "I believe there are lesser ways to get involved. Sharing the designs behind the kidou-resistant targets the Gotei Juusantai has created would assist the Kidoushuu to train in safer areas. The Kidoushuu can offer details for procedures like maintaining the world-gate summoning and perhaps some other details." Those gold-flecked violet eyes turned toward the judges. "Since our applications are typically not militaristic, and the Gotei's are almost exclusively for combat use, there's not a lot of overlap in responsibility in spite of there being an overlap in realm of study."
Toyotama's voice rang out clearly through the chamber. "This first meeting has given Us much to think about, but We believe that this bodes well for future cooperation. This meeting has been uplifting and also thought-provoking. As such, We must reconvene in order to have time to consider the finer details of the arrangements set into motion today. Always, do We fear that these many split factions of Ours will be at odds, but today at least, We see hope for true unity of purpose in the future."
Sayis nodded somberly. "Indeed, I must say it is almost... humbling... to see the Central Forty-Six act in such a rational and wise manner in accordance with their station. Particularly so after the outburst of my subordinate."
"Such is to be expected from one such as her," Yuuto put in from the side. The other four judges nodded somberly.
"This is the first step into the future. We hereby call this first meeting to a close. Two weeks from now, We will call for you again." Toyotama bowed her head to the room, then turned toward the vizard. "Theron Ascania, We would speak with you after the others have left. It pains Us to have to send you away from Soul Society, but We wish to discuss the affairs of your estate and how you intend to manage them from the living world."
Sayis raised an eyebrow at that, but it was none of his business. Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet. Looking around at the assembled leaders of Soul Society, many of whom he had never met before this day, he felt a bubble of optimism... but also the dim ache of loss. Theron's exile, Lilith's appointment, the intrusion of the Onmitsu Kidou. They were gaining much, but as Sayis walked out the doors, he questioned the cost.
[1700/10000] Final
