Paradigm Shift: Part I
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Nifuji Jinte, 3rd Division
~Kishyotai
Yuusuke Taiken, 6th Division
~Sho-kun
~Kishyotai
Yuusuke Taiken, 6th Division
~Sho-kun
"False ideals cannot be shattered by criticism. Right ideals must take up the battle against them." ~Franz Werfel
In the thrown of the sky, the sun ruled all, sending it's golden light on all that were willing to receive (and some that protested it with vigor). One such unwilling man was nearing the Sixth Division Taisho, once again, lost in his thoughts. Unlike most of the time, however, Yuusuke's thoughts had a darker edge to them.
"I...what am I doing?" he muttered as memories from the past week continued to assault him from all directions. Anger at himself was the most prevalent of emotions, but there were others too. Regret, sadness, and general disappointment also invaded his senses. He'd done something so terrible, so utterly horrible that he didn't deserve to live.
I really did it...I really killed him. But...the sad thing is, the horrible truth is, I don't feel sad about that. I'm not angry that I killed him...I'm angry that I lost control. I'm angry that I couldn't kill him in cold blood. What's wrong with me? I'm sick...sick in the brain.
Yes, regret over the fact that he couldn't kill Ginto without snapping had taken over. That black lightning...it wasn't what he wanted. He should've known to have gotten serious earlier instead of playing around and trying to beat him with small spells. And it was in that that his mistake had been made.
"This is the power of a 'Captain of the Gotei'? What bullshit, Yuusuke! You're still so weak, it's pathetic! I thought that with the confidence Aoi had in you, you'd at least have grown a little bit...but you're still the same useless kid. You can't even beat me! To hell with taking you back...I'll kill you right here! And then, as punishment for losing the game, I'll ****ing kill that pregnant ***** of a 'sister' of yours, that stupid little brat from the third, those two dumbasses from the second, and then that whore of a VC of yours! I'll ****ing bathe in all of your blood! Ahahaha!" the boy could no longer be considered sane as a sneer of insanity braced his mouth, the laugh of a crazed man being produced from that same part.
And then, Yuusuke snapped. Instead of the emptiness which had haunted him throughout the battle, he saw red. His body overflowed with dark emotions as he'd given up trying to hold it all back, trying to make rational moves. Somewhere, deep within, he just couldn't do it any more. The anger he'd been holding back ever since he'd graduated the academy had finally burst through the walls.
No, anger wasn't the right word. Yuusuke'd been angry before...but he'd never been furious. Fury was white...but his eyes were black. The normally golden orbs now crackled with black lightning interweaving with the hazel iris, giving a very dangerous feeling.
"FUCK OFF, GINTO!!!"
In a rage, he'd already casted his spell, lightning bearing down on the insane brat. Frozen in place from the spell divining bolt, Ginto doubled over in pain as six blocks of Kidou energy slammed into him. "You fucking little brat...Let's play a fun fucking game called piss Yuusuke off. Let's just see how far we can fucking push him before he explodes. Great fucking job Ginto. Guess what...I'm pissed!"
The maniacal grin slowly slid off of his face as Ginto felt electricity crackle around him, a giant storm gathering overhead. "Cry, heavy storm..."
"Aww...C'mon, Yuu-nii...I was just joking..." The clouds were thicker now and getting darker by the moment.
"...Rebel in the skies, and let your fury be known..."
Thunder cried out, booming through the area and echoing throughout the land as it's victim cried out, "Just back off, Yuusuke-niisan! C'mon...Don't...Don't do it!"
"...Shimmer your memory into the weary traveler and burn your ill omen into their mind's eye. Hadou #80, Banrai"
Lightning stuck...and then there was nothing...
And then, Yuusuke snapped. Instead of the emptiness which had haunted him throughout the battle, he saw red. His body overflowed with dark emotions as he'd given up trying to hold it all back, trying to make rational moves. Somewhere, deep within, he just couldn't do it any more. The anger he'd been holding back ever since he'd graduated the academy had finally burst through the walls.
No, anger wasn't the right word. Yuusuke'd been angry before...but he'd never been furious. Fury was white...but his eyes were black. The normally golden orbs now crackled with black lightning interweaving with the hazel iris, giving a very dangerous feeling.
"FUCK OFF, GINTO!!!"
In a rage, he'd already casted his spell, lightning bearing down on the insane brat. Frozen in place from the spell divining bolt, Ginto doubled over in pain as six blocks of Kidou energy slammed into him. "You fucking little brat...Let's play a fun fucking game called piss Yuusuke off. Let's just see how far we can fucking push him before he explodes. Great fucking job Ginto. Guess what...I'm pissed!"
The maniacal grin slowly slid off of his face as Ginto felt electricity crackle around him, a giant storm gathering overhead. "Cry, heavy storm..."
"Aww...C'mon, Yuu-nii...I was just joking..." The clouds were thicker now and getting darker by the moment.
"...Rebel in the skies, and let your fury be known..."
Thunder cried out, booming through the area and echoing throughout the land as it's victim cried out, "Just back off, Yuusuke-niisan! C'mon...Don't...Don't do it!"
"...Shimmer your memory into the weary traveler and burn your ill omen into their mind's eye. Hadou #80, Banrai"
Lightning stuck...and then there was nothing...
Shaking his head, Yuusuke tried to get rid of the haunting thoughts and the overly emotional state he was in, but found it near impossible to do so. Why was he still antagonizing over this? Ginto was dead; the method shouldn't matter. There was no use in broading over things that had long since gone by.
You're looking at it the wrong way...You're angry at yourself, Yuusuke, because you didn't feel anything towards his death. Somewhere, deep down, you consider yourself a monster because you wanted him to die. It's a clash with your natural instinct to protect your family...
His response to his Zanpakutou was cut off as he entered into the Taisho, Monta-kun jumping up and down excitedly. "LETTER MAX!!!! Taiken-taichou, Arujo-fukutaichou left this for you! It's important MAX!!!"
The captain of the sixth almost sighed hearing her name; another problem that was getting to him. He was, quite honestly, pissed at himself for that fiasco too. "Let's see it then..."
Taiken-Taichou,
You've been assigned to take the new recruit Jinte Nifuji on his initiation mission to the Kidoushuu. The task I've decided upon will be to travel out past district ten in areas of Rukongai that have been hit worst by the siege. I want you both to help aid in medical issues and rebuild as much as possible.
I feel the experience will benefit both members in many ways. Keep in mind that Nifuji is not to know that this is his mission to get into the Kidoushuu.
Kayla Arujo
"Alright then...Looks like I'm off again. I'll see you everyone later. Monta-kun, don't cause too much trouble while I'm off," he joked somberly.
"IT'S RAIMON TAROU!! NOT MONTA!!!"
"Ja ne, Monta..." ...time to go find Nifuji.
"You're still mad at yourself?"
How can I not be? It was stupid of me to go to Katsu and expect him to fight me without consequences. It's so...so stupid of me. I knew the consequences, but I didn't expect them. Sayuri was...hurt. Angry. I don't care. I made Sayuri smile, and then I made her cry. I almost killed Katsu, I almost killed another Shinigami for my stupid pride. Something so...
"Other man would say pride is worth more than one's life. Pride and honor."
Those people aren't the Sanbantai Fukutaichou, one who's the second-most responsible for the health of the entire Gotei. All this time I thought I could help Sayuri, that I could level off the work load but...all I did was make her cry.
"You're wallowing in a puddle too shallow for these thoughts, Nifuji."
Any puddle is enough for these thoughts. Nifuji sighed, running his hand through his hair. He was on the roof of his old house, too ashamed to go to the Third Division Headquarters. He didn't want to see Sayuri, he didn't want to have to live up to what he had done. He didn't want to remember it all, he di-
"The sound of lances fills the Tiger Castle!" And not just two, but six in total. Two pierced his leg, and the rest for his body. Six in all? Three inches long, all of them hitting a stolid Nifuji, whose eyes betrayed the one though he could not deny as lightning once more blossomed at the now-paralyzed Katsu Iwakami. Precious Words, their Drive once more Surpassed with all of Nifuji's entire being, danced around him like the flower within his mind that bloomed gloriously. Germinating majestically into that killer, morose, blue lightning.
"Hadou #63, Raikouhou."
I'm so sorry, Katsu...
Nifuji found his palm gripping his own throat. The shame that was now gripping him, like his tiny hands attempted to grip his own neck, was so complete. His hands, though, couldn't grip his neck. Yet the shame gripped his every emotion and shoved it away, leaving only sadness and desecration. Leaving only tears and regrets. The one thing he had promised himself he would never have, never listen to, that was one of the things left. Simply one amongst the purely tainted beings he had roaming his heart now.
Simply one amongst the dead.
...what am I...what am I becoming...!? Nifuji demanded of himself, ...am...am I really becoming an animal? Another simply void warrior. Another one who can't stand up unless he had blood on his hands?! No! No...no I won't allow it...no I don't want to become just another crazed killer. I don't want...I don't want to be another insane person. I don't want to be lost to the world, I wanted to HEAL THE F*CKING WORLD! NOT F*CKING KILL IT!
Whimpering to himself, Nifuji shuddered.
...but I also didn't want to be lost in regrets...
Molasses.
...but...but that's all I've got right now...isn't it?
His reiatsu was molasses again.
...that's all you've let me keep...isn't it...
His reiatsu was molasses and he was dying again. He wasn't living. His eyes were dying, the silver metal tarnishing with the world. Ban Kai, Shi Kai, Kurohitsugi, Senken, Toukihaku, they meant nothing to him. Nothing in the world more tortuous than this. Nothing that a kidou spell could replicate, no mental anguish that could live up to this standard.
...that's all you've left me with...Sayuri...
"Quit wallowing."
I'm sorry.
"Not you're not."
But if I pretend, does that make it any better?
"Why are you like this?"
Because...I almost became a Captain. I almost lived up to Yuusuke and Yukiko's words. I almost used Kurohitsugi on Katsu. On MYSELF. I almost committed suicide, a second time. Yet, this time, Kanie wasn't there to help me. Kakusan and Atodzukeru didn't let me not do it. It was my own stupid weakness. To weak to kill others, to weak to kill myself. Is that what Yuusuke wanted? One who's took weak but pretends?! You tell me, Mabushii. TELL ME!
"Stop scream-"
I'm not screaming! I'm dying!
"STOP BEING A F*CKING IDIOT!"
Silence.
Silence is eternal.
Silence is blessing.
Silence is learning.
Silence is broken.
Shattered.
...I'm sorry...
"Now you really are."
You can tell so easily?
"It's woman's intuition."
But you're not a woman, in flesh and blood...
"If I pretend, does that make it any better?"
...yeah... Nifuji nodded, swallowing hard, ...pretending...always makes it better. Because then those who are around you don't see. Then you don't have to talk, you don't have to explain, you don't need to be healed. You can put it off, so that no one suspects. So that your badge tarnishes from the inside out, not the outside in.
"When you first joined the 3rd Division, you asked Kanie who healed the healers..."
Now I know who does. Nifuji sighed, No one. We're never healed. Simply mended.
"That's not a healthy way of looking at it."
A lot of things I don't aren't healthy, Mabushii. Nifuji countered, The only healthy thing I did was trust Sayuri's power in become a Captain. And even that I've massacered by almost killing Katsu.
"Almost? You would have, if not for Sayuri."
Once more, she saves me from myself. Once more...what will I be doing next time, Mabushii, that she has to come running to save me?
"Why are you asking me?"
Because I'm too afraid to find out for myself.
"For good reason."
Yeah. Nifuji nodded, ...that's the worst part. I should be afraid.
"You only live up to the standards you put down for yourself."
And even those I don't live up to. Nifuji's thought put closure to the discussion, the young healer standing up. He brushed the dirt off his hakama and put his hand to his two deadly blades.
"She'd forgive you...if you asked..."
Silence.
Silence is eternal.
Silence is learning.
Silence is broken.
Shattered.
Not if I don't forgive myself.
Resurrected.
Always.
I said it once...that I was a monster. Never before did I realize what those words really meant. But then...being a monster, I can deal with...being useless is a whole different game.
You aren't useless...
"Hiraishin," he whispered softly, "I couldn't do it...despite how much I've grown, I couldn't do it. I just...I failed. Ginto died because I wasn't strong enough to beat him without killing him...and then Domon and Yuki...They were..."
The flowers of the garden of the third left a sweet scent in the air, deeply contrasting the scent that Yuusuke had become accustomed to smelling. The putrid scent of burnt flesh, the oddly metallic smell of freshly created ozone, and the funky scent that one started to produce when sweating. Those scents slowly were recalled...
"G...ginto..." Yuusuke barely choked out the name as his eyes regained their normal shade of yellow, dark power slowly receding back into the corners of his soul. Blood seeped from several wounds, inflicted by the masochistic power of Kurohanpatsu, and his vision was starting to swim. He was tired after using that last blasting spell, but he was still standing. That was much better than could be said for Ginto.
It was the clinking sound of metal meeting rock that had alerted Yuusuke to the location and condition of his brother. The once white blade skidded towards him, having reclaimed its original size and form, light dancing on it's surface once again. Picking up the weapon, his eyes followed the path back to it's origin, coming across something which caused memories to overflow within.
The body -- was it one anymore? -- lay on the forest floor, labored breathing breaking through the silence of the moment. His once tanned-flesh was blackened, and his left arm, had been damaged so much by the blast that it had, in fact, fallen off, landing several feet away from the rest of the body. The torso was split down the center, but no blood escaped; it too had been cauterized during the assault. Even Yuusuke could tell that his brother was not going to last much longer.
His emotions...were conflicted, at best. The sight of his brother -- a person that he'd claimed as his own -- lying there, dying by his own hands, brought up a welling mixture of despair and self-hatred. And yet, Ginto had also been an enemy, someone who had tried to kill him, who would have killed if he'd gotten half the chance. There was also, therefore, a certain sense of satisfaction.
"Oh God...Ginto...Are you...Hey...Can you...You're gonna be alright, right, Ginto?" his voice wavered slightly as he clung desperately to the burned husk of a boy, already kneeling by his side. Shock had started to set in, and he couldn't control himself. Yuusuke was tired; tired of trying to contain himself, tired of trying to be the perfect Shinigami. His mind was grasping at thoughts and memories, at decades of joy and pleasure that had been spent with his brother.
"C'mon...Yuusuke....You know...better than that...I'm almost dead..." wheezed out Ginto, a small smile forming on his lips as his breathing became more and more sporadic.
"I...I'm so sorry...I didn't want to kill you. Not now...Not ever...I wanted to be strong enough to stop you without killing you. Oh God...I'm...I'm...sorry, Ginto," he sounded so pitiful in his mind, so fragile. Was this all it took to break him? He should've been so glad, so happy at this...so why were there tears streaming down his face.
"I don't mind, Yuu-nii...You see...it's payback...we took something of...of yours, tonight. It only makes...sense that...you take something of ours...one life for three others..." a self-satisfied smirk appeared on Ginto's face, and Yuusuke felt the world stop.
He wanted to say that they wouldn't do that. That it couldn't be possible. His heart screamed that Ginto was lying; he was the only who had died tonight, nobody else. It screamed at him that someone like Ginto, the kind and gentle boy who'd helped to bring him back from the brink of starvation, and his equally generous siblings couldn't possible kill another being. It told him that the only monster, the only horribly wretched soul, was his own. But his brain knew that was lie. It knew that he was capable...and not just capable, but willing.
"Not...You didn't...You couldn't...Stop joking, Ginto. Don't tease me like that...Domon, Yuki, and Jouji are fine...they aren't dead. Stop joking around," his laugh was fragile and momentary; even the slightest bit of pressure and it'd break.
"J..joking...don't kid yourself...you know...the truth. The release...of my Shi Kai...was a sign. There's nothing...nothing you can do about it...ahaha..."
Yuusuke could only stare as his brother as his laughter died down and the sounds of labored breathing, or any breathing at all, vanished. And then, tears flowed freely, as his breaking point was finally reached.
It was the clinking sound of metal meeting rock that had alerted Yuusuke to the location and condition of his brother. The once white blade skidded towards him, having reclaimed its original size and form, light dancing on it's surface once again. Picking up the weapon, his eyes followed the path back to it's origin, coming across something which caused memories to overflow within.
The body -- was it one anymore? -- lay on the forest floor, labored breathing breaking through the silence of the moment. His once tanned-flesh was blackened, and his left arm, had been damaged so much by the blast that it had, in fact, fallen off, landing several feet away from the rest of the body. The torso was split down the center, but no blood escaped; it too had been cauterized during the assault. Even Yuusuke could tell that his brother was not going to last much longer.
His emotions...were conflicted, at best. The sight of his brother -- a person that he'd claimed as his own -- lying there, dying by his own hands, brought up a welling mixture of despair and self-hatred. And yet, Ginto had also been an enemy, someone who had tried to kill him, who would have killed if he'd gotten half the chance. There was also, therefore, a certain sense of satisfaction.
"Oh God...Ginto...Are you...Hey...Can you...You're gonna be alright, right, Ginto?" his voice wavered slightly as he clung desperately to the burned husk of a boy, already kneeling by his side. Shock had started to set in, and he couldn't control himself. Yuusuke was tired; tired of trying to contain himself, tired of trying to be the perfect Shinigami. His mind was grasping at thoughts and memories, at decades of joy and pleasure that had been spent with his brother.
"C'mon...Yuusuke....You know...better than that...I'm almost dead..." wheezed out Ginto, a small smile forming on his lips as his breathing became more and more sporadic.
"I...I'm so sorry...I didn't want to kill you. Not now...Not ever...I wanted to be strong enough to stop you without killing you. Oh God...I'm...I'm...sorry, Ginto," he sounded so pitiful in his mind, so fragile. Was this all it took to break him? He should've been so glad, so happy at this...so why were there tears streaming down his face.
"I don't mind, Yuu-nii...You see...it's payback...we took something of...of yours, tonight. It only makes...sense that...you take something of ours...one life for three others..." a self-satisfied smirk appeared on Ginto's face, and Yuusuke felt the world stop.
He wanted to say that they wouldn't do that. That it couldn't be possible. His heart screamed that Ginto was lying; he was the only who had died tonight, nobody else. It screamed at him that someone like Ginto, the kind and gentle boy who'd helped to bring him back from the brink of starvation, and his equally generous siblings couldn't possible kill another being. It told him that the only monster, the only horribly wretched soul, was his own. But his brain knew that was lie. It knew that he was capable...and not just capable, but willing.
"Not...You didn't...You couldn't...Stop joking, Ginto. Don't tease me like that...Domon, Yuki, and Jouji are fine...they aren't dead. Stop joking around," his laugh was fragile and momentary; even the slightest bit of pressure and it'd break.
"J..joking...don't kid yourself...you know...the truth. The release...of my Shi Kai...was a sign. There's nothing...nothing you can do about it...ahaha..."
Yuusuke could only stare as his brother as his laughter died down and the sounds of labored breathing, or any breathing at all, vanished. And then, tears flowed freely, as his breaking point was finally reached.
He wanted to laugh at how pathetic he was; the aftermath of that had left him so emotionally confused, mentally disturbed that he couldn't function. "Just...just what am I supposed to feel?" he whispered as he entered the halls of the third division, ignoring the looks of surprise of the members of the third at the sudden appearance of 'that Yuusuke'. His right arm shot up to his face, wiping away the moisture from his face. "Can one of you tell Jinte-fukutaichou that Taiken Yuusuke is here to see him?"
"He's at the Third Division headquarters now, Nifuji. What are you going to do?"
What do you mean? Why would I move?
"You two promised each other to take care, so that you could protect Sayuri. Now that you failed to protect Sayuri with your own power, with your own logic...don't you think you should adapt? Re-adjust? Get some help? Yuusuke...who is the Rokubantai Taichou, should be able to help you."
Sometimes...I bet Yuusuke doesn't know how to help himself.
"And you do?"
It was a joke.
"No it wasn't."
How do you know?
"Womanly intuition."
But you-
"I don't care. And neither do you." Nifuji sighed. As usual, the Zanpaku avatar was right. Nifuji could imagine Mabushii gnawing on her senzu fan, her kimono letting a hefty amount of her bosom show forth. Yet...this time, there was something new. Something akin to...a bond. Something that he hadn't had before. Trust? Perhaps.
"...is this...'true' Ban Kai, Masaru?" Nifuji whispered softly. Auburn. Amber. Auburn...amber? Was that the color of the reiatsu that had forever seeped into Nifuji? Masaru's intense power, his guiding words, the powerful blade, the impossible reiatsu. All of it...now implanted into Nifuji's mind. Whether he agreed or not, whether he nodded or not, they were there. Not aggressively attacking, but biding their time. Waiting, waiting, waiting for the moment to jump him, "...is this why...Kanie's ideals aren't right? Because...I'm not the right one to believe them?"
He shook his head. Stupid doubts. Stupid stupid doubts. Everything was stupid. Everything that was bothering him was stupid. Stupid only in the fact that it was unnecessary. Stupid baggage that didn't need to be there, that he didn't need. Things he didn't have to have, but were instead burdened with. Things that didn't need to be with him.
"Unlike how you need to be in the Third Division Headquarters now."
...but...what if I...try to kill Yuusuke?
"...are you kidding?! Kill Yuusuke? Why not try and kill Masaru! The man's far more battle-experienced than you ever will be! He's fought Anthracite, has gone through a fight with Kyin-taichou...what do you think a bratty Sanbantai Fukutaichou is to him? I'll tell you what, Nifuji. Nothing. He could sneeze and blow away your weak Raikouhou. He could swat your Senken away, demolish your Kurohitsugi. If there's anyone to be with, right now, it's Yuusuke."
...are you sure that...I'll never kill him?
"Are you sure?"
...maybe.
"That's good enough for us. Let's go. You have a friend to meet in the Division headquarters..."
"...Yeah..." Nifuji shook his head. Once more, his hand ran parted the frayed ends of his hair. Sighing, his infantile irises fell upon the landscape in front of him. Ruined by the Siege not months before, Seireitei was now rebuilt. All of its glory had been restored, and now the Gotei was rebounding. No more would they be weak, because people like Sayuri had come to power. No more would they be foolish, because they wouldn't simply let the world fall apart again.
Nifuji wouldn't let the world fall apart again. Not his own, not anyone else's.
"It's a promise, Yuusuke. You better keep it too."
~*~
"Anou...he's not here right now." The man blinked, pushing hefty glasses up his nose, "...I'm not quite sure where he is, actually. He came in this morning, asked if the Captain was around...and then left. He delegated his tasks, except for a quick surgery, to someone else. He didn't specify why, but I'll be...bet...bet that..."
Just now, the man in glasses seemed to see the white haori draped around Yuusuke's shoulders. The glasses rebelled once more, sliding down the bridge of the man's nose. He swallowed hard, blinking, and then pushed the glasses up. Once more, however, they fought against him, only to be helped in their escapades by a torrent of sweat.
"...r...rokuban...Rokubantai...taichou..." the man stammered, "Taiken Yuusuke-san! Ah! Ah...I'...I'm not su...He...I'm-not-sure-where-he-is-and-I'm-sorry-for-saying-bad-things-about-him-in-front-of-you-please-don't-talktoSayuriTaichouaboutmybehavior!!!"
He couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the man's panicked expression; he'd done his fair share of badmouthing back in the day, too, not that he'd ever let Rei-taichou know. "It's alright...I'm not going to tell on you. The lack of Nifuji could be problematic, but...he should already know that I'm here. At least, he's felt my aura often enough to spot it. I'll just...take a seat...and wait for him..."
Leaning back in the standard plastic chair, his head tilted upwards as the crown rested on the white wall, leaving him to his thoughts and to the utter confusion that raged within. You're right, Yuusuke. You're utterly pathetic right now, you know that?
I know...I can't do anything right these days, it seems. I can't save my own brother from myself, I can't run a division properly, and worst of all...I couldn't stop them...
You just love beating yourself up, don't you, Yuusuke?
I don't love it...but I have to take responsibility for this. It's my fault. If I'd been stronger, smarter, faster...things would've been different...
Maybe that's true...but how is moping going to help you? Sure, be sad, but Yuusuke...as it is...moping around like this won't help you get stronger.
...so what? It's not like it matters any way. Even with all the training I did...it doesn't matter. I'm worthless, remember?
Worthless? That's right. As you are now, you're an utterly worthless piece of trash. I've seen academy students worth more than you.
Maybe you should put your hopes on them then. I'll never be enough to live up to everyone's expectations...
You...are incredibly dense, Taiken Yuusuke. I said 'as you are now'. Right now, you can't win against anything. A human could beat the living tar out of you, that's how pathetic you are. But Yuusuke...that's only because negative emotions like this weaken you. Once you get over it--
What'll happen then, huh? I'll just be as big of a failure as I am now. As I ever was. It'd be better off if they replaced me as a Captain. I'm too weak for that.
...You just love to wallow around in despair, doncha? I'm done here, Yuusuke. Don't bother talking to me until you figure it out. Maybe the brat approaching you can help.
Blinking several times, Yuusuke tore himself out of his distracted state and back into reality, where the receptionist was slowly shaking him. "Nnnng...Nifuji here yet?" yawned the reaper, still trying to regain his bearings after that period of sleepy conversation.
"Wait...nevermind...there he is...thanks for your help," drawled Yuusuke as he stood up a snail's pace, sluggishly moving forward to meet with the child Vice-Captain.
The travel to the Third Division headquarters wasn't too long. In fact, Nifuji had used a fair amount of his speed to get there within a timely manner. He knew that Yuusuke knew that he knew Yuusuke was in the Division Headquarters, no matter how confusing the sentence structure for the fact was. So, it was impolite to keep a senior officer waiting, much less a Captain of the Gotei.
His form had quickly sped through the winding alleys of Seireitei, not wishing to run on the rooftops. Thin sandals had been thrown against the ground, propelling him forward. Forward, forward, evermore forward into the winding abyss of Yuuuske's reitasu.
It was impressive...but there was something wrong.
Which Nifuji only confirmed when he had walked into the lobby of the Division Headquarters.
He's pretty shaken up. Nifuji noticed immediately. It was true; the man's reiatsu was wobbly. His eyes were tired, sleepy, lacking their usual 'spark.' Even the way he moved was sluggish, as if the man's haori was pulling him down. Like a weight, the white haori complimented his zombie-like behavior with an almost dead attitude, neither flittering nor skirting with the flow of the wind.
"Well." Nifuji bowed to the Captain, lowering his own reiatsu level with Kakusan as he did so. He stayed in the deep bow a moment longer than normal, and then came up. The serious look about Yuusuke was contagious, Nifuji's silver eyes mirroring the look back at the Captain, "You don't seem in the best of health, Yuusuke-taichou."
As he spoke, his eyes fell upon Yuusuke's body. Nothing seemed entirely...wrong with the body. More of the spirit. Once more, Yuusuke's spirit was shattered and broken. Each time they had met, something had been broken. The first time, it had been Yuusuke's body. Then, Nifuji's soul. Now...was it Yuusuke's own soul?
"...how are you going to protect Sayuri if you're wallowing in your darkness?" Nifuji asked casually, though his eyes flashed dangerously. He briskly walked past Yuusuke, deliberately brushing his shoulder against the much taller Captain's, "Well...although it's a rare pleasure to see you, your haori reminds me I need something. If you'll excuse me for a moment..."
Nifuji, slipping behind the desk, disappeared suddenly. Crouching down, he rummaged through the desk to find his badge. As he rose, tying the badge on, the secretary's mouth was agog.
"...you put your badge in the front desk?" the man asked, his glasses sliding ever closer to the end of his nose.
"No one's going to steal it, right?" Nifuji pushed the goggles up, "Besides, if they did, I'm sure Sayuri would be more than willing to make you all learn how to do bandages again; with the thief being the person with injuries."
The secretary swallowed hard at Nifuji's idle threat, after which he approached Yuusuke again. This time, his reiatsu was much less in volume, far more relaxed. He snickered in an adolescent smile unbefitting his childish frame, shaking his head.
"Kids."
Nifuji straightened his back, though maintained a generally relaxed feeling, and looked over Yuusuke again. Nodding, he ended with eye contact against the eyes, dead and sparkless. He snickered as he dropped the formalities, engaging conversation in a surprisingly informal tone.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visiting, Yuusuke?"
"Ah...Nifuji...Thanks for seeing me..." the familiar Reiatsu was soothing to the boy, helping to calm the erratic state of Yuusuke's inner power. Despite the odd mixture of emotions that swelled inside, a small smile formed on the face of the Captain of the sixth. Nifuji was often the one who needed cheering up; funny that their situations were reversed and now he was the one being overwhelmed by his emotions.
"I guess you're right, Nifuji-kun, I'm not feeling very well lately. At least, not mentally anyway." A sad shake of the head was followed by a quick gesture with his hand, indicating that he wished for Nifuji to follow him out of the room and into another, more isolated section of the Gotei. "I've been given orders to help with some of the relief being provided to Rukongai...and you're to come with me."
The Captain didn't show it, but the question that the child had asked sparked some thought in his itty-bitty brain. Taking quick, large steps, he nodded respectfully to the variety of Shinigami - some patients and some healers - that occupied the sterile-smelling corridors of the third division Taisho/Hospital.
He'd met with Nifuji many times before, and quite often, it involved Nifuji saving his life. Taiken Yuusuke was a bit of a masochist, or at least, he was certain that those sort of rumors had spread throughout the healing division. He'd certainly been critically injured enough. And, as much as he was loathe to admit it at times, without Nifuji, he wouldn't be able to do much right now.
Somehow, though, at the same time, he had managed to, in his own way, save Nifuji. Not in the healing sort of way or even in the "white knight on a brilliant stead" way. His way was more subtle, he felt. One thing he had learned in his time was simply that there were millions of ways one could protect another human being, but sometimes, the most effective way to do that was to give them the power to save themselves.
And it was in that way he had managed to "save" Nifuji. By giving him the "power" that he used - the power of lightning - he had given Nifuji the "chance" to save not only himself, but others as well. To save Sayuri and himself and all of the third and all of the people close to him...I gave him that Kidou...But...How can I save anyone like this?
In truth, perhaps he'd already admitted somewhere deep down that he needed Nifuji to save him right now. But his stubborn pride...
The smells changed as they left the white walls of the third, the luscious scents of a thousand flowers dancing through the air in its place. And it was at this point that Yuusuke paused for a moment and looked at Nifuji, speaking clearly, "Even if I was out of the darkness, I can't save anyone, much less those important to me."
He continued walking through the gardens and towards the northern gate of the bloodstone wall after that, trusting that Nifuji was still with him.
"Wrong."
A single shyunpo, though unexpected, was all it took to find himself at Yuusuke's side. He spoke his word, then, calculating the correct tone and volume level needed for the maximum 'impact' upon the Captain. The man was shaken, that much he knew, and as a healer every single sense in his body was surveying the man for damage.
"You not only saved me Yuusuke." Nifuji smiled, "But you helped me grow stronger. Raikouhou has really saved my life. You should see what I've done with it, Yuusuke. Heh...it's funny. I've saved Sayuri with it, I've saved myself. Heck, I've even driven away shadow figures of dewm with it. Pretty handy spell, you know."
"It's got it's dark side, I guess." Nifuji continued to walk alongside Yuusuke now, "I mean...I did almost kill Katsu with it but...you know, I really don't care. Well, I care...but...it's not something you can just throw away. You and Yukiko...you guys taught me that with Kurohitsugi. I mean...really. I think I've got killer instinct in me too, not matter how tiny."
"...you wouldn't believe it but...I also shot it at Masaru." Nifuji snickered softly, "Yeah...full-powered Raikouhou at Masaru. He snuffed it like a candle but still...it felt...good. 'cause it was for Sayuri."
Nifuji now stepped in front of Yuusuke, walking backwards, "...but you're so depressed. You shouldn't be, Yuusuke. You've probably done far more in your life than most people ever dream. You're a Captain, you're one of the Elite Thirteen who preside over a very powerful, very real, military force. How can you be ashamed of that?"
"We all slip, we all fall. C'mon, I know this the best of both of us." Nifuji snickered, "You may have your fair share of physical cuts, but I rule the emotional scar business between us. If I'm alive, right now, and standing straight, then you should be. That haori may be heavy, Yuusuke...but **** you look good in that thing!"
It was funny how a few comforting words from a good friend could shatter the burden of blame he'd placed on himself. It was funny how this young child, who looked barely old enough to pick up a sword, much less wield it effectively, could convince him of what his Zanpakutou had struggled to prove to him. And, looking back, it was also funny how easily he played right into the enemies hands.
That power I taught him...he uses it still. He uses it to save his own life, to save others lives...and it's because I was here that he learned it. The scenery around them was beginning to slowly become more and more desolate as they walked in silence, past the towering buildings of ivory, outside of the unfinished wall that stood proud and tall, and into the wide expanse of Rukongai. And, for some reason, the silence wasn't uncomfortable for once. It was just...nice.
It really is a special thing when you can walk with a person in silence and be comfortable instead of requiring tons and tons of chatter to fill the silence.
I guess so, Hiraishin. Nifuji may think of himself as being "just" a Fukutaichou or something, but he's an important member of the Gotei. He's a special kid, you know?
That's right, Yuusuke. Sometimes, even the smartest of people underestimate their own worth. Then again, you'd know all about that, wouldn't you?
Wha...oh...Well...I thought you weren't talking to me, eh?
Not while you were being a pissy little brat, no. But Nifuji seems to have managed to talk some sense into that retarded brain of yours. I'm curious to how he managed to do it.
Believe it or not, I'm not really a masochist, bent on blaming myself...I just...tend to take it on a bit too easily. Somehow, his words cleared my mind of all the unnecessary thoughts and feelings. I'm still...sad...but there are people depending on me. What good am I like this? The answer is clear. I'm no good. Even if I mess up now and again, that doesn't mean that I can just...stop upholding the expectations that others have for me.
Whatever response Hiraishin might've had was cutoff as Yuusuke slowed his pace slightly, and pulled next to Nifuji. "At least someone recognizes how ****ed sexy this white haori makes me look. You're right though; you take care of the emotional scar business and I'll be busy loosing limbs instead. That's what I do best, after all. Thanks for the advice, Nifuji. I really needed to hear that from someone...now...let's get this mission underway!"
...he's kinda bipolar...
"Only kinda?"
...okay. So really bipolar. Do you think I should get him some meds?
"...possibly."
Right. Nifuji smiled at Yuusuke's new change in demeanor. Now this was 'that' Yuusuke, the one who had faith in himself and his blade. Nodding at Yuusuke's first words, Nifuji had no idea what 'sexy' or 'hot' meant, but noticed that adults liked it when they were either in high temperature or their pants were on fire.
He would never understand adults.
"So, you said we were on a relief mission." Nifuji's eyes darkened as his voice dropped slowly, "I don't really know much about Rukongai, though I'm sure that'll change in the coming weeks. But...I know Rukongai's in bad shape. How bad? Seireitei is finished rebuilding so...shouldn't Rukongai be not too far behind?"
Now they started to enter a place whose air seemed to void of humidity. It was arid and dry where they were, leaving Nifuji to wonder how those in this district found food or water. Not many people were out, but Nifuji immediately saw that though Rukongai appeared fine, it really wasn't. His childish eyes didn't notice many things, but a consistency were the details; unfinished paintings on houses, little patches on the roofs of almost every house, a trashbag full of used medical supplies.
...is this...the legacy of the Shinigami? Nifuji wondered aloud as he locked eyes with Yuusuke, ...is this...all we give to those we protect?
He must think that I'm crazy...
No ****, Yuusuke. I thought you were crazy since day one.
Ah, well, you're my Zanpaku; it's your job to think I'm crazy and ridicule me for all the dumbass mistakes I make. I don't want the other Captains and Vice-Captains to think the same.
Still doesn't change the fact that you, like everyone else in the Gotei 13, are missing more than a few screws in your head.
With a quick shake of his head, Yuusuke cut off the mental conversation with his Zanpakutou and was pondering the questions that Nifuji had set before him. In truth, the Captain would like to say that, yes, Rukongai would be right behind Seireitei in Reconstruction. How he'd love to say it! And how he wished that it would be the truth...that beyond the glistening ivory city in the gentle hills, rolling plaining, rock-covered deserts, there was still trust in the Shinigami of the Gotei 13.
The truth was not so pleasant; in the world where a great war had plagued the land, the warriors who were supposed to protect had failed in their duty. Many people had generally distrusted Shinigami, especially those who had, in a wicked turn of fate, ended up in the districts past sixty and seventy. They felt as though they'd been wronged by the world, by the ones who ruled the world; was it fair that chance dictated who could live in splendor and glory? Of course it wasn't...but things weren't always fair. That was the way the world work; it was imperfect, illogical, and completely unfair to a great deal of the people that lived there.
The very fact that you were either born into a rich family or that your soul, by some miracle, had potential far above that of the other souls attested to this. Only one in a million met these qualifications, and thus, only one in a million could ever really achieve greatness. Even the "wise man" of the Central 46 were almost exclusively from Noble Families. An average soul didn't even stand a chance. And Yuusuke realized this. He'd been surrounded by it for as long as he could remember. People bad mouthing the Shinigami, strangers cursing him and his family when they ate, and the horribly impoverished districts, where seeing people sleeping in the streets was more common than seeing a house.
But I never agreed with those resentments. The world is...cruel and unfair, sometimes, but the truth was that the only people who could protect them were, in fact, the Shinigami...That's why I joined up with the Gotei...but...
Despite all of his fancy ideals of protecting Rukongai and making it a better place, Yuusuke had quickly learned the harsh reality. The truth was that the Gotei 13 was still too weak to effectively protect Rukongai. And this truth had been proven during the Siege of Seireitei. They'd barely survived...and much of Rukongai had been badly damage, and in some cases, by friendly fire. And the truth was even harsher than that; if they'd actually tried to protect Rukongai, gone out in to the depths and fanned out in an attempt to stop the Hollow Army before it'd marched through the area, they'd have all died.
And then who'd be left to protect them?
This all culminated to one crucial point: right now, the Gotei had to concentrate on rebuilding its forces. Even if Rukongai hated them for it, the important thing was staying alive and becoming stronger. It's a curse, in a way, protecting these people. We want to do it; almost every Shinigami alive has a deep-sitting desire to keep souls safe, but right now, we can't do that job. And it really is a horrible thing.
"Nifuji..." he hesitated, the look from the silver eyes almost pleading him to deny it, "...We live in a world where the strong dictate the fate of the weak. And right now, we aren't strong enough to dictates anyone's fate: not Emptybones', not the Vizards', and not even these poor souls'. We need more strength, first...and, the sad truth is that in order to gain that strength, we can't help these people as much as any of us want...because if we do, really, all we're doing is weakening ourselves. We lost many good Shinigami in the Siege, you know this, and so much of our precious Seireitei was destroyed...even now, we're spreading ourselves thin. And if we do weaken ourselves, then what becomes of the future? If we're eradicated now, will there be a future left? Will it matter if we save them NOW only to watch the entirety of existence destroyed in a few years?"
Nifuji's mouth couldn't hold in his breath as they kept walking. They were shallow breaths, like his quickly shortening footsteps. Deeper and deeper into poverty they seemed to fall, the once-subtle signs now brazen trumpets to the sound of devastation and loss. He almost wished to change his clothes and blend in so that he wasn't assaulted, but Mabushii Kurohoshi's appearance at his side was more than likely a dead-set target on his back.
That was...until Nifuji noticed the men carrying weapons.
Brazen weapons were carried stylistically on a choice group of men, all of them wearing a white bandana on their head. Nifuji caught them giving him wary glances, but they didn't hold eye contact. Frowning, knowing little of any social caste system that existed in Rukongai that concerned a yakuza-esque group, Nifuji bit his lip and nodded to himself.
"I hope you have reiatsu control, Yuusuke." He whispered as they walked, "And if you don't, I'm sorry I have to do this."
Kakusan worked efficiently as Nifuji scattered his reiatsu to a point of impossible non-existence. He gulped as he dealt with the momentary lack of reiatsu, his step faltering slightly. He found his pace again, recovering quickly as the young healer fell into a sluggish state without the bulk of his reiatsu. He kept a small amount of Chiyudou energy, however, flowing through his body to keep it from taking too much hold on him.
"So...what you're telling me...is that we need to find a way for these people to trust us, without imposing ourselves?" Nifuji whispered softly, remembering what Kanie had said to him.
'I can't heal those who don't want to be healed.'
Nifuji nodded, his silver eyes falling upon the scene with a badly-muted interest of the world's happenings. This district was poor, abhorrently so, and so they all looked at Nifuji's and Yuusuke's immaculately contrasting clothes with a keen disinterest. If you didn't have dirt on your face, scrapes on your knees, cuts in your clothes, you're an outsider.
Nifuji suddenly felt extremely disliked.
His left hand subconsciously fell upon Mabushii Kurohoshi's handle, cupping the end of it with a nonchalant alertness. His fingers were tense, but looked lax, but Nifuji's eyes betrayed his paranoia. Flittering from threat to threat, his reiatsu senses softly probed each of the citizens for a harmful level of reiatsu, methodically ruling out anyone that could attack them and do damage.
"...so...what's the plan?" Nifuji asked softly, following the path of the white haori.
"...of course I can conceal my Reiatsu, Nifuji. I'm a Kidou Specialist, not some Reiatsu Tank." Using the same technique as the Vice-Captain, Yuusuke's energy was quickly concealed from the rest of the people in the outskirts. Even then, that didn't stop the glares from coming. Perhaps it was the distance between the two Shinigami and the murderous group of thugs, or maybe they simply didn't see the badge, but the glares were many times worse in his direction than in Nifuji's.
Even though each of the dirty, worn, and scarred men had barely enough Reiatsu for him to register, he could feel it flex and bristle for a moment whenever a look was shot his way. This Haori really is easily recognizable.
And those were just the typical thugs. Several of them had even harder glares for him; he could feel killing intent slipping out, no matter how badly some of them tried to restrain it. One or two of them slowly drew their weapons, a rather large battle axe and several really nasty looking knives, each one curving more and possessing a blade two or three times the thickness of a normal knife. None of these people know me, and yet, they hate me with such vehementness. It really is a pity...
It's odd...Why should a district this close to Seireitei have such a rough assortment of thieves, thugs, and pirates congregating in it?
They're probably something like refugees from some of the rui...Oh...That's why...the only places that were completely decimated were some of the outer districts and the ones destroyed by explosions.
You said it yourself, Yuusuke. They resent you, as a Shinigami, for not protecting them; but even more, they resent you as a Captain, because the Captains of the Gotei chose to keep the forces together, rather than spreading out.
"What do we do now, huh...Our best bet would be to find someone who's friendly to Shinigami, but I have no ide-"
"They made you a Captain, Yuusuke-kun? You've come up a ways since I met you."
The voice that boomed out from behind him was roughly familiar, holding a warm, and almost caring quality to it. It was one he had heard before, relatively recently...but it wasn't one that he'd heard often either. Who in the world do I know in Northern Rukongai? I spent all of my time in Soul Society in either Southern Rukongai or Seireitei...
With a quick about-face, Yuusuke spun around to find a plainly dressed woman, with silver-spotted black hair, in his vicinity. Her eyes, an odd blend of red and brown, sparkled with wisdom and caring, and despite the occasional wrinkle, one could almost believe her to be in the prime of her youth, with the way energy seemed to pour out of her.
I know her...she looks a little older physically, and a little more energetic, but it's her from then...
"That...went reasonably well but...****, that Hollow's venom was quicker acting than I thought it would be. I'm already having trouble moving..." muttered Yuusuke as he resealed Hiraishin. Thanks for the help, old friend.
"Not really...He just struck a good place. That Hollow's venom is pretty simple...you'd be paralyzed for maybe fifteen minutes...though if he'd hit you with those claws, that'd be a different story."
He twirled around to spot a woman, perhaps of 35 or so, short black hair crowning a worn face. Her eyes lacked the sparkle and warmth of youth, but instead held wisdom that came with age. "Who're you...and how do you know about that Hollow?"
A small laugh escaped her; "My, my, where are my manners at, Taiken Yuusuke? I'm Sorakara. A woman from the neighboring village. But enough talk...Let's get you healed up. Chiyudo #30, Chuuwa!"
Yuusuke could feel the healing energy flow through him, expelling the venom that had entered into his body. "Eh...Thanks a lot, Sorakara-san. Officially, I'm Yuusuke. Nice to meet you."
A pleasant looking smile crossed her face as she gave him a short bow. "You handled that Hollow rather well, you know. At least, not giving into your anger. Doing that would've doomed you."
The third seat chuckled, "Yeah, I had to learn that the hard way. Keeping calm is best, if possible. How longer were you there for, anyway?" He realized that she must've been there for quite sometime.
"Since the beginning. I saw the smoke and came to investigate and managed to avoid detection. I couldn't help but be interested in the battle you were fighting."
"Well then...Could you do me a favor-"
"Check up on the children, right?"
A small chuckle escaped his lips as he slowly walked away; he really was that predictable. "Yeah."
"And where are you going? That wound on your stomach still needs healing," she scolded.
"Back to Seireitei. We have healers there, you know. You worry about those children, I'll go get myself healed there. It won't be the first time I've dragged myself back to Seireitei, and sure as hell won't be the last," he muttered, just loud enough so Sorakara could hear him.
"You wouldn't stay even if I threatened to tie you down, would you?"
"Nope."
"...stubborn child. Well, stop by any time you need healing, Yuusuke-kun!"
He chuckled again, "Sure thing, Sorakara-san! I'll stop by sometime then. Those words'll be the death of you, though. I get injured a lot!"
"That's why healers exist. Have a safe trip back!"
He smiled, not saying a word. Mission complete (or so he hoped, anyway.)
"Not really...He just struck a good place. That Hollow's venom is pretty simple...you'd be paralyzed for maybe fifteen minutes...though if he'd hit you with those claws, that'd be a different story."
He twirled around to spot a woman, perhaps of 35 or so, short black hair crowning a worn face. Her eyes lacked the sparkle and warmth of youth, but instead held wisdom that came with age. "Who're you...and how do you know about that Hollow?"
A small laugh escaped her; "My, my, where are my manners at, Taiken Yuusuke? I'm Sorakara. A woman from the neighboring village. But enough talk...Let's get you healed up. Chiyudo #30, Chuuwa!"
Yuusuke could feel the healing energy flow through him, expelling the venom that had entered into his body. "Eh...Thanks a lot, Sorakara-san. Officially, I'm Yuusuke. Nice to meet you."
A pleasant looking smile crossed her face as she gave him a short bow. "You handled that Hollow rather well, you know. At least, not giving into your anger. Doing that would've doomed you."
The third seat chuckled, "Yeah, I had to learn that the hard way. Keeping calm is best, if possible. How longer were you there for, anyway?" He realized that she must've been there for quite sometime.
"Since the beginning. I saw the smoke and came to investigate and managed to avoid detection. I couldn't help but be interested in the battle you were fighting."
"Well then...Could you do me a favor-"
"Check up on the children, right?"
A small chuckle escaped his lips as he slowly walked away; he really was that predictable. "Yeah."
"And where are you going? That wound on your stomach still needs healing," she scolded.
"Back to Seireitei. We have healers there, you know. You worry about those children, I'll go get myself healed there. It won't be the first time I've dragged myself back to Seireitei, and sure as hell won't be the last," he muttered, just loud enough so Sorakara could hear him.
"You wouldn't stay even if I threatened to tie you down, would you?"
"Nope."
"...stubborn child. Well, stop by any time you need healing, Yuusuke-kun!"
He chuckled again, "Sure thing, Sorakara-san! I'll stop by sometime then. Those words'll be the death of you, though. I get injured a lot!"
"That's why healers exist. Have a safe trip back!"
He smiled, not saying a word. Mission complete (or so he hoped, anyway.)
"Sorakara-san, right?"
"Good to see you can still recognize this old woman!" laughed the merry lady; old wasn't the correct term for her, and the one called the retarded puppy recognized this.
"Oh, c'mon...You aren't old...just...a little more well-seasoned than the rest of us."
Another laugh. "Oh hush, Yuusuke. C'mon now...Let's get you and your friend out of here. You two need a change of clothing...I honestly don't know what they're thinking in the Gotei these days...sending out two Shinigami in formal attire. My house is only a few blocks to the east."
Nifuji, too, caught the edges of killing intent seeping out from the villagers. His eyes followed them wearily, though they all followed Yuusuke. Nifuji bit this lip, almost stepping out and walking in front of, perhaps diagonally to, the Captain. It was a Vice Captain's duty to protect their Captain, but also anyone else that they could. This included Captains.
Plus, Sayuri would be pissed if Nifuji let Yuusuke die.
Nifuji's hand 'lazily' drifted to Hatorai's sword, the release phrase for Mabushii Kurohoshi quivering upon his lips. Yet he was, thankfully, not required to use it. All of the thugs seemed to back down. Even though both of them had basically erased their presence to the level of the townspeople, their uniforms were a far greater indicator of their stature than any reiatsu level.
So they had continued like this. Walking, walking, walking. Not really aimlessly, because Yuusuke knew where he was going. Yet, he got the feeling that where they were going wouldn't be pretty; they were in blatant black and white (something no shinigami ever saw clearly) and stood out like a pair of...well...shinigami in the middle of a devastated region of Rukongai.
That was, until the stranger had come.
Nifuji turned quickly, his hand on Hatorai's sword. He had already partially drawn it when Yuusuke had responded nonchalantly. Relaxing his body, letting his muscles go back into their dormant state, the adrenaline washed itself out of Nifuji's system as he looked over the stranger. He got a good chance to observe her movements while she and Yuusuke talked, his silver eyes falling upon her body.
She was taller than Nifuji by almost a full foot, maybe an inch or two less. She had a creased face, belying an age of experience and yet not reaching the stage of decay. Nifuji paused as he fell upon the creases in her face, wondering if they were from smiles or from frowns. His eyes paused upon the delicate hair, black with silver speckles in it. The silver shimmered in the high sun, something like his own, and Nifuji immediately smiled. He took her for an ally immediately, her reiatsu was...
...her reaitsu wasn't existent.
Nifuji's mind scrambled, wondering how the woman could live without reiatsu. Yet in his haste Atodzukeru immediately activated, tracing her reiatsu. He suddenly found it, his eyes and senses finding the reiatsu scattered in the wind. He gasped at the grasping power of Kakusan that the woman employed, immediately feeling the pulsing familiarity of shinigami power from her. His eyes narrowed at the person, but then they suddenly smiled with his lips.
"You're a healer." He whispered. It was true; he could feel it within the reiatsu. Chiyudou had been mixed with the reiatsu to create her natural aura; it was the trademark of a career healer. With so many uses of Chiyudou, the energy gradually grew into your reiatsu, a trace amount at most, creating a soft and impulsively disarming reiatsu, "...and a powerful one, to boot."
Nifuji's face melted into a pure smile as he bowed to the woman, "I'm Nifuji Jinte, the Sanbantai Fukutaichou. I'm the Vice Captain of the Gotei's healing division, under the guidance of Sayuri Chikako. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Yes, that's right...She healed me during the field portion of my Taishyuu examination. The Hollow I was fighting at the time was a venomous one, and it managed to land a nice blow before it parished. Luckily she was around; getting back to Seireitei would've been difficult otherwise;" a light chuckle danced out as they continued walking the worn paths of the decayed town. He'd been a fool then; always trying to act tough. I'm still a fool, just less of one these days.
"More than difficult, Yuusuke-kun. That venom, while not particularly deadly was a paralytic. Given the fact that he managed a lucky hit in the neck, you would've dropped within half an hour at most. And while it wasn't deadly, it's effects were long lasting. In other words, if you hadn't met me, shortly after defeating that Hollow, you would've dropped on your way back, and fallen pray to some fodder Hollow, looking for a tasty meal...And you know, Yuusuke-kun, you never did tell me that was your Taishyuu...or come back for some more healing. Did you bother poor Nifuji-kun for it all the time?"
And it was then that Taiken Yuusuke realized exactly how much Sorakara was like him. He'd barely known her for a few moments total, and yet she presumed to talk to him like what seemed to be an odd combination of a doctor...and a mother. I must be emitting some sort of...weirdo beacon.
Or maybe you should just admit the truth?
...and that is?
That she's exactly like you are in that regard.
Another day; another victory for his Zanpaku. You know, I really hate it when you get all smug like that...
Not my fault that I'm the smarter of us.
Oh shut up! Cutting off the mental conversation with the avatar, Yuusuke began to look around and observe the place where they would be working for the next day.
The town was only a short walk from Seireitei, and despite how far it'd decayed, there were signs of its former glory and prominence. The buildings, despite being crumbled and stained any one of many colors, still stood taller than most, and the doors (or those that were left) had a bright sheen, reflecting light from their dark mahogany frames. The paths were not of dirt, but rather of cracked bricks. Everything was far too spread out to be a cheap section of Rukongai.
"Looks like you've finally noticed, Yuusuke-kun."
"Noticed?"
"The appearance of the town..."
"Oh, yeah. It's odd...Why is this place, which was once such a beautiful town overflowing with...well...with low-level thugs and punks like them?" he inquired, his curiousity finally getting the better of him.
"A great number of towns were obliterated by the Hollow Army during their march to Seireitei. They all needed a place to reside...and many of these people were from the higher numbered districts. It was only natural that we take some in...and in the end, that turned out being the worst thing we could do. Ah, but more on that later. We've arrived, Yuusuke-kun, Nifuji-kun," with a quick extension of her hand, she gestured to a small single story house.
The walls were painted a pale creams color, with a few windows, each one completely whole, lacking any cracks or missing pieces. The lawn, what little there was of one, was in good order, well-trimmed but with an occasional weed popping up. The door, unlike the others, was light brown.
"Well, c'mon Yuusuke-kun...Stop staring and let's go. We can talk more inside."
Nifuji smiled as Yuusuke and his friend conversed. As they talked, Nifuji used Atodzukeru to probe the woman's reiatsu level. It wasn't easy, the woman's degree of Kakusan efficiency was far beyond either of theirs. Yet she had strong Chiyudou energy, which allowed Nifuji to trace it easily. Eventually finding a general 'flooding' area where all of her reiatsu was contained, Atodzukeru clicked on with his sense for Chiyudou.
Nifuji's mouth hung agape at his estimates.
...such reiatsu! Nifuji blinked, ...easily almost twice my own level! Her Chiyudou level within her reiatsu is incredible as well! It's similar to, though far beyond, my own reiatsu. But I don't see a Zanpakutou on her anywhere. Also, if she has reiatsu like this, why isn't she a Captain? Her power could easily rival that of Sayuri's, even in just raw reiatsu...
When she mentioned his name, Nifuji jerked out of his inner thoughts. Blinking, smiled as she related his tale of the Taishyuu test. It seemed just like Yuusuke to not know about the poison's paralytic qualities, though it was very impressive that Sorakara could know from...well...however she knew.
Nifuji admired the changing landscape as Sorakara led them a short distance. Yuusuke's eyes fell upon what he himself had noticed, and he found his own eyes falling upon it once more. Silver discs admired the landscape (or lack thereof). The stares seemed to be intensifying, though now aimed at their companion Sorakara. Once more, his protective Vice Captain instincts almost took over, urging Nifuji to step in front of her and burst his reiatsu outwards.
He knew it would be in vain, however. The townspeople wouldn't feel the reiatsu, but only the choking sensation. Such a maneuver would not only kill people, but it would obviously be Nifuji who was gilty. They would know him as a shinigami and, really, never trust the shinigami.
Nifuji hated politics.
But what he hated more was what Sorakara elaborated on; how people had come in and taken advantage of hospitality. The punks and thugs that now decorated the streets so easily had been strays, now rooting their filthy hatred within a town. No doubt the villagers supported the vigilante protection group; no doubt that they would solve nothing by using the first strike method on these opponents.
"I don't like that..." he muttered to himself and Mabushii Kurohoshi, who was also observing. The scenery shifted into wider spaces as Sorakara reached a closer point to her destination. Nifuji noted the wide expanses of space, no matter how ruined, that were clearly and invisibly marked. Small shifts in the size grass was cut served as a permanent barrier far more effective than any Berlin Wall.
When Sorakara pronounced their arrival, Nifuji was also captivated with it. All of the other houses to seem runned down in the slightest fasion, either that or expensively maintained. No paint chips fell off the windows, no glass shards cascading down from shattered seals. The house was just that; a plain house.
But in this sector of devastation, 'normal' was now 'abnormal'.
Nifuji growled at this revelation, tightening his fist. Perhaps this paradigm shift was exactly what Masaru had wanted within the Gotei, for 'normal' to be 'less-than-desirable', but certainly not here. Not where life had been peaceful, not where war had finally been forgotten.
"...Masaru..." Nifuji remembered the brief time he had spent with the Gotei's own, personal divinity, "...would you...want me to fight?"
Nifuji smiled.
"I bet you would."
And with a nod, Nifuji followed the two.