Shunsui's Outreach

Shunsui was pleased to see that the members of his division were performing their tasks admirable, and that they were getting along well with the citizens of the Rukongai. He had feared that this would be a fool's errand, but so far everything was looking good. Sure there was still a bit of hesitation and distrust in the air, but he could say with a certainty that the majority of those before him were truly happy. Suddenly, he was torn from his thoughts by the approach of someone new. A boy, no older than fourteen, stood before him. The child's clothes were in tatters, and he looked half starved, but there was a general feeling of calm emanating from him. Shunsui wondered where this boy had come from, but before he was able to ask the child started to speak.

"My name is Masumi. My parents were killed last year. They died because no one came to protect them, and they could not protect themselves. I ran, because I did not wish to share their fate. I have come to you now because I still do not wish to share their fate."

The matter of fact way in which the boy said all of these things made Shunsui wonder what exactly was going on in that head of his, but he didn't think the boy was insane. Quite the contrary, he seemed to fully grasp the gravity of what he had said, as he still stood in silence, waiting for a response.

"I'm sorry to hear that young man. What is it you'd like for me to teach you?"

"To kill."

Shunsui glanced questioningly at the boy. He was not so sure about this any longer, but something told him that in the end it would all work out for the best. He'd be sure to keep an eye on the boy in the future though.

"I'll teach you swordsmanship, for that is all that I can offer you. To kill is not something you are taught. At least it shouldn't be."