Clash of Honor [Tento | Shura]

Tento listened to Shura’s impassioned tirade, her words cutting through the air with the precision of a well-honed blade dipped in a mix of bitterness and conviction. He could feel the raw emotion behind each statement, the weight of her experiences and the bitterness of her disillusionment. The frustration that had built up over the long years of service in change and strife. Ideology. It was clear that Shura’s perspective was shaped by a different set of values and priorities. Rooted in a harsh reality that could not be afforded by idealism, and Tento couldn't dismiss her words lightly. He wanted to be too grounded and open for that.

“Shura, I hear your frustration, and I understand that our experiences have led us down different paths,” he began, his voice steady but laced with empathy. “You’ve faced challenges that have tested your faith in our principles, and I don’t dismiss that. But I believe that it’s precisely in these moments of crisis that we must hold on to what defines us as Shinigami. It is more than being a part of the 4th. Or memories of the 11th.” In truth, he did have respect for her too, that would be a lie if that did not help. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before responding.

"Shura, I understand that my perspective may seem naive or overly righteous to you. I know I don't have the same years of experience or the same scars from battles fought and lost. But I believe that it's precisely because of those experiences that we need to find a way to hold on to our principles." Tento's voice was calm, but there was a steely determination beneath his words. "The Soul King, the Gotei United, the Captains, all of these pieces in our organization may have their flaws, and they've certainly made their share of mistakes. But if we abandon the ideals that they were founded on, we lose more than just a battle. We lose the very essence of what it means to be Shinigami. Hollows and Arrancar will win regardless if Shinigami are alive after battling them if we let that happen. And then what?".

He stepped closer, moving to the edge of the roof to face her, meeting her gaze with unwavering resolve. "You speak of the failures of our leaders in the last few classes with hollow forces, and I won't deny that. But I believe that we have to learn from those failures, not let them define us. Seated officers play a role in how we work, not just the Captains at the top. We have to strive to be better, to rise above the mistakes of the past and forge a future that honors the sacrifices of those who came before us. To honor warriors who were loyal to the Gotei, like Kenpachi Zaraki”.

Tento's voice grew firmer, a spark of passion igniting within him. "Our duty is to protect the Soul Society, to uphold justice and maintain balance. It's not about dismissing the past, but about using it as a foundation to build something stronger. That is learning and being taught. We can't let our anger and frustration drive us to actions that betray the path we are entrusted to maintain and protect". He gestured to the division around them, the tension still thick in the air. “Our comrades are looking to us for guidance, for a reason to believe that we can overcome this darkness. If we give in to despair and abandon our principles, we lose more than just a battle, we lose our identity, our purpose. If you choose not to care about it then that’s one thing. But I will still stand with you and show you because you are my comrade”.

Tento extends a hand towards Shura, a gesture of solidarity and hope. "Together, we can rebuild, we can protect the Soul Society, and we can find a way to move forward that honors both our past and our future. But we need to do it together, united in our resolve and guided by the principles that make us Shinigami." Perhaps as a little annoyance in her ear the whole time too. She spoke of killing those that threatened the Soul Society, and he had to agree. A traitor that willingly threatened the realms and kill his comrades deserved punishment. Trial and death for his soul to be cleansed. They must defend their home with everything they had. Using their strength, strength that came with knowing better and doing better. Handling challenges as best as they could with the strength that came from unity standing together. There was no true victory in hatred and division. “I said you sounded like you were defeated. But let me be clear Shura, I don’t see you as broken or defeated. I see a warrior who has faced unimaginable trials and come out stronger. But strength alone is not enough. We need to channel that strength with wisdom, with purpose. We need to be the protectors, the defenders of the balance that keeps our world intact.”

Tento sighed deeply, perhaps he was inexperienced and perhaps such motivative could fall against systems. Perhaps he could get jaded after centuries of hardship, trials, and duty. Tento knew but it really didn't matter in the end. It was his belief. It was their vow and reality of what ensure each day began and ended. Nevertheless, that sigh came feeling the weight of her words, but he wasn't one to back down from his beliefs. He looked at her with a mix of compassion and determination. "I understand where you're coming from. The world we live in is harsh, and it's easy to lose faith in lofty ideals. But those ideals are what keep me going. They give me purpose and a reason to fight beyond my desire to grow stronger”. Lofty as they may to be here, they were what they stood for when they accepted all of this.

He stepped closer, his eyes steady and sincere. "I know the Gotei United has its flaws. We've seen the consequences of inaction and the suffering it causes. But giving up on our principles isn't the answer. The Gotei exists with or without our current Captains. The organization is is there for the soldiers, not the other way around. The Soul Society was there before Yamamoto brought order and it will stay even if we all perish”.

Tento paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "You became a Shinigami because it was your only option. I became a Shinigami because I believe in the potential for change. We come from different paths, but that doesn't mean we can't work together to build something better. You are here now. You have been for a long long time. We are soliders and balancers. If you do that by only fighting a good fight then so be it”.

He gave a shift of eyes as he looked off to the distance then back to her. He offered a faint smile, hoping to bridge the gap between them. "If you need to train and get stronger, then do it. I respect that. But remember, strength isn't just about power; it's about resilience and the ability to inspire others. We need that now more than ever".

Tento stepped back, giving her space to make her decision. "I'll join you if you want. Not because I need to prove anything, but because I believe in what we're doing. Together, we can make a difference, even if it feels impossible right now." As she turned to leave, Tento called out one last time. "Stay safe out there, Shura”.

Never wanted to be Shinigami. He was hearing that more and more as time passed. First Hana and now Shura, both women forced to pick up the blade ro escape their noble families. It made him wonder just what monsters slept under wwrm beds. It was a surprise to hear that from Shura. He expected her to give her father the middle finger and live her own life as she wished. But if she stayed here this long, she had to find some sort of home here. She had to have some attachment to their duty.