Duty and Dishonor [4th Division Meeting Thread]

[ParadigmSeasoned Member]

CAPTAIN NAGOSHI KANAE

Even as far as this weak, soft generation of the Gotei went, that meeting of so-called Captains filled Kanae with disgust. She had no respect for those she served with a thousand years ago, but they at least had ferocity and a willingness to do what was necessary. Even worse than that, they stood in her way.

Kanae had commanded her seated officers to gather the bulk of the surviving members of the Fourth Division for an impromptu meeting. Already over a hundred Shinigami had gathered, and more were constantly filtering in. Kanae looked over the soldiers she had whipped into shame since taking the squad over. They still lacked the killing intent of the first generation, but for what she had planned they would do.

While she waited for the remaining officers to gather, Kanae wondered to herself if Danjirō would stand in her way even now. If he knew what she had planned, would he still oppose her? Would he force her to kill him once again? These thoughts disturbed Kanae, who was sickened by nostalgia. All that mattered was the now, and in the now there was a lot of killing to do.

       

MURDER QUEEN | END POST

[TsubineYe Olde Guarde]

KOIZUMI YUUKI | SECOND WIND, FOURTH DIVISION

It had been a day and a half, Yuuki looked weary as they made their way into the barracks among peers and subordinates. They looked like they had been fighting enemy after enemy. "Wow. This looks like quite the gathering, huh." They muttered to themselves and gave a sigh that might've been of boredom, exhaustion, or both. That's what Yuuki wanted right now—a damned meeting would really top off this amazing day.

Without wasting any time they took the spot that looked like it belonged to the 9th seat. They probably shouldn't stand so close to the captain or too far away because they were a little bit important, right. Eh, thinking about it though this would be the first time they'd ever met their captain face-to-face. Guess this didn't exactly count though with all these other people here. Oh well, maybe another time.

Weary as they were, Yuuki was curious about the whole situation. The notebook that they would normally carry was absent—a victim of battle unfortunately. They'd just need to pay attention which wasn't hard, they were pretty astute about the details for things around them. It came with a curious mind—as worn down as it was with the burden of so many lost family members from the shortcomings of the Gotei.

WASTE IS A SIN

[LockeVeteran Member]

MACHIHARA MOE | The Bubblegum Oni

Moe had been in the infirmary when this madness had begun, still recovering from her latest bout of 'tough love training', but when their position had come under attack she had leapt into action alongside the other walking wounded. Her shihakusho hung open at the top, resting more on her shoulders than clinging to her frame, the bandages that were wrapped around her chest now stained with blood though most of it was not her own. It had been a messy fight too, fought more with her bare hands than anything else as she had left her Zanpakuto at the barracks and the makeshift weapons she had been able to scrounge had not held up to the strain of battle.

She wore an uncharacteristic frown, her pink hair stuck in clumps like it was actually made of bubblegum, as she stood amongst her peers. Though there were many of her fellows that she couldn't see in the gathered crowd, it did give her some relief that there were familiar faces scattered among them. The seated officers seemed to be mostly intact, though battered and bruised, and Captain Kanae was watching on but it did seem that Rio wasn't around. Hopefully, she hadn't been hurt and was running late, but the prospect remained. The rumours were already going around that at least one Captain was dead, and more were seriously injured. Even the Captain Commander was missing or something, but none of that really mattered.

This was the Death Division, after all, it was about time they lived up to their name.

Butterfly Dancer | END POST

[Kanji ManExperienced Member]

TAGS; - here NOTES; - here WORDS; - here MUSE; -

This was a time during the Gotei where... there were no triumphant proclamations to be made by anyone. Everyone had failed, the state of the Seireitei and Soul Society at large was evidence enough of that truth. However that didn't change how surprising it was for their Captain to not just call a meeting for seated officers, but for the entire division. In all her time in the 4th, Shura couldn't recall a single time where that had ever actually happened before.

Of course... that didn't matter. The past was the past, it couldn't be changed, but the future could be altered. Shura had already begun working on such plans, having talked to both Ranma and Koga and both were thankfully on board with it. That being said she couldn't very well just outright ignore the orders of her Captain, especially not at such a crucial time as this. So she made her way promptly to the meeting area, head held high in spite of her defeat... For if she didn't, the Third Seat, who else could be expected to do such?

Of course as Shura entered the training yard, the most striking thing about her was the fact her Shihakasho was down by her waist on her right side, and her right arm... completely missing. However most of her torso was covered by bandages, only slightly stained from blood thanks to the fresh batch she'd had put on a few minutes prior. Her Zanpakuto rest on her right hip, her eyes attentive and focused on Kanae as she made her way into the area and took her usual spot near-ish to the front of everyone.

She of course had already noticed Rio wasn't here yet, and assumed she might've already been busy given their recent orders. But she didn't care about that, even as she took her position her eyes never left Kanae... If for no other reason than the fact that she knew her failure was likely going to be the first to be called out. She was the Third Seat, and not only had she failed to stop the Arrancarr she fought... She'd lost her arm in the process. But she was fully willing and capable of defending herself, no matter how that defense might have to come.

made by RR of DD, steal and i will sentence you to the true death!

[IoriVeteran Member]

Rio Shihoin | Shihoin Aegis

Even though Rio had been appointed the position of acting Captain, that hadn't necessarily meant she intended to abandon the combat division entirely. Since it was done on such short notice, she didn't exactly know if Kanae had thought of someone to inherit her position in advance. Whether she agreed with every action of her Captain or not, there was an undeniable measure of pride she carried fighting among each individual who stood resolute in the Fourth Division Barracks. Moving forward, she didn't quite know what would happen with so much turmoil, but that didn't matter right now. No, in truth, she wished to see the faces of her companions.

Stepping into the training grounds, golden gaze sweeping across each soldier, she turned her head to her Captain as she bowed with respect. Some quiet aspect of her soul still wondered about Hakuyou's fate and whether her words truly held any merit, but that was a small thought at most, a wandering contemplation that wouldn't rouse to life until she fully adapted to her new - albeit temporary - position. As of right now, she was here to show her respects and listen to Kanae's words.

"Greetings, Captain Nagoshi. Thank you for summoning me. Pardon my tardiness. With the increased workload, I'm still adapting to the current position that's been placed on my lap."

END POST | SHIELDSWORN

[ShadowZeroEstablished Member]

Wearing her black Shinigami uniform with Reppūmaru in its scabbard at her left side, Leona made her way towards the meeting place for the entire Fourth Division. Even though her face did not show it she was feeling more than a little apprehension about what was to come. She highly doubted that the division was gathering for a social occasion... something big had to be in the works if every single member was summoned, not just the seated members. Aside from the growing suspense over what the meeting was about the blonde was feeling apprehension because she had missed the action while her colleagues had fought, bled, and died to defend Soul Society. That was not going to win her any points with the survivors who had risked everything to repel the invasion.

Despite her growing unease Leona kept her head up and her eyes fixed straight ahead as she walked into the meeting place and found a spot that was two rows away from the exact center. It was all she could do to make eye contact with anyone, even in passing. When she briefly spotted a female division member who had a heavily bandaged torso and an arm that was totally gone the blonde's feeling of shame skyrocketed and she began to silently wish that she was somewhere, anywhere but here. She discreetly moved her eyes off of the individual in question and faced the back of the head of the person in front of her.

The blonde Shinigami took silent, shallow breaths to calm down and not show fear in any way. However, it was not easy to stay calm when her conscience was gnawing at the edges of her mind. Unpleasant thoughts were beginning to form in her head and they were not conducive to a positive mindset.

She had no right to be among people who had actually done their duty.

If she had any sense of decency she would have requested a transfer to another division instead of taking up space on the roster of the Fourth Division.

Maybe her family was right when they warned her all those times that she should have chosen a different division.

Shoving those thoughts out of her head for the time being, Leona stayed calm and waited for whatever was going to happen next.

[AshaiyaSeasoned Member]

ARMINA WILLSAAM

Another seated member of the squad would appear soon enough, a scowl etched on her face as she headed towards her position for the meeting. Armina didn’t offer as much as a glance to most that she passed, her focus purely on her own thoughts. There was much to consider at this point, after the fucking disaster that had taken place and the blue haired woman had spent a great deal of time considering her own future in the time since. She had spent so much time listening to people go on and on about the strength of the Gotei, talk which had been completely torn to shreds at the first moment of scrutiny.

The six footer would nod her head towards the Captain as she passed her position but that was the only sign of respect that Armina gave anyone, before taking her own seat. Her mind would simply continue to drift between blazing anger and grief over the loss of her own group of chosen 4th Division members. A potent mix of emotions that kept the 4th Seat teetering on the edge of utter madness, constantly forcing herself to keep control.

Frankly, Armina would have rather just taken her sword and thrust into the first person she got close enough to then have to sit through a meeting. Yet, needs must and she had a responsibility to attend.

ICE MISTRESS | END POST

[AnubisRatStarter Member]

He hadn't done anything, had been utterly worthless. Quinn raged inside of his mind as he ran toward his division barracks. The complete terror tore apart his vow to not be helpless again. As soon as the Seireitei came under attack, Quinn had first frozen in shock and then fled. Unlike so many others, he had saved himself, shuttering in fright. Even with his new powers, the kid hadn't even tried to help. Quinn felt deep aggravation toward himself for not even trying.

A cold breath chilled his neck in mockery, "you truly are a useless piece of shit. Quinnie, just give me your body. I can use it better than you."

Shut up! The lad mentally yelled back at his unwanted guest. He sped up in his run, closing in on his barracks. Having gotten the summons from the captain, Quinn didn't want to be late. So, he was pushing his body as much as he could. With the final turn, he saw the barracks up ahead. Quinn used Shunpo to speed up more.

However, he misjudged the distance. And with a desperate skidding, the blindfolded boy slammed face first into the wall. Pain from his face and chest had Quinn doubling over with a deep groan. He struggled for breath, wheezing out a wounded moan while Ekiga laughed hard in his mind. Quinn stumbled up to his feet and took a moment to collect himself and checked his face. Luckily, he hadn't broken his nose.

The young Vizard walked into the meeting room and fixed his blindfold. The lad marveled at the number of people around him with his Echo-Reikaku scanning the room with sound and spiritual sense. The boy had never been with so many before, especially so many officers. He found a spot among the general 4th Division members mumbling a stunned, "Woa~h..." He grimaced as he saw many with various injuries. His self-focused anger coming back.

[OttozeoExperienced Member]

Tentō Zefā | The Unrefined Paragon

It was a good thing he managed to find a set of replacement clothes after fighting with Noharu and Rangiku against that dragon. But…with how he was now there really wasn't a point of not being named beyond flashing everyone and everything when he continued to fight. The day had past and a new one was barely through but the battle went on as the 4th was broken off to execute the remaining hollows while the other was to secure and patrol. It was a large task just as each other division had, and Tento went head first into doing his part.

The wind whipped at the lower half of the remaining garbs of the black swordsman's clothes as his uniform was in ruins. His shihakusho, a tattered banner of his recent trials, spirit and body tested and beaten, but unbroken. His black kosode was burned by flames and acid while his white shitagi was as good as shredded paper barely registered as dust in the air. The only thing intact was his hakama, for a careful eye they would see a difference in the normal black garb. Its normal black color pitch black , tainted by the black blood of the dozens of hollows he had carved his zanpatuko through. His blade layered in cuts, burns marks, and injuries from the never ending string of battles, hastily healed by his basic kaido as well as the few wraps he had managed to find in the field.

He trudged through the desolate lowering sun landscape, the weight of his unconscious comrade pressing against his back. His body ached with the strain of battle, and his mind was weary from the constant vigilance required to survive the hollow invasion. Yet, despite his exhaustion, he pressed on, his determination fueled by a sense of duty and a promise he had made to his fallen comrades. As Tento approached the familiar silhouette of his division's encampment, a wave of relief washed over him. He had made it back. Survived. But his relief was tempered by the knowledge that his return was only the beginning of a new chapter in this endless war. The hollow’s initial invasion may have ended, but there was a matter of how they rebuilt. How they would handle the threats that attacked them, the rumored betrayals already falling through the pipelines. Answers needed to be found and created.

As he entered the camp, he was greeted by a few concerned faces of his fellow soldiers who were making their way to the training yard. They had been worried about his safety, and their relief at seeing him alive was palpable. Tento nodded in acknowledgment with a sheepish smirk containing his voice hoarse from disuse from several hours on end. "I'm back," he said, his words barely audible over the howling wind. "We made it, another block secured..." A murmur of few approvals rippled through the crowd, and the Tento was led to a nearby tent where he could rest. As he lay down, he could hear the distant sounds of a team meeting taking place. That was right…he had just heard that order get called out. No rest for the wicked was there? Tento knew that he would have to face his division commander soon, to explain his absence and account for the failure of stopping the massive hollow. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of peace, a second of a brief respite before the storm of questions and accusations that would undoubtedly follow. With a huff he stood on his feet, grabbing a fresh set of shirts and sleeves to replace the top of his uniform. The rest could wait. With an uncharastically straight and pugnacious look on his face void of a smile Tento trinkled in with the still flowing numbers of the 4th division. Giving a bow of respect to each of his superior officers before filling into place without a word.

No words deserved to be said a failure.

Light in the Dark | End Post

[ParadigmSeasoned Member]

CAPTAIN NAGOSHI KANAE

Finally, thought Kanae as she watched the final remaining officers show up. She looked across the training area where they gathered and made note of their various states after the invasion. Some had suffered gruesome injury, others were standing but obviously exhausted, and still some were in impeccable condition, as if they had not fought at all. And then there was Rio, who's presence here nearly brought a smirk to Kanae's face as she thought about what she had done to Hakuyou. She resisted this urge, and maintained her now-infamous frown and cold stare that washed over her squad like an ice bath.

Kanae walked to the very center of the gathered Shinigami before turning back to face the back of them, including the officers standing a short distance away. Though bandages covered her left hand and appeared to wrap around much further up her arm as well, Kanae spoke clearly and without any semblance of pain.

"Fourth Division. Though we stand in the aftermath of a brutal invasion, I have gathered you all here to deliver a message of utmost and terrible import: The Gotei you know is dead. Captain Commander Kagayaku no Murasaki is gone, Urahara Kisuke is a traitor and has fled Soul Society, and Shiba Hakuyou was a traitor who I cut down with my own blade. Hisakawa Yuuto and Otoribashi Rose failed to defeat their enemies during the invasion. Kuchiki Rukia spent her time healing wounds rather than fighting to prevent them in the first place. Kishimoto Elyss was nowhere to be seen during the battle."

Before continuing, Kanae allowed her words a few precious seconds to sink in. She had no doubt the riff raff of her Squad, as well trained as they had become, had spent much time caring about the other Captains of the Gotei. Which is why she focused her attention on the Division's officers, and Rio as well.

"These so-called Captains failed to defend Soul Society. It is us, the Death Division, who bled the most, who fought the hardest, and who did what was necessary to guard the realm. While you all have spent the last day killing Hollows and guarding the Seireitei and Rukongai, the Captains bickered and argued in a meeting. Not discussing how to get justice, but instead making plans to kill humans in the Living Realm, something Acting Captain Shihōin Rio here can attest."

Just as before, Kanae gave time for that bombshell to be understood and absorbed by her subordinates. Whispers broke out across the gathered Shinigami, which were soon cut short by Kanae's sweeping gaze. She wasn't finished yet.

"The core tenants of Shinigami are: Protect Soul Society and Defend humans. Masamune Erika and the rest of the other Captains have failed in the former, so they have abandoned the latter. It is with this in mind I am ordering the Fourth Division to ignore all conflicting orders from the Acting Captain Commander and First Division, who have lost all credibility, and to secure the Seireitei in the name of the Fourth. All who stand against us are to be branded enemies of Soul Society, and dealt with as we would with any other threat to its safety. While they bicker and plot, the Gotei crumbles around us. Stand with me and save the Gotei, save the Seireitei, and save Soul Society!"

Cheers erupted from the gathered foot soldiers. Though not every single one of them was as sure the rest, the majority were ready to die for Fourth Division and their Captain. Kanae knew they wouldn't be a problem, and if they had been, cutting them all down would be of little consequence. Her violet glare, no longer icy but filled with fire, moved from seated officer to seated officer as her words hung in the air.

       

MURDER QUEEN | END POST

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