When you're not strong [ Tento | Hiroe]

The Northern district 70 of the Rukongai laid in ruins, a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the hollow’s invasion. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows over the crumbled structures, a solitary figure moved among the debris. The 5th seat of the 4th division, Tento Zefa, was dressed in slightly tattered clothes of his Shinigami uniform. The ebony swordsman, wrapped in a tattered cloak, was a beacon of hope amidst the wreckage. He had become a familiar sight to the souls of this desolate community as he increased his patrols after the invasion, his presence a constant reassurance for what it was worth.

On this day with steady hands he cleared away a stack of rubble, uncovering buried belongings and sometimes, miraculously, the remains of cherished memories for some. His strength though formidable, was matched by his gentleness. He lifted heavy stones and planks, his every movement careful and deliberate, ensuring no further harm came to the fragile remnants of their lives. The children watched him with wide eyes, their lingering fear slowly giving way to curiosity and admiration. He paused in his work to help rebuild a small house today, guiding the villagers with his calm and confident demeanor. They followed his lead, their hands working alongside his, their spirits lifting with each stone they set in place.

Tento felt the familiar weight of responsibility as he moved through the north Rukongai, helping the villagers. Each piece of debris he lifted, every bit of aid he provided, was a step toward rebuilding not just their homes, but their spirits. It was hard work, but it was meaningful. In the midst of his efforts, Tento caught sight of a familiar face, Hiroe. The sight of her brought a warmth to his heart. Even from a distance, he could sense the determination in her eyes, a glimmer of hope amidst the adversity she faced. But it faded. Strained. The playful resilience she had that he admired found charming was missing at a glance.

The challenges before her had put a cloud in front of that ray of sunshine? As he watched her, Tento couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. He knew she had been through a lot, yet here she was, prsent. She may have not been standing strong just like always. But she was alive. Doing something. It reminded him of why he fought, why he trained so hard to protect and inspire others. He had to shake up that head He called out to her, "Hiroe! Hey beautiful It's good to see you here." His voice carried across the distance, filled with genuine warmth and encouragement, and a little flirtation given that last conversation they had. What better way to test and cheer her up than some silly Tento charm? With a silent nod of encouragement in her direction, Tento turned back to his work while waving her over. Lifting another piece of debris. He knew Hiroe would find her path, she just needed a nudge.

Perhaps if it was someone else they would have left her greeting there. They would have thought it was normal or fine but not for Tento. Tento and Hiroe were not the best of friends but he knew her well. Good enough to know that such a dry and an empty answer was a sign that something was wrong. Something far more than being a bit under the weather. He could sense the heaviness in her tone, the subtle struggle beneath her words. "Yeah, there's a lot to be done," Tento replied, pausing his work and wiping his brow. "But seeing a familiar face makes it a little easier". He said his voice turning to a calm welcome instead of that loud energy he greeted her with.

He placed the debris aside and turned to her, his expression turning more serious yet supportive. "How have you been holding up? Out for a walk or did you smell me from a mile away?”, he said, doing a fake sniff of his clothes to try and break the tension.

Tento didn't have a perfect intellect that could dissect and break down a person's character. But he did have an ability to understand. There were a number of people Tento would like to think he was connected with. He knew them and had a bond. Hiroe was one of them, or at least that's something he liked to think. How she started off in a slow cadence of speech sent even more flares to him. Something was wrong, off. The trail felt like a boot was put in her mouth. Seconds passed as he watched her, a deep thought of painful reflection.

Tento felt his heart ache as he saw the tears streaming down Hiroe's face. His face turned from fatigued concentration to bewildered concern at the sudden turn of events. Her pain was overflowing and soon he felt her step into him in a hug as she pulled him.

He listened to her words, feeling the weight of them as she tried to let them out. Gently, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close in a comforting embrace. He let her cry, knowing that sometimes, just being there was the best way to help. And that sometimes a moment of vulnerability to release emotions kept soldiers sane.

"Hiroe," he began softly, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance. "You are still a good friend. You did your best, we all did”, he said softly imagining this was about the invasion. A lot of people died or were seriously hurt. And he could get this. As a seated officer Tento felt it was his responsibility to train and protect people in his division. Yet over the years since getting that role, he failed at bit moments like this time and again. He gently pulled back, just enough to look into her eyes. “What happened?”.