Re: Restoring Order, The Aftermath [Byakuya, Yuuto, Unohana]

Yesterday at 10:42 pm

Yuuto’s response left much unanswered, prompting Byakuya to raise an eyebrow. Once again, his brief pause to carefully choose his words allowed Lady Unohana to speak first. It was surprising how aligned their thoughts were. They had discussed similar matters in the past, particularly the Gotei as a relic of Yamamoto’s era. Since then, Byakuya had been considering ways to move beyond that legacy, and Unohana’s remarks regarding Yuuto’s conviction echoed his own. Byakuya simply turned his gaze to Yuuto, awaiting a more definitive answer.

Today at 2:24 am

Restoring Order, The Aftermath [Byakuya, Yuuto, Unohana] - Page 2 1VUZAtK

YUUTO HISAKAWA | STORMSWORD

The emphasis on that word, believe. It felt as if he were a child, being questioned by a parent. Yet, he would be remiss if he denied the truth. In all his time in the Stealth Force, he had fallen to the habit of telling half-truths, never committing fully. Or, perhaps that was merely an excuse. Nevertheless, it needed to stop. Yuuto took a moment before answering. He closed his eyes, took in a deep breath, before quietly exhaling as his eyes opened, turning to look at Unohana.

"I believe that power is meant to be put to use, and someone of my power is obligated to protect what others cannot. And I shall bloody my hands as much as I need, in order to ensure that happens."

There were still people who trusted him to do his best to make the world a better place. Even if the name changed, his job, that trust, the overarching goal of protecting the cosmic necessity that was the Soul Cycle, that wouldn't change.

END POST

Today at 2:40 am

UNOHANA RETSU | BLOODLETTER

This was an answer of youth. Of naivete. Even Byakuya had looked upon him with question before. Retsu had pierced the pustule of noncommittal with her interrogation. It definitely had more feeling now. Perhaps she had struck the right nerve. But that wasn't going to be the only nerve she was going to strike. She narrowed her eyes at Yuuto briefly. She had an opinion, but it needed something more. If this were a recipe, she still needed the eggs and butter. Yuuto's choice of flouranswer was definitely a big part of this. But if the other ingredients were spoiled, then it didn't matter how good or spoiled that flour was. She did not break eye contact with Yuuto as her conversation shifted. "And what do you think of that answer, Byakuya Kuchiki?"

Hope is a Disease

Today at 3:28 am

Byakuya sighed softly, a barely perceptible sign of disappointment at Yuuto’s answer. It lacked the decisiveness and understanding he had hoped for, yet there was still potential within it. He remained silent for a moment, weighing the response and its implications. It was the answer of someone young, whose hopes had yet to be destroyed by reality.

“It is a non-answer,” Byakuya finally spoke, his voice calm yet firm. "But, there is potential in his words." Byakuya's gaze moved to Yuuto, "But Yuuto, understand this: the cycle and its balance are paramount. Our duty is to preserve the Soul Cycle and ensure that balance is maintained. Above all else, that must remain our focus. Without it, there is nothing to protect." His gaze remained fixed on Yuuto, ensuring the weight of his words was understood. "The choices we make are not for the sake of power or tradition, but to protect that balance. If you can grasp the significance of this, there may be a path forward."