Catdog [Sajin, Komugi]

Returning to a standing position he now once more towered over the minuscule feline woman, though without any indication of seeking to intimidate her. She appeared conflicted, unwilling to accept his offer out of pride, disbelief, or some other misplaced feeling. "It is not charity I offer, Komugi. I am not wealthy enough to do so. Instead I would have to expect you to continue your duty as a Shinigami, working to defend Soul Society, preserve the balance, and lend aid to others to the best of your abilities."

In truth, Sajin was earnest in his promise to help her family, but he also knew having as many people on his side as possible was important as well. He did not seek to lead some sort of revolution, rather wanting to work with others to build something out of the rubble of what had been destroyed. To rebuild what they could and help those who need it. His convictions on the matter were stalwart.

"You would not be any kind of burden Komugi, Soul Society needs you far more than you might realize. It is for that reason I will ask of you a great many things if you accept this deal, but know you will never be asked to serve an unjust cause." Sajin sighed, not out of frustration or exhaustion but out of acceptance of his meager existence. "You are right that I am just one man, and a failure at that. Always too late, too weak, or too blind. That is why I need you, and Lyza, and Lady Koizumi, and so many others if I am to repay the debt I owe."

Her tiny figure remained on her weak knees, else she would have stood to full height herself. There was no fear or intimidation in her gaze toward the man who stood like a mountain before her, only a mire of uncertainty. The cold night air was an ache on her poor lungs, her sunken heart a pattering throb in her chest. She would do anything if it meant they could come to safety, even the seemingly impossible climb to afford an estate here.

Though, her head raised with Sajin's words, eyes rounded with a soft sadness as she listened to her reassurances. Of course she trusted him to never direct her to a bad path - the wolfman she'd heard of since she was a little kit was an honorable one, who's loyalty and upholding of the long lost Captain Commander - Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's will, was unshakeable. She had perked her ears as he had gone on to speak so bitterly of himself, stiffening a moment before raising her gaze once more, an indignant look on her face as she'd shout,

"Y-you're not a failure! You can still be as amazing as ever, you're here! You're alive! You can make a difference! If anything this is the best time!" Her arms swung out wide, "As long as we're all alive, breathing, and standing - we can still make a difference! We can still become stronger! It isn't hopeless unless we give up! I apologize for speaking in a disrespectful tone Komamura-sama, but I can't stand for that kinda downer language!"

Though, as she settled herself, she had recognized a name amongst who he had considered, gaze withering just a bit, "..Koizumi..? Aren't they of nobility? Why would they care about us? If anything i'm worried about.. What might happen... But, No. No I shouldn't think so poorly - if you think they're of the mind to welcome us... I have a selfish question."

She'd slowly inhale, "...Do you think they would bring my family in? I'm willing to work down to my bones and final breath if it means they can finally be safe. They're all able-bodied hard workers, barring the elders and children; large Wolfmen and keen Foxmen, among a smaller assortment - they wouldn't be dead weight either. I had only... I had only taken the role of a Shinigami in order to have enough money to afford a place here, within the Seireitei.."

Komugi's words did more for Komamura than a thousand self reflections ever could. All she was doing was telling him the same things he had told others, and yet it had a profound effect on his soul. He didn't take it as mere flattery, what she said was truth. Despite the injuries he sustained against Ichigo, he was now physically healthy again and because of his abilities had a responsibility to fulfill the duty she spoke of, of making a difference.

"Do not apologize, young Komugi. You are right. I will do my best, because I can and must. I will not allow your sentiment to be wasted." Then, after a pause to let Komugi finish her thoughts and ask about one of the people she mentioned, he answered to the best of his ability. "The Koizumi have extended an offer to those seeking a place for themselves. The familial connection between the family's head and the previous Captain Commander is at least some evidence the offer is sincere. While I still do not yet know what to think of Erika Masamune's motivations, I believe Lady Koizumi is worth seeking out, and with any luck I will be able to secure her family's aid for your family and many others."

Beyond the public beliefs about their kind, the abilities Beastmen possess are undeniable. They can be dangerous like any other, but the most dangerous people Sajin had ever met were all Shinigami or from beyond Soul Society. If given the chance, he had no doubt Beastmen like who Komugi described could become invaluable to anyone willing to place their trust in them.

"I cannot say how anyone will react to our kind, Komugi. Those I served with in the Gotei respected strength and loyalty, and were willing to treat me as one of their own because of it. Perhaps the Koizumi are the same." He took a moment to contemplate her last confession before continuing "If joining the Gotei was only a means to an end for you, I will not expect you to continue serving as a Shinigami. However, should I secure the funding and aid I seek then the offer will remain open for you Komugi."

An eager nod would have followed his agreeing sentiment, happy she could encourage this man back from the dead even a little. Her heart was still pounding, looking upon him, it just made it twist a bit more that Taro wasn't here... The only grown Wolfman he'd ever known was Oji-san, and that was just his dad. His amazing dad, who had no choice but to resort to crime and looking all scary just to keep everyone fed and safe, but that was it, really... He couldn't help but look up to the idea of being great and kind right alongside her, tales of nobility crossing her memory.

Her ears would perk as she'd quickly realized what she admitted to sounded awful selfish of her, eyes wide as her tail swished rapidly with embarrassment, quickly waving her arms about, "Oh- oh no no no! I'm sorry, that's not what I meant-!" She'd clap her hands together in a bit of apology, "I've just.. I'm sorry, I've been so focused on trying to get them all here, saving up every bit I can, and sending them some of what I can't so it'd at least take the burden off... That's not the only reason i'm here, but it's a little hard to focus on yourself when you have others to look out for, yknow?"

That animated posture quickly relaxed, as her nose with twitch; if she didn't have so much fluff on her she'd be blushing, "I... I've always wanted to be a role model for other Beast clans, that they don't gotta be in the shadows all the time, that.. Even they can be good. Just because we're born cursed for our blood's sins... Doesn't mean we have to be villains. You showed me that."

She'd point at him, a smile on her face, "You're my hero... And I want to be one too. Regardless of what anyone says or thinks about me."

After spending a century living in seclusion with his Wolfman clan, Sajin had not interacted much with Beastmen like Komugi. His people were stern, quiet, aggressive when necessary. They did not show such physical emotion, and he noted how sincere her heart was, and how her reactions and actions reflected that which only the Soul King's Heart could sense within her.

"I understand. Though you would not spurn it, it is a burden nonetheless. Your family is important to you. Oftentimes I feel family is even more important to us than the furless people. Like theirs though, my perspective is limited to my experiences."

Realizing he was going off topic a bit, something Sajin rarely if ever did, he quieted as Komgui began speaking again, her body language calmer now. She said things that embarrassed Sajin, bringing up memories of regret about the literal and metaphorical armor he wore for so long. All because he had hated the way they looked at him, taunted him, insulted him. But these memories were washed away as she kept speaking, calling him her hero, one she wanted to be like in her own right.

"You honor me, Komugi Yadou. I will repay your belief in kind." Sajin returned to a kneeling position so that he could better look into the eyes of the woman who so strongly believed in him. "I too have believed in a Soul Society where our people can live in the light, and with Beastmen like you representing us I have no doubt that future will come to pass. We both must work to achieve our goals, to do our duty not just to our people but to ourselves as well."

A light nod would be ushered by the feline, a bright smile on her face as she felt some hope in this chaos. She'd have to stalk around and listen out more about the Koizumi; she still felt her reservations about approaching nobility for help but if... If they really would...

"I'll consider your offer, Komamura-sama," She'd speak with a nod, "But having them all here... That's my priority yknow? I can do any sort of dream chasing once that's all done. I'll be sure to keep in touch."

She curled one hand into a fist, and enveloped it with the other hand; almost as if she was praying, bowing her head - a show of incredible respect in her parts, "Thank you, Komamura-sama. Hope the rest of your night's okay."

With a lift of the head, she'd see her way off, waving and smiling calmly... Making sure she was well out of sight to burst into tears of joy and overwhelm. They were going to be okay... They were going to be okay...