A mission to serve [Tento | Shishiyuki]

The sky was tinged with the hues of twilight as Tento walked the familiar path through the Rukongai. The air was filled with the sounds of rebuilding: the clatter of hammers, the murmur of voices, and the occasional laugh of children who had found a moment of respite in their play. Tento's heart swelled with a sense of purpose mixed with joy. It wasn't just about hunting hollows or rebuilding structures; it was about restoring hope to these communities, one small piece at a time.

In the midst of the hard work and the camaraderie, a piece of information had lingered in the back of Tento's mind that he pushed back due to priorities of importance. Erika, the acting Captain Commander, had mentioned in the disbandment notification that she would be headed to the Koizumi estate. Even ws a newer Shinigami in the Gotei, Tento knew enough of what he heard about the former Vice Captain's dedication to her Captain Commander's goals and mission in regards to the Gotei. If she was going there, it would likely be a place to think about the future, thus any who wished to continue Murasaki's vision would likely be gathering at the Koizumi estate. To Tento, the input of information was a call to those who believed in Murasaki's vision of a Gotei that truly served the people, free from the constraints of the noble houses.

As he walked, the weight of his goal pressed upon him. He had done small things that would continue, but there was more he needed to seek out in these trying times. He had only one thing in mind: to speak to Shishiyuki Koizumi and hear what she had to say. The Koizumi estate loomed ahead, a symbol of the potential for change. He knew that this conversation could shape the future of the remnants of theGotei and, more importantly, the lives of the people he had sworn to protect. With determination in his step and resolve in his heart, Tento approached the gates of the Koizumi estate. He took a deep breath, ready to face whatever lay ahead. “Hello, I wish to have a moment of your time!”.

"Whether or not you may have it depends on your reason for being here."

Shishiyuki had expected countless guests in these coming days. It was hardly surprising, after all, considering Erika's announcement. Any who were loyal to the vision of her niece, of the Gotei United, would naturally gravitate here, toward the woman who had continued to diligently serve the Captain Commander even with the title made worthless. As she opened the massive gate herself, effortlessly as breathing, she took in the sight before her.

"Tento Zefa, of the former 4th Division. Correct?"

As a member of the old 11th, and the one who had challenged the 4th not so long ago, Shishiyuki made it a point to be aware of those few names who were particularly standout in their accomplishments. Those she might have thought could be worth something. Tento Zefa, depending on his words here and now, could certainly be one of those people. His actions, if nothing else, were ones she was willing to consider points in his favor. His reputation preceded him.

So this was the woman he heard so much about…

A master of her martial arts. A warrior that was able to fight back and defeat an overwhelming arrancar that two captain level shinigami failed to match. And the one responsible for singlehandedly decimating his division while he was out at the world of the living besides his own captain. But given that she managed to beat that arrancar… he was surprised she managed to give Rio such a hard time.

In the past perhaps there would have been some opposition at seeing her. He was confused and unaware of the reason why she did what she did to them after all. Maybe even asked for a spar to get a fulfillment For that missed day. For some that was a hell of a workout and lesson after all. But no.

All that was behind him. Any hunger to challenge her to test his might on the back burner for things of priority. Tento stood tall, his posture firm and respectful as he addressed Shishiyuki. He took a deep breath before bowing deeply, his movements deliberate and sincere. "Yes, ma'am. I am Tento Zefa," he said, his voice steady and respectful. "I've come here because I believe wholeheartedly in Murasaki's vision for the Gotei. If what Erika said is true. Then there is no reason for me to at least not try and speak to someone here. If you will. allow me to assist in what ways I can”, he said before erecting himself.

“An ideology of people accepted for who they are as long as they wish to protect soul society and the balance. To serve the people in strength and integrity, free from the constraints of the noble houses. That shouldn't end because the Gotei was disbanded". Waiting for the likely observat and cutting eyes picking him apart. Tento wait for a response. A reaction, some sign to see if his words were heard for their truth. That he would be allowed to take a piece of her time.

Shishiyuki's gaze was indeed piercing, for she could not afford to be lax in her judgements of all those who came to this estate claiming to be supportive. She welcomed anyone who wished to assist in maintaining her niece's vision, to be sure. But she also understood that there would be those who might take advantage of that invitation. That some could be so treacherous as to betray them from the inside.

"Maintenance of the balance of souls, of the cycle, is paramount, and Murasaki understood that such a balance is not simply maintained through authority. Peace prevents sudden swells in the cycle; the nobility of Central 46 have already proven in the past that they have no interest in such a careful approach."

She continued to study the man before her, admittedly impressed by his astounding height compared to her own. But that did not mean she was the slightest bit intimidated.

"If you are loyal to my niece, then you are welcome here, in the estate of her family. Lady Masamune is presently away, working with the former 2nd Division to continue medical work. I would not pretend that my own authority is that which succeeds Murasaki's; it is Lady Masamune who most fully embodies that continued vision."

Tento stood as a still statue, his hands dropped to their side in a calm stance. The gaze from Shishiyuki calculative, but unlike the heavy eyes he had gotten use to over the year with Captain… former Captain Kanae, her eyes wasnt cold. There was a level of seriousness and intimidation that gave him a sense of a different world she was in. But her eyes…felt human.

With a calm stance maintained as she spoke, Tento listened and felt a solidarity in her words. The explanation of what the Gotei was was what he needed when he came to Soul Society. Lost, confused, and alone. Authority and peace. A simple way to say it but that was how he viewed it. Good and just in its lawfulness. They were a military force charged with maintaining the balance of souls. To protect the three realms from collapsing. The guide and protect humans and their souls. And to maintain the wellness and order of the Rukongai. That was what the Gotei stood for in those words. And that's why it meant so much to Tento.

Tento knew not of the full details of Central 46's legacy. But they did have a concerning past that should either make you distrust them, or at least be weary of them. There was only so much history of the trials and history between organization. The negativity or positivity not seen or heard. Actions done behind closed doors and shadows. There was one thing Tento knew though. No one was perfect. And generally, the main noble houses and the Gotei did not like each other. They were to be separate branches of power and influence.

To be truthful. Tento wasn't loyal to Murasaki. He never worked with her dircetly. He did not work under her. He only at the farthest ways, got her orders and followed them like a loyal and adequate soldier. There was no loyalty earned, friendship, or admiration beyond one would expect from an eager child wishing to reach thr heights that that star called home. However, she is a woman he respects. Her famed power, character, will. The manner she had wished to guide the Gotei. It was well in to the core Tento wished to believe in, hold his faith in.

“Thank you lady Shishiyuki. I hope to continue to do good for our world and the ones that live in it. I apologize if I am not seen often, my first and foremost focus is to aid in rebuilding what was lost”, Tento said in another bow before sitting up. “If there is a concern of room for others though I do not absolutely need it. I am currently staying under the home of a friend and mentee who has offered aid in this chaotic time”.

"That is a perfectly respectable focus, Mr. Zefa. I will not demand that you swear any fealty to the Koizumi. So long as you intend to work toward the ambitions of the former Gotei United, then you are welcome here whenever you deem it necessary."

It wasn't bothersome to Shishiyuki if Tento was present only when he felt it pertinent. If anything, she found that preferable. Those who simply spent time in the estate, who would speak highly of her niece without acting in accordance with her aims, would be little more than sycophants. Better that people spent their time among the people who needed their help.

"Should your situation change and you require housing, then you certainly may come here and find it. But if it is not necessary, then you may still treat this as a place where others of similar mind will be found."

“Thank you, Lady Shishiyuki," Tento replied with a respectful nod. "I appreciate your understanding. I assure you, my dedication to the ambitions of the former Gotei United remains unwavering. I will continue to serve and support the community, just as I have always done." It was a relief that he did not have to swear any fealty out of the jump. As much as he wished to believe the people here wanted to continue the true and just way of Murasaki's vision, there was much he did not know. Yet to be seen. And even more little trust. He did not know many of these people beyond the whispers of their fame. He did not work with them. Fight with them. Eat with them. He knew not of their character or intentions shown in their actions. With the state of the Soul Society right now, there would be a violent front and subtle battle for influence.

He paused, considering her offer. "I am grateful for the offer and will keep it in mind if a change of circumstances arises”. Tento felt a sense of relief knowing he had a place among those who shared his values. "It's good to know that there are others who are also committed to this cause. We will continue to strive for peace together, and I will always consider this place a second home." With that, he gave a final, appreciative bow before taking his leave, ready to face the challenges ahead with renewed vigor. “If you or the organization need aid transporting items to the world of the living, let me know”.