Breathe Slowly [Toki, Shuten]

Even if the Gotei had been officially disbanded by the acting captain commander, Shuten wasn't one to cease work just because she was out of a job. She still had a duty to do, even if she had been in the process of becoming part of this very squad right as the gotei had been disbanded. However, that didn't stop Shuten from passively wondering what would happen to the soul society as a whole. Indeed, there was a time where no official governing body took care of souls and the soul society. However, that time wasn't exactly an orderly one, if the records were fully accurate. Regardless, Shuten stuck to her work as the situation of the soul society remained in a state of concern.

As Shuten worked, carefully feeding her healing sake to patients, she could allow her mind to wander. Doing something new was indeed her desire, and this work in what used to be the second division did fulfill her more... But what would she do now? Everything was thrown into confusion and uncertainty due to the current events. All Shuten knew was that she would do what she felt was right, and likely back up her new captain, and her old captain, as much as possible.

As Shuten's thoughts wandered, and she moved through the barracks from patient to patient, her distracted thoughts caused her to run into someone after rounding a corner. Her lack of attentiveness caused Shuten to lose her balance briefly and stumble. AS Shuten stumbled, nearly falling from her own exhaustion, the sound of metal tinkling came from the woman's clothing. Despite her new profession in the second division, Shuten still took to hiding kunai within the lining of her clothing. The Suika moved some hair out of her face as she straightened herself, her more Suikan features potentially becoming apparent to Toki. Then again, she had no idea he had poor eyesight.

"No, you're fine... I wasn't paying attention either. But are you alright?"

Shuten carefully looked at Toki, trying to make certain that none of the blades concealed within her clothing didn't come loose and cut or stab him. After Shuten inspected him closely, the woman pulled out a gourd, one that contained some of her casual drinking alcohol, and the woman took a rather large drink. It was obvious that the drink had little effect on the woman, but her exhaustion more than compensated for such a thing. After a few moments, Shuten slipped the sake into a pouch at her side, extending her right hand for Toki to shake.

"I don't think we've met before, have we? I'm Shuten Suika, nice to meet you~"

Luckily for Shuten, this man seemed to be acquainted with Suika. There was a surprising amount of people who didn't know anything about the Suika tribe and its relatives. However, Shuten was glad that Toki didn't ask about why her attire jingled when she stumbled. Old habits die hard, as it were, and Shuten wasn't about to stop carrying kunai and other such weaponry hidden within her clothing.

"Please... Just call me Shuten, or Ms. Suika if you insist upon it, there's no need to address me as such when the Gotei has disbanded. It's nice to meet you, Toki; even if the circumstances are darkened by recent events."

Such a statement was born from Shuten's own desires to treat the situation without the typical solemnity that rank may require. The Gotei was disbanded, and titles were just words without proper meaning behind them. The Suika saw no reason to hang on to such titles unless they once more meant something again. As such, Shuten did look over Toki as he spoke of how he was soon to finish his shift. Shuten briefly considered how much time may have passed since she started her own shift, and figured perhaps a break was due with time... But not yet. There were so many left to treat, and while she still had energy within her body she could help those people.

"Walk with me for a bit then, Toki. I may need your help with patients where my sake isn't enough; I have never practiced Kaido, after all..."

Shuten gave him a warm nod before she led the way towards a section of injured who Shuten had yet to visit. It was there she placed her Zanpakuto down nearby and popped a blue gourd free from its pommel. Shuten poured a generous amount into a cup and held the cup out to Toki. Her meaning was clear, but perhaps Toki would be a bit concerned about what Shuten was doing, giving Sake to patients.

"Here, please take this to the patients on the other side of the room; opposite of these beds. Before you ask, no it isn't really alcohol. My Suidomaru, my Zanpakuto, can make it, healing sake. It can heal if drank or dumped onto a wound. Have each person drink about a mouthful each. If you run out, come back to me."

What Shuten didn't wholly mention was that there was no worry for anyone to grow drunk from the Sake. Shuten's healing sake didn't hold the capability to get someone drunk, as its purposes were only medicinal... But it did taste much better than any medicine. After Toki moved as he was told, or asked questions, Shuten began to carefully feed patients the sake, or dribble the sake onto wounds. If Toki remained, he may notice how the patients did seem to gain a bit more color to their complexions after they drank the sake, or how their wounds fizzed and erupted with bubbles upon contact of the sake, soon to be washed away to reveal a healed wound; or no wound at all.

"When is your shift over, Toki...?"

If Toki was going to spend time working with Shuten, formality and "manners" weren't exactly something she worried about extensively. She was a Suika, the younger sister of Ibiki Suika for one, and they were all Oni. Elders were to be respected, yes, but young life was spent more on survival instead of niceties. But, Shuten gladly accepted him calling her 'miss Suika' instead of officer.

Additionally, Shuten was also glad that Toki didn't question her methods. He likely understood enough that her words were sincere and truthful. After all, if they weren't, Shuten wouldn't be here to assist at all. As it was, the Suika was swiftly running out of healing sake and energy. Each time she had to refill her healing gourd, or even produce the stuff from her hands or Suidomaru, was that much less time before she could do nothing more than create a drop. It wasn't too horrible, Shuten had an ample reserve of energy but with all those that needed treatment... It was like a drop of water in the sea.

Shuten kept up with her work until all the patients on her side looked better than they had before. As it was, her sake wasn't a complete cure, but it was far better than doing nothing; and it was the best way to allow patients to heal a bit more naturally from external and internal injuries. After the Suika had finished her work, and assisted Toki with his side, the small Oni contemplated his words before she gave Toki a rather strong look. Those purple orbs of hers, shrouded by hair of a similar shade and accompanied by dark bags under the eyes, were intense despite their obvious exhaustion. Within a few moments of her stern observation, Shuten smiled carefully at Toki.

"Toki... It's okay to admit when you need rest. I can't have you pass out on my watch, not when we need every capable hand we can get. Cmon, we're due a break... How about some food?"

With a faint smile, one that was laced with the woman's exhaustion, the Suika led the way without preamble as she checked with another nearby Shinigami to ascertain the situation and leave them with an ample amount of healing sake before they left. At the very least, Shuten could provide aid even when she wasn't around to administer it. Assuming Toki followed, the shorter Shinigami led Toki out of the infirmary, which was basically the entire barracks, and to the eating areas of the barracks or wherever they could obtain some food and rest for a time. Their exhaustion wouldn't be of any aid anyways, too much and they could make the situation worse on accident.

Once Shuten and Toki had fully left the second division barracks and were walking among the multitude of food stalls, that were still active and alive at least. As they walked, Shuten turned her head to Toki for a few moments as she considered his statement. Yes... she had been here but recently, frankly speaking her time at the second was barely notable. But, for him to call it admirable despite how little Shuten feels like she had contributed... It was flattering and comforting to say the least.

"Thank you, Toki... But I know there's more that I could do. Perhaps I can get Captain Kuchiki's help to learn Kaido a bit better..."

Eventually, Shuten arrived at a particular stall that she appeared to be rather pleased it had reopened in the wake of the invasion and all the injuries and death. A visible smile broke upon the Suika's face as she moved over towards a food stall that seemed to serve Ramen among other things. Upon arrival, Shuten swiftly ordered Tonkatsu Ramen, rice, and an assorted Tempura. After doing so, Shuten looked over at Toki and gestured towards the stall.

"If this is to your liking, it's on me; even if it isn't, it's still on me. And before you debate, consider it my treat for helping out the second."

Shuten silently considered his offer for him to teach her what he knew about Kaido. It wasn't a bad idea, especially because it helped Shuten save the trouble of bother Rukia or someone else to teach her the basics. After all, her healing sake could only do so much; it wasn't a miracle drink.

"That sounds nice, Toki. But I don't want to trouble you. Maybe we can find a time where both of us are off duty?"

Shuten watched as Toki ordered his meal and she couldn't help but let a small smile adorn her face when she watched him. He was a very respectful man indeed, not wanting to let Shuten pay for the meal. However, Shuten felt it was only right. He was helping what was the second division without reward or otherwise. Shuten simply gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder when she noticed his hesitation and moderate guilt.

"If it helps, think of this meal as thanks for helping out with the injured and a personal thanks for the Kaido lessons."

Shuten smiled warmly at Toki, even if he couldn't see it that well, and once they had their food, Shuten directed them to the nearest empty bench. Upon which she drew out her sake and poured a dish of sake for herself; a dish that would be considered by those who aren't Suika to be oversized indeed. After a moment, she offered a normal sized dish of sake to Toki.

"Would you like some? It's my personal sake. If drinking isn't your deal, don't worry about it."

After Toki took, or refused, the sake Shuten soon turned her attention to her tonkatsu ramen. Eating 'politely' wasn't exactly the shtick of a Suika. However, Shuten still did her best to eat with some manner of composure when she was in public like this. Not to mention, she was eating next to a man who seemed attractive enough, and to eat like her family did at home was... likely not the best idea right now.