Marginalized [Sajin, Kuukaku]

SAJIN KOMAMURA

Though grateful for the unconditional support and funding Lady Koizumi had guaranteed him, Komamura knew much more would be necessary to rebuild the Gotei or...something amidst its remains. Both her and Lyza had told him the Shiba could be trusted, and were the "least-noble nobles" the Seireitei had to offer; though he knew little of their history, as he looked upon the peculiar Shiba home, located out here in the Rukongai, he was willing to believe them.

Waving down a man he assumed to be a Shiba retainer, Sajin spoke in the least aggressive tone he could muster to offset the intimidating way in which he towered over him "Please inform Lady Shiba Komamura Sajin has come to treat with her. It is of the utmost importance I speak with her."

HEART OF THE SOUL KING | END POST

There wasn't any great gate at the premise. Though there certainly was the Shiba main estate, the manor that Kuukaku resided in had no such parimeter. The open lawn melded seamlessly with the surrounding forest, and the house itself certainly almost seemed a sentinel all itself. A headless Bust made up the main structure, large muscles and rippling arms beneath standard rukongai attire towered above. The word "Earthquake" split between the biceps.

As Komamura made his intentions clear, it didn't take long for him to be waved toward the door. A big double wide affair that opened immediately into a steep downward stairs, going deep into the ground, though the space was large enough that Komamura wouldn't even have to adjust himself as he made his way down into the depths of the underground estate. Passing through atrium before finally a large Central room was opened up behind sliding doors. A number of cushions and floor mats decorated the room. But there was nobody inside, Nobody aside from a man standing off to the side with folded arms. Shiroganehiko, one of Kuukaku's bogyguards gave a glance to Komamura before offering a light nod of his head.

"My apologies, Lady Kuukaku will be here shortly!" He declared, that powerful voice echoing in the room as he gestured to one of the floor mats.

It would be a few minutes, but eventually the side doors opened up, and Kuukaku herself stepped out into the room. A very slight sheen of sweat visible, and she was missing the head wrap that usually adorned her head. Komamura wouldn't have a hard time surmising that whatever Kuukaku had been doing, she had been getting a workout. Striding over to the center of the room, she promptly gestured for Shiroganehiko to get them some tea, and before long, Komamura was offered a light lemon iced tea by the large man. Kuukaku herself taking a steady drink before sighing and giving Komamura her undivided attention.


"Hope ya don't mind the wait, didn't know you were comin." She settled herself onto one of the mats and let out a soft sigh as she then gestured for him to sit if he wanted to.

"So. What does the former Captain of the Seventh Division want with me?"'

SAJIN KOMAMURA

Upon being summoned forward, Sajin entered the strange-looking residence and made his way deep into its depths. Though certainly different from any other building he knew of in the Seireitei, the Soul Society was home to a great many curiosities, and all Sajin had seen in his life prevented him from judging harshly or coming to unkind assumptions. As far as he was concerned it was just another building, with his objective being the woman who presided within.

Initially Sajin remained standing in the room he had been invited into by the nearby burly man, though not out of disrespect; he just wasn't much of a sitter. At his size standing was often the only option, and after a few hundred years of that he had grown accustomed to remaining on his feet. It was only when Kuukaku herself made an appearance and gestured for him to sit did he drop to his knees and attempt to get comfortable on the mat she pointed to.

"I apologize for interrupting, but my presence is not worthy of an envoy." Though another person may be accused of simply downplaying themselves, Sajin's humility was as honest as could be. "I recently spoke to Erika Masamune and Lady Koizumi, who explained to me the state of the Seireitei. Both Lady Koizumi and another associate of mine recommended you as someone to speak to. To be plain, I have come to request any aid you may spare. It is my mission to help rebuild the Rukongai and Seireitei and to gather Shinigami still willing to their duty."

After a moment of silence, Sajin got to the real reason he had sought out Shishiyuki and Kuukaku specifically.

"I have come to request your aid because the Central 46 cannot be trusted."

HEART OF THE SOUL KING | END POST

Huh, so Shishiyuki was running her mouth about her? What a wonder that shy little girl had turned out to be so talkative. Nice to know the woman thought so highly of her. Though Miss Masamune? That came as something of a surprise. She didn't really know the name, other than that she was the Lieutenant turned Temporary Commander, and that she'd been the one to dissolve the Gotei Thirteen. Well, at least the ones talking her up were troublemakers.

"I live out here, the Rukongai already has my full support. In terms of money, supplies, even my Builders that help me with my own projects will be put to work rebuilding the destroyed sections of the rukongai. That much is already set." She explained calmly enough, taking another sip of her drink as she watched the wolfish man thoughtfully.

"The Sereitei, however, can sit on a brick. The Nobles I'm sure will already be taking over the restoration effort, and I've no intention of bumping ankles with that lot if I can help it." She gave perhaps a harsh response. For all of Hakuyou's intent on the Serietei and willingness to work with them. The years had only compounded her distrust of the place, and when the Rukongai was suffering as much as it was, she had no intention of diverting her attention.

Hm. She smiled a little at Komamura rather fondly at his mention of Central 46 not being trustworthy. If it had been any noble individual she might have had a sarcastic remark, but the man was so earnest she kept her tongue in check. "And what do you plan on doing about that?"

SAJIN KOMAMURA

Sajin considered his next words carefully. It was clear to him this woman was as advertised and more, clearly not on the side of the other nobles and strong willed in her own right. "As a resident of the Rukongai myself I am grateful for your house's efforts in restoring it. What I speak of goes beyond rebuilding structures and streets, though it is meant to coincide with those things."

As for how to deal with the nobles...Sajin was reluctant to cry war at this juncture. He understood they would do as they please, stepping on whoever is in their way with little regard for anyone outside their own businesses and power plays. Yet Soul Society was still recovering from the last major conflict, and he was not so willing to rush headfirst into another.

"If they cannot be trusted, then I must do what I can to provide an alternative to their claim over the Gotei. According to Lady Koizumi there are not many eligible candidates to stand in contrast to the Central 46's Captain Commander, but with the right resources and people, and with her efforts to restore the Senkaimon, I believe we may yet build something from the ashes of the Gotei United that is capable of protecting the balance and all of Soul Society, including the Rukongai. Without being beholden to the wills and wishes of the Nobles."

"I do not seek out conflict, but I will do whatever is necessary to pay the life debt I owe to the Gotei and Rukongai." A fierceness glinted in Sajin's yellow eyes, forged from the fires that threatened to tear Soul Society apart.

HEART OF THE SOUL KING | END POST

She raised a brow slightly, and listened closely as he spoke. He was nice and direct, she liked that. He was also pretty careful, not like the hotheads she was used to dealing with,m but she did wonder just how long that patience of his really was. And the subject of the nobles was certainly a way to probe that. Taking another steady sip of the lemon tea as she listened to him delve into his beliefs about the nobles themselves.

Interesting.

"So you wanna undercut the Central 46 by starting up your own club of Balancers." She murmured lightly, her voice lowering slightly. She wondered, briefly to herself, what her brothers and Uncle might have thought of such a thing. Close as she had been to them, she couldn't help but think she didn't really know. It wasn't as if this was a situation any of them had imagined back in the day. Hm. They were just the types of idiots to love a guy like this right off the bat.

"So. Where was all this a hundred years ago?" She took another steady sip, giving him a moment to absorb the question before she continued.
"It's been a century more or less, since Yamamoto died. You were around. But somewhere along the way, we wound up here. You make a fair bit of sense, but I've watched things for a real long time. Maybe for the worse. But I'm certainly curious about what's got you out in the open. And more than that. You're still here. And I have a feeling, you're not done asking things of me."

She set her cup down and leaned forward, resting her elbow on her knee as she looked him in the eye.

"I don't like sittin around in my own sweaty clothes. So out with it. What else you got in mind, buck?"

SAJIN KOMAMURA

Calling what he sought to do a club of balancers would've felt insulting to Sajin if he had been more thin-skinned. A lifetime of insults and derision had hammered his skin into a thick carapace, one immune to such condescension.

Though years ago he may have responded angrily, Sajin remained calm as he explained what happened a century ago. Captain Commander Genryusai-dono and I both fell that day. Only, for some inexplicable reason, I was the one granted a second chance at life. I remained in the shadows because of a vow, and it was only recently I was released from that vow. But all that time I did not simply hide under a rock, I protected my people and fought Ryoka in the Rukongai. In the outer Districts people are usually left to fend for themselves, so when Demons arrived I did my duty and protected those unable to protect themselves."

Confusion nearly showed on Sajin's face as Kuukaku tried pushing for more reasons for his arrival. He had told her his reason: To secure her support, financial or otherwise, just as he had done with Shishiyuki. Had he done or implied something to suggest he had not already been wholly honest in explaining his cause? "Lady Shiba, I am afraid there is no such hidden reason for my presence here. I have come to request your support, any that you may lend, to help rebuild a facsimile of the Gotei. One that does not act as a tool of the Central 46."

HEART OF THE SOUL KING | END POST

Oh?

She canted her head to the side as he went onto explain the reasoning for his disappearance. Hm, well that made sense. Not like SHE was gonna get on someone's ass for being on the sidelines. She was glad to see he could articulate as much, and fill in the gaps. She perhaps didn't fully understand the extent of what he intended to do with soul society. He seemed to push against the nobility, but it wasn't like Yamamoto's soul society wasn't rife with it. She would finish her judgement based on what he decided to do from here on out. That would be the most fair thing to do.

However, as he clarified that that was the only thing he wanted, she gave him a surprised look.
"Oh for real? I already told ya I was fine helping with all that. Whatcha still doin here? You lookin to stay for Dinner?" She asked with a raise of her brows, glancing over to her Attendant. "Suppose my boys can cook enough for you too..." She murmured thoughtfully.