In the Path of Behmoths [ Tento | Tsu ]

The sun was dipping low over District 66, casting long shadows across the still devastated landscape. Among the scattered ruins, a group of people huddled together, their eyes wide with fear and desperation. The invasion had left scars on the district, and now, the looming threat of hollows as large as buildings threatened to finish what had begun. Remnants of forces that chose to stay and feast instead of retreating.

Tento Zefa stood at the forefront, his zanpakuto held firmly in his grasp. His eyes were focused, determination etched into every line of his face. He knew the stakes; these people had nowhere else to turn, and their safety depended entirely on his strength and resolve. As the ground trembled beneath the weight of the approaching hollows, Tento took a deep breath, centering himself. "Stay behind me and stay close," he called out to the group, his voice calm and authoritative. "I'll protect you. If you see a chance to, escape. I'll take care of the rest".

The first hollow emerged from the shadows, its massive form blotting out the dying light. Tento didn't hesitate. With a burst of speed, he launched himself at the creature, his blade striking with precision and force. The hollow let out a deafening roar, but Tento pressed on, his strikes fueled by an unwavering resolve. His blade shifting in a blinding cut through the hollow's mask in an overhead slash.

The two not twins quickly went on the move. Guiding and soothing the distressed refugees to a safer location nearby as Tento's body went on the attack. As he landed he heard the words come from Tsubine’s voice. A older man matching what looked like his own age with Grey hair and deep shy blue eyes. A strong presence greater than his own, a needed factor given the wreckage around them.

Tento landed with a slow breath coming from his chest, his blade still in a guarded stance although it was lazed pointed towards the ground. The hollow was beaten, but he couldn't let his guard down. He felt many hollow energies in the area when he was in his way. The men had fallen fighting them but Tento had no way of knowing if they were defeated or just fled.

My men hmm? Was he a community boss or something? With the chaos all around them in the aftermath of the invasion and the disbandment of the Gotei, Tento was not shocked about a powerful man amongst the Rukongai gathering power. After all, people were excited and did such a thing when the Gotei was around. Was this man good or corrupt was the real question. Was he just, lawful?

“Sorry there man”, Tento said facing the man, listening to the man with a calm face as he let out a frustrated sigh. He had gone into action not recognizing their presence upon arrival. He could understand what he was wanting. There were plenty of times when Tento faced hollows that severely harmed or killed men and women under his charge. The act of not avenging them oneself gave a sick feeling to one's pride, but Tento knew more than enough about what it felt like for their efforts to just be for nothing and to fail.

Tento wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes meeting Tsubine’s with a mixture of respect and determination. If he came ro defend these people then that was good enough for him. "The Gotei may be gone, but the duty to protect remains," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. " That duty doesn’t disappear just because the organization does. Although…I was not able to get here in time. I was a bit away helping people rebuild and felt the battle. He glanced at the fallen hollow, its form dissipating into nothingness. "Your men fought bravely. I’m sorry”. Their efforts were not in vain but But know that their efforts were not in vain."