Past, Present, Future [Sajin, Open to all]

Noharu. Blessed was the sight of that woman and Rangiku on that day for Tento. In more than one. None of that now though. She was recovering. She lost limbs, and a lot of blood but she survived. “Thank you for telling me that, Ranma. I'll visit her when she's not in too much pain”, he said with a nod despite giving a raised eyebrow as he moved to try and cling to Rangiku. Lucky guy. That and if what he was outing up was true. Good to be alive. “I will give her flowees. Maybe some food too. No idea what type of flowers she likes though”.

Tento tried to be positive and chippy. But he sighed. He remembered seeing her in a vulnerable state to say it brightly. She was abused and decimated by the onslaught from that hollow's powers. He felt so guilty about being so weak. He relied on her and Rangiku defending him, he got in their way. They worked together to push that hollow back but still. He couldn't help but wonder if Noharu would have suffered less injuries just if…

At the start of Sajin's voice again Tento pushes those thoughts down. They were here to discuss and meet about the future. Not for him to feel self pity. Absorbing the gravity of Sajin's words and the weight of the responsibilities laid before them. The dissolution of the Gotei and the creation of the Jieitai were possible monumental changes, and the path ahead was fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Rangiku's presence added a sense of comfort. Another experienced veteran to give advice and structure in this tiring time. Her vibrant orange hair and bubbly personality stood in stark contrast to the serious atmosphere, yet her dedication and resolve were undeniable. Profesor Rangiku as always.

Hearing both Rangiku's and Ranma's remarks, Tento gave a thoughtful look. The challenges ahesd were tough and someone with leadership experience in terrible times would be wonderful. As Rangiku and Ranma spoke out, neither felt they had time to accomplish such a thing. They had a chance to protect the Soul Society in another faction. Sajin had doubts but was willing to step up. A reminder that leadership was about commitment and serving, not power.

Tento's thoughts drifted to Hanako. Her strength and resilience had always inspired him, and in this moment, he felt a surge of determination to honor her example. She had been his anchor, guiding him through the chaos and uncertainty. Her unwavering dedication to their cause was a beacon of hope, and Tento knew he had to uphold the standards she set. He cleared his throat, his voice steady but humble, "I've risen through the ranks quickly, but I know leadership is much more than just being powerful. I don't believe there is anyone here with us more qualified than you, Komamura Sajin. I'm committed to serving and protecting Soul Society, but I don’t think I’m ready to lead to that level."

Sajin made a mental note to keep track of this Noharu woman's status. She was apparently important to these people, and so her health was now important to him as well. Back during his time as a Captain he wasn't distant from his subordinates, but he did not feel personally connected to them either; much of his squad had been assembled by his Vice Captain at the time, Iba, who was to him what he was to Genryusai-dono: Loyal to the end. That left a gap between himself and the rest of his subordinates, one he tried filling by teaching them of loyalty and honor. Now, he would do things a little differently.

"I can only hope for Captain Ōtoribashi's aid when he is recovered. All of your faith in him is admirable, and tells me more about him as a person than anything else could." After a few seconds of quiet deliberation, Sajin continued on to all three listeners "I will do everything in my power to prove myself worthy of the trust you all have placed in me. I do not know what the future may be for the Jieitei, or indeed any of us, but if it is within my ability to build it into something honorable and just, I will." At this he bowed at the waist to all those gathered around him, as if to acknowledge leading meant serving as well.

Standing back up, Sajin continued on speaking to them "As I understand it, there are missing and killed-in-action Captains, as well as the possibility for some to have no interest in joining. For that reason I will rely heavily on you three, and should you want to serve in their stead as Jieitei Captains you may. For those of you with Bankai and a strong sense of justice, I am sure it will be a simple transition. In addition, it is important for us to recruit as many capable Shinigami as we can so as to bolster our rebuilding efforts. It is also in our interest to ensure to the Academy can continue teaching young people to surpass us someday. There is an effort underway to rebuild the Senkaimon so we may continue working to maintain the Balance. I will approach the Sawachika family to secure their support in construction for both the Seireitei and Rukongai. I would ask you three to focus your efforts on recruitment and rebuilding for the time being. Gathering Denreishinki to build a communication network between us is also a priority. Do any of you have any questions or concerns I can address?"

Tento hadnt met Captain Ōtoribashi. He was a man with a long history in the Gotei, passed the United and even in several years with the Gotei 13. He had a few key roles in history and beyond the positive reputation Tento heard of the man there was another thing. He was a vizard too. As welcomed the Vizards were in the ending years of the Gotei in comparison to before, and the aid of the ideology shift within the Gotei United. there was still an unease about Vizards existance and their role in the Gotei. But Ōtoribashi was there all the same. Fitting the role of a Captain, it did well to sooth any fleeting aches of anxiety knowing there was someone like him who was present and so well respected.

Tento listened intently to Sajin's address, recognizing that fhe man spoke with deliberate focus and yet a clear humblesnne once again. Loyalty. Honor. And an unclear future. A calm will was with Sajin that bolstered Tento's own resolve. And the sight of such a man regarded as a legend humbly bowing before them… “You have my aid then. I will lend my power and continue mentoring as I have before”, Tento said returning the deep bow. Tento just hoped in the long term it would be worth it. Placing trust and faith in another person that he did not know.

The question of personally would be something alright. With the financial banking, it should be easier in finding people to join. People had to work and feed themselves due to the spiritual need after all. The issue may been making sure they were just and honorable people. Perhaps Tento could reach out to his 4th brothers and sisters a number of them would fit. Among the seated officers, Rio was a good choice. She was a good leader and honored the Gotei's duty. Although he couldn't ask everyone, there were certainly a number of people in his division that were his comrades but didn't suit this build.

Ugh, such a headache. Missing people still. What were all the former Captains doing. What about all the other friends he made in other divisions. Were they safe?? There were far too mau things on his mind to even think of he fit in that role. He would let Sajin bother with that for now.

When Sajin finished and Rangiku raised her concern about other attempts at reviving a Gotei, Tento spoke "Rangiku raises a valid point," he began, his voice calm. "We must be prepared for the possibility of multiple factions emerging with the goal of restoring the Gotei. If it's focused on our duties as they should be framed. Then the issue of cooperation at the least should be miminal. Things arent ever idea though”, Tento said rubbing the back of his head in a sigh.

“Either way. I will do what I can to tackle those issues. I can also open gargantas to aid in transportation and communication for now”. Multiple revivals or just them their focus should remain on building an organization grounded in honor, justice, and the well-being of our people. As long as that happened and the balance was maintained in the end. Everything would be alright. If the goals were aligned there would be no need to see it as competition. As fun as it may have been personally to Tento, the people didnt need tthat. Cooperation where possible had to happen.

“When it comes down to it. Unity will make us stronger. If there's a way to merge efforts without compromising our principles, we should consider it. However, if we must stand alone to uphold our values, so be it right?”. Either way Tento ready to follow his lead and stand by Rangiku, Ranma, or anyone else that joined them. His focus on rebuilding the Rukongai and Soul Society was no different now than it was more. And he was willing to do whatever it took if it contributed to the rebuilding their home and military strength.

Given already they would have at least competitor, created by the Nobles to wrest control of Soul Society, Sajin knew they would someday come into opposition with one such faction. He nodded his head in acknowledgement of the trio's collective question then spoke honestly. "If our ideals are compatible with theirs, we will have to discuss how to proceed with them. It would not be prudent for us to simply strong-arm everyone we come across, and conflict, particularly with fellow Shinigami, is not at all what the Jieitei was made for. That said..."

Sajin sighed. He knew their future was rife with conflict and difficult decisions, but it did not make it any easier to go head first into the unknown. "If it is clear there is no room for discussion or reconciliation, or if the other side is without honor or morals, or if they are beholden to the wishes of Nobles and the Nobles alone...we will do whatever is necessary to guard the realm and balance. I know first hand how terrible a thing it is to ask Shinigami to take up arms against their brothers and sisters, but we all must be willing to put that feeling aside and do the right thing."

Then, in a more solemn, serious tone Sajin made a vow he would uphold like any other "Know I will never ask of you that which I myself would not do. I would not expect you to follow me into the unknown if I did. Nor would I demand loyalty in the face of unconscionable orders. In order to be a better option for Soul Society than what the Central 46 has put forward, we must be better. That is what I ask of you all."

Tento stood quietly absorbing the conversation and the weight of Sajin’s words. He appreciated the earnest commitment Sajin displayed, and it resonated with his own sense of duty and honor. It wouldn't be easy or something they should jump into with uncertainty, but if they wanted to make this work they had to be firm once they dove in.

At the same time though, Tento could understand Ranma's sentiment. If Kanae was down, he could feel an obligation to still act within the scattered forces of the 4th to give them something. Anything in this trying time. It was a very grown up decision to make and Tento had to give a nod of respect. The loyalty and the need to fulfill A promise. Not many would feel compelled to meet that word.

Tento looked to see Sajin's response. He was curious himself. He had not seen her at all throughout all of this. When he went to the Koizumi estate she was away busy at work. All before doing several quiet blinks at the sight before him.

Sajin nodded at Rangiku's agreement in affirmation, glad the experienced Vice Captain was on board. She would make a valuable ally, and nearly as importantly she would provide a sense of nostalgia for Sajin, nostalgia of a different time, a different life. It was simpler back then, even as it had its own problems. Sajin mentally shook off his reminiscence and focused on the task at hand.

Turning to Ranma, the towering Sajin listened to him with an earnest ear. He understood the man's sense of loyalty, and respected him for it. But...Rose was a gigantic question mark at this point. He had no clue when the Vizard may wake and recover, if ever.

"I did speak to Erika Masamune. I sought her out to hear her reasons for dissolving the Gotei, and the ones she gave were troubling. The Central 46 is grasping for power, and she would not allow their hunger to tarnish the legacy Captain Commander Murasaki built. I admit I went to the Koizumi Estate furious that such a decision was made...but I understand now. These are troubling times, that will undoubtedly push us all to and beyond the limits of understanding. Being there for Captain Ōtoribashi is important, and I understand if you feel you cannot join us yet because of it. We will welcome you, him, and anyone else from your Division with open arms when the time comes."

Without turning to the others, Sajin's gaze took on a fiercer look as he looked down at Ranma. There was no hostility or anger or disappointment as he continued speaking, but his voice was filled with a seriousness necessary to convey the message he had for the budding Shinigami. "Yet I must also say stressing yourself out waiting for his recovery benefits no one. I cannot speak for him, but in his place I would not want you sitting by my bed with uncertainty in your heart." At this his right hand lifted, his finger placed firmly upon Ranma's chest.

"I believe we can build a Soul Society worthy of the man you called Captain. It will require sacrifice and dedication and will be a difficult road, but only together can we all achieve this dream."