Still your brother [ Tento | Open to 1 ]

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the Soul Society. Despite the chaos and exhaustion brought on by the invasion and the disbandment of the Gotei United, Tento found himself drawn to the old 4th Division barracks. It had been a haven for him, a place of camaraderie and purpose, and the memories he had made there with his brothers and sisters in arms were ever-present in his mind. Tento walked with an aimless purpose, his steps echoing softly on the well-trodden path. He had been steadily checking up his brothers and sisters often, noticing how some had seamlessly transitioned into new roles, while others struggled to find their footing. Others kept on saying such as, “the gotei isn't gone”. He respected that and smiled. The imces that kept their duty and love for combat Gotei or not were indeed soulsIt was a hard time for everyone, and Tento couldn't say for sure if their paths were best for them. His own was as unclear as theirs after all.

He did know that many had taken up positions in security or law enforcement within the Rukongai or greater parts of the Soul Society, doing their best to maintain order and keep the peace (or get paid for having good fights to test themselves while having an excuse). Others had used their saved funds to start businesses, seizing the opportunity to rebuild and contribute to the reconstruction efforts. As he approached the barracks, partially damaged but still standing, Tento's heart ached with a mix of nostalgia and determination. The building held so many memories, not the least of which were the times he had spent there with his best friend, Hanako. She had been missing for over a year now, ever since the invasion started, and the thought of her absence weighed heavily on him.

He wasn't sure who, if anyone, he would find lingering in the barracks, but the visit was as much for his own sake as it was for theirs. Stepping through the entrance, Tento took a deep breath, allowing the familiar scents and sights to wash over him. The walls bore the marks of past battles and the wear of time, but they also held the spirit of resilience and unity that had defined the 4th Division. As he walked through the corridors, memories flooded back; training sessions, late-night conversations, the sense of belonging that had been so integral to his journey. Each step was a reminder of the path he had walked, the friends he had made, and the battles they had fought together.

It was strange. He had thought it would be abonded and dirty but it actually looked rather maintained. Had people been staying here in the meantime like he heard other people had done in the other divisions?? Tento paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the empty training grounds. He could almost hear the echoes of laughter and the clashing of swords, the sounds of a time when things were simpler, yet just as challenging. With a determined breath, he continued his walk, knowing that this visit was a way to honor the past while preparing himself for the future. As he neared the end of the corridor, Tento silently promised himself that no matter how busy he became, he would always carry the spirit of the 4th Division with him. The bonds forged here, the lessons learned, and the memories made would guide him as he faced whatever lay ahead. And maybe, just maybe, he would find a piece of solace in this place that had once been his home.