Cherry Blossoms and The Eternal Dark[Private]

[Bear]

[maroon]From atop his pagoda he had a clear view of everything below, his entire city and family lay before him. Sure he was hundreds of feet above them but even still, his eyes could see the odd Shinigami here and there, whether it was training or just relaxing. This was his ideal life, everything had been slowly going in a direction he could, for once in his life, say was good. He had a Vice Captain, a new recruit and many others joining his cause, to join his family.

But he had another mission.

Turning around there was a black tear within the fabric of reality itself, literally. The mouth of a black Garganta lay before him, his destination was Soul Society. A place he promised himself he would never return to, not since his trial. But there was something he needed, and this was the only place he could get it from. However he would stray away from those he did not get... 'along' with. Sticking his gloved hands within the altered black and white Vizard robes, he slowly stepped through the black nothingness. It closed behind him, only for it to open on the other side, a tear destroying a portion of the blue sky within Soul Society. Compressing his reiatsu to a level that would only be sensed by those nearby, which is what he wanted, he stepped through.

"..."

He stayed quiet only looking below. The Kuchiki manor. He did not hate the man, nor was he exactly 'friends' with him, but he was capable of being civil. This man had been one of the few to best him in battle, and sure he was to stand trial but out of all the Captain;'s, he showed the most 'hospitality'. If you could call it that. They had dined together once before parting, and that was it, more like a peace offering than anything. Either way, this was the man he needed to see, and rather than simply barge in he would at least show the proper etiquette and knock. Dropping from the sky he came to a soft landing just feet away from the door, which had two manor servants cleaning and doing whatever other duties they had. They noticed the masked man immediately and seemed to freeze, but he made no movement.

"Fetch me Kuchiki Byakuya."

Tilting his head, he looked off in the opposite direction.

"Tell him Kisho Haruo has come to see him."

That was like the key word, the manor residents knew of him simply because of the clash they had. Although no words were exchanged, he caught the nodding of heads from the corner of his eyes, one ran off while the other just stared. Fear, or curiosity. Either way it didn't matter, he just waited for the noble to show up.

[/maroon][/justify]

[Byakuya Kuchiki]

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i acted so d i s t a n t then
you fight your b a t t l e s far from me
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→ T

[/color][/font]he noble man strode through the halls of the Kuchiki Manor with his typical stride of pride. His sandal laden feet echoed down the somewhat empty hallways. The occasional flickering lamp lighting the surroundings as he passed by them. Bykuya froze for a moment as he heard a small commotion and then proceeded with his usual stride. His violet eyes took notice of a small conglomeration of people gathered in a circle whispering with each other. One of the four saw the noble man and immediately jumped in slight surprise. The others turned and jumped as well in surprise as Byakuya glanced at them. They each bowed quickly and hastily with small beads of sweat trickling down their faces. Byakuya simply gazed at them for a few more seconds before striding past. The men quickly parted as he walked away from their startled looks.

→ B[/color][/font]yakuya could imagine something was up, and no sooner had the thought entered his mind, a servant rushed up to him and knelt before him on one knee. The noble man did not have any need to speak as the man blurted out his message. "Kuchiki Sama, a man here requests an audience with you by the name of Kisho Haruo." The words fell on the silent air as the Captain pondered this for a moment. Without further notice, Byakuya spoke. "Very well. You may return to your duties." The servant gave one more curt bow before scrambling off. Byakuya himself found himself approaching the courtyard where he could see more residents begin to whisper and chat about the arrival of the uncommon individual.

→ I[/color][/font]t wasn't long before Byakuya confronted the familiar face. He stood there for a moment as the murmurs from the manor residents died down upon his arrival. He took steady steps forward towards the man Kisho. His haori wavered behind him along with his silk scarf. Stopping, Byakuya gazed at the man with his unmoving eyes. "I see you've returned to this world, Haruo, Kisho." Byakuya's gaze did not waver nor did it falter. He was peering into the man. What was his purpose for coming here of all places?
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[Bear]

[maroon]By rights he shouldn't have been in this place, he was no enemy to Soul Society and the whole 'kill on sight' thing had been lifted, but it still felt wrong. It was no longer his home and he felt completely out of place here, everything reminded him of what he didn't want. A military organization, 'strictly squad mates' attitude. He compared it to Hidenseido, which was kind of a bias thing, but he couldn't help it. Everything had changed in the span of his life, while some were good, others were not. But here he was looking to meet and converse with the noble once more, probably the only Captain he could truly stomach. Even Komamura, his old Captain, could not be in his presence long.

Its not like he had much time to dwell on these thoughts, because the familiar scarf soon entered his vision. Byakuya had arrived as quickly as he had expected, the man was never late for anything, was he? Even meeting one such as himself. But Kisho said nothing and only kept his hands within his pockets, there was no greeting between the two. Well, not a formal one anyway, instead Byakuya simply made a statement about his presence here. Yeah, it was odd.

"It has been awhile, hasn't it?"

Not long enough, but he needed something. And that something could only be gained by visiting this world and acquiring it through means of conversation, with a Captain. If he had any other options he would have taken them, but this was the only thing available to him. He had to make do.

"Forgive my forwardness, but I'll get right to the point. I need information."

There was a few things here and there he picked up on, about a possible war and the capture of Aizen. But it wasn't enough, that war could be waged anywhere and this capture would be harder than they thought. He was powerful, even Kisho could admit that, but not invincible. It was a matter of coming up with a strategy to defeat the man.

"I have heard rumors about a war with Aizen and his Arrancar, is it true? And if so, just where is this war to take place? Surely it can't be within the walls of Soul Society or even Las Noches?"

Yeah it worried him, if they intended to take the bloodshed to Karakura town how would the Humans survive? The mass amounts of reiatsu alone would destroy any soul that wandered by. Even Yamamoto was not senile enough to endanger their lives. So just how was this to take place? And what of the mans power? What type of Zanpakuto did he hold? Questions that needed answers.

[/justify][/maroon]

[Byakuya Kuchiki]

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i acted so d i s t a n t then
you fight your b a t t l e s far from me
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→ C

[/color][/font]areful eyes studied the man before him. Violet eyes took the man in at one glance. His posture, stance, his mannerisms. Everything in one fell swoop of mere moments. His words were also chosen carefully, however without the elegance that he had known the man for. Byakuya made no notion of movement or sign that he was going to speak. He simply listened to the man and what he had to say. After all, had he not thought this to be interesting, he would have had the man escorted off without acknowledging him or his existance.

→ W[/color][/font]hat this man had asked had no easy answer. Byakuya stopped his breath if only for a short moment as the question had arisen. Despite his prior encounters, the man showed a bit of respect. "That is none of your concern...Haruo, Kisho." Byakuya closed his eyes for a moment before glancing off to the side for a moment. He could see a few other of the Kuchiki residents wandering, some stopping to stare. He made no more note of the faces as he returned his attention to the man.

→ N[/color][/font]one the less, Byakuya found himself in a position to perhaps amuse the man. Information was power after all, and power is always guarded well. Knowledge could discern a fight before it even began. It could end a war before the first sword was swung. Yes, it was quite powerful indeed. "Had you been in the Gotei Thirteen, you may be privileged to this information, however it is not my concern to inform outsiders". The last word was emphasized with a chill tact. He was not demeaning nor trying to provoke the man, however it was simply true. He was an outsider to Soul Society, to the Shinigami, to everyone around him.

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[Bear]

[maroon]None of his concern huh? If the circumstances had been any different than that may have been true, if he was an enemy to either Soul Society or Karakura town itself. However that city was his home and he intended to protect it, but he should have expected as much from the noble. They weren't enemies but they weren't friends, and should this information be leaked out to the Arrancar, or to any of Aizen's forces, it would be bad. Not like he would be the one to leak it, no he had his own reasons for needing such things.

Then he was referred to as an outsider, heh now that stung slightly. Not in the sense that he still saw Soul Society as his home, but because they were mutual allies. Kind of. He stomached this place because of his wife and kids, and had they left or had he not married his wife he would not have traveled here. Even if he needed the information, but it was amusing to see the man speak in such a way. Actually, he was slightly surprised he didn't just dismiss Kisho and leave, so that was a good sign.

"I see it as my concern, Karakura town is my home and if the war is to take place there, I will do what is necessary to protect it. And besides, if I'm to crush that foolish Aizen, I'll need the information don't you think?"

A bold statement that was for sure, he had his work cut out for him. Taking down someone who even Soul Society could not capture meant it would not be an easy task. Good. He hated easy tasks such as killing a low Hollow, or capturing someone who couldn't even run. It was like stealing a piece of candy from a child, easy and demeaning. But if that was how he was going to play the game, then Kisho could play too.

"However if that's how you're going to play it, perhaps we can make a little trade? I have information that even you Shinigami do not have. Information about Aizen's lackeys, tell me what I need to know, and I'll give you this information. It may mean the difference between winning and losing."

It was a fair trade, Kisho only needed two things. Where this war would take place, and what type of Zanpakuto this man held. If Byakuya could give him that much, he could tell the noble of the things he experienced first hand with the Arrancar. In all honesty, it was pretty valuable, it would give them a chance to counter it and not be taken by surprise.

[/justify][/maroon]

[Byakuya Kuchiki]

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i acted so d i s t a n t then
you fight your b a t t l e s far from me
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→ T

[/color][/font]he noble man stood there as a steadfast wall of dedication and honor. A statue with no signs of wavering to the wind that whistled at him. What did this man hope to gain from confronting him about such matters? Such matters that didn't even involve him. He was an exile, excommunicate, or even to some, a traitor. What position of power was he in to negotiate such dealings? To come here on his own will and to show up on his door step as well? Quite a bit of hubris.

→ W[/color][/font]hat did the man before him believe in? He had resonated a slight answer to that his previous encounter, however much like the public viewed the Sixth Division Captain, Haruo Kisho was a mystery. Like the boy, Kurosaki Ichigo, this man must have had friends he was defending as well. Not only friends but allies. How far this man had come was astounding. Byakuya blinked his violet eyes as he brought himself back from his thoughts.

→ T[/color][/font]he man before him was babbling about his intentions. Byakuya lifted a hand and brushed away a few crinkles in the rather flush and smooth scarf around his neck. "You speak as if you were Kurosaki Ichigo." Byakuya closed his eyes for a moment and glanced away. Taking a moment, he returned his attention back to Kisho. "A trade which I am not in the position to authorize? Perhaps if I brought you before the Captain Commander, however...such a feat would require great resources, let alone work." Another pause before Byakuya continued. "There are alternatives..." He spoke quite calmly and nonchalantly as if insinuating bending the rules. Of course Byakuya would not break the law, he would simply find a missing factor. Kurosaki, Ichigo had opened his eyes to this not too long ago...
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[Bear]

[maroon]He needed the information and would do anything to get it, there was so much anger and hate built up for the man they called Aizen. He was not fit to live in this world especially after what he had done, no he would forgive such an act. Without leaving his sacred fortress he committed a crime against Kisho, got him arrested and nearly executed. And yet, they had never met face to face. Revenge wasn't his only goal though, he wanted to protect the place he lived and the family he cared about. Hidenseido. He made promises that he would never see them harmed, and if the rumors were true, and Aizen was victorious then those promises would be shattered.

But then he spoke about this person called Ichigo, he had no idea who that was so the name meant very little to him. By the way he compared the two the noble must have seen something similar in the two of them, perhaps the want to protect. Its not like he was the only person in the world wanting to protect someone, everyone had that desire. Even the noble in front of him, whether he admitted it or not. And he continued on, speaking about taking it to the Captain Commander, and then not. He didn't care much for the old man himself, its not like he feared the geezer they just didn't get along too well. Their ideals and beliefs were far different, he was strict and Kisho was not. But 'alternatives'? What were these alternatives he spoke of? Only one way to find out. Turning his head and looking to the sky, he closed his eyes. He would do anything.

"Without lifting a finger, he took my daughter from me. I intend to repay him with the pain hes caused me, tenfold."

He looked back to the noble, a sob story sure but it was all true. It was a motive him that fueled his anger the most and in all honesty, if he was capable of it, he would storm Las Noches and slaughter the man right there. But he knew that was a task he couldn't handle alone, not with his Espada right there. Even someone such as himself needed help at times.

"Byakuya, please tell me these alternatives. If there is a debt then I will gladly repay it, tell me what I need to know and I'll crush him."

Determination at its best.

[/justify][/maroon]

[Byakuya Kuchiki]

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i acted so d i s t a n t then
you fight your b a t t l e s far from me
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→ T

[/color][/font]here the noble man stood, listening and humoring this being standing before him. He had no rhyme or reason to listen, however Byakuya had a notion and slight respect for the man despite their prior encounter. This man had truly no idea what he was involving himself with. There was no reason for such an outsider to delve into the dealings of the Gotei 13. Byakuya had noted that many of his clan had simply stopped watching as his gaze met theirs. Clearly the cold and piercing violet eyes were much more threatening than a mere stranger.

→ I[/color][/font]t was here Haruo, Kisho explained his plight with him. The taking of a loved one, how tragic. Byakuya made no motion as he watched the man's words leave his lips as if they were a tangible object. Striding past Kisho as he finished his please and bid for information once more, he stopped only feet away. His scarf fluttered in the wind for a moment before his hand gracefully touched the hilt of his Senbonzakura. "Let me place this into perspective Haruo, Kisho." In a blink of an eye, Byakuya had unsheathed his Zanpakutou with a swift swipe. The silver blade glistened in the sunlight in the courtyard as it was held out in front of him. Byakuya made no intention of turning around to face Kisho with his weapon.

→ T[/color][/font]he blade was held out in a horizontal fashion as if the sword was trying to pierce a far away object. "You strike in front of you, and your opponent is not there." The noble man's voice was calm and collected as he turned with his weapon in tow. Another swing of the sword to his side as Byakuya spoke once more. "A slice to the side, and one may still miss." His words and actions all had meaning, it would become clear enough soon. Turning to face Kisho with his blade, he pointed it at the man's face. "By the time one truly lays eyes on their opponent, you have lost the battle." Closing his violet eyes, Byakuya swiftly sheathed his Zanpakutou back and let his hands fall against his sides once again. "We, the Captains of the Gotei 13 are blind against this threat."
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[Bear]

[maroon]Their previous encounter had not been out of hate, not because they were arch enemies bent on destroying one another. No, it was duty and that was it. And it showed. It was his duty to protect not only his family but himself as well, and it was Byakuya's duty to carry out orders from the Head Commander, he could not condemn the man nor hate him. He was only doing what he was told. Instead he had actually gained respect for the man, despite not being able to tolerate anyone else within Soul Society. Aside from his wife, of course. However the man had strode passed him and placed a hand on his Zanpakuto, Kisho only turned and faced him. He knew he would not strike him down.

He then spoke in riddles about his sword striking one place, but completely missing and not meeting flesh or metal. Watching the noble as he turned and the blade was pointed directly at his face, explaining that the moment he lay eyes upon the target, he would be dead. And that the Captain's were blind to all of this, his sword now sheathed the Vizard replayed all of this in his head. He wasn't the best at riddles but he wasn't the worst either, but if the Captain's were 'blind' and his sword would only meet air should he swing at the opponent then whatever power Aizen held it had something to do with eyesight.

"By the time one truly lays eyes on their opponent, you have lost the battle."

He repeated the words in his head and placed one hand on his head, was it possible the man could bend light and create reflections? No, something like that would be easy to counter. It would not be enough to stop the entire Gotei 13. Hallucinations perhaps? That seemed more logical, but.... that could not be it. But then it clicked, the man could use illusions, it was a mere stonethrow away from hallucinations. That was it, illusions. But if he could use something to trick ones sense of sight, then how was it possible to counter such a thing.

"You're telling me that Aizen is capable of using illusion? What is the trick behind it? Surely there must be at least one way to beat such a thing, right?"

He let his hands drop to his sides and took a few steps over to the left, staring up at the sky. Damn, if he could create illusions then even he wasn't sure he could stand up against that. He could make it look like he was fighting Aizen, but end up slaying one of his own comrades. Shit. Wait... there was something else.

"You said all the Captain's are blind to this? Yet you did not include anyone else, why? Is there a way to counter it that the Captain's can no longer do?"

There was obviously something, maybe closing your eyes and fighting blindly. Well, if that was the case then the Captain's would have done so. But there was definitely a way to counter it.

[/justify][/maroon]

[Byakuya Kuchiki]

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i acted so d i s t a n t then
you fight your b a t t l e s far from me
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→ T

[/color][/font]he man that stood before Byakuya seemed somewhat baffled at first. Byakuya closed his eyes as he turned away for a moment. It was quite a simple concept that could elude to many different abilities. Of course the ability that Byakuya was referencing was that of his illusions. Aizen's illusions were much more than simply a simple mind trick. It fooled much more than simply the eyes but the entire body's senses. Truly this was quite a terrifying ability. One would have to prepare to combat both, Aizen's Zanpakuotu and his incredible strength. Let alone his abilities, Aizen was quite a tactician. He had planned his betrayal along with Captain Ichimaru and Captain Tousen.

→ B[/color][/font]yakuya's eyelids opened as he glanced to Kisho. His words seemed in disbelief, however pushed for more information. "I have already explained this previously, however..." His voice trailed off for a moment. "You have not seen his Zanpakutou. This is an advantage in itself." Byakuya raised an arm and pointed to Kisho before dropping it just as gracefully. "You, along with Kurosaki Ichigo have the potential to alter the outcome of this war." That was as far as he was going to go as for information. It was not like he expected anything in return, nor did he elude much as far as classified information went. Most of what was spoken in Captain's meetings was kept secret except to the most privileged officers.

→ P[/color][/font]erhaps they had more allies than he had expected, however he wouldn't exactly put the man Kisho in the position to be called an ally. His reputation for what he did outside of Soul Society was...questionable, but out of the Sixth Divison Captain's jurisdiction. If it was none of his concern, then so be it. He wouldn't let it linger a thought more in his mind. Byakuya remained silent as he carefully watched Kisho. His eyes sought for something, however they found nothing.
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[Bear]

[maroon]Behind the mask there was a smile, having this information was exactly what he needed to bring down such a man. It seemed that not having seen his Zanpakuto was the trick to this, and if that was the case he would avoid the blade at all costs. Of course he knew his eyes would eventually make contact with it, but that's where his second set of senses came in to play. Floriza definitely came in handy with that one. But he wasn't alone as Byakuya kept mentioning this one named 'Ichigo Kurosaki', and that he was capable of turning this war as well. Either way it didn't matter, this boy would not need to take part because Aizen's blood would be spilled by only Kisho.

"I see, so crushing Aizen should be no problem then. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that he won't be expecting."

He made a slight fidgeting within his pockets, the noble had provided him with the information he was seeking and it was only fair he return the favor. He was not asked too nor did Byakuya inquire about any information but if it could help with keeping the Espada off his back, and allow Kisho to fight full strength then it was best he said something. Besides if they went in blind they could end up being wiped out in mere minutes. That power was frightening and damn near killed Kisho, had Hakku not showed up he would have died that day.

"Byakuya, I will tell you something about the Espada even if you did not ask. I have a feeling it could mean life and death for some of you."

He turned and stared out at one of the ponds decorating his manor, his own home had things such as this. A place he had not visited in quite some time.

"You are aware that Arrancar's have a released called Ressureccion, correct? Well I encountered the Fourth Espada not too long ago and discovered something new. Something horrific."

It still shook him to think about, not that he was scared. It was the feeling of despair he felt, it was awful.

"I fought him with everything I had but it wasn't enough, he released what he named 'Segunda Etapa'. A second state of Ressureccion, neither my Bankai nor Mask were strong enough to combat it. I nearly died, my Hollow kept me alive long enough to get healed."

He turned his head to look at Byakuya for a moment, then back to the pond.

"I do not know if all Espada possess this, but if they do then know that a single Bankai will not be enough to fight it. It will take multiple people to bring down such a power, when the time comes to fight Aizen and the Espada, be prepared for such a thing."

It was information that any Captain would find useful, even if they did not like the source it was coming from. It was the truth and even if they had their differences, Kisho did not want to see Soul Society destroyed. He grew up here and there were some Shinigami he liked, but it was mainly because of the balance. If Soul Society ended up a rubble, the Hollow would take over and destroy the world. Not what he wanted.

[/justify][/maroon]