[Bleach] War to End.. (part 2)
Jul. 30th, 2006 01:23 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
valmoraTitle: War to End... Part 2
See Scene 1 for full header.
Renji’s headache was coming back, and this time there was no decent outlet for the pain, the discomfort and frustration it bore with it more than his own mounting ire with the meeting he was currently involved in. Not only were they forced to stand for the entire meeting, which could last hours, even if they had just dragged themselves out of Fourth Division, but it also seemed as though the topics never changed and they never really accomplished anything. Having to listen to Soi Fong relate the state of Aizen’s army in comparison to their own for perhaps the third time in half as many days, with no care or worry towards the fact that their own numbers were dropping at a higher rate, finally snapped him, somewhere between the recount of his own division’s dead and the number of Arrancar taken down with them.
“This is ridiculous,” he announced, interrupting the now-perturbed second-division captain and not caring in the least. “Instead a’ talkin’ about how many more died because we refuse ta go into battle without division members who haven’t even been properly trained, let’s try an’ find a way ta’ have it not happen in the first place, eh?”
“Abarai-taichou,” Soi Fong cut in before the newly-raised captain could begin a full-out rant. “As you must be aware by now, there are methods for determining exactly which course of action would benefit us the most in our given situation-”
“Our ‘methods’ take us longer to determine than it takes Aizen to adjust ta them,” the redhead answered sharply. “We don’t need man-by-man accounts a’ what’s goin’ on - he attacked the southern area - he’s attackin’ west now. His basic troops are more powerful than ours and we just keep sendin’ ‘em out ta be slaughtered. We. Need. A. New. Strategy.” He was all but growling, irritable and beyond the point of trying not to show it.
“Abarai,” Yamamoto said, “you speak out of turn.”
“He does,” Byakuya agreed, feeling bold and angry and frustrated by his own helplessness; by idiots at war and incompetency. “However, his point is made. The Second Division Captain must of course finish her report concisely, but Sixth Division proposes that the forum be opened to discussion of other proposals. Surely it must be plain to the rest of those here that the losses Seireitei currently suffers cannot be maintained long enough to exhaust Aizen? The foe creates soldiers much more quickly than we create shinigami.”
Komamura nodded slowly, adding, “They’re right. I was out there, and they’re right. Something needs to change - they know our strategies; they were here. We have to come up with something new.”
“Che - get rid a’ th’ weaklings and jus’ send us in,” Kenpachi grumbled, obviously bored out of his mind with the pointless blathering on about proposals and discussion. As far as he was concerned, all it did was add flowery nonsense to something very straightforward: find an enemy and kill it.
“And what would happen to Seireitei should we fall in battle?” Hitsugaya answered broodilly. “Even captains have limits; we can’t fight an entire army, especially when the leaders of it are at our own level, if not higher. Be realistic -”
“I have kids comin’ straight outta th’ Academy with no idea how ta work with anyone else’s shikai, let alone fight Arrancar or use basic knowledge of a battle front,” Renji spoke over the younger captain, gesturing broadly. “I get orders ta send ‘em out, and then maybe half an hour later have ta’ run in after ‘em or lose them all instead a’ half. How is that any better than just sendin’ a captain in first?”
“That does not counter Hitsugaya-taichou’s point, however,” the second division captain pointed out, crossing her arms as she overcame indignation enough to enter into the conversation once more. “If more captain-level officers are placed at the front lines without aid, we must face the larger risk of losing them and thereby having a weakened position.”
Kyouraku tilted his hat, glancing out from under it and remarking, “Madame Second Division, we all know you could kill before you came to serve the Gotei Thirteen, but most of us wouldn’t have known what to do with our own feet before we left the Academy. The only thing killing newcomers does to the Arrancar is give them more energy - as Ukitake would point out if he were here, they can consume the energy of dead shinigami.”
There was a brief moment of silence, into which Byakuya then quietly said, “Sixth Division proposes an immediate withdrawal of non-seated officers from the western battlefield, without paperwork, which may be done should the front be held.”
Yamamoto brooded for a moment, and then answered, “Denied. The current tactics will be held until further conclusions can be made.”
Renji couldn’t help staring at the eldest captain, shocked by the sheer stubborness of the man. “What reason could you possibly have-”
“Their use on the field currently outweighs the negative affects of their deaths,” Soi Fong interrupted once more and then added, “which you would have known had you let me finish my report.”
“Guess we disagree then,” the redhead snapped, “ ‘cause I don’t see th’ use in deliberately puttin’ them on the lines when you know they will just get killed and usin’ ‘em as fodder for drawing fire.”
“Regardless - “ Hitsugaya interrupted, tossing an icy glare at both captains as a warning to settle down, “Yamamoto-soutaichou has a reason for denying their removal, whether it’s agreed-upon or not. If we physically weaken our lines, we need something stronger than a median-level captain to replace those removed.”
Renji frowned then, falling silent for a moment as he contemplated the full meaning of his fellow captain’s words. If it was one thing he’d learned with his promotion it was being quickly, and brutally, honest with himself. The captains they could spare, including himself, were not above “median level”. Really, Hitsugaya was referring to the older captains - athough he was sure the kid was underestimating Zaraki’s destructive potential, he knew his own well enough and he knew the other captains’ limits in a vague sense if not intimately. Simply put, they didn’t have enough firepower and they didn’t have the time to acquire it. The only possible way to make such a drastic leap in power in such a short time -
“Then why not create what we’re missin’?” Renji proposed quietly, sharply aware of the nature of the gazes now affixed to him. “We don’t have th’ time fer more... traditional methods,” he quickly added, trying to explain before they had the time to fully process his proposal, “an’ we’re already endorsin’ Vaizard-like trainin’ - just quietly - “
Byakuya watched Komamura leave, the man’s broad back turning away as he strode from the room in anger, and broke the stream of Renji’s words with a quiet, “It would be difficult to recant previous positions.”
Which was answered with a quick, “We forget that there are those already existing who have undergone the transformation,” from Unohana. “After all, we do believe that the Vaizard do not appreciate Aizen’s forces either, so why not ask them to aid us?”
Byakuya was unsurprised to hear Unohana’s words; after all, she was a medic, and practical - why sacrifice Seireitei’s own when Seireitei’s disdained were available, and would have fought the same enemy regardless?
There was a pause, where everyone stared at Mayuri, who had stirred and begun flipping through a small pad of paper he had drawn from his sleeve. “I have reconstructed some of my - predecessor’s - notes,” he said, voice grating, “and I’m sure we can make the transition to Vaizard as quick as possible. But not painless,” he added, smiling mirthlessly.
“Even if Hitsugaya-taichou doesn’t agree with my proposal, he can confirm that even just achievin’ the state strengthens you and can add to your abilities,” Renji continued, for now ignoring Byakuya’s words as he looked slowly around the room.
“... While I can confirm that, it’s also true that releasing the Hollow form is needed to acquire the type of power you’re talking about,” the younger captain answered, frowning deeply in concern.
“Sending out a message of goodwill or a request for aid is one thing - transforming ourselves is entirely another,” Soi Fong added curtly, her tone obviously showing preference for the first option. “Allowing captains to do such a thing would be a dishonor to all -”
“It’s dishonorable ta rely our entire offense on some kid who’s not even dead and then denounce the method that allowed him ta become that strong in th’ first place!” Renji flared angrily. “What’re you going ta tell the Vaizard, eh? That we’ll look the other way because we’re just feelin’ that magnanimous today? Oh, I’m sure they’ll be fallin’ all over themselves ta help people that look down on ‘em. If yer gonna cosider either part ya’ have ta consider it all - we’re not exactly capable of bein’ picky right now.”
Mayuri laughed, voice staticky, and said, “We remember that Aizen left because he could not cultivate powers as a Hollow within Seireitei, of course?” His words created a ripple of silence, shifting thoughts and evaluation.
“Officers would be required to supervise all transformations,” Byakuya proposed, “and those who could not maintain their true selves would of course be killed. Sixth Division makes a motion that the possibilities be investigated-”
“Kuchiki-taichou,” Yamamoto-soutaichou said, interrupting him, “you overstep your bounds. The Gotei Thirteen is not a democratic body. Kyouraku- send a group to meet with the Vaizard and propose alliance. Seireitei will not become a haven for Hollows.”
Kyouraku bowed, tipping his hat to Yamamoto-soutaichou and turning on his heel to leave, striding from the room, collecting Ise-fukutaichou at the door and muttering something to her as he left.
“Che, what’s it matter where we get the power?” Zaraki growled, grinning towards the remaining assembled captains. “Ain’t gonna change what ya’ use it for.”
Renji crossed his arms and muttered, “And yer not gonna get an alliance with them anyway if ya’ don’t concede that the method and th’ intent are different. ... And if ya go that far there’s no reason ta deny shinigami that option. But if ya’d rather go down ‘pure’ or whatever, fine - won’t change the fact that we’re losin’ and we will lose if somethin’ doesn’t change.”
“Abarai-taichou,” Yamamoto interrupted firmly, “You will be silent. Second Division Captain Soi Fong, finish your report.”
While Soi Fong began reciting facts Byakuya already knew, he made eye contact with a still-fuming Renji, then glanced to Zaraki, making no motion other than that but silently communicating, He is with you. Of Unohana, he was not certain, and after the meeting adjourned, he found himself waiting for Renji in the doorway, only to be cornered by Mayuri, who held out something in an opened palm. A box.
“I’m sure your stray will want this,” Mayuri said, dropping it at Byakuya’s feet, and walking off, Nemu in tow, her face cast towards the ground. Not for the first time, Byakuya wondered where Mayuri stood on the issue, and where Urahara would have stood.
Although catching Byakuya’s initial gesture, Renji simply fumed throughout the remainder of the meeting, catching Zaraki’s eye as they dispersed. The two shared a quick word, which went surprisingly unheard despite their normally boisterous volume, and parted. Eventually, the redhead wandered over towards the exit, catching sight of Mayuri just as the man left and paused beside his previous captain.
“I didn’t expect you ta support that idea,” he stated bluntly, but quietly, deciding not to ask about the box since the noble most likely wouldn’t tell him anything.
“Idiocy in any form must be discouraged,” Byakuya remarked in answer, kneeling briefly to pick the box up from the floor and holding it in his hand. Whatever it contained, it would be difficult to extract; the surface was unbroken, although it seemed to be made of something pliable. “Realise, however, that there will be those who draw connections from our alliance.” The conclusions that followed from the statement he left to Renji to puzzle out, turning the box over.
“One must suppose,” he remarked, “that Ukitake would have the most to say about such an item, outside of Kurotsuchi himself, or Urahara.”
“I know that,” Renji sighed, trying his best to drop his irritated tone of voice, even though Byakuya’s continual need to instruct and inform him tended to get on his nerves. “Which is part of the reason I was surprised,” he added, looking at the box briefly before nodding towards the exit and making as if to actually leave. “What is it?” he finally asked, curious in spite of himself, made all the more so with Byakuya’s comment on it.
“I do not know,” Byakuya answered, offering it to Renji and letting his hands drop to his sides, then, while Renji looked at the object, continued, “At the very least, parallels from your enthusiasm for embracing the Vaizards and our own alliance may cause some to rethink their support, though Kyouraku is always unreadable without Ukitake. You are fond of Hisagi; what say you?”
“They’re idiots if they think you’d ever support me outta anythin’ other than pure logic,” the redhead muttered, taking the box and scrutinizing it. He moved it between his hands, prodding and adding pressure to the side intermittently in an attempt to both feel it out and possibly open it. “And I ain’t exactly enthused - most a the Vaizard’re just as bad as us when it comes ta’ fightin’ their own battles and lookin’ down on everyone else - I just -” He sighed and shook his head, fiddling with the box. “Hisagi won’t support it. He and Komamura think th’ same.”
“If necessary,” Byakuya murmured, taking the box back from Renji and tucking it away in his sleeve, “I believe there are rooms warded against leaking kidou in other wings of the Kuchiki compound, and I am more than powerful enough to stop you should things go awry. For now, however, we must wait; I mislike the thought of prodding Kurotsuchi’s gift without Ukitake’s thoughts on what it may be.”
Red eyebrows rose at the noble’s statement, the younger man attempting to decide which part of it needed addressing the most - the fact that Byakuya was serious enough in his thoughts to suggest trying something that had been expressly forbidden; or that Mayuri had not only researched enough into Urahara’s procedures to somewhat mimic them, but also freely gave out the devices without, seemingly, much care. “...Thank you,” he finally murmured, looking forward once more. “I’m sure we’ll see him shortly - I’d like to hear what he has to say too.”
“This of course assumes he will survive,” Byakuya noted, looking to the west but seeing nothing other than clouds. “If need be, of course, there is always Kyouraku, but he is not so thorough as his counterpart, and not so well-versed in the technical aspect.” They reached Byakuya’s office, where Byakuya opened the door and found Hataki waiting for him.
“I expect he will,” Renji answered, pausing at the door. He turned automatically. “Anyway, I suppose I’ll see you then.”
Byakuya nodded, turning away from Renji and entering his own office, closing the door and listening to the receding footsteps before turning to Hataki and inquiring as to what she wished.
----
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Scene Seven
See Scene 1 for full header.
Renji’s headache was coming back, and this time there was no decent outlet for the pain, the discomfort and frustration it bore with it more than his own mounting ire with the meeting he was currently involved in. Not only were they forced to stand for the entire meeting, which could last hours, even if they had just dragged themselves out of Fourth Division, but it also seemed as though the topics never changed and they never really accomplished anything. Having to listen to Soi Fong relate the state of Aizen’s army in comparison to their own for perhaps the third time in half as many days, with no care or worry towards the fact that their own numbers were dropping at a higher rate, finally snapped him, somewhere between the recount of his own division’s dead and the number of Arrancar taken down with them.
“This is ridiculous,” he announced, interrupting the now-perturbed second-division captain and not caring in the least. “Instead a’ talkin’ about how many more died because we refuse ta go into battle without division members who haven’t even been properly trained, let’s try an’ find a way ta’ have it not happen in the first place, eh?”
“Abarai-taichou,” Soi Fong cut in before the newly-raised captain could begin a full-out rant. “As you must be aware by now, there are methods for determining exactly which course of action would benefit us the most in our given situation-”
“Our ‘methods’ take us longer to determine than it takes Aizen to adjust ta them,” the redhead answered sharply. “We don’t need man-by-man accounts a’ what’s goin’ on - he attacked the southern area - he’s attackin’ west now. His basic troops are more powerful than ours and we just keep sendin’ ‘em out ta be slaughtered. We. Need. A. New. Strategy.” He was all but growling, irritable and beyond the point of trying not to show it.
“Abarai,” Yamamoto said, “you speak out of turn.”
“He does,” Byakuya agreed, feeling bold and angry and frustrated by his own helplessness; by idiots at war and incompetency. “However, his point is made. The Second Division Captain must of course finish her report concisely, but Sixth Division proposes that the forum be opened to discussion of other proposals. Surely it must be plain to the rest of those here that the losses Seireitei currently suffers cannot be maintained long enough to exhaust Aizen? The foe creates soldiers much more quickly than we create shinigami.”
Komamura nodded slowly, adding, “They’re right. I was out there, and they’re right. Something needs to change - they know our strategies; they were here. We have to come up with something new.”
“Che - get rid a’ th’ weaklings and jus’ send us in,” Kenpachi grumbled, obviously bored out of his mind with the pointless blathering on about proposals and discussion. As far as he was concerned, all it did was add flowery nonsense to something very straightforward: find an enemy and kill it.
“And what would happen to Seireitei should we fall in battle?” Hitsugaya answered broodilly. “Even captains have limits; we can’t fight an entire army, especially when the leaders of it are at our own level, if not higher. Be realistic -”
“I have kids comin’ straight outta th’ Academy with no idea how ta work with anyone else’s shikai, let alone fight Arrancar or use basic knowledge of a battle front,” Renji spoke over the younger captain, gesturing broadly. “I get orders ta send ‘em out, and then maybe half an hour later have ta’ run in after ‘em or lose them all instead a’ half. How is that any better than just sendin’ a captain in first?”
“That does not counter Hitsugaya-taichou’s point, however,” the second division captain pointed out, crossing her arms as she overcame indignation enough to enter into the conversation once more. “If more captain-level officers are placed at the front lines without aid, we must face the larger risk of losing them and thereby having a weakened position.”
Kyouraku tilted his hat, glancing out from under it and remarking, “Madame Second Division, we all know you could kill before you came to serve the Gotei Thirteen, but most of us wouldn’t have known what to do with our own feet before we left the Academy. The only thing killing newcomers does to the Arrancar is give them more energy - as Ukitake would point out if he were here, they can consume the energy of dead shinigami.”
There was a brief moment of silence, into which Byakuya then quietly said, “Sixth Division proposes an immediate withdrawal of non-seated officers from the western battlefield, without paperwork, which may be done should the front be held.”
Yamamoto brooded for a moment, and then answered, “Denied. The current tactics will be held until further conclusions can be made.”
Renji couldn’t help staring at the eldest captain, shocked by the sheer stubborness of the man. “What reason could you possibly have-”
“Their use on the field currently outweighs the negative affects of their deaths,” Soi Fong interrupted once more and then added, “which you would have known had you let me finish my report.”
“Guess we disagree then,” the redhead snapped, “ ‘cause I don’t see th’ use in deliberately puttin’ them on the lines when you know they will just get killed and usin’ ‘em as fodder for drawing fire.”
“Regardless - “ Hitsugaya interrupted, tossing an icy glare at both captains as a warning to settle down, “Yamamoto-soutaichou has a reason for denying their removal, whether it’s agreed-upon or not. If we physically weaken our lines, we need something stronger than a median-level captain to replace those removed.”
Renji frowned then, falling silent for a moment as he contemplated the full meaning of his fellow captain’s words. If it was one thing he’d learned with his promotion it was being quickly, and brutally, honest with himself. The captains they could spare, including himself, were not above “median level”. Really, Hitsugaya was referring to the older captains - athough he was sure the kid was underestimating Zaraki’s destructive potential, he knew his own well enough and he knew the other captains’ limits in a vague sense if not intimately. Simply put, they didn’t have enough firepower and they didn’t have the time to acquire it. The only possible way to make such a drastic leap in power in such a short time -
“Then why not create what we’re missin’?” Renji proposed quietly, sharply aware of the nature of the gazes now affixed to him. “We don’t have th’ time fer more... traditional methods,” he quickly added, trying to explain before they had the time to fully process his proposal, “an’ we’re already endorsin’ Vaizard-like trainin’ - just quietly - “
Byakuya watched Komamura leave, the man’s broad back turning away as he strode from the room in anger, and broke the stream of Renji’s words with a quiet, “It would be difficult to recant previous positions.”
Which was answered with a quick, “We forget that there are those already existing who have undergone the transformation,” from Unohana. “After all, we do believe that the Vaizard do not appreciate Aizen’s forces either, so why not ask them to aid us?”
Byakuya was unsurprised to hear Unohana’s words; after all, she was a medic, and practical - why sacrifice Seireitei’s own when Seireitei’s disdained were available, and would have fought the same enemy regardless?
There was a pause, where everyone stared at Mayuri, who had stirred and begun flipping through a small pad of paper he had drawn from his sleeve. “I have reconstructed some of my - predecessor’s - notes,” he said, voice grating, “and I’m sure we can make the transition to Vaizard as quick as possible. But not painless,” he added, smiling mirthlessly.
“Even if Hitsugaya-taichou doesn’t agree with my proposal, he can confirm that even just achievin’ the state strengthens you and can add to your abilities,” Renji continued, for now ignoring Byakuya’s words as he looked slowly around the room.
“... While I can confirm that, it’s also true that releasing the Hollow form is needed to acquire the type of power you’re talking about,” the younger captain answered, frowning deeply in concern.
“Sending out a message of goodwill or a request for aid is one thing - transforming ourselves is entirely another,” Soi Fong added curtly, her tone obviously showing preference for the first option. “Allowing captains to do such a thing would be a dishonor to all -”
“It’s dishonorable ta rely our entire offense on some kid who’s not even dead and then denounce the method that allowed him ta become that strong in th’ first place!” Renji flared angrily. “What’re you going ta tell the Vaizard, eh? That we’ll look the other way because we’re just feelin’ that magnanimous today? Oh, I’m sure they’ll be fallin’ all over themselves ta help people that look down on ‘em. If yer gonna cosider either part ya’ have ta consider it all - we’re not exactly capable of bein’ picky right now.”
Mayuri laughed, voice staticky, and said, “We remember that Aizen left because he could not cultivate powers as a Hollow within Seireitei, of course?” His words created a ripple of silence, shifting thoughts and evaluation.
“Officers would be required to supervise all transformations,” Byakuya proposed, “and those who could not maintain their true selves would of course be killed. Sixth Division makes a motion that the possibilities be investigated-”
“Kuchiki-taichou,” Yamamoto-soutaichou said, interrupting him, “you overstep your bounds. The Gotei Thirteen is not a democratic body. Kyouraku- send a group to meet with the Vaizard and propose alliance. Seireitei will not become a haven for Hollows.”
Kyouraku bowed, tipping his hat to Yamamoto-soutaichou and turning on his heel to leave, striding from the room, collecting Ise-fukutaichou at the door and muttering something to her as he left.
“Che, what’s it matter where we get the power?” Zaraki growled, grinning towards the remaining assembled captains. “Ain’t gonna change what ya’ use it for.”
Renji crossed his arms and muttered, “And yer not gonna get an alliance with them anyway if ya’ don’t concede that the method and th’ intent are different. ... And if ya go that far there’s no reason ta deny shinigami that option. But if ya’d rather go down ‘pure’ or whatever, fine - won’t change the fact that we’re losin’ and we will lose if somethin’ doesn’t change.”
“Abarai-taichou,” Yamamoto interrupted firmly, “You will be silent. Second Division Captain Soi Fong, finish your report.”
While Soi Fong began reciting facts Byakuya already knew, he made eye contact with a still-fuming Renji, then glanced to Zaraki, making no motion other than that but silently communicating, He is with you. Of Unohana, he was not certain, and after the meeting adjourned, he found himself waiting for Renji in the doorway, only to be cornered by Mayuri, who held out something in an opened palm. A box.
“I’m sure your stray will want this,” Mayuri said, dropping it at Byakuya’s feet, and walking off, Nemu in tow, her face cast towards the ground. Not for the first time, Byakuya wondered where Mayuri stood on the issue, and where Urahara would have stood.
Although catching Byakuya’s initial gesture, Renji simply fumed throughout the remainder of the meeting, catching Zaraki’s eye as they dispersed. The two shared a quick word, which went surprisingly unheard despite their normally boisterous volume, and parted. Eventually, the redhead wandered over towards the exit, catching sight of Mayuri just as the man left and paused beside his previous captain.
“I didn’t expect you ta support that idea,” he stated bluntly, but quietly, deciding not to ask about the box since the noble most likely wouldn’t tell him anything.
“Idiocy in any form must be discouraged,” Byakuya remarked in answer, kneeling briefly to pick the box up from the floor and holding it in his hand. Whatever it contained, it would be difficult to extract; the surface was unbroken, although it seemed to be made of something pliable. “Realise, however, that there will be those who draw connections from our alliance.” The conclusions that followed from the statement he left to Renji to puzzle out, turning the box over.
“One must suppose,” he remarked, “that Ukitake would have the most to say about such an item, outside of Kurotsuchi himself, or Urahara.”
“I know that,” Renji sighed, trying his best to drop his irritated tone of voice, even though Byakuya’s continual need to instruct and inform him tended to get on his nerves. “Which is part of the reason I was surprised,” he added, looking at the box briefly before nodding towards the exit and making as if to actually leave. “What is it?” he finally asked, curious in spite of himself, made all the more so with Byakuya’s comment on it.
“I do not know,” Byakuya answered, offering it to Renji and letting his hands drop to his sides, then, while Renji looked at the object, continued, “At the very least, parallels from your enthusiasm for embracing the Vaizards and our own alliance may cause some to rethink their support, though Kyouraku is always unreadable without Ukitake. You are fond of Hisagi; what say you?”
“They’re idiots if they think you’d ever support me outta anythin’ other than pure logic,” the redhead muttered, taking the box and scrutinizing it. He moved it between his hands, prodding and adding pressure to the side intermittently in an attempt to both feel it out and possibly open it. “And I ain’t exactly enthused - most a the Vaizard’re just as bad as us when it comes ta’ fightin’ their own battles and lookin’ down on everyone else - I just -” He sighed and shook his head, fiddling with the box. “Hisagi won’t support it. He and Komamura think th’ same.”
“If necessary,” Byakuya murmured, taking the box back from Renji and tucking it away in his sleeve, “I believe there are rooms warded against leaking kidou in other wings of the Kuchiki compound, and I am more than powerful enough to stop you should things go awry. For now, however, we must wait; I mislike the thought of prodding Kurotsuchi’s gift without Ukitake’s thoughts on what it may be.”
Red eyebrows rose at the noble’s statement, the younger man attempting to decide which part of it needed addressing the most - the fact that Byakuya was serious enough in his thoughts to suggest trying something that had been expressly forbidden; or that Mayuri had not only researched enough into Urahara’s procedures to somewhat mimic them, but also freely gave out the devices without, seemingly, much care. “...Thank you,” he finally murmured, looking forward once more. “I’m sure we’ll see him shortly - I’d like to hear what he has to say too.”
“This of course assumes he will survive,” Byakuya noted, looking to the west but seeing nothing other than clouds. “If need be, of course, there is always Kyouraku, but he is not so thorough as his counterpart, and not so well-versed in the technical aspect.” They reached Byakuya’s office, where Byakuya opened the door and found Hataki waiting for him.
“I expect he will,” Renji answered, pausing at the door. He turned automatically. “Anyway, I suppose I’ll see you then.”
Byakuya nodded, turning away from Renji and entering his own office, closing the door and listening to the receding footsteps before turning to Hataki and inquiring as to what she wished.
----
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