Forging a Friendship (Joint Training, PG-13)

[Souji Tenryu]

((OOC: This is a Joint Training thread between Souji Tenryu and Mika Kurosawa. Currently Souji is aiming to earn CTP.))

“No, no, this won't work at all...”

Souji frowned as he looked over the latest shipment of iron ore that had been delivered the day before, a report in held in his hand. The report was an analysis of the ore, one that had normally not been necessary before, but of late, there had been an issue with shipments from the usual mine. It seemed that the iron ore delivered had been tainted with an impurity that they didn't understand, one that had not shown up in Tenryu steel in the past; much like pig iron, which had a high carbon content, this basis of spiritual steel had shown some unusual impurities that standard refinement processes had not been able to remove. As a result, the Tenryu forges had released some lower-quality pieces, one that had been recalled and replaced with properly-smelted spiritual steel, but the odd nature of the ore was confusing. No one had seen anything like it, and the mine that the ore had come from was one of many that had been used through generations. What could be the cause of it?

There were theories, of course, and Souji paid close attention to them and filed them away in case the information was useful. Most of the theories pointed to the effects of unfocused Reiatsu on the ore; some thought that the impurities may have to do with the presence of active Reiatsu in the area, especially since new mining techniques that utilized it had been introduced recently. Others suggested that the recent events in Seireitei, from the Vandenreich invasion to the defection of one of Soul Society's major members, had been a major influence on the quality of the ore. After all, the effects were far-reaching, and the unusual Reiatsu released by Quincies might have made an impact on the quality of the ore, though tests on shipments from other mines were still in progress to prove that particular theory. There was nothing solid yet, though they were hard at work determining the source of the low-quality ore.

“Gah! This won't do at all; how are we supposed to spread our name as the greatest blacksmiths in all of Soul Society if we can't even keep up with the quality of our spiritual steel!?” Souji sighed, rubbing at his temples; being the head of the Tenryu family was trying at times, and it seemed like today was going to be one of those times. The youngest heir to date, Souji lacked the experience of many of the others, and had his work cut out for him making sure that family matters were handled as expertly as possible. He often made up for the difference with the passion and conviction with which he lived his life, inspiring others to follow him and advise him in matters in which he was unsure, allowing him to do a moderately good job as the family head.

Well, no matter; Souji's motto in life was to always move forward, to keep striving even when the path was unclear. Though he didn't understand the situation as it was now, there was still steps he could take. Taking a copy of the report with him and tucking it into one of the pockets of his long jacket, the Tenryu head headed for his room to retrieve a few things in preparation to depart. Though he was the leader of the family, Souji was often away from the manor, trusting appointed family members to handle matters in his absence; both as his duty as a Shinigami and as part of his desire to get out and interact with others, the young man frequently made forays into Seireitei, often staying several nights at the Squad 11 Barracks in order to save travel time. Today was no different; Souji grabbed his Zanpaktou from its stand in his room, tucking it into his belt, and a small bag of coins that could be used for purchasing food or drink on his own time. Finally, he grabbed an extra outfit, tucking it into a small backpack for later use; it was the uniform that he donned when he had combat in mind, and it never hurt to have it handy.

As Souji was heading out the door, bag on his shoulder, he was stopped by a figure standing right outside the entrance. Standing only slightly taller than the Tenryu head, Saito Tenryu was Souji's appointed bodyguard, and was often on hand even when his ward didn't want him present. Leaving the manor without Saito was all but impossible; even commanding the man wouldn't do any good, as he simply ignored commands that went against his duty to watch over Souji. Over time, the young Shinigami had grown accustomed to his bodyguard, though he still did wish for times away from the man; still, Saito did his job exceptionally well, and was a good companion on Souji's trips away from the manor.

He was also very practical, atop that; Saito held a small bundle in his arms, one that contained a pair of short knives made from the impure ore, as well as two shortened bars of the metal that could also be used for analysis. “You're on your way to Seireitei for more information about this problem, yes?” Saito said quietly, the faintest hints of an amused smile on his face. “Then you'll want samples of our recent problem for analysis. Squad 12's Barracks would probably be the best place to start. I've already saddled Forgefire and Blaze, and we can depart at any time.” Souji couldn't resist a grin of his own; where would he be without his companion? Saito's practical nature was a good balance to Souji's more impulsive one, after all.

The two of them were off soon, mounted atop two of the finest horses from the stables. Forgefire was Souji's personal mount, while Blaze was one of the more even-tempered geldings, one that even an amateur could ride without too much difficulty. The two of them made their way towards Seireitei at a relaxed trot, a trip of about an hour or so since the Tenryu manor was outside of the city proper, and soon enough were entering Seireitei. Their horses were unsaddled and kept in a small stable along the edge of the city, and the two made their way up the road to the main area, where the barracks for the various Gotei Thirteen squads were located. They had a goal in mind: Squad Twelve's barracks, or more accurately, their laboratories.

Upon arrival, Souji's first step was to greet the first Shinigami he saw bearing the Squad 12 insignia, grabbing him by the shoulder to get his attention. “Hey brains; you got a minute? I have some unusual metal impurities that I need analyzed and—”

“Can't you see I'm busy?” The man pulled away suddenly, returning to whatever experiment he was working on. It was something to do with some liquid chemical; Souji didn't recognize the exact scent, but he knew the smell of chemicals from their use in some metal purification methods. “If you need help, I'm sure there's a low-ranked member or three running around. Why not ask after Mika? He seems to jump at whatever is thrown his way.” The man's focus returned to his work, and he refused to answer questions after, just waving them off. Souji was about to raise his voice in irritation at being so ignored, halted only by Saito's hand on his shoulder. Flashing the man a look, the Tenryu head followed his companion through the laboratory, weaving his way past busy scientists. Saito stopped momentarily here and there to ask directions, and soon they arrived at the person mentioned prior.

“Hey there, are you Mika Kurosawa?” Souji asked without hesitation, leaping into conversation immediately. “I was told we could borrow you for some metal analysis, and we could really use your help.”

[MrDoctorDo]

(OoC: Sorry about the delays! Valentine's Weekend had me very busy!)

In the "commons" of Squad Twelve's laboratories, one could indeed find many a merry scientist. They were practically an infestation; scurrying from one place to another in the various, cubic sections. They fled whenever the overhead lights flickered on. They rarely came out of their hiding holes of research, and to pilfer from fridges in the breakrooms. Yet there were many, and all readily accessible. This same distinction could be given to Mika, as well. Being so humbly low on Squad Twelve's hierarchy; the young man was doomed to share labe space with others. Fellow, undervalued researchers such as himself. Their particular hovel was one of the many repetitive cubicles that broke off from the primary hallways. There weren't even doors on these rooms. Surely it wouldn't take someone like Mika to explain how insulting such a vacancies was.

For those who don't understand, there is no significant experimentation ever done in a room with no door. Most groundbreaking work requires a sealed environment of some kind. Even the projects which aren't so sensitive to unblocked, airborne contaminants need a way to keep prying eyes out. Basically, the open door meant that the work inside had no priority. No expectations. No...significance. That is why just anyone could walk in. Anyone from any Squad, with any sort of: mud on their feet, dust on their hands, weapons at their side, or blatant disrespect for the scientific procedure in their hearts! Not to claim that every visitor was guilty of all these crimes...but they were always guilty of one. Inside this particular section, three other bodies were at work. In carrying degrees of activity. Though their names: Kukojo, Minami, and Noa were on display, each of them had faces hidden in work and toil. What noises they made were often choruses of shuffled papers and clacking keys. This was...a quiet bunch.

None more so than the on in the back. One who claimed about 32.8% more workspace than his three counterparts. Claiming the entire, rear wall as his domain. It would be hear that the Noble Duo would find a typical counter. That classical kind complete with power outlets and counter They would find that such amenities were difficult to see. All around them and filling the sinks, were broad capsules of glass. Each of them secured between two large metal caps, or lids, that rested on either end of their cylindric forms. The metal on top was always a light silver, and the metal on bottom a dark gray. Many of them had soft, cloth sleeves sheathing them. Others were more exposed to the light. In those jars would be one of two possibilities. Some held acks of smaller vials suspended in a thick, unshakable material. Others held samples of tissues and flesh. Pieces of what could be organs or...else, also suspended in a similar gel.

Though they might appear to litter the table space, they were anything but trash. There were no indications as to what each container was for. No labels or what have you. There were no notes or books or any of the more common research supplies to be seen, for that matter. When a craftsman's eye would inspect the open spaces of the counter; they would find the surface material altered. Lines and circles appeared everywhere. They surrounded and wove themselves between the jars. Each of them bearing tiny scribbles that the naked eye might have trouble reading from afar. Still, it was enough for anyone to be certain of Mika's method. The somewhat random placement of all these samples, was actually a web of interconnectivity. A web drawn with light chalk. One that would be ruined if anyone...touched...anything.

When his name was called out, there came a rustling sound from behind the sample laden counter. Up from the space dividing the back wall from his forward station. What arose from the hidden place was...well, we know it was a scientist. At first it appeared like a dragonfly. There were two large, polygonal features rising from the depths. They seemed as though they were like the insects eyes, given the many brightly orange hexagons that made up each. As more of him was revealed, it would this confusion for beast would quickly be remedied. The apparatus sat on his head no different than a helmet, with a cadre of wires flowing down to the floor below. Clearly separate from him in every way. It was clear he wasn't some sort of dragonfly mutant. Instead, he was some other kind of mutant!

The scientists face seemed to be made of chitinous, exoskeleton plates. They were molded and layered to very closely mimic a normal Shinigami. Albeit one with very rigid facial features. The differences began with a strange and elongated structure on the chin. It was rectangular in shape, and had small red lights glowing along its sides. More peculiar than that was its humming. It was if there was something moving, or whirling around inside of the attachment. Ah, but even this faux bugbeard wasn't the last abnormality. There was also the question of his eyes. Rather than have sunken circles around human eyes; there were bulging orbs. They seemed blackened, but possessed a faintly green glow. Each turn of his head revealed that these orbs caught light. Doing so revealed that they were similar my segmented like helmet array from before. Though his face seemed rather firm and statuesque, in the frozen life sense; whenever he talked...the cheek plates spread and the lip plates morphed.

Every word as meticulously articulated in expression as they were enunciated in his speech. The moment he opened his mouth, it was clear he still had normal teeth behind the buggy mutations. Buck teeth, in fact. Just as goofy as he normal dentata. "Tachibana. He told you to come to me, didn't he? Said I would do whatever you asked of me." Hoisting up a bundle of power cables; Mika tucked them under his arm for safekeeping. Wanting them off the floor while he shuffled about. "I starting suspect he means to torture me. Sending me these interruptions." Waddling a bit lopsided due to the heft of the cords, the boy made his way around to the front of his specimen counter. Cords following him and his headrests as he went.

"Punishment for seeing his grandfather die." Now that he was around to the front, where his guests stood, he dropped the cords and situated himself comfortable. "Sure. I can analyze whatever sample you brought." This boy was noticeably shorter than Shouji. The cranial contraption helped make up for that, but it was still clear that the boy was scrawny. Even hiding under his SRDI robes; Mika looked frail. Poor posture. Weak stance. Slim shoulders. No right arm...what. Yeah. That was probably what made him look scant. The folded sleeve which only had bulk to where his elbow should be. It made him look quite asymmetrical. The arm that was still whole lingered by his side, outreached to accept the materials brought to him.

"It just so happens that I recently began exploring the world of mineral refinement myself. Especially in regards to the relationship between Reishi particles in Zanpakuto, and those within our bodies. I'm suspicious that scalpels might be causing unwanted Reishi contaminations. Frightful stuff." Taking what was hopefully only a single bar. If it was any...any more, and he was going to drop it all. Mika's left arm giving out under the weight if an entire sack of heavy iron. Following which, he would stare at them through his bug eyes. Waiting with one hand open for someone to retry handing him a single bar. Honestly, one bar was going to be a chore. "Eeeh, I remember why my exploration came to an...EEEeehnd." Giving a deep heavy, he raised the block up onto the rear counter.

There it would rest; while Mika stopped back and forth over his tail of cords...bathing what he would need. Along the wall, behind the initial barricade, was several active projects. Experiments. In motion. Albemics, beakers, boilers-burners-decanters-distilleries-flasks-f*cken science, man. Chemistry was hanging from the very walls. Again, a distinct lack of papers and other typical features of research. What could be seen were more...engaging activities. There were digital microscopes flashing changing statics of magnified goodies. Rather than have eyepieces connected to them; Mika's microscopes relayed everything to monitors. Upon them various figures, codes, and numbers would cycle on the right side. Even without intimate knowledge of the information, it was clear these tools were working independently. Isolating patterns and images from whatever they magnified.

Ah, but there weren't just automated diagnostics of the microsamples. There were treats for the naked eyes as well. A fully grown Shinigami spine, floating in a tank. Putting on quite a show as it writhed around like a swimming snake. There was even two Hell Butterflies. Each separately contained. On being only in the pupa stage, and the other already hatched from its cocoon. There was even a fully intact brain. Just hanging out in its own bubbling tank. Pointed so that its frontal lobes seemed to stare at the guests with some sort of intention. "Right then." Mika rose back up from the floor. Holding a flat pedestal, with metal prongs at each corner. Under his arm was something else, looking like a heavy glass jar. "As heavy as iron is...this won't take long."

After setting down the contraption, Mika extended each of its prongs to their full length. Each of the prongs being tightly coiled by wires. Next came the clear container, filled with yet another variation of goop. This time it was so thick, it was practically a solid gel. Oh man, was it heavy. Leaning over to get it slid on the counter was a challenge. Moving it after the pedestal was readied was a feat. Still, it seemed he was decently capable of doing the worm himself. Albeit a troubling affair to perform...and to watch. It fit perfectly between the metal towers. With a flip of the switch; there would be a low hum of power, and the distinct sight of passing electricity. From each of the prongs, onto the glass, and into the gel. The energy would flow. The substance in the container would turn a lighter shade, and then the energy would stop. After that, garbed with the appropriate glove for safety, Mika would place the bar atop the modified gel. There it would begin sinking into the mix. As if it were placed into water. As it descended to the bottom of the container, Mika's buggy eyes lit up. Across his segmented face, a broad smile began to grow. "Out of curiosity...what do you do with this metal..."