Mistaken Identity [Ludwig]

[Ishikawa Seiji]

2nd Year Academy Student - Two Weeks In

This entire week had been rather... draining, to put it mildly.

Classes as it turned out, were a little more stressful than he had ever first anticipated. No one had told him that things would go from bad to worse, though if he were honest with himself, he hadn't exactly asked anyone how bad the transition from first to second year would be. How many more things had to be learnt and recalled at a moments notice. Gone were the soft niceties from some of their instructors, replaced with strict discipline and a certain level of expectation that came with knowing that everyone within the classroom had gotten past that first hurdle. Past the point in which many dropped out, gave up, or were kicked out due to misbehavior. Or rather, simply not being ready to take on such a heavily responsibility. Seiji thought that last part was a load of shit personally, it was just a kind way of telling immature and overly arrogant children to get lost. No honesty, just a soft rebuttal before those few in his classes from last year were sent on their way. Good riddance in his mind, they'd been so annoying when he had been trying to study throughout the year. It was a relief, really.

Of course it was much more difficult now, struggling on without Shin. He'd cried enough already before his studies had resumed, away from anyone else thankfully, and planned to head out to Rukongai on their- no his next day of freedom. The trek would be long and would likely use up all the free time he had. But it felt as thought he had to, needed to, to visit home one more time to figure things out. To say goodbye to a place that had been theirs, and maybe even see if anyone had taken to using that small shack since he'd left. The dormitories were far far more comfortable than back in the 64th, so he'd learnt to adjust and knew he was probably better off for it. He certainly felt far stronger after a whole year of getting regular meals, that much he was certain of.

This week, they'd been permitted in small groups to visit some of the divisions, to see what it was like. To see how easy operated and what they may have to do, should they join upon graduating. Though he had requested not to step anywhere near the 13th division, his instructor had been adamant that he attend just as anyone else did, no matter his grief, an attempt to help he supposed. But it just made his stomach churn at the thought. He had not gone anywhere near the place, and Shin's belongings had been delivered to his room while he'd been attending classes last week. It was strange, but given he was his brother's only family, he could only assume it was just protocol. Sadly, there was nothing left of his Zanpakuto, only some personal belongings and a spare shihakushō that he simply would not lay a hand on. No, he'd stored it like the rest in the far corner of his room. Safer, he could deal with it when he was ready.

Even stepping near the barracks was bad enough, swallowing thickly as he stuck to the far end of the group. Only a few paces behind, but those steps would cost him dearly after only a few moments, a voice calling out and leaving him whipping his head around quickly. Searching for the source, even if no one else seemed to have noticed, a shinigami dressed in the typical shihakushō and looking at him rather shocked before they seemed to regain their composure.

"Y-you.. you're alive! God knows why on earth you're wearing that, but come on! Taichou will be so happy to see that you're okay!" The young woman seemed happy and cheerful, despite just seemingly insulting him. Dressed in the white and blue robes of the academy that he was, even with his Zanpakuto at his right hip, he didn't think he looked that bad. And what on earth was this woman on about? He struggled briefly to yank himself from her grip, but it felt like a set of iron chains had wrapped around his right arm and prevented him from going anywhere but where she dragged him.

"Would ya wait two seconds!? I ain' who ya think I-"

It was too late, she had already dragged him inside the barracks and down a rather long hallway, leaving him stumbling a little to keep up. Knocking on a the wooden door at the end of the hall before stepping inside, all the while he was left trying to protest and escape at the same time. Neither appeared to have any effect whatsoever, just what on earth had this woman been eating to get so strong of a grip, boulders? It really didn't feel fair.

"Taichou look! I found Shin, he's alive! Not sure how he ended up like that, but we were wrong, he did make it!"

His smile fell slightly as she mentioned that name, of fucking course, while he hadn't been told the details of what happened, he could guess. The phrase killed in action, painted a rather vivid and gruesome picture after all. And her mistake only made things worse, only now with the door shut, did she loosen her grip enough that he could finally break free. Yanking his arm away and glaring at her behind hidden eyes, if such looks could kill, she'd have been dead on the ground in a damn nanosecond. Yet she seemed simply happy to have performed a job well done. Boy was she wrong.

"As I keep tryin' to tell ya, I ain't Shin! I'm still a student and yer draggin' me around like ya own the damn place." He addressed her first, tone sharp and words clipped even with his accent at full force. Only then did he turn to the other in the room, inclining his head into a bow, a show of respect even in this fucking awful situation. He wasn't without manners, even if this darn woman behind him certainly seemed to be, did no one ever ask before doing things anymore? And he'd thought he was out of the chaos of Rukongai, obviously not.

"I'm real sorry, Verrlicht-taichou for botherin' ya. I ain't who yer after, my name's Ishikawa Seiji, the person yer subordinate is talkin' 'bout was my older brother... well twin technically, but that ain't important." Maybe such an apology would make up for things. Hopefully ensure he didn't get kicked out of the academy for disappearing suddenly, or insubordination either.

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Today was a rough day for most of the divison. It wasn't unheard of for shinigami to pass in the line of duty but it had been a long time, namely a few months, since the last time anyone had died in his division. Having come back Ludwig had been pulling most of his squad back to train themselves and get themselves ready for the specific changes to the squad he'd been planning. Still his hand was forced into making sure others were sent out at least once in awhile. It should have been routine.

Should have been as simple as go out, walk around, and come back for training before being let off to do his own tasks for the squad. That wasn't the case. Ludwig himself took it hard because this was yet another showing, in his mind, that he'd failed the squad. They were still struggling and the training one would get in the Seireitei was great but it wasn't a fight to the death like they'd need to be prepared for.He sat back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling before looking over his office filled with various works of art. All personal of course given Ludwig did such to keep his skills on point.

I need to get these changes moving. There's got to be something done lest this happen because this sort of thing needs to stop. And I need to stop letting down my subordinates. If I could just figure out the path to Hueco Mundo we could start the special training I've got planned. It's. . . risky. . but with my presence there I should be able to keep them out of harms way for the most part. We just need them to grow to face threats at a seated officer level. If we get 60% of them able to fight at that level a lot of these deaths will be mitigated and we can potentially strive for an even higher level of combat capability. Still is th-

His thoughts were rapidly interrupted by Rinkawa, one of his current 10 ten seated shinigami. Her orange hair ablaze just like her eyes were with a happiness that honestly caught Ludwig off guard. She'd been one of the squad members most vocal about how upsetting the entire event had been yet now here she was and she was happy? Ludwig was visibly confused until he finally tuned in and looked at who she was motioning towards. Oh. . . Poor soul, she. . . Ugh I told the academy not to send him here. The last person the relative of a deceased shinigami would want to see is their superior. Hmm. . .How do I let her down gently? He had to admit though, he'd almost been caught off guard enough to believe Rinkawa that this was Shin however there was a few subtle differences. Namely the look in his eyes and as he watched, the mannerisms were much different. Thankfully he'd already tried informing Rinkawa of the difference but she was. . . hopeful despite all odds. And she wasn't going to listen to Seiji. It ultimately fell to Ludwig.

Ludwig nodded at Seiji before looking over at Rinkawa for a moment. As much as he wanted to gently bring her back to reality he needed to address Seiji first. So for now he'd just have to ask her to come back later. "Rinkawa. . Would you mind giving us a moment? Perhaps come back after making sure the other seated officers have some of their current tasks done. They've been struggling just a bit with some of the new forms and the transition as a whole. Also please keep this quiet for now alright? It sounds a bit strange but trust me on this, it's for the best."

Ludwig waited for a moment as Rinkawa thought for a moment. The switch between her emotions and how she wanted to immediately inform everyone in the barracks was obvious and painful. At last she sighed and nodded. She was unhappy but regardless of her reasons complied, making sure to walk out and close the doors behind her. This just left Ludwig and Seiji together in his office. Ludwig let out a sigh he hadn't even realized he'd been holding in. Still that didn't stop him from giving some kind of smile to Seiji, though it was as he'd noticed likely from being dragged thorugh god knows where in the barracks it was tinted with sadness.

"For what it's worth I'm sorry. Both for Rinkawa's actions and . . .what happened with your sibling. I'm actually surprised your even on the tour, let alone for Squad 13. I was certain I'd told the academy to not have you come so you could mourn in peace. It probably didn't make it." Ludwig shook his head a bit to himself before looking back at Seiji. It was obvious the captain was torn and uncertain how to handle this. He didn't usually interact past the point of being the messenger of the passing of a squad member. But here was Seiji, the only known living relative of Shin. And he could only imagine how not ok with the entire situation was for him. Especially if he'd been told anything about Squad 13 prior by Shin and now he was forced to deal with yet another reminder.

It almost. . . No, not now. And certainly not in front of Shin's sibling. They're priority #1. We can take a backseat. With a deep breath and a moment of silence that seemed to stretch for longer than it should have Ludwig finally spoke up again. "So. . while it can't be easy to be here, you are under our care currently. Is there anything I can do to make this . . better? That includes if you'd just like to leave. I can make that happen and without you having to walk through the barracks. Assuming that's something you'd like."

[Ishikawa Seiji]

Frankly, this whole morning had been a damn waste.

Rest wasn't a thing that any student got, save for the rare holiday and so even weekends were no exception. Even if the classes were fewer in number, that didn't mean for the rest of that time, most weren't out training. Or lazing around for those that didn't give a damn about grades, or being there, but the majority of those had been weeded out last year. Now only the more dedicated remained, that included him, and while he'd attended classes as if nothing was wrong, he had not been too fond of the idea of wandering around Divisions to learn. He knew enough, Shin had told him the basics of most of them, save the massively secretive 2nd Division or the weird 12th Division that most stayed away from. So he felt little need to attend, even more so when considering the 13th. He hadn't stepped foot anywhere near there since even before Shin had been promoted and even then, he had not once stepped into the barracks fully. Only looked on from a distance.

But today of all days, seemed to be one in which their instructor insisted attendance upon them, no matter prior experience or anything else. Even the snobbish children of nobility were being forced to, and they had relatives in various places in the Gotei 13 already. So regardless of any sound he made, he was going, like it or not. A fact he accepted with a thin smile, it never faded completely, but it was most certainly more forced today than ever. Despite that, he had gone as he was told and now look where that had landed him. In the office of a damn Captain, with what seemed to be a seated member gripping him so tightly he thought his arm might just break if he tried to pull away too quickly. His patience, something he normally prided himself upon, was running out rapidly with this woman that wouldn't let go. Thankfully it seemed, that the Captain in question was far better at reading a room than his subordinate.

Honestly.

Stepping away as she let go, two soft footsteps led him out of the very center of the room and off to one side while this woman listened quietly. She didn't seem too happy about it, and if he knew he wouldn't be scolded, he probably would've told her a few things himself. But he kept quiet, even as she bowed in acceptance, soft words of her acknowledging the order and glancing briefly towards him with a brief smile before she turned on her heel to leave the room. Shutting the door with a faint click, lifted something from his shoulders, worry than she'd drag him around again? Perhaps. But it seemed he wasn't the only one, a hidden gaze cast across the room to the Captain in question, the sigh that poured from him both confusing and reassuring. He was not entirely sure what he had been excepting, but relief from such a man was not it, nor seeing him launch straight into an apology either.

"I asked the academy not ta... bring me here, but Utsumi-sensei was very insistent 'bout the whole thing an' I ain't exactly supposed ta say no. As fer her it's fine, not yer fault she seems... real young, can't blame her fer not seein' the obvious. Or knowin' that I look like him." He shrugged, he'd learnt a lot out in Rukongai, mainly not to judge but for someone like her he couldn't help it. Given where he had been when his brother had joined the squad, it probably wasn't worth mentioning. He could have been here, beside him, he had simply chosen not to, and that was now the burden he had to deal with for the remainder of his days. Lucky he supposed, that he hadn't seen the event first hand, he wasn't sure what he might have done, died on the same day most likely. So perhaps it was better he had waited, maybe it wasn't, he would never know which was the right option to take. Not anymore.

A hand resting upon the hilt of his asauchi, palm pressing into the hilt, not to draw the weapon but simply as something to keep his hands occupied and his mind not whirring too far off track. He hadn't excepted to have to meet any Captain, let alone Shin's own, for years yet. Maybe even decades. It was a little overwhelming, no wonder his brother had spoken about those of higher ranking with such awe, he was starting to understand why now. It wasn't just the raw power, nor the reputation, but their presence as well that caused others to react in some way or another. For him, like with many things, it was simple curiosity. yet even that today was tinged with something darker. He had done most of his grieving before classes had started up for good reason, he had no desire to look like a wreck before anyone. No one need seem him in such a vulnerable state. Even the thought made him want to shiver, he was capable of protecting himself dammit.

Drawn from his mental whirlwind by that voice speaking to him again, he glanced up, gaze still hidden beneath emerald bangs but it should at least that he was indeed listening. The offer was.. well relatively tempting. Anything he might want to know, and while on any usual day, he would ask all he could. He only had one thing on his mind. "Could ya.. tell me what happened to 'em?" And who, or what I need to kill. While his tone was even and neutral, his mind was anything but. Whatever or whoever it was, if Shin hadn't finished the job the first time, he'd make sure that he would, given enough time. He'd wait centuries if he had to for a chance, as long as it was done. No one, hurt his family and got away with it, not a single being on any world would be free of such wrath. Still he paused briefly, took in a breath, then continued. A little calmer mentally than before. "I was only told 'bout him bein' killed in action so..." Another question asked, yet throughout it all he wore a smile.

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Ahh so he does want to know specifics. It makes sense all things considered. The only reason I don't immediately inform family members of the details is because most wouldn't be able to handle it. Still . . . he looks like he doesn't care whether he can or cannot. I suppose it is his right to ask, all things considered. Ludwig nodded at him before motioning him to sit in the chair before his desk. In the meantime Ludwig started looking through the piles on his desk as well as just searching his desk in general. He'd wished he could be more tidy but sadly he'd come back after 2 years which meant he'd had a LOT of paperwork that needed his attention. . . And shin's sibling wasn't the only one to be killed during the time he'd been absent.

After a couple minutes of searching Ludwig pulled out the file with the report and approriate pictures within. A quick glance revealed a few things that Seiji wouldn't be allowed to know whether due to his student status or the fact he wasn't in Squad 13 himself and thus were classified. Ludwig quickly pulled out the few pages of paper and put them away before handing over the folder to Seiji. "This is everything I can show you about your sibling. The papers I can't ultimately aren't of much importance but they are classified. What you care about however is described in there in detail. . . . However what it boils down to is that an arrancar killed him. One we've not seen before and one we believe isn't acting on his on."

"We do not have a name however we have a witness description as well as a damaged photo of them. Ultimately however your siblings manner of death was due to a powerful cero. It's hard to know which one specifically but given the description it's likely one limited to use by a member of the "Espada". However given we didn't get a number. . . I can't tell you if that's 100% true or not. However all that was found was the remains of his shikasho, which goes to show the level of arrancar he was dealing with. . . That's about all there is to know however. We haven't met or even seen a trace of them since. . . I'm sorry there's not more to go off of. Truly."

Ludwig leaned into his chair for a moment and just watched as Seiji looked over the documents or looked at him. He expected that he'd soon be getting yelled at given the lack of information and lack of identify for his siblings killer. But that was all he could give him. Ludwig couldn't even tell him if this was a wrong time wrong place incident or if this had been specific to the small group that Shin had been leading at the time. What he did know however was that Ludwig was keeping tabs on anything that came in. Any information about this individual because more so than just Shin being murdered under his care, he was now dealing with the family member of the individual. And it went beyond personal at this point. If he saw the arrancar . . . he wasn't sure what he'd do. Especially considering he was certain they were an espada. . . and he'd already had strange relations with them. Relations the Soul society didn't know at the moment.

For the time being however he hoped this would help Seiji somehow. Whether it prompted a burst of anger directed at himself. Or if it helped him push through the trauma and find some sort of resolution. He just hoped that it wouldn't be the vendetta against all odds and without any thought beyond getting there. The last thing Shin would want, as far as Ludwig could imagine, was Seiji running head first to this arrancar and attempting to kill them. Especially if it lead to their own death. Espada were not beings you simply killed on a whim. And he should know after his interactions. But for now only time could tell and he just hoped that informing him about the situation aided him somewhat.

[Ishikawa Seiji]

Just knowing that this man could provide him answers, Captain or not, the dark haired student knew one thing for a fact. He would've done anything to get the answers he sought, not to charge in head first. But to simply know, to plan for the future, to figure out how to best deal with this. Would Shin want him to simply forget and move on? Or fight back as they always did together as boys? To be frank, in that moment he couldn't entirely be sure. The wound to raw to really process much, ripped open wide as if someone had dug miniature blades under his skin and clawed their way through his body from the inside out. Yet no matter what he might decide, one thing remained, the anger, frustration, the unbridled rage that simmered quietly beneath the surface. Tucked away from view of all others, hidden until he could actually do something, until he had power. Enough to fight back, enough to kill whomever had caused this tragedy.

He took the seat offered out to him without a word further, slipping into it as quietly as he could, as to not disturb Ludwig while he searched. Though the lack of organisation irked him to no end, he kept silent about such matters. It wasn't his place to complain about another's seemingly complete lack of proper filing methods, no one would listen to a mere student anyways. Though he reached out to take the folder, the young student was quick to set it down before him, a smiling visage and hidden eyes not daring to glance at what was contained within. Not just yet. He would listen first, an arrancar... well that wasn't too surprising. The last time he'd seen Shin, properly seen him. His elder brother had been overjoyed at his recent attaining of Bankai, a level of power many only dreamed of, something that few besides the leaders of each Division themselves possessed. Yet there he stood with one, immature or so he'd said, but that hadn't mattered to Seiji at the time.

In reality, he had just been content enough getting to see him, and to witness his only family so happy. Free time was a rarity, and so the younger of the pair had taken what he could get, something to look back upon he supposed. Power for them, for either of them, had never been gained simply because they could. But for protection, for survival and their continued existence in this world in which powerless souls in Rukongai went ignored. Neither of them were powerless any longer and given enough time, he'd reach that same level. He was sure of it. Even so, knowing that this wasn't some nobody hollow and on top of that a being that they had yet to encounter prior to Shin's demise, was both reassuring and daunting. If such an individual was so powerful, did that mean the Gotei 13 would be sending a Captain or Lieutenant after them or even a few of them at once? He sincerely hoped that wasn't the case, not now not yet at least. Not until he could match them join them even.

"What 'bout his Zanpakuto, was there nothin' left or?" A question quietly asked, contemplated. Usually, as far as he recalled, some simply vanished when the Shinigami in question perished. But could that be there case here? Had this so called Espada taken it out of some sort of twisted sense of glee and triumph? Only once he got his answer did slim fingers reach up to pull the folder closer, concealed yellow eyes scanning every word, memorizing it as much as he could. Especially the information on who, and that photo, given he highly doubted he'd be allowed to leave with such facts. Maybe once he was a full Shinigami, he could request a copy be made. Either way, for a time, there was barely a peep within the office. Save the sound of a turning page and the chirping of birds beyond the window, despite the cooling weather beyond. He could do nothing about any of this now, but it was a start, something he needed and could use in due time.

This knowledge about the situation was enough for now, it had to be. Until he was powerful enough, he would put such rage and utter hatred to the back of his mind, there were more important things to achieve first. All of it had to be done correctly, in the right order, if he was to have any kind of hope of finding the one that did this. With enough strength to completely destroy them. The first step of that, was getting out of the academy, not that he planned to stay for much longer. He'd even ask for accelerated courses if he had to. With a final glance at the information before him, he shut the folder with a soft snap and gently pushed it back across the desk. Just enough to indicate wordlessly that he was finished with what could be provided to him. With a smile still upon his lips all throughout, it was difficult to tell just if he was satisfied with the outcome, and that was exactly what he wanted. That confusion.

He was however, thankful that he'd been provided knowledge about what had occurred. Reflected soon enough, in his next words. "Ya don't gotta apologize Verrlicht-taichou, ya can't be changin' what's already happened. Thanks fer.. showin' me all this, it helps." Each syllable sincere for once, the smile remained but his tone spoke volumes enough. No anger, no frustration, simply acceptance. If that would worry the man before him or not, he couldn't be sure, nor did he really want to know. Either way, as much as he hadn't wanted to come here for a while, it had been a jarring if useful experience. With that said, he soon got to his feet and stood properly, a small incline of his head to show the proper respect. "But I don' wanna take up more o' yer time. I'm sure Utusumi-sensei'll be wonderin' where I've vanished ta." Not that such acts wasn't a somewhat regular occurrence, but he wouldn't tell the Captain that. Instead he took the chance to slip out of the male's office, having recalled the path he'd been dragged through the barracks. It wasn't hard to find his way out, or return to his class quietly either.

In due time, he'd take another life. More meaningful than ever.

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Ludwig watched Seiji as he read over the report. It seemed he was either better at handling things than others or he knew how to bury it all mentally. That was Ludwig's guess anyway given he did similar things. Still did similar things if he were honest. And it hadn't been until he'd gained his shikai that he was able to do something other than bury them. Not that the alternative. . . was far better but now wasn't about him. It was about Seiji and given how he was handling things it did give Ludwig some pause. Because he couldn't tell where or what Shin's sibling would do. However he did see the long look at the photo. It wasn't something Seiji would be allowed to have or a copy of. . . normally. But the look alone told Ludwig he wouldn't forget it. Still perhaps this was where he could bend the rules just a bit. It wasn't a copy if he drew it out right?

Still he'd need the folder back before he could manage that. In the meantime he focused his attention to answering Seiji's only question, which unsurprisingly was about his zanpakuto. Ludwig frowned to himself at that. The other probably already knew given he'd not recieved it, which was something Ludwig did even if other captains didn't. Hell even if it was simply in shards due to being broken Ludwig was a firm believer that the family members deserved the weapon. Especially given how intrinsically tied said weapons were to the indivduals in question as far as shinigami were concerned. Still it wasn't here and nor was it discovered so better to just be truthful and tell him what he was told. "It was left in Hueco Mundo. A couple of the members that had escaped mentioned after the fact seeing it be thrown somewhere into the sands but were uncertain as to where it was. Perhaps the arrancar took it but if not it's hidden in the desert that is Hueco Mundo. As it stands currently there's no way to know where specifically it is aside from knowing the realm it's at."

Once the answer was given he simply stayed quiet and watched Seiji again. Thoughts of his own deceased sibling coming to mind. Ludwig still, almost a century later, wanted the head of the individual that killed him. Would leave right now to go kill them in cold blood if given the chance. And even if he wasn't? The scary thing was that he'd likely make a chance given he'd gained far more strength in his tenure in the Soul Society that he'd ever had as a human. Still searching for someone like that was simply. . . a waste of resources and time. He wondered if Seiji would come to think the same thing. Likely not given the other was far more easily found than his century old assassin. Only time would tell on that front. For now though he simply listened to Seiji as he spoke once he was done looking over the documents.

There was a tone change. That much was easily noticed. Even if his expression didn't there was the tone change that spoke volumes. But even if it was different that still didn't mean his goals had changed. And that was something Ludwig still had to keep in mind. But with another moments thought he quickly spoke before Seiji would leave. "If you wait a few more moments I can sketch out the photo for you. For what it's worth, I've also lost my sibling back in the past. You may not be able to change it but that doesn't mean you can't help stop others from losing their siblings to the same person. I promise it won't take long. Besides I don't your sensei will be that upset if I explain what happened heh."

From there Ludwig pulled out a few sketch pens and a sketch book. The affair only took about 10 minutes total given he wasn't doing much but drawing out the arrancar in question. With enough details added to ensure that even if it was black and white Seiji could tell at a glance who the individual was if he saw them in person. Once finished and everything was cleaned up he nodded and ripped out the page. From there he folded it up and gave it to Seiji. "I can't say I know for certain what you will do. But if this helps you then I'm glad to have been of some help. If you need any further help in the future feel free to ask me for it. I can't promise anything more than hearing you out but I will do what can. For now though we should get you back to Utusumi she'll likely be concerned by now haha! Take care Seiji."

Once Seiji and the sketch left Ludwig sat back down in his office. The file still sitting before him and his thoughts split between his own sibling and Seiji's. Perhaps he shouldn't have given him a drawing. Perhaps it'd only spurn him on to find his brothers murderer. But could he have even stopped him? He wasn't likely to join in his squad nor was he likely to even know anything going on with Seiji without excessively delving into his life, something even as a captain he couldn't do. Very few captains could get away with that and have no questions asked. Ludwig was not one of those. He was, for one reason or another, far too in the spotlight and only did his excursions into the Dangai and the other worlds go unquestioned given his current responsibilities. He just hoped that if Seiji ever did need his assistance he'd come to him. That may have been too forward however. Perhaps even overstepping his bounds but the offer was too late to retract.

Still. . . the only thing he could do now was wait. He'd either see him again or he'd hear about him. One way or the other he'd figure out what was going on down the line. For now he simply had to focus on his squad and get them into better shape. Moslty so this wouldn't happen again. . . He needed it to not happen again. Personal experience alone and now Seiji's to boot? He was tired of having his men and women serving in his squad die as frequently as they did. He was tired of the disharmony there was in his own squad and their goals. He had things to fix up also. And those things needed to be taken care of sooner than later. And Ludwig had a plan to get everything fixed in some capacity, granted it was going to take some tough love on his part.

[Kitai Yoru]

21 paragraphs for Ishikawa Seiji, 20% bonus
20 paragraphs for Ludwig Verrlicht, 20% bonus