Bygones be bygones

[Kaen Youji]

Aiyaa.... This was still very awkward. Kaen was able to put on a front of calm, and apathetic disinterest-- a talent that his mother had enforced on him long and hard when he was a younger man. The ability to mask your emotions was a very useful skill for the nobility of Soul Society, and one Kaen had been taught from a young age, but all it was was a mask. It did not mean that Kaen was not internally fretting about the audience he was trying to arrange.

He hadn't spoken to Kimiko Shihoin in quite awhile. Not since she'd been the interim Captain of the 7th Division. And the last time they had spoken had not been on good terms. It wasn't entirely that Kaen had been avoiding her, ever since then. Their paths just hadn't crossed, and in Kaen's mind that was probably for the better. But this wasn't something that could be put off forever. They were both high ranking officers in the Gotei 13, and their paths would inevitably cross again. Especially with how useful Kimiko's skills were for tracking people down. On top of that, both of them were Seireitei nobility with family obligations as well. Obligations that Kaen, at least, was rarely called upon for, as he was not the head of the Youji family, merely its heir, but obligations nonetheless. Whether through their professional work, or through their families, this meeting was inevitably going to happen eventually.

Kaen marched straight through the Squad 2 Barracks, probably catching the attention of more than a few Shinigami as he did, but he paid them no mind. He didn't know the exact layout of the Squad 2 Barracks, but he did ask one or two Shinigami to direct him to the Shihoin's office. He didn't know what kind of office Kimiko had, but also.... Sigh. He should probably do this by the book. Given how their last interaction had ended, he should probably extend Kimiko more of a courtesy than just barging into her office. He addressed a nearby officer. "Hey. Can you go get your Captain and advise her that Kaen Youji of the Seventh Division needs to speak with her?" He asked of him, hopefully sending the officer along, and then following behind him to figure out exactly where he was headed.

"Awww!" Kaen paused, a look of puzzlement on his face. "What?" "You're growing up to be such a considerate and responsible young man. Look at you actually caring about diplomacy!" Kaen frowned. "I kicked your ass once you know, I could come do that again." He retaliated with a hollow and empty threat to his Zanpakuto spirit. Either way, Kaen followed behind the Squad 2 Shinigami, to see if Kimiko would see him today. He didn't blame her if she wouldn't.

[Kimiko Shihoin]

While Kaen seemingly did barge into the Division Two barracks without a formal invitation, what he didn’t know was that Division Two had a list of individuals in Soul /Society that were allowed open access. A list that no one beyond the Captain Commander knew the details of didn't belong to Division Two. Kaen Youji was on the list although the reasoning given as to why seemed almost unimportant to the majority of the members. Most just believed that as a former Vice Captain to the current Captain he was trusted, others believed that it simply had to be due to his position yet that couldn’t be either as many of the Vice Captains wouldn’t be allowed such blatant access. Kaen would find that the barracks of the second wasn’t like the Seventh. Members stayed quiet, moved fast and seemingly did what they could to finish everything in front of them like they were on a time limit.

The Officer that he addressed happened to be the Eleventh Seat of the Division who simply placed a finger over his mouth signaling to Kaen that speaking wasn’t permitted. Afterwards he pointed down in front of Kaen. A small bit of noise would come from above before landing in front of him would be the small black and gray wolf pup Haunzu. Kaen had seen Haunzu in the past yet now many Shinigami had seen the wolf of the Shihoin Head wandering throughout Seireitei. Acting as an escort Haunzu looked up at Kaen’s eyes without showing any sign whether or not he was pleased to see him. Turning Haunzu would walk leading Kaen to Kimiko which would take about three minutes at a leisurely pace. Reaching a doorway out of the barracks out onto the training field.

Once Kaen opens the sliding door he’d be hit with a complete difference as numerous Shinigami would be seen kneeling in a massive circle in a beautiful grass courtyard. Several different species of tree along with a deep stream from one corner to another, marked this courtyard the size of a football field as something different. The circle of Shinigami was large, much larger than one would assume. Almost a hundred at the moment who all directed their attention inwards studying the movements of two others sparring within the confines of the circle. Kaen would be able to recognize right away the both of them utilizing both Hoho and Hakuda techniques Shunpo Karin, Mushi, Denden and even Gigei Mikon: Hyaku Shikon which had gained popularity in the last few years. By the time Kaen would reach over to the circle the larger of the two men was on the grass breathing heavily, exhausted and defeated while the one standing although exhausted as well had claimed victory.

Kimiko sitting as part of the circle would rise, the canines in her mouth much larger than normal as Haunzu was released and patrolling throughout Seireitei even while she remained in the barracks. Along with her teeth Kimiko’s naturally blue eyes were not present, instead the yellow sclera and scarlet red slanted pupils looked to Kaen for a moment. Like a flicker though she turned her attention to her subordinates giving them all a smile as she steps into the circle. “Good job Xin, remember everyone pure offense can’t always get through an absolute defense. Zhoa you’re execution has gotten much better. Both of you rest and watch. Quan and Shoji you’re up.” Kimiko moved out of the circle while the members of Two switched places. They’d bow and begin to spar one another while Kimiko makes her way over to Kaen.

[Kaen Youji]

When Kaen was advised for silence, he fell quiet. Some... unspoken rule in the division? He didn't know anything like this. How did they relay messages to each other without verbal communication? It seemed odd, but it was fine. It evidently worked for Kimiko's division, so Kaen would play by the rules as long as he was under her roof. A non-verbal start of an apology for failing to do that in their last interaction. Kaen wasn't entirely surprised to see the smol Haunzu arrive either to trot his way off and lead them through the barracks. Kaen didn't take any kind of gaze or look personally. He had no real right to a warm welcome here anyways.

He took in the courtyard as he was escorted further along, reviewing the dojo-like look of it, and the circle of Shinigami at the center. Kaen stayed quiet as he intruded, still following along, until he caught sight of Kimiko. It was evident she was busy, so Kaen was content to wait. While time was of the essence, he still hadn't heard back on the reports from the 3rd, 9th or 12th divisions regarding his report he'd requested. So he took pleasure in enjoying the display of Hakuda at work between the two fighters. He couldn't draw too many conclusions based on this-- he couldn't be sure of course, if this was simply a Hakuda training moment, if this was the preference of these specific two Shinigami, or if Kimiko pushed the entire Division toward Hakuda. No idea at this time, but Kaen did take note of the advanced techniques the two were using against one another.

Kaen remained silent and tried not to make a scene of himself, as the battle concluded and the crowd dispersed. The lieutenant waited for Kimiko to approach him, having taken notice of the fact she'd recognized his presence and simply wasn't going to interrupt her job to address it. Kaen gave a short, respectful bow as she approached. "Hello Captain Kimiko. You look well." He stated. He was quiet then for a minute, unsure how to address things further. Should he address the elephant in the room? There wasn't much time for small-talk, should he get right down to business? It'd probably be what Fuuko would have done. On the other hand, would that come off as insulting to Kimiko that, given their last interaction, he just come up and start demanding things? That probably wasn't a good look either. This is awkward. "This is painful to watch." Kaen took a deep breath and just jumped in.

"I need your help." Kaen stated, figuring getting down to business was the most appropriate measure. Kimiko struck him as not needing fluff or smalltalk, and probably would rather he just state his business. "A Shinigami went missing in the outer districts. We don't know who, we don't know why, and I know that you are the best tracker Soul Society has to offer. I'm hoping I can borrow your help for an afternoon to help me and a few others figure out what happened and who did it." He asked. He wasn't going to specifically ask for Haunzu, that could have been even more insulting. It really was Kimiko's assistance in the matter that he was seeking. "If anyone can work this out, it's you." He added. Then braced himself for the retort.

He assumed Kimiko would be unwilling, or expect something more from him before she'd offer him any aid. But he figured it was best to lead with what he wanted, and to see what she was looking for from him in return. If it was an apology... Kaen was willing to give that. If it was something else, it probably depended but he was willing to do that as well. For Kaen, while Kazuhiko's well-being was important, the bridge that he torched to the ground between himself and Kimiko could do with at least a little mending. Well... Really, it was up to her. All Kaen could do is wait and see what she would say.

[Kimiko Shihoin]

Moving across the well kept grass towards Kaen, Kimiko got the chance to actually see her former Lieutenant with her own eyes. When Haunzu had picked up on his scent, when he had dropped down and looked at Kaen, Kimiko had experienced everything all the same. It had been quite awhile since the two of them had spoken to one another and she wasn’t quite sure if he knew such a thing or not. It mattered little now though as she reached him while keeping all expression from her face and body. She would come off as completely different from the fresh Captain, overly joyful and ready to lead others in a positive manner. She’d been through enough that she wasn’t entirely the same anymore, yet she wasn’t arrogant and still held respect towards those who obtained strength. Respect that was shown as she bowed her head slightly in return towards Kaen.

“Since you’ve come to me I can assume you’ve already struck out with Division Three.”

Speaking more as a matter of fact than anything else Kimiko wastes no time and begins to walk towards the entrance of the barracks. Kaen was in a state of worry about whether or not the past between them would keep Kimiko from aiding him, but it was a wrong and selfish way of thinking about her. Despite the negative things that had happened between them this wasn’t about Kaen. A shinigami was missing and Division Three and Seven seemingly couldn’t find him. Kimiko didn’t need to know anything else in order to help find a comrade. “Let’s get a move on the longer we wait the more the scents at the scene will mingle.”

[Kaen Youji]

"That has nothing to do with it." Kaen replied when she brought up striking out with Division three. "They're still investigating, but I know full well that when you want a job done right, you get the best. Besides, I already can guess whoever did this is high caliber. The Third might be able to give me a broad strokes idea-- arrancar, Fullbringer, whatever. But if I want anything more specific, or if it ends up being a Shinigami, you're the only one I can think of that could identify the culprit further." He admitted, moving to keep up.

"He disappeared in the 80th District yesterday. Three other victims at the scene, all killed by someone's spiritual pressure. Probably the culprit. Individual in question is a fresh Academy graduate, recently sorted into the Fourth Division, Kazuhiko Satoshi. His sister's the one that pulled me onto the case. Last I heard she was going to try and do a once over of the crime scene, but we should be able to get there pretty quick ourselves." Kaen pointed out, as he rushed onwards to begin leaving the second division Barracks. His mind was turning over in his head but he knew there was something else he had to say.

"Also...." He paused a moment longer. "I'm sorry." He stated solemnly as he continued on out of the division Barracks. There. He'd said it. And he was pretty sure Kimiko would recognize what the apology was for. The only other detail would be pulling her aside from her busy schedule, but while Kaen might offer an apology for that, it wouldn't be an apology needed while they were still en route. "....I was a brat. I was blinded, and I caused damage to you and to the 7th by what I said and did that day. You were doing what you could, and I stood in the way of that for a petty reason. I'm sorry." He expounded, just for clarity's sake. To clear up that he was aware of the things he'd did, and that his apology wasn't just a generic throw-away line. Kimiko deserved that much from him.

[Kimiko Shihoin]

“Haunzu, you're out in the Rukongai already. Divert from your current patrol and head over there. I want a look at the scene as soon as possible.”

“As you wish Mistress.”

Kimiko wasted no time communicating with the Haunzu that was out the furthest in the Rukongai at the moment. The young pup that now walked alongside Kimiko on her right wasn’t the only one out right now. Normally a few of them were out patrolling throughout the Seireitei and Rukongai. Thankfully with the speed that the adult Haunzu could muster it would reach the scene much faster than both Kimiko and Kaen would be able to from their current location. Now though she had the view of all of them slightly altered as all had heard everything and all wanted to be of help. Haunzu always sought to aid her in everything possible, just one of them getting to the scene wasn’t enough for them. Like young children wanting praise over their siblings. Thankfully though, they were understanding and continued with what they had been doing after several seconds.

“Have the civilians of the district been questioned? Even criminals don’t want a Hollow around them. Have there been any other deaths like this in the last few months?

Kimiko wanted to make sure this couldn’t be a serial event done by someone that was coming and going of their own free will. That or worse someone that was testing something and just couldn’t get it done right. Either way if she wanted to find out the location of this Kazuhiko Satoshi she couldn't waste any time. Getting to the outside of the barracks Kimiko held her right arm out signaling for the pup Haunzu to jump up into her arm. She could leave him here in the barracks, but communication wasn’t something everyone had gotten under control of when dealing with him yet. She had no doubt that her officers had heard everything while they had been moving through the barracks. One of the main reasons Kimiko had a rule about not speaking inside the main hall.

She wouldn’t get to take off with Shunpo though as Kaen apologized, something that only a little while ago she would have enjoyed hearing quite a bit. Now though, especially when there was something much more important happening to someone else, it just felt blank. “It’s in the past. Do what you can to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.” Just like that Kimiko executed Shunpo, vanishing to everyone else as she crosses Seireitei at a speed few could match. An apology to the young Captain who just wanted to be positive was late. Kimiko was weighted down by responsibility now not just as a Captain, but as the leader of the Shihoin. Two different high positions on a soul far too young to handle them had brought about change that even she didn’t want yet needed to succeed.

[Kaen Youji]

A quick, prudent question from Kimiko. Kaen shook his head. "Not personally by me. The one who reported it to me, indicated nobody around saw anything. Which is probably for the best. His sister is also a fresh Academy graduate and I feel like if she had gotten any sort of lead, she'd have run off on her own and we'd have two missing Shinigami instead of one. Based on what I've seen in the past, my guess is the deceased victims were probably witnesses to the abduction though. And no such deaths in the last few months, at least not that I've been made aware of." He added. "While it's possible it's a Hollow, I don't think it's likely. Hollows don't typically kill with spirit pressure and one would have no reason to abduct a Shinigami, instead of just killing him. I'm not saying it's impossible... But I do think it's very unlikely."

Kimiko's response to Kaen's apology didn't sit well with him. Part of him wished she'd pushed for more. Another part of him took note that she hadn't actually accepted the apology, just dismissed it. Under other circumstances, he'd have probably have figured that would come up again, though Kimiko didn't seem the sort. Still. A more appropriate and thought out apology in the future was probably needed. Not in the aspect of actually saying sorry, but some kind of action to try and mend the bridge. But for now.... Now Kaen had to focus on what they were doing at this moment, in this time. There was someone in danger, and he needed to address it. "...Fair enough."

As Kimiko took off with Shunpo, Kaen grinned just a hair. Well, he couldn't fault her speed. But he wasn't so slow either, and he took no time in launching into his own Shunpo to follow after Kimiko. Not nearly as fast as the Shihoin Head, but certainly fast enough to keep up. She's gotten faster. A lot faster. Kaen noted. When they'd fought Kimiko had already been formidably strong and nearly as fast as Kaen was. Her speed had improved this much... He wondered now very much if they fought again, if things would go as they had the first time. Even without the bad blood there at least. This wasn't the time for it though, and Kaen wasn't sure he'd be able to properly battle Kimiko again if it came to it. Kimiko appeared to have moved past their encounter. Was it possible for Kaen to do the same?

For now though, it didn't matter. Kaen pursued after the Second Division Captain, as the two of them shot away into the Rukongai at a pace that only these two could have possibly reached.

[Kitai Yoru]

Kaen Youji: 15 paragraphs, 10% bonus
Kimiko Shihoin: 11 paragraphs, 10% bonus