Second Thoughts [Closed Social, PG-13]

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

(( OOC: This is a Social between Himitsu Misute and Kazura Uzaki (finally got the name right xD) in order to begin Himitsu’s shift into a rogue Shinigami as well as begin recruiting him into Uzaki Enterprise ))

Dark emotions were stirring inside Himitsu: Regret, remorse, rage, redetermination, realization. And just considering those previously listed is to barely dip your toes into the ocean; the ripples would be drowned out by the waves. But to explain the source of his internal fury, one must look back not much earlier than an hour before. The Squad 9 Third Seat was dispatched to get rid of a Hollow that seemed to stand a little higher than most other Hollows that usually appear. It had been wrecking havoc across the outer portions of the city without being confronted by any Shinigami. And for that reason, it was also Himitsu’s task to check up on the condition of the Soul Reaper whose duty was to patrol the city.

Upon Himitsu’s arrival, he would find the Hollow working its way towards the skyscraper center of the metropolis of spiritual energy. Himitsu was shocked to surprise it unchecked, even though it was still on the outer edge of the city. However, since the Shinigami on duty was nowhere to be found, Himitsu could only assume that he wasn’t any match for the beast. Grimly, the Third Seat drew his sword with a vorpal metal ringing that would certainly attract the creature’s attention as he stood a good hundred yards above it. In fact, he was surprised that it didn’t notice his spiritual energy earlier. The Hollow may have been large and strong, but it certainly wasn’t bright.

Himitsu disposed of the creature without suffering much more than a sprained wrist. By the time the battle was over, all that remained of the Hollow was a fine powdered ash that was rapidly being swept up by the wind. The third seat waited a few moments to recover his breath before calling in to Soul Society to report the result of his mission. With this minute, he examined the wreckage caused by the Hollow. He found much of the road cracked due to the beast’s immense size and strength, as well as two buildings in ruins. One had a hole gaping out of the side, which was most likely caused by the hollow punching through it to reach a potentially spiritually aware being, while the other had been smaller, a house of some sort, and was half destroyed after the Hollow stepped on it.

“This is the Squad 9 Third Seat, Himitsu Misute. I have dispatched of the Hollow in the outer border of Karakura town. I have not found the officer on duty in this district and I assume that he didn’t last against the Hollow. Do you have a report on any other casualties.” Himitsu spoke into his denreishinki, the phone-like tool used to instantaneously communicate with Soul Society. A warm, young woman spoke back to him. “Good job, Third Seat. The confirmed death total is 14. The Hollow consumed six and the remaining were killed due to the collateral damage. As for the Shinigami on duty, he was found and reprimanded in Seireitei and is currently residing in the Squad 11 prisons for deserting his post until the rest of his fate is decided. You aren’t due back to Soul Society until tomorrow morning, so do not hesitate to take a vacation for the rest of the day.”

Himitsu ended the communication with a cold, ill-tempered expression on his face. So he wasn’t dead after all… And this is when all those spiteful feelings flooded through the Soul Reaper, all those negative emotions that began with R. But of all of them, his rage stood out the most, more than his remorse for the dead and his regret for how their loss could have been prevented. To think that lives were ended because a Shinigami came into a fight or flight situation and flew like a terrified pigeon. That is not what a Shinigami is meant to be.

[Kazura Uzaki]

Karakura Town was under attack. Suiting up to combat the thread, Kazura found himself unable to do much, as the giant skyscraper sized Hollow proved too much for him. He retreated when he felt the presence of a Shinigami, for once actually glad that one had arrived. Karakura Town was usually well defended enough by the Soul Society, but from Kazura's forays into the rest of the Earth, he knew all too well that their forces were unable to cover the planet like humans were.

When the Hollow was defeated effortlessly and without any blood lust or passion by the Shinigami, Kazura used his skills of stealth to sneak behind the third seat, listening in as he called in the kill. As he listened to the phone conversation, he too was disgusted when he found that one of the Soul Reapers had abandoned his post. Alerting Himitsu to his presence by talking, Kazura called out a challenge. "Fourteen people died today... Because one of your kind abandoned us... In what world is that considered the just and perfect way that you Shinigami profess to be a part of?"

Kazura had met a few Shinigami in his time, and with the exception of Grin who didn't talk about spiritual things, all of them had been very passionate about their cause. Taien could only talk about how the other races deserved extinction or destruction, and were wrong for trying to do things a different way than the Soul Society, and Kazuko had nearly tried to kill him for harming hollows. And Souza... well... Souza was very full of himself. He thought very highly of his race and looked down on anyone else who wasn't himself. But who was this Shinigami, and what was he like?

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

"Fourteen people died today... Because one of your kind abandoned us... In what world is that considered the just and perfect way that you Shinigami profess to be a part of?"

Himitsu spun, suddenly alert. He had let his guard slip after the fight and hadn’t even looked around for any spiritually aware beings that could sense him. However, even if he had, the third seat wouldn’t have detected the man before he spoke, for he snuck up behind the Shinigami silently and stealthily. The mysterious man had wasted no time when addressing Himitsu, and rather than beating around the bush, he had cut straight through it. However, Himitsu couldn’t help but have felt quite offended by the comment. He was already overflowing with hate and Kazura’s comment may have just lit the fuse.

“Don’t even try comparing me with that coward,” the Shinigami retorted, maintaining a quiet anger in his voice that was definitely noticeable and barely contained. Shinigami are guardians of pure, living souls. The man that left his post was nothing more than trash and someone needed to step on him and throw him out before he forgot his place. Himitsu wasn’t aware how long that man had been watching, but he was going to assume the worst from him. “And you can’t criticize any Shinigami after you had done squat to stop that Hollow, so a thank you might be in order.”

[Kazura Uzaki]

Kazura was similarly indignant. He didn't know who this Shinigami was, but he obviously didn't know what the human had been through in his life. The inventor had accidentally stumbled across the spiritual world when he had developed glasses that could see spirits when experimenting with space shuttle technology. And ever since, he had wanted to protect the world he grew up in from this new world that consumed people's souls. How many mothers thought that their children had been abducted and still held on to hope that they would be found, and yet they wouldn't be found, as a Hollow consumed them.

Kazura showed his hands to Himitsu, showed him the laser claws that emerged and the orbs that converted into swords. "I would have helped, and I honestly tried, until you showed up. Your kind has been nothing but bigoted towards me when I try to help them in this task of saving lives. They give me cease and desist ultimatums and threaten to kill me. You can't criticize any Fullbringer after your kind refuses our help at every turn. And don't give me the Substitute Shinigami talk. It's not worth giving up my soul to people who kill those who would help them. If you can't make them join you, kill them? How is that a good philosophy to live by?"

[Douma]

Himitsu wanted desperately to have a just response to the Fullbringer. When he first opened his mouth, intending to protect the honor of the Gotei 13, he found that he couldn’t put together any words in a logical defense. After a moment, his mouth slowly shut as he thought deeply to himself. This Fullbringer could have saved at least a couple of those lives, but the presence of a Shinigami had caused him to retreat out of caution for his own safety. Himitsu never truly considered the policy of Shinigami towards other races, since his only intent was to protect the innocent by slaying Hollows and other threats. For the first time, he is faced with a flaw in Seireitei’s stance against other races, and he did not like what he heard.

“If you are doing good, then…” His voice trailed off as he hesitated, reconsidering his words. “Then, you should not be attacked by any Shinigami.” For the first time, Himitsu’s image of the perfect, ideal Shinigami was stained. A Soul Repear represented justice, and if the organization that he backs attacks other races, than can a Shinigami truly be good? Himitsu had seen many, many corrupt Soul Reapers that abuse their power left and right, but it was never the Gotei 13 as a whole that he disagreed with. “Maybe Soul Society is wrong in this case. But Shinigami are here to protect people, innocent people, from Hollows. That officer that deserted his post broke that code and is currently being heavily punished for it. We stand for far better than cowards leaving people to die.”

[Kazura Uzaki]

This Shinigami was... having second thoughts? Kazura had yet to meet one of these Soul Reapers who didn't have anything but confidence in their faction. Well, Grin and Kazura didn't talk too much, but the threats that the Vice Captain had given definitely made Kazura think that he stood with the Soul Society on that topic. Kazuko definitely stood with the Soul Society, and Taien could only speak of how great the Gotei 13 was and how flawed all other races were. Deserving destruction, most of them.

"Yes, you may have found that one coward, but by what selection process was he chosen to come here today? How can you ensure that every single member of your army is willing to stand for the same things, and if the Soul Society is wrong on so big an issue, what is the motive behind the rest of their stances? Is it for the good of the people, or is it for the good of themselves. I won't pretend to know what it is like there, I've never been there, however, if a man who is a coward and leaves people to die can be an officer leading other subordinates and influencing them with his actions, I'm not sure that I could fully put my trust in that organization to have my best interests at heart..." Kazura's tone was quickly calming down. After seeing that Himitsu was willing to have a logical and rational conversation, the fullbringer's initial rage at the situation had subsided, and he spoke as one would to a friend. He spoke as if he was worried for the Shinigami and the Soul Society, and legitimately wasn't trusting of their 'protection'.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

"Yes, you may have found that one coward, but by what selection process was he chosen to come here today? How can you ensure that every single member of your army is willing to stand for the same things, and if the Soul Society is wrong on so big an issue, what is the motive behind the rest of their stances? Is it for the good of the people, or is it for the good of themselves. I won't pretend to know what it is like there, I've never been there, however, if a man who is a coward and leaves people to die can be an officer leading other subordinates and influencing them with his actions, I'm not sure that I could fully put my trust in that organization to have my best interests at heart..."

The selection process is rigorous training in the academy, and only those who had the will to continue would stick with it. But does some people’s thirst for power dominate their urge to do good? Not to mention that this stranger was also questioning the motives of Soul Society as a whole. Then again, Himitsu couldn’t help but wonder why it would label all Fullbringers as enemies. But before the Fourth Seat’s thoughts could linger on that matter, Kazura continued his attack on Soul Reapers by claiming that they are not worthy of his trust as a human.

“Who else is there?!” Himitsu asked, his voice for the first time rising. “What other organization sticks its neck out to save the innocent? Who else values the lives of the many and does its best to protect those in need? The Gotei 13 is not perfect and not as pure as anyone would like it to be, but without us, who else is there? The Vandenreich, moving toward genocide against all people that do not meet their criteria? The Xcution, a disgusting group with even more greedy, corrupt members than Shinigami? There is no better group, and acting alone is like dropping a rock in the ocean; the ripples won’t even be noticed. So tell me if there’s any other alternative!” Himitsu almost shouted his last words as more of a challenge than anything, trying to prove to the Fullbringer that the Shinigami are the best the world’s got. And when life give you lemon, however rotten they may be, you do your best.

[Kazura Uzaki]

Kazura listened to the tortured boy. He was clearly upset by his organization's actions, and found no other way to live. He was a good person, and he legitimately wanted to save human souls, it seemed. He let the Soul Reaper rant, and when he was finished, he just stuck out his gloved hand. "Why, Shinigami, there's me. Why do you think that I'm here? I protect people. Usually my efforts these days have been directly towards the humans in the path of the Hollows, shielding them so that a Shinigami can appear. But those days don't have to last for long... Already the Human World is gathering to become a force for good. My name is Kazura Uzaki, and I am your alternative."

"There are those of this world who fear Hollows, and those of this world who have the power to stop them. My goals are to merely gather them, lead them against creatures who would harm the Land of the Living, and protect the innocents who cannot see this world. We are growing in number, and I have been informed of... ways that we can purify Hollows without harming either world. The Substitute Shinigami have that power. However, you know as well as I do that the Soul Society has corruption. You said so yourself just now. I offer you hope, hope in a world where those with power are free to use it to protect, rather than to lash out against oppressors. Please, at least ponder my words and tell me if they seem false."

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Himitsu stared at the Fullbringer in confusion for a few moments, taking a few moments to run through his words. So this man, Kazura Uzaki, is claiming to be more pure than Soul Society? And whatever organization he is a member of is offering Himitsu a position as a member or ally? The Fourth Seat couldn’t help but be skeptical at the words of Kazura, but he wanted so strongly to believe the man. “There is corruption everywhere, and until I clearly see that your group is genuine, I can’t believe that you share my devotion.” Himitsu was being as clear as daylight. He wasn’t rejecting the man’s offer, but rather asking for proof that he gave Himitsu a better option than Soul Society.

But, for the first time, Himitsu felt like he had options. Ever since being rescued by a Shinigami on that fateful day in New York, he thought there was only one path leading to the goals he had in mind. But is there a possibility that Kazura could give him a better route? As his mind wander, the Fullbringer drew his attention back by making a puzzling request. Or at least it could have been a request, though despite dropping not-so-subtle hints, Kazura never directly asked a question. “You want me to make you a Substitute Shinigami?” Himitsu was skeptical whether or not Soul Society would approve, and he alone cannot assign that position to a human. Surely he was mistaken, but the Fullbringer seemed to seek the power of a Substitute Shinigami.

[Kazura Uzaki]

Kazura had but one phrase for the Shinigami. All of his thoughts were summed up into a single simple phrase. "No, I want you to help me bring the power of the Substitute Shinigami to the people of Earth." There was a lot of power and meaning in that phrase, so Kazura let it sink in. When he was confident that his intents were known, he used a little bit of oratory finesse in order to paint his actions in a positive light. True, he was convinced what he was doing was right, but Himitsu didn't believe him yet. "If we can take some of the burden off the Soul Society, they won't feel the need to attack us. Also, with the work shared into the realm where the attacks happen, many more lives will be saved. The Soul Society is keeping that reality from us by keeping the power of Hollow purification to themselves. You have been the first Shinigami of enough clarity to possibly understand that."

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Himitsu now understood what the Fullbringer was asking, but the request seemed far too radical and rebellious. How could Himitsu betray the organization he’s served so loyally for so long? To put things more directly, the Fullbringer was requesting Himitsu to steal from the Gotei 13. Stealing a Substitute Shinigami’s badge would give people more than the ability to purge a hollow, but to impersonate a Shinigami as well as abuse their influence. Himitsu knew the dangers of giving those badges out, but, at the same time, he couldn’t bring himself to say no. And it killed him. “I-I’ll have to think about it…”

Those were the only words he could summon as a reply. After all, while he couldn’t seem to bring himself to accept immediately, there was something stopping Himitsu from declining. It took a moment for the Shinigami to figure out what it was, but as soon as he did, he took no time addressing it. “How do I know I can trust you?” No fluff, no beating around the bush. That’s how Himitsu does things. After all, this Fullbringer could be trying to manipulate Himitsu by appealing to his sense of justice in order to get back at Soul Society. “Convince me that you’re on my side.”

[Kazura Uzaki]

Kazura was about to get... reckless. He needed to convince the Shinigami that he was "on his side", and with the self doubt that Himitsu was feeling, Kazura had a good idea that this man would join him in his mission to keep the Human world safe. So, to convince people of your sincerity, you need to do something very shocking and impulsive. So, he pulled out a gun from his side. Not pointing the barrel at Himitsu, but rather holding out the handle, he gave the weapon to the Soul Reaper.

"If you have any doubt that I can do what I wish, then shoot me now. The trigger will fire the weapon. I wish to save the human people, and I need people who have no doubt in my resolve to help me with that."

[Douma]

Himitsu was skeptical. Would this complete stranger put all his faith into the large Shinigami if he truly had such a hate for Soul Reapers? The Third Seat remembered seeing an analysis of a scene in the Dark Knight where the Joker handed Harvey Dent a pistol and pointed the barrel to his head. However, the Joker made sure to keep the hammer of the gun from setting it off. Keeping this in mind, Himitsu made sure to take the pistol from the Fullbring, not letting him touch it. From there, he fired the gun once into the air. The thunderous sound rung in his ears, and he knew that it would shoot. He fired a second time to ensure that there was more ammunition. And, finally, Himitsu slowly lowered his hand, stabilizing it with the pistol pointed towards the head of the smaller man.

“Three… Two…” The Third Seat counted slowly, very slowly. Each second consisted of about three or four. However, when the Third Seat got to “One,” his stared at the Fullbringer with sharp, cold brown eyes. Assuming that Kazura didn’t even blink, Himitsu would lower the gun and hand it back to the human. “You trust me, and I hope I can do the same.”

[Kazura Uzaki]

Kazura had to stay strong. The Shinigami took his weapon, pointed it in the air and fired to demonstrate if it had the ability to fire, did it again so that he could make sure there was more than one bullet in it, then finally pointed it at the fullbringer and slowly, oh so slowly counted down from three. At the end, Kazura nearly breathed a sigh of relief as the man gave back the weapon without attacking Kazura with it. His sheer strength of will kept him from flinching, but it was all that could be done.

"Your attempt to trust me is appreciated. You've already done more than the others of your kind that I have met. Some, outwardly, seem to care about my well being, but only if I'm doing what's best for them instead of what's best for my people. Do you have any more questions for me, or should we just keep in touch as you take the time you need to think things over?"

[Douma]

The Third Seat let out a long, frustrated sigh that he hadn’t even know he was holding in. “I-I think I need more time.” The Third Seat’s mind and heart were torn in two, unable to decided whether it’s worth leaving Soul Society to join this man with similar motives. Now, especially after he had found a new family with Squad 9 and his Vice Captain. “When I make my choice, I’ll be the one to find you.” Kazura Uzaki. That is a name that Himitsu wasn’t be forgetting anytime soon, and with the intelligence resources in Seireitei, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the fullbringer. After nodding good bye, Himitsu abruptly turned around and vanished, leaving no sound be the rustling of leaves.

But he then returned to the Squad 9 Barracks, and on his way to his own quarters, passed the empty room that Kazuko used to fill. All of the loneliness that Himitsu felt at that time suddenly hit him like a punch to the gut, knocking the very wind out of his lungs. He missed his friend, but it was more than that too. He felt guilty, guilty that he considered leaving everything Kazuko fought for behind. Kazura made a tempting offer, but Kazuko had faith in Soul Society and Himitsu had to maintain that too. Instead of leaving Seireitei, he would purify it.