Tears on the Mausoleum Floor [Adventure, NDE, R]

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Name: [Tears on the Mausoleum Floor] - The Adventure Name

Participants: [July Kasumi'Oji + one more participant selected by July who may join after the first segment of the thread] - Who can participate?

Location: [Kasumi'Oji Manor] - Where does this take place?

Difficulty Level: [Extreme] - Easy, Medium, Hard, Extreme. How difficult is this adventure?

Setting: [NDE] Is this DE or NDE? Death Enabled or Non Death Enabled?

Plotline: [Himitsu has called a meeting of the most influential Kasumi'Oji family members to determine a new path for the family.] - Explain the plot of your adventure.

Estimated Enemy Strength: [Class 3+] Estimate the strength of the NPC's people will fight in this adventure. Class 7-1, what is their strength on average?

Estimated Time Until Completion: [3/4] - How many pages do you think this adventure will run for until it is over?

Starts: [After the introduction is posted.] - When does the adventure begin?

Special Conditions: [This thread is a part of the Kasumi'Oji event. Thus, events in No Sins as Long as There is Permission may influence this thread, and it may influence future Kasumi'Oji event threads as well.] - Any special conditions, limitations, or other things.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

It is rare that of the Kasumi’Oji leadership were gathered in one room. Those responsible for administrative management, research and development, public relations, and a variety of other duties within the family had all been called to a the main Kasumi’Oji conference room at the family manor. The last time those people had met in the same room was for the appointment of July Kasumi’Oji as the head, but now, Himitsu had called them all together once more.

July would find a seat at the head of the conference table beside Himitsu. After all, they were co-heads of the family, sharing that responsibility equally. Despite their opposite natures, Himitsu and July were both responsible for leading the family. Himitsu considered his co-head and cousin a close friend, and so he was grateful to have July by his side as they both determined the path of the Kasumi’Oji.

As they were waiting for the final family members to arrive, Himitsu turned to his fellow captain. “Sorry for keeping you in the dark on this,” he said, genuinely apologetic. “I just finalized the last few pieces of this plan, and I really think it could change the family for the better.” July had a minute to respond before the last few stragglers walked in. At that point, Himitsu could no longer keep them waiting. It was time for him to present.

Standing in front of the conference table, Himitsu addressed the room. “Good morning, cousins. Thank you for attending this meeting at such short notice. I gathered you all to discuss a very pressing issue: the fate of this family.” A projector from the ceiling of the room turned on, revealing the lotus crest of the Kasumi’Oji on the wall behind Himitsu.

“We have been in a decline since the time of my younger brother, Yoshihiro. Even after the Bakkoto Rebellion, our people have failed to truly recover. Azumi and Taiho, my cousins, both capitalized on crime. However, their efforts were ultimately fruitless. As soon as they left their positions, the family lost its influence once more. The underworld in an unreliable place, and to have it act as the foundation to our family is unacceptable.

“Evil begets evil. Our involvement in the black market has done more harm than good, and our bakkoto fuel Lord Callus’s own personal army as well as countless mercenaries that slay shinigami, sometimes our own kin. We know it’s wrong, but because that is how the Kasumi’Oji rose to power in the first place, we refuse to abandon it. I won’t let this attitude of compliance stand.”

The slide behind Himitsu changed to two different maps, one of Soul Sociey and the other of the Human World. There were scores of X’s, colored blue, red, and green. “We have facilities in all corners of the worlds marked by the X’s on these maps. The red X’s correspond to about 40% of our research and manufacturing facilities, where our bakkoto parasites are processed and created.

“These will be repurposed for general manufacturing of life-force based products for the new projects. The first is our medicine initiative. The blue X’s behind me will be repurposed as new health facilities, where ill spiritual beings can seek treatment. I already have crafted a healthcare plan to give us steady income from this medical program even when individuals aren’t coming in for treatment.”

Himitsu’s words were a cue to some of the Kasumi’Oji servants in the room, many of them orphaned children that Himitsu employed so that they could work for him and receive shelter and food as compensation. The healthcare plans outlined in the packet was about fifty pages long in total with a variety of plans available, catering to a variety of races from soul reapers to mod souls.

“I will also appoint Maya Kasumi’Oji as the head of this medical program. She will be responsible for new life-force based medicinal research as well as the training of our doctors.” As Himitsu addressed her, a woman seated at the back of the room nodded in acknowledgement, her cold, detached eyes staring straight ahead at Himitsu rather than acknowledging the gazes trained on her. That woman had a reputation. Prior to the death of her husband in the Bakkoto Rebellion, Maya was a rival of Azumi when it came to sciences. Few could match her medical expertise. She was a very capable choice for the director of Himitsu’s proposed project.

“Lastly, we have the green X’s. Most of these are our warehouses, acting as storage facilities and vending locations for a variety of illegal goods. They typically have a lot of open room within them. For that reason, they will be repurposed as agricultural centers. That is my second proposal. With a general lack of affordable food for rukongai citizens, there is a lot of demand for cheap meals. At the moment, food is solely a luxury for the rich, but we can open new markets if we grant the less wealthy population the chance to purchase food for a reasonable price.

“If we direct all bakkoto development toward the enhancement of agricultural methods – using our knowledge of life force to grow more food faster rather than arm the criminals of the world – we can find a more stable and beneficial source of income for the family. These two new initiatives will require time and investment, but in a few years time, I foresee them surpassing the black market in profitability. More importantly, their financial reward will never fade or waver. Let us strengthen the Kasumi’Oji for centuries to come. Thank you.”

Himitsu finished his presentation with a polite smile and nod. He expected to be met with curtious applause, but not a single individual made a sound. They all stared at the head of the family with suspicious eyes. Some scanned through his healthcare packet. A few glared at him with irritation. But most just looked at Himitsu as they careful considered his words, weighing the potential benefit and consequences.

The seconds felt like hours, but eventually, the silence was broken. “Very good, Himitsu. I commend you for that detailed presentation.” Daiji Kasumi’Oji, the head of bakkoto production for the family, had not forgotten his manners. Strangely, Himitsu felt a lack of sincerity in his voice. “However, let me remind you that you are but the co-head. We have not yet heard the thoughts of your partner, July. Please, July, share your thoughts with the family. The floor is yours.”

[July Kasumi'Oji]

”Hmmmmm~”

Paper. And lots of it. Staring him down, blank canvas swallowing him up. Eeeeeeeeergh. Disgusting. He hated white. So empty, so void-like. And yet, here was Himitsu presenting him with the greatest void. Provide his co-head with a response to a plan he knew nothing about? How meeeeean. It was just not nice. July could be responsible! Be trusted with things that allowed him to help! Just look at him, all Captain-y and things. Who wouldn’t trust him with top secret plans that would set a crooked family straight? Patooey. Maybe he didn’t even want to hear them anyway. Baka~

Of course, this internal struggle was invisible to his partner-in-crime-fighting Himitsu. What the rather clueless Captain (the adjective had only been selected for its awesome alliteration, not out of any meaningful malice) would instead see was the rather concerned look of a man whose head was buried in far too much paperwork. Between the sheets he had sequestered stealthily from the Squad 8 barracks and the notes Himitsu was having him read now - he was seriously swamped. Or, at least, it looked that way. No relaxing rests for the worldly wicked womanizer… Ok, now he was just trying too hard.

”Hmmmmm~”

But now was not the time for July’s input. It was start time. The whistle had blown - the ball had been kicked or thrown in or whatever the sport of the hour required. The presentation had begun. Facts, figures, more and more and more. Himitsu was nattering a little. July would have to tell him afterwards. He would appreciate the honesty. He would have to anyway - no choice in the issue! But Himitsu was still making a fatal error. An error that would have to be brought up at the earliest opportunity! And it seemed he would get that chance - courtesy of his ‘uncle’ Daiji. How kind of him to ask July to conveniently tear a hole in Himitsu’s plan. The lack of sincerity in his compliments was plainly obvious to both Captains.

So, it was July’s turn! He sprung up from his chair, a flurry of colour and motion - almost blurring to those who were watching unfocusedly (those who were falling asleep from the presentation may have even been jolted awake by the sudden movements - but that’s what July wanted. All. eyes. on. him.). With a simple step, he moved from floor to table - what better soapbox could he ask for? The heavy wood of the furniture would easily support his weight - even if he were to skip down it. Though, that probably wouldn’t be a appropriate.

”To be fraaaaank~”

July brought his gloved hand to his chin and tipped his head back - thoughtful, nice. It would make a good photograph.

”I couldn’t care less, really.”

The declaration may send a murmur around the crowd, and might certainly set Himitsu on edge. Was this a betrayal? No. Not exactly.

”I mean, Himitsu-kun is probably right ’n’ righteous about his whole plan, and I guess it would be cool to go along with is. I mean, he is the planner after all~”

July stuck his tongue out and waved back at his younger cousin - yes, he was talking about him. And there was no offence intended.

”My job is to make sure that we stick. together. like. glue.”

July emphasised each word with a dramatic flourish towards each of the men at the table.

”Like in any team game, we’ll be more effective as a team. Weeeeeeeelllllllllll…. Maybe that’s a little debatable, but let’s assume it to be true for now…

Well, what I’m basically saying is that I’ll throw my support behind any idea that everyone is willing to get behind. After all, we can definitely win…

He wished he had confetti for this moment. The piece was delightfully cheesy.

”If we work together!”

What a wonderful tagline. Perfect for any shounen manga.

”Right, Hi-mi-tsu-kun~?”

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

”To be fraaaaank~ I couldn’t care less, really.”

Himitsu had been met with a skeptical silence at the end of his presentation. July, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky. His words were like sparks on a pool of oil. He had ignited the frustration of the Kasumi’Oji elders.

“What a clown.”

“How is this child responsible for the family?”

“These are our leaders? A radical reformer and a fool?”

While July would feel much of the anger directed toward him, he wasn’t alone. Daiji, July’s sponsor, was the subject of very angry gazes. They blamed him for what they saw as July’s neglect and indifference. Someone had to be held accountable, and if July had no sense of duty, then Daiji would share the responsibility. After a few moments of distasteful grumbles, the room was quiet enough for July to continue.

The Captain outlined his position clearly and briefly. ”My job is to make sure that we stick. together. like. glue.” Much of the room nodded in agreement with those words, surprised to hear reason from the erratic Shinigami. He was right. Himitsu’s proposal was very divisive and controversial. It was not something that the Kasumi’Oji were keen to adopt. July understood the effects Himitsu’s plan would have on the family dynamic. ”Well, what I’m basically saying is that I’ll throw my support behind any idea that everyone is willing to get behind.

“After all, we can definitely win… If we work together! Right, Hi-mi-tsu-kun~?”

July’s co-head stared at his cousin with a confused gaze and furrowed brow. “Uh, yeah. That’s right.” He wore an uncertain half-smile that seemed to say ‘Thank you?’ He wasn’t sure if gratitude was the right response, but not much else really fit. July’s message boiled down to the following: as long as the family is united, they would be able to accomplish any change.

“Look,” Himitsu began, taking the front of the room once more. Daiji, who had done his best to remain composed, could not suppress the frustrated curve of his eyebrows as he glared at the Squad 7 Captain. “I understand that my plan may not be perfect. I want your input. How can we better shift away from the criminal dealings that are so ingrained in this family history? How can we bring the Kasumi’Oji out of the darkness and into the light?”

A heavy silence settled in the room as people reviewed the documents Himitsu laid out in front of them. A few whispered amongst each other, discussing certain clauses. During this time, Daiji approached July. “I would like to speak with you in private. Follow me,” he instructed July as he began walking out of the conference room.

Assuming that July followed, Daiji would take them to the end of the corridor, where they could speak quietly without being overheard. “I must be honest, July. We cannot shut down a number of these facilities. The bakkoto trade is too profitable, but more importantly, we have other assets in those facilities. For decades, I have committed myself to creating the most powerful weapons to strengthen the family. When I discovered you, I realized that the bakkoto were insignificant without soldiers to wield them.

“You were the first perfect artificial soul, crafted by that brilliant man, Amos. But his genius was limited, as he was unable to replicate his work. What if I told you that I’m close? That we may be able to produce an army of your siblings that would make the Kasumi’Oji unstoppable? Himitsu, while well-intentioned, is an idiot. He doesn’t understand that we are only still standing because of our illegal trade. And once we are able to produce our own army, his silly healthcare project would have no place.

“I ensured your appointment as Kasumi’Oji head because I trust you to do the best for this family. I need your help, July. Buy me time. Just a couple more weeks. Make the right choice.”

[July Kasumi'Oji]

”Hmmmmm~”

They continued to natter. The naysayers were louder than the rest - of course! No-one was louder than those who had nothing to constructive to contribute. July knew that all too well - he could often be the loudest. Their anger didn’t perturb him in the slightest. He didn’t really care what they thought - Himitsu was the one who had to be concerned with public appearances and the such. Perhaps all the Kasumi’Oji really needed was an injection of adrenaline! A shot to their system to get the blood flowing again. And this “radical reformer and a fool” would be the perfect medicine for the ailing family.

”Don’t furrow your brow, Himitsu-kuuun. It makes you look far too old.”

July spun on his heel on the table, his boots clicking sharply on the solid wood. His remarks on Himitsu’s rather dour face were, of course, accompanied by a stuck-out tongue and a wink. But he would have to get down, he supposed. It would be quite difficult to review all of this booooring paperwork if he was pacing on the table. Or perhaps this was the kind of supervision the family members required? Who knew what they could be getting up to outside of reading their documents. Texting girlfriends? Playing mahjong? It wouldn’t do for them to be distracted…

But now the meeting was over. July’s favourite part - the ending. But, it seemed he would not be permitted much of a celebration. The dour, dour man who made Himitsu look so dour was approaching him. Uncle Daiji, the family called him. Because his name was Daiji, and he was quite a lot of people’s uncle. It was a pathetic mob name. July was very disappointed. He had hoped that the Kasumi’Oji would be at least half as inventive as the Kuchiki - but it seemed even that was demanding too much of their puny brains. This was what happened when you singularly focussed on money and prestige - you rotted.

”Daaaiji-kun… Whatever could you want from little old me?”

July listened to his sermon ‘thoughtfully’, selecting a few of his best ‘thinking poses’ to satisfy Daiji as he rambled. How positively delightful. He never knew Daiji was such a family man - creating more siblings for July to live with? How thoughtful of him… Bleh. What a bad joke. A bad, bad joke. The whole affair stank, just like Daiji’s finances. A desperate man who was craving his own successes and not really considering the team at large. An offensively bad player. Bad, bad. F- on the test. That was enough talking, and enough thinking poses for now.

”Whooooooooosh.”

July paused for a moment, letting Daiji to attempt to understand the significance of the onomatopoeia.

”That, my beloved uncle, was the sound of the purpose of the meeting whooshing over your thinning hair - you should really have that looked at, by the way… I will wholeheartedly support your plans if you can prove that you’re doing it for the good of the family, and that you have the backing of the entire party. And yes, that includes our darling Aunty Maude - and Himitsu-kun too, I suppose…”

It wasn’t as if July was being naive - he knew that such a situation was ridiculous. No-one would ever produce a miraculous plan so brilliant as to unite the disparate members of the Kasumi’Oji family. But, that wasn’t the purpose of his ‘glue policy’. No. Perhaps Himitsu had understood how helpful July was being, perhaps he had missed the point. But Daiji was now going to be the perfect example. It was textbook - theory followed by example. Because July’s declaration meant that the value of these “private meetings” were severely undermined. He would only give his support to committee approved proposals, and without July’s support they lost access to the family funds (it was only natural that the accountant of the Seireitei was also in charge of his family’s funds).

”Daiji-kun… if you wanted to have a family so badly, you should have just asked! I’m sure there are plenty of women willing to overlook your receding hairline for your enormous… wealth. But, my answer is what I stated at the meeting - I will support the popular opinion. You get everywhere so much faster when you ride the bandwagon!”

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Daiji was not entertained by July’s theatrics. He remained stone-faced through all the joking and teasing. As July delivered his witty, verbal blows, Daiji’s unentertained gaze stayed glued to the eccentric captain and his hardened expression, hiding any sign of emotion, endured. Even after July had finished, he held their eye contact through the silence much like cowboys of the wild west did at the opening of their duel.

“’You get everywhere so much faster when you ride the bandwagon.’” Daiji repeated July’s words with a far slower voice and more sober tone. “What has this family – or any great noble family, for that matter, accomplished through the support of all its elite members? I can guarantee you that Himitsu will not have the family’s support for his plan. Not today. Not tomorrow. Perhaps he will convince them eventually, after several forced compromises. And even then, he might barely secure a majority to rally behind a fragmented, deformed version of his original proposition.

“I have pursued my research in the past with the private approval of Azumi and Taiho. Now, Himitsu threatens those years of effort and progress. To repurpose my facilities is to halt my confidential operations and simultaneously toss out the source of revenue that has built this family from the ground up.”A trickle of anger betrayed Daiji, seeping through the cracks of his mask.

“Understand this, July,” Daiji said, placing a firm hand on the Captain’s shoulder. “I am not asking you to directly oppose Himitsu. If you wish to support his crusade, be my guest. All I ask is that you give me more time to work towards a perfect product.”

[July Kasumi'Oji]

”What has this family gained through the support of all its elite members?”

July interrupted Daiji by repeating his rhetorical question. While Daiji had intended answering it himself, July had his own answers. Many answers in fact. Some of it was quite hard-hitting, especially for a man as prideful as Daiji. Would he weep? Never. He might gnash his teeth a little though. Perhaps a slight wound on his pride was what he would need to reach out and grab greatness with his own hands. The pitiful scientist, overshadowed by his more brilliant cousins… Poor man, poor man. Maybe he did need the little push. That was a small mercy July would be happy to grant him.

”And tell me, Daiji-kun? What has this family achieved without unity? A penchant for scrambling in the dirt, feeding off the criminal empire that Azumi carefully built. Well, I have some news for you… I would hardly consider those contributions - either by you or our darling cousins - anything close to a measure of success.”

Daiji was a proud man. To be told that he was meaningless was tantamount to undermining his entire existence. July felt a little bad - no, not really - for the man. He was so… fragile in so many ways. And perhaps this condescending pity would be allowed to slip into July’s eyes - he would gaze down on the shorter man like a parent would look at a slightly confused child, his eyes filled with a desire to help but also a distant sense of contempt - when would he just get on July’s level. July was pushing the man’s buttons - just a little - to plumb the depths of Daiji’s conviction. Was this twisted sense of power truly how he measured the Kasumi’Oji’s influence?

”Of course, Daiji-kun, I must not forget how thankful I am for the headstart you gave me back when I returned to the Soul Society… So perhaps I will indulge you just this once.”

July’s voice lacked sincerity. It was as if he were an exasperated parent, trying to appease a temperamental child with empty promises of sweets and ice-cream. But the sudden flip of emotions would surely catch the older (pah - as if Daiji were older than July in anything other than appearance) Kasumi’Oji off guard. July was a terror to deal with, his mood tack and actions flipping like alternating current. Could Daiji’s desires hold up to this warped playing around?

”How long did you want again? An hour? Until the next meeting? A ten-minute head start before the cats are loosed on the fleeing mice?”

July tossed his golden hair from side-to-side, in time with the rhythm of his speech - but his eyes were locked on Daiji’s, carefully observing what the little man would do next.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

”What has this family gained through the support of all its elite members?”

Veins protruded from Daiji’s forehead in response to July’s question. He did not take kindly to being interrupted, but the power dynamic was clear. July was the Head of the Kasumi’Oji, and Daiji’s role was to serve. Once again, he was reminded of his place in the family. He bit his tongue and swallowed his pride.

”And tell me, Daiji-kun? What has this family achieved without unity? A penchant for scrambling in the dirt, feeding off the criminal empire that Azumi carefully built.” Daiji wanted to yell in the smirk Captain’s face, dwarfing him with a bellous voice. He wanted to force July to understand that it was because of Azumi and Taiho that the Kasumi’Oji still exist. That without them, the family would have been buried in history and forgotten. There was much he wanted to do, but it was all a fantasy. He sat quietly and struggled to maintain his composure. “Well, I have some news for you… I would hardly consider those contributions - either by you or our darling cousins - anything close to a measure of success.”

”Of course, Daiji-kun, I must not forget how thankful I am for the headstart you gave me back when I returned to the Soul Society… So perhaps I will indulge you just this once.” The insincerity was aggressively obvious in July’s tone. All the tension that build up in Daiji’s jaws and shoulders suddenly vanished like smoke into the sky. He had conceded. His ambition – his vision for the family – had no place in this new administration.

The defeated man opened his mouth to speak. “I-“

”LORD JULY!"

A boy, no older than eleven or twelve years old, sprinted down the corridor toward the Captain. He was one of the butlers Himitsu had hired from the poorer Rukongai districts. There were a couple dozen of them across the mansion, executing basic tasks necessary for the upkeep of the Kasumi’Oji Manor. It was quite unusual to see any of them handling urgent business, yet this boy seemed dangerously concenred. His face was flushed with a bright red color and streams of sweat flowed down from his hair. Something was not quite right.

“We’ve … received … distress … signals …. come.”He forced each word out between breaths while motioning for July to follow him. Daiji accompanied them as well, following the child into the conference room where the rest of the family elders and Himitsu remained. However, it seemed that the dynamic in the room had changed. There was a somber atmosphere in the room, and the attention of all family members were directed at two individuals who hadn’t been there before. They were dressed in the traditional Shinigami garments, but there distinct blond hair and blue eyes labeled them as Kasumi’Oji.

“…information about the attackers. There were more than two dozen to start, but we reduced their numbers to just four. Among them was a Fullbringer with significant strength, two Arrancar – one with power even greater than my own, and a failure girl that can create arms of reishi.” July might recognize the girl who spoke. She was fairly young, approximately nineteen years old in terms of appearance. Her name was Kimi Kasumi’Oji, eight seat of the Kido Corps. She was a part of a branch of Kasumi’Oji known for their dedication to service in the Gotei 13. Her entire family were seated officers in one squad or another, and Kimi was considered a prodigy among them.

“We did all we could but-“ Her voice broke with emotion, and the young woman’s sad gaze dropped as tears dropped from her eyes. The man beside her stepped forward. He was about five years older. July would also recognize him as Hugo Kasumi’Oji, Kimi’s older brother and the 6th seat of Squad 3. “But Brother and Father did not survive.” Hugo spoke was a steady voice. His experience was apparent, especially compared to the crying Kimi. Still, this unfortunate news drew sighs of grief from the room of Kasumi’Oji elders.

“Hugo, Kimi, I’m so sorry…” Himitsu began, his eyes watering as he addressed his cousins. “Shino and Kaze will be remembered as heroes. They were good men.”

Unfortunately, there was no time for the family to mourn. The child that had brought July and Daiji back to the room had recovered his breath. “Lord Himitsu, Lord July, we have received several hell butterfly within the past five minutes. All of them were distress signals. The first came from the Paris facility. Another from Tokyo. A third from Moscow. New York as well.” At the mention of New York, Daiji’s eyes widened. It was a small reaction, but a noticeable one to those paying attention.

Hugo’s brow furrowed. “The criminals gathering in Paris must be behind one of the attacks. I will go to meet them.”

“No,” Himitsu answered immediately. His reasoning was obvious. He would not send Hugo to meet the same fate as his brother and father. Still, the family was in a tough position. With so many simultaneous attacks across the human world, it was clear that there was an organized effort to bring down the Kasumi’Oji. They would need every capable fighter they could get to properly defend themselves.

“I’ll accompany him.” Maya Kasumi’Oji rose from the back of the room, the same woman who Himitsu had appointed as the head of his new health program. “I’m not the most effective combatant, but with my healing expertise, I can guarantee that no one will die. If we cannot win, we will at least survive. The Paris location is not our top priority, after all."

Himitsu wanted to argue, but he realized that they had no other options. “Very well. We still need to organize defenses in our other locations. All of you, reach out to friends and allies you can trust. We need as much help as we can get.”

“I will protect the New York facility.” Daiji stepped forward from behind July. “I have personal assets stored in that location, and it would be dangerous for any unstable criminal groups to acquire them.” He stole a glance toward July, confirming any suspicions the Squad 8 Captain may have. It was in New York that he conducted his own super soldier project. If he were telling the truth about nearly completing his project, then they would have to prevent their enemies from stealing this technology at all costs.

“But I cannot protect it on my own. For a matter as pressing as this, I require July’s assistance.”

Himitsu looked to Daiji with suspicion. He knew nothing about Daiji’s secret ambitions, but now was not the time to press for more information. He had no choice but to trust in his family. His eyes moved to July, awaiting his fellow co-Head’s answer. It was up to July whether or not he wished to accompany Daiji.

OOC: Even if July chooses not to go with Daiji, the adventure will go on so don’t worry about that xD Also, this is your opportunity to pull in another participant into the adventure! Invite whoever you’d like.

[July Kasumi'Oji]

”Oh my oh my. This is somewhat troublesome.”

July had not interrupted the messenger, or the following reports, once. Contrary to what Daiji and the rest of the family council might have thought, he was a fan of effective communication in times of crisis like this. How could the team be mobilised if they stood around and made jokes all the time, right? That wasn’t to say that jokes didn’t have their place at war council, but they could certainly be sprinkled in tastefully… like icing sugar on a delicious sponge cake. And this cake was a true beauty. A fully fledged war on all the criminal bases of the Kasumi’Oji around the world. So quickly was the empire crumbling without the sisters to prop it up.

”Oh no. It seems as though our completely solid and defensible and successful family“ - July cast a bored look back at Daiji, noting his worry at the mention of the New York facility - ”is under attack. What a pity we do not have the successful sisters to prop us up as we go.” His tone was passive, empty - and because of that it felt loaded with disdain. His intent would be communicated to Daiji precisely. This kind of chaos was exactly what July had anticipated - and what he had secretly wanted. It was all too perfect. Too perfect.

”I will, like a good soldier, assist out ailing uncle with the defence of the New York facility. Hopefully we’ll be able to pick up some more competent teammates on the way, though!’

July’s flashed with glee as he spun on his heel, making for the door. Himitsu could bear the burden of feeling stressed, Maya could take the weight of the injured family members on her conscience. Would it help anyone if July was worried too? No. Not at all. In fact, to be strong now was more important than ever. Especially in the face of the little porcelain doll Kimi. She would need a strong example of how to be cool under pressure from her superiors. July gave her a playful wink as he skipped out the door, his long green coat billowing behind him as he ran.

”Don’t worry Himitsu-kun, Maya-chan. I’ll get you both a souvenir!”

And then, as if to a dog:

”Come along Daiji-kun, we have some work to do”

OOC: I’m going to delay selecting a partner until we get a better handle of the situation in New York, if that’s alright.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

”Come along Daiji-kun, we have some work to do.” Himitsu nodded in acknowledgement of July’s decision. He trusted his fellow co-head, and in an environment of such chaos and uncertainty, that trust was precious. Himitsu extended his hand toward July for a handshake. “Best of luck,” he wished his cousin. If July met his hand, the Captain would feel a small insect crawl up his palm and into his sleeve. And be safe. Volucris would provide a constant means of telepathic communication between the two Captains, ensuring that July could update the Kasumi’Oji Manor on the situation in the Human World.

---

A senkaimon gate opened in the Bowling Green subway station in Manhattan down town Manhattan. From this gate, Daiji Kasumi’Oji emerged. He wore his classic white cloak with the sharp collar hiding the bottom half of his face. Beneath his spiked golden hair, his blue eyes scanned their surroundings. The only other individual present in the station was a man wrapped in blankets at the corner of the square, his messy, long black hair peeking out of the cotton layers. At 3 am, it was no surprise that the station was occupied by a single homeless man seeking refuge from the harsh, icy wind of the New York City winter.

July would accompany Daiji through the senakiamon gate, although the Kasumi’Oji researcher would take the lead toward the entrance of the secret Kasumi’Oji center. They’d descend down the stairs to the railway that would take them uptown. However, it was clear that Daiji had no interest in waiting for the train to arrive. Instead, he simply jumped off the platform and landed several feet below on the tracks. Considering the time, there would be a fair amount of time between each train.

Walking in the opposite direction that the trains would take, Daiji led the pair along the side of the tracks for approximately five minutes until they reached what appeared to be a half-open doorway. The lock that had previously locked this entrance was visibly deformed, indicating that it had been breached with force. Daiji flashed July a mildly concerned look. Whoever had intruded on the Kasumi’Oji facility was clearly already inside.

“Daiji Kasumi’Oji, administrator.” Daiji spoke into the door. In response, an eye the size of a tennis ball opened at the face of the door, meeting Daiji’s gaze. “Daiji Kasumi’Oji recognized,” it answered back. “Access administrator privileges. Disable security.” Daiji waited patiently, but it was several moments before the mechanical voice responded. “Administrator access denied.” The Kasumi’Oji scientist stared into the eye in deep thought before turning to July. “It seems that our security system has been overridden. They have likely activated our own defense measures to keep us from entering. I recommend drawing your zanpakuto, Captain July. You will need it.”

Daiji pushed the broken door open, revealing a dark tunnel. It was unclear how long this tunnel extended, but it was about 20 feet wide and tall. “Along this tunnel, there are dormant tendrils that will attempt to apprehend you, although if the intruders are intelligent, they’ll have reprogrammed them with the intent to kill. We’ll have to reach the end before the next stage of security. How should we proceed?”

[July Kasumi'Oji]

Oh you know me, Himitsu-kun - ’safety’ is one of my middle names… Well, more like one of my many aliases… You get the idea.

---

July had to resist the urge to make the most of the telepathic link. Imagine playing “I Spy” when both people were looking at two vastly different vistas? The strategies and mind games would be intense. As an exercise, he tried to picture Himitsu’s whereabouts… Some stuffy office perhaps, with his head in his hands, looking over some paperwork… Or perhaps waiting for some news from the various locations the family had been sent to. Curiosity got the better of July propriety however. Himitsu-kuuuuuun - if you were to pick an object nearby to try and make me guess for ‘I Spy’ what would you-

“It seems that our security system has been overridden. They have likely activated our own defense measures to keep us from entering. I recommend drawing your zanpakuto, Captain July. You will need it.”

Ah, perhaps another time, Himitsu-kun. Wish me luck!~

July’s drawing of his Zanpakuto was as swift as one would expect from the dextrous Captain. A small slip inside his coat, a barely audible clink as the small dagger exited its scabbard, the gentle swish of steel against air as July spun his weapon expertly between his fingers. And while he did this, he observed and listened. Daiji was someone he barely respected, true, but he had more information on this location than July did - and it was a fool of a player that turned down free information. So, July nodded politely as his ‘uncle’ explained the haywire defence systems, gave a quiet nod of false admiration as he opened the door.

”I guess we will proceed as planned, my dear uncle. With great caution. ‘twould not do for me to live up to my moniker as ‘the Reckless One’ now, would it? No need to panic - ‘Careful’ is one of the many aliases I am accustomed to wearing”

July flashed his uncle a toothy grin before entering the door, warily observing the surrounding walls and such for any of the traps his uncle had mentioned. His analytic abilities were quite excellent, and his senses were no slouch either. He was mostly confident in his ability to predict and react to any unexpected attacks… Though, there was no fun when you knew everything that was coming. Ooooh, ‘dormant tendrils’. Just what kind of operation were you running here, my dear uncle? This was going to be a lot of fun.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

I spy? Uhm… oh okay, I got one. I spy with my lit-

Ah, perhaps another time, Himitsu-kun. Wish me luck!~

Daiji cautiously followed behind July as they entered the Kasumi’Oji facility. The small tunnel they walked through was very dark, the only light sources being the opening in the doorway behind them and a faint red light somewhere down the stretch of the pathway. It was no less than two hundred meters away.

The Kasumi’Oji pair would walk through the tunnel undisturbed for almost a full minute in complete silence. Well, nearly complete silence. Because it wasn’t completely quiet. If July listened very carefully, he’d be able to pick up on an interesting hum. The source seemed to surround him, as though it came from the very walls of the tunnel they were in. And if he focused even harder on that hum, he’d realize it wasn’t a hum at all. It was as though dozens of bass drums were being played at different rhythms in a conundrum of sound that blended their distinct strikes together.

This eerie pseudo-silence didn’t even last the full minute. Just when July and Daiji were almost 50 meters from the doorway, they’d detect subtle movement all around them. An eyelid opened in the ground right in front of July, staring right into the eyes of the carefree captain. Along with it, multiple other eyelids opened all around the tunnel. There were about twenty of them total. None were in pairs. Each of these individual eyes had their pupils pointing to the two trespassers.

After a second of looking around and making sense of the situations, the eyes erupted from the ground around July. They stood on the tip of long tentacles with bony spikes along their edges. The tentacles immediately rushed out of the walls, floor, and ceiling of the tunnel to strike at July and Daiji. They possessed an intimidating strength of 600 and speed of 400, each acting individually in an effort to skewer their targets.

Daiji was quick to take action. While he was not known for his combat abilities amongst the Kasumi’Oji, Daiji had devoted much time to the art of Kido. He was certainly more proficient in kido than the majority of Shinigami among the Gotei 13. Furthermore, he received private spiritual training courtesy of the Kasumi’Oji family’s resources, which account for his captain-level spiritual strength. He activated Hado #56: Metsubou Kobushi by punching his fist outward. As he did, a stone fist taller than Daiji was emerged from the wall to their right, blocking the two tendrils on that wall from directly lunging at Daiji and July. With a right hook motion, Daiji formed a cup with his fist pointing downward. His rock hand responded to this motion by forming a protective dome around his head with a durability superior to the strength of the tentacles around them. It was all Daiji could do at the moment to protect himself, and so July was left to fight the tentacles alone.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Daiji Stats}
Class 1 Rogue; Rank 4 Genius

Strength - [150] (50) Points

Speed - [300] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [350] (1050) Points

Reiatsu Strength - [300] (900) Points

Light Aura - [90] Points

Dark Aura - [10] Points

Instinct - [200] Points

Senses - [100] Points

Energy sensory - [100] (300) Points

Healing Expertise - [100] (33) Points

Daiji Combat Posts: 1/8

[July Kasumi'Oji]

”Whoopsy-daisy!”

Daiji was evidently correct, it seemed as though whoever had infiltrated the base had reprogrammed the security. Quite the master hackers, it seemed. Or perhaps Daiji was the kind of person who kept their passwords on a little post-it next to the monitor - July wouldn’t put it past him. He was a very ‘everything is on my face’ kind of guy. Easy to read. Of course, this was allowing for the universe in which July had just entirely misinterpreted his uncle. An easy mistake to make if he were an actor on July’s level. But no, at the moment, he seemed very true to himself. Even now, in a modicum of danger, he looked stern and focussed. If July so much as poked him he might have a nervous breakdown.

Ah, there were attacks coming, right? Those should probably dealt with. Sooner rather than later too. The tentacles were rushing at him at quite the pace, it was quite spooky. But July could handle it. He was a Captain of the Gotei 13 after all. He could handle a few slimy boys. More than a few in fact - he was just being modest. Was it even modesty when one admitted to the modesty themselves? Perhaps, perhaps not. Oh well, the profound questions of life and all that could wait for another time, he had some attacks to deal with. Ones of the suck, grabby, stubby kind.

To an outsider, it would look like July was dancing. He had already made a mental map of where the floor was safe to step on with his analytic abilities and based on where the tentacles were originating from. With that ironed out, dodging them was simply a case of watching one’s footing and being more agile than the attackers. Sure, they were as fast as July in a vacuum, but they lacked his finesse - his style - his grace - his panache. Rough shod organic messes like them couldn’t stand up to the graceful product of Shinigami science! There was nowhere to hide!

A combination of acrobatics and dance manoeuvres would ensure the tentacles would have a hard time hitting him. And unless they were capable of more devious strategies than simply rushing him down, July’s instinct and analysis would be more than enough to keep him safe from their straightforward attacks. Of course, this dancing was rather fun, but he did have places to be. Places that were down this very hallway, in fact. Time to get moving! Time to tip the scales! Time to make his counterattack! And so, instead of dodging the next attack, July began his riposte.

For an outsider, it would not look much more different than what July had been doing already - dipping, dodging and weaving among the various attacks. However now there was a flash of silver among the green and gold. July was no strongman - each of the attacks with his dagger were weak and to an outsider would look superficial. But to a knowledgeable medic - perhaps on the level of a surgeon - the attacks would look unerringly precise. July struck precisely where he intended to, his blade dipping in and out of the tentacles as they continued to move around him. If this was enough to force them back, it would be nice, but July was prepared to wait until he had dealt almost lethal damage.

Every move of his was carefully controlled to maximise damage. The cuts were as deep as he could manage, but not so deep that the blade would lodge within the tough meat of the tentacles. He struck at what he could only assume were veins and arteries with abandon, severing and opening as many as he could. However, he remained ever wary of their attacks. If he ever felt surrounded or overwhelmed, he was careful to take a step back, to retreat a step. July’s style would look reckless, but a good player of any game knows their own limits. In spite of his carefree attitude, he was being careful and observant. He would continue this defence, however, until the behaviour of the attackers changed.

SPOILER: Click to show

{July’sStats and Abilities}

Strength - [100] Points -> [60] Points from Cunning Type

Speed - [400] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [400] Points -> [640] Points from Cunning Type

Reiatsu Strength - [200] Points -> [120] Points from Cunning Type

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [200] Points -> [400] Points from Cunning Type

Senses - [150] Points

Energy sensory - [50] Points

Healing Expertise - [100] Points


Total SP: [1600] Points

• [Battle Skill: Dagger/Knives] {4}
• [Utility Skill: Acting] {3}
• [Body Skill: Acrobatics] {3}
• [Body Skill: Stealth] {2}
• [Mental Skill: Strength of Will] {2}
• [Mental Skill: Analysing] {3}

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

July’s dancing was quite effective in keeping in same. The graceful captain was masterfully navigating his way between an onslaught of straight-forward attacks launched by the tendrils. As he did, he successfully counter-attacked with his knives. Each cut was well placed along the sides of the muscular tentacles, causing the victims of his attacks to recoil in pain and hesitate. The cuts bought him time and space, but after a second or two, the injured tentacles would pursue him once more at a hardly slower pace than before.

Meanwhile, Daiji hid within the stone fist he conjured as the tentacles slammed against it in a futile effort to breech it. Every few seconds, Daiji would open up the fist to pierce a nearby tentacle with Byakurai only to return to safety like a turtle retreating into its shell. While the Kasumi’oji pair appeared to have completely different strategies, their progress down the passage was the same. The tentacles came at July at random, often forcing him forward, backward, and side-to-side to avoid being cornered. He needed to figure something else out or he’d risk depleting his stamina reserves over time. Daiji seemed to understand this as well. "We need to get to the other side sooner rather than later," he told his family head with a tinge of irritation in his voice.

Daiji Combat Posts: 2/8

[July Kasumi'Oji]

”Now, now, Daiji-kun. You cannot rush a genius in action.”

July sighed audibly, even among the flailing tentacles his stage whisper would be loud enough to be heard by his ‘uncle’. Of course, he was somewhat technically correct, a little. Just a bit, just this once would July concede a small portion, a tiny corner, of ground to the stubborn uncle at his back. His cuts struck with surgical precision, of course, but their strength was just not quite enough to down any of the tentacles. The presented no obvious weaknesses in the same way people obviously did - the masses of flesh would have to be dealt with in a decisive blow. Or perhaps with a decisive… bol-a?

July chuckled at how terrible, terrible, terrible the pun was. It barely worked, it barely hinged on the definition of what a pun was. And yet, it could be amusing. That was truly humour at its finest. But it was also instructive! If the tentacles had been capable of hearing July’s thoughts they would have had a clue as to what was coming for them next. For suddenly, formed July’s Life Force itself, a steel bola was produced - the secret Kasumi’Oji technique of Plasmatio being put to fine use. Of course, such a weapon did not immediately seem useful to the situation at hand. But July was not one to waste an opportunity! Here was the tool of liberty in his hands! The power to carve a path forward!

July waited for the best opportunity, when multiple tentacles attempted to stab at him together. And then with an easy motion - the bola was simple instrument after all - he slung the rope around the offending tentacles. Too easy, too easy! Of course, this would be an easy chain to break. July’s attacks lacked the oomph of some of the more powerful spell casters like Himitsu and his ilk. But that was not the plan. To simply lock them in a bola would be very disappointing. They could just break it if they even resisted the steel chain and balls with a fraction of their strength. What would be more troublesome for the tentacles would be the accompanying shocking surprise.

July’s fingers tingled, and an electric current jumped along the bola. ”Hado Numberrrrrrrr~ Eleven: Tsuzuri Raiden, at your service!” The bola would spark, driving an electric current through the wounded tentacles that it surrounded. Perhaps it would be enough, perhaps it wouldn’t be. It was a rather simple solution after all. But even if it stunned the tentacles for a short while, July would be able to find something of a way through. Reduce the density, and reduce the number of obstacles in the way, right? Simple? Easy-peasy? Perhaps, perhaps not. But regardless, the attack would create more openings. July loosened the bola’s grip, preventing the tentacles from breaking it - and slid it down until the sparking metal touched the eyes of the tentacle.

Oooh, ouchie, owie....

Regardless of how weak his current was or how strong the tentacles were, a spark in the eye would always be an unpleasant experience. And perhaps that would create the opening the Squad 8 Captain required to move past the tentacles.

Reiatsu: 6375/6400: -25 for Hado #11: Tsuzuri Raiden
Life Force: 6100/6400: -300 for Plasmatio