Preventing a Disaster

The ancient bellowed as his right hand lifted high in the air. It would come down to strike his own knee as he continued to bellow. Finally, he would stop and speak in his hearty voice. " Tenkai Bushinji, The God of Flames. You are Five hundred twenty one years old. Your father is Tenryuu Bushinji, a highly decorated Shinigami now in the retainer of the Soul King. Need I say more? The man said as he bellowed once more. Adjusting his seat slightly he would begin to speak once more. "Under Oath, Sansuka was forbidden from telling you the history of our clan. He proposed a Merger with the Bushinji clan. The Council of Ancients accepted the Merger. There are always costs to get what we desire. For Sansuka to wish to preserve the honor of the clan, he submitted a merger with the mighty Bushinji clan. One of the Four Noble houses if I'm not mistaken. This, was a good decision, except clouded by feelings and petty thoughts of remorse. Yes, he owes you quite a deal, perhaps not less then his own life. As the Appointed Psudo Leader you are now free to know all of the information that the Ancients know which relate to governing. Our rights are different then that of Soul Society. You are free to ask any questions you see fit. We will answer them to the best of our ability that won't compromise current projects.

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Unfolding a single arm so it propped up towards his face, Tenkai stroked the stubble that was beginning to form on his chin quizzically. It appeared they knew more about him then he thought. Nothing more then what could be found with public knowledge though. His alias was of obvious standing considering the nature of his powers. His father was also one of the most famous individuals in Soul Societies history considering his merits. The only thing that he didn't expect them to know was his precise age. Perhaps these individuals were better versed in public and private matter then he realized. Their offer to answer any of his questions was certainly an intriguing offer as well. "Interesting, interesting indeed. I suppose I can abide by all this since it does not hinder me in any form. In fact its quite a beneficial relationship from what I can see. Your house continues to thrive on and can reclaim its former glory by latching onto my own. In return, I get some new powerful allies and knowledge." Turning around and tapping his foot he thought to himself of a question that he would want answered. The offer was on the table so why not exercise his right as soon as he could. One of intrigue popped into his head, one that would be interesting to say the least. As to why he asked the question, they did not need to know, they just needed to answer. Turning around quickly he eyed the man who had spoken to him only moments ago. "I have a question since you offered to answer them. Seeing as you individuals seem to have vast knowledge of this world and its machinations, I would hope you could answer this." Pausing a moment Tenkai allowed an interesting smile come to his lips. "Would you happen to know the whereabouts of the Hougyoku?" Letting his arms fold into one another yet again he awaited a response from these ancients. He indeed hoped it would be favorable but doubted such. The whereabouts of the Hougyoku had been unknown since Aizen's defeat and capture. It was assumed destroyed but that would be an impossibility.

Even its creator, Kisuke Urahara, did not know of how to do such a thing. Of course that simply left the question of where did it go. Did it find a new host upon betraying its master? Had it simply gone unnoticed for several centuries and was waiting for someone to claim it. Or was it taken, and hidden away from humans and spirits alike to keep its power from falling into the wrong hands? There were any number of possibilities as to where it could have gone. Tenkai seeked even a sliver of information to uncover the truth of this valuable device. The power it possessed was far beyond anything that had been created in all of history. With it, anything could be possible, even averting the Vandenreich threat. A shinigami with a virtuous heart that possessed the hougyoku could lead their race, no, all of the spirit realm, into an age of prosperity and peace.

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The room became deathly quiet as Tenkai had spoken and said he'd accept, as well that he had a question. The room erupted in murmurs and whispers as the council spoke among themselves. The elder one raised his hand as he began to speak. "You seek the most dangerous object in all of creation. Such an object, left to it's own devices, could bring about the devastation to the entire whole of creation. We do, know where the location of the object is. Our people have kept close eye on it since it's creation. We may be an old Society with laws that pre-date that of the creation of hollows, however we do know of all potential threats to our home. The object you seek is being kept in a location where no being dare trespass with out good reason. It's being hidden deep in a dimension that is extremely hard to reach. This place, they call Nifelheim." Suddenly, a small elderly woman appeared from the darkness. She would walk towards Tenkai and stop in a bright light as her voice boomed with in the room. "There is a great darkness that dwells inside you, boy. The child crosses the frozen path to seek the treasure of old, what he finds is the pain he may never hold. When the time is right, you will see the moon. It opens from the east. The father watches all who enter, do not let him cast his shadow for the darkness swells with in. If you fail, Silence will fall." The woman spewed several incoherent sentences that made no sense what so ever at the time. In doing so, she would twitch and speak with a weird voice that seemed, possessed. The woman would speak one last sentence before leaving. "Strong is the heart of the warrior, but fragile is the hands of a kind person." She disappeared never to be seen of again. With that done, the elder man would  roar in outrage as he spoke harshly. "That see'er tells of darkness falling! Dare I say that we have in our midst the chosen prophet of Illuvet?" The members of the council roared as they faught one another. Finally, the man calmed them down and spoke once more. "It seems you may have a destiny with the object you seek. When the time is right, you will receive the information you need. Until then, you may ask of us, any task or question."

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It seemed his question brought about an unease that he had expected it to. One did not speak of the Hougyoku lightly considering the power it held. The great artifact didn't particularly have a great track history either due to the masters it had. It's foremost master, Sousuke Aizen, was a powerful shinigami of exceptionally evil morals. He seeked to rule the world, no, not just the world, but all of existence. He would use his power to destroy the Spirit King and become the king of all existence itself. Thankfully his evil was sealed away and his power destroyed. But as long as such a device existed and was allowed to find itself in the hands of evil, nothing was safe. That was one reason Tenkai wished to possess it. It would grant him great power, well beyond the immense power he already possessed. With it, he could both protect his grasp upon the Hougyoku itself, and the threat of any evil that would ever arise. he could become an immortal guardian of justice and honor and keep all of existence safe until the end of time. An outrageous ideal should anyone have ever heard it, but one that was nonetheless attainable by extreme means. But it appeared acquiring such an object would not be easy. It was hidden away in another dimension, some place named Nifelheim. It was an area that he had never heard of in either history or fiction. Perhaps his father would be able to divine a way to travel to such a place. But that too would not be an easy task as his father comes and goes at his own will. When his next visit would be could be hundreds of years in the future. Relying on him would not be a sound method of getting ahold of the Hougyoku. As he thought to himself a strange woman appeared before Tenkai. She stared at him awkwardly as he did the same to her wondering what he purpose was. As a few moments of silence passed by she began to speak in a strange, methodical manner. Her words meant next to nothing to him other then the actual meaning of the individual words themselves.

They certainly sounded as though they could be synonymous with mythic rumor and lore. Either that, or she was simply a mad old crone that spoke of only nonsense. The truth would have to wait to be seen, or could be presented before him right now. The foremost elder that had been primarily speaking with him divined the truth to Tenkai and the meaning of the woman's words. She was apparently a seer, one who could divine the future with foresight or some such gift. It was nonsense that Tenkai did not indulge in, though these individuals seemed to think it reliable. More words were spoken that held little meaning to Tenkai, prophets and unknown places of foreign lands. It was not until he was told that the object he desired would find its way to him in the future did his attention return to their speaking. Apparently it would not be his hand that would find the Hougyoku, but rather the artifact would find him. He need only wait for the right time to be presented the object. However that too left him with a bitter feeling within himself. Within the lifespan of a spirit, especially shinigami, hundreds of years could go by before death set before them. Usually it was through combat that a shinigami would lose their life before they succumbed to times insatiable grasp. This being a fact, he lamented having to possibly wait centuries before the item would find its way to him. Such a thing could be possible, or it could be found in only a few days, hours, or even once he left. It was a promised unknown, something to simply lay his hopes on as to not actively seek it himself. It would be hard for him to do so, but he had no other leads other then this strange Nifelheim place. Contemplating the idea of asking them of the location and how to get there himself, he decided against doing such a thing. For one he was ill prepared to travel to such a place right this moment. Secondly, he had a feeling they may not be too keen on telling him what he wanted to know. Granted he could always resort to force, but that was no way to get what he wanted either. It didn't particularly guarantee they would tell him what he wanted to know either.

If they were as smart as they seemed, the would simply withhold the information from his drawn blade. He could not coerce them with force if they held the knowledge he needed. Aggravation setting in he decided to drop the whole topic itself for the time being. It would only serve to irritate him if he continued to dwell on such a thing. Sighing, he could think of only two other questions to ask before he would dismiss himself. Facing the elder whom he had spoken to, he directed his questions at him. "I have only two more questions before I leave. The first being, the whereabouts of the Captain Commander, Toshiro Orahara. For some time now I have seen his resent absence as a lack of responsibility for his duties and not fit to lead the shinigami as they are. His lack of presence lowers our morale and leaves our military without a leader. I seek to replace him and take the throne of leadership for myself so as to properly lead the shinigami." Pausing for a moment to line up his second question, Tenkai began to speak once again. "Secondly, I wish to know if there is some way or a device that may be used to get in contact with my father in the King's Realm. That is all I wish to know for the time being. But I'm sure as time goes on I will return to make use of your wisdom." Crossing his arms as he had done before he slipped his hands into the sleeves of his haori and waited patiently for an answer. He hoped for favorable knowledge on both topics so he could move along with his plans and ambitions. They were certainly large ones to say the least, but necessary ones to say the least. What he did could be seen as wrong, even treasonous, but everything he did he did for his family, his squad, and the Seireitei. If he was to be villainized then so be it. He would do what was necessary to secure a safe and prosperous future for all the Soul Society.

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The large man cocked his head to one side as he examined the questions. Nodding lightly he would snap his fingers. In the room there appeared a skinny man not unlike the same build as Sansuka. The man would not speak but nod as he disappeared. The Ancient would now speak as he rested his hands once more upon his lap. "It seems you're a lot smarter then you let on at times Tenkai Bushinji. Tenryuu has a great deal of strength, one that is rarely found to be rivaled indeed. Are you sure he'd be willing to assist your goals?" The man would pause for a moment and see that Tenkai had indeed meant what he asked. The Ancient would bellow lightly as he spoke. "Very well. There is a device created in an Alternate Timeline that could be of some use. Getting it, well getting it is the easy part. Re-constructing it to work for our timeline, is a different matter entirely. The device is known as a Cross Dimensional Data Transceiver and Receiver, commonly refereed to as the CDDTR. It will take time to create an object of that magnitude. You must preform tasks to assure the object is completed properly with out delay." It was now that the man from before had appeared and spoke with a tongue few knew. "It appears the man you seek has literally disappeared. None of our people in the world of the living, hell, Hueco Mundo, nor Soul Society know his whereabouts." The man rumbled a moment as he would speak once a last time. "These are all the questions you wished to ask, they have been answered. As a parting gift, we will spare you information that you so keenly didn't thing of. We know the whereabouts of all beings who enter soul society, threat or not. Including Gervas, and Juhabach." With that, the council would whisper to one another before agreeing in unison that the council meeting had ended. Sansuka would nod as the man would begin to leave the room. It would take a matter of seconds for Sansuka to rear his head to Tenkai and speak in a tone due to a subordinate. " When you're ready to seek the items to create the decide, let me know. "

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Tenkai had a great deal to think about now. His questions had been answered though not all of the information appeased him. The device would have to be found and crafted to function properly in this realm. It was something he did not particularly want to undertake at this moment in time. He had spent enough time away from his family and squad that it seemed unusual. He would need to tend to his duties first before doing anything else. After all, since he had become a Captain he had spent less time with his new squad then doing other things. After he had caught up with the niceities, and perhaps squeezed some training in, he could act on his personal ambitions. Perhaps due to the lack of all authority in the Seireitei he could ever seize up some sort of authority. Since the Captain Commander had apparently vanished, and most of the Captain's were away on missions, he could seize the opportunity. Now was a better time then any, though it would have to be subtle and without force. If he simply slipped into the position and acted upon it as a temporary cover until the Captain Commander returned, then it would give them a chance to observe him. Then, once he received popular support, and after the continued absence of Toshiro, he could take the position permanently. Sure there would be resistance to it, as there would be to any major change. But as long as the majority fell in, he would be fine to assert the position. Perhaps some support from Division Zero would help as well. He was sure he could get the support of his father if need be. Though that itself would have to wait until after the device was crafted and ready. Sighing quietly, Tenkai turned around to face Sansuka. He had spoke to him in a rather, strange tone, for the man. Perhaps all of this was hitting him harder then he thought it would. He didn't want it to change anything between them. They were still friends through and through, he didn't want to be anyone's liege lord. Putting his hand on his shoulder and jostling him lightly Tenkai smiled brightly at his friend.

"Lighten up Sansuka, we're still friends of course!! This doesn't change anything, I hope you realize that." Jostling him lightly once more Tenkai slid his hand from his friend and looked around. Then, pacing around briefly and staring at the walls of the room, he looked at Sansuka again with a questionable look on his face. "So um, how exactly do we get out of here?"

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Sansuka smiled heartily at the comment that Tenkai made. Of course he laughed even more so by the question. Smiling lightly, Sansuka would face the wall behind them and point for a moment. "There's one last thing we need to do here. Unsheath your zanpaktou please." He said as his hand would press against the wall. Suddenly, a small pedestal like object appeared in the center of the room. It was no bigger then a foot stool made of solid rock, or so it seemed to be. "Before we can leave, the change in command must be made to the system as well." Speaking lightly with a somewhat solomn tone, Sansuka would place his own blade in a second receptacle next to the main one. Suddenly, the blade's Reiatsu flared as cracks formed from Sansuka's blade. They would glow with a light pink color as the Reiatsu swirled from them, up around the blade, and in to the ceiling. "She doesn't like to change leaders often, she finds that it's a lot of hassle. Be forewarned Tenkai, it will drain a good portion of your Reiatsu to course through her veins. It's how she responds to you and your blade, as it does me. Once this little, ceremony is over, you need only think where to leave to, place your sword in the wall, and the system does the rest. Ancient technology at it's best I suppose."
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Observing what his friend did, Tenkai moved beside him and prepared to do the same. Drawing his blade, he looked over the small stone object before him and placed the tip of his blade in the hole. Then stabbing forward he thrust his zanpaktou into the gap and let the machine work its magic. He could feel his reiatsu going to work from within his body, most likely being siphoned out as Sansuka had said. His blade began to glow a brilliant gold color as more and more of his reiatsu was being used. The 'machine' began to whir loudly, the appropriate changes being made as it fed off of their reiatsu. Moments went by and noise slowly got louder and louder. Expecting some kind of climactic change, Tenkai braced himself for the moment. However, after a few moments the sound vanished completely and left the two standing in the dimly lit room with their blades still plunged into the stone pedestal. Now it was time to go to, wherever it was that he wanted to go. Perhaps heading back to the manor would be ideal. He wanted to check on the condition of his son and brother since they had been recovered from the Vandenreich. That bastard Gervas had certainly inflicted a toll on his family. However he had paid the ultimate price for his endeavors, he lost his life. Removing his blade from the stone before him, he replaced it into its sheath and closed his eyes. Focusing on where he wanted to go he could feel the world around him changing. Only a few moments passed until he opened his eyes and found himself in a completely different locale. He was now standing in the courtyard of his manor. The grounds had been semi repaired since they left but a great deal of work still lay before them. Thankfully only the public quarters of the grounds had been damaged. Part of the courtyard, the entrance, and a few of the greeting rooms. The private quarters, servant quarters, dining areas, pond, and garden were safe. Stretching his body and realizing the exhaustion that was now setting in, he decided it was time for a nap. Heading towards his home, he spoke to Sansuka as he moved forward.

"Sansuka, how about you come inside and get some rest. It's been quite eventful for us and I think a good nap would be good before we get back to our normal duties. We've been shirking them for quite a while and I'm sure our squads are wondering where we are." With that Tenkai vanished into one of the many hallways that littered the estates leading through the labyrinth like building. He would find his way to his room, and not even bothering to change out of his clothes, body slammed into his bed collapsing in an unstylish mess. Closing his eyes he let himself lay in silence waiting for sleep to take him as his tired body.

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Sansuka felt the passing of the wave as they were seamlessly placed in the courtyard of the Bushinji Manor. Sighing slightly, he would stretch a little and find himself quite tired. Nodding to Tenkai's suggestion of a nap, he would have to agree wholeheartedly. He realized he'd need to check on the two girls soon, but perhaps they'd appear when he finished sleeping? Taking a long yawn, he'd have to think about that later. He did need to start organizing proper duties for the Ninth squad tomorrow. Sighing, he'd groan displeasure at the thought. "I'm going to have to actually organize the Kyuubantai in to proper patrols. How droll that will be. Oh, Tenkai I was wondering." He paused for a moment before speaking lightly just before he started to walk off. "Are you planning to do what I think you're going to do, about Orahara-Jii?" He'd ask as he would begin walking forward. The destination of his lovely little feet were where ever the nearest bed was. His eyes seemed half closed now while he still maintained the movements of a prone cat. Oh how fascinating it was to see Sansuka move about half asleep. Even during his sleep he was conditioned to fight near par of a Captain. That was, more or less kind of sad really.

It wouldn't take long for sansuka to find himself face down in a bed. He didn't remember getting there, nor getting ON it. Never the less, he could feel the presence of his lovely Zanpaktou neatly tucked in to it's own little bed of pillows. Surprisingly, they were pink satin pillows that he never remembered bringing from home. Well, then again those two were mucking about so they must have done it. It was odd really. When he first was assigned these two girls he was a tad, embarrassed as they were always watching. ALWAYS watching. Eventually he became accustomed to them watching him shower and such. Then again, they were sworn to protect him in any situation, including getting himself caught in a zipper. It was that thought he fell asleep with, smiling heartily at them trying to fix his zipper in a dream. Oh how funny that was to him.
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Tenkai lay half asleep as he listened to Sansuka's question. It was about what he had said when speaking to the ancients. Though he certainly didn't let on to anything at all, his friend was keen enough. That, and after having known him for several hundred years, it was more then obvious what he was thinking. No matter how virtuous or honorable Tenkai was, he of course had his own ambitions. His heart bled for the Seireitei as well though, so these two things coincided. His father had served the Seireitei his entire life. He was there at the founding of the Gotei Thirteen, he had made their family one of the four great noble houses. He had distinguished himself without any thought of the safety of his life. These traits had passed down to his son and he now wished to make sure the Seireitei thrived. Under its current leadership it was like a chicken without a head. The squads wandered around at their own whims without any kind of cohesive element. They might as well have been tribes that functioned with one another from time to time. He needed to bring some kind of leadership to the shinigami that the current Captain Commander did not. Certainly Toshiro was a hero of sorts and was no doubt a powerful individual. He had gained great merit among his many years of service. But now he neglected his office and left the shinigami without someone to lead. It was his time to lead, to bring the Seireitei back to its former glory and reinstate the order and conviction they once had. Speaking in a half groggy voice from his exhaustion, Tenkai answered Sansuka's question as best he could. "Indeed my friend. The Seireitei needs a new leader to return the Gotei Thirteen to its full strength. Toshiro has neglected his office for many years now and the shinigami have suffered for it. Someone needs to step up to seize the reigns and I decided to do it myself." Rolling over onto his back and staring up at the ceiling through half lidded eyes Tenkai thought out loud. "Power and leadership is in my blood. It's come time to see just how far it can take me."

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Sansuka woke up in an instant. In that instant, no, in the blink of an eye Sansuka had pounced like that of a prone cat stalking it's prey. Like a blur from another dimension, his body would react to the surroundings based on what was going on. His body stood with his face directly in front of this new being's face. Their noses practically touching with the Ha of Senbonzakura gently resting upon the throat of said indavidual. It took a moment for Sansuka to realize just who it was he had appeared before. Backing away one step, he would raise the blade of his Zanpaktou slightly so that his free hand would rest gently under the blade. With out hesitation, the blade would ease across his palm causing blood to be drawn. Lowering his head, he would remain silent while he would preform the ancient wrist flick of Japanese swordsmen. Upon doing so, the being would start to patch up his hand while he himself sheathed the blade inside the Saya. Whispering so as not to wake Tenkai, he spoke lightly. "You startled me. You know better then to try and sneak up on me like that." The being nodded but didn't respond. Instead they looked at Tenkai for a moment before returning to patching up Sansuka's palm. "He's asleep. That fight with Gervas and then the council meeting really wore us thin. Why didn't they take action when Gervas entered the Soul Society. We had the power to destroy them when they did." The being responded with a light voice making it clear this person was a woman. "It is not our place to judge the will of the Ancients. They know more of the future, present, and past then any of us." Sansuka sighed lightly and nodded. He would respond but he didn't know how. Feeling his hand properly patched up, he would stretch the fingers slightly getting a grip for how the bandage settled. Nodding to the woman, he would turn to face the door with his Zanpaktou in hand. "It's time to get Seireitei a proper going over with the Kyuubantai's manpower. I'll be setting up a patrol network. If anything happens inside the Seireitei I'll know about it. I'll also be employing contacts for, more sensitive work. Dispatch a Currier to my location, I'll have the proper forms ready by the time they get here. For now, I'll resume my duties as a Shinigami." The woman nodded and disappeared in the blink of an eye. Sansuka felt his body ache slightly so he attempted to stretch a little. Leaving the room as quietly as possible, he would set forth to reach the dining hall. Oh how food sounded SO good right about now to him. Though, souls didn't REALLY need to eat or drink, they held this sense from a long running etiquette through history. Nodding lightly to any servants he passed by, he would begin to act normal with his cheery smile and somewhat awkward looking hair that he forgot to brush. "Konichiwa!" He yelled out to the staff as he sat down in his usual seat and relaxed a bit. Seeing as he knew Tenkai would be up nearly any moment, food would be served for sure. Smiling at that thought, his body would relax along with his eyes as he let nature take it's course.
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Yawning loudly and stretching his limbs Tenkai awoke after a good sleep. Bending backwards he could hear, and feel, his spine crack in multiple places. Letting out a low moan from the brief incapacitation followed by pleasure, he brought himself up from the bed and slid himself to the left. Sliding off the bed and standing up he looked around as he took in a deep breath. Pausing for a moment, he turned to face Sansuka with an inquisitive look on his face. "Who was here while we slept?" Tenkai was always a rather relaxed person never particularly being too mindful. But that did not mean his senses were not keen. He could sense the faint traces of someone having been within his bedroom. But he was merely curious to it as they were certainly not a threat. If they had been he doubted that they would have slept so calmly through the night. They wouldn't have slept at all in fact and there would most likely be a corpse on the bedroom floor. Running a hand through his hair he jostled it to give it some semblance of straightness and work out the kinks. He would need a bath eventually though to clean both himself and his hair. That, and he could use a good shave as he could feel the stubble getting longer as he ran a hand across his chin and cheeks. Sighing, he strapped his zanpaktou into his sash and prepared to move to the dining hall. "Come, we can talk while we walk. I'm sure breakfast is already prepared and my family is most likely already eating. Let's get a move on before they eat all the food." Laughing lightly Tenkai made his way into the hallway from his room and slowly made his way towards the dining hall. He waited for Sansuka to follow along with him to divulge their mystery guest.

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Sansuka began walking and smiled heartily. "Oh, it was no one special. Don't worry about it. I'm a tad hungry though. I feel like I might be able to eat you out of house and home." He began laughing as he walked forward. It was sure interesting to see how Keen Tenkai actually was. There was nothing one could REALLY do that he wouldn't know about. Especially inside the Manor. But that was a dutiful risk that, should, have been avoided in Sansuka's eyes. Alas, what was done was done. He hoped Tenkai wouldn't pry the issue as it was something, neither of them were sure to want to talk about. feeling the waking pains of a good nap, Sansuka began speaking about work, oddly enough. "I'd like to run a few things by you about Kyuubantai's operational status. Seeing as you're going to try to be acting Commander, I might as well get a good head start before the files pile up on your desk, right?" He chuckled a little as he slipped his hands inside his opposite sleeves and began thinking about those plans. It would take a lot of manpower to make it work, and there would need to be shifts. But Sansuka was sure it would work out. It'd also give both of them the ability to know everything, and anything that happens with in the Seireitei. If need be, Sansuka could always declare a Martial state of alert as was his power. He'd make sure no one would be able to hide anything in the confines of the Seireitei ever again.

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Accepting his friends answer for what it was he let the topic drop. It clearly wasn't any particular type of risk from what he could tell. That being the case, it swept itself from his mind and he focused on other things. It was apparent that Sansuka also wished to do the same. Quickly switching topic off to things that were more of a business nature, he raised his eyebrow and looked at him from the corner of his eye. Things were going to be kicking off soon and it appeared his fellow Captain was going to up his game as well. There were going to be changes rapidly in the near future, that much was for sure. "We can save such a conversation for another time in an official capacity. For now, let us just enjoy ourselves." Such things could be saved from the proper moment though. For now they still had time to just enjoy themselves, eat, and be merry. It would all come to an end soon enough anyway as a change in government was imminent. Sighing, Tenkai swung the doors to the dining hall open wide and stepped inside. The sight was as he had expected it to be. His family was already seated at the table devouring the meal that had been set before them. Upon seeing him enter they immediately stood, with the exception of Hayashi, to pay proper respect to the head of the household. Waving a hand to dismiss the courtesy, he made his way to the head of the table and sat himself down. Reaching over to his right he placed a hand on his brothers shoulder and shook him lightly. "Brother, how are you doing? Is your recovery moving along well?" Sliding his hand from his brothers shoulder he looked at him through the one eye he had left. "Yes brother, I'm feeling quite well today. Though my body will never truly be the same, I'm still the man I always was." "I'm glad to hear that. It would be a shame if you lost that spirit of yours." Turning his attention to his son he looked him over and could see he had recovered just as quickly too. "Tsunkai, I see your doing well too. I take it your ready to return to active duty today?" It appeared those words caused Tsunkai to choke on whatever he was eating. He desired to take it easy for a few more days though his father didn't see that as being necessary.

Watching him cough Tenkai awaited an answer from the boy before the conversation carried on. "Yes, father, I suppose I am ready to return to duty. There are only a few aches and pain left. Nothing that could stop me from my standard duties though." "Good, good. Our squad has been without its Captain and Third Seat for long enough. We both need to be ready to return to our offices today. There will be much work to be done in lue of all that's happened." "Of course father." With that out of the way Tenkai began to plate out food of his own to eat. There was a wide spread of food from all cultures. Tenkai liked to consider himself a cultured man with eclectic tastes. He enjoyed sharing that trait with the rest of his family as well which enjoyed it thoroughly. Speaking aloud without making eye contact, Tenkai addressed the females of the group now that they were calm and collected as opposed to the last time they had met. "Ladies, how are we all doing today? I assume your duties are going along well and things at home are good." One by one they made their retorts to his question followed by the youngest of them, his granddaughter, Yumiko. "I'm well grandfather. Everything is going very well in my squad. My superiors have been talking to me about a possible promotion as well!!" Smiling warmly at his granddaughter, Tenkai responded warmly before receiving another update from his sister in law. "Well done Yumiko, I'm quite proud of you and your accomplishments. I'm sure your parents are quite proud of you." She smiled warmly as her mother was actually the next to address Tenkai. "Indeed we are proud of her. Our little Yumiko is our heart and soul." "Mooooom, stop it." Tenkai laughed heartily along with the rest of the reception at the young girls embarrassment. Smiling, he gazed over at Rei who had yet to say anything. She had stayed rather quiet and poised the entire time not engaging in the conversation. Raising an eyebrow Tenkai gazed at her trying to illicit some sort of response. It seemed as though she was in here own little world.

"Eh em, Rei? Is something weighing on your mind? You've been pretty quiet this whole time." "Hmm, oh, no, it's nothing. Just thinking about how much things have changed in such a short period of time. There was peace for nearly three hundred years. Then, chaos breaks out so quickly from the veil. It's just, hard to get used to. It's even harder to imagine that things will get any calmer anytime soon." "Mmmm. Yes, I think that fact weighs on all of our minds. Its however something none of us like to think about despite how it looms over our entire reality. Unfortunately I don't think we will ever see true peace. At least, not in my lifetime. It would take the work of a great deal of prodigious individuals to bring peace to the realms of both the living and the dead. Unfortunately, my generation lacks the raw talent required to accomplish such a feat." Having set a somewhat dark and depressing tone Tenkai still smiled brightly with a look of stupid determination upon his face. "That doesn't mean we still can't try though!!" With that the entire reception began to laugh at the quick turn around. It was just Tenkai's way of doing things. Though he was more then aware of what reality was like, he was always the last one to lose face. Stubbornness ran in his blood just as much as strength and honor. A trait that could be good, or bad. Smiling as he continued to eat he eyed Sansuka to get his take on everything that had happened. It would be his decision whether he spoke or not though. But he doubted he would remain quiet. He was, after all, surrounded by his family.

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Sansuka nodded at Tenkai's proclamation to table the buisness until a later date. He would allow Tenkai to enter the room first, where by he took his seat. Sansuka however, stood at the doorway watching the procession of energetic family bonding. He would rest his hand against the frame of the door just outside where he couldn't be seen, but was sure Tenkai could sense him.  He simply remained quiet, thinking, pulsating with in his mind of all the things that happened.  He had planned for years to take the throne and then, Tenkai, his own brother decided in an instant he would do himself what Sansuka had planned years for. It was something that plagued his mind greatly. Sure, it wasn't out of Tenkai's character to act in such a way and plan something, but he feared that, even if a sliver of doubt plagued his mind. Well, if that sliver plagued his mind at all, all of Soul Society would be plunged in to eternal darkness in a matter of a whim. It wasn't an easy task to claim a clandestine meeting with the object of unimaginable power. It was then that he felt the power of a familiar couple of people. He allowed his mind to ease as he spoke quietly to them.

"I was going to come see you after I had eaten. I'm surprised you two are even up." He would pause for a moment before continuing with an order that, to them seemed quite a bit odd. "I want one of you to keep an eye on Tenkai. You'll have to use your full training and power. Even now, he's most likely sensed your presence. Don't let him catch you. I fear, things can turn sour if we're not careful." With that, his face molded in to the facade he put on that allowed him to act jovial even when he was mulling over deaths in his mind. It was obvious that he was something that, didn't particularly like thinking about hurting people. He firmly believed in equality and fixing the Rukon so they were not like the slums of the human world. Sighing a moment, he could feel the eyes of Tenkai peering towards his Direction. "Looks like that's my cue." He said as he lifted his hand for a moment to wave to them. Walking through the door he would smile warmly as he spoke heartily. "Congratulations Yumiko! And of course I'm glad to hear everyone is feeling better." He said when he remembered Tenkai's statement. It was then that he barked in a quite funny voice while making a face to match. "Oh look at Mister Lah-de-dah speaking for the whole class of old farts here! Well, I may be old and frail but there's one thing I'm not! Talented! Wait, I mean I am talented!" He said as he laughed while attempting to stand on one foot using his other to touch his head. Of course he nearly fell over while Yelling out his words of, 'I can do it!' to the group. After his quite ridiculous display, he would sit down and begin to eat. He had always loved the array of different foods of which Tenkai's family ate. Everything from Indonesian cuisine to ancient soul society plates of, er, well Sansuka didn't quite know WHAT those plates had on them. He always strayed away from the things that looked like they belonged inside of a cow's stomach. Smiling heartily some more, he would continue to move about business as if nothing had happened. "Now Yumiko, I must remind you. No matter what, and this is important. No matter what, never, EVER, grow old." Smiling a bit he'd watch the most likely tad puzzled look on her face. It would be then that he would place a hand on Tenkai's Shoulder and grip it lightly. "You see this old man here? He's just that, old. See, he has NO idea what fun is! In his day in age, fun to him was running around with a book in his hand reading about what the best way to commune with his Zanpaktou was." Sansuka would let out a laugh while releasing his light grip and clutch his own stomach as he considered himself quite the comedian. Looking at Yumiko once more he'd cease laughing and speak more seriously. "Seriously though, Yumiko, Don't forget to have fun when you can. No matter what your Grandfather says, Don't listen to him. He's a dottering old fool. Hah! Recreation is as important as studies."

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Jamming large quantities of food in his mouth he eyed Sansuka as he marched himself into the room. Not having even taken a few steps he was already well into a conversation with the entire reception. Continuing to eat, Tenkai simply listened as the man defended his own position within their generation with great humor attached to it. It was a strange modicum of words and actions that accomplished a great deal of nothing but lighten the mood. But then again, that was the call of the day was it not. Mingling and merriment before reality set back in and everyone's jobs were to be performed. Sighing between his massive bites of food, Tenkai continued to observe the setting before him. Sansuka began to lecture his granddaughter on the one and only truth no one liked to accept, getting older. Suddenly though he felt a hand land firmly on his shoulder jostling him slightly as he tried to eat. He managed to miss his mouth with the fork several times before he decided to just put it down and look over at his friend. The word of the day was old it appeared, and was being aimed at him for the most part. Granted, he was the oldest person in the room at the moment. He was surrounded by his kinsmen and offspring so it was a natural thing of course. If only his father was there so he could shift the topic off to him, a man that was roughly triple his own age. Leaning on his right elbow, Tenkai placed his hand on his hand and listened with a raised eyebrow as Sansuka continued on. As soon as he stopped speaking though, Tenkai was quick to utter a single phrase that would turn things right back around. "Don't forget Sansuka, your only a few years younger then myself. So who's the old man now." Smiling devilishly Tenkai let a few chuckles escape from his body before leaning back in his chair and placing his arms behind his head. "Not to mention, I think you were the one that did most of the reading back in the academy. I was usually banging my zanpaktou against a tree until it decided to stop ignoring me." Smiling once more the group began to laugh once more. Though it was indeed a somewhat defacing of himself it was still amusing nonetheless and could not harm his being as he currently was.

Everyone knew him to be somewhat of an idiot when he was younger. Focusing entirely on force and thinking nothing of grace or eloquence. Of course he had changed as he grew older, through experience and guidance from his brother Hayashi, and mentor Ukitake. But still, he enjoyed using his fists more then his brain in battle. Thinking too much took the fun out of it. It was only necessary when brute force was not enough to get the job done. Then he would begrudgingly begin to formulate within the confines of his mind. His brother had always been better at that then himself though. Even when he was at his best Hayashi had always outshined him. The two were prodigies in their own right, each taking after one of their parents. Tenkai following closely after his father's personality and Hayashi, their mother's. As such, Tenkai had turned out a hardy warrior with a keen battle sense and natural talent in that area. Of course he had acquired a wonderful intellect as well but preferred not to use it if it wasn't needed. Hayashi, had acquired a keen intellect, one that was rivaled by no one. If one looked at the plans he could create and the machinations he would construct, you would think that heavens hand itself moved him to act. He understood all things both militant and political and could be used to advise on all matters. Granted, he possessed himself a splendid combat sense as well and natural skills in battle that could still be used to create admirers. Though in battle Tenkai always outshone his brother in terms of raw ability and martial skill. But those were their strong suits, each with their own skill set. That being said, when the two fought side by side they were a force to be reckoned with. One to think and one to fight creating a near perfect being when synchronized in battle. But that was something that had not been brought about in a number of years. Hayashi fulfilled the role of the clans adviser, essentially 'Prime Minister' so to speak. His talents had been likened to that of Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, men of great learning who had helped establish dynasties in China that lasted centuries.

Though Their father, who was well learned in all manuscripts of both war and politics stated that Hayashi's skills would be humbled if compared to even those great men. Putting pride of his own blood aside he could say that the boy could be compared to Jian Ziya or Zhang Liang, men who's advice was solely responsible in establishing the eight hundred year Zhou dynasty and four hundred year early Han dynasty respectively. These were men, who ever compared to their own Japanese culture, were eons beyond them. Zhang Liang, a man who had been compared even to Zhuge Liang, one who could read the heavens and stars and sway the path of celestial guidance itself, was said to be a man against a baby when compared to Shingen Takeda, a prodigy of his age. Due to this Tenkai had always pushed his brother to greater lengths to utilize his skills, he could be an incredibly effective leader if given the opportunity. But where his skills were not lacking his ambition certainly was. More then happy subjugating himself to a simple position within the clan and resigning from public duty, his skills were wasted. Though it had sustained their clan beyond their fathers reign and kept them as a noble family for the five hundred years they had been in charge, so much more could be done. He was hoping that once he had seized the position of Captain Commander and essentially became in charge of the military, he could reinstate his brother to a more suitable position. He was possibly even thinking about liquidating the Central Forty Six and instating a military tribune to run the government in which he would be the head. Then, he would most likely appoint his brother as well as Sansuka and a few other Captains to the ruling body. It would certainly make things less indecisive in terms of making decisions and bring the Soul Society into a more uniform body. But that was enough of his deep thinking having gone off into one of his random thought tangents.

Realizing he had merely been staring off into space for a good fifteen minutes or so thinking only of his plans, it was time to go. Everyone had finished eating and was getting ready to head off to their respective squads to tend their duties. Standing up himself he straightened out his haori and made for the door. "I guess it's time to get to work. I'll see you when I see you Sansuka. I have a few things to talk to you about in the coming weeks. I need your discreet attention to them as well. If all goes well, there will be a great deal of changes. Beneficial ones for the Seireitei and Soul Society. But for now its of course nothing but speculation." Nodding to his friend, Tenkai took his leave with his son to head to his own squad. It had been a while since he had actually tended to his duties since he became Captain. He was sure there would be a rather large pile of papers waiting for him once he got there. The thought certainly didn't excite him but there was nothing else to do now. A peace, though there was no telling how long it would last, was upon them for now. The Soul Society had been reclaimed and the invaders driven out. Granted he had an agenda of his own, but for now he could rest easy knowing their borders were safe. Now was the time to rebuild and reorganize so they would be able to respond to an attack in better fashion. Their men needed to be better trained, more organized, and be able to function as a true army. This rag tag running about in disarray was not going to work against a well trained military. The Vandenreich were just that and the Seireitei fell to pieces before their troops. They needed to learn from their mistakes and their enemies example. Only then would they truly be able to repel another attack of that magnitude. Sighing to himself Tenkai broke off into a silent run with his son close behind.

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Sansuka stood up and nodded at Tenkai's final comment. It as time to get down to the dirty work. Nodding to the group he would simply speak lightly. "My apologies. I must be going. Do enjoy the rest of the meal." Nodding once more he would begin to walk out of the door. As he reached the other side of the door's frame his body would dissipate in to an array of visual architecture that most knew as a, Shunpo. His body was gone, his presence quickly faded. He was, off to build the preparations for project H. No, but really, he was off to get things underway on his end.

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{{EXIT-Beginning the preparations for a new state of power}}