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You almost choke. “Wait, that goofy, detached from reality brat? How the hell did he get into the academy? Actually, forget it, of course he’s in the academy.” You facepalm just as you sit down on a bench with her.

What a pain. You remember the day you met him. Pampered by his mother in every way, given anything and everything he wants. You thought he didn’t have any spiritual potential, but it appears you were wrong. As a Shiraka retainer you’ve had to look after him a few times – times that you don’t exactly cherish. But jeez, why did they have to start at the academy in the same year?

“And? Tell me more, damn it.”

“There’s nothing to say, Koharu-chan.” Izumi shrugs. “Yuuma-kun picks on Toru-kun whenever he can, and mostly because Toru-kun doesn’t hold back like the others. Apparently blocking his attacks is an insult to his family.”

You frown. “Wait, you mean the others-”

“The others just take it.” Izumi looks down, recalling something in the depths of her mind, before snapping back to reality. “You don’t just oppose a noble like that.”

Your thoughts wander to something Yukira once said. About hollows and accidents. Anger wells up in your stomach, but also fear. Fear that Toru-kun may be a target again, and that he has been exposed. You can only hope that the airhead brat hasn’t told his mother about him.

“I-I do have some good news though! I did talk with Konuma-sensei, and he agreed to look after the kid! So you have nothing to worry about!”

Now that does surprise you. “Wait, really? Just like that? Huh. Guess that old fart isn’t just a pervert and has some actual charity in him.”

“W-Well…”

You feel a void in your stomach. “Well what? Spit it out, Izumi-chan.”

“I, uh, may have bribed him with some pictures..”

“Of what? Izumi…”

She starts panicking. “P-Pictures I got from the N-NKFC… nothing too rowdy, I-I swear!”

“Remind me to slice up paparazzi’s from now on..” You slowly rise up, your reiatsu manifesting as an evil dark presence behind you. What follows is a small chase and a bit of punishment. Good thing you’re in the 4th Division already.

>2/3

File: Hinamori Momo 5.png (527 KB, 889x768)

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You’re back in the 5th Division barracks and now you get proper confirmation from Captain Aizen about this whole joint operation. He did indeed know about this, having received a letter from the Captain-Commander himself. Momo however received nothing. A fact that made her feel upset, considering she’s been a Lieutenant longer.

“WAAAAH! It’s not fair! Why wasn’t I asked for this?!”

“Trust me, Momo-chan, it’s just… I have a history with these folks, you know? That’s probably why they asked for me!” You laugh sheepishly.

“Sniff. It’s been such a long time since we’ve done anything interesting like that! It’s not fair!”

Well, you could maybe get her to join in this thing, but you’re not sure how wise that is. Too many unknowns at this point. Gathering the shinigami to join you in the joint training will be easy enough with your position and, well, popularity, but even there you feel some uncertainty.

Unfortunately, Hisashi still hasn’t pushed through with your favour. Tokiko-chan is in the North Temple though, so at the very least she shouldn’t be involved in this operation.

You wish you had some sort of covert ops you could ask to get more intel. Technically you could do this yourself, as you do know the Kyokkō spell, but you’re no ninja damn it. But… you do have Naimen no Daiza and Zilya. If it's a spy you need…

Or you could just wait it out and see what happens. Spring the trap that they’re surely preparing.

>3/3

>Stay put and simply attend this joint training.
>Go discreetly to the West Temple and get yourself a spy.
>Other?

File: Thread015a.jpg (376 KB, 1000x700)

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Welcome to a new thread of Advent Soul Quest!

>What is this?
A quest based on the setting of Bleach. Deviation from canon depends on the MC’s influence, and some other additions are to be expected as well.
>Who are we?
Nakashiri Koharu, a former high school trap, now a 3rd seat officer in the 5th Division, a pawn of the two masterminds Aizen and Urahara, host of two ancient spirits, new queen of one’s realm in Hueco Mundo.
>When are we?
Currently it is Summer 1989, ~11 years prior to the events of canon.
>Dice? Challenge?
Prompted after deciding on an action. Usually 3d10, best of 3 (Bo3), against a set DC and sometimes a crit-DC. Write-ins may affect the DC as well. If a character stat (in the char sheet) is directly related to the action, it will substitute the lowest die in rolls if it is higher (will be always explained when prompted to roll).
>Updates?
Daily updates, with long voting period times. I will strive to update in my evening, leave voting on for overnight, and prompt rolls in the morning. Sometimes if I have the proper time, I may do an extra update in the morning. My timezone is UTC+2 (winter time).
>I have questions!
Ask away and I’ll do my best to answer! You can also address questions to characters, which I’ll answer in-character!
>What do?
Have fun, vote on what feels the best, roll some dice and chill.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QmTrippy
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=advent+soul+quest
Char Sheets: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DQUOuJbOgzrjIKQLjMFxdmsQh3WIKMMFJQ8fO5-biYM/edit?usp=sharing
Social Links: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HXWo1bA7rplcTIJSkE850qzEE55b-W36tuL_qtT0b00/edit?usp=sharing
Character Questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S1RrQ6icjeWSV2MIb6EUwuZjzGx0QvuFjoxB1bN_tlU/edit?usp=sharing (To be updated)

Happy to be here Trippy!

>>5164306
>Stay put and simply attend this joint training.
Tough choice, but I'll vote to stay put.

Since the Captain-Commander is in the loop, they can't really do anything flashy like murder everyone there or something.
If they try something it's going to be more subtle, but finding evidence of that with conventional spying is hard, while jumping into someone's mind is not very subtle and probably leaves proof behind. Most likely not worth the risk.
Besides, based on what we learned last thread, Yasutake is calm and collected, so he is likely just trying to test the waters for something. The key will be to find out what.

>>5164306
>Stay put and simply attend this joint training.
While sneaking into the temple would be a bad idea, there’s an ability we’ve never used that would very useful in this situation. Gaikan would be perfect for keeping a close eye on the Tenjiso.

>>5164306
>>Stay put and simply attend this joint training.
How’s the weather Trippy?

>>5164306
>Stay put and simply attend this joint training.
Totally not a trap made for a trap

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>>5164424
>>5164524
>>5165033
>>5165565
Clear winner here.
>Writing, update tomorrow

>>5164524
>Gaikan
Good, you're keeping track of your abilities

>>5165033
>How’s the weather Trippy?
Absolutely horrendous. Slush everywhere, rain/slush from the sky. All the snow is now ice with a sheet of water on top of it, so even the graveling didn't help and I fell. Fortunately I didn't hurt myself too bad

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Days pass. You deal with most of the bureaucracy required for this kind of thing. For one, you got yourself your group of shinigami pretty easily. While there was enough for the whole two hundred, you went with the golden middle of one and a half hundred. One part of this is that you have to organise all the supplies and other logistics, and just parading this many shinigami through the Rukongai to get to the West Temple… Well, that sounds like a ridiculous idea.

Instead you set them out in groups, about ten shinigami every hour so they can peacefully traverse the countryside. Too bad there’s no infrastructure here for travel, like say, boxes on wheels on rails.

Momo-chan still sulks about the fact that she’s not going with you, but you gave her enough justification. “One of us has to stay here and help Aizen-taichō, right? Besides, it’s best if we give the unseated shinigami the opportunity.”

Begrudgingly, she agreed with you.

Your own travel to the West Temple goes quickly thanks to shunpo. Sadly the majority of shinigami suck at it, so for them it’s going to be a two-day journey. You time your arrival with the first batch of shinigami, who carry most of the tent equipment and what not.

It takes you back seeing this large temple up close again, built in a mixed style. Mostly Buddhist, but some Shintō and even Hindu influences. You normally only see it from far away, when you visit the Wailing Forest right beside it.

Wait.

A joint training exercise. Very likely combat related. You feel as if somebody just punched you in the stomach. They better not be planning to…

Unfortunately, your fears are about to be confirmed.

>1/2

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Nijo Yasutake, Chief Priest of the West Temple greets you and the first ten shinigami as you arrive, giving some practical instructions on where to settle down. While the other priests do that, you exchange some pleasantries with Yasutake and then he proceeds to explain some details.

“We will go to the Wailing Forest. Our tenjiso will practice their barriers, and your shinigami will protect them, fend them off from any hollows.”

Damn it. Of course you are. You have to get a message out to Drianni-

“I’d also like you to lead the expedition, Fukutaichō-dono.” Yasutake smiles. “Afterall, I hear you’ve become quite a respected role model. In the meantime, please, allow us to host you personally at our temple.”

You resist the twitch in your eye. You don’t think he or the Tenjiso have any way of knowing for sure about your connection to the newly formed Morimiya village in the Wailing Forest and the arrancars nor their existence, but this all can’t be a coincidence. They must suspect something. Perhaps even hoping for confirmation through forcing your hand. Agreeing to this will certainly crush any chance to contact Drianni undetected, but on the other hand you might find something out about the Tenjiso instead. Refusing will give you some privacy, but you have a feeling that you’ll be watched as much as possible. If you just disappear for a while, they’re bound to notice it and make some conclusions. Unless you can feed them false information.

They really thought this one out, didn’t they...

>2/2

>”I’m very honored to receive such hospitality.” (Agree, stay at the temple)
>”I think it’s best if I’m with my subordinates. You know, humility.” (Refuse, stay outside)
>Other?

>>5166303
FUCK
>”I think it’s best if I’m with my subordinates. You know, humility.” (Refuse, stay outside)
Warning Drianni and getting the hollows as far away as possible is a high priority. inb4 this is also according to their plan

>>5166303
We should write a short letter as a warning and sneakily have our lizard deliver it, then stay in the temple to snoop if possible.

>>5166303
>”I’m very honored to receive such hospitality.” (Agree, stay at the temple)
I'll tentatively vote for this as the less suspicion we arouse, the better.

Can Kūkanten'i teleport things beside ourselves?
The wiki tells me that "The user teleports a specified portion of space from one point to another" so if that is correct then we could just use that to teleport a message to Drianni, or even Lizzy with a message, if they are with us.
Otherwise... when the time comes to move into the forest we could try to make it really obvious that we are present (flashing our reiatsu or using a distinct spell) and hope they get the message.

They are trying to gather information, ideally we would feed them false information somehow, but if they just learn nothing then that would count as a victory too. We learned what they suspect us of already, after all. We can move from there.

>>5166545
Actually I’ll switch to this, especially since I remember Lizzy being able to use Sonido.

>>5166545
To flesh this out a little more, I was thinking we could accept his offer to stay but say we need to make a few arrangements with the group we brought regarding logistics since we’re going to be staying elsewhere (which Koharu would probably have to do anyway).
Then as things get cleared up there Koharu would quickly scribble a warning note to the effect of “Tenjiso and shinigami are going to mobilize in the forest, try to relocate for a while. I’ll do what I can to keep them away, but my situation is precarious. Please avoid contact at all costs.” then have lizard grab it and sneak it over to the arrancar area.

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>>5166545
>>5166584
>>5166865
>>5167404
Good plan. Let's see how much you're successful at being discrete about it
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 22, crit 26, Mobility (7) may replace lowest die

Update itself is gonna come tomorrow. Long day of work and for the first time in a long while karate practice. Felt soooooo good. Today was leg day too

Rolled 3, 7, 6 = 16 (3d10)

>>5168110

Rolled 7, 4, 7 = 18 (3d10)

>>5168110
rolled well last thread, lets see if the streak keeps up

Rolled 10, 6, 6 = 22 (3d10)

>>5168110

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>>5168123
>16(20)
>>5168129
>18(21)
>>5168145
>22(23)
That was close, but thankfully last anon saves the day
>Writing

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You hate to admit it, but you’ve been had.

They’ve thought it through from every angle.

There’s not really anything you could do without raising their suspicion.

Unfortunately, there’s one thing they didn’t account for.

Lizzy.

“I’m very honored to receive such hospitality, Nijo-gūji-”

“Please, call me Yasutake.”

“-Yasutake-dono.”

“Great, then please, this way,” he says, motioning towards the temple gates.

You shake your head. “However, I still need to make sure my men set up everything and can deal with things while I’m at your temple. It won’t take long, I promise.”

Yasutake observes you for just a second longer than he perhaps should’ve, before nodding. “Very well. Our priests are helping you set up as we speak. We’ll be waiting.”

You just nod with a courteous smile, and leave to find those that have arrived. The next one should be coming in forty-ish minutes, but fortunately these here are the ones you chose to help you out in leading and managing so many people. It’s something Eizan kept talking about, getting managers to deal with the stuff that you personally don’t want to.

While the priests looked like they genuinely were out helping with the tents, food, and other things, there are lingering eyes and sharp ears everywhere. You’re unable to move anywhere without being observed by somebody, except one tent that’s been set up as the center of command.

>1/3

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“”“Nakashiri-fukutaichō!””” three shinigami salute you.

“At ease, at ease.” You run them over the situation and that they’re in charge of the camp while you’re at the temple. They give each other quick glances.

“I know what you’re thinking, but trust me, this wasn’t my idea. It feels wrong not to be here with you all, but I’d rather not insult the Tenjiso. Trust me, they’re even more traditional than the Gotei 13. I’ll be with you all when the training begins. Now, give me a moment alone, I’ll write down everything you need.”

You know you only have a few moments before you’re observed again, so you write up a quick and simple note: “Tenjiso and shinigami coming. Relocate or hide. I’ll do what I can. Avoid contact at all costs.”

The thought of just using Kūkanten’i for this pops up in your mind, but there’s no way you’re going to use forbidden kidō in a place of kidō specialists. Your gut tells you that they probably have countermeasures for teleportation, or at least for detecting it. Better not risk it. Lizzy scuttles out of your sleeve, and you tie the message on Lizzy’s back with string, whispering to her: “Take this to Drianni. DRI-AN-NI.”

Lizzy just looks at you without an expression. Not like the bone mask allows for such things.

“Ugh,” you groan, and then boop Lizzy’s nose and gently exert Hanran with the mental idea of finding the tree lady. With a squeak, Lizzy marches off.

And just in time, as a priestess enters the tent to ask about some simple thing regarding the tents. Good thing you got to actually writing instructions. Now it’s all up to Lizzy to finish the job.

>2/3

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You remember little from the last time you visited the temple, just the multitude of shrines and the priests taking care of them. They did give you some really nice food, possibly trying to bribe you into joining them. In the end you refused, something you’re highly happy about.

“I must say you’ve grown since the last time I saw you, Nakashiri-dono.” Yasutake leads you deeper into the temple complex and upstairs.

“I’m surprised you still remember me, considering we only saw once.”

He smiles. “I always remember people with great potential. Sadly, you did not choose to cultivate that potential with us that day.”

“Ara, you are still upset about that after all these years?”

“No, just a little saddened. You would’ve made a great Tenjiso.”

Yasutake leads you to a dining hall, where you share a very nice vegetarian meal with many priests and priestesses. It still feels odd how in a way many of the things at the temple feel familiar, yet different in the details. For one, eating is done in complete and utter silence. Never in your life have you seen a room full of people make no sound at all.

Afterwards, you participate in a ceremony which includes offering sake to various deities, and then drinking with them. Some you recognize from the Shintō pantheon, some sound and look similar, and others are completely foreign. You later ask about the whole connection to the deities.

“While they are bound by divine law to their domains, no law forbids us from keeping a line open to them. Even the divine can get lonely, you know.”

Ah, so like a telephone line.

“I do remember you mentioning that they visit sometimes, no?” You raise an eyebrow.

“The more powerful ones may send envoys or even partial manifestations, yes. The demigods however are not constricted in this way. Sadly, we get less and less visits every year.”

Sounds consistent with the reports you’ve read.

>3/3

>”Anyway, I’ve yet to hear the full details of this operation. It’s almost improper at this point.”
>”How about a mock battle? I need to know what kind of skills you Tenjiso have to properly protect you.”
>”Do you have a shrine to Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto as well?”
>Other?

>>5169360
>”Anyway, I’ve yet to hear the full details of this operation. It’s almost improper at this point.”
>”Do you have a shrine to Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto as well?”
First is necessary to play along with them, second could be useful for us to learn something about our past

>>5169360
>>”Anyway, I’ve yet to hear the full details of this operation. It’s almost improper at this point.”

>>5169360
Just finished catching up on this quest and I love all of it! You're doing such a great job!

>>5169360
>”Anyway, I’ve yet to hear the full details of this operation. It’s almost improper at this point.”
>”Do you have a shrine to Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto as well?”

Wanna play along with them to blend
but like>>5169513 said it could be useful to learn about our past

>>5169360
>”Anyway, I’ve yet to hear the full details of this operation. It’s almost improper at this point.”
>”Do you have a shrine to Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto as well?”
Seems like a decent idea to me.

>>5169360
>>5169513 +1

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>Uni has restricted access to 4chan
Welp, good thing I have mobile internet

>>5169513
>>5169539
>>5169555
>>5169563
>>5170044
A reasonable approach.
>Writing

>>5169553
Glad to have you on board, anon! And thanks for the kind words, much appreciated b-baka

>>5170160
>Uni has restricted access to 4chan
It was allowed before? I'm surprised it took them that long.

>>5170160
Actually, give me also a social roll to see how well you get him to say the right things.
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 23, crit 27, Social (7) may replace lowest die

>>5170164
Kinda surprised too. I mean, I can still access things, but update doesn't work and images fail to load as well. It seems to be oddly specific

Rolled 10, 6, 3 = 19 (3d10)

>>5170166

Rolled 7, 5, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>5170166

Rolled 4, 5, 5 = 14 (3d10)

>>5170166
critteroni

>>5170168
>19(23)
>>5170204
>22(24)
>>5170217
>14(17)
It's a pass
>Writing

I'm going to be home quite late today, but I hope to get the update done before midnight at least. But if I end up out too late and possibly bound by rope, then well uh, update's gonna be tomorrow.

>>5170227
Be safe, and have a good day Trippy!

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“Do you perhaps have a shrine to Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto as well?”

Yasutake raises an eyebrow. “Indeed we do. The deity from your old shrine in the real world perhaps? Don’t give me that look, of course I remember our first little talk years ago. I still find it fascinating that you remember your past life.”

“What good memory you have, Yasutake-dono.” You smile. You’re not sure about his reaction. It seemed both too surprised and not surprised enough. So you pursue this topic further. “Perhaps you also know why that deity in particular?”

He nods. “Indeed. His deeds ended up saving the old capital, and a rather large shrine complex was built for him there. Kasuga-taisha.”

“You know your history.”

“I am the Chief Priest of the West Temple. It is my duty to know all these things.”

So it is very likely he also knows about Shirojika-no-mikoto as well, more than just the fact that he and Zilya duked it out at Nara.

“What’s more, it is my duty to preserve the will of the gods. Lest their sacrifices be in vain.” His eyes seem to shrink as he gazes at you. It feels like he’s looking straight through you and deep into your core.

You almost shudder. There’s no denying it, there’s hate under all this facade, something you definitely do not remember the first time you met him. “Oh my, somebody’s angry,” Zilya whispers in your mind. “Now that kind of ferocity I haven’t felt in a long time.”

Fortunately, he relents and takes a sip of the green tea served. Whatever that was, you have to be very careful.

>1/2

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You switch the topic. ”Anyway, I’ve yet to hear the full details of this operation. It’s almost improper at this point.”

“Yes, you are right. Excuse our lack of information, many details were only confirmed quite recently.”

He goes on to explain the operation. The purpose for the Tenjiso is to practice their barriers and other techniques, while the shinigami protect. Partner up a tenjiso and a shinigami, and each pair will form groups of three (or rather, six) with two other pairs. This all sounds nice and well, however then you’re hit with another bombshell.

“There is also another purpose to this operation. Using our barriers we will systematically burn and shrink the forest. The common folk have been needing more living space and farmland for a while now, and the Wailing Forest has been a thorn in everyone’s sides for too long. People are still afraid of another incident like that of eight years ago.”

Your heart sinks. You’re trying to keep your cool, but inside panic takes root. If it wasn’t for Celaris keeping you calm, you’d be sweating bullets.

Burning the forest? If there’s one thing that will draw Drianni out in a rage of the likes not seen in ages, it’ll be that. At the same time, guilt is stabbing your heart, for it was you back then that triggered the massive hollow frenzy due to experimentation with the hollow berries.

“Well, Nakashiri-san? You seem like you want to say something?”

Crap. You’re starting to slip up.

>2/2

>”No, only that this sounds like a good plan.”
>”Yes, about that plan…” (write-in for reasons to object)
>Other?

>>5171428
AAAAA I'm not smart enough to come up with good enough reasons to object though I super want to
>N-no, only that this sounds like a good plan. (lie)
Captcha: HARD4 which I feel is super appropriate

>>5171428
>”Yes, about that plan…” (write-in for reasons to object)
They don’t know the truth of what happened, so maybe we can deter the operation by implying that whatever cause that incident could be roused again and it would causes massive losses of valuable priests even if we eventually stop it. If push comes to shove we might need to take some more Zilya-type measures

>>5171428
>>”Yes, about that plan…” (write-in for reasons to object)
They had us bring a bunch of low level trainees to what could be a potentially massive incident? Fucking get mad, our squad is not prepared for this and our captain will hear about the danger our shinigami have been put in without his knowledge or consent.

>>5171428
>>5171564
This is pretty good, supporting. Having the rank and file kick a hornet's nest is indeed a terrible idea.

>>5171428
I’ll support >>5171564

>>5171428
>”Yes, about that plan…” (write-in for reasons to object)
Everyone else is onto something.

Object that this is a questionable plan that could potentially stir up a lot of trouble.
Worst of all, he let us know only now when we have already arrived, while our superiors may very well have objected if they had know, but they were informed of only a training exercise.
It looks as though he is trying to weasel some convenient bodyguards out of the seireitei. Tell him to either scrap the plan, or write to the Head Captain informing him of the plan. That should buy us time, at least.

Careful with mentioning that the forest is dangerous, he might be trying to trick us into revealing a significant hollow presence in the woods, which they might only suspect. Focus on his bypassing of our superiors with this little delaying stunt.

>>5171428
>>5171630
Actually I’ll change my vote to a combination of >>5171564 and >>5171636

>>5171428
>Yes, about that plan… won't that anger the hollows living there?

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>>5171506
>>5171548
>>5171564
>>5171611
>>5171630
>>5171636
>>5171665
>>5171731
Woah that's a lotta votes, nice. We'll with a combo of some of these, pretty good. I'm going to need another roll.
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 25, crit 28, Social (7) may replace the lowest die
This is to see whether you can really influence his decision-making. He has some pretty solid arguments on his side to continue

Rolled 8, 1, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>5171816
Please dice gods, be gentle

Rolled 10, 8, 2 = 20 (3d10)

>>5171816

Rolled 1, 9, 7 = 17 (3d10)

>>5171816

>>5171821
>18(24)
>>5171822
>20(25)
>>5171828
>17(23)
Just barely, your words may reach his ears.
>Writing

These are some really good rolls, damn.
Would have been a crit on most other rolls

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You calm yourself down, take a deep breath, and sigh.

“Yes. I’m kind of disappointed.”

Yasutake raises an eyebrow.

“Leaving out details of a joint practice operation is one thing, that much I can excuse. But now it feels like you’re turning this into a completely different thing on top of that. I very well remember that incident with the hollows, and now you want to stir up the hornet’s nest? Are you trying to kill my men?”

“You are shinigami. This is what you’ve trained for,” Yasutake responds. “Surely they’ve all passed your academy and know how to deal with some hollows?”

“You should’ve put that in your letter then. I specifically chose the shinigami that would get the most experience out of this, not a veteran team of hollow-exterminators. Did you inform my captain of this idea of yours? Or the Gotei 13 for that matter?”

Yasutake quietly sips his tea.

“In fact, I have.”

He produces an envelope from inside his clothes, and slides it over in front of you. Puzzled, you pull out the letter inside. You just barely refrain from crumpling it and ripping it apart. Of course the Central 46 sanctioned this idea. And the unfortunate fact is, even the Captain-Commander himself can’t go against their decrees. What a joke.

“I do believe you’re underestimating the competence of both your own men, and our own. That incident you refer to, we all were unprepared that day. Now we have the combined force of roughly three hundred skilled individuals, not to mention myself and yourself. Or are you saying the forest contains a danger that not even a Lieutenant of the Gotei 13 can handle?”

You shake your head, quieting your rage. “I’m saying it feels like you’re neglecting the safety of my men, something which you could’ve avoided with a simple paragraph of text. Even I can’t keep track of this many people spread out to cover the forest perimeter.”

Yasutake goes quiet. The only sound in the room is the tapping of his finger against his tea cup. How you wish you could pry into his mind right now. Finally, he stands up, and you follow suit.

“I do apologize for our… lack of communication. However, we will proceed with the operation as normal. Rest assured, if you feel unable to protect your men, I will cover for you. I’m not the Chief Priest for show after all.”

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And that's where we stop for this part of the thread. We'll continue on Monday.

Congratulations, while it may not seem like you've swayed him, you did alter some of his thoughts. Had you failed that check, he would've doubled down on you. This may give you an opening later on.

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So I thought I was gonna do an update today but fever has other plans for me today. Got it from my roomiee most likely. I HOPE it'll go away quick and that it's not the coof. Sorry 'bout this

>>5174555
No problem man, take care of yourself.

>>5174555
Take care Trippy, get well soon

>>5174555
Take care.

How big is Trippy's Astolfo collection?

>>5174888
How much of it is porn

>>5174888
A man of culture I see.

>>5174892

I'm an idiot, whoops.

>>5174555
Feel better soon Trippy!

>>5174555
Take care!

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Fuck. My. Life. Can't even have a good night sleep right now. Fuck insomnia.Thanks y'all for the support

>>5174888
>How big is Trippy's Astolfo collection?
Now that big actually. Pic related

>>5174892
>spoiler
I actually haven't had porn saved for years. The internet has me covered on the rare occasions that I do want to appreciate.. cultured trap art

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Got the coof, good bye sweet world

Anyway I hope the worst symptoms (and the headache) will go away by tomorrow or thursday, we'll continue then. I'll keep you guys posted

>>5176220
Ah, Fugg
Rest in peace Trippy, you were too good for this world.

Joking aside, I wish you the best and hope you recover swiftly. Don't forget to drink water.

>>5176220
Oh no!!!
Hoping you get well soon Trippy!!!

>>5176220
Rip in pepperoni
May you isekai into a world where you can get your cute butt plowed by your dom of choice

Aw fuck, our favorite trap qm won't even be able to taste their favorite lunch.

>>5176220
Dang, get well soon. Any idea where you caught it?

Inb4 the trap had a trap.

>>5176220
Another taken by the Chinamen’s coof, truly Mordor is a hellish place

Shame I missed the restart of this, I would have liked to kick ideas around on previous votes. Still waiting for those boxes on wheels on rails and Lord Drianni of Lazuta Yami!

Also, hope you recover soon and don’t have to deal with long coof.

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Thank you all, your posts did put a smile on my face. I'm still ill, but it seems that the worst is starting to be behind now, including the shitty headache. I'll try writing an update tomorrow

Also my roomiee finally managed to push me into the Genshin hole, please save me

>>5176550
>Any idea where you caught it?
University most likely. I'm glad at least it was after the last exercise hall so the students got all the possible help they could live

>>5176648
Not even Sauron is safe from the coof

>>5178103
>long coof
I fucking hope I won't. One of my friends got long coof straight up in 2020. Only now recovering to some degree of normality

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>>5178743

Venti is best boi in genshin

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You are Nakashiri Koharu, and if you were to say you’re having a horrendous day, it’d be quite the understatement. Right now you’re stuck in this temple of the Tenjiso, constantly watched. Your discussions with Yasutake went poorly, but the last words gave you an impression that he may be thinking something else now. Regardless, as you stare at the ceiling of the room given to you, you ponder on what to do. The most annoying thing is, you still don’t know who exactly is behind all this, nor why exactly they’re targeting you like this. Celaris and Zilya have something to do with this, but how?

This little invasion of the Wailing Forest is due to start tomorrow morning, once all of the shinigami have properly grouped up and given their instructions by you and Yasutake.

You could still call everything off despite the backlash you’d receive.

With a sigh, a question appears in your mind. “Aizen, what would you do?” You’re not a mastermind like him, you don’t hold all the pieces of this board nor control your opponent’s by invisible strings.

“If you are unsure where to strike, consider the moves your opponent would love to play, and deny them.” That’s what he always said whenever you struggled to make a move in Go.

What do the Tenjiso, or whoever is behind this all, really want? The purpose of this sudden invasion of the Wailing Forest is clearly to unbalance you. They know that Celaris and Zilya are within you, so they must at least suspect your connection to hollows, which they may be testing here. In which case, the optimal move would be to deny them the information, or feed false intel instead. Go forth with the invasion and show that you have no connections to this place. The problem is, you will have to face Drianni’s wrath. And that really scares you.

There is another option. A bold and risky one, which may fix everything or come crashing down.

You could go and confront Yasutake now. Ask him directly what he is trying to do and why. Under any other circumstances, you’d discard this as a stupid idea, but something about his reaction today gave you the impression that he might be a pawn here as well. Problem is, he could be faking it too.

>Go ask for Yasutake and confront him.
>Sleep now and go forth with the operation.
>Sleep now and call this operation off.
>Other?

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Jesus Christ what a time to be alive (though sometimes even that fact feels debatable). First this fucking pandemic and now I feel like I want to get rid of my russian nationality. Anyway time to continue

>>5179502
>>Sleep now and call this operation off.
Take the rep hit
>>5179506
Keep on rockin' Trippy! Life may suck now but eh, it'll probably get better.

>>5179502
>Go ask for Yasutake and confront him.
Risking it, because Drianni WILL kick our soft ass.

>>5179502

The trippytrap lives! You safe in Russia ma guy?

Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the
enemy’s plans; the next best is to prevent the junction
of the enemy’s forces; the next in order is to attack the
enemy’s army in the field; and the worst policy of all is
to besiege walled cities.

Of course Aizen has read the art of war, bet he's got a signed copy.

So balk the enemy plans by flipping the tables on them, they know what we are and we know they know so let's introduce some forth degree fuckery Aizen will be proud of. Maybe suggest to them that a certain deer god might be pissed if we die, or get harmed or with a smile ask for training on barriers see if it will aid our shinigami training. I'll leave triipy to think something up cause I ain't Aizen.

They want us to make a mistake.

>Go ask for Yasutake and confront him.

Hows this for a plan. We go into the training, use hanran on some priests and make their people fuck it up to for a stoppage. Sure we'll be giving some info up but it will buy us time to set up the next encounter with our own settings, at least if they aren't poised to strike us at a moments notice.

>>5179502
>Go ask for Yasutake and confront him.

>>5179502
>Go ask for Yasutake and confront him.

Alright, trying to read between the lines here. Art of War, know yourself never lose, know the enemy always win etc. etc.

We know that the Tenjiso have lost a great deal since their height. We also know that our spirits got special mention as having Tenjiso involvement, and that they attempted to trap us recently using Kameko. Yasutake seems to take the faith seriously as he’s the head priest most noted for drumming up support in the distant gods. He got riled up when he brought up the sacrifice of Tenjiso lives and thoughtful when we brought up that some actual fucking info would probably save some of our men’s lives because we’d have brought more qualified people.

So, trying to put the puzzle together: Yasutake has been involved in a lot of shit going sideways, and it’s cost him a lot of priests under him. If I had to guess, he was probably involved in sealing our spirits since the Tenjiso shouldn’t really know about the affairs of the living world due to the nominal separation between them, and the Tenjiso connection to our former temple probably runs through the West Temple he leads. This means he also knows exactly what we packing, and he’s not happy about it.

I think he’s trying to get rid of us as a threat to everyone, especially since having us lose control basically invalidates the sacrifice of anyone who died to seal us. I assume Aizen isn’t stopping him out of interest in how we react. What’s going on isn’t going to render our primary purpose (arrancars) invalid, so he can afford to watch.

He reacted to what we said about a lack of communication by pausing, so it’s likely he’s been burned by it too. If it meant something from us, maybe that was one of the fuckups that led to a shitshow when they sealed our spirits.

So, if we confront him, I say we reveal that we’re aware politics are at play, and we believe we know a different reason behind the operation. We know of people in the forest who would prefer to be left alone, but are very protective of it. We burn down the forest, they’ll fight back. We’ll PROBABLY win. And a lot of people will die for it.

If he can’t stop the operation, we would like to “scout the area” using our mediation ability (it’ll really let us talk to Drianni through the forest) and convince them to leave. We’ll fail, but we’ll try. When we do fail, we would like to negotiate a partial burning. If he needs a justification to stop after a bit, we’ll manufacture one. The forest itself can fight back if the defenders want it to. But only if we talk first.

No tricks, special spirit powers or mind control. The people in that forest are our friends, we are their friends, and we would like as many people to leave this place alive as we can. We’re hoping he does too.

If he chooses otherwise, we’ll protect his men. It’s a shinigami’s duty. But we’ll remember where his priorities were when he had a choice.

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>>5179534
>>5179658
>>5179686
>>5179710
>>5179770
>>5179893
Those are some good points made, I'm proud!
>Writing

>>5179686
>You safe in Russia ma guy?
Thankfully I'm all safe in Mor- I mean Finland. I definitely don't want to get drafted there

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>>5180229
Yo Trippy I feel like you gotta take responsibility, my productivity at work plummeted since I started reading this quest. I binged Shinigami Savant and German hollow in less than two weeks cause I needed shit to read when I caught up to the quest.

What you gonna do about it? Apart from making sure ya dont die from Covid.

>>5180314
Read Hollow Quest Redux

>>5180319
It's on my list to start. Is the Ichigo quest worth it as well?

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Uhhh, this evening went by watching our people choosing our Eurovision candidate, sooo update gonna be tomorrow. My bad for getting sidetracked like this

>>5180314
>>5180348
Oh god you absolute madlad. I took a year to reread both quests in peace before I put up my first thread. In the words of wise Sseth, bless your autism

>Hollow Quest Redux
I hear it was pretty fun, I've yet to find the time to read it myself.
>Bleach Quest (older)
I think this is the Ichigo quest you mean. I personally haven't read it, but it looks like it has a lot of content so that's always nice.
>Primeval Shinigami Quest
There were two other bleach quests around the time I started, which unfortunately died out. I was especially interested in how Primeval Shinigami Quest would've gone, it had a pretty dope premise. Sadly died in the bud with just 1 thread.
>Bleach Quest (newer)
The other one that started around the same time. It had a weird but interesting Alice in Wonderland flavor to it all, but I didn't have time to follow.
>Fresh Soul Reaper
This was a thing, but I didn't have time to continue reading it. Unfortunately it dropped at thread #38. I don't know how the QM juggled what 4-5 quests all at the same time? In any case, the QM tried a lot of different stuff that's in the archive.
>Substitute Shinigami Quest
This was also a thing back in /tg/ which I didn't find the time to read at any point, but seemed interesting. I saw at least that it has a proper ending/epilogue.

There's also Spook's One Piece quest which is a joyful bundle of autism written really well, and King's Claymore and Naruto quests which I've been meaning to catch up at some point.

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>>5180387
Slow week at work so I managed to read while keeping on top of work, my poor mobile data though.

I've also gonna look into King's Claymore and Naruto as they were the Qm for Savant and I loved that.

Fresh soul had an interesting premise but it didn't grip me as well as other quests have.

Looking forward to the update whenever it is, so try rest to cure your covid.

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No, you have to deal with this now.

You slide the door open and get momentarily blinded by the light. There’s nobody around, so you wait for a few seconds and conveniently one of the temple priests walks through the corridor.

Exchanging some simple pleasantries, you ask them to take you to Yasutake. Wide doors open into a chamber surrounded by miniature shrines to a seemingly infinite number of deities, a candle lit at each one’s front. He is facing away from you and you can only assume he’s praying. You bow to the guide who leaves, and await his words in silence.

“Thank you for waiting,” he finally says, clapping his hands twice and turning around. “What brings you here at this late hour?”

“We need to talk.”

“I see. A little surprising too.”

“How so?” You sit down in front of him.

He shakes his head. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Just lay down our thoughts and try to figure things out, together, one on one. Well, and possibly under the judging eyes and ears of the gods.”

“Interesting proposition, Nakashiri-san. Well then, please do begin.”

You feel your heart beating and stomach tensing up, but you keep your face and pose calm. “I shall. First and foremost, let’s just get it out in the open and acknowledge that we both know much more than we let on. You know about the spirits I’ve inherited, and I know about your dealings with the living realm.”

He looks at you with hawk-like eyes, every inch of his face unmoving before he speaks. “That’s a bold statement, but I’m sure you have something to back it up. Yes, I know of your heritage, Tamaki-dono. I was unsure when we first met, but there is no mistake now.”

You nod. “And I know of your interactions with the Kasuga-taisha. Including the death of my physical body and the death of the shrine maiden that was my caretaker.”

And finally you see a crack in his expression. Confusion.

>1/4

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“You are mistaken,” he says in a darker tone. “And here I thought you actually knew what you were talking about. I feel… disappointed.”

“No, I got what I wanted.” You smile. “It means there is still hope for our relationship. And if you’re referring to your involvement in divine crisis responses over a thousand years ago, rest assured, I know. Shirojika-no-mikoto sends his regards.”

Yasutake’s eyes widen for a moment, and then narrow further as he brings his hand to his chin. “I need proof. That it is truly him.”

Now it’s your turn to narrow your eyes. At the very least, his reaction reveals to you that his expectations are conflicting with what he’s experiencing right now. Which in turn, implies he’s been fed biased information by somebody else.

“Afraid that it is her instead?” You probe him. His eyes only harden and face stiffens. Oh that’s hatred you feel, very potent such. “I think if I release my zanpakutō, you will understand.”

“And why should I allow that?”

“Because you are both powerful and smart enough to understand that I can’t, and won’t do anything stupid.”

“...Very well.”

“Mediate, Naimen no Daiza,” you call, raising your blade from your sheath, as you both stand up. The soft breeze makes all the candles flicker in the room. Yasutake visibly tenses up, his hands ready to cast kidō. “Seek Out Your Prey, Kaishigome!”

This time the burst of green reiatsu snuffs out most of the candles, except the big ones on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. Curiously, one small candle survives. Your reaitsu slowly reshapes itself and assumes the form of Celaris around your body; translucent, leaving both of you visible. You relax your body and let Celaris guide you.

“Greetings, esteemed Nijo-gūji. It is a delight to see you’ve stepped up to this role. Her heavenliness Miyashi-san would be very proud of you.”

>2/4

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Yasutake is astonished. Of course, you know many details due to access to the secret archives, but what he does not know won’t hurt him, right?

“It is truly you?” Yasutake bows his head. He looks really conflicted, as if he’s still trying to find trickery in this, despite all his senses telling him this is indeed Shirojika-no-mikoto.

“You were always a smart man, Yasutake-kun. If anything, believe in the strength of your late wife and her lineage.”

Wait.

Hold up.

Wait a minute.

Something’s wrong. You can feel it.

“Wife?” You blink. “Am I missing something here?”

Yasutake crosses his arms, looking away, with a sour expression. “Of all things! You don’t even know your own family history? Shameful!”

HOW did you not find out about this in the archives?!

“Excuse me for a moment. Cel, do you mean to tell me, that my ancestor was this guy’s wife?”

“Correct.”

“...Does this also technically mean, that he, is like… my great-great-timessomething- great-grandfather?”

“...That is also correct.”

>3/4

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It takes a while for both of you to calm down and to stop pointing fingers at each other childishly. It’s like all those masks of confidence and calmness, of seriousness and intrigue just broke away. You can’t deny though that this little stunt of Celaris did help out a lot. In the end, a good cup of green tea helps you both settle back to your starting positions, sitting in front of each other on the floor, your zanpakutō sealed away and resting neatly in your sheath.

“...Let’s, for a moment, continue from our primary discussion.”

“...Agreed.”

“Are you satisfied now about my case?”

“For now,” he says and sips his tea. “It is clear that, at the very least, you are not under her influence.”

“Why were you under that impression?” You narrow your eyes.

“I have my sources, though it seems they may have been… unreliable, despite it being incredibly hard to believe.” You get the feeling that he’s still considering the possibility of this all being a theatrical sham. “But for now, I will have faith in Shirojika-no-mikoto’s words.”

You sigh in relief. “I’m glad.”

“At the very least this means tomorrow’s operation should go without problem.” He calmly exhales as he finishes his tea. “If she is truly subdued and sealed away, that means there should be no interference on your behalf.”

He eyes you with great interest. Shit, here you had already hoped…

>4/4

>”About that. We really need to call it off.” (write-in for explanation)
>”Actually, no. I will not send rookies. I’ll return in a week with more experienced men. (delay)
>”Y-Yeah, that’s right.” (proceed)
>Other?

Okay holy fuck this update took a lot to write. Multiple revisions and rewrites. Hope it came out good. Also fuck the fucking asshole that decided that anyone would want to save images as shitty .webp files.

I tried to use the write-ins as much as possible here, but some of the content will appear in the next update depending on what you choose.

>>5181099
>”About that. We really need to call it off.”
>I’d rather call it off, or alter the mission to only entail training with barriers. I have friends in that forest who maintain it.
If he asks if they’re hollows,
>No, they are not
because that’s the truth. They’re people now, and I’m not willing to brook dispute on that point with anyone, not even our great^x grandpappy.
>Celaris can vouch for the fact that they are my friends, and despite being… prejudiced against them, I’m certain he’d agree that they mean well, and that they have taken care of me during some rough patches for no better reason than they cared.
If Yasutake brings up farmland,
>That’s not a major reason. People don’t need to eat to survive, only to fight. It’s more likely to end up on the plate of some noble who eats because they can.
>I can speak to them about growing produce on the forest edge that could serve as a more potent restorative, has medicinal use, or just… tastes good for the damn nobles. I can say it was discovered during training because I had some recklessly. In exchange, the locals tend to the growing area to some extent. It should reduce local unease with the forest over time.
If he asks if they’d leave.
>I can ask. The answer will be no unless I lie to them about what will happen to the forest, and I won’t do that.
And finally, if he asks about our loyalties, or their strength,
>People will die with the current plan. I came here tonight to stop that! But if I can’t, I’ll defend the Tenjiso. It’s a shinigami’s duty to lay down their life in defense of others. But you’ll have blood on your hands for your choice, and I’ll have it on mine for my failure to prevent it.

>>5181099
>>5181276
This

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>>5181099
>>5181276
I'll support this. It's late and I no brain Good.

So I'm stuck with lying down again with renewed fever. Suffice to say no updates until I kick this piece of shit out of my system for good, god fucking damn it.

>>5181758
Give it a week overall and you’ll probably kick it by then if your symptoms are mild.

Though I admit I speak from second-hand experience. I haven’t gotten anything other than the vaccine/booster, no real infection. Turns out “being an introvert” and “work remotely” is pretty effective as a defensive strategy when you can do both.

>>5181758
Get well trippytrap, we'll be waiting. Remember to drink plenty of liquids and what else. Oh yeah not die.

Okay, I feel confident enough about my health that we'll continue with updates starting tomorrow. Traveled today without problems. So let's roll!

>>5181276
>>5181297
>>5181367
Unanimous vote so
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 24, crit 26, Social (7) may replace lowest die
Crit threshold lowered due to good points, but it'll still be pretty hard to convince him to stand down completely even with the new info.

>Drawanon still has that +1 if I remember right

Rolled 6, 9, 8 = 23 (3d10)

>>5184691

Rolled 8, 7, 4 = 19 (3d10)

>>5184691

Rolled 3, 2, 7 = 12 (3d10)

>>5184691
rollin

Passed without needing to burn the extra point. Shame it can’t be a crit though, it’s got me faintly worried he’ll attach conditions.

>>5184691
>>Drawanon still has that +1 if I remember right
You are correct
You may also be getting a sketch commemorating your coof experience sometime soon

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>>5184694
>23(24)
>>5184698
>19(22)
>>5184767
>12(17)
By the skin of your teeth!
>Writing

>>5185208
>spoiler
AAAAAAAA S-Should I be excited, scared, or both?

>>5185400
I’ll leave you to sweat in anticipation for a while.

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You stare at him, take a sip of the green tea, and let out a deep sigh bordering a groan. “About that. We really need to call it off. That’s my go-to recommendation, and if you still insist, then at the very least alter the mission to only entail training at the border.”

Disappointment creeps up on Yasutake’s face and a sense of sorrow overtakes it. “You know something about the forest.”

You nod. “I have friends in that forest who maintain it. Keep it isolated and secure.”

“So it’s true?” His expression grows darker. “You really are meddling with hollows?”

“They are not hollows. Shirojika-no-mikoto can vouch for that fact and that they are friends, despite being… prejudiced against them. I’m certain he’d agree that they mean well, that they have taken care of me during some rough patches for no better reason than because they cared. If we continue this foolish plan, a lot of good people will die. And for what? For a patch of forest to be converted to farmland for the nobles? If you decide to ignore me, I’ll be out there come morning, doing my part, and I’ll do my damn duty as a shinigami, ready to lay down my life to defend your priests and my subordinates. But you’ll have blood on your hands for a choice you personally made, and I’ll have blood on mine for my failure to prevent it.”

You can see he’s deep in thought, but just as he’s about to open his mouth..

“Let me give you a counter question, Yasutake-ojiisan, and I hope you will answer this as truthfully as I have answered to you, as family to family. Just what have you been told about the forest, and why are you so frightened?”

There’s a pause. You can hear Zilya’s whispers, but shoo her away for now.

“I’ve been specifically informed that Nara-no-Jorōgumo has taken over you, and that a hollow army is being amassed in the forest, the likes of which never seen before.”

Your jaw drops, despite your attempts at keeping a straight face. You quickly pick it back up.

“Furthermore, I have confirmed with my priests that there is indeed an incredibly abnormal amount of hollow activity and reiatsu within the forest, despite it being well concealed.”

“And you thought the best possible mode of action is to poke the forest?”

You stare at him in disbelief.

>1/3

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“My primary motive was to evaluate you and to confirm this information. In the case of a full-scale hollow invasion, I had prepared a message in advance to the Gotei 13 for aid.”

You pinch your nose bridge. “So if I’m getting this right, you were ready to even sacrifice your own people.”

“You do not understand how dangerous Nara-no-Jorōgumo is-”

“Oh believe me, if anyone in this bloody world understands it, it’s me. You think I’ve just lived happily without any problems with these two inside of me? Did you really think keeping myself together doesn’t require constant, active work? Why do you think I came to Soul Society in the first place?”

You feel an ominous aura gathering behind Yasutake. “Do not lecture me, child. If it was only her in you, I would’ve personally made sure not even a hair would be left of you within any realm or the void between them. You have never met her armies, or her forsaken daughters, or the catastrophic Tsuchigumo that devastated Kyōto. If she is ever allowed to come back, not even Yorimitsu-sama’s Kumo-kiri would destroy her.”

You keep your body in check, not allowing it to tremble. A drop of sweat flows down your temple.

“However, you also house a kami.” His murderous intent finally subsides. “As a tenjiso, I am bound by duty to consider his will.”

Well, at least that’s something.

“Then do consider it, and consider it well. We’ve given you all the information you need. There is one thing I do want to know though, and consider this from the point of view that there’s already multiple people in Soul Society trying to take advantage of me. Who was it that fed you the false information about me?”

>2/3

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Yasutake takes a long sip from his cup, as if stalling for time. “Usami-gūji presented the information gathered since the Wailing Forest incident, and the analysis made from the lingering reiatsu. Initial results showed both the abnormally strong hollow presence in the forest, and the traces of a very specific potent reiatsu. I identified it as belonging to Nara-no-Jorōgumo, and it didn’t take long to identify you after we inquired at Kasuga-taisha.”

Great… so much for keeping a low profile.

“The consensus was that you are under her influence, Ōshizumira-gūji was adamant about it. I am glad that is not the case, despite all the evidence pointing in the other direction.”

Well, they’re not wrong. You did black out that day and Zilya did go for a joyride. Blasted berries.

“Right. But because I am a shinigami, you couldn’t just come after me.”

“Correct. Evidence was needed and then to be presented to Central 46. However, had she revealed herself here — I would’ve personally identified her — we would’ve readily commenced a counteroperation.”

That… you don’t like one bit. You can’t say for sure you wouldn’t have used her powers if the situation needed it. “Okay, so what now then?”

“Now… I suppose we sleep on it.”

“I need an answer, Yasutake-san.”

“How about this: We will do the training your way, but after that you will show me these people taking care of the forest. Directly after your shinigami head back.” He watches you with hawk-like eyes.

>3/3

>”I accept these terms.”
>”I’m sorry, I cannot.”
>Other?

>>5185577
>”I accept these terms.”

>>5185577
>”I accept these terms.”
>Word of advice, don’t bring up anything about considering taking me down. The sweetest one reacts strongly. It’s caused headaches during sparring sessions with others…

>>5185577
Backing>>5185674

>>5185674
+1

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>>5185674
+1

Motherfucker I thought you're gonna rest for a while so I start binging King's quest to wait for you to recover and find that you're back at it already. I missed a chance to roll again.

Y'all better be taking care of yourself.

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>>5185577
>”I accept these terms.”

As promised
>"You're such a fun toy to play with QM-kun. I've got an extra *long* coof ready just for you."

>>5185577
>”I accept these terms.”

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>>5185594
>>5185674
>>5185807
>>5185998
>>5186055
>>5186056
>>5186179
And we have an agreement!
>Writing

>>5186055
Sorry! Questing is addicting. If I don't get the (You)'s, I don't know if I can live! Thankfully I'm quite well now

>>5186056
C-Corona-chan, please, no! Your feetcoins have been safely deposited to your account. Excuse the blue tint, camera behaves weirdly

File: 2254030.png (1.19 MB, 1920x1080)

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“I accept these terms.” You smile.

It’s going to be a bitch trying to make him behave there. It’s one thing going deep into perhaps West Rukongai’s most dangerous forest, but meeting arrancars? Humanized hollows? Even if he does somehow accept that, there’s the problem that he will know about their existence. That in itself is already a liability, and there’s Aizen to think about. He might not like you leaving loose ends like this.

And so you go to sleep. You get the sense that a lot of surveillance is dropped, though they keep observing you throughout the night despite that. At least, each time you wake up for a second, you feel someone’s presence, breathing down your neck. You may have built some trust here, but he’s damn cautious.

The next morning you and Yasutake address the combined forces of shinigami and tenjiso, forming the groups as planned. Yasutake keeps his word and the operation does not include a systematic torching of the forest. Instead, you all enter from a single direction. The forest has no shortage of hollows that try their luck with the tasty souls that enter in plain sight. You get to see the tenjiso’s barriers in action, and you must say, they’re incredibly sturdy. Better than what you learn with bakudō.

As long as they don’t go too deep in, they will remain in the outer ring of the Wailing Forest which simply has all the wild hollows. Only once they go deep enough can one find intelligent hollows and arrancars, tending to the forest and collecting its bounties. Hopefully, Drianni will have taken them all and huddled up together at the Morimiya shrine. Thankfully nobody wanders too far in.

You rotate between four points where you can generally keep tabs on a quarter each time.

“Nakashiri-fukutaichō,” one of your shinigami says, “how… how are you so calm?”

“Huh?” You blink.

“I- I mean no disrespect, of course a Lieutenant is calm. I just- I wonder how you do it? While surrounded by hollows from.. all sides?”

You give him a pleasant smile. “Sweets, it’s all about experience. And the simple fact that I can’t be afraid. How will I otherwise protect my cute little subordinates?” You then whisper into his ear: “Think the same way about the people you will be protecting.”

Of course, the truth is very different, but your answer gives the guy a much needed morale boost. Mostly you just overhear him mumbling something about being called cute by senpai.

>1/3

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The joint training operation continues for three days. One thing puzzles you: How come shinigami and tenjiso never really do anything together? At least in actual, real situations? This operation proves they can work very nicely together: the sword and the shield. So how come they are so separate? Even this whole thing you assume was sketched purely to test you.

Regardless, the job you end up doing here is making sure all fires are put out and damage to the forest is kept to a minimum. Unfortunately, the torching barrier is one of the things the tenjiso end up practicing, but at least not on the scale it was planned to be before.

Finally, the training ends, and you send your shinigami back to Seireitei in the same manner as they came here. Yasutake’s tenjiso have it easier, needing to just return to the temple nearby.

“You are doing well as a leader,” he notes. “There’s respect and adoration in the eyes of your subordinates.”

“Thanks. Unfortunately, it might be coming from… a rather primitive reason, but I hope with enough time their respect will come from knowing my devotion and capabilities.”

Yasutake simply chuckles. “Now, lead the way, as per your promise.”

And so the two of you enter the forest again, and this time head straight towards its heart.

“Word of advice: Don’t bring up anything about considering taking me down. The sweetest one reacts strongly to such things. It’s… caused headaches during sparring sessions with others before.”

You cast Kyokkō around you and Yasutake to keep the flies away.

“So these forest caretakers are that loyal to you?” He doesn’t sound too happy about that.

“Friendship has a funny effect on people.”

“And what kind of people are these?”

“You’ll see.”

>2/3

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Once you pass the threshold, you dispel Kyokkō.

“Why are you revealing us?”

“Because past this point there live no unintelligent beings.”

He’s nervous. “I do hope you understand the consequences if anything happens.”

“Calm down, gramps. If I did anything to you, I’d have all of your priests on my neck. I won’t tell you to stop being suspicious or cautious, but at the very least don’t take me for an idiot.”

Finally, as you get close enough to the little shrine village, its residents appear. Lahela, together with Ansaleh and Rodmehr and a dozen of extra arrancars appear around you. Lizzy pops out of Lahela’s messy hair.

“Koharu? Who iss this man?”

You hold Yasutake’s hand firmly, stopping him from casting whatever spell it was he was preparing. “Calm down, sheathe your weapons, he’s not an enemy. Nobody’s invading, the danger is over.”

“Phew. You had uss worried!” As they put away their weapons, Yasutake nervously glances at you.

“You… managed to slip out a message? Impressive. Most impressive.”

You shrug. “Yasutake, meet Lahela and the caretakers. Hey guys, meet Yasutake, the chief priest of your nearby temple.”

The arrancars give him odd looks, but not as odd and menacing as what Yasutake is giving them.

“Koharu…”

“Yes, Yasutake-ojiisan?”

“You told me they were not hollows. What is the meaning of this? Consider your words… very carefully.”

>3/3

>Explain to him the concept of an arrancar.
>Tell him they’re like shinigami, but with hollow-like powers. Totally not hollows.
>Refuse to explain anything at all.
>Other?

>>5186865
>>Tell him they’re like shinigami, but with hollow-like powers. Totally not hollows.

>>5186865
>Time for Zilya to make us a new min-
Okay, but seriously,
>Tell him they’re like shinigami, but with hollow-like powers. Totally not hollows.
If he presses for more,
>They reclaimed their humanity, and apparently that comes with shinigami powers.
Because the long answer can come later, preferably never, depending on how he handles all this.

We can point him to the fact that they’re generating their own reiryoku. He can probably sense it. They have about as much in common with hollows as shinigami do with people. Coincidentally, they also have as much in common with people as shinigami do.

He should now understand why we commented Celaris was prejudiced against them…

Does Drianni have tea here? Maybe we can have some while she shares safe-if-embarrasing anecdotes about us or herself. She should be the main speaker for the group for obvious reasons.

>Bonus to be discussed
I’d like to count this as a separate thing for anons to chew on. I wouldn’t want this to be merged as a write-in without explicit buy-in.

Since we’re in the forest. I propose telling him an edited overview of our situation. Bullet points being
>There are conspiracies in SS to overthrow it, possibly violently if need be.
>We are a mostly unwilling part of those conspiracies, we want SS changed but not a revolution. Partly because if most people in SS find out we’re sealing Zilya they’ll probably execute us to be on the safe side. Our conspiracy leader knows that, so they have good leverage on us. I’m sure you considered that too.
>Wait, don’t actually answer that!
>We are working with other people to oppose those conspiracies as a double agent. All sides know we’re both on and not on their side and also on our own team, it’s as fun as it sounds.
>We were put in contact with these people to test us. Thefact we got along is a bonus, it serves as another point of leverage against us since we’ll act to protect them.
>We’re leaving a ton of shit out, even if he believed us he’d need more than our word to do anything with it.
>We’d settle for a place to hang out with our friends and not have anyone die in the process. Everything we do is to keep that dream alive.
No single reason to share all that. My main ones would be to make Yasutake aware of our priorities and give him a heads up that he’s stepping into some shit. I don’t even have advice for him on what to do or not do since Aizen is so much better than we are at manipulating the board. But if things go south and we’re forced to act against him, we’ll try to give him warning. Just like when we did for our forest peeps.

>>5186865
>Tell him they’re like shinigami, but with hollow-like powers. Totally not hollows.
Compare them to us, they didn’t chose the powers they were born with, but that doesn’t make them inherently bad and they actively chose to avoid conflict.

>>5186865
>Tell him they’re like shinigami, but with hollow-like powers. Totally not hollows.
If it doesn't look like a duck, behave like a duck or eat like a duck, then it's not a duck. Same with hollows.

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>>5186890
>>5187386
>>5187780
>>5187782
Righto, let's see how well you can break it down to him
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 24, crit 27, Social (7) may replace lowest die.

Sorry for the late response, had a full day today. I'll try to make it up for you with tomorrow's update

Rolled 5, 9, 1 = 15 (3d10)

>>5188177

Rolled 2, 8, 1 = 11 (3d10)

>>5188177

Rolled 6, 5, 9 = 20 (3d10)

>>5188177

>>5188178
>>5188182
>>5188198
FUCK, not even the art bonus will help here

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>>5188178
>>5188182
>>5188198
Are these our worst rolls? We didn’t even hit the dc

Gramps' bout to throw hands

Rolled 5, 3, 5 = 13 (3d10)

>5188324

My first time rolling as well. Well shit.

Just working out the kinks yo, check this roll that doesn't count and despair.

>>5188178
>>5188182
>>5188198
I don’t know how trippy handles fails, but I hope us being close to the target just means he chooses violence now rather than running and snitching to the Gotei 13

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>>5188178
>15(21)
>>5188182
>11(17)
>>5188198
>20(22)
Oh boy, we haven't had a nice fail in a while.
>Writing

>>5188887
The roll fail means he's not buying into this, as for how he'll react will be up to the character details I have, and also what you anons decide to do. There are many ways to respond to violence alone. But I'll let you guys figure it out with the next prompt

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You take a deep breath. This is gonna be tough.

“They’re like shinigami, but instead of the regular powers my kind get, they have… hollow-like powers. Totally not hollows.”

“Nakashiri… do you take me for an idiot? I can see their hollow holes.” You feel his reiatsu rise, as do those of your arrancars in response.

“Yasutake-san, listen. It’s hunger that drives hollows, I’m sure you understand that. But beneath that they have intelligent minds just like us.” You explain to him how the transformation has changed them, allowing them to eat like regular souls, to keep their hunger at bay. “I’m sure you can sense how they’re generating reiryoku despite their broken Saketsu. They have about as much in common with hollows as shinigami do with people. Coincidentally, they also have as much in common with people as shinigami do.”

“And, pray tell, how did you come to have such an influence with hollows?” he asks. He doesn’t give you a chance to respond. “The answer is very clear. I was wondering about the odd nature of your zanpakutō, about that secondary release of yours. If Shirojika-no-mikoto materializes through one of them, then…”

His eyes look upon yours, piercingly so.

“You are playing with powers that should not be played with. Do not forget what hollows are, and that the only mercy available to them is death.”

“Yasu-”

“If you are a shinigami, then prove it now. Fulfill your duty, or I will consider you a traitor and an unprecedented threat.”

You bite your lower lip. He’s outnumbered here and he’s against opponents he has never seen before. The most logical path would be to flee. Yet his presence oozes confidence, something you do not like one bit. Lahela steps in front of you, ready to protect, while Ansaleh and Rodmehr prepare his flanks, with the rest of the arrancar defense force they’ve organized surrounding him.

>”If you insist on a fight, we will begrudgingly give it to you.”
>”We refuse to fight you. Are you going to kill an opponent that does not fight back?”
>Other?

>>5189055
>”We refuse to fight you. Are you going to kill an opponent that does not fight back?”
If he too boneheaded to stop after this, I don’t know what to besides pull a Zilya

>>5189055
>Other
>I’ve been a threat since birth, Yasutake. It’s the curse I inherited. But they’re the first who didn’t hold it against me or take advantage of it once they realized how terrifying and powerful I could be. You didn’t.
>I forgave you the first time you admitted failure in that regard. Now that I can’t do that and protect them, there will not be a second time. Stand down, or see what it actually means for someone to be Temaki.
>Release Celaris
I’m absolutely willing to throw down in defense of forest peeps, and even be undiplomatic about it because fuck people who fuck with them. But I’m also willing to let him make the first move.

Celaris won’t want to be part of this, I’m sure. But the ultimatum to him is very simple:
>If he doesn’t fight, Zilya will.
Despite our differences on the term, Zilya doesn’t permit threats to her “children” and it’s a sentiment I share with her. If we need more power later on, I’m absolutely going to vote to call Zilya on his ass and let her go hog-wild since escalating to her means Yasutake needs to be dead or enslaved immediately.
I don’t want that. It’ll cause so many problems afterwards. But there are lines I’m not willing to cross, and having someone tear up our kids is one of them.

>>5189109
>>5189055
Oh, another line to toss out there, though I don’t know if this should be targeted just at Celaris or both him and Yasutake. I have to imagine it’s going to hurt on many levels if we vocalize it.
>You bring something into this world, you have a responsibility to take care of it, right? Whether you knew what it meant or not.
>I never got to be on the receiving end of that. That tradition ended with me, and not because I died.

>>5189055
>”We refuse to fight you. Are you going to kill an opponent that does not fight back?”
>”I wouldn’t want to risk damaging the forest if I were you. Its caretaker has patience for neither wanton destruction nor those who engage in it.”

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I'm gonna extend the voting until tomorrow in hopes of getting a consensus. Also because somebody dragged me into playing Dune Imperium and uhhhh that might've taken my time today

>>5189868
>>5189109
>>5189055
I’ll switch to
>”We refuse to fight you. Are you going to kill an opponent that does not fight back?”
to keep things simple. Means no releasing Kashigome as well.

Dunno about other write-ins, I wrote intending to take a hard stance. If someone else feels like taking a crack at them I’d appreciate it. Got dinner to make!

>>5189936
I feel the first part of the write-in can be added if he asks us why we stand with those who we’re sworn to strike down.

>>5189055
>”We refuse to fight you. Are you going to kill an opponent that does not fight back?”
>”I wouldn’t want to risk damaging the forest if I were you. Its caretaker has patience for neither wanton destruction nor those who engage in it.”

I like this one. Remind me for some reason I was thinking that big scary forest lady started a Zen garden? Am I making this shit up cause it feels like something that might have happened.

>>5189970
Drianni, you mean? I... don't think so. Though maybe I'm the crazy one, because it sounds like something she'd keep.

I do remember us burning down part of her forest with Zilya and Lahela. Which partly led to all this mess here. Then going to beg for her forgiveness and becoming a supernatural horticulturalist for the forest on penalty of death.

Still definitely more afraid of mama Drianni than grandpa here, even after all this time.

>>5189055
>”We refuse to fight you. Are you going to kill an opponent that does not fight back?”
Worth a shot, at least.

So refusing to fight, gotcha. I'll try to use the write-ins to the best of my ability!
>Writing

This means this'll be a focus on defense, so I'll need you to rollerino
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 23, crit 26, Defense (5) may replace lowest die

Rolled 2, 9, 7 = 18 (3d10)

>>5190805
Please no whiff

Rolled 2, 10, 3 = 15 (3d10)

>>5190805

Rolled 2, 9, 5 = 16 (3d10)

>>5190805
Eek. Lower target, but we’re definitely not a super-skilled fighter.

>>5190812
>>5190817
>>5190838
If one of us isn’t dead after this, I vote for we avoid this man forever. He’s a luck black hole

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>>5190812
>18(21)
>>5190817
>15(18)
>>5190838
>16(19)
Ohhhh dear. Oh dear.
>Writing

>>5190839
We can probably drive the targets lower by either continuing to talk him down or by stepping up on offense with shikai releases. We have nuclear options involving Zilya and Bankai too.

Still, we’re about to get hurt. We know Lahela won’t like it. The rest of the arrancars view us as a savior last I recall, so they won’t react well either. It’ll get a lot harder to reel them back in after that happens.

Thinking over it and keeping with the pacifist leaning, I think Bankai should be our final option. Can’t do much with it, but it’ll probably floor the arrancars outside Lahela and cause her/Yasutake to pause and reassess. We’ll need to see how well we feel diplomancy will work its magic next round or two.

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His hands are ready to spring into casting his spells, his eyes are fixed upon you, waiting for anything to trigger a response.

”We refuse to fight you.”

A needle of concentrated reishi flings past your cheek, grazing it. A stream of blood trickles down the skin.

“I wouldn’t want to risk damaging the forest if I were you. Its caretaker has patience for neither wanton destruction nor those who engage in it. Are you really going to kill an opponent that does not fight back?” You grit your teeth, unflinching, not even wiping the blood off. Lahela and the others have drawn their weapons in a flash and would’ve already attacked, were it not for your words. Your show of resolve does buy you some more time as Yasutake doesn’t fire anything again.

“I’ve been a threat since birth, Yasutake. It’s the curse I’ve inherited, set in motion by beings far stronger than me centuries ago, you included. But these people here, these ‘hollows’ that you are so hellbent on killing, were the first who didn’t hold it against me or take advantage of it once they realized how terrifying and powerful I could be.

“I forgave you the first time you admitted failure in that regard. Now that I can’t do both that and protect them, there will not be a second time. Stand down, or see what it actually means for someone to be Tamaki.”

“You will NOT sully her name like that,” Yasutake snaps. A golden spherical barrier appears around him with a weave of his hand, and more of those needles appear along his fingers. “There is only one Tamaki that I will accept, and that is my wife!”

“Stick to defense!” you say as you dodge the needles he’s throwing at you. Your eyes widen as a burst of blue flame shoots out in all directions, catching you and many of the arrancars off guard after his diversion. You wince as the flesh on your left leg sizzles.

“Her taking on that burden I could accept,” he continues alongside his quick attacks with needles and flash stepping, “she would return to me once her descendant would take her place. Yet..!”

>1/2

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>https://audius.co/QmTrippy/09-enemy-unseen-93777

At this point, you release Naimen no Daiza just for power alone. Lahela, Rodmehr and Ansaleh have all released as well and use their forms to their best ability to defend, despite itching to take the full offensive. You have to hand it to Rodmehr, the giant bear arrancar is tanking a lot of his spells, especially the explosive kind. Ansaleh is making sure the other arrancar work together. Lahela, while providing general support, is unable to really do anything without going on the offensive. Annoyingly you’re the only one who knows how to use any kind of barriers, and even then they’re not sufficient to keep Yasutake at bay. Each time you put one up, he finds the weakest spot in an instant and shatters them.

“Yet even after dying, her soul never returned to the cycle. She was nowhere to be found. Either she’s completely gone, or…” He stops the assault and points two fingers at the ground, swinging it up towards you. “Tendō: Kankinsuru!”

The ground shifts and the earth itself glows and extrudes around you, trapping you within it as you don’t react in time. Lahela, seeing this, screams and finally throws herself at Yasutake despite your wishes. Unfortunately, a hothead against a calm and calculating opponent is the worst match, and Yasutake torches a second hole in her torso.

“L-LAHELA!”

“You should worry about yourself, Koharu.” He appears in front of you, his hand coated in a menacing purple reishi. “I’ll take it upon myself to see just what is within you, destroy that wretched hollow, and free my Tamaki.”

Anger boils within you, chilled only by a fear of equal intensity. You had thought he was somebody rational, somebody you could negotiate with, but it seems you’ve misunderstood his motives.

>2/2

>Try to use Naimen no Daiza, get him before he gets you.
>That’s it. No more Mr. nice guy. Let Zilya put him in his place.
>Other?

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Some of the previous write-ins that I didn't include I'll try to use in later posts, I couldn't put it all in without it starting to feel a bit monologue-ish to me. But it's good stuff, I'm proud of you anons!

>>5191031
I’m never offended when my write-ins don’t make it in. Sometimes conversations just take a different turn than you expect.

Like in this case! I thought Yasutake saw us mostly as a threat and was generally racist against hollows, but it seems he has more personal reasons for being an asshole.

Don’t think Bankai out here will change his reasoning anymore. I’ll vote
>Try to use Naimen no Daiza, get him before he gets you.
since we can call Zilya in his mindscape without setting off alarms from anyone monitoring the forest. He’s in perfect stabbing range too.

If he does happen to touch us, can we
>Use Hanran to stun him
and open him up further?

What happens if we try to use Bankai while in someone else’s mindscape? Can we drag him into our own mindscape where we can dogpile him with Celaris, Zilya, and our Bankai form for however long we can maintain it?

>>5191029
>Try to use Naimen no Daiza, get him before he gets you.
I wonder if it’s possible to call upon the OG Tamaki to get him to finally calm down once we go inside of him.

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>>5190844
We've been getting oof after oof lately.

>>5191029
>Try to use Naimen no Daiza, get him before he gets you.

>>5191029
>>Try to use Naimen no Daiza, get him before he gets you.

>>5191091
>>5191110
>>5191266
>>5191528
Using the stick wins. Lets see if you make it
>Roll 3d10, DC 23, crit 27, Mobility (7) may replace lowest die
This is to see if you manage to break free quick enough to stab him before he does you

>>5191091
>spoiler
I gotta have a think about this and see what I can and what I can't reveal, but good thoughts anon

Rolled 9, 1, 7 = 17 (3d10)

>>5191639
Let’s see if this turns out any better.

Rolled 9, 1, 9 = 19 (3d10)

>>5191639
I've got a good feeling this time

Rolled 10, 7, 2 = 19 (3d10)

>>5191639
Just start stabbin

>>5191650
>>5191648
>>5191645
Every single roll passed this time. One off from a crit, too.

Do we spend the point to upgrade to a crit? I’m leaning no for this roll.

>>5191659
Looks like our rolling is back to normal

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>>5191645
>17(23)
>>5191648
>19(25)
>>5191650
>19(24)
Now that's a solid pass
>Writing
>Update will come tomorrow, I just arrived home and I need to sleep

>>5191659
>One off from a crit, too.
Unless I counted wrong, it's two off?

>>5191805
Nope, I was off. That simplifies things!

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Sadly no updoot tonight. Today's just been extremely fucky and I can't get a single proper thought straight, I apologize

In other news, I'll be one week waaaay up North for a week starting Sunday. I'll continue running while there no problemo. The train ride is going to be long though both there and back, so I might be able to do some more fast-paced updates if y'all are up for that / around to vote. So this Sunday eve/night and next Saturday afternoon (UTC+2). I'll keep you posted on how that all goes

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The trap you’re in is quite durable, but you believe you can crack the control over the soil with kidō. The question is, will you make it in time?

Yasutake’s purple-clad hand reaches towards your heart.

“Reitekishutsu!”
“Hadō #11: Tsuzuri Raiden!”

The electricity charges through the spell-infused earth and it disperses, allowing you to adjust your blade to hit Yasutake. Both of you hit each other at the same time, and you feel incredibly sickened, as if the very core of your being is meddled with. Fortunately, that sensation somewhat fades as you appear in a new environment: A city of temples and shrines; pillars, red and white, stretching up into the sky and beyond.

You grasp at your chest, coughing. “Bastard..”

Yasutake ends up easy to find, however it seems he’s prepared.

Upon a raised stone platform in the shape of an octagon, adored by torii on each edge, he sits in the middle, eyes closed and focusing on something. Surrounding him are multiple layers of barriers, stretching far off into the sky as well.

You grasp at your chest again and the dreaded feeling begins returning. Slowly. Were it not for how time works within people’s minds, you might have been dead by now. Or worse.

“No matter your tricks, I’ve prepared my mind for over a thousand years. I won’t be used again like I was back then. Don’t worry, it’ll be over soon.”

A sharp pain pushes you down on your knees. You reckon there’s not that much time despite the slow flow.

>Get Zilya out. Time to start blasting ceros.
>Maybe Celaris is able to figure these barriers out.
>It’s bankai time, all out, no mercy.
>Try to talk him out of this.
>Other?

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Alrighty. Train boarded, twelve hours of travel. So as I mentioned before, I'll be around and I can do one or two extra updates while I'm awake and if there's enough votes/rolls

Sorry about yesterday as well. Did a kitchen shift for a student party, took over 12 hours in the end. Here's your compensation feet pic

>>5194471
>>It’s bankai time, all out, no mercy.

>>5194471
>It’s bankai time, all out, no mercy.
Normally I’d shoot for talking, but we’re in a rush to not die of whatever he did. Also funny how his inner world has some similarities to our own with the stone structure in the middle and the Torii gates

>>5194471
>>It’s bankai time, all out, no mercy.
I'm willing to fuck with him a bit by talking though.
>I can call your wife, you know. All of them.
>Let's see how she responds to this pain.

>>5194471
>>It’s bankai time, all out, no mercy.

>>5194478
12 hours of train is insane, most I've ever done is like 8 I think.

Trippytrap lives!

>>5194471
>It’s bankai time, all out, no mercy.
>Try to talk him out of this.

Pity we can't show him our wierd graves pagodadoodad

>>5194698
I've taken the Auto Train here in the US from beginning to end. 17 hours total.

I can highly recommend a cabin for trips of that length. They're not much, but it's better than sleeping in the (admittedly roomy) chairs. 100x better than an equivalent in an airplane either way.

>>5194471
>>5194590 +1

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>>5194479
>>5194534
>>5194590
>>5194687
>>5194698
>>5195234
It's tiem
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 18, crit 23, Mental (8) may replace lowest die
Thresholds reduced due to >>5194590

Did some skiing today, as well as sauna. Jeez I'm spent. It's super beautiful here though

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>>5194698
>>5194830
The train ride I took was the longest possible here (Helsinki - Kolari) and was in the end a bit over 14h. I concur with anon about the cabin, despite its size it was suuuuuper comfy. Well, at least here. We have pretty good trains

Rolled 9, 10, 10 = 29 (3d10)

>>5195595
let's see if still know how to roll
hopefully I won't blow us up

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>>5195633
>29
Holy moly. Well, I guess here's no topping that. Unless a perfect 30 can be achieved
>Writing

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“I can call your wife, you know. All of them.”

Despite the pain, you focus on the task ahead. With your zanpakutō in hand, you go for your full release. This is the first time you do this within somebody’s mind, which brings to question how this will work, since to activate bankai you need to mediate yourself… while mediating somebody already.

You shrug any doubts for now and just push on.

>https://audius.co/QmTrippy/21-number-onevocal-ver.-93790

“Bankai: Zen Gōsei Naimen no Daiza!”

The burst from the transformation engulfs the barrier with the reiatsu of both Zilya and Celaris, purple and green respectively. Glowing reishi swirls around it in opposite directions. You reappear taller now, with longer hair and antlers rising from your head. A white porcelain piece covers your forehead, with six small eye sockets. Four, chitinous black spider legs sprout from your back, with a tint of purple. A black choker around your neck holds the wooden talisman with the word ‘seal’ on it. Your shihakusho is replaced with a mix of it, miko garments, and something else entirely.

Your zanpakutō, now a hilt only, remains in your hand like a chalice.

“Stop bluffing.”

“All you had to do was ask. Had I known, I would’ve even helped you. Do you think I want to be an eternal prison?”

You close your eyes, and using your manipulation of this mental space, all of your ancestors, the way you remember when you first attained bankai, stand in a row to your left and right.

“Yasutake-kun, please!”

“Please be rational!

“This isn’t right, Yasutake!”

A low rumble goes through the ground, and you see some of the before stable pillars now wobble lightly. With them, the barriers ripple as well.

“Y-Your tricks, I will not be affected by them! I will bring you back with my own power!”

>1/2

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With a weakness found, now you have a clear way forward.

“Zen Gōsei: Bombardment Mode.”

You float into the air with your hands outstretched. The four spidery limbs in your back divide in half, blossoming like a black flower. Purple, chaotic reishi forms on each tip, forming into spheres of destruction a lá hollow classique. All six eyes on your headband glow green. Within his mind, Yasutake’s reiryoku is readily available to you to use for Nekensaku, which you are now able to use in tandem with Zilya’s powers.

Naimen no Daiza itself acts as the catalyst, which you hold with both your hands now close to your chest.

“Fire!”

Like artillery shells, the ceros fire off one by one in a steady pace. Once one is fired, another one begins charging up. While starting off slow, you can feel the heat and the pace dialing up with each moment.

To Yasutake’s credit, his barriers are REALLY sturdy, but thanks to your meddling with his psyche, your bombardment has a powerful effect on it. Bright explosions send quakes throughout the energy shield and the mindscape itself.

The first barrier falls.

And the second.

And finally, the third is beginning to crack.

Despite feeling like a hand is inside your chest, crushing your heart, you press on with this assault.

“You will lose, Yasutake. Surrender! This doesn’t have to go this way!”

“I… will not.. falter! If anything… this proves.. that you are an unimaginable threat! The Saishu was correct!”

“Saishu?” You frown.

Finally, the barrier falls, and your homing ceros start hitting home. You keep your senses up and make sure you don’t deal fatal damage, though unfortunately you’re able to stop your bombardment a bit too late. Despite willing it to stop, it still fires off some while it slows down, and once you started hitting him, whatever spell he was performing on you also stopped.

Yasutake lies in the freshly formed crater, bloodied and unconscious.

Your spider limbs return to four numbers as they were. You look at your hand, marveling at this power.

>2/2

>Mediate him and change him. (how?)
>Don’t meddle with him and leave.
>Other?

>>5195657
>Mediate him, have the Temaki influence him instead of the spirits.
He did almost undo everything they sacrificed by ripping Zilya out. And we’re in Bankai still, so we can probably call them as a mediating force instead of Zilya or Celaris. I’m curious how they’ll mediate someone.

Personally, to tilt the scales, I’d tell them
>When you judge him, remember he ordered me to kill my children
because that’s what they are even if it’s not in the usual way. But I wouldn’t mind if people vote against this addition or want to tilt the scales some other way.

>>5195657
>Don’t meddle with him and leave.

>>5195657
Supporting >>5195689

>>5195689
I’m down for the first part, but I’m not really into the second bit. Won’t complain if it goes through though

>>5196029
Some other sentiments if “simmering rage” isn’t your preferred. All still with using our ancestors as the mediating force:
>Somethings needs to change so this doesn’t become a cycle. I’m too close to this to mediate, though.
>He’s been grieving for a long time over your loss. Perhaps you can relieve him of that guilt.
>He’s been narrowminded for too long. More than his wife have suffered. He needs to understand the gravity of his responsibility for it before he’ll make amends.
>I’d rather not repeat this cycle of family leading to the death of family. Please, help me find an escape.
I may have my preference, but I don’t mind helping people experiment with flavors!

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>>5195689
>>5195846
>>5195926
>>5196029
Letting a very much subconscious part of yourself deal with this wins. Oh boy, you're not making this easy at all for me, god damn it. But this is how it should be and thankfully I have some notes
>Writing

I'll let you guys have some time to think about additional write-ins like this >>5196102 while I sleep on this and write the update tomorrow

>>5196406
>We choose to do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.
>Probably Aizen, smiling at everything going according to keikaku.
But seriously, thanks for putting up with us. I know we’ve thrown some unexpected things at you before.

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Looking at his body, you contemplate on what to do. You could mess with him on your own, with Celaris or Zilya, but there’s also another choice that comes to mind: Your ancestors. It would be quite poetic.

There’s just one problem: despite summoning the illusion of your ancestors for Yasutake, you have no clue how to actually interact with them, let alone let them take control. There’s a faint memory you still cling to from when you first mediated yourself. Otherwise, the shrine within your own mindscape with their tombstones is your only proper connection.

That, and bankai.

“Judge him accordingly,” you whisper, still in your bankai form, and close your eyes. You let your consciousness fade, and rushing white fuzzy lines fill your peripheral vision.

When you wake up, you feel a soft lap under your head. It feels so nice that you’d rather not open your eyes just yet, but alas…

“Morning, sunshine.”

“D-Drianni?!” You instinctively bolt up, only to hit your head on something else that’s soft. Flustered you skuttle to the side. Looking around you see that you’re in the zen garden behind the small shrine complex. Drianni had taken up a more “humanly” activity as she called it, and made a very nice garden. It would be really relaxing for anyone, unless they’re not comfortable with a lethal, crushing hollow reiatsu.

“Mind explaining what happened?”

Oh no. You know that smile of hers. That smile that is hiding a terrifying, calm anger.

“W-Well, I kind of got in a bind… but things shouldn’t be that bad in the forest, right? Right?”

Drianni sighs and motions towards the grassy ground nearby, where a tanned brunette is lying, entwined by white roots.

Your eyes widen as you remember.

>1/2

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“Lahela!” You throw yourself beside her. Below her hollow hole on her chest, there’s another one in her stomach. It’s filled with a whie substance and tiny roots lead into it from the larger ones.

“I already heard from Ansaleh and Rodmehr. The… ‘priest’ is secured in the shrine, but he won’t be alive for long after we finish talking.” You swear you’re seeing an ominous dark aura behind her.

“Look, I… I understand. He hurt one of our own, and very badly. I feel horrible for letting that happen. But we need him alive. If he does not return, the others will know that I am the reason for it, along with this forest. If he dies, it will escalate things to the point that not only will I have to leave Soul Society, but everyone here as well.”

She stares at you without change, but then finally relents. “I will stay my hand… for now.”

“Thank you. A part of me feels like skinning him alive, but another part also understands where he’s coming from. How… how long have I been unconscious?”

“A few hours.”

You sigh in relief. “So there’s still time to figure out a plan, good.” While you’d like to make one on your own, you don’t know the effects of your mediation on Yasutake just yet. You’re not even sure if anything even changed. You could technically have a peek inside him again, nothing’s really stopping you. His mental defenses should still be broken if he hasn’t woken up yet.

Or you could do it the old fashioned way: talking to him.

>2/2

>Slap him awake and talk the talk.
>Poke him again with the sword and make an analysis.
>Other?

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I thought I'd have gotten the update done earlier, but well. 10 km of skiing today. My legs hurt like a bitch and I needed rest

Hold on, how much of that battle took place in the forest vs. in a mental world? I kind of lost track of certain details.

>>5197366
>Slap him awake and talk the talk.
Coming inside unconscious dude's feel uneccesary at this point, especially since Dri is ready to chose violence if he still wants some.
>>5197494
I'm pretty sure everything up to us stabbing each other was real world, while the rest was a mind battle. Though I want to know if using our bankai while in him caused any reiatsu flare ups outside, as it could be a nice loophole to using our full power around other Shinigami

>>5197366
>>5197552
+1 for the action and questioning about reiatsu flareups. I was hoping a mind battle would kill the hollow release, though maybe that’s a bit much to ask for with Bankai.

If it was flawless, then we’re even more fucking terrifying.

Also, can we acquire tea? I’d like to set up a small area for tea drinking by Yasutake for everyone. We’ve waitressed long enough that it should be quick to set everyone up. Yasutake, of course, will be tied up on the ground and gets to enjoy staring at the teacup.

He can join for tea when he’s ready to act civilized. And the others (re:Drianni) accept it. And if we’re willing to set aside the fact that he blew a hole in sweetest girl not long ago in spite of us warning him not to let things get to that point. I’m willing to do that for a bit.

>>5197366
>>Slap him awake and talk the talk.

>>5197366
>Slap him awake and talk the talk.

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>>5197494
>>5197552
>>5197635
>>5197847
>>5197896
Talking wins
>Writing
This will most likely be the last update until Sunday/Monday since I won't have the time to write. Tomorrow downhill skiing almost whole day and then early sleep to wake up at 5 am. I'm definitely gonna sleep in the car and later in the train.

>>5197635
>Also, can we acquire tea?
Considering Aizen is your Captain, yes, you very much have access to tea

>>5197937
I had meant tea access in the “right here right now” sense, but I’m now amused at the idea that Aizen equips his lieutenants with Batman-style utility belts of spices and tea leaves for emergency situations.

>>5197988
Why were we supposed to be opposed to Aizen being God again?

>>5197989
Eh, it’s been a while. Think it had something to do with a violent overthrow of government and a lot of people dying along the way? I vaguely remember we settled on that being bad since it impacted our friends and ability to retain a large fan club.

Tea utility belts weren’t considered at the time, but probably wouldn’t have been enough to swing the needle.

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After making sure Lahela is doing okay and getting proper care. The wound is serious and it will take time, but you have faith in Drianni’s capabilities. In fact, you don’t really know just what she’s even capable of.

Yasutake is sitting unconscious in the middle of the small shrine building, kept upright by the wooden binds around his body. You get the tea set stored in the shrine out and some green tea, boiling the water with simple kidō. Having lived at a shrine almost all your life, serving tea the proper way is second nature to you.

Finally, as you pour the tea into a cup, life relights itself in Yasutake’s slowly opening eyes.

You just wait, while sipping on the tea, sitting a distance opposite to him.

“Hnnngh… Where… where am I? Huh?” He tries to move his arms, only to be met with resistance.

“You’re currently in the heart of the Wailing Forest, bound after unnecessarily engaging in violence, and possibly awaiting punishment after almost fatally wounding a person very dear to me.”

To your surprise, he actually looks regretfully at you, and then at the tea.

“Sorry, no tea for misbehaving boys.”

“That’s- ah, no matter. But… I see it now. Perhaps I was too headstrong and even blind.”

“Do continue.” You take a sip.

“Neither Shirojika-no-mikoto nor Nara-no-Jorōgumo is in control of you. It’s you.”

“Glad we’re on the same page on that. Anything else?”

“...I do not understand nor feel right with these… hollows you hold around you. It reeks of problems for everyone. But they only defended themselves and you, while I was the one that hurt them. So for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for that. I’d bow if I could.”

“I do hope you’re not telling me all this just because it’s what I want to hear. But maybe I’ll let you have some tea then… maybe. Just one last thing. I hope you’re over Tamaki now?”

He looks at you as if you just said some gibberish. “Excuse me?”

“You know, her soul and afterlife and…”

“Who is Tamaki?”

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And that's it for now. Hope you've enjoyed. I can answer questions and yadda, between now and when I next run. Wish me luck so I don't get sent to the hospital again like last time skiing downhill

>>5198126
Oh
Hmm
That... oof
>>5198128
Take care our delightful snowbunny.

>>5198126
Ah. That’s… worrisome at best. They acted as a seal on his memory maybe? Probably means he doesn’t remember we’re his descendent.

I guess we can admit we did battle in his mindscape and used a lot more power than we’re used to. Seems to have had unusual effects on him, but I’m sure he’d agree that going back into his head to check the aftermath is something neither of us want.

I’m curious if we can even get back in, or if he’s locked down in ways even we’d struggle to undo. But I can live without that knowledge for now.

>>5198126
So I'm guessing they decided to seal his memories of his wife to ease his pain. That's something I never even considering trying, but that's some Book of the End type nonsense. >>5198128
Only question I have at the moment is about the reiatsu flareups while we're in someone's inner world

>>5198128
Thanks for running Trippy, don’t die

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I survived. No ambulances today, ha! It was incredible though and very beautiful. Here's a sneak peek

Also, I just realized I've totally forgotten about putting updates on twitter. Should I move to discord like some of the other QM's have? At least there I'm constantly online to some degree so pinging updates would be a lot easier too. And I could share more pictures hue Non-mandatory of course and mostly for pinging and shitposting. I know I asked this a year or so back, but I wanna hear again what you guys think

>>5198138
>>5198160
>>5198420
The conclusion I ended up with is that your subconscious (i.e. all the Tamakis) can achieve a lot of things easier and better, but you don't have a choice over the matter. This time they were pissed enough with him messing with their internal girl-tea-party-afterlife that they didn't want him to knock ever again

>>5198420
>Only question I have at the moment is about the reiatsu flareups while we're in someone's inner world
I need a hard think about this before I answer. I'm leaning towards yes, since it'd make sense that the states mirror each other, but I'll weigh both options and check if canon has any precedent. I know SSQ had something like this, but I can't remember the exact details

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>>5199057
>discord
That’s a no from me

>>5199057
Also
>a year or so back
Fuck, where does the time go

>>5199057
Glad to know emergency services didn't get involved?

As for the Discord vote, I can't argue either direction. I don't use Discord or Twitter to keep up with quests!

>>5199057
>This time they were pissed enough with him messing with their internal girl-tea-party-afterlife that they didn't want him to knock ever again
So he got a forced divorce?

>>5199541
Hardest divorce since Adam and Lilith

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Okay I'm finally back, Jesus that was a long ride. Damn you, my discordfagging has been foiled once again. Guess I'll stick to shitting up other QM's discords

>>5199208
>Fuck, where does the time go
I know. This quest started 1.5 years ago.

>>5199211
>Glad to know emergency services didn't get involved?
Thankfully no, despite falling once at the start

>>5199541
>>5199584
Technically speaking, very much so

I'm taking this Sunday off to just rest, my body still hurts from all that skiing, and I need to prep for tomorrow's job interview (I NEED that job). So we'll continue on Monday

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You are Nakashiri Koharu, and it looks like your ancestors — who conveniently reside within your subconscious — have decided to posthumously divorce Nijo Yasutake, the husband of the very first Tamaki. He’s sitting in front of you, still tied up by Drianni’s roots.

And here you sit, in front of him, teacup in hand, keeping your jaw from dropping. The obstacles between you have kind of been removed now, even if in a bit of an unconventional way. Should you go check his mind, just in case? No, perhaps it’s best not to mess with his head again. Something tells you that will cause more problems than bring solutions.

“Ah, nevermind. You wanted tea, yes?”

You call Drianni in and have her undo her bindings, but have her attend this little tea party as a precaution. To his credit, Yasutake is doing really well to keep his calm, despite visibly sweating. Drianni’s doing very little to keep her reiatsu in check.

Since when did you get so used to stronger reiatsu anyway?

“Please, have some.” You pour him a cup and slide it over. He bows his head and carefully brings the cup to his lips. “So, now that things are cleared up…”

>”I’d like us to continue as if nothing happened.”
>”I’d like you to find out who is trying to get at me and why.”
>”I’d like you to provoke the other chief priests into action.”
>Other?

>>5202696
>”I’d like you to find out who is trying to get at me and why.”

>>5202696
>”I’d like you to find out who is trying to get at me and why.”

The Trippytrap lives! Does your everything still hurt?

Also does great x gazillion granddad remember we're related?

>>5202696
>>”I’d like you to find out who is trying to get at me and why.”

>>5202696
Hope the interview went well! They're the part I hate the most in job searches.

>>”I’d like you to find out who is trying to get at me and why.”
He can do it for our sake, or to potentially join them and backstab us later. It's in his interest to figure things out either way.

A couple other things we can throw at him:
>See if he can get Tokiko-chan transferred to the West Temple.
He's in a far better place to make that happen than any shinigami is. We can call it a small favor even if it's not an easy task for him - we want her looked after, and better to have her with a known quantity than an unknown one. In exchange, we're willingly giving Nijo leverage over us. He can even use it! It's not like we're not used to be used. He just needs to remember he hasn't seen us at our scariest yet.

>Have him keep an ear out for anything that could warp/break our seal. The trick he tried pulling on us earlier would be a start.
I'd rather not have anyone ripped out of us, thankyouverymuch. The world is safer while we're acting as a barrier to Zilya.
It also lets us know what paths to pursue towards our collective freedom and which are too risky. But he doesn't need to think about that possibility.

Other stuff to consider (I won't vote for these unless others join in). Most of these could be taken care of offscreen to avoid cluttering up the next update too much.
>Let him know we're part of multiple conflicting conspiracies to defend/overthrow/reshape the SS. The leaders are largely aware of what we can do. No details on who pulls those strings because if he can't figure them out himself he's better off just preparing for a brawl.

>Let him know we're trying to be our own faction on the basis that we'd like to not get killed in a witch hunt or have our friends killing each other out of duty.

>Let him know Drianni's actually a really fair friend to have. We burned down part of her forest once and she let us apologize in person and work towards amends instead of killing us halfway into the forest!
No particular reason to tell him this other than that I find the whole incident funny now and we can't share it with anyone who doesn't already know. I want to see his reaction.

>Let him know if he keeps an ear out for us and Drianni about things that affect the forest we'll keep an ear out for things that affect the Tenjiso. Nothing major expected from either side, just people looking out together for peace.

>Don't try to research what he's seen here on his own. Ask us or Drianni for details if he's curious. We'll tell him what we're comfortable with. Otherwise he's just calling very negative attention on himself.