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Despite the formalities and pleasant words, Usami Fusakage looks like his expression is constantly sour. His glasses hide some edges of his eyes, but dear Reiō he doesn’t know how to smile. His dark hair is bound behind his back into a narrow ponytail, yet some hairs dangle in front of his vision.

A feast is held in honor of your visit and you get a good look at the priests. Unlike the fresh, well-kept, and soft-skinned priests of the Western temple, these guys look like they’ve seen a lot of action. Scars and bruises are common occurrences on their faces, and there’s a fair share of amputees as well. Even their uniforms are more practical, featuring less moving fabric that could get in their way.

“Our priests are no strangers to battle,” Usami says, noticing your observation, despite your subtlety. “They may look ugly, but they know how to handle themselves.”

“I can very much see that. I understand that unlike the other temples, you’ve developed offensive techniques as well?”

“Yes. Defensive barriers will only get you that far, and it’s completely infeasible to erect barriers in every corner of the Rukongai.” His glasses look like they’re about to fall off. You don’t know why it bothers you so much that he isn’t fixing them back up. “So, Nakshiri-fukutaichō, you said in your letter you’d like to investigate future collaboration possibilities?”

You nod. “I think it would be beneficial for both parties. Especially since South Rukongai is the only one without a Gotei 13 fort.”

“And? Did you perhaps already have some ideas in mind?”

>2/2

>”I believe joint operations to heavily cull hollow activity once in a while will work.”
>”I think building up a constant shinigami presence nearby will achieve the best results in the long run.”
>”Actually, no. That’s why I’m here. To figure out realistic possibilities.”
>Other?

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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

shitty anime quest with overpowered 11 year old protagonist with 5 wives

>Thread was supposed to start today, may as well see if it’s up.
>First post was 12 seconds ago.
I have never been this early before! Not that it mattered since I chewed on the prompts…

>>5219151
>”I believe joint operations to heavily cull hollow activity once in a while will work.”
>”I’m amenable to both larger and smaller ideas.”
Mostly A as a starting point, little bit of C. I assume if B were feasible, it’d already be done since that would mirror the forts we have elsewhere.

We can say we had a good experience with the Western Temple and wanted to build on that. The Southern Temple makes the most sense to cooperate with though, they’re the most active in fighting hollows and that’s a more direct use of shinigami skills. That said, there’s no doubt “reasons” for why this isn’t already happening on both sides, so may as well hear out smaller or bolder ideas that stand a better chance of shaking the status quo.

Spitballing some other ideas:
>Embed shinigami/Tenjiso teachers into units for training in different styles/arts.
>Set up a training camp for shinigami in the area, focusing on healers. Practical experience is harder to get at school.
>Have Tenjiso accompany shinigami into the real world during the regular rotations. Can be a safer post than defending here, better for people who need recovery time and can strengthen existing barriers in the living realm.

Not sure what we should be shooting for here, though his response on the last one could be informative. His response may let us change how likely he was involved with Kameko’s incident (fingers point to North Temple so far though).

>>5219166
I support this

>>5219151
>”Actually, no. That’s why I’m here. To figure out realistic possibilities.”
Though we have ideas, like A and B, but they might be ineffectual depending on the circumstances.
Ideally we would ask around as to what they deal with usually, if it's light sustained hollow appearances, then a constant Shinigami presence would be better, but if they appear in larger groups at regular intervals, joint operation might make more sense. Just generally prod at their inner structure to find out as much as we can.
Maybe throw in a question of whether or not other temples help them when they need assistance, see who they have ties with?

>>5219151
>”I believe joint operations to heavily cull hollow activity once in a while will work.”
>”Though I am open for o other suggestions”
It’s odd that this is the only part of Rukongai without Shinigami around, wouldn’t be surprised if it was due to it not having much resources to offer the upper crust. No wonder Usami seems pissed that someone finally showed up

>>5219293
That'd make sense. Supposedly the Tenjiso and nobility are fairly close, so if the Southern Temple didn't have much use (or were uncooperative) then Central would withhold shinigami from their sector.

>>5219151
I’ll support >>5219166

>>5219153
So true!
>>5219166
+1

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>>5219166
>>5219167
>>5219220
>>5219293
>>5219510
>>5219756
So leaning on culling but open to other options. Good answer
>Writing

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“I have some ideas, yes, but my current understanding of the situation here is limited. Based on the recent success with the Western Temple, I believe joint operations to heavily cull hollow activity once in a while could work, but I’m amenable to both larger and smaller ideas.”

Usami raises his eyebrow slightly, only missing a surprise whistle. “Not a bad answer. Not bad at all. At least you’re not as ignorant and idealistic as the last shinigami we had.”

“The last shinigami?”

“Yeah. You’re not the first one to approach our temple. Though, that was many years ago.”

“And, if I may ask, what was his proposal?”

“Make a shinigami fort.”

The whole hall goes silent for a moment, and laughter erupts. You remain unfazed, save for a light raise of an eyebrow.

“I know a bit of Tenjiso history, but it’s that bad, huh?”

“Ask the 7th Division about that next time you see them. But sure, I can tell you some more. But first-” The conversation halts as feeding time is over, and the priests all use hot water and a sponge-like fruit to thoroughly clean their bowls and eat those. Nothing goes to waste, not a single bit. You do your best to follow their example. After that, he takes you outside to the courtyard, from where you take a small path that’s leading to behind the temple. When you inquire where you’re going, he points up.

“Up that mountain. We’ll talk on the way there.”

“Right, that should be sim-”

“No spiritual abilities allowed, by the way. Including shunpo.”

“W-What?”

“You heard me right, fukutaichō-dono. Surely a small physical exercise is of no problem to you? Every priest climbs up there once a day.”

Shit. Maybe you should've done some more physical exercise beforehand..

>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 19, crit 25, Physical (4) may replace lowest die

Rolled 6, 9, 9 = 24 (3d10)

>>5220129
Finally Koharu gets to do a conventional exercise

Rolled 6, 8, 6 = 20 (3d10)

>>5220129

Rolled 10, 3, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>5220129

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>>5220133
>24
>>5220136
>20
>>5220208
>14(17)
Koharu actually manages to climb the mountain. Whaddoyaknow
>Writing
>Update will arrive tomorrow

Also
>1 off crit

>>5220219
We do still have the +1, don’t we? Not sure if it should be used here or not, stakes aren’t exactly high.

>>5220222
Yeah I’d rather save the +1 for something more dangerous

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You start making the ascent. At first you struggle, since you’ve grown to rely so much on the Zankensoki quaternity, but with time and steady breathing, you adjust to the increasing pace of Usami. He looks both surprised but pleased. You on the other hand are baffled by how he can do this barefoot.

On the way you talk mostly about small things: the priests' routines, which more and more resemble that of monks; the rough terrain of the South Rukongai, and especially the caves that the mountains house.

“It’s no surprise that hollows prefer them, especially those higher up and hard to get to.”

“Which is why you climb this mountain every day?”

“Correct. How is Nijo-san by the way?”

“He’s quite fine. Content since the training went so well.” You stay vague with the story, but throw in some convenient details here and there to make it believable. “Very serious when it comes to faith.”

“Yes, well, he’s quite diligent, always has been.”

“The temple and the tenjiso here feel more calm and lenient on faith duties, if you forgive me for comparing. You feel more like Buddhist monks.”

“You’re not wrong,” he laughs. “Do you think faith can be practiced if you’re dead?”

“N-No?”

“Yeah, I think so too. That’s why our priority is dealing with hollows. Taking care of the shrines and giving offerings comes after we’ve fed our priests and made sure the districts don’t die of starvation.”

You manage to get to the top fortunately, despite the sweating and heavy breathing. You’ll definitely need to wash your uniform, but thankfully you don’t smell bad.

“Here we are. The glorious South Rukongai.”

>1/2

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You walk beside Usami, and watch the horizon. If you’ve learned anything of geography, it’s that mountains usually form in ranges, seldom in solitary peaks. Yet what you see before you is exactly the inverse. Individual, steep mountains fill the horizon and very little water is anywhere to be seen. For that matter, the absence of farmland stands out clearly even though you saw them in the lower numbered districts.

“I see, this does explain things. I had my suspicions based on your diet choice, but thought it was perhaps a religious thing.”

“Hooh?”

“Might I also presume that you do not have the best relations with the noble families?”

Usami crosses his arms and turns to face you. “You’re quite peculiar for a noble retainer. But then again, your roots are elsewhere.”

“You know of me?” Of course he does, but it never hurts to ask.

“Of course. Your appearance in Soul Society shook us quite a bit.”

“Where else would I go after dying?” You raise an eyebrow, turning your body to face him as well now.

“What I meant is that your death was quite sudden.”

>2/2

>”Then how do you feel about the death of my caretaker, Kameko-miko, which too, was quite sudden?”
>”Then you know about the two spirits within me. Well? Will you grant me your honest thoughts?”
>”Let’s focus on the business at hand. How have you been dealing with hollows so far?”
>Other?

>>5221244
>>”Let’s focus on the business at hand. How have you been dealing with hollows so far?”
Ah shit this bitch been paying attention

>>5221297
He was the one who tipped off Yasutake about us after the first Wailing Forest incident. He’s def paying attention.
>>5221244
Eh, l like being unpredictable.
>What do you think I want? In general, beyond this visit.
Should inform us of what he thinks about our spirit situation, and lets us directly respond to his thoughts with our own. Assuming he’s blunt enough that we trust his honesty.

If he returns the question after we respond, I’d say something along the lines of
>Security
since he was going to have us ganked when we let Zilya train Lahela. Much as I don’t like that, I can’t entirely fault him for it.

Best way to understand whether someone is a threat or not is to understand what they’re driving for. Cuts both ways here.

>>5221367
Supporting

>>5221244
>”Let’s focus on the business at hand. How have you been dealing with hollows so far?”

>>5221244
>Then you know about the two spirits within me. Well? Will you grant me your honest thoughts?”
>”Let’s focus on the business at hand. How have you been dealing with hollows so far?”

Weeb shit not reading kys

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>>5221297
>>5221367
>>5221420
>>5221422
>>5221790
Hmm, two votes for one and two for another, and one for kinda both. I'll work how I can with this
>Writing

I got kitchen duty today at student organization evening today, but hopefully I'll get home in a decent time to finish writing the update

Okay I just got home and I don't think I have it in me to write now, so tomorrow it'll have to be. Apologies!

>>5222219
apology thirst trap pic

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“I assure you it was not my intention to die either. Yet, here I am.”

“Yet here you are.”

“And?”

“And what?”

“What do you think I want? Beyond the visit.” You keep your eyes locked to his, refusing to blink.

“Hooh?” He raises an eyebrow. “Now whatever else could you want, fukutaichō-dono, other than cooperation between our two dear factions? Surely a shinigami only wants what the Gotei 13 requires of them?”

“Can you say the same about all tenjiso?”

He lets out a single chuckle. “You have a point there. Life and afterlife aren’t that easy to navigate unfortunately. Yes, I know you’re looking for information, but so am I. There are still too many unknowns… including you.”

You swallow and break off your gaze towards the mountain-decorated horizon. “...Let’s focus on the business at hand then first. How have you been dealing with hollows so far?”

“Methodically. They hide in the caves and appear at night. We have a method of tracking them, but it’s inefficient. I hate to admit it but the hollows have become smarter. They notice when we approach and flee to different caves. We don’t have enough fast tenjiso to cover all of their hiding holes, and by night we’re spread thin to protect what districts we can. Especially those that are able to produce food.”

“Hmm, if that’s the case, periodic culling may indeed be the best choice. I don’t know about the others, but my Captain surely won’t object to this idea. We have enough idlers as it is,” you say as your brow twitches. The less time you give those morons at NKFC to concoct stupidities, the better. “How are you fighting them?”

“Martial arts for the most part, not too dissimilar to your hakuda. If we have enough tenjiso at hand, contracting barriers are our weapon of choice.”

“Contracting.. barriers?”

He nods. “Very effective if there are many hollows close to each other. But… we’ve also been developing a newer technique, based on my analysis of a certain forest incident. Perhaps you’d like to see?”

Your heart sinks, but you refuse to feed his smug expression.

“Perhaps I do.”

>1/3

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The way down is even more treacherous than when going up. Rockslides are common if you get your footing wrong by a centimeter, but thankfully if you do fall you have your fail-saves.

At the courtyard you get to see the training routine of these tenjiso in the martial art that Usami had mentioned. Their hand motions look like they use them to cut instead of crush. Clearly, unlike hakuda, this style mimics swordsmanship but for hands, and defense as if using tonfa.

“This way,” Usami says and motions you to enter the temple. Leaving your footwear behind, you descend into floors below the ground.

“Wow, I didn’t realize this place is so vast downwards.”

“A relic from the past when the temple was partially destroyed.”

Finally, you arrive in front of large, metallic doors, something that feels very out of place at a temple like this. Two tenjiso stand in front of it and bow as the two of you approach. There’s an ominous feel to this, fueled by the fact that you can’t sense what’s behind those doors at all due to a barrier.

“This is where we develop and test our techniques.”

“That means..”

“Yes, we have hollows contained in there. Our barriers happen to block their access to the Garganta, so catching one and transporting it isn’t that hard.”

He nods to the priests, who proceed to split the barrier and activate the door opening mechanism. The ground rumbles a bit, and now you can feel the thick hollow reiatsu wash over you. The distressing part though is that it’s not just their presence that you sense, but also distress. What’s happening inside is torture for the hollows.

>2/3

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He leads you inside. This place is lit by an eye-straining blue light that seems to penetrate every corner of this vast chamber. Dozens of hollows lie in metallic cages wrapped in yellow barriers. You can’t say you’ve seen such unmoving hollows before where you’re not sure if they’re even conscious. There are tenjiso here that are both trying out new techniques, and teaching them too less experienced priests.

“Welcome to our research department. I’m sure you must be impressed.”

The image of those hollows you saw with Aizen in China flashes in your mind, as do images from the Wailing Forest, Azulwald, and Lazuta Yami. You know there is a human mind in each hollow in here. Yet your role as a shinigami forbids you from acknowledging that, and you bet Usami knows this very well too.

“It must’ve taken a lot of trial and error to make this work,” you say, hiding your mixed feelings.

“Yeah. We’ve had accidents, but barriers are our specialty. Now then…”

Usami leads you to one cage, where there is a large hollow. It hisses as it sees you approach.

“Come… to play… again?”

“That I did. You’re our best specimen so far, how can I not return when you give me such good results?”

“Tsch…” You see him turn to look at you, despite not seeing his eyes behind that mask. “Finally… bring me… food?”

“No, I wouldn’t dream of disrupting your fasting.”

“What is the meaning of this?” you ask.

“You mean this thing? Nothing more than a hollow. Once he’s out of use he’ll be disposed of and purified. Well then, you wanted to see our technique.” Usami raises his hand slightly, palm pointing upwards, and begins chanting.

“Undying faith, heed the call of justice. Shackle the sins of the glutton and unleash thy fury! Tendō: Shinreika!”

>3/3

>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 24, crit 28, Mental (8) may replace lowest die

Rolled 1, 4, 2 = 7 (3d10)

>>5222904

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>>5222312
There. Happy?

Rolled 6, 9, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>5222904

Rolled 4, 6, 1 = 11 (3d10)

>>5222904
Unless this is the roll that saves us, we'll need that bonus

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>>5222910
>7(14)
>>5222938
>16(23)
>>5222946
>11(18)
Well, it looks like a fail, unless you want to use that +1. I'll let you guys think about it overnight and call it tomorrow then. Won't spoil you what this will affect, muhahaha

>>5223117
I'll vote for using the +1.

He mentioned that this was devised after the "forest incident". It has to somehow be based on what Zilya did out there, and that doesn't conjure good images in my brain.

>>5223117
I vote for using the +1 as well

>>5223117
I'll vote for using the +1 as well

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>>5223117
These anons >>5223188 >>5223233 >>5223240 wish to see my +1 hung by its entrails and its corpse paraded through the city, but ultimately the terms of its execution is up to me.

>>5223449
Do it drawfag, don’t be a fag and be a fren

It seems like you wanna use it and sketchanon isn't clear on yay or nay, so we'll go with using it to pass that roll.
Good thing you did, that could've been a pretty big mishap if you hadn't
>Writing

>>5223790
Yeah it's fine, although I'm not sure what the roll is even for since it appears we're just watching a demonstration lmao.

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“W-What the hell- I’m… I’m starting to feel REAL good!”

A sharp pain pierces your head as you hear Zilya’s voice. The hollow’s screams hide your own wince, before you push yourself to remain calm. This technique, it’s almost like hanran, except all it does is drive the target with intense mental torment. Worst of it all, it affects Zilya too, who is losing her rationality and starting to rampage within your mindscape.

“Zil, you okay?! Snap out of it!” you say inside your mind.

“I’ll keep her under control, Koharu. Focus on the present.”

“Thanks Cel, I owe you one.”

Despite the fog in your brain, you continue to watch as Usami focuses the technique on the hollow, who is clawing at his head, going as far as damaging his mask. You don’t know how he was able to create such a technique from his analysis of the Wailing Forest incident, but you know that this is incredibly dangerous. Primarily to you, since it can affect you like this, but also the fact that if Hanran can be extended to non-hollows, what’s to say this technique isn’t the same? Granted, this is very effective against hollows, but what’s happening right now is far from humane.

“I see,” you say after a slight cough and some blinking. “This is… revolutionary.”

Finally, he stops the technique. The hollow slumps onto the ground, unmoving, just like those hollows you saw in other cages who presumably faced this same treatment. The pain in your head subsides, but the daze still remains.

“It is still a prototype,” he says as he turns to face you. “An incomplete technique. But useful enough to me taught to the other priests.”

“Y-Yeah.”

“Hmm? Are you feeling unwell, fukutaichō-dono?”

“Well, this is a lot to take in, and I think my journey coupled with mountain climbing has me tired.”

“Well then, I’ll have you escorted to your room then,” Usami says and smiles. “Please rest well. We shall continue tomorrow.”

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And that's it for this part. Regarding the previous use of +1, I realized that I should've written more in the update to point at what exactly the roll is for. So since this was a mistake on my part, sketchanon gets to keep that +1 in reserve. Lesson learned for me

Next update will have to wait for at least a week though. I need to get some university stuff done and wrapped up before my work begins so I have everything I need to graduate minus my thesis. Tried doing it last week but failed miserably. If I get things done, then we'll continue on the monday after next one. I'll keep you guys posted!

Any questions, comments, etc I'll address as always, and if I get a nice moment of quiet and inspiration I'll write something to compensate for this wait. Hope y'all enjoyed this all

>>5224098
Seems like Usami is disappointed the spell didn't seem to affect us

>>5224104
Hope your graduation stuff goes well. BTL?
>>5225018
Yeah I’m assuming a fail (if this wasn’t a fail) would have been us succumbing to their bootleg hanran. Though Zilya’s reaction is worth noting, as it seemed to maybe power her up but makes her go wild.

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>>5226236
Thanks, I hope so too. This is mostly getting everything in order for my degree so that when I do my thesis, I can graduate the moment I finish it.
>BTL
7. If you'd have failed that one, Zilya's rampage would've partially taken you over and you'd have ended up rampaging a bit too. Enough to show things that shouldn't be shown, setting you up for blackmail too. Fortunately that fate was avoided

>>5224104
I’m actually okay with the occasional “oh shit, surprise roll out of nowhere” happening. It should be used sparingly, no one likes it if they don’t take something seriously and find out they should have.

But life is like that too, so I figure it’s just one of those realism vs. enjoyment things you have to balance.

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OMAKE: The Egg Hunt

For anyone serving in the Gotei 13, they know that their duties as shinigami are incredibly important and tough. Most however, will agree that about 99% of the time, it is rather dull. Especially if you are not on assignment.

Such is the case in the 5th Division as well, and its Captain knows well that without enough stimulation, soldiers become restless and start causing trouble. Countermeasures for such things exist however, and being the genius he is, one of them in particular is a preemptive one: mandatory monthly recreational activities.

Organised by none other than yours truly, the Lieutenant of the 5th Division. Unfortunately, that also includes you on top of Momo-chan now.

“Koharu-chan! I’m so excited!”

“Y-Yeah?” You scratch your cheek as you feel a bit lost.

“Oh don’t be so nervous, it’s just a bit of fun! I’m sure this will go suuuuper well even if it’s your first time!”

“Well, if you say so..” Well, perhaps this isn’t that bad. You can always try to think like Akane. She always came up with fun things to do after school.

“Sword-fighting competition… no, we had that last month. Oh I know, bucket carrying!”

You listen to a bunch of… frankly, quite boring ideas. It’s like everything is focused on training despite needing to be an off-work activity. You look up at the ceiling of Momo’s room and think. Wait, wasn’t there once this foreign tradition that kind of made its way to Japan? Something about bunnies, chocolate eggs, hiding them and then looking?

“How about an egg hunt?”

Momo listens to your idea. Her confusion turns into a childish glee as she practically jumps up and down in excitement. “Yes, yes! And-and-and… we could be the bunnies! Not only they search for the eggs, but they will try to catch us!”

“W-Wait a min-”

“And-and-and… I know! Anyone who catches us gets a personal wish from us!”

“M-Momo-chan, I don't think-”

“Yes, this will be the most wonderful mandatory monthly recreational activity EVER!”

>1/5

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You don’t know how it came to this.

Perhaps it’s something about that child inside Momo that you couldn’t bear to upset, but here you are. With a bunny ears accessory on your head, a large bunny fluffy tail attached to the back of your uniform, and a basket filled with chocolate eggs.

For some reason, the gathered shinigami look a lot happier than during the other monthly activities from before. Or perhaps you’re just imagining it.

“Dear shinigami of the 5th Division! Please, welcome to the Egg Hunt!”

The two of you explain. The seated officers will be tasked with hiding chocolate eggs across the division grounds. Finders, keepers; losers weepers. On top of that, anyone who manages to grab a bunny’s tail (that is, Momo’s or yours), is entitled to a personal request from said bunny, on top of getting chocolate eggs from the basket. It doesn’t help that those tails act as reiatsu beacons so even the shinigami who suck at sensing can pinpoint your general direction.

Shivers run up and down your spine as the crowd of shinigami goes quiet and stares at you. Their expressions tell you everything you need to know.

This is all a huge mistake.

“Ready? Set! GO!”

A firework is set off, and you start running. Fortunately your shunpo is far superior than any of the pursuing non-seated shinigami. For the first hour or so, there’s no problem, and you begin to think that you were worried for no reason. You have well enough time to hide some eggs too.

However, after that initial hour, there’s a shinigami in every corner of the Division, and you can’t escape beyond the Division’s boundaries. Not only that, but they’ve actually assumed a tactic: They’re surrounding you. From all sides.

>2/5

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“H-Hey, this should be an individual competition!” you scold them as you dodge the shinigami throwing themselves at you from what is now a sphere of shinigami around you. This wouldn’t be a predicament if you weren’t forbidden from attacking and hurting them.

“Please, understand us, Nakashiri-fukutaichō! We do this out of love!” one of them cries out as you narrowly dodge about ten of these idiots.

“This is our only chance!”

“Yes, alone we cannot achieve our dream!”

“But this way, the lucky ones shall fulfill everyone’s dreams!”

“I refuse!” you shout back. Perhaps you can’t do anything to them, but you sure as hell can use barriers. You create a square type barrier that normally faces upwards, but this time is directed directly in front of you. As you cast it, it pushes a hole open in this thick dome of shinigami, giving you a chance to escape.

“Better luck next time~!” With a wink, you don’t spare a second to shunpo out of there.

You take a deep breath as you lean against a wall. The constant use of shunpo and even kidō now is slowly tiring you out. But fortunately there shouldn’t be that long left..

“Yo.”

You jump up. How the hell did you not sense him approach?

“W-What are you doing here Hisashi-san?”

“I heard the 5th Division was having fun, so me and Junichi-kun came to look. Nice getup.”

“S-Shut up. Momo-chan is to blame.”

>3/5

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“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Aren’t you gonna run?” He grins, taking a step forward.

“H-Hey now, you’re not part of the 5th Division! You’re not eligible for the rewards!”

“Hooh? Is that a lack of confidence I hear? Or should I be flattered, that you think I will easily catch you?”

“Son of a- Ugh! Fine. But the same rules will not apply, I will use deadly force!”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way!” Hisashi cracks his knuckles. “Besides, this way those knuckleheads won’t dare come near us.”

“Ugh. Do I need to worry about Asato-san as well then? Where is he?”

“Oh don’t worry. He’s out entertaining Momo-chan.” He gives you a wink. And just like that, he flash steps behind you and extends his hands towards your backside.

“Y-You cheating bas-” you shout and roundhouse kick him in the face. An intense aerial chase and battle ensues throughout the division grounds, and thankfully the others dare not approach. Well, except one.

“TAKE MY LOVE FUKUTAICHŌ-SAM-” His speech is abruptly stopped as Hisashi plants a kick in his face.

“W-What are you doing?!”

“Well, you can’t hit them, but surely a competition means that the contestants may sabotage each other?”

You facepalm. “Ugh. Just don’t scar my dear subordinates please?”

>4/5

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It’s finally over.

The egg hunt has been concluded and you slump down on the floor, completely spent.

“Awawa my everything hurts..”

Momo-chan giggles. “Looks like you had a lot of fun!”

“H-How come you’re not tired? Did Asato-san go easy on you?”

“Asato-san? Oh, he just accompanied me and we talked. Gave him a chocolate egg too!”

Asato gives her a thumbs up from nearby. Meanwhile, you just slump your head down.

“It’s not fair..”

“Hey, cheer up Koharu-san, you did well!” Hisashi pats your head. “I did give it my absolute everything.”

“Again, it’s not fair! You cheated!”

“Nonsense, I won fair and square. Even if you did accidentally slip.”

You bang your fists and feet on the floor. “IT’S NOT FAIR!”

“Well, then, I believe I get a ‘request from the bunny’ right?” He grins from ear to ear.

You roll over on your back and stare disapprovingly at him. “Ugh. Fine. But I retain the right to refuse if you come up with something idiotic. Well? Think carefully.”

Hisashi ponders and ponders, and a shit-eating grin grows on his face. Okay, whatever it is, you will totally refuse.

“This means you technically owe me then, right? In that case, I’ll hold onto this ‘wish’ until the time is right, my little bunny.”

You get up, your face and body turning red, fumes coming out of your ears. “You. Reiō damn. Bastard!”

“H-HEY WHAT ARE YOU-”

You chase after him with your other sandal in hand. “GET BACK HERE! AND NEVER CALL ME THAT AGAIN!”

Momo and Asato meanwhile just laugh.

Ah, what fun these mandatory monthly recreational activities are. Even if they keep ending up this way.

>5/5

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Happy Easter everyone, or happy Spring Equinox for those of you that don't celebrate it. Hope you enjoy this little impromptu omake.

I'm the bearer of bad news however, as I won't be able to get back to questing the coming week. I still need to finish uni stuff before work begins, and going to the dentist has set me back a bit due to a persistent headache. Had one of my wisdom tooth drilled and filled. But fortunately it went all good

Have a good one y'all!

>>5232185
Good luck with the uni stuff and hopefully the headache won't last too long

>>5232185
Happy Easter Trippy, this was very cute.
It's no problem, take care of yourself.
The mere mention of dentists make me break out in cold sweat.

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You are Nakashiri Koharu, and the headache is keeping you awake. Not that you were going to sleep anyway, instead slipping into Jinzen to check up on your inner world.

The familiar visage of an island with an octagonal shrine on it greets you, although there are some chips here and there. Meanwhile, looking to the left, you see Zilya bound by chains to the torii gate rising from the water.

“Things are under control,” Celaris says as he puts a hand on your shoulder from behind.

“You actually bested her?”

He shakes his head. “In fact, I was going to lose. The burst of energy she got would’ve been enough to overwhelm me if she had been able to focus. However, once that influence went away, she became weak like that. Perhaps that influence merely squeezed her power instead of feeding it. Regardless, I took the liberty to restrain her.”

You raise an eyebrow as the two of you walk on top of the water, closer to Zil. “This is your chance to get rid of her, you know.”

“Surely you jest.” Celaris smirks. “We both know full well that you have the willpower now to keep us at bay. Why discard an asset?”

“How thoughtful.” You look at Cel, and then back at the hanging Zilya, sighing and frowning. “However, it appears she’s become a liability. I could’ve never imagined that others, let alone a tenjiso, could reproduce her technique. Much less that it’d affect her.”

“We were caught off-guard. I assure you, next time we’ll be prepared.”

“Can you be sure Zilya won’t use it to her advantage?”

Celaris grows silent. “I admit, there is no guarantee. However, it’s my duty. So please, leave it to me.”

“You yourself said she would have bested you if she had focused.”

He just smiles. “Trust me. The same trick won’t work twice on me.”

“There’s just one problem. This will still affect us all as a whole, and if I understand this right, we could be facing more than one user of his technique.”

The two of you watch Zilya, the wind lightly swinging her back and forth.

“I won’t deny that there won’t be difficulties, Koharu. But at the very least, their first attempt didn’t cause more trouble than this.” Celaris crosses his arms. “Now we know what to expect.”

“Can you figure out a counter?”

“Perhaps. Unfortunately there will be only one way to find out.”

“Right.” You exhale. “What a headache. Literally.”

“So what do you think?”

“About?”

“Was this an accident, or intentional?”

“Best to assume the latter until proven otherwise. Who knows what other ‘fun’ techniques they may be developing. Somebody’s aiming at me, and it could very well be Usami.”

Despite your reservations and anxiety, you fall asleep.

>1/2

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The next day proceeds well, however you end up following the same strict routine as the rest of the monk-like tenjiso. It’s physically demanding and you’d rather not do any of this, but there’s a chance it’ll improve your chances at getting their respect. It might not really serve any direct goals, but anything that improves your chances at dispelling any fears they might have, the better.

Then, at dinner, you get to talk business. It’s mostly the formalization of the periodic joint operation on paper, with all the bureaucracy. With his stamp, all you need now is your Captain’s approval and guidance. You have a faint suspicion that you’ll also need the approval of Central 46. Now that’s going to be a real headache.

“In addition, before giving you this document, I want you to accompany us once on a hollow hunt.”

“Excuse me?”

“That way you’ll get a proper idea of what we’re dealing with. We’d rather get professional shinigami. Rookies will only get in our way,” he says, rolling the paper up and putting it inside his modified shōzoku. “On top of that, we just happen to have a hollow problem at our hands. As I understand it, you’re quite adept and sensing? Surely it won’t be much trouble for you.”

Well, it’s not a big deal for sure. But at the same time you’re worried that they’ll use that technique you got to experience yesterday. While you’d like to trust in Celaris, is it wise to put yourself in a vulnerable position?

>2/2

>”Sure, no problem.” (go)
>”Actually, that’s beyond what I’m allowed to do.” (refuse)
>Other?

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Okay, phew. I got most of my studies related stuff done. The rest is just minor fixes after my professor looks at the report. Now I can get back to questing!

Originally I was going to start tomorrow, but I'll be the whole day out. First day of work followed by kitchen duty in the evening, so I won't have the time to updoot then. Tuesday however we should be able to resume as normal

So since you have an extra day to vote, I recommend thinking through possible scenarios and make any plans

>>5241664
>I recommend thinking through possible scenarios and make any plans
That's ominous.

>”Sure, no problem.” (go)
I admit to being somewhat reckless about Koharu's personal health and safety though.

Celaris is right in that he'll be better prepared. So will Zilya for that matter. Having tenjiso take her techniques, reverse engineer them, and use them successfully on her *as a side-effect* is going to burn. Also, the weakness afterward means even if she does overpower us or Celaris she's not going to get very far. So we should all be on the same page of "fuck this shit", which is rare for our team.

Scenarios? I don[t think they'll kidnap us or anything, so it's probably as basic as normal excursion -> excursion with this technique used -> excursion with a lot of this technique used -> excursion with a lot of this technique used and a more advanced form that only Usami uses. He did mention this was useful enough to be taught, and that implies there's things they *haven't* taught everyone.

To better protect against the latter stuff, we could see if Zilya can be better sealed, even if it means choking off her power temporarily. I remember way back before we unlocked our secondary releases we discovered Zilya and Celaris could go into our zanpakuto, but wouldn't get called until we said the right words. If we kept Zilya in there but didn't activate our secondary release, would it provide an additional layer of defense in exchange for sticking with our regular shikai?

Barring that, maybe we can have Celaris and Zilya agree to mutual disarmament for a while and pump power into the fountain or something. Weaken them both for a while so we can put up a better facade. Only Zilya needs to do it, but I'm guessing pride won't let her do it while Celaris skates on by.

Though if we really, *really* wanted to be completely reckless, we could see if Zilya and Celaris can use the fountain as a bridge to connect to each other. It should work, our shiakai's ability to mediate is just an extension of it after all. I'm sure Celaris could grant Zilya the clarity to turn her own power against herself and override what the tenjiso are doing.

I want to laugh at that last one, but mostly because it seems... inevitable? Like, we haven't gotten to use our Bankai much but we're terrifying just with Zilya's raw power and Celaris' seeking abilities and we haven't even tried cracking people's minds open with a Celaris-boosted Hanran. And with Aizen as our mentor, the idea of us turning into a bigger, well-intentioned monster isn't entirely farfetched. Probably better they get to figuring out how they can kill us sooner rather than later.

>>5241661
Ask more about the hollow problem, it would suck to find out too late that for some reason they want to clear the Wailing Forest as well.

Talk to Celaris and Zilya about the stuff >>5242325 mentioned but also try to see if they have any ideas on how to block that technique.

Try and invite Shinigami you get along with as back up

>>5241661
>>Other?
I'd like more info honestly. They say they have a Hollow problem but where is this problem that a full temple can't easily deal with it? Could there be another Vasto Lorde near by? Or is it somewhere in the human world or Huecomundo where they could isolate us?

>>5242642
This could be answered by his earlier statements about their temple not having the manpower to cover the territory as needed. They’d either have to spread out to protect everything they can but be unable to keep hollows from retreating, or bunch up to actually encircle and destroy hollows that run away and let them roam free elsewhere.

Though that’s not to say that powerful hollows can’t be on the plate. If he is testing us, he’s more likely to go after them since it gives a convenient excuse to have more tenjiso doing the insanity kido.

May as well preempt him and tell him we’ll help hunt down the strongest hollows if he wants, just tell us where and what to expect. Hopefully the bluntness makes him less cagey with details so we get quicker answers to these questions.

I’m now worried they’re trying to catch strong hollows to do actual mind control (if probably short-term) and send them back to Hueco Mundo to thin out the herd before coming back so they can be reused later. It’d be nice right? Send the drone in to clean things up and spare the “real” people the danger involved. Stronger hollows can clear out stronger hollows on the other side so they don’t jump over here. Nevermind what happens when one inevitably escapes because they’ll never capture more than they could handle in a scenario where they free each other, right?…

>>5242411
If it involves the Wailing Forest, at least we can give the excuse that we were already there with West Temple and we’d rather help locally. Probably outside their area anyway.

Backing the additional detail discussion with Celaris and Zilya. If there are things they have in mind but aren’t vocalizing because it won’t work as well then they need better plans. We could be subjected to this stuff multiple times and any failsafes that rely on surprise or have a short-term consequences are things we all need to plan around.

Maybe we also talk through how to reverse-engineer their kido. I don’t know how this stuff behaves with Vizards and Arrancars, but training for our friends is in order.

>>5241661
I'm in support of conversing with C&Z for planning around dealing with bootleg Hanran again and working as one to avoid getting ganked. As for the offer, I'm up for helping them.

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Alrighty, finally, back in business

>>5242325
>>5242411
>>5242642
>>5242780
>>5243926
Seems like the consensus is to ask for more details, with an inclination to going along with the offer to help. And also figuring out countermeasures with your mind-buddies
>Writing

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“Sure.” You watch his reaction for a moment. Did you actually catch him a bit off guard there? “But I’d like more information. I’m done with half-assed operations like that of Nijo-dono.”

“It was that bad?” Usami smirks.

“Don’t even get me started…”

“It’s a run-of-the-mill operation. This particular batch of hollows has been annoying though. There’s probably a hollow with sensing abilities… Tsch.”

You raise an eyebrow.

“By the time we manage to locate them and start heading towards them, they slip away. We don’t have tenjiso both agile and good at sensing here. So that’s where you come in.”

“I find them, keep them occupied, and wait for the cavalry?”

“Yes. Once my team arrives, they’re done for. We’ll use the technique you saw earlier.”

He says it just like that, in front of your face…

“Then everything is clear.” You give him a polite smile. “When?”

“Nightfall. Please rest until then.”

You leave, cursing silently. Now you really do need to figure out some countermeasures.

“Arghh, my head hurts, what the fuck happened?”

“Ah, you’re finally awake Zil?”

“My, don’t tell me you lost your memory?” You can practically hear Cel’s smug face.

“Piss off, she-stag. I want to save my rage towards that asshole who DARES to create a poor imitation of MY technique.”

“Can’t be poor if it affected you..”

“Celaris, don’t prov-”

“GRRRRRR, I’LL SKIN HIM ALIVE!”

You sit on a stone, leaning your head onto your hand as you enjoy Zilya’s uninterruptible, furious rant, as well as vivid descriptions of the atrocities she wants to perform.

“You done?” you groan.

“No, but fine. Just promise we kill that guy.”

“Can’t promise that. Yet.”

>1/2

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“So what can we do to avoid a repeat incident?” You unsheathe your zanpakutō, eyeing the flat side of the blade. “Has anyone resisted your power before?”

Oh boy, she does NOT like you asking that.

“Grrr… cyкин cын, блять… there’s been… a few. The Tyrant for one, he breathes rage and fear. Pray you never meet him. But the other one is Abathos.”

“Wait, really? But why is he..”

“Because he is still a product of the spider parasite we developed. That thing does not feel fear. Or anger. Or anything. Fortunately he will always listen to commands willingly.”

You sigh. “So either you embrace those emotions, or snuff them out completely. Yeah, no way you’re able to do either of those.”

Celaris snickers. Jeez, he’s laughing more than in a year combined.

“SHUT YOUR MOUTH SHE-STAG!”

But, another idea comes to mind.

“What happens when either of you enter Naimen no Daiza?”

“You release one of us, duh.”

“I believe Koharu is asking specifics, spider-prostitute. We momentarily meld with Naimen no Daiza and exist beside you when released.”

You perk up on the stone, sheathing your blade and putting it on your lap. “Wait. Does all that happen in an instant?”

“No. Until you call my release, I’m stuck in that blade. No way I’m allowing you my release ever again if you do that crap.”

“Well, it’s risky, but hear me out: We know the spells incantation. Will it affect you, if you’ve melded with Naimen no Daiza?”

There’s a silence.

“I think it’s worth a shot,” Celaris says. “Our perception of the outside world goes dark whenever we enter the sword. I will do my part to shield Naimen no Daiza from that influence while she’s in it.”

“Oi, are you serious?”

“Then it’s settled. It’s our best shot, so Zilya, please be a good spider and comply…”

>2/2

I wanted to write more, but I'm falling asleep. Early wakeups are fucking with me. Second half will arrive tomorrow. I shouldn't have as long of a work day ahead of me

>>5244311
Schedule shifts are tough. Enjoy the rest, Trippy.

The comment about Abathos has me curious about what would happen when mediated. If he’s basically a sentient computer that doesn’t feel anything but still runs off SpyderOS to do things then it’s gotta be pretty weird.

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As the sky darkens and the air chills, you set out. The night covers the rising mountains well, and you’re once again reminded how dangerous fighting hollow is without any lights. Well, that would be the case if you hadn’t gotten used to Hueco Mundo. Eternal night is the norm there.

White ribbons form around you as you concentrate on the reiatsu around you. Reiraku has always been quite useful in finding needles in haystacks. Here, you just need to find where the black ribbons lead to. Grabbing one, you make haste.

You arrive at the cave entrance. You doubt that they haven’t sensed you yet, but the fact that they haven’t escaped means they don’t see you as a risk. Perhaps they’re even salivating. You create a simple kidō light and let it illuminate the dark interior, as well as the white porcelain masks which reflect it back.

“It’s not bedtime yet, guys.”

“Hah! An overconfident shinigami, lucky!” a voice calls out. Two antennae rise from its mask. The rest of the weak hollows stay put. Despite the advantage in numbers, you can feel their fear. Jeez, these guys are… exceptionally weak. But there’s a lot of them, stretching far into the cave as far as you can sense.

“So you’re the boss of this group, hmm?”

“You got that right! And soon you will be our dinner! Heheheh, you think you caught us off guard? I could sense you the whole time! Are you afraid yet? I bet you are!”

You just simply stare at them. Perhaps the fact that you’re not panicking nor charging at them is unnerving them. The antennae-hollow is kind of a priority to kill to cut off their brains, but if he really was able to sense you from afar, he has potential. Wasting it doesn’t feel right.

Well, this whole situation doesn’t feel exactly right. They’re almost like one of the colonies of weak hollows you can find in Hueco Mundo. But the fact is, they prey on the plusses here.

>Do your job. Massacre them, leave nothing for Usami.
>Rough them up, stop them from escaping, wait for Usami.
>This kinda doesn’t feel right. Keep talking to them. (say what?)
>Other?

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Good news folks, if things proceed as smoothly like they do now (and nobody dumps 10 research paper on me to read), I'll be able to do some updates from work (like this one) in between other work and while waiting for calculations to finish. Hooray for progress!

>>5245302
Hooray for progress!
>>5245291
If I had to guess, they’re probably refugees that were muscled out of Hueco Mundo.

There’s arguments for all options. Contrary to the usual, killing them now is probably a mercy. Waiting for Usami nets us more knowledge though. Talking gets more info, but we risk saying something that Usami or a teniiso ends up catching.

Much as I don’t like this, I’m leaning talk to them until Usami shows up, and let things happen. It’s going to be an atrocity, but it’ll take more than killing Usami and a few tenjiso to keep what’s about to happen from recurring.

>This kinda doesn’t feel right. Keep talking to them.
>Open with saying if anyone can go to spider land or Kaizar’s place in Hueco Mundo, they should do it now. The former actually improved a lot recently.
>Ask if they know what Usami will do when he gets here
>Explain what Usami will do when he gets here
>Explain we’re not really on board with it, but we’re only strong enough to beat him, not everyone backing him.
>Say you’ll grant anyone who wants it a quick death.
>Hopefully Usami shows up by then and we get to focus more on how this kido works.

>>5245291
>Do your job. Massacre them, leave nothing for Usami.
To be honest, getting the opportunity to both indebted Usami by helping him with taking care of repeating offenders and showing off that we will not hesitate to kill off hollows (contrary to what they no doubt suspect) is a huge boon.
Besides, they DO prey on the innocents here. As much as hollows have proven to have the potential to be good, they can also be scum. Not much to mourn here.
Not getting to test our countermeasures to their rip-off hanran is a shame, but I think the above is more valuable.

>>5245291
>Rough them up, stop them from escaping, wait for Usami.
Perhaps it's a test of Koharu's Hollow sympathies, or rather if Koharu is willing to manipulate the Hollows under their noses. No matter, they're monsters. Stick to our plan regarding shielding Koharu from the effects of their spell. Let things play out exactly how they want. Maybe kill quite a few just to show these priests Koharu isn't over thinking things and just doing his job.

>>5245291
>>5245346
Should have mentioned this earlier, but in the event of a deadlock I’ll back
>Rough them up, stop them from escaping, wait for Usami
since I’m not sure Usami wants us to “do our job” and kill them all. I think this is more a test like >>5245568 suggests, and killing them is an admission that we don’t believe his methods are the right way to deal with the hollow threat. Holding off is easy to spin as a test we’re giving Usami, to show the effectiveness of his research in much larger setting. Not a great one since they’re all weak, but it can be enough for him to prove the “merit” of further cooperation instead of hunting them down the traditional way.

>>5245291
>Rough them up, stop them from escaping, wait for Usami.
I’m of the opinion that this is a test to see where are loyalties lie as they likely still suspect us of being under Zilya’s influence, so following the script is the best move. Maybe give some sort of warning for the smart ones disguised as a pre-battle boast.

>>5245291
>Do your job. Massacre them, leave nothing for Usami.

>>5245346
>>5245559
>>5245568
>>5245693
>>5245884
>>5246443
Time for some bullying
>Writing
No rolls needed

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You sigh.

These poor bastards don’t know what’s coming. Killing them here and now would be merciful, but ultimately your mentor would be disappointed if you wasted such a perfect chance to make an experiment. Talking will only get you that far.

In a fraction of a second, the antennae of that hollow fall to the ground, cut clean.

“E-eh?” he whispers, before screaming. If your intuition is right, as long as he doesn’t have those, he won’t be able to sense as well as before. They will eventually regenerate, but you’ll just cut them off every time. It doesn’t seem like he was able to follow your flash steps anyway.

The other hollows start panicking, but are stopped by their leader. “NO YOU FOOLS! ATTACK! NOBODY CAN SURVIVE THIS MANY OF US!”

And so the bloodbath begins. You release Naimen no Daiza, and this time its weak reiatsu burst works very much to your advantage as it emboldens your foes. It takes you quite some effort to pretend believably that you’re struggling, only killing those that you really must in order to keep it up. And of course, you make sure to periodically clip the sensor-hollow’s antennae.

“Ready Zil? They’re here soon.”

“Fine. Mark my words, once I find a way out of your body it’ll be me stuffing you into a cramped space.”

“Alright grandma, in you go.” Hopefully the hollow reiatsu and stench of their blood on your zanpakutō will hide the hollow reiatsu present in it.

Then, like silk fabric, golden barriers spread all over the cave’s surfaces.

“Well done, Nakashiri-dono. Let us handle the rest.”

You turn around to look at them just as the tenjiso team, alongside Usami, recite the now-familiar incantation.

“”“Undying faith, heed the call of justice. Shackle the sins of the glutton and unleash thy fury! Tendō: Shinreika!”””

“Brace for impact!” you mentally say, gripping your zanpakutō tightly with a nervous smile.

>Roll 3d10, Bo4, DC 25, crit 28, Mental (8) may replace lowest die
(Your tactic has netted you an additional roll)

Rolled 2, 6, 8, 2 = 18 (4d10)

>>5246631

Rolled 10, 2, 4 = 16 (3d10)

>>5246631

Rolled 8, 10, 7 = 25 (3d10)

>>5246631

Rolled 4, 6, 10 = 20 (3d10)

>>5246631
Met the minimum, at least.

>>5246633
Not sure if you’re still around anon, but the roll was still 3d10. We got an extra post to make it besr-of-4 instead.

You can reroll to fill in the 4th roll still.

Rolled 9, 9, 2 = 20 (3d10)

>>5246837
Yeah I noticed my mistake, but I assumed that Trippy might just trim the last dice off of it, so I didn't bother rerolling. I'll roll again in case he doesn't I guess
>>5246631

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>>5246655
>16(22)
>>5246694
>25(26)
>>5246832
>20(24)
>>5246853
>20(26)
Damn, you guys are rolling well today. Well done
>Writing

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Your vision blurs out, but you stay conscious and aware of your surroundings. For good measure, you activate senzen, which helps. This time you took the hit straight on, being in between the hollows and the tenjiso. Perhaps this was their plan all along, to unleash it all on you. If it was, too bad for them.

Zilya’s struggling, but keeping her inside Naimen no Daiza was the correct choice in the end. Your zanpakutō protects her there and Celaris is doing his work by the feel of it at the back of your head.

It’s not her however that grabs your attention.

Screams, pleads of help, begging, crying. All the hollows that did not die by your zanpakutō are clawing at their head or just lying on the ground. But the worst are those that begin to devour their allies. The immobile ones don’t resist, even though you can sense they’re conscious. Those that did not succumb shout the names of their comrades, pleading them to stop, their words faltering as they too succumb to the spell. Friends turn into food in a matter of seconds.

It feels like an eternity, but once everything stops, you doubt even ten minutes have passed. Surrounded by all the gore, blood and mask shards, remains just one hollow.

The antennae guy, his red eyes pulsing.

Usami breaks off the spell, as do the others following suit. “A glorious success I would say.”

“It appears so,” you say as you turn off senzen and let Zilya out of the zanpakutō.

“W-What… have I done?” The hollow falls down on his knees, gazing at his blood-stained hands.

“A monster does as a monster is. It is only fitting for you to have killed your own,” Usami says as he comes beside you.

“Y-You! You did… this!” He looks with wild eyes at both of you.

“Hardly so, hollow. We only made you reveal your true nature. And now you’re ours.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Care to elaborate on that last part?”

“Of course. He will become a valuable test subject to further refine our techniques.”

That’s… that’s not good at all. If what you saw with senzen is right, that guy has devoured quite a lot of souls. He’s practically on the verge of a menos transformation.

“Usami-dono, with all due respect, do not forget that they are souls that need to be purified. Not to mention the souls it has devoured and are now stuck in it.”

“We’ll of course put an end to the monster once it has exhausted its usefulness, like the others. But until then, there’s techniques to be refined.”

>Relent, let him do what he wants, best not to stir trouble.
>Try to still convince him to let you put the hollow out of his misery. (how?)
>Kill the hollow while you can, before it turns menos.
>Other?

>>5247703
>>Kill the hollow while you can, before it turns menos.
It being close to evolving is enough of a justifiable reason if he complains to our bosses I think, or enough that there wouldn't be much backlash politically, just a slap on the wrist hopefully. Let's not give them too much data so they can improve faster than we can guard against them.

>>5247703
>Try to still convince him to let you put the hollow out of his misery.
I’m willing to try and argue with him. Still tempted to kill it for the reasons >>5247781
suggests.

I’m pretty sure the end goal is to control hollows so they can be sent into Hueco Mundo and attack the enemy on their home turf. If not, I don’t see it not ending up there anyhow. And how the SS will go about that will blow up spectacularly.

So tell Usami we’re calling him to task as he’s done with us. He’s shown us what he’s doing, and we’ve kept an open mind and assisted him. We can demand that same respect. Ask him to kill the hollow before it transforms, and give us the chance to talk seriously about what his techniques mean for the future of the SS. If he can’t manage that much now, there’s no point in further cooperation since he’s obviously decided he can control the SS as well as he can these hollows.

>>5247703
>Try to still convince him to let you put the hollow out of his misery. (how?)
If its normal for shinigami to have an understanding of hollow evolution, then point out how it consuming everyone around it is likely to create a monster they won't be able to subdue and lead to meaningless loss of life.

>>5247703
>Try to still convince him to let you put the hollow out of his misery. (how?)

There's plenty of hollows out there to study that aren't at risk of transforming into a menos, nevermind the primary purpose of returning the souls trapped to the cycle

>>5247703
>Try to still convince him to let you put the hollow out of his misery. (how?)
Mention the menos transformation

>>5247781
>>5247844
>>5248311
>>5248479
>>5248819
Those are some pretty good arguments.
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 18, crit 23, Social (7) may replace lowest die
I have a hunch you'll guys easily pass this, but just to be safe let's roll

Rolled 9, 9, 10 = 28 (3d10)

>>5248959
Can’t wait to roll all ones

Rolled 5, 1, 2 = 8 (3d10)

>>5248959
Rollin
>>5248961
Damn anon did you have to do it to 'em?

Rolled 10, 9, 3 = 22 (3d10)

>>5248959

>>5248961
Wow
There goes that

>>5248963
>>5248961
Two crits at once?
What kind of black magic is this?

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>>5248961
>28
>>5248962
>8(14)
>>5248963
>22(25)
Jesus Christ. I guess per my own rules that warrants an increase in your social stat doesn't it
>Writing

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You glance at the dejected hollow.

“That hollow has feasted on who knows how many other hollows. Despite the fact that I’m sure you have at least heard of this, let me spell it out for you. It won’t take long for it to start transforming into a Menos-class hollow.”

Your words set the other tenjiso off into murmuring amongst themselves. You even see some shocked faces. Good.

“I shouldn’t need to explain to you why that is unacceptable. Also please keep in mind that hollow purification falls under shinigami jurisdiction, not the tenjiso. You keeping hollows downstairs is enough to raise eyebrows up the ladder, but this? Are you willing to carry responsibility?”

Usami frowns, his eye twitching once. “Tsch. Fine. Do your job then, shinigami.” He turns around and starts walking away.

Wasting no more seconds, you slice the hollow’s head clean in half. Had the circumstances been different you might’ve utilized his skills, but right now it is best for you that he fades away.

The golden barriers shimmer out of existence and the tenjiso all sigh in relief. One of them approaches you.

“Thank you fukutaichō-sama,” he says with a polite bow, “this should alleviate the hollow problem tremendously. And please… do not mind Usami-gūji. He is only thinking about what's best for us and the Rukongai districts.”

“I know. I only intervened because it was necessary. If your temple and the Gotei 13 are to cooperate, I think it’s best we avoid potential catastrophes.”

As they leave, you tell the tenjiso that you’re going to double check things in the cave. The walls, floor, even the ceiling are painted with almost-black blood.

“I guess our plan worked.”

“Yeah. I only felt a light tingle. That damn sword was really uncomfortable to stay in though.”

“I kept a barrier around the fountain pagoda. It absorbed quite a bit of the shock, you know… so you could say tha-”

“Stick a twig up your ass, she-stag.”

Cel just chuckles.

>1/2

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>1/2

“Anyway, it’s safe to say that was their technique at their strongest.”

“Did you notice it?” Cel says, almost whispering.

“Yeah. Usami aimed at me, there’s no doubt about it.” Good thing you left Lizzy with Lahela.

“Great. Even more reasons for me to have my way with him!”

“Not yet Zil. I need to know his motivations and if there’s others. For now at least relish in the fact that he’s likely pissed off that his technique didn’t work, and that he couldn’t get his hands on a Menos.”

You stumble upon something peculiar. Kneeling down, you touch the ground. It’s soft.

“Soil…”

You prod it until you find what you expected to find. A seed. Partially grown one actually, but weak and half-withered.

“Do you think they could’ve gotten it to work?”

“It’s very much possible, yes,” Cel says. “It feels similar to what’s in the Wailing Forest.”

You sit down and lean against the cave wall. These guys didn’t even have a chance to escape. The barriers blocked their access to the garganta, and the spell… how depressing.

You snap back to the present however, as you hear something. Focusing your reikaku, you approach the soft soil, and lightly brush away the top layer only to find a hollow mask resembling a squirrel.

“P..P-Please… don’t kill me..” you barely hear her trembling voice.

>2/2

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And that's where we'll take a slight pause. We'll continue on Monday with the next part. Happy 1st of May to those who celebrate it!

>>5249025
>squirrel
Is that a Pinus?
>>5249030
Take care Trippy. BTL?

>>5249025
The urge to regrow this seed similarly to what we did when we set the forest on fire early on is strong

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>>5249114
>is that a Pinus?
I haven't really decided on anything more than a squirrel. That was the best picture I could find that isn't super-duper-happy-goofy-looking
>BTL
Eh, no too high this time. Probably a healthy 4. Despite the full team of tenjiso casting pseudo-hanran, you figured out a good plan and rolled very well.

>>5249200
I mean I can say that the seed something one of the hollows found in Azulwald before migrating away from Hueco Mundo for more safety

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>>5249357
Sorry, Arknights just released a spunky red squirrel girl knight. That pictured just reminded me of it.

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You are Nakashiri Koharu, and you’ve just witnessed a mass-cannibalization massacre of hollows induced by a tenjiso spell very much inspired by your own hanran. Neither you nor Zilya like this very much.

Despite believing initially that there’s no survivors, one single squirrel-like hollow persevered. Hiding under the poor soil where you found a withered seed-sapling, the poor thing must be scared to death after witnessing the bloodbath.

“Hey, it’s okay. Nobody’s going to hurt you here.”

“...”

“I promise.”

“...b-but you’re… a s-s-s-shinigami!”

“Yes, but well, let’s just say there’s more to me than meets the eye.” You extend your senses towards the entrance. Hopefully the tenjiso won’t come looking for you or to eavesdrop. That said, you’re not sure how long you want to stay here just so you don’t rouse any unnecessary suspicion. “Do you have a name? Mine’s Koharu.”

“I-It’s Ravi,” she replies after a pause. After another bit of silence, her head finally rises up from the soil, the cute white mask reflecting the little light you produce via kidō. “Um… are.. a-are you really not going to hurt me?”

“I promised, didn’t I? You’re not the first hollow I’ve befriended you know.”

“Hollows… and s-s-shinigami can be… friends?”

“Very much so. Want to come sit beside me?”

She hesitates, but bit by bit approaches you. Of course when you slightly move even an inch, she takes at least ten steps back. But eventually, the hollow calling herself Ravi sits in front of you.

>1/2

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You chat for a bit, mostly exchanging small bits of information. Like where you’re from, what you like, and such. Ravi behaves very much like a… child. It’s unfortunate that she had to become a hollow and witness all the atrocities that come with it.

“I was stuck in the dark sandy place.. At least there were these trees. Fun to climb on! But… very deadly if spotted by another.”

Despite Azulwald being a step into a better direction for the hollows, it still doesn’t change the fundamental problem of hollows. She did mention that the blue fruit there was the sweetest thing she had ever eaten. In fact, she kept some of their seeds with her as good fortune tokens.

“I was found by Craner-oniichan. I thought he was going to eat me, but then… h-he took me to this place, said we could make our own small forest! B-But… now… h-he..”

She sobs quietly. You pat her mask gently and to your surprise, she completely huddles over to your lap. “You poor girl.”

As much as you feel for her, you have to keep your focus here. You’ll have to go back very soon or else you risk raising suspicion. But what to do with her? She may be weak, but how she managed to escape certain death, and hell, even your detection, is quite extraordinary. And if she’s been the one helping out with trying to grow the seeds into saplings, perhaps you could utilize her in that area as well.

Considering her current state, it’s safe to say that she’d very much like to come with you. Taking her with you now would be the best way to guarantee her safety, assuming she’s able to stay as undetected as before. On the other hand her staying here will keep her out of danger completely. Assuming she won’t go out on her own out of fear and loneliness.

>2/2

>Tell her to come with you now. If she’s skilled in stealth, this will be a good test.
>Tell her to stay put here, and that you’ll come pick her up.
>Tell her that you can’t really take her in. She should go her own way.
>Other?

>>5252425
>Other
>Have her tail us until we head back, bring her by Drianni’s place.
Trying to split the difference between “traveling with me is dangerous” and “you’ll probably bolt and die if I leave you alone without direction”. We can at least swing back to our old home and check in on the kids that are still there without raising suspicion. Maybe that’s close enough to the forest that Ravi can travel from there.

She can bring the seed to Drianni too. I’m curious what she’ll think of it.

>>5252425
>>Tell her to stay put here, and that you’ll come pick her up.
>Other?
Having one of our arrancar who can gargant come and get her would be safest I think.

>>5252480
I’ll switch my vote to this if you can explain how they’ll be able to find this cave in particular. I assume it’d be difficult if even we have trouble sensing Ravi. You’re right about it being safer though.

If she knows enough about the human world we could also try sending her to Akane as a pitstop because the arrancars can definitely find her place. Should be pretty safe, though she’ll start starving over there.

>>5252553
I hadn't considered that. There's no landmarks mentioned and I don't know if the arrancar have good enough senses to detect the little one. Perhaps if Trippy >>5252425 could tell us if one of them could detect residue from the Zil-like spell the priests use? We can't risk leaving our own signal here.

>>5252425
>Tell her to come with you now. If she’s skilled in stealth, this will be a good test.
If we barely sensed her, the Tenjiso are unlikely to detect her. Keeping her off their radar should not be too difficult. Besides, we pretty much wrapped up our business here, I imagine we will leave the temple soon, so we won't need to keep her hidden for long.
I also don't like the idea of leaving her alone here in the middle of bum fuck nowhere.

>>5252425
>>Tell her that you can’t really take her in. She should go her own way.

>>5252553
>>5252425
If Lizzy is still on us we can send her as a messenger. If not, tell her to stay here

>>5252665
Lizzy is with Lahela. Koharu commented on it being good that she wasn't here when the tenjiso did bootleg hanran.

>>5252749
That settles it then
>Tell her to stay put here, and that you’ll come pick her up.

>>5252569
The bootleg-hanran of tenjiso doesn't leave residue. Hell, even the residue over at the Wailing Forest was due to Zilya going absolutely haywire due to the berry high.

So if I'm getting this right, you'll be sending somebody over later to pick her up. Now you just need to convince the sad, lonely, crying squirrel
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 21, crit 26, Social (8) may replace lowest die

If I get the rolls during work I'll be able to get an update out most likely in time, but after work I'll be out quite late. Got a date

Rolled 3, 10, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>5253201

Rolled 8, 8, 1 = 17 (3d10)

>>5253201

Rolled 6, 1, 8 = 15 (3d10)

>>5253201

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>>5253205
>14(21)
>>5253229
>17(24)
>>5253304
>15(22)
That's a solid pass.
>Writing

>>5253313
Small thing I noticed, the social links (and maybe the characters sheets) haven’t been updated in a little bit.

>>5253325
O fug. You are right, they are in need of some major updates. I'll either do them this week (to match the moment before this part) or after this part. Thanks for bringing it up!

File: Usami Fusakage 3.jpg (50 KB, 704x396)

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“Hey, Ravi?”

“Yes? Sniff.”

“It’s going to be alright. I’m going to take you to a very nice forest, where there are very nice hollows too, who have regained their human forms.”

“T-That is really possible? L-Like in the stories of Azulwald?”

“Yes, very much so. I know of a way to do it.”

“R-REALLY? T-Then… I.. I can..?”

You nod with a smile. “But I need you to wait first. Hide and wait here, while I deal with the tenjiso. After that, I’ll come back to get you, okay?”

“P-Promise?”

“Promise.”

With that, you barely manage to get her off of you. You never really liked children, so it’s ironic that a hollow child of all things brings out your parental instincts. Then again, you bet it’s Zilya’s influence on you, as she’s the only one of you to have had children. Despite whatever fucked up notion of parental love she has.

“My methods yielded me strong and loyal children, hmph.”

“Right, of which one openly rebelled the moment she had a chance.” You roll your eyes. “It’s okay. I know you too must’ve had a rough afterlife.”

“Don’t.. you DARE give me that pity shit.”

You exit the cave where only Usami is waiting. The rest of the priests must’ve gone back.

“Are you satisfied?”

>1/2

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You don’t like the tone in his voice. “I’m afraid I don’t quite follow. The operation went smoothly at least.”

“You know what I mean.” Usami crosses his arms. “Your silly shinigami principles may work on others, but I can see past that shallow excuse. You’re no stranger to experimentation, I can see it in your eyes. But no matter. I got all I need already.”

“And what exactly do you mean by that?” you ask, narrowing your eyes. “Please consider your words carefully, Usami-gūji. I will need to relay everything to my Captain.”

He just laughs. “You’ll find out soon enough. You wanted this?” He takes out the arrangement proposal for cooperation, and gently throws it to you. “Have a safe journey back, Tamaki-san.”

And he leaves.

You don’t like it a single bit. Did he just intend to scare you? If so, what does he get out of revealing his hand like this? Now you have confirmation that he is indeed up to something. You doubt you can get any more information out of him, so you rush back towards the Seireitei.

Sorry Ravi, you’ll have to wait for a bit.

You make the journey in a shorter time than when you went there, and head to see your Captain straight away. Unfortunately, he’s apparently busy elsewhere. You curse under your breath, and doubly so once you reach your work desk.

“You are to accompany the daughter of Shiraka-sama for a ceremony to the North Temple of the Tenjiso.” Written by her infuriating excellency, and approved by your Captain.

On top of that, you’re due to leave today.

No way in hell this is coincidental. You just hope that Yasutake managed to get Tokiko-chan out of there. Shit… you’d like to both get Ravi and check up on the Wailing Forest. But as it stands, you’re pretty sure Yukira knows you’re back. Leaving at this time is just unfeasible if you want to avoid trouble.

Unless…

“You know, I can still guide you through the Garganta. You need only ask,” Zilya giggles. “It’s both untraceable by these idiots and fast.”

As much as it frustrates you to admit it, Zilya does present a good solution. Problem is, it’s Zilya.

“Of course, you need to do it discreetly. But I don’t doubt your abilities. The only other alternatives you have is just leaving it be, or leave anyway.”

>2/2

>Find Yukiko and head straight to the North Temple.
>Let Zilya help you out and traverse the Garganta.
>Leave by shunpo, consequences be damned.
>Other?

>>5253344
>>Find Yukiko and head straight to the North Temple.

>>5253344
>>Let Zilya help you out and traverse the Garganta.
As much of a bitch as she is she's still part of us and we have been ignoring her, it's unbalanced. Throw the spooder a bone, let her feel useful.

>>5253344
>Let Zilya help you out and traverse the Garganta.
I’m willing to trust Zilya in this context. We already mentioned Zilya has a soft spot for kids even if her approach is messed up, and we’re currently dealing with a threat that can even control her. We need to cooperate until we can figure out a way of not only neutralizing Usami, but also killing his research so Central 46 doesn’t make it mandatory for shinigami to learn or some shit like that. Actual mind-control may be in order for once.

Zilya’s a spider bitch, but she’s our spider bitch. Having her live inside our sword isn’t a long-term solution.

>>5253344
>Let Zilya help you out and traverse the Garganta.
It’s a skill that will be useful in the long run and she’s on the back foot since there’s people who can disable her if she tries to break loose

>>5253344
>Let Zilya help you out and traverse the Garganta.

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>>5253375
>>5253397
>>5253406
>>5253443
>>5253449
Garganta it is. Let's see how well you adapt and learn
>Roll 3d10, Bo3, DC 25, crit 28
Mind you this is not for the success of the travel, but whether you figure out how to traverse the void yourself

Ugh. Date was kinda fun but no potential for future

Also, new bleach quest!
>>5252007

Rolled 8, 4, 2 = 14 (3d10)

>>5253785
Here goes nothing
>>5253788
Already on it. Neat so far

Rolled 4, 7, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>5253785
A fair number of my friends are already having oids and I’m not even trying to meet people due to being antisocial. At least you’re ahead of that!

Is this roll using any stat?

Rolled 6, 9, 2 = 17 (3d10)

>>5253785

>>5253824
>14(20)
>>5253849
>21(25)
>>5253868
>17(23)
Now that's a clutch pass. Congratulations, you gonna learn today
>Writing

>>5253849
>Is this roll using any stat?
Yeah, me dum-dum. Mental (8) used of course since this is about understanding something

File: gargantaopen.jpg (108 KB, 750x920)

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“You know… I guess I’ve neglected you too much. Fine, let’s do it your way.”

“Oh finally, this is going to be-”

“But if you, even for a split-second, as much think about doing something idiotic, I swear I’ll kick you out of the seat even if it means mutual destruction. Understood?”

“Pffft. Fine, Mr. Control freak, sheesh.”

You roll your eyes. Now is not the time for a witty remark, you have to hurry. You make your way around a few corners and stairs down. Aizen showed you some of the rooms he had created for when he wanted to do things away from prying eyes and ears. It’s quite a blessing that he had shown you how to access them.

“Mediate, Naimen no Daiza. Defile and Devour, Jorōgumo!”

Your zanpakutō releases in two phases, from simple sword to the chalice-hilted blade, and further to a black curved sword not unlike one of Zilya’s spider limbs.

It’s not your first time traveling through the Garganta, but it’ll be the first time you do it alone (not considering your soul-buddies). Having Lahela or Lubina deal with the logistics brought you some sense of safety, given their innate ability to navigate the pitch black darkness. Now you have to do it relying on Zilya of all people.

“Right. Guide me then.”

You can sense her smirk despite not seeing her. You put forward your hand and as if pushing into some sort of crack, you rip open the fabric that keeps this world together. Beyond it is the infinite void, the Garganta.

Nobody knows how it really works and any mentions in the books advise only one thing: Don’t ever go in.

You take a deep breath and take a step.

>1/3

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As before, your sense of direction disappears completely. You constantly feel like the pull of gravity changes directions, yet you still always stand upright.

“Slow down, idiot.”

You stop walking, focusing on the reishi pads. “I can’t take too long, Zil.”

She sighs. “You rush here, you die. Or worse. Besides, now that we’re in, we don’t have to worry about time.”

“W-What do you mean?”

“This place is devoid of the laws that govern the realms. And those laws that do affect are only because we’re close to a realm’s border. Time, space, existence, it all becomes meaningless once you stray away. You don’t even need to breathe here.”

You swallow hard, and focus for a moment on your breath, slowing it down. True to her words, you don’t feel like you’re out of breath despite stopping it.

“But be careful. The more you step away from existence, the more you will have to fight for your right to exist. Step away too far and we will be erased. Don’t fuck this up.”

“That’s why I’m relying on you for this now, don’t put the pressure on me.”

“I will be focusing on figuring out where the hell we are and where the hell we need to go. Your job is to listen to my damn instructions and follow them to the letter. Also, stop that.”

“W-What?”

“Stop moving.”

“I wasn-” you say, but then realize you’ve been subconsciously ‘correcting’ your position due to resisting a sort of wind. Stopping that feels like you’re flying around with the wind now. It’s very disorienting.”

“Good. Now let’s get to that damn squirrel.”

>2/3

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It’s very difficult. If it wasn’t for Zilya constantly telling you whenever you strayed from the course… well, you don’t want to think about that.

Despite the fact that navigating the Garganta requires incredible instincts while shutting off all other senses, there are a few things you learn: Hugging the edges of a realm is the safest, but not the fastest way. It also does not help when you need to cross from one realm to another. For hollows, they follow the scent of souls to reach realms other than Hueco Mundo, and for the trip back home they just let the Garganta float them there. Apparently, that’s how the realms normally get their residents: human souls drift to Soul Society (though hell butterflies and the Dangai have simplified this and made two-way travel possible), hollows drift to Hueco Mundo, animal souls to the Beast Realm. As for Hell… one does not simply drift into Hell.

Wait a moment. If you need to discard your other senses…

“Could I, theoretically, learn to navigate using Senzen? I only need Jorōgumo to open a gateway, right?”

There’s a pause.

“Theoretically… perhaps,” Celaris finally responds.

“But you’ll very likely kill us all. You don’t have hundreds of years of experience traversing this void, nor the natural instincts to find the places you’re looking for. But… I will admit, it’d be quite damn something to see a shinigami traverse this place on their own. Perhaps you could learn to do it.”

Wow. Zilya having faith in you? Actually acknowledging your potential?

“But pffft, let’s be real pretty boy, you’d fuck up within seconds.”

Ah, it was too good to be true…

“Anyway, let’s continue. We can experiment later.”

>3/3

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Was gonna write some more, but I want to head home now. The good news though, is that I will be working from home tomorrow and after tomorrow. This means I might do some extra updates (morning + evening) or extra long ones. No promises though! And the social links & character sheets

>>5254997
Zilya makes it sound like with enough skill, you could use the Garganta to do the “teleports behind you” meme. Makes the forbidden kido to teleport seem rather inefficient.

Also good to know we could maybe escape somewhere in the SS when we can’t rely on Zilya. We’d just need to move a bit along the border and float back in. I’m assuming we wouldn’t float in several hundred feet in the air or into the ground or we’d be seeing new arrivals splat in the outer districts pretty frequently.

Also, don’t stop at navigating Garganta alone Koharu! If monks can bootleg hanran with a kido, someone can bootleg garganta access. Senzen should also be on the menu. Just give it a couple centuries, you’ll figure everything out.

>>5255119
My biggest fear is trying to do that in the middle of a fight and accidentally falling into somewhere bad

>>5255119
Considering no hollow ever does that in canon thers probably some great risk to it or some absurd level of mastery is required. I could imagine that a massive amount of reitsu being thrown around disrupts the border or something.

A supreme level of mastery is probably needed. Though Senzen may help account for that.

>>5255408
Oh, also the simpler asnswer being that opening the gargant takes time, it always took a few seconds in the show.

>>5255397
A definite possibility. We'd need to be pretty screwed for it to be a reasonable escape plan.
>>5255416
Ah. This ruins my dream, I suppose. There's probably something we could manage where a bunch of our hollows open up holes into Garganta and we attack through them using kido and senzen, but that'd be way more effort than it's worth.

>>5255119
>>5255397
>>5255408
>>5255416
>>5255681
Yeah the problem with utilizing Garganta travel mid battle is that for one, it takes some seconds as anon mentioned, which is too long in a battle where attacks are exchanged in fractions of seconds. The second problem (and by far the biggest) is precision. Most of the time we see hollows and arrancar exit the Garganta high up in the air. The only exception to this if I remember right was Orihime's brother, and that can be explained by the strong emotional bond he had for his sister

Senzen will help with traversing the Garganta in general, but you still need to intuitively understand where you want to go, and have some sort of emotional tie to it. But, if you do figure out a method of getting rid of these obstacles, by all means. There may be other, more efficient ways of doing it though. Practicing kūkanten'i might do the trick, with the downside being it's highly illegal. But there are other teleportation kidō out there. Perhaps somebody can help you modify them

>>5255874
Strong emotional connection only? This would probably be useless in most circumstances, but if we learned to influence ourself through hanran (bootleg or OG) we could force an emotional connection.

Though as I type that, we could do the same for other hollows using hanran. Imprint the emotional connection on them, and have them guide us. Not useful for mid-battle teleportation, but if we need to find somewhere/someone and we’re willing to possibly mind break someone for it then we could experiment.

Something the size of Lizzy would make an excellent messenger. Hanran would establish the strong emotional connection to us by default, and we could imprint one of the target of the message. Pass them a note, have them return after delivery. Alternately, a more talkative hollow could be used as a spy or scout.

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Okay, I may have jinxed myself with the "extra updates" comment god damn it Trippy Ended up struggling with getting a program to work with linux, trying to keep my feet from freezing over and my head from imploding. Even a power nap didn't help. So uh I think I'll let today pass and finish writing the update tomorrow. Sorry 'bout that!

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Despite following Zilya’s navigation being enough, you do try to figure out how exactly she is doing it.

“Echoes. When a lot of souls depart, get devoured, or get recycled, it sticks out. Get enough death in a single place and you can feel it across realms.”

“So you’re looking for the ‘echo’ of the hollows that devoured each other?”

“No you idiot. The echo of the survivor hollow’s death. Now that was a burst of souls getting… purified,” she says the last word with a mocking laugh. “Alright pretty boy, we’re here.”

Like before, you slowly slip your hands into seemingly nothing, but by pulling that nothing apart you begin seeing the blue sky. You arrive some distance away from the actual cave, but you can see the temple on the horizon. You cast Kyokkō just to be safe and make haste.

Ravi is… nowhere to be found in the cave. Once you drop your concealment kidō however, she suddenly pops out of the soil again. Seriously, how is she escaping your senses?

“K-Koharu! You’re back!” she shouts, tear-eyed. “I waited sooooo long! I-” she stops in her tracks, now looking terrified. Right, you’re still in Zilya’s release.

“Don’t worry about this, I’m still me. I wasn’t out that long, was I?” you wonder out loud.

“Y-You were!!!”

“You weren’t,” Cel responds.

“Anyways, we are in a bit of a hurry, Ravi-chan, so we’ll have to travel through the Garganta.”

“G-Garganta? I-I never knew shinigami could do that!”

“They don’t. But, uh, this is how I do it.” You gesture at your… everything, and proceed to rip open the fabric of reality again. “I’ll take you straight to the forest, there you’ll be safe. Some very good friends of mine will take care of you.”

“Y-You’re going to leave again?” she pouts.

“I have to deal with some… problems. But I’ll be back in no time. Now hop on!”

With her on your shoulder, you step through the rift.

>1/3

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The journey to the Wailing Forest proves to be a lot difficult.

“W-WOW! TELL ME MORE!”

Not only do you have to make sure you don’t stray from the path constantly…

“I-I’m scared…!”

…but there’s this one critter on your shoulder…

“Are we there yet?”

…that you have to keep under control so you don’t all disappear into the void. You don’t have too much trouble with it despite some irritation, but it’s Zilya who’s losing her shit.

“I WILL skin her and throw her into the void if she doesn’t SHUT UP!”

“Denied,” you respond.

“I swear…”

Thankfully you finally reach the forest, not far away above it. Kyokkō is once again your best friend here, it’d be bad if the temple right next to the forest would be alarmed by your presence. Falling softly down into the forest, you reach Morimiya, where you are greeted by its guardians.

“”“Welcome back, Master!””” Rodmehr, Ansaleh, and the other arrancar greet you. Lahela meanwhile tackle-hugs you.

“Welcome,” Drianni greets you with crossed arms. “Who is your friend?”

2/3

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Once Lahela lets go of you, she too gets very much interested in the squirrel. “Sso cute!”

“Ravi, meet my friends I told you about. Friends, please meet Ravi. She… needs a home and family.”

Drianni sighs. “You know, you can’t just constantly drop off children at my doorstep… You have to take equal parental responsibility.”

You blink, feeling your cheeks burn a bit. “A-Ah, yeah, well… I gotta deal with my job, you know?”

Lahela meanwhile has managed to get Ravi to jump into her arms. Good. With your limited time, you proceed to brief everyone on what you’ve experienced so far, especially about the bootleg hanran.

“Usami is more dangerous than Nijo. The latter simply had trust issues, but Usami… he is up to something. So please, be careful while I deal with whatever there is at the North Temple. Ugh. I hope that’s the last one I have to go to.”

“Do you need assistance?” Drianni says. “Going alone is dangerous, even for you.”

“Y-Yeah! It’ss my duty to protect you,” Lahela interjects, Lizzy popping out of her hair with a squeal. “Please, let me follow you!”

“And risk the shinigami finding arrancar at their doorstep?”

Though, to be fair… the shinigami are mostly oblivious that arrancar are a thing. Even if they see one, it’s not even guaranteed they’ll recognize them as being hollow despite their reiatsu. Maybe with enough camouflage?

Then again, if something does happen here, Lahela is the strongest right after Drianni.

>3/3

>Go alone. It’s best that everyone stays here.
>Let Lahela tail you.
>Other?

In case of an attack:
>They should defend the place.
>They should escape to Lazuta Yami.
>Other?

>>5257023
>Go alone. It’s best that everyone stays here.
Probably not worth the risk. The arrancar need to lay low as much as possible.

>Defend if they feel confident that they can hush up what happened and not take losses. Otherwise escape to Lazuta Yami.
Didn't Drianni say she wanted to stay here at all costs? If they can take out attackers in a way that no information gets out that a bunch of hollows life in the forrest, and without getting themselves killed, then I suppose they could stay a little while longer.
I mean, if an attacking force was sent into the forest then its probably a bit late to stay under the radar anyway (they will wonder where the group went if nothing else) but we can deal with that later. But yeah otherwise they are just gonna get themselves killed if they stay here.
Maybe they could hide in the forest and wait for people to leave if someone shows up? I don't know how viable that idea is.

>>5257023
>Other
>Preemptive attack by Lahela, maybe others
This would have consequences, but if we’re all heading into a trap then having the arrancars strike at the research facility that Usami has would be the best way to disrupt it. An attack there is likely to pull any tenjiso away from the forest to defend it, or cause them to attack earlier than they want because they think surprise is lost. Usami would suspect us afterward, but he can’t do anything about it if no one is caught.

Dunno how viable it is to find the facility, they’ve got barriers out the gills I’m sure. But the launch for the attack could start from the cave we picked Ravi up at, or maybe those barriers leave their own impression in Garganta that can be found.

In case of attack,
>They should escape to Lazuta Yami.
though I’m not taking a hard stance with on that. We’re in charge there and it’ll be safe enough, but I know it’s not their home.

>>5257023
Oh, what’s the status on Lubina, Grimmjow, and Abathos? Could they be stationed in the forest for a short while?

I forget if Abathos can actually travel because he’s pretty unique, but he’d be great to have since Zilya mentioned he’s immune to her tricks. Likely makes him immune to what the Tenjiso can do as well.

Lubina and Grimmjow probably wouldn’t complain about a preemptive strike either if we wanted to keep everyone else in the forest…

>>5257023
>Go alone. It’s best that everyone stays here.
>They should escape to Lazuta Yami.
We can not let them near our friends with their bootleg hanran. Lahela is too headstrong to sit by and if she jumps in and gets taken our only recourse is total and immediate annihilation of the temple which will draw shinigami. The hardest part of this is convincing Drianni that she must, absolutely must abandon the Wailing Forest if they come. If she gets taken her forest and all her friends will die and I don't know if we could do anything about it.

>>5257023
>Go alone. It’s best that everyone stays here.
>They should escape to Lazuta Yami.
If anything happens to them, our only response is to fuck shit up which will draw attention. Best course would be to get them out of the way unless we decide to strike them.

>>5257023
>>5257546 +1

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>>5257095
>>5257309
>>5257441
>>5257546
>>5257556
>>5257932
Going alone wins, as well as urging them to escape if anything happens.
>Update will come on Monday as I have to deal with uni stuff this whole weekend

>>5257441
>Could they be stationed in the forest for a short while?
Asking Grimmjow to stay there is just begging for trouble. Abathos needs to stay in the viscinity of his pool, else he gets problems (last time he moved while keeping a lifeline to his pool). Lubina is perhaps the only realistic choice.

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Lahela is looking at you with puppy eyes, pleading you to take her. Jeez, you feel like a dog owner leaving the house without the mortified dog.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t risk it. It’s not just for your safety, but mine as well. Anything they do against me shouldn’t be bad unless they want to risk going against the Gotei 13. However, if they find evidence of me working together with you… that’ll be a sentence worse than death.”

You sit down on one of the wooden benches, with some really nice vine motifs. Drianni’s really been working on her woodworking skills out here.

“I think that’s what they’re really looking for here. To find any kind of dirt on me to either flush me out of the Gotei 13, or blackmail me like the… Shiraka.”

Your eyes widen. Of course… of course the Shiraka are involved. Is this perhaps another one of Yukira’s schemes? Or are they just a pawn? You doubt she knows about your true nature, and what these gūji have been up to doesn’t exactly fit her style.

Which means she’s getting played. Probably was promised an elevation in the hierarchy of the nobles, perhaps even to a great house. That would surely pique Yukira’s interest.

“Hello? Koharu?” Lahela waves her hand in front of your face.

“Sorry. Got lost in thought. As I was saying, it’s best you stay here, just in case something happens. After Drianni, you’re the strongest fighter this place has. However,” you say, swallowing hard as you look at Lahela, then Drianni. “If conflict does happen… you have to escape to Hueco Mundo, Lazuta Yami specifically.”

Her expression does not change, but fire has been stoked within her eyes.

“I know this isn’t easy to hear, but if the Tenjiso attack and a battle ensues, it won’t be long until the Gotei 13 takes notice and possibly sends a Captain. You are strong, but this is their home turf. Your lives are more important, and a home can always be rebuilt.”

Your eyes stay in a lock with hers for a minute, before she relents and closes hers. “Fine. But I will leave some surprises behind.”

“That is fine,” you say with a sigh of relief. Lizzy squeals in her odd but characteristic way, begging you to pat her, so you get up and do, also rubbing her chin as well.

Of course, Lizzy is still on top of Lahela’s head, so you end up brushing her head too.

“Stay safe, okay? I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Lahela nods with a cheeky grin, putting a hand on your shoulder. “Don’t worry! We will ssurvive!”

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As much as I don't like it, I have to take this week off of questing. Work's picking up and there's uni deadlines I need to meet so I can steadily go towards graduation. As it is, both of these have been draining my creative juices, so it's best I refill on that.

Sorry anons, I'll try to make up to you with some sheet/links updates and better posts starting next monday!

>>5260755
It's alright May is the month the QM curse hits everyone the hardest, so do your best out there

>>5260755
Take care and rock on!

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Alrighty tighty. I seem to be at least in a good condition again, so we'll resume with a new thread tomorrow. Character sheets and social links updated, though I might've missed something, so tell me if I did

Good thing I took this week off. Insomnia tried to bite at my ass again and quite a bit of other shit, but fortunately managed to kick that shit out and get what I needed to do done

Hope y'all been good

Eurovision disappointed me

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Also, a fren found this and recommended for reference with Koharu's bankai (and out-of-control bankai). Enjoy

>>5268706
Spooky

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New bread!
>>5269971