Events had happened, actions were taken, and messages flew in. Ume wasn't directly involved in the recent events as much as the third division, second division, or some of the Taichou had been, but what assistance she could provide she obviously attempted to, at the very least. Members constructed walls, blockades to combat potential threats, some eventually got around to holding or preventing collapsing structures to fall, until of course time was allocated for repair. Ume herself had left the crime scene with little information gained, but while she often found herself earning information about the Rukongai and it's people, it was strictly not her area to dwell upon. She didn't handle investigations like the Third division, so she hadn't quite butted in, or at least didn't head straight over to the district where it all began. Ume knew well enough that she would only be contaminating evidence, and likely scuffing and ruining trails... leads.

It hadn't been too long since it happened, so a matter of apology was in order. Replying late to messages never ended well, as with acting late, but surely it was better than not acting at all? Members would be sent to assist the refugees, while those involved would definitely be checked and screened for what was likely the cause of this ordeal. There wasn't much information to be revealed from both her and her men, so she felt she could responsibly speak for those within her division involved. She, herself, needed to pay the second division a visit, so it was likely her next set destination. First, her thoughts translated to words, and those words would be relayed in two messages: one for the third division, the other for the second division regarding their lost patient. Seems like things were only growing more chaotic and busy!

She diligently worked to extend her deepest apologies of not acting sooner... Perhaps she was sick? She doubted it, but she supposed it would be the right thing to do... To check herself in for an examination. Who knows! Maybe she would be diagnosed with a severe case of obliviousness. In retrospect, Ume was truly conflicted with her inability to address those situations sooner. Her messages would eventually find two volunteer runners, and she had some work that needed to be fulfilled.

But by who?

Twisting in her chair, her face, which was half-revealed given the fabric from the nose down, scrunched as if in deep thought. Her fingers curled up against her covered chin, before she ordered one of her men to summon Taisho. She needed to address this situation with him as well as have him execute her bidding. 

It was an utter shame, how she seemingly shut herself away from the world for a brief span of time.

It was one of those days Taisho wished he had sent a butterfly in and have a sick day as some may call it, or for him a day to tan or make sure his manly looks were looking damn good. He let out a low breath as he sat at his desk tapping his fingers on the desk. He always wondered why his captain gave him such a small desk, with all the paper work she had gave him in the past few weeks have really been pilling up on his desk. He always wondered why he never got to go out and do things with others. His damn captain had something against his manly good looks. He wondered if it was his nice womanly legs what she did not have...cause she was so short.

As he was about to start looking over some files one of the lackeys in the division entered his office telling him that the captain wanted to see him. He waved his left hand sending the person out of his office. He would move all the files into his desk making sure his office looked clean, With that done he removed his lotion off his hip and placed it on his desk, grabbing his sword and putting it on his waste he finally made his way out of his office and to his captains.

The walk it self was short and easy so with out question he was there in no time, With out knocking at his captains office he opened the door and walked in closing it behind him. He let out a soft breath smiling softly at his captain.

"You called for me taicho?"

He would bring his hands behind his back standing like a perfect statue in front of her. He looked down at her tiny body, he wondered why she was so short. It looked so un healthy.

The more concentration that went into decision making, especially in regards to her own health and safety, the more Ume came to the conclusion that if she wasn't ill by now, it was likely that she wasn't infected with whatever happened to contaminate the rukongai. Fiddling with the papers that were half-blank, half-covered in writing and ink, Ume ceased with writing for now, as her fukutaichou had entered her office; so she stowed them for now off to the side. "This won't take long, but you won't be at your desk for the rest of the evening... or week, probably... for that matter." She alluded, this time crossing her legs as digits from both of her hands toyed with the pen.

Sitting erect in her chair, she cleared her throat, gazing toward him with her pumpkin-oculars, "First of all, while we've been addressing the paperwork, at least I've been failing to accommodate the needs of the people and other divisions... We've been rather isolated and secluded, in shorter terms." Tachibana-Taichou scratched at the fabric of her neck briefly, pausing for a slight moment before continuing. "I don't know if you were aware with the recent crisis in the Rukongai, but from what I'm aware of, we were attacked by unexplained creatures; not human, not hollow, either. I sent some of our men out to build some structures and walls of defense, while others stayed back to assist any rukongai citizens or shinigami who managed to make it to our division's doorstep, but a lot of the buildings in the third district were destroyed. I've received a message from the third division, but I'm currently writing up a reply. I think it's best we focus now on repairing and providing new structures and homes for those who lost their properties. A little late to act, but we can have some men camped out, carry supplies back and forth, while others take rounds and scouting shifts to resume patrols. We really need to get those properties back up, and fix the ones that are currently in shambles or at risk of collapsing." She took in a deep breath, this time glancing off for a few slow seconds, silent and obviously in some sort of thoughtful state.

"What I need you to do, simply... Gather the supplies, the men and head down to the rukongai, more specifically the third district to prepare construction. I'll meet you shortly, after I've finished writing up these messages." She pointed to the papers off to the side before cocking her head slightly. "For supplies, I'd like to start with a stone foundation, perhaps we can concoct a cement or strong base, boards of wood, saws, nails, some logs, bricks, whatever we have, honestly... for both the exterior and interior. Make sure your reiatsu is ready to hold up the framework, which could make it easier to firmly set everything in place and nail it together. Round up a large amount of the men so that majority can transport the equipment through wagons and carts and help prep for loads of construction work. Once that is secure, I will probably place you in charge of scouting rounds. It's time we crack down on any intruding hollow, I suppose." She seemed lax and chill, but beneath the cold and nonchalant exterior she was rather upset at her own performance lately as a Captain and leader. Heck, was she beating herself up inside?

"You are dismissed and I'll be seeing you again shortly. Any trouble, have a runner report to me immediately." She placed the papers back in front of her, indicating that he was no longer required in her office.

The end of the pen was placed upon the black fabric, which would be upon her lower lip had the layer of obscurity not been present. Ume began to ponder about the remaining details of the letters sprawled on the furniture in front of her, fingers ready to twirl the pen and get back to business once every word was 'set in stone'.

Taisho would lean back in his chair putting a single hand on his chin as he listened to his taicho speak new orders to him. It had been some time since he was out on the job, But really..building..Was he going to become Taisho the man who can fix anything. He would slightly make a upset face but then change it to a slight smile. He may be lucky to get some tanning in while working. And he would have to make sure he picked the manly men in is division.

He would nod a few times as he heard his captain talk more, wait she was giving command to another person, thats just not right, he was the second highest person in the division and she was giving it to someone else. He new he wasn't the best person of the building side of there division. He looked at himself more the muscle. Perhaps that's why she was sending him, Not really for the building but just in cause some nasty hollow come around. He could take care of them when needed.

"Understood Taicho. I'm not the best builder for are division, But i'll make sure we help those people out. We need to get back in the swing of things. I feel the other shinigami feel like we haven't been doing are job as the fifth division is meant to be. This may prove a lot of them off."

He would slightly move forward in his chair putting his hands on his lap, not to sure if she was sending him off right now. However, maybe it was best if he just left. He was told his job here was done.

Anémos would be seen training in the training area if anyone paid attention to the tall, muscled, handsome, tan olive skinned fifteenth seat of the fifth division. He was working on flexible movement as he used his spear as a staff as well as a spear, nicking and stabbing his flesh every now again. The various Kata he worked through while causing slight personnel injury were spinning motions and feints against the dummys and in the open space, as well as minor acrobatics, nothing too fancy or difficult mind you, just enough to be able to fight in actual combat with his short spear. The length of his Jumonji yari's three blades provided extra training as he slowly and no where near half way, began to utilize them while flourishing without impaling or cutting himself. His stamina proving enough to allow him to fight like this for a short time, still showed its toll on his body, as sweat dripped off of and glistened along his well defined muscular form, his smokey gray hair tied in a braid to keep it out of his crimson eyes during this little training exercise, his kimono worn around his waist as always.

What might be going through the budding Sōjutsu apprentices mind while partaking in his personnel growth exercise? Nothing. The first thing he learned when he was a slave in the galdiatorial pens of the fourth district to pay off his fathers gambling debts, was that thinking during combat got you killed. The best you could do is train and learn as many forms and commit them to muscle memory as possible, as a man working off of instinct and reaction was better then one using his brain when it came to combat. Not to say tactics were not neccesary but to unfocus your mind even a little was a death sentence. His appearance must have been truly crude as a tall muscled man was sliding, rolling and jumping around, nicking himself or barely stabbing himself every few movements, causing red lines and dots to slowly mark his upper body with the blood from them trickling down his body slowly in small increments, he himself appearing to pay no heed to it, because for him it was normal.

As blood and sweat doted the floor Anémos finally took a break as he braethed heavily leaning on his spear he had thrusted into the ground just moments prior, and in a unique accent, a sweet, calm, gentle yet deep voice came from his perfectly shaped slightly pouty barely pink lips, "My my... barely any improvement... but improvement nonetheless...", his voice trailing off as he breathed heavily for a few moments, and then regained his composure as he took form again ready to start anew.

Ume hardly wasted time in finishing up the letters; finding that each message required little addition or topics to address. Surprisingly, the violet-plum-haired woman had included majority of the details and such with each, only having the short amount of spare time to proofread. Almost oblivious as she diligently worked, she hardly noticed that Taisho hadn't left her office, yet! He was still sitting there, to her dismay, but she knew that time was everything.

With a sense of agility, the short woman rose from her chair after stamping or enclosing the letters for 'shipment' and glanced back at Taisho as she neared the door to exit her office, speaking. "On second thought, how about you meet me in the third district? I'll be heading out shortly, but since you seemed to be frozen in the chair, then shall I get someone else to round up everything? Don't fail me, now; I need you now more than ever, Lieutenant." Ume rhetorically asked, but didn't necessarily wait for an answer; quietly and gracefully slipping out of the door to summon suitable runners for the letter deliveries. She made sure to let some seated officers know to prepare the supplies, incase Taisho wouldn't move from his spot in her office; but, jokes aside, she knew he'd show how reliable he was. If her other members prepared the supplies right away, and rounded up the available men, then Taisho would be able to leave quickly and proceed to the destination.

Her division members might have stared at her like she was crazy and frantically scurrying about, but Ume shrugged. She really needed this to be both started and finished, sooner rather than later. Ume headed off and away from her division, obscuring her zanpakutou to the best of her ability; although that was a long stretch, given her clothing. Still, it's not like she wanted to scare anyone in the Rukongai with it - not like she would openly use it... But maybe some citizens would be overwhelmed, perhaps intimidated with her presence?

Not like those things reflected her personality, though. Was the Haori a little frightening?

[Exit]

The fact of the matter Taisho truly wanted to leave but he was stuck in the seat. He smiled at his captain as she left, he really didn't want to show her that he was stuck in a chair. Once she was out of the office and out of sight Taisho began to fight with the chair standing up only to have the chair stuck to him self. Placing his hands on the arms of the chair he pushed back with all his strength with a grunt he heard the wood snap and break apart as they feel into many pieces behind him. He turned to face the mess he had made in his captains office.

"Oh she's so going to murder me."

He stepped over the mess of a chair walking out of the office he grabbed the nearest lower seats of the fifth division. "Clean the mess in are taicho's office right away, make sure to replace the chair. We don't speak of this again.| After waving his hand to the lower seat he turned and began to head his way to the area he was asked to head to. But first he needed to find some strong muscle to do these buildings. He let out a deep breath as he walked down the halls of the fifth division searching. He would stop at a door way looking out to see one of the lower seats of the division out seeming to spar. He crossed his arms walking out into the open training ground. Not making a sound as he got out there he watched the man's movement's as he did his training, bringing a hand to his chin he rubbed it softly.

"Not to bad young man."

He spoke loud enough for the fifteenth seat to hear, he had forgot the man's name but he new what seat he was. Strange really, he always new peoples names but this one's he couldn't really remember. " Perhaps I could help you practice that form?"

Continued to practice his form diligently, sweat and blood covering him more as time went on. With every thrust, parry, slash and feint he improved with each movement. Slowly but surely he would reach his goal. Anémos wanted little besides gaining shikai, advancing further in the division and helping the rukon. His goals were simple but meant everything to him.

Eventually he stopped because of both slow blood loss and his Fukutaicho addressed him. Anémos would turn to face the tan burly man as he saluted him and said, "Taisho Fukutaicho. What brings you here?", once his vice-captain suggested helping him spar he bowed once more and added, "I would like if practiced some time Taisho Fukutaicho.", Ani would head to the nearest bench as he sat upon and used a towel to dry the sweat and a wet towel to wipe away the blood. Ani's naturally tan muscled flesh listened even more so now from the water.

A single thought popped into his head, "God he is as tan as me and a giany!".

Taisho would take a few steps forward watching Anemos sit down and start to wipe away his sweat and blood. With a slight grin on Taisho's face he stopped twenty feet away from him, Moving his right foot across in front of himself he stoped and then tapped the ground, turning that foot to the side he bent his right slightly as his left foot went back back just a tad, taking a a simple footing pose. His arms didn't move from his chest as his blue eyes scanned the muscled man in front of him. He was big, but he was no Taisho big.

"It's Techimaru Fukutaicho, We have some free time before I give you some new orders from are commander."

He would bring his hands away from his chest as he took a defense pose with his arms as well. He didn't draw his blade as he was a better hand to hand combat kind of man. He just wanted to see what one of the fifth division could do. "Your move" A wide smile covered the very tanned man's face. His mind slightly moved away from his orders. The Taicho wouldn't mind to much...all though he had the feeling he had to meet up with her..no worrys.

He gazed up towards his fukutaicho when he took his defensive stance and nodded setting the towel down. Anémos stood and flexed, stretching as he took a basic stance. His spear left on the bench. His breathing slowed as he calmed himself, and spoke, "Alright Techimaru-fukutaicho... And to make it fair I will use my hands as well.", Ani charged after speaking, dropping low and preforming a sweep kick aimed at his fukutaichos knees. Hopefully if he succeeded Taisho would be knocked down to which Anemos would attempt to follow up with an elbow to the sternum.

Anémos was not great at hand to hand but he studied both martial arts and sojutsu equally. He exhaled as he fought allowing his muscles to tighten on impact to increase damage if any was caused. Perhaps this was a good way to show Ume his worth. Either way, Ani was fighting to win, hopefully Taisho was ready.

Hearing the man speak how he should to his higher ranks made Taisho smile a little. However he was ready for an all out attack, he had figured watching the man fight with his spear he was more of a weapons man and not a hand to hand fighter. Right away Taisho noticed it from the way Anemos came at him with his attacks. He would take a step back bringing his right leg u slightly to block the attack at his knee, Using his longer reach he would bring his hand and slap away the elbow attack with his palm. Taking a few steps back, Taisho would take a side step, watching every movement the lower seat made.

"It would seem you are more skilled with a weapon my dear boy."

Taisho Still only showed a defensive stance to Anemos. All this was to Taisho himself was to test the boy's skills. He wanted to see what the fellow could do. He was after all in a combat division, he wanted to see how good he was in all combat ways.

After his assault was completely denied Anémos kept going, attempting to flip himself to a standing position as well as potentially kick Taisho in the mid chest area as he preformed his helicopter kick. If this attack succeeded or failed he would hop back a few feet to create distance as he would wait for Taisho to charge him this time. A small answer came from him to Taisho's statement, "We will have to rectify that now won't we!", a smile evident upon Anémos's visage the entire time.

Taisho still keeping a close eye on Anemos he would jump back when he seen the man jump up and do that fancy kick of his, His feet would slide across the ground as he came to a stop he noticed then Anemos waited. A smile came over Taisho's face as he took a few slow steps forward until he closed the gap between the two men. Once he was a good five feet from Anemos he began to begin his attacking on the man. He would bring his right hand at Anemos's chest, hoping to hit the man in the rib cage section, his hand was flat so if he struck the would push back the man with the force behind the attack, with his left hand he didn't strike it was more for a defensive. When this was all happening Taisho kept on studying the 15th seat to see what he would do.

It was clear Ánemos didn't quite expect Taisho's counter. The strike hit the fifteenth straight on out of his kick and sent him stumbling backward. He didn't stop quickly enough to avoid tripping over a chair which caused him to fall to the ground. There was a sickening thwack as his head met the wall behind the chair and Ánemos' eyes snapped shut as unconciousness overtook him. It was clear the little demonstration was over, leaving Taisho to do as he pleased and securing Ánemos a trip to the Second Division.

SPOILER: Click to show

Ánemos exited as per the activity rules. [link] Points will be halved accordingly. Since only Taisho remains, this thread as been ended.

Thread Rewards:

Ume - 3 RP

Taisho - 6 RP

Ánemos - 2 RP (4/2)

Points added, thread locked.