The few remaining crisp breezes of the past winter's air rolled along the Seireitei streets, sweeping the autumn leaves and natural debris away to a far off, distant location - well, presumably. The previous nightfall brought about the glistening of the spring dew upon each individual blade of grass, even the gleaming, sparkling properties of a newly manifested spider's web along the healthy bark of a standard woodland tree. The streets even displayed the general concept; the sleek-esque, darkened cobblestone fresh and anew, given a cleansed state of repair. Spring ultimately spurred reincarnation: the chance to start from scratch or repeat the first step along the cycle. For other, noncommittal folk, spring meant out with the old through resignation and in with the new by appointing the valid candidate. Regardless of the inevitable, the awakening day and the serene, transcendental ascension of the kaleidoscopic sun settled the uneasiness and struggle within the wanderer's lost soul.

An artistic depiction of the sky symbolized the isolated, internal war between reality and fantasy; speckles and tinges of hues ranging from pink-purple to reddish-yellow splattered like a creature's sanguineous gore along the innocent cerulean canvas of the upper atmosphere. Reflections of the sky defined the gloomy condition of the wanderer; a slight hollow, almost concave and depressed skull attached to a lean, but ultimately 'disconnected' frame. To think there couldn't be an even paler, ghastlier version of this soul's complexion before! Her hair, shades of violet and plum, undertones and highlights of purple, grew at an alarming rate; reaching the midst of her toned back, which currently swayed back and forth freely as disheveled and unkempt as if rolling out of bed. Lips, pale and salmon-colored, were a bit chapped; signs of constant pressure from clenching, anxious biting evidenced by strong, healthily white teeth - perhaps strain from the icy, cold weather of previous season. Her skin smooth and positive of instant recoil, just the transparency of her flesh seemed odd; the lack of melatonin leaving her exterior subjected to the harmful rays of the sun, and the circulatory system beneath the layers visible to the naked eye in the right form of lighting. Her eye sockets each provided a circular border of shade around the glowing pumpkin-orbs; their irises lackluster and void of spirit, fire. Unusually, the foggy gaze resembled the detachment of her soul and body as the trudged along, headed in the direction of the core; the focal point that once established the shinigami - the first division.

Delicate pitter-patter softly rung along the street, unmatched with the humanoid identity attached to it; ultimately a toned, lean and muscular woman ironically rivaling her strength through a weakened stride. Her uniform rustling with each gentle step, the captain of the fifth division pressed onward, surprisingly folding the haori of her captaincy against her right forearm's length, which bent at the elbow. Surely the few unidentifiable faces along the street were curious, perhaps insulted to see this display, but it wasn't as if they unraveled the thoughts transpiring in her mind, peeled at the source to find her true intention. For all they knew, Tachibana-Taichou could have been air drying her haori! It wasn't as if the short woman was paying attention to the judgmental glances cast in her direction, even when she stood aside at the gate of the first division until noticed and allowed entry, anyway! As mentioned, an obliviousness and aloofness contributed to the detachment her presence and aura projected, not that she currently flared her spiritual energy, though. Assuming all checked out well, Ume pressed onward with a contradicting but relentless gait; traversing the threshold of the door frame into the interior, more-so the 'lobby' room. Engaging in conversation only for approval of her unannounced visit, so to speak, the Captain then resumed motion. Weaving from corridor to corridor, perhaps trekking along a staircase or two -obviously lacking attention with the journey, but focused on the destination - Tachibana-Taichou discovered the Soutaichou's office. With an eerie calmness, her white knuckles raked along the wooden door, drumming along the smooth surface as a knock. Patiently, she waited, gazing out into the window nearby, eyes captivated with the metaphorical sky.

Excessive discussion, perhaps heartfelt goodbyes... Ume was now prepared to face, ultimately, her maker: a man who influenced her decisions, a man who elected her, trusted her, stood alongside her, and, regrettably, a man she had come to fail. Preparation truly a success? No, likely not. This state, however, would numb the pain... somewhat.

At the gate stood a man with reasonable height, in comparison to the Taicho he would seem rather tall. As he converses with the guard, Ume comes up to the gate requesting entrance. At this point, before she was granted entrance, Brain would cast his gaze in her direction, peering at the tiny Taicho through the strands of his thick brown hair. Should she have gave him a look, he would bring his left hand up to the shadowing brown hair and move it toward the back of his ear so that when he greets her it is with eye-contact, "Taicho-sensei," Though should, or shouldn't she, make the attempt of contact, he was still curious as to why she had her Haroi fashioned the way she did. It made him want to ask her why, though he wouldn't ask and would simply return to his conversation with the guards. Though as hard as he fought not to, it was ultimately an inescapable failure because never once has the man successfully declined himself the right of learning, no matter the subject. After a couple minutes later of having returned to his conversation with the guards, he would cave in and attempt to tail her. While for the Taicho, an entrance into the First Division is not but a minute's time, for someone like Brain, and overall grumpy-ass know it all, it took some convincing.

More than once has he pissed off the wrong people through sheer stubbornness and pride. And because of it, he now suffers. Although he had been at the gate for ten minutes before the Taicho arrived, and even another three after she departed, it seemed they were still not letting him in. They weren't telling him no, but they weren't exactly telling him yes either. It was a game he knew all to well, the waiting game. But did he have time to wait? Surely the trail was already dying in warmth, soon to be a cold dead-end within the next minute. What to do, what to do. At this rate he won't be allowed in for another ten or fifteen minutes.

[bgcolor=000000]Another early morning. His fingers slipped around the, warm to the touch, cup and brought the tea to his lips. He took a long drink before placing it back down, rubbing a sleepy eye as he did so. He hadn't been sleeping well as of late, or more to the point this last night. After sending a few of his underlings off on assignment, he hadn't heard anything since and without knowing their exact location, contacting them was currently impossible. He didn't like the feeling of not knowing, it drove him batty.

Lighting his pipe, he popped it in his mouth and puffed it furiously as he fumbled around in his desk looking for a file, which he just couldn't find. It was no doubt due to his lack of sleep, yes that was it.. Or was it due to him just forgetting where he put it?? No, no lack of sleep. His mind was a vault, he would just need to sort that out as well. e,,e

And then came a rap upon his door diverted his attention. He blinked in alarm, slumping back into his chair. Who in the devil? "Enter." He spoke in a clear, booming voice as if a pipe weren't clenched beneath his sparky whites. How did he keep them so white?? That my friend is for another time.

---

Sitting within one of the two guard houses outside the gate in which the Shinigami stood, a single man peeked out at him from behind a barred in window. She blinked, confused as to why he was just standing there. The gates to this division were rarely closed, many years before they just kept having to reopen them every few moments to have runners go this way and that, so unless there was an emergency, all fours gates were always open.

"Umm.." She began, seemingly far too timid for her task. "Can I help you?"

There were few things in the world so frightening as an unstoppable force which knew it's course. Mother-in-laws, some would argue, and also rabid dogs. Those same people would find themselves knocked ass over elbow, they and their rabid mothers-in-law, if they found themselves in the way of Shuchiku Kiba, a thunderstorm in human form crashing like over-reaching ocean waves on beaches too low to know what was best. A body at the gate to the First Division, a man waiting permission to enter, was passed abruptly and without pause - a low shoulder and a grunt were all it would take the Taicho to bypass the gate, any guards fool enough to slow him, and even the very doors of the First Division themselves should they attempt to bar his way, his tattered and stained haori fluttering as the Taicho unceremoniously crashed into the great hall of the First, immediately setting on his course.

Admittedly few were the number of visits paid by Kiba to the First Division, but that would not slow spry young figure as his memory sent him down the path to the great office, regardless of the hands reaching to slow his stride. No zanpakuto hung at Kiba's hip, but none were fool enough to consider that meant the Taicho was not dangerous - as a Taicho, Kiba's reputation was great in Seireitei, whether he wanted it to be or not. This was the curse of the elevated rank, and also the blessing.

Kiba almost paused - almost - at the sight of Ume-Taicho, knocking meekly upon the door he had fully regarded as his enemy; no time to wonder, no time to ask, Kiba barely registered the voice of Malik from within by the time he was at Ume's side, his shoulder low, his body surging through the great doors not for the first time, blowing the handle askew as the hinges screeched in deliberate shock. There, in the doorway, doubtless tailed by a goodly number of First Division members brazen enough to try and slow him, Kiba glowered across the distance between himself and Malik's desk, and in a hoarse voice proclaimed, loud as he might, "The Hollow are coming."

SPOILER: Click to show

Sorry for the shitty post.

Unfortunately for the man who tried to catch her attention, the 'mindless drone' of a woman pressed onward through the gates; not wasting time to address the man, or, well, knowingly showing that he had tried to engage in conversation with her. She kept that gaze forward, in the direction of her 'goal.'

Granted entry by the Soutaichou, Ume reluctantly marches in, as if preparing for destruction and battle. Her posture and stance didn't falter, nor did the detached expression around her small, lean and petite stucture. She'd greet Malik with a quick dip of her head, "Sorry for being... early and walking in unannounced, but I wish to speak to you about some very important issues." The Captain of the fifth division would settle down into one of the large, comfortable chairs, gazing at the onlooker and owner of the office with a nonchalant, almost indifferent stare.

---

Well... She imagined that is how the conversation would have began, if Kiba had not interrupted and 'destroyed' the function of a good, stable door. She blinks, orange-pumpkin orbs feigning confusion, though her blank expression had yet to change. Ume casts glances back and forth between Kiba and Malik, silent as she contemplated or over thought about what would happen next. Probably Malik scrambling out to help, with her ass dragged along... Sigh. Or was it lucky timing?

The Taichou had not paid Brain any attention in her hurried gait and so the strands of hair that were drooping downward at cheeck-level remain unmoved. The man averts his gaze back onto the young, timid female whom was introducing her presence in the form of a question, tone filled with doubt. When he was about to state his business, another man of equal authority to Ume passes. Assuming the man had been adorning his Haori, Brain would identify his rank and division almost immediately. "Hmmmm." he mumbles. Although it looked as if there was trouble brewing, Brain did not bother to hurry himself. Like the others, his destination was the Soutaichou, and should the matter be pressing, who better than to address it to than the big cheese himself? Eventually they would all meet up, that or the trio of Taichou would gain a tail at some point down the road. After a second or two of having starred at Kiba's back in thought, he shakes his head and returns, once more, to the female who had been awaiting an answer. "Apologies, ma'am. I just need directions to Soutaicho-sama's office. This is my first time ever going there. Surprisingly." he says in the same dead-tone, dead-stare presentation he so madly favors.

SPOILER: Click to show

edited a couple spelling errors

[bgcolor=000000]The guard looked at at Brain a little taken aback and then gestured over her shoulder, while in truth she had a wall at her back if the Third Division member followed the general direction of her digit, he would see she was pointing toward the tower-like building in the center of the grounds. "The main building, sir. Third Floor, the office on the left."

---

Like a storm, Kiba burst into his office, his poor door nearly, well almost completely, 'slain' by his standard brute-like behavior. He groaned loudly and palmed his face. There would be no Division members, aside from himself in his office. He was a man who enjoyed his privacy as much as possible, allowed him to think. That said the waiting room/hallway outside of his office was filling up with slack jawed onlookers. Malik shot them a look from over the man's shoulders after listening to what he had to say, and then looked the Captain right in the eye and replied.

"From what direction? How many? When?" Short the point questions. He had another on mind, but that would be directed to Ume in a moment. For now he just gestured for her to come closer and listen in. As her duties were tied to this particular issue. However, for now since Kiba brought this to attention, he would let him do the talking.

Ignorant of the hard feelings, some from the ruination of yet another door, some from the interruption of an important meeting, Kiba met the Taichou's even stare, his fists clenching. "South, too many, and the claim is a month - which means they're probably already in the outer districts." There was a touch of anger to Kiba's tone, for it wasn't so long ago that he'd been out in the Rukon, had seen for himself the dangerous proximity to Seireitei the Hollow already enjoyed.

"Assuming the head figure can't contain the riot it's building, we should anticipate a whole lot sooner." Briefly, at this, Kiba touched on the second-hand report, explaining that a single Hollow appeared to be rallying for a cause, and that cause couldn't spell anything good for the Shinigami, forget the Rukon Citizens. "I've already set the Wall patrols to double along the entire perimeter. If any forces get within sight, we'll have that side of the Wall well guarded long before they arrive."

As he could've guessed, it would the be main building and so having gotten the answer he desired, he bows briefly in appreciation of the guard's services before erecting back into his walking position. As Brain begins his trek throughout the Division, he takes it all in with an admiring gaze. The man, in his slow gait, observes the routes in which messengers and hell butterflies travel. His sightseeing was only temporary though, as within the next few minutes, he would find himself at his destination and wondering how he should approach the Soutaicho with his report. Brain wasn't much for presentations and the more he stood outside the building, dwelling in thought, he became more reluctant to entering. Brain inhales deeply through his mouth and exhales slowly from his nose before mumbling to himself, "Just go get it over with. You came all this way."

Momentarily, he casts his gaze skyward, knowing that the outcome of whatever happened next would shape his day to be either good or bad. And though he stood there, trying to muster up the energy to talk to the Soutaicho, little did he know that something else much bigger had been unfolding, right that minute in the very office Brain is so hesitant on entering. Around the time Malik would be addressing Kiba's most recent response, Brain would barely be entering the building and walking up to the receptionist.

"Hello? Could you point in the direction of Soutaicho-sama's office?" Though with little observation, he knew it wouldn't be hard to find it himself. He just didn't want to be rude.

[bgcolor=000000]

SPOILER: Click to show

Sorry for the delay, I had intended on posting yesterday after speaking with Court who said I could go ahead and skip her, but my body had other plans. So, I'll get to it now. In advance I apologize if it's shitty, I'm typing with one eye closed to keep from seeing double.

A man, balding and wearing funny spectacles would turn his gaze toward Brain, but just enough to be looking over the top of his lenses. He snorted and gave his head a shake. "For a member of the Third you are not well informed. Third floor, office on the right. A few Captains went up that way already so you might have a bit of a wait." Terribly rude fellow. Perhaps he was just having a bad day though.

---

"I see." He responded, taking a puff from his pipe and rising from his chair and looking out the southern window of his office. "Excellent thinking, Shuchiku-Taicho strengthing our defenses is clearly one of the first steps we should be taking. Additionally, I am going to send runners into the Rukongai and spread the word of what is coming.

"Even if the Hollow's eyes are set on our city, it is more than likely they will kill and feast on their way, those within the Rukongai will not be safe. This city was once built to hold far more than it's current population, it can do so again for a short time.

"Prepare to have your forces escort those Rukongai willing to listen behind our walls, my own units will assist yours in this. It is our duty to at least to try to save as many of their lives as we can. " He gaze turned back to the man, his expression blank as it had been since they started this conversation. "Would you not agree?"

At the white-hair's explanation concerning his intentions for the Rukon Citizens - all fair beliefs, and good for the overall populace, if not almost alarmingly altruistic, but that was probably why Kiba wasn't in charge. It was when his own people were offered up as moving guardians that Kiba had to pause, his face contorting into a slightly confused gaze as he attempted to process the information. After a moment of gently rubbing the back of his own head, the Taicho puffed a sigh before regarding Malik with a raised eyebrow.

"Seems to me, you'll have a hard time having everybody on the Wall if you have them all outside the wall. In fact, seems we'd have a hard time keeping the inside defended at all, being Inner Defense, if we were all outside. Maybe get Ume-Taicho to get some people on the matter, being Outter Defense, and so probably more used to the idea of defending outside the Wall?" There was a slight pause after this, followed shortly by another shrug.

"Just a suggestion. Pretty good one at that, I think, but if you want me to compromise security, just send the word, I'll have a few bands ready to go. Report over, by the way!" Kiba chirped almost unnaturally cheerfully, flashing Malik a smile before turning on a heel, nodding briefly to Ume as he began to pass.

"Ume-Taicho." He acknowledged with a nod, smiling as he briskly went the way he came, waving a hand over his shoulder in a final farewell. While he couldn't necessarily be called nebulous, there was certainly a 'different' thought process running through Kiba's head. Still, rarely could one claim Kiba was a liar and be correct, so doubtless Kiba would be doing exactly as he swore, watching the wall and simply waiting.

[Exit]

Brain wasn't normally one for violence, or even confrontation, but the snorting and head-shaking of this obnoxious man causes for his skin to crawl and blood to boil. Brain would be glaring down at the man, lips curling as he retorts, "As if I would care about your opinion, receptionist. Next time just do your job, I'm sure Soutaichou-sama wouldn't appreciate your disrespectful behavior in the slightest. Damned appalling, you are." His tone rose from it's zombie-like state, carrying with it a thick cloud of tension. However immediately after his retort, he would give the man behind the desk a small, "Tch," before he was heading away in anger. Not even twitching in the way of glancing back. Should he be stopped, then so be it. It'd be nearly useless to put up a fight with next to no experience on knowing how so in the event the smug receptionist would attempt to remove Brain from the building, it more or less happen with no hassle.

After heading through the main building and up the flight of stairs, he finds himself passing Kiba in the hallway leading up to Malik's office. "Greetings, Taichou-sensei." Brain would mumble at Kiba.

With each step toward Malik's door, his previous anger washes away and is replaced once more by nervousness. Shakily, his hand swivels into the bag hanging at his side, pulling out a small folder filled thickly with papers. When arriving at the door way, it seems the door was already flung open and with a considerable amount of damage and so he taps his knuckles against the frame of the doorway instead while clearing his throat, "Excuse me, Soutaichou-sama... I do not mean to intrude, but there is delicate report I have prepared regarding the well-being of our Rukon Citizens. It requires specifically your eyes, and ruling on the matter."

[bgcolor=000000]"Yes, of course." He replied, giving his head a small shake. "Ramblings of an old man counting his roosters before the eggs hatched. I'll be sure to have some extra supplies rationed for your troops on the wall.

"And be sure to keep them away from any alcohol as of right now I'm issuing an order that no alcohol is to be drank by our troops until this is over. Clear heads and strong wills are needed for what is to come, not drunken fools." As Kida marched out, Malik called after him. "You'll also be replacing that door!

"Now as for your re-" He had begun to speak to Ume, to address why she had come to see him. He had been hoping it might be due to what Kiba had brought to his attention, for it would make said conversation go that much quicker. But, he was interrupted by a voice, which matched a face he did not know. After a quick look over of the uniform, he saw he belonged to Kurisuna's division. A frown knitted itself upon his face.

"I am in the middle of a meeting with another Taicho, whatever you have to say can wait until I am finished addressing her." He stated bluntly. Yes his door was all but gone, which would be a bother, but there was still a certain degree of respect to be taken when approaching two Captains of the Gotei. Mainly, to not interrupt. "Take a seat in the lobby, I'll see you in a moment."

Orange-hued irises pinned on the annoyed expression of the soutaichou for but a short amount of time, their pupils constricted as she analyzed and scanned the room to find that Tanaka-Soutaichou was alone within the confines and serenity of his office; well, until the Yonbantai-Taichou decided to wreck the privacy and tranquility by bashing the door down. Ume hardly flinched or faltered in her slouched posture, crossing her arms against her chest as the onlookers piled up behind the two Taichou outside of the office. As she was motioned to come inside, Ume sauntered through the debris and broken door-frame, her steps careful as if to avoid the broken structure altogether.

Leaning against a wall, rather than a chair, the woman wanted to direct all attention to Kiba's announcement, listening tentatively but remaining quiet as the other two captains engaged in conversation. She wasn't one to talk, even in her estranged nature today. That and she wanted to steer clear from the smoke emerging from Malik's pipe as far as possible, considering it smelled disgusting and was unhealthy! Although Kiba inadvertently directed a suggestion at her for her men to take the front lines, she didn't interrupt; hesitant to address the situation, given her intention to entering Malik's office in the first place. Solemnly, she returned his nod with one of her own, eyes trailing his frame as Kiba departed rather gingerly, even joyously. What was running through his mind?

She catches sight of another approaching shinigami: a middle-aged looking man, to which Ume blankly stares for a brief moment, sighing inwardly as Malik already seemed to be having quite the busy day! And to think Ume had arrived early enough to escape the 'incoming traffic' headed toward Malik-Taichou's office! Those observing oculars resumed shifting back and forth between Malik and the third division member, before her frame sprouted up from her slumped and leaned posture, settling down against one of the chairs. "I know I haven't spoken much since my arrival, but I guess I've been trying to find the right words to say, Tanaka-Soutaichou." She admits rather gloomily, leaning forward as if to gesture she was attentive, inhaling deeply as if to collect enough air for her future response.

While she could extend her services to the hollows in the Rukongai, including the helpful hands of her men, Ume had an important announcement that could alter the situation, depending on Malik's answer. She needed to confess this first, before anything else could progress, proceed. This was the precedent that held the fate of her division and job by a thinly-woven thread, readily available to snap at any will; a delicate string in these so-called affairs of life.

Brain bows briefly while saying aloud, "Apologies, Soutaichou-sama and Taichou-sensei." The man would turn and begin down the hallway, hand tensely gripping at the report in his hand. He couldn't believe he had already managed to get on Malik's nerves, as it was so apparently plastered on his face. Surely now a presentation was out of the question, there was no way he could do this and so as he makes it to the lobby he would, without stopping, tell the receptionist, "Tell Soutaichou-sama that I have duties in my Division to attend, I cannot wait around in the lobby."

[exit]

[bgcolor=000000]

SPOILER: Click to show

Forgive the frankness and shortness of this reply, it's been long enough and I'm just so out of it I honestly don't think I could manage much more.

Smoked plumed from the pipe, encircling Malik's features as his hazel eyes studied her carefully. She was right, she had been terribly quiet since her arrival, disturbingly so even considering what was about to transpire. Grunting and groaning, he settled back into his chair and removed the pipe from his teeth and spoke but one sentence in reply.

"Well then, out with it." Some times the best way to say things was just to say it and not to try to cover it up with sugar coated worded. Life was too damned short, even for immortals.

Ume inhaled deeply, as if to mutter a long, drawn out statement; lips motioning as she mutters, "I am stepping down from my position and resigning as Captain. It's in the best interest of the Gotei 5, trust me." She exhaled as she spoke, face perhaps paller than usual as her hands, which rested comfortably upon her thighs, twitched almost unnoticeable. Obviously, she was a little anxious about her confession, but even just confiding in Malik-Taichou lifted some of the burden off of her slender, lean shoulders. Oh, how she also yearned to flee that disgusting, horrid smoke!

"I can provide my services to those in the Rukongai, but I am no longer fit to be a Captain of this Order, Soutaichou-sama. Taisho can handle things, now." Ume's eyes reflected the lackluster, dull gaze, as if she lost the passion that fueled her work, her determination and ultimately purpose for the Gotei. For now, she could only await to see his reaction, even as she lifted her arm to place the personalized Haori of hers upon his desk. What did he have to say about that?

[bgcolor=000000]Gingerly he rapped his fingers upon his desk's surface once she had said her piece, not replying right away. Instead, he simply stared at her. It was not a stare of malice, or contempt, but a stare none the less, one looking into her eyes looking for the meaning as to why she chose to resign, and now of all times.

After a minute, or two, Malik stood and walked around his desk, and placed cupped each of his hands around Ume's shoulders. "Every well, Lady Ume." He spoke softly, a small, sad, smile forming upon his lips. "As you know, we do not have a retirement policy. If you decide to leave the Gotei as a whole, you will have to leave this city, your current way of life. I ask, that you stay.

"Even if you're no longer a Captain, Taisho will be bettered by your experience and council in his new position. I ask you to stay within the Gotei, if only for his benefit. Whatever rank he wishes to bestow upon you, is up to him, not me. Quickly he pulled her into him and embraced her in a hug. "But, do what is best for you, in the end."

Her orange, dusky pair of sight-seeing orbs trailed the sauntering frame of Malik-Taichou's, glancing upward as he placed his hands tenderly upon her shoulders. Her head extended, chin pointed upward as she stared back at Malik, murmuring. "Well, I wasn't planning on completely leaving... so, yeah, I still want to help out, if I find what I'm looking for. Although, if things change, I'll be sure to leave in a respectful manner." She nods, standing upright and facing her superior before returning the gesture, oddly. Ume hardly embraced people, never knew the strength or tightness one should constrain the other in this so-called hug. Blinking briefly, her arms wrapped momentarily around him too gently, as if she thought he was fragile. This was strange, this small occasion of informality. Coughing suggestively, she gestured to cease this hug as quickly as possible, arms detaching from his torso. A blush flooded her cheeks, hardly witnessed due to the fabric against her lower frame. Mainly, she was shy and embarrassed, but perhaps Malik in reality portrayed a fatherly, er-uncle figure throughout her career. Her head turned to the dislodged and destroyed doorway, softly muttering. "Guess I should get going, now." She gazes back up at him, awaiting for his arms to return to his sides, but mainly for dismissal at the right time.

[bgcolor=000000]Pulling away from the embrace, Malik caught the blush and snorted a laugh. "My dear, don't be thinking such thoughts. Was only a hug." He gave her a coy wink and laughed as he went back behind his desk.

"Now that settles the matter you came here for, I shall summon Techimaru Taisho when the moment arises and let him know of his promotion. In the mean time my dear, I have much to do. As I'm sure you're aware, doom is on our doorstep.

"You're dismissed." He thumped his chest with a fist, a very old salute that he hadn't used in decades and then gave her a wave of his hand as a sign that she was free to go.

A brief salute and bow of her head later, Ume would wave as she departed the soutaichou's office, muttering. "Stay well, Tanaka-Taichou... perhaps I'll see you around sooner, rather than later." She muttered, a little higher in spirits as she mused whether or not this hollow situation required her immediate attention. As she stepped through the threshold of the damaged door out into the first division's hallways, Ume would ponder that question. Should she lend a hand, despite her off mentality?

Only time would tell, she supposed. Becoming a blur in Malik's view as she trekked further away from his office, the ex-captain of the fifth division would eventually exit from the ichibantai grounds entirely; stalking off into the nearby surroundings. There was much to do, in any case! However, a feeling of relief graced her features, and she walked off with a natural pep in her step; although the previous bout of her off-behavior still loomed like an invisible aura around her short, lean frame. If only she could figure it out!

[Exit; Tachibana Ume demoted to Unseated, 5th Division, now]

[bgcolor=000000]Watching her go, he sunk into his chair and looked solemnly at his poor mangled door. He liked that door, perhaps it could be saved. Yes, yes that would be wonderful indeed. At least something pleasant could come form this day.

Then the hinges buckled, and the door crashed, splitting in two. The force behind Kiba's boot, slaying it long before it's time. His face paled, his jaw hung and those in the lobby looked in at their very annoyed and seemingly distraught Taicho. "Nope.."

Giving his head a shake, he turned his chair around and opened the window which was normally at his back. Cupping his hands he whispered into them, what followed a brilliant white, purple and black glow and when he un-cupped his palms, out flew three tiny butterflies, each headed toward a different destination. Each, would carry a message to a different division, to inform them of what was about to transpire, additionally to the Fifth he sent a summon for Techimaru Taisho. It was a strange way to promote someone, something that hadn't been done for an age. But, it was clearly Ume's wishes and he would not deny her such, more so as it was her last official order and request as a Captain of the Gotei. He simply did not see he had the right to say no. But, Taisho's promotion might have to wait.

For now, war.

[end]

SPOILER: Click to show

Ume - 6 + 1

Malik - 8

Brain - 5

Kiba - 3

Thread locked, Ume demoted.