"Yoshiya Watson." he says a few times while tapping his index finger softly against his chin. There was something about this suspect's name on this report he is reading that catches his attention and for about maybe the last hour he has been trying to figure out who it was. A few minutes after the hour mark, he would give in and shout, "Tetra, get in here!" Tetra is his large, robust assistant standing tall at seven and a half feet with quite the impressive muscle tone. He looked more like a body guard than assistant.

Tetra fumbles in like the clumsy giant he is, saying, "Yes, sir?"

"I need you to pull up the files on Yoshiya Watson, and then after that I want you to make a run down to Medical and see Harupia about a copy of Yoshiya Watson's medical record, if there is any. Advise Taichou-sensei Harupia that it is of an urgent matter regarding one my high-priorty cases. Yoshiya Watson is our number one suspect." he mouthfuls all while skimming down through the report again, until locating the appearance in which he would read over repeatedly.

- Middle-aged appearance
- Orange hair, orange facial hair

It all sounded so vaguely familiar, but for some reason when he tried to picture the man through the description, it came out a blur. As if there was something shading his memory of the man. And in fact, there was. The day he had met Yoshiya was also the same day in which he nearly died of a combination heatstroke/anxiety-attack. This was why he was having trouble picture the man. "Think...think..think.." he mutters, each mutter bringing his fists clenched, tighter and tighter until the white of his knuckles were showing. he releases the tension by throwing his fists in the air and bringing them back down with a loud bang and shout, "Damnit!"

Truth be told, it was a little past midnight, and he was running on next to no sleep or food, so the sanity in which was threadlike, slowly unravels. And just like that he's thrown into a miny fit, hurling things off his desk, throwing frames off the walls and slamming his door all whilst cursing colorfully. About five minutes later, he was in the seat of his desk, head burried in his arms at the edge of said desk and he was out like a light. Snoozing away.

Early, the next morning, Brain is awoken by Tetra, whom was carrying with him, files and a cup of tea. Tetra sets the files down along with the tea before giving a glance around the tornado-struck office space. Brain reaches for his tea, glancing up at the observing Tetra, "It's my mess, and I'll clean it up. Besides I need you to go put in a request for two escort Shinigami. I will be transporting a suspect and if the man truly is guilty, I will need such protection."

Tetra wanted to oppose the order, suggesting he could tag along as an escort instead. But he knew Brain wasn't to fond of letting him leave the Seireitei, so he didn't bother. Tetra just nods and says, "Right away sir."

Brain perches the rip of the small tea cup to his lips and sips gently before setting the cup back down. After getting a bit of taste in his mouth, he would reach over and take the medical file, opening it to examine the contents, "This is disappointing, there's like, literally nothing in here." He tosses that file to the side, and pulls up the Third Division file.

This file was just as thin, but with a little more weight. He opens the folder, and is shown a makeshift profile of the man along with roster information. And then what is this? As Brain lifts the papers to better see the small text, a note from inbetween would slip out and hit the desk. raising an eyebrow, he would take the note and open it, "What's this?"

Resignation letter

Dear Taichou Saikokui,

Due to my further declining health, I am afraid I must submit my resignation with immediate effect. I apologise profusely for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sincerely, Y. Watson.

3rd Division, Unseated.

"Huh," Brain says in mild surprisement, "Well that explains the roster. This man is ex-third Division.. I don't think Taichou-dono will be to be pleased to find out an ex-member is stirring up ruckus in the Rukongai." He sets the letter down and then grabs the roster, looking through it, "Well I'll be damned, he really is a ex Third Division. Unseated though." Brain sets the roster info down on the medical files and he begins looking down at the small profile they made for him. The descritpion of Yoshiya's appearance in this file matched, right down to a key, the witness' report. Not only that, but this description was much more detailed. Upon finishing it, he would begin to remember bits and pieces of Yoshiya.

Fish.

Sun.

A cat.

Fire.

Slowly, the event came crawling toward his mind and it all came back, eventually. he remembered this man. there was no way in hell he could be a murderer. But, then again, he wasn't alone too long with him either, he now recalls two Shinigami, he couldn't remember the male, but he sure did remember the female. It was Sumei, his current Fukutaichou. though just because this man had saved his life in the past, did not mean he wasn't liable to change. everyone changes and it is nonetheless his job to interrogate this man.

Repetitively he would go over both e case and files before he was interrupted by Tetra, "Taichou-dono has acknowledged your request and given us two escorts for the job, they are at the gate and ready to depart when you are, sir."

"During my departure, I need you to go clean up my private interrogation room, in the back of my Office." he says, giving him a stern look, as if saying he better do it it right this time. Then Brain says, "After that, you are to water the plants outside my windows. We don't want another episode of Taichou-dono's wrath, cause it'll be both our heads if those flowers dry up again."

Brain gets up and tip-toes out of his office, careful not to crumble or dirty any of the papers he threw on the ground in his fit last night. In the next few minutes he would be at the Third Division gates, greeting his escorts and informing them of the task they were to complete. After so the trio would be off in search for Yoshiya, heading to the Rukongai to scout specific locations said suspect usually would hang around. "The files say he is a working man, so we'll check with a few of the local employers, preferably in the manual labor department."

Within the next hour the group would be in the Third District, questioning people while keeping an eye out.

On seventh street, past Maple Avenue, down left before the Bamboo fountain lies a café. It is a pleasant spot in an otherwise tumultuous world, with outside seating, a warm atmosphere, and good food. The open front wall allowed Yoshiya to sit in a dark corner, and watch the world go by. To sit in his corner and eat breakfast.

His plate was full of delectable edibles, full of stuff to keep a working man going. Bacon, sausages, potato and soda bread, toast, hash brown and even a pancake, all with a helping of beans over it. His staff stood propped up next to him as he tucked into his meal, enjoying the dish, washing it down with a fresh glass of milk.

Today would be a relatively good day, he was in decent enough spirits, though his grub tended to have that effect on him. Comfort eating, one may say.

The long walk over to the third District had taken it's toll upon Brain in the form of loud grumbles, emitting from his stomach. This wasn't just any upset stomach, no, this stomach was running on a few sips of tea for the last, almost, twenty-four hours. As his two escorts would awkwardly be keeping company amongst the groans and grumbles of his stomach, he would grow slightly embarrassed, though not showing it, he would temporarily dismiss the two, "We're splitting up, go down this road and approach Mr. Jendukai, he is the employer of a large transportation service and he might have some information. I'll go the opposing way and question another employer."

Brain would turn away from the two before heading away in said direction. When turning the nearest corner he is removed from sight and suddenly taken by the next scent in which fills his nostrils. Much like in a trance, he would wander over toward the smell on the will of his stomach. The man unknowingly passes Yoshiya, entering the cafe. once getting the attention of one of the workers, he places his order and says afterwards, "I'll be outside." Brain then exits the small building and plops down in the closet seat, back to Yoshiya.

Yoshiya watched as an unkempt Shinigami joined him for breakfast. Well, to say joined would be obviously incorrect, as he was availing of their outside seating, whilst Yoshiya was well within the restaurant.

He took his knife, and cut off some potato bread, the surface of it moistened with tomato from the beans, and slid it into his mouth.

The potato farl, also known as a fadge is a delectable thing. The chef had beforehand taken a one pound potato and mashed it, adding in a little salt and two tablespoons of butter, before kneading in three quarters of a cup of flour until it made a dough, a dough which he would roll 'til it was but half an inch thick, then cut it into four inch squares. The squares were then fried in a well greased pan (the cook used bacon grease for extra flavour) for around four minutes, until they were golden brown.

As he ate his fadge his eyes settled on the back of Brain's head. For some reason, looking at him made Yoshiya crave fish. "Curious," he thought, as he tucked into hash brown.

Being that this particular place wasn't very busy, his order was almost ready. It was odd, that the place was not packed because the aroma it let out should have attracted any person with a fraction of an appetite. Nonetheless this was not of Brain's concern, no, instead the man was lax, leaning into the cushions of his wooden chair as his pupils dance around the landscape before him. People along the street traversed in mildly small crowds, as others moved by horse or cart. The sunlight stretches down upon him, and the general area with such a warmth that it brought a small smile to the man's lips. He enjoyed times like, sitting alone with not a care in the world. though this feeling would soon wash away as the inevitable objective of his mission would set into his mind once more.

Brain sighs softly and reaches into the satchel hanging at his side. He retrieves the report on the Serial Killer, setting it on the small stone slab of a table presented in front of him. Being that the wind was low to none, he was confident that the need of a paperweight would not be. As he waits for his order to arrive he begins to go over the description of the suspect seen at the latest murder. Then after that he would go over the witness' name above the statement, attempting to ring any sort of a bell. As he does this his order would be dropped off by a young man, the arrival of said platter causes for his train of thought to literally derail from it's tracks, tumble barrel-like down a steep hill and explode into pieces upon landing. Yeah, this thought was long gone and replaced by an overwhelming sensation to gorge down into the delightful looking assortment of food.

The platter set down consisted of three plates, a few dishes and one drink. On smallest plate, there is a mountain of pancakes heavily coated in butter with a side dish of freshly derived syrup, next was the second largest plate, holding two large orders, stacked, of fried hashbrowns and last, but definitely not least, is the largest plate carrying with it two thick-cut slices of ham under eight sausage links cascading a pile of scramble eggs that is decked over with half a dozen strips of bacon. All that with a large mug of steaming hot coffee.

Unable to contain himself, he would shuffle the papers away and dine in, grabbing the fork and knife so that he could begin plunging food down his maw. Truly, he did not care who was watching, he just cared about getting that food down his gullet.

It did not take long for Brain to be served. Nor did it take Yoshiya long to eat breakfast, he did have places to be. Brain had not been dining for more than two minutes when Yoshiya polished off the rest of his meal. He had work to seek after all.

The man arose, sheathed his staff, picked up his cutlery and deposited it at the appropriate station, before walking up to the till and paying his bill.

" Thank-you Mr. Watson, please come again," said the member of staff behind the till.

" Thank-you," came his reply, in a quiet gruff voice, typical of him, as the hooded man turned and started to head out of the establishment.

Within the two minutes it had taken Yoshiya to up and pay his bill, Brain's pace of consumption would be slowing down as the intake of eggs and meat would begin to pile in his throat. He takes the rim on his mug and perches it to his lips whilst very slightly tipping the mug upward so that he could gather a few sips and wash down his food. Bringing the cup down to the table, he swerves his tongue around his teeth and then around the edges of his gums in a cleansing manner before releasing a soft sigh of enjoyment. When he was about to start mowing down once more, however his attempt would be halted by the faint farewell to one of the cafe's customers, "Thank-you Mr. Watson, please come again,"

The words made Brain want to whiplash his gaze in the direction, but instead he remained relaxed, left his food be for a minute and just sat there. All until Yoshiya would come into view. From the corner of his eye, for about exactly a second, there is the fraction of an orange coloration, though when the second passed it was because of the man's attire and how he was hooded. So when the man assumed to be Yoshiya was only about three to four feet away from where Brain was eating, he would call out in a clear, familiar tone of voice, "Yoshiya Watson!" There was no doubt or hesitation in his call, and Brain presents the tone in such a fashion, the man would have no choice but to turn and see the caller, if it was in fact Yoshiya Watson. Nonetheless, should he not turn, he would inevitably gain a tail.

"Yoshiya Watson!"

The tone of voice immediately dampened his spirit. It was too warm and affectionate, no doubt someone who had no business, but merely wanted some social interaction. He would have to be brief here, but polite. No sense in burning bridges needlessly.

He spun towards the speaker. The combined forces of his voice and his face, which the cloaked figure could now get a good look at brought back memories.

"You're that guy I met by the river around the turn of the century, aren't you? Didn't recognise you in that Shinigami uniform there." His voice had an air of curiosity about it, of realisation. "'fraid I can't stop and chat though, I need to get to work."

He gave a slight bow, turned, and continued his journey out of the establishment, at his usual brisk pace.

Brain gives a soft sigh, reaching into his satchel for a bit of pay. Once having obtained the right amount of gold for his meal, he would place the coins upon the table and take off. Being that his pace was a little more elevated in speed than Yoshiya's, Brain would catch up rather easily. Instead of attempting to halt the man by contact, or verbally, he would get a good few feet in front of Yoshiya and stop dead in his tracks while saying, "As much as I would like to thank you for your kindness on that day, that is not the matter I am here to discuss with you." If Yoshiya had stopped, and Brain did say that much he would keep going, "As you most likely know, I serve under the Third Division. And I am currently on the job. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a few questions regarding a case of mine." Brain raises his open palm in a directing manner, gesturing that they return to the cafe for a private talk. And as Brain was motioning towards the Cafe, from behind him, in front of Yoshiya, the two escorts come into view, far off and barely turning the corner down this street.

The ground he had made this time was marginally greater than he had last time? Would he ever get to work? It appeared not. The two others behind Brain made it clear. Even if Yoshiya did mind, he had no say in the matter. Unless he wanted to duel. "Meh, probably not worth it"

"As you wish." He looked to the two behind Brain as he spoke, his voice with a sense of boredom upon it. He moved slowly, so as to not trigger a reaction from any of the Shinigami, and walked to the table where Brain's breakfast still was, taking the seat across from where the brown haired one had been earlier, though not before draping his cloak and belt around behind it.

"So, what is this about?" he inquired, after Brain sat down. "I hope he has something specific to ask me, and isn't hoping for my brainpower, can't a man retire?"

Toddling along the 3rd District, Raiu was officially 'on the lam'. The little tyke had, yet again, busted out of her home, avoiding lessons and lectures in one fell swoop. The day was promising to be glorious, full of sunshine and adventures, so how could she suffer to be indoors all day, learning? Blech!

In the back of her mind, she did feel a small squirm of guilt. She would probably worry her sister, should the news get back to her, and some of the other family members she respected, but bleh, she was meant to roam! How could they expect the curious little explorer to stay cooped up inside? Madness!

With her allowance jingling merrily in her pocket, and a walking stick (which doubled as a pretend sword) in her hand, she set off for the Rukongai, ending up in the ever interesting Third District. Here, there was hustle and bustle to witness. All sorts of people congregated to this place, as it was a marketplace, full of shops, restaurants, stands, and stalls. It was teeming with activity. She dressed slightly moderate today, wearing a plain sky blue kimono top with matching blue, wide leg shorts that ended just at her knee, tied off at the middle with a purple sash. She had wooden geta on her feet, and her trademark eyepatch over her conspicuous eye. She didn't always wear the eyepatch at home, but out in public, she almost always did. Something about the obvious birthmark caught too much attention, and made the little girl feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, hence the eye patch. Her inky dark blue hair was only slightly messy, but the day was young.

As she ventured down a street, she felt her stomach grumble for sustenance. Perhaps it was time to find something to eat. Coming to a halt, she peered about, eyes catching on a most promising place: A cafe. Clonking inside, she climbed into a vacant seat at a vacant table, one next to the table currently occupied by Yoshiya, Brain, and company.

Whacking her stick on the table, she called out, "Raiu the Dread Pirate Lord demands pancakes!!"

A waitress scurried up to the table, eyes wide, "Are you alone, little one? Where is your Mommy or Daddy?"

Raiu laughed heartily, like the men in her books, "Ah fair wench, you warm me heart! A Dread Pirate Lord has no need for a Mommy or Daddy! Do not fret, I have recently pillaged the Seven Seas, so I can pay for my meal. Now make with the pancakes!" She chortled, swatting the woman playfully on the butt with her stick. The exchange was meant to sound suave and adult-like, but with Raiu's girlish, bright voice, it was probably more comical than anything. The waitress gave the little girl an amused look before shuffling off with her order.

The young shinigami sighed a little on the inside, turning his head upwards just a little in order to steal a glance at the sun. How many years has it been? How many years has he been wearing this uniform and carrying this blade? Not many, not even five centuries. When compared to some of his colleagues who had a thousand, or even over one thousand years of active service, it wasn't that much of an impressive amount of time at all - at least for him. And yet, he felt quite content with everything he had managed to accomplish so far. Not too much, but just enough for him to truly enjoy his work. Still, as much as he enjoyed conducting his duty he needed a break every once in a while. For even the so called 'Gods of Death' have their limits.

So he had the entire day ahead to relax and collect his thoughts, but he was still not entirely sure of how to do it. Now, it isn't that he had run out of things to do and enjoy. He could always paint, play his flute, visit the park and maybe even walk around without a point. There was always something new to do and to explore. The problem in this case was 'what to pick'. He was just feeling uncharacteristically undecisive this particular day, though he didn't actively mind that. There was no rush nor any sort of obligation to fulfill. In a way, him trying to lazily decide what to do is proof that this day is indeed here for him to relax. Still, he had to do something - and fortunately, it didn't take him too long to find just the thing.

Aoyama Ryōichi was no stranger to the streets of the Third District you see. He would visit the place regularly even before he became a Shinigami and so he always made sure to have a few stores in mind to visit. Some of these merely irked his interest through their design, purpose, or products. Others merely had a nice feel to them and others had a relatively good reputation.

One of those stores just so happens to be Yoshiya's cafe, having earned its place in the list thanks to its pleasant atmosphere, good food (according to rumors) and appealing exterior and interior design. It seemed like a good place to visit during the early hours of the day for some food and coffee/tea. A good place to relax, think, possibly meet new people and just lazily make plans for the rest of the day.

It is for these reasons that the man is now entering the cafe, his long loose hair gently swaying along with the motion. He is carrying his Zanpakutō as always and has opted to wearing his shihakushō today, not feeling like wearing something more casual. True, some Rukon citizens give him some odd looks when he is in uniform. It is something  that he got used to a long time ago and so it no longer bothers him in the least.

The two would sit down luckily in time before his food was taken away and so when plopping down, he would turn to signal the waitress over. Over as he turned, there was this loud, obnoxious high-pitched feminine voice that seems to come out of literally nowhere.

Whacking her stick on the table, she called out, "Raiu the Dread Pirate Lord demands pancakes!!"

And such voice would cause Brain to instead shift his gaze in the direction it originates from. At first, he didn't see anyone, until looking utilizing his peripherals. he would peer downward at the wee tyke and was about to say something to her, when the waitress came around to see the ruckus. And after Raiu demands to be fed pancakes, Brain would lean over and tap the waitress lightly on the left side of her shoulder, "Excuse me, miss? On your way back, can you take my dishes? I need space on the table." He would then lean back to his spot, take a few uneaten sausage links as well as the completely untouched rows of bacon and he places them neatly on the plate of his, also untouched, pancakes. After sop he would pick the plate up carefully, and maneuver around the waitress so he could place the plate on the little girl's table. He felt that the food would be thrown away, so why let it go to waste. he merely approaches the wee one with a gentle smile as he sets the plate down, "Do not waste 'yee booty' on a slab of delicious pancakes, Dreaded Pirate Lord Raiu. You may have mine, if you so please."

Afterwards, if Raiu had accepted the offering, Brain would shoot the waitress a glance, basically letting her know that Raiu accepted the pancakes and an order wasn't needed. Nonetheless, accepted or not, Brain would return almost immediately to Yoshiya and sigh softly. his stomach was satisfied, but surely he could have still eaten. But that was not a possibility, not while on the job and sure as hell not in front of his comrades. So as if he never just attempted to do a kind deed, he would return to his seat, slumped over and with 'I rather not be here' kind of face plastered on. he takes out a yellow paper folder and opens it, pulling up the very first thin slice of paper. He would read it over and say to Yoshiya, "So, we're not within the privacy required to discuss most of what I wanted, so we'll discuss small things. For one, as you may have already noticed, there have been an extensive string of murders occurring in the Rukongai. Are you aware that said-"

Suddenly his concentration is broken as within the corners of his eyes, he would spot a familiar face. One such that would prove rather helpful if he would lend the hand. So cutting from his statement, he would turn his head, and look at Ryō briefly before calling out in greeting, "Aoyama Ryōichi." Brain's dominant right hand would raise in an open palm, slowly waving inward as to motion the man over to his table. "Apologies, Yoshiya. Ryō here is a comrade of mine, and he'll be possibly assisting me in toady's duties."

Yoshiya groaned as more people entered the café. He favoured it because it was quiet. Now some lousy child and more Shinigami muscle had entered. A loud mouth, rambunctious child, without any social airs or graces, not a drop of humility within her. His patience had left him.

"Mr Aoyama," he gave a nod to the Shinigami as he was introduced, then turned to look at Brain. "Greinz, was it? I can't afford to sit here and talk all day, unless I am under arrest, I shall be making my leave."

He stared into the eyes of the one beyond the table, awaiting his arrest or release.

Upon the appearance of the man, along with free food, Raiu's face split into a genuine, delighted smile, forgetting her pirate persona for a moment.

Playing pirate was one of her favorite "'maginations", as she liked to call it. It was largely due to her attachment to her eyepatch, something that started as a self-conscious cover-up to a bizarre birthmark. It was one of only sort of negative self-imagery the girl had. Such behavior was perhaps viewed as out of character for her, but the birthmark had garnered her years of weird looks, rude nicknames, and laughter. The little scrappy thing could tolerate nearly anything, laughing off or ignoring people, but her eye one was thing she was a little sensitive about. Raiu liked laughter, but not directed at her. Such laughter got the girl into many fights in over the years, resulting in bloody lips, bruises, cuts, and tattered clothes.

She never told, though. She had pride, after all, and such pride gave birth to a vow: That someday she would be strong, strong enough to vanquish all her enemies!

More than likely, her family had an inkling, especially her sister, who was the closest of them all to Raiu, but Raiu never admitted to the bullying. But perhaps her sister, family, or even friends would notice that Raiu did not regularly play with groups of children. Children, after all, could be so cruel. It was a shame, for she had such a grand imagination, and could make up some of the best games to entertain herself as she plodded around on her adventures.

Accepting the food that Brain set on her table, the girl exploded with gratitude, in her own strange way. "The Dread Pirate Raiu thanks you, and is most pleased with yer offerin', Gramps!" Taking up her eating utensils, she began to feast most heartily, after the kind man had gone back to his table.

"Fair wench!" she called out to the waitress, "Milk!"

After completing whatever duties she had pressing, like clearing off the previously mentioned table the waitress returned to her side, bringing said drink. Raiu took a hold of the cloth of her garb and gave it a gentle tug, waving her close so that the girl may whisper to the lady. The lady leaned down and listened, nodding. The waitress returned to Brain's table, "Sorry to interrupt, but the young lady would like to buy you all a round of milk." The woman was grinning, perhaps amused at the young girl's actions. Usually when one buys a round of drinks, it was some manner of alcohol, after all.

SPOILER: Click to show

Spoiler
Sorry if I caused some confusion, the cafe does not belong to Yoshiya.

Ryōichi quickly spots a few people within the establishment, the first one being the cheerful and noisy child. He studies her for a few moments, noting her unusual hair-colour and eyepatch, but soon enough averts his gaze as someone calls out to him. Slowly he turns around, his gaze falling on the table and the 4 individuals. Three of them he does not know - the Rukon citizen (he assumes he is) and two of the three shinigami. There is one that he knows however, the one that called out to him.

"Greinz-san..." he says calmly but also loudly enough for them to hear. Despite meeting someone that he is on generally good terms with his expression does not change, staying perfectly neutral.

Walking past the young girl without throwing her as much of a glance, he soon reaches the aformentioned table. He walks neither too quickly nor too slowly, maintaining a uniform and graceful pace, his gaze high and centered on the group. Once he reaches them he bows his head respectfully,

"It's good to see you out on such a fine day. Is there a problem? I thought I heard you say there was something I can help you with." he asks, throwing a quick, cold glance at the Rukon. From what he heard, he said something about being arrested? Odd. But before he can ask what this is all about the waitress comes with news of joy. Apparently, the 'dreaded pirate' that has currently decided to 'plunder' this fine establishment has decided to grace the group with a round of 'grog'. In which case stands for milk. As Ryōichi is still not sitting on the table with them, he assumes that it is not meant for him. As a matter of fact, he doesn't even know if Brain actually wants him to sit with them.

Brain absolutely dreaded situations such as these. The place was crowded and he felt slightly closed in, as if there was growing nervousness from within side of him. Nonetheless, he would not show such an emotion, he merely hardened his careless gaze. After Yoshiya would say something, Brain raises a single finger to signal to Yoshiya to give him one second. Though that could have been easily misunderstood as Brain telling him to be quiet. As Ryo approaches the group, Brain would motion to last available seat, offering, "Please, Ryo. If you aren't to busy, I'd like for you to join us. There is no immediate problem, just a case I'd like you to assist me with. Coffee is on me?" Brain normally didn't converse so freely, or familiar-like with people, but there were certain souls amongst this realm that had earned his respect. This man being one of of those souls.

After having properly greeted and offered the coffee, Brain would be interrupted by the waitress, saying something about how the wee one was offering to buy them all a round of milk. It was an odd, but no doubt kind, gesture and so Brain would, for the table, accept said offering while also ordering a pot of coffee for their table. Once the waitress was gone, Brain peered over at Raiu and gave her a simple nod of thanks before returning to his work. "Uhm.. okay, you had just asked me if you were under arrest? Well, no. You are not. However while having said that i must verbally exercise my authority now, and advise that you do not get up and leave this table, as under current laws I can detain and question suspects should they have warranted such action, and without even making the attempt to leave sir, you have already warranted such action by being, as I was trying to say earlier, our number one suspect."


Dundundundundun~

SPOILER: Click to show

This post now available as audio vocaroo.com/i/s13fkttXez23

Yoshiya turned and gave a salute to Raiu. Perhaps this child wasn't so bad after all. He turned back to Brain, his eyes narrow.

"Don't be giving me that tripe, mate.

No such law exists. I keep myself abreast of such things, and no such law exists.

Secondly, I question your jurisdiction. Why would Seireitei care about Rukons murdering Rukons? Unless they are threatening the interests of the Gotei, then you have no jurisdiction. Unless, of course, said Rukon is murdering Shinigami, or you suspect me of being a Hollow.

Of course, that isn't even the biggest hole in your statements."

His voice rose, sheer impatience dripping off every syllable.

"I am your number one suspect? If I were, I would be under arrest, and you would have a warrant. You have your guards with you, you have papers. But no warrant? I find this very hard to believe. Either produce the warrant for my arrest, or I will be leaving."

Raiu hadn't noticed Ryōichi as of yet, as she was busy devouring her breakfast and sipping on milk. However, she did notice the gestures of thanks coming from the men receiving her milk, which gave her cheeks a flush of joy as she saluted them as a sign of brotherhood.

Finishing up the last bite of her meal with relish, as the girl ate like a hurricane, she slapped a bit of coin on the table for the milk and a tip before easing off her chair. She felt warm and happy, her tummy full with the delicious feast that was so kindly provided to her. This was why she liked adults better than children, well some of them anyway. Children would be apt to throw stones, but adults, why they provided pancakes! They also could provide other treats and snacks, if one possessed enough guile. Raiu was no stranger to guile, a wormy little beast chock-full of clever.

She was bouncing her past the table of merry milk drinking men when she came to a halt, mouth forming into a little O as she looked up at Ryōichi. Without hesitating, as she wasn't a shy girl, she would come up to him and reach to tug on his clothing to get his attention. She would then say, "Hiiiii." Clearing her throat, the little girl grinned, "Doya wanna be my first mate, Prince-sama?"

She was oblivious to the tension at the table, eyes only on Ryōichi, wide and shining with admiration. Raiu was a fan of older men, especially pretty ones, and in her eyes, Ryōichi was very pretty, with his long flowing hair, fair skin, and youthful face.

Ryōichi nods once politely and carefully sits on the last free chair. He does so completely straight up, his back forming a perfectly straight line, his feet closed and his hands resting on top of each other in front of him. He turns to the waitress briefly, expression calm and serious.

"I'd like my milk cold. Thank you." he says before turning to the two men and taking in their conversation. Apparently there are murders happening in the Rukongai lately, and the Rukon is the number one suspect. Makes sense so far, true. But there is one thing that...doesn't quite add up in the whole situation. Why is Brain here? From what he know, Brain is a member of the Third Division which is responsible for information, research and development. They, in no way, are obliged to seek out criminals. That is a job for his division as a matter of fact - and even their authority doesn't reach beyond the walls of Seireitei. As such, he has to admit that Yoshiya is making some rather sound statements.

"I'm certain that you have every good reason to do this, and I'm also certain that you have serious proof. I know you, Greinz-san, and you make no rushed movements. But he does make a point - us shinigami have no immediate power over the Rukon Districts. It is why the rift happened in the first place - because they wanted to distance themselves from our laws. So you truly do require papers if you're going to arrest a Rukon whose guilt hasn't been proven yet. But...." he pauses, turning from Brain to the suspect, "...Yoshiya-san, do remember the general agreement between the Rukongai and Seireitei - you offer us resources, we offer you protection. That doesn't have to limit itself to Hollows only, at least not in such 'special' situations. And besides, why do you resist? If you are indeed innocent and have nothing to hide, just come. It is but routine, if you are not guilty you will most certainly be released. Please, help us help you." he concludes with a respectful bow of the head.

It is then, as he waits for the other 2 to speak, that he feels a gentle tug on his robes. Turning his head downwards to see what is the cause of this, he spots the rowdy little girl that had offered milk to them just a bit before. It also seems that she has a rather amusing proposition for him - to become her 'first mate', not to mention the fact that she called him a 'prince'. Still, this does cause a few problems - he doesn't feel like refusing, and has no reason to. On the other hand, he doesn't exactly want the little girl to just sit there and hear them talk about politics, protocol and murder. He'll just have to try and wing it, it seems.

"Ah....Raiu, was it? I never thanked you for the milk I believe, so thank you. As for your offer....I think I shall accept, though there is one small matter I have to work out with the rest of the gentlemen here. I doubt it will take much longer, so don't worry. You also don't have to sit here and listen, you'll probably get bored. But as soon as I am done, I'll be yours for the rest of the day." he says calmly, trying to give her a reason to not just sit there and listen to them talk. He trully does doubt this whole thing will last for much longer, one way or the other.

So far Yoshiya was turning out to be hostile and that made Brain feel like the man had something to hide. Nonetheless, Brain knew all to well about privacy, and this by some fraction was an invasion of his. Not to mention he knew the man had somewhere to be, so to some degree a matter of wasting his time could have been doing just same. All these factors had to be taken into account, but primarily were the ones that made Yoshiya sound guilty. Still, it was far to earlier to make any solid judgement, so continuously Brain would just shuffle through his papers, and let Ryo give response. And even after then, for about a solid minute of reading papers carelessly, he would finally peer upward and say, "I've already said you aren't under arrest, sir. However, I seem to have lost you when mentioning current laws." Brain pauses and shoots Ryo a brief glance before turning his gaze back to his papers, "No, here in the Rukongai, I find there are a lack of laws. However, Yoshiya Watson, I don't know how the Third Division did things in your day, but nowadays if we think a suspect, and I am repeating myself, warrants detaining, than said suspect will be detained for questioning. In other words, our investigative branch seems to have gathered enough data to point us in your direction."

"Now as for the documentation you require from me, well, Yoshiya Watson, I require no such "warrant paper", in fact if I wanted to, I can just up and take you off the street given the circumstances, but I'm trying to nice, I'm trying get out of the Office and enjoy the day, but as it would so seem, you're reluctant to let me enjoy myself while I work."

Brain finally sets his papers down again, puts them back in the folder, shuts the folder and then looks up at Yoshiya, saying while trying to ignore Raiu's appearance at Ryo's side, "I'm following protocol. Can we sit here, drink some coffee and hack through motions so I could get to questioning you already." Right about then, almost as if the lass was waiting around a corner for an opening, the waitress comes around to their table, setting down the round of milk, along with a medium pot of coffee. Momentarily she would depart only to return with a series of mugs, setting a single one down in front of each man before she poured the coffee in. "Enjoy." she says sweetly before leaving them to their business.

They weren't letting him go, were they? Though, this Ryōichi seemed to have somewhat of a head on his shoulders. He addressed him first, in a softer tone of voice. He let out a small sigh.

"Aoyama-san, you have answered your first point yourself. The split occurred as some did not want to live under Gotei laws. To have Shinigami enforcing their laws here, on purely Rukon matters... and, for the Rukongai to have its own universal set of laws would be in contravention of the freedom these people sought. You cannot act in this instance, unless the Gotei have some interest. I cannot attempt to comprehend the implications of this, for reasons our friend," he directed his hand to Brain "could probably explain to you, special situations or no situations. You can't act, it's a slippery slope. Really, I am somewhat surprised this action got approved." He became colder for a moment, a threat thinly veiled behind his words. "Which makes me suspect that this is not your reason for detaining me"

He raised himself, returning to a tone only marginally colder than his original speech.

"As for your second point, why I don't stay, unlike you guys, if I am sitting here, I'm not earning money. And I will tell you, most day labourers live from hand to mouth. Not that this applies to me, but they don't need to know that. As such, I have incentive to refuse to answer questions, regardless of whether I am guilty or not. I should add here, I am not guilty of these crimes"

He became harsher as he started to address Brain. Unlike the one from the 4th division, Brain should know better.

"The provisions you state are only relevant if someone is an immediate threat. A bandit attacks one of your patrols, for instance. A Shinigami is seen stealing from a store. That sort of thing. It is clear that this does not apply here. Though it appears you didn't expect to find me here, it appears you were looking for me. You ask me how the Third was back in my day?" It was at this juncture that his voice became almost grandiose. "Back in my day, the people in investigations filled in page after page of paperwork. We believed in keeping records in those days. If someone so much as sneezed, it was logged. That means that if something went wrong we had a paper trail to follow. Young man, am I to understand that you don't keep records any more? That no more paper will be added to that file of yours? What has become of the division?" Sure, it was not his branch, his investigations were more scholarly than criminal, but even he had reams of paperwork to fill in. Everyone had to undergo classes in research ethics before they became anything more of a dogsbody. And he was aware that those who dealt in criminal investigations had to account for their tracks much more thoroughly than he had.

He sighed, focusing on a distraction. The waitress attended their table, setting down the milk and coffee. He raised a hand to decline the later. Milk should be drunk pure and unspoiled, and he wasn't a fan of coffee anyway.

"But gentlemen, I digress from what is truly important. I propose a toast to a man on his promotion. Congratulations, first mate Ryōichi."

With that, Yoshiya raised his milk into the air. He had no idea why he did it. Perhaps he was exasperated and just wanted a small comedy to relax him somewhat. This whole business was getting himself rather excited, and not in a good way. He longed to go and tend to the fields, where life was simpler, where he could be away from all of this, and lose himself in his labours. But this...this was a disturbance to the peace he sought. He needed his isolation.

Smiling with bright elation, Raiu beamed as Ryōichi consented to her offer. She clutched her little hands together, swooning a bit as she stared up at him with dreamy eyes, just barely noticing the words he spoke, until he proposed she go off and wait for him until his business was done with the other men.

Shaking her head, Raiu made to climb onto his lap, settling in and getting comfortable.

"Adults often tell you it won't be long, but it ends up bein' ages." she told him knowledgeably, looking up at him with a roguish smile. "The Dread Pirate Lord waits here, with her Prince-sama." She spoke with such authority that it was as if that settled the matter, at least in her mind. She took a look at the other men at the table, noting their appearances and respective ages, and also sensing a bit of tension on their faces.

"Whatchu guys talkin' about?"

Ryōichi carefully takes in every single word that both the adults say. Each one has a specific meaning, each one describes a specific emotion. Words are important and they can break or fix things as small as men and as large as kingdoms. The members of the Fourth Division know that well, to pay attention to even the smallest of things during investigations, questionings and interrogations. He can see the tension, he can hear it, he can feel it, he can even taste it in the air. Both men are slowly, but surely, getting frustrated with each other. It is only natural, regardless for the motives that guide each of their actions.

He can understand Brain's feelings. He wants to do good, he wants to help. Maybe it is from a sense of responsibility, or of duty. Maybe it is something personal. Maybe he was ordered, or maybe he even just likes this sort of thing. In the end, he is following the protocol when it comes to having several suspects; approach and question each and every one of them, starting from the top of the list and moving towards the bottom. Even if the suspect is not immediately found, each person that is marked as 'innocent' means one less suspect, and also one step closer to making out who the murderer is. But he has to be certain, he has to be sure that someone is innocent before crossing them out of the list. But with Yoshiya's refusal of cooperating even in the least he can't do that. He can't decide if he is innocent or not, and so the investigation is slowed down. And the more time he takes to solve the puzzle, the more Rukons will die.

He can also sympathise with Yoshiya, to some degree. If he is indeed innocent, it is only natural to not like being suspected. As a former shinigami, he also must've left due to disagreements with the way the Gotei work. As such, a shinigami approaching him might very well be seen not just an intrusion of his privacy, but also denying him what he sought when he left Seireitei in the first place - to stay away from both the shinigami as well as their laws. So in some ways, he can excuse the man for his rather hostile behaviour.

But what matters truly in the end is what can result of the actions of each man? What could happen if one of them were to back down? It's not about whose side is 'right' or 'wrong' in terms of motives, but whose side tries to bring about better results.

Then however the little girl answers his suggestion to wait someplace else with a refusal, and then promptly sits on top of his lap. He was expecting that sort of outcome to be honest, the girl looked far too energetic to just sit away from her newfound first mate. That only complicated the entire situation, as now they will have to talk about murder and crime investigation in front of her. Great. Holding back a sigh he pats the little girl on top of the head gently before grabbing his cup of milk.

"We aren't talking about anything too important. Rather boring really, and I do believe we'll be done soon. Nothing a Pirate Lord should concern herself with. Now, the toast..." he says gently and downs his glass in one go, wipping any traces of milk from his lips with his right thumb which he then licks clean. He is careful enough however to ensure that he doesn't stain his uniform, or the little girl currently sitting on his lap.

"There is one thing I will have to say, Yoshiya-san. You have a choice here, to help or not to help Greinz-san. What he wants to do is a good thing and by merely backing off just a little bit you can help with that. If money and food are your actual problems, we can 'hire' you for today and give you both money and food. It is your choice, of course..." he says in a perfectly calm and normal fashion, though that is not exactly what he means by those words. He can only hope Yoshiya will catch the meaning as he can't be too direct, for Raiu is here. And the meaning is this;

"So you're saying that you put the meal of the day above the lives of your fellow Rukons? Don't joke with us, that's not why you don't want to go with him."

For the most part, Brain just let Yoshiya give his response, not even bothering to address his statements on the Third Division's jurisdiction. Mostly because if Yoshiya had any sort of noteworthy participation within said Division, he would've known they're with these abilities, such as detaining or arresting without warrant papers. So then when Yoshiya came around with, "You ask me how the Third was back in my day?" It was at this juncture that his voice became almost grandiose. "Back in my day, the people-" Brain would have stopped Yoshiya right there by cutting in with his own speech, "Honestly, Yoshiya, I don't care how they did things in your day, we aren't in the past, we're in the now. And in the now, you're the prime suspect in a murder case. And so far you haven't done one thing to convince me you aren't him."

Brain had a little more to say, however their table is suddenly taken over (or at least intruded upon) so he merely shortened his response. The small one in which he had granted a plate of cakes and meats was now plopping her rear into the lap of his associate, Ryo, invading their privacy. It was rather inconvenient to have the little girl around them, but luckily Brain wasn't even trying to do the questioning here, so her appearance was nothing but a little annoyance. Nonetheless it just wasn't in his nature to bluntly tell the little one to leave, so he grabs the glass of milk and pours some in his coffee. Brain takes out a pen and dips the opposing end into the coffee, stirring slowly. As Ryo would be talking, "We aren't talking about anything too important. Rather boring really, and I do believe we'll be done soon. Nothing a Pirate Lord should concern herself wi-" he too is interrupted by Brain, "Ryo, perhaps you rather take Raiu on an adventurous quest?" Brain glances sharply at Ryo, before turning to his satchel so he can retrieve a paper. Wiping the little bit of dripping coffee off from his pen and onto his robe, he would start scribbling down a couple unseen words before folding the paper up into a neat square and passes it to Ryo once he would get up to depart.

Yoshiya spoke over this interruption. The last remaining ounce of patience in him had waned.

"Mr Greinz, you have done nothing to convince me that I am a suspect, or even that there has been a murder. You have constantly acted ultra vires this whole morning. This whole event has been sloppy. Know that I sit here in full contempt of you. The only thing that is keeping me here is a desire not to have your two goons on top of me. State your case, now. But know that I shall be lodging a complaint about your conduct. Not that it will do any good, since the record keepers seem to have no interest in keeping records any more."

Yoshiya was absolutely indignant at Brain. The Gotei was built on procedure, and he had just thrown all that they stood for to the wind. The Shinigami did not defend the Rukongai, whatever they were had been lost. They were leeches, pure and simple, parasites suckling off the citizenry of the Rukongai.

He knew nothing of murder. All he could possibly say is that he knew nothing. He doubted he could provide an alibi. He could not clear his name. As such, this was a complete waste of time. Murders always occurred in the Rukongai. Catching this killer would make no difference. None at all.

(Sorry guys, short post is short)
Raiu settled in comfortably, not getting the answer she wanted to properly sate her interest in the current affairs going on about her. Adults tended to do that, she noticed, deflecting her questions without giving her a proper answer.

For now, she sat relatively quietly, slipping into a daydream that involved a dashing prince and a pirate queen.

Ryōichi almost lets a small sigh escape his lips. His suspicions -or maybe was it fears?- have been confirmed; both Yoshiya's and Brain's patience seems to be running low, if it hasn't run completely dry already. It was inevitable in the end, he guesses, but he would still have preferred it if they wouldn't do that in front of the little girl. Then again, it looks as if they had already been straining themselves because of the youngling, and this is as far as both can go.

However, as far as Brain goes, he will have to give him some credit. Asking him to take Raiu and leave is -among other things- a way to get the girl away from there so that she won't have to see him get 'mean' on the job. Its understandable and, in a way, Ryōichi truly does feel grateful for that. He can't stop Yoshiya however, who seems to be even less patient that his shinigami associate. Maybe he is antisocial, Ryōichi can't be sure yet for he hasn't interacted with the Rukon for even 30 minutes. There is one specific thing however that almost makes him grind his teeth.

"Mr Greinz, you have done nothing to convince me that I am a suspect, or even that there has been a murder."

There. The Rukon had just went ahead and completely bombed their attempts to hide the purpose of their meeting from the girl into oblivion. He knows he didn't want such a thing either, he had tried to distract her with the 'toast' to his 'promotion' earlier. But apparently his temper had let the word slip and, if the 'Prince' was any less 'Prince-like' he would most probably say something very unsavoury now. Though then again, he wouldn't let himself lose his temper and add more fuel to the fire with a minor in front, even if he did have a hard time keeping himself calm. Which he doesn't. Fortunately however, the little girl seems to be busy daydreaming as she doesn't react to what the Rukon said at all - something that is a great relief. After shooting Yoshiya an ice-cold glare for his slip up, he adopts a more gentle expression and turns to the little girl.

"Captain...it seems that my assistance is no longer required at this table. Perhaps you would like us to go do something else, something more exciting?" he asks, grabbing the note and stuffing it in an inside pocket at the same time.

Obviously the man that sat here before him had some sort of problem, and no matter how Brain would address it, Yoshiya would turn it around with nonsense and false statements. It was indeed rather annoying, and for Ryo to have noticed such an emotion under Brain's thick-layered indifferent and careless shell, was truly impressive. Though in this sort of situation he couldn't praise, or even in any situation would he, so he merely sticks to the point at hand. Yoshiya was acting belligerent, ignorant, uncooperative and most of all oblivious to the situation at hand. All these were things Brain had kept track of, amongst the general speech exchanged.

"Mr Greinz, you have done nothing to convince me that I am a suspect, or even that there has been a murder."

That bit of his speech causes Brain to, literally, giggle. The man, amongst his brethren, a possible killer and a little girl, just giggled. And he doesn't blush, nor even waver. As if Yoshiya amused him just now. Brain would then wait until Ryo, and Raiu had departed, at which point, he'd set down the coffee he was sipping at generously, giving one of his escorts an order, "Give me the restraints, please." Once handed said cuff-like restraints, Brain sets them on the table, maintaining eye contact with Yoshiya, and says, "I don't need to convince you, I'm not being questioned about the murders of innocent people. You've officially worn my good mood, and as such we will be heading back to the Sereitei. So unless you'd like to adorn a set of iron shackles on our trip, I suggest you come along willingly, Yoshiya Watson."

Yeah, this wasn't going anywhere.

When Brain turned around to fetch the cuffs Yoshiya made his break for it, slipping into the crowd, just another face in the mob. It would take some time for them to find him again amongst the populace.

[exit]