|
|
Post by Satsuma Fujii on Sept 21, 2016 21:52:28 GMT -6
"Chattel Métier; The Gathering": (continued) A girl ran down back areas of her village, she hadn't been these ways before but she prayed that her pursuer hadn't either and that she could find someone to help her escape him. Her black kimono torn partially down the front where the man had tried grabbing her. Satsuma had a devious smirk as he followed his victim, he was in this area of Hayakawa enough to know that where his newest prey was running she was going to reach a dead end soon enough, then his fun would really start. He could faintly hear her steps ahead of him and he followed the only path she had to take. He could have easily grabbed the girl and taken here wherever he wanted, but the chase and hearing the panic in their voices brought him a sadistic joy. Eventually he caught up to her and he stood silently at the opening to the dead end she knew she would end up, it was a few seconds before she turned and saw him, a gasp escaping her as she backed closer to the wall, attempting to put distance between them. He spoke with an obvious taunt as he saw the terrified expression on her face, "What's wrong, princess? Scared I'm gonna hurt you?" He took a few steps closer, reveling in the soft whimper she let out when he said that, "No bargaining? Or pleading for me to let you go? I think I like you, princess. We're going to have a lot of fun." After quickly closing the gap between them Satsuma put his hand to her throat, his face being lit up with a sadistic grin as she whimpered again, "I won't hurt you that bad, just enough to hear you scream." The girl put her hands between them and brought her hand up to his neck and dragged her nails across harshly. Satsuma's expression changed of one from sadistic joy to irritation as he removed his hand from her throat and grabbed both her hands, then harshly slamming them above her head, causing her to cry out. "If you think that hurt, you're going to hate what I'm going to do to you for clawing me." Satsuma adjusted his hands to hold both of hers under one of his and then used the other to tear her kimono the rest of the way. Her pleas for mercy and for him to stop falling on deaf ears. He started to trail his free hand across her body and he looked back to her face to see her expression and noticed she was looking over his shoulder, a cry for help obvious in her eyes, but her fear held it down. Growling softly, he turned his head and saw the figure in all black standing behind him. "Can't you fucking wait? The little lady here needs to learn some manners." The figure bowed and spoke quickly, "My apologies for interrupting. Lord Mitsunari requests your presence, Master Satsuma. He is also calling upon the others and wants you all in Junrinan immediately." His smirk returned at the mention of where he was needed and he seemed to almost forget about the girl against the wall, "Finally, new playthings." Satsuma returned his gaze to the girl and talked in a threatening tone, "Looks like we are done here, princess. You got lucky, this time. But don't worry. I'll be back for you once I'm done." He turned his attention to the messenger, "I'll be there eventually." The figure nodded then left him to what he was doing previously. Before the female could say anything his hand was back at her throat and he held her until she passed out, making sure to hold her tight enough so it'd be a few days before she could say a word about any of this, he then let her drop to the ground and turned away. Not caring enough to deal with her right now, he had more important things to do. Fade
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Sept 29, 2024 20:11:35 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: The ChaosEpisode 525 "Pursuit of Truth": Fuu’s zori hit the cobblestone roads of the Soul Society in a steady rhythm, her footsteps barely audible under the whispering wind. Her storm-gray eyes swept the streets as she ventured farther from the Seireitei and into the sprawling chaos of the Rukongai. The air here was different. Harsher. Grittier. It always smelled faintly of desperation, a sharp contrast to the serenity within the pristine walls of the Seireitei. As the head journalist of the Seireitei Communication, Fuu knew all too well how the people outside those walls were often forgotten, and in some cases, deliberately ignored.
"Fund Run," she muttered under her breath, eyes scanning the faces of passersby as they hustled past her. Rumor had it the stolen goods from the Robin Hood group were making their way to the poorest districts, delivered in secret, like gifts from some phantom benefactor. No one seemed to know how the group operated—or if anyone else was involved. Both Renji and Yorusuke were assigned to track down leads on the thieves, but Fuu felt like she was in a shadow war, chasing down ghosts that could easily vanish with a single misstep.
She tucked a strand of her black hair behind her ear and slowed her pace as she entered a more dilapidated part of the Rukongai after hours of walking. The buildings here sagged under the weight of neglect, and the people weren’t much better off. Still, Fuu had to admire how the ‘Fund Run’ had managed to bring some relief. There were fewer starved faces here than she'd seen a few months ago.
But at what cost? Her thoughts wandered, pulling her away from the streets and back to the Ninth Division.
Am I even going to be missed there?
A small sigh escaped her lips. Her hands slipped into the sleeves of her kimono as she walked, her eyes still alert but her mind spinning with the possibilities. She had been warned—lightly—about the consequences of meddling too much in this case. Byakuya had kept his words calm, as he always did, but the underlying tone had been clear: some things should remain hidden, and she was dangerously close to uncovering them. However, she was sure that was a warning toward the Masanobus and not the Robin Hood group.
"Relieved of duty," she muttered, almost tasting the bitterness in her voice. It was the first time in years she’d considered the possibility. The Ninth Division had been her home, her dream. To be a Soul Reaper and the head journalist was everything she’d worked for. Fuu had grown up around stories of the great Soul Reapers, and her own family’s long line of warriors had only deepened her resolve to be something more. But lately, she’d begun to question whether the pursuit of truth was worth the cost of her position.
There would be so many pros and cons to the situation, she realized.
On one hand, stepping away from the Ninth Division would relieve her of the constant pressure. No more looking over her shoulder, wondering if the next secret she uncovered would be her last. No more sleepless nights thinking about the next big scoop and the chaos that exposure might bring. She could leave the politics and danger behind, disappear into a quieter life.
But Fuu knew herself too well. That wasn’t the life she wanted.
"Wouldn’t be able to walk away," she whispered under her breath, shaking her head slightly. If she gave up now, if she let the fear of what might happen dictate her actions, she would lose something far more important than her job. She would lose her sense of purpose, her drive to uncover the truth and make a difference in the Soul Society, even if it was dangerous, even if it was risky. She had never been one to walk away from a challenge, especially one as tantalizing as this.
Her thoughts snapped back to the present as she caught sight of a small crowd gathered at a corner market. The murmurs were hushed, but there was a sense of excitement rippling through them. Fuu approached cautiously, her ears straining to catch pieces of the conversation.“…another delivery in the morning. They’re saying it’s enough to feed three whole districts!” “Did you see them? The Robin Hood group?” “Are you crazy? No one sees them. They’re ghosts. But I heard they’re working with the Masanobu Assassins now. Why else would they get away with it?” Fuu’s eyes narrowed at the mention of the Masanobus, but it was the rumor that was now floating around and it seemed to be carrying some weight. If the Masanobus were truly involved, it would explain how the Robin Hood group had managed to evade capture for so long. But they weren’t working with the Robin Hood group it was more of a working against the Masanobus.
She let the crowd drift past her as she continued her walk, her mind now swirling with new possibilities. If the thieves were actually trying to frame them—it would turn this entire investigation on its head. There was a delicate balance of power in the Soul Society, and if that balance was disrupted, the consequences would be disastrous. The noble families had their secrets, and Fuu had always known better than to dig too deep. But now she was entangled in a web of conspiracy that stretched far beyond petty theft.
Maybe that’s why they’re watching me so closely.
The weight of the situation pressed down on her, but it also sparked something within. That drive, that burning need to uncover the truth, no matter the risk.
Relieved of duty?
Fuu shook her head as a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Maybe that was a good thing. Maybe it was time to be free of the constraints of the Ninth Division, free to chase down leads wherever they took her. She’d always done her best work in the shadows anyway.
As the sun began to set, casting the Rukongai in shades of crimson and gold, Fuu paused on a bridge overlooking the river. The wind picked up, rustling her hair and sending a chill down her spine. She glanced back toward the heart of the Seireitei, where the weight of duty and honor loomed. Then she turned her gaze forward, toward the unknown, where the secrets of the Robin Hood group, the Masanobus, and the noble families lay hidden.
She took a deep breath and set her resolve.
"Relieved or not," she whispered, "I’m seeing this through."
And with that, Fuu Ayumu pressed forward, ready to uncover whatever truth lay ahead—whether the Ninth Division wanted her to or not.~END RP~ "Hirabayashi" |
|
|
|
Post by Shigeo Asuhara on Sept 30, 2024 21:47:22 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: The ChaosEpisode 527 “Cat and Mouse”: Shigeo roamed the Hayakawa district in Rukongai, his long hair dyed all white and left down out of its usual high ponytail. His fringe fell in front of his eyes, shielding some of the features of his handsome face. The rest of his hair fell down his back between his shoulder blades. He wore a dark green yukata–his most hated color–with a black belt. In his right hand was a simple wooden cane that he leaned on more than necessary as he walked down the dirt road toward the outskirts of the village. As he walked, several villagers followed him with their gazes, whispering amongst themselves. They knew what he was there for, even if they had never seen him before.
Courtesy of the wooden pack slung over his back that carried a burlap bag filled with cold, hard cash.
They knew and yet no one dared to attack him for it. No one would. He would go unbothered as he made his way to the pre-selected spot that the villagers knew by word of mouth. If anyone dared to try and rob him, they’d have a mob of the needy, poverty stricken villagers beating them within an inch of their life. The villagers would defend him and he wouldn’t even need to lift a finger, despite the fact that he could most definitely hold his own. “It’s almost time.” “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this blessing.” “Thank the gods! My children need food and clothes.” “My father caught ill last month.” Shigeo’s curtain of hair hid his small smile as he continued to limp his way along the path. This was why he insisted to his father that once in a while–not often, but enough–that he make deliveries himself. He wanted to witness it for himself beyond the thanks and praises afterward. He wanted to see in real time the joy and hope they brought to the villagers of the Rukon districts. The gift of seeing a child’s smile or a mother’s grateful tears was more precious than any stone in his vault. More valuable than any diamond or sapphire. More beautiful than gold or silver.
So he donned his disguises and finished the slow trek to the spot just outside the village where he would wait until the villagers came for their alms. It was only about ten minutes after Shigeo had made it to a small, rundown shack in the woods surrounding the village that they started to arrive. Shigeo made a show of slowly easing down into the chipped and splintered chair outside the shack, leaning on the cane and groaning in an effort that wasn’t necessary. He was good at disguises though. He was a flawless actor, taught by his eldest brother and sister.
He let the wooden pack thump down onto the ground beside the chair and waited as the villagers came closer. As they lined up he listened to each and every one of them, hearing their stories, their worries, their needs. He heard them and compensated them each fairly. Some of the village men, the stronger and larger ones, stayed back to stand guard next to Shigeo just in case anyone tried to call foul for not receiving as much as another and decided to cause a scene.
“Alright,” Shigeo’s low, rasping voice called to the next person in line. “Who’s next?” |
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Sept 30, 2024 21:54:10 GMT -6
Fuu stood hidden behind a tree at the edge of the woods, watching the scene unfold. Her storm-gray eyes took in every detail of the man’s performance with silent intensity. She had followed the whispers of the villagers, curious about this mysterious benefactor. She had heard rumors about a man who delivered funds to the poorest areas of Rukongai, but she hadn’t expected to see it firsthand.
As the villagers approached the shack, Fuu observed how they looked at the man—some with awe, others with desperation, and a few with suspicion. Yet, none dared to speak against him. They stood in line, patiently waiting for their turn. It was clear that the man had gained a level of trust, and Fuu could sense the unspoken rule: No one touches the man with the wooden cane. He was untouchable, not because of his strength but because of what he represented—a lifeline, a rare glimmer of hope in a place often forgotten by the Soul Society.
Fuu’s fingers tightened on the notepad she carried, her journalist instincts kicking in. Her mind raced with questions. Why was this man risking himself in such a dangerous district? What was his true motive? Could this be a front for something more sinister, or was he genuinely helping these people?
She stepped out from behind the tree as the last villager took their place in line. Fuu knew she couldn’t remain a silent observer for long. If this was something bigger, if this man had ties to the Robin Hood group or some other underground group, she needed answers. And she wasn’t going to find them by hiding in the shadows.
Approaching the shack, she kept her posture relaxed, her eyes scanning the faces of the villagers who now eyed her with caution. When she reached the man handing out the funds, her voice was calm but held a certain weight.
“You’re quite the generous benefactor,” she said, tilting her head slightly, her gaze sharp but non-threatening. “What’s your name?”
He looked up, his fringe still concealing much of his face. His hand paused over the next pouch of coins, and for a brief moment, Fuu thought she caught a glimpse of something—an emotion he quickly hid behind his mask of indifference.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shigeo Asuhara on Sept 30, 2024 21:55:09 GMT -6
Shigeo scrutinized the girl before him through his hair. He could make out enough of her features to recognize her. He had seen her in the papers. The Seireitei Communication. She was Third Seat Fuu Ayumu, a reporter. A thorn in his side at the moment, though his expression revealed nothing. At least he was sure it didn't.
No matter. Reporters were easily dealt with.
"You are the first person to ask me that question, girl," Shigeo rasped. His hands gripped his cane. "Those who are at their lowest don't typically need to know the names of their benefactor to accept help. Only to give thanks." He shook his head and let out a rattling cough that he had perfected over years of practice. "If you are not here because you are desperate, then you will get neither from me. Now… what is it I can help you with?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Sept 30, 2024 21:58:43 GMT -6
“Really?” she paused for only a second, her eyes darting around the area. “I couldn’t help but notice what’s going on. I’m curious about your... operation.” She gestured to the wooden pack and the line of people. “It’s rare to see someone giving so much without expecting something in return.”
The man’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Curiosity can be dangerous, miss. Especially around here.” He leaned on his cane and stood, slow and deliberate, as he nodded to the villager beside him to take over the distribution. “But I don’t think you’re the type to be scared off easily. Let’s walk.”
Fuu followed him, intrigued but cautious. As they stepped away from the shack and deeper into the woods, she finally asked, “Why do you do it? All this... charity work. What’s in it for you?”
The man stopped and turned to face her, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. “Sometimes, doing good is its own reward. But I don’t expect someone like you to believe that.”
Fuu raised an eyebrow. “Someone like me?”
“You ask too many questions to just be curious,” he replied, his tone still calm but with an edge of amusement. “I wonder what you’re really after, Miss Ayumu.”
Fuu’s heart skipped a beat. How does he know my name? But she quickly composed herself. “I’m just here to find the truth.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Shigeo Asuhara on Sept 30, 2024 22:10:08 GMT -6
Shigeo gestured around him with the hand that wasn’t affixed to his cane. “And you have seen it. There is money to be given away. The villagers receive it with their hands held out, hearts in their palms. Some of them bleeding and broken. Their hearts are mended with hope for better days. A better life.” He gave her a stern look. “Do you need more truth than that? What will you do with that truth? Attract unwanted attention?”
Shigeo scoffed and shook his head, staggering off. “I have no need for nosey mice scurrying around. Find something else to be curious about, Miss Ayumu. I have work to do.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Sept 30, 2024 22:15:58 GMT -6
Fuu stood her ground, her storm-gray eyes narrowing slightly as she watched the man stagger off. His words had weight, but they didn’t shake her resolve. She had seen too much to back down now, and this man, despite his facade of gruff indifference, was hiding more than he let on.
“I’m not here to attract attention,” she called after him, her voice steady and unwavering. “I’m here to understand. To see the truth for what it is, not just for what you want people to see.”
Fuu took a step closer, folding her arms across her chest, her gaze sharp but not unkind. “These people... they need more than just coins in their hands. They need a future. And if that future comes with strings attached, I’ll find out what those strings are. It’s my job to dig deeper. I won’t apologize for that.”
She paused, allowing the tension to settle before speaking again, her tone softening slightly. “You’re doing something good here, I can see that. But there’s more to this, isn’t there? Why else would someone as careful as you go to such lengths to stay hidden?”
Fuu let her words hang in the air, knowing that, whether he admitted it or not, she had struck a chord. "Maybe we’re not so different," she added. "We both want to protect something. You give hope to those who’ve been forgotten, to people who have nothing left but desperation. I reveal truths. Maybe those two things don’t have to be at odds."
Her voice softened just a bit more. "So, how about you let me see the truth in full, instead of pushing me away? Maybe it’s time someone else carried part of that weight."
Fuu knew the risk she was taking by pushing further, but she also knew the power of persistence. She had faith in her ability to get through to people, to find the stories that others tried to hide. It was this determination that had brought her this far—and it would keep driving her forward.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shigeo Asuhara on Sept 30, 2024 22:17:56 GMT -6
Shigeo stood and stared at Fuu Ayumu for a long moment, letting her words swim around in his mind. She really had no idea what she was getting into. She had no idea that they couldn’t just allow a reporter to spread the news about what his clan was doing. That was asking for trouble. Letting her report even a single detail on them would draw too much attention. And attention would get them caught. He really didn’t understand what it was she wanted other than that. Reveal truths? He almost laughed at that. If the world knew the truth, they would be focusing on the wrong thing. They wouldn’t hear about all the good they’d done, they’d hear about all the people they had stolen from. And not because of Fuu’s reporting. No, he knew this reporter had integrity. He could tell by the way she wrote. She wove art with her words, but as much as he respected that, she was still dangerous to them.
Shigeo staggered up to her, stopping before he got too close. His voice was hoarse like he had been screaming and he thanked it for that, because for a brief second he considered breaking character. “Little girl… you know nothing. You have no idea what you are saying. What you are asking. You want to know if there are strings attached, if something is expected of the villagers who receive help…”
Shigeo gestured to the villagers who were leaving the shack to head back to their homes in the village. “Ask any one of them. Ask what is asked of them in return. They will tell you the same thing I tell you. Nothing. Not a single coin. Not their lives or their servitude. Nothing. Their favors are not needed nor wanted. They each get what is fair. There is no more to it than that. No story for you to tell. No truth for you to reveal beyond what you witness here.”
You have no idea what it’s like, he wanted to scream at her. You have no idea about the burden we carry. What we’ve given up to do this. What we’ve sacrificed. The money and jewels and treasures mean nothing if we can’t make this world better. We can’t do that if you keep digging your nose in where it doesn’t belong!
“Do yourself a favor girl, and find a different story to tell,” Shigeo turned away from her. “If you want to help these people, tell their truth instead.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Sept 30, 2024 22:19:12 GMT -6
Fuu watched him walk away once more, still withholding any hint of the truth. Frustration welled up inside her. “Wait!” she called out, instinctively reaching a hand toward him as if to stop him. Her voice softened as she spoke again, almost pleading. “At least... tell me your name. If nothing else, just for my sake. No other reason."
Shigeo couldn’t help but slowly turn back to her and raise an eyebrow at her. For her sake? What did that mean? Some sort of trick? What would she do with his name? Investigate him surely. He wasn’t stupid. No matter how she pleaded with him, he wouldn’t tell her. “My name… My name is Gojo. Do with that information what you will. That is all you will get out of me.”
Fuu bowed slightly, her eyes meeting his with a hint of understanding. “Thank you, Gojo. May the Soul King watch over you and guide you safely in your endeavors.” She looked at Gojo thoughtfully. “The Rukongai could use more people like you. I hope your well of generosity never runs dry.” She turned and walked the dirt road that led her to the shack in the woods.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shigeo Asuhara on Sept 30, 2024 22:19:54 GMT -6
Shigeo watched her leave, letting her put some distance between the two of them before he waved to the last of the villagers and headed off himself. Once he was far off from the district he was in, he snapped the cane into several pieces and dropped or tossed the chunks in random spots as he made his way back through Rukongai. He pulled a length of hair tie from his sleeve and placed it between his teeth. He pulled a strip of hair away from the rest and pulled all his hair up except for a small piece on the left side of his face, bundling the rest up into a high ponytail and tying it off with the tie. He braided the piece that was free and wrapped it around the thick ponytail like a crown, tucking the end into the hair tie. He would dye the rest of his hair back to black later, but for now, he would have to deal with the all-white look. He pulled off his green yukata, revealing a deep, navy blue one with an orange obi. He chucked the green yukata into a nearby river, letting the river carry it off to gods knew where. Shigeo tucked his arms into his sleeves and went on his way.
As he ventured through the Rukon districts, heading to the gate to Seireitei, he thought about Fuu Ayumu. He knew he would see her again. People like her didn’t give up. She would try and find him again. Try, because she would never find “Gojo” again. Shigeo grinned, licking his lips like a cat would when it smelled something tasty. If she did manage to find him again, he’d have to admit he would be at least a little impressed.
“Cat and mouse… My favorite game,” Shigeo chuckled. -END- "Too Close for Comfort"
|
|
