Death God Traditions: Each Doing Their Own Business
Every Shinigami tradition had its way of acting, its own perspective, and its own priorities.
Matsumoto Rangiku understood this, but her position as a vanguard limited her scope. She could not weigh the world's balance on her shoulders; her decisions came from the heart.
And her heart opposed involving a child in a Shinigami matter.
Yet her opposition was futile. After the team leaders' meeting, her regret weighed heavily on her.
She was the first to leave the barracks. The buildings before her glowed softly in the setting sun, a deceptive calm overlaying the scars of the battlefield. To the northwest, many collapsed structures formed a desolate landscape, ruins stretching under the amber sky.
Rangiku scratched her short orange hair and thought of Captain Shiba. What would he have chosen if he were here?
"Sorry, Rangiku."
Kyoraku Shunsui approached quietly, his usually playful face shadowed by solemnity.
Rangiku returned to herself and smiled. "Captain Kyoraku, why apologize? You must feel conflicted too, making that decision."
"Who knows?" he murmured, pulling his hat lower. Guilt mingled with responsibility. Was he acting justly, or merely safeguarding Seireitei? Late at night, these questions haunted him. Relief came only in drink. "Want to grab a drink?"
"This time, I apologize first," Rangiku teased, a wink and a smile softening her tone. "Last time at the Women's Shinigami Association meeting, Nanao kept nagging me, saying I couldn't drink with you."
Shunsui gave a helpless sigh. "Nanao-chan."
From behind, Unohana Retsu stepped forward. "Matsumoto, Nemu has returned. She is in the general emergency room. Will you go see her?"
"I will." Rangiku said firmly. Hitsugaya Toushirō was handling the division; she had nothing to worry about there. But Nemu was different. She remembered that Nemu had been captured by Shiraishi. Why had she returned? What had happened? Who was this Shiraishi?
"Let's go." Unohana Retsu moved with his usual quiet speed.
Rangiku waved at Shunsui and followed. Shunsui's eyes narrowed slightly. Was Unohana deliberately stepping between them to observe? Never mind.
He caught sight of Aizen attempting to leave. Slipping next to him, Shunsui casually offered, "Sosuke, it's been ages. How about a drink?"
Aizen's eyes flicked to the hand on his shoulder. The invitation carried more than friendliness—perhaps subtle surveillance. He nodded. "Alright."
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Squad 4 – General Aid Center
The center was built specifically for Shinigami, boasting 6,400 rooms. Three floors above ground and a basement dedicated to treating enemies made it a sprawling, efficient facility.
Viewed from above, the center's layout formed the Chinese character "回," with courtyards and bluestone floors leading into inner atriums, where scenic mountains and waters offered a calm contrast to the battlefield.
Rangiku followed Unohana to the top floor, reserved for critically injured patients. Soldiers of the Fourth Division were still tending to the wounded.
"Captain Unohana." ×2
"Return to your posts," Unohana waved off the soldiers.
Rangiku approached the head of Nemu's bed. She frowned. "Did Shiraishi do this to her?"
"Just ask her." Unohana's hand rested on Nemu's abdomen, and a soft glow of reishi healed the bandaged wounds. Her internal organs began to recover.
After a few moments, Nemu stirred, eyes fluttering open. "Is… this the general emergency room?"
"Yes. Captain requested your treatment here," Unohana replied gently.
"Why would Lord Mayuri…" Nemu hesitated. The Mayuri she knew would never allow such care. Could she have been abandoned? No—Mayuri was cruel, but this was not destruction.
"Matsumoto, was Shiraishi responsible for your injuries?"
Rangiku asked. Nemu shook her head softly. "Miss Rangiku, although Shiraishi is physically limited in some ways, he is gentle and kind. He wouldn't hurt me."
Physically limited? Rangiku's brow furrowed. She hadn't expected a man of such power to have such weakness. She quickly refocused. "Do you know the extent of Shiraishi's actions? He worked with Oda Nobunaga to release the six top criminals from Mugen. Soul Society is at risk."
Nemu shook her head. "We didn't cooperate with Oda Nobunaga. We requested Captain Ukitake's help. Because he was ill, we acted on our own."
"We?" Rangiku's attention sharpened. "You led Shiraishi to the Central Forty-six Court?"
"Yes." Nemu answered truthfully.
Bold, despite her taciturn nature. Rangiku tilted her head. "You truly are…"
"What's wrong with me?" Nemu tilted her head in response.
"Forget it. Let's leave that aside. From what you've said, Shiraishi is reliable." Rangiku smiled, easing her concern.
Nemu nodded. "Of course. Besides Lord Mayuri, he is the most important person in my life."
Unohana felt the timing was right. "I have worked with Shiraishi for some time. He can be clever in words, but his work is dependable. Matsumoto, I can see you do not fully agree with Captain Kyoraku's plan. Would you like to hear my perspective?"
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