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[img]http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/bleach/images/3/33/Karakura_Town-1-.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120703142929&path-prefix=en[/img][/center][hr][hr]
Midday, it was raining, the sun in large part obscured by the storm clouds as they passed over Karakura town and the abandoned mansion in its outskirts. The mansion, which the residents and their governing body, had named haunted and forsaken, in truth housed something far less sinister than evil spirits and yokai.

After all, while spirits did live within its walls, they were those that protected the delicate balance of souls, rather than those who preyed upon man. Four months ago the shinigami had purified it of the infestation that had built up within its walls and had decided to make it their base of operations given its size. While the building had not been maintained for years, Taikou—the Commander—had ordered that it be cleaned at least on the inside and that barriers be put up to shield the town from the various levels of reiatsu which would normally emanate from the building.

He had made sure they were secure, protected from hollows by kido to conceal their presence, but capable of deploying at any moment. It was a barracks of sorts and while it was not perfect, it was nonetheless an efficient system they had set in place.

Taikou was glad they had found the building. However, they had prepared long enough and he had finally come up with a plan. It was time to act, and so it was that hell butterflies were cast over the premise, contacting each shinigami present that it was time to gather in the entrance hall, which was the biggest area within the building aside from the gym, which they had re-purposed into a sparring field.

Already present when the lot of the arrived, Taikou smiled and greeted each one as they gathered, with the captains arranging further up the mirrored pair of stairs, while their lieutenants stood lower, followed by the various seated officers below them. Taikou stood on the balcony above them all, where they could easily see him and where their attention would naturally be drawn.
[center][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d4/17/ce/d417cedc0ae8b48bb99291416f399d40.jpg[/img][/center]Once everyone had arrived, Taikou regarded each one and after a tense moment of silent anticipation, he spoke.

[color=#8882be][b]“Today begins our campaign, esteemed captains, lieutenants, and seated officers alike,”[/b][/color] he began, voice carrying easily through the chambers fantastic acoustics, lending to him a greater sense of authority, while instilling pride and confidence in his men.

[color=#8882be][b]“Those who cast us down must be punished in turn, but we must get to them, and we must be stronger when we face them.”[/b][/color]

He looked at each of them in turn before continuing.

[color=#8882be][b]“When next we step foot into the Seireitei, we will not be the same shinigami. We will be ready to fight, and when we do, we will win.”[/b][/color]

He gave them a moment to absorb that, letting the weight of responsibility settle on their shoulders so that they would know and fully understand their duty. [color=#8882be][b]“However, today is not that day. First, we will ascertain the nature of their strength, and to do that we must get to them.”[/b][/color]

At this, one of the seated officers stepped forwards and Taikou nodded to him, giving the man permission to speak.

[i][u]“Sōtaichou-sama, we cannot use senkaimon, so how will we find out way into Soul Society? Are we not trapped here in the World of the Living?”[/u][/i]

Taikou nodded his head for the shinigami to step back, giving him a calm assured smile. [color=#8882be][b]“Hiroto-san is right, we cannot rely on senkaimon anymore. So I propose that we instead use Garganta or Kumon.”[/b][/color]

Hiroto gasped, as did several others. He read looks of shock and confusion on many of those present, but he was undaunted, and his smile remained—confidence unshaken. [color=#8882be][b]“We have been sent a message, men. We have been told that we are not strong enough and we have been made to look weak and incapable of change. To truly best our enemies, we must adapt. So first will we capture a hollow and we will [i]force it[/i] to grant us passage to the Rukongai.”[/b][/color]

Some of the shinigami had incredulous looks and while Taikou did not ignore them, he did not look at them either. [color=#8882be][b]“For this task we will split into three groups. This area has an infestation problem, and I intend us to deal with it before we depart. Ah, and to make sure none of you do not take this seriously, it will be a competition. Whomsoever captures the strongest hollow will lead, or be involved in the scouting expedition into the Rukongai.”[/b][/color]

He looked to the captains present, and spoke first to Hiroshimoto, [color=#8882be][b]“Masumata-san, you will go with Tatasuko-san. Kenpachi, Kawagana, you two are together,”[/b][/color] he smiled at them, before continuing, his expression growing more serious.

[color=#8882be][b]“Kanai, Xiang, you're with Kenpachi,”[/b][/color] he indicated Arina and Sano, [color=#8882be][b]“Koshūsuru, Dai sanji, you're with Masumata.”[/b][/color]

Finally he indicated Jinzo and two others, [color=#8882be][b]“Kurogama, Hōshakō, Serizawa you're coming with me.”[/b][/color] He looked at them all, making sure they understood, and then he released a brief burst of reiatsu, opening the doors of the mansion. [color=#8882be][b]“We need two hollows and the rest must be purified. When you are done, return here. Now go!”[/b][/color]

With that, he vanished...those he had indicated forced to follow behind him. It appeared that their first order of business was to be a hunt.

[i]'Who would do best?'[/i] he wondered.