The Proposition [Closed.R/Ine]

It was not often that he took the time to step into the mortal world these days, reports across his desk of a possible sighting of Miki Sakamoto brought his attention to a full snap from the lethargic attempt at scanning through the various reports that often came to him. He stood up and grabbed his haori and started heading to the Senkaimon in the first division. Throwing his arms through the haori he quickly found himself at the gate. Thrusting his blade out, he trickled his reiatsu into the invisible seal hanging in the air.

Stepping through he instantly knew that it was not Sakamoto he would encounter today, her spiritual presence was not the one he picked up. Almost the moment he stepped through he felt it move from one point to another. Ai Miyazawa, broadcasting herself in such a way, it was as if she had simply shouted out, here I am come and find me. Kenshou did not even waste a moment more, simply taking a few steps he found himself facing the woman's back.

"You weren't who I expected to find here, but since you so politely decided to invite me out here I guess I couldn't resist. How are you Miss Miyazawa?"

Kenshou's hand hovered near his blade, while he had never sent anyone after this former captain commander it was probably about fifty-fifty on giving her the peace she had earned or maybe simply deserved and that there were all of two or three people who could have brought the woman in. She was still one of the most dangerous rogue shinigami that was allowed to have her space. Kenshou simply did not feel like losing one or two of his captains just to try and bring the woman in.

He wondered if she wanted to talk or if she was here for something else, the woman was a rogue element in his coming plans. She could either assist him or be a valuable asset or she could be a rather large thorn in his side. She was the only person alive with the same knowledge he had and one of the only people who could understand what it was he planned on doing. Friend or foe, a determination of the fate was to be had here and unfortunately it seemed that she had the advantage. Playing the fool would not work with Ai, she was too smart and observant for that simple act. While it had worked on so many others it would not do today. He would simply have to play his cards just right.

434 Total Words - 8 GP

“I’m doing fine, thanks for asking—but do you really need to sneak up behind me like that? I expect that from a Second Division member, not one originally from the Fifth.”

Turning her head to face the man she grinned. He really was the fastest man in Seiretei after all. She had barely any time to register his presence before he had cautiously greeted her. At least they were on the same page regarding an engagement. Neither of them had the intention to begin a conflict with the other, but were prepared in case matters went south.

“You have no need to draw your Zanpakutō, Captain Commander Ine. I have no intention on fighting you here or now. There’s nothing you or I would gain from that.”

Nothing that she could immediately see, anyway. Either way, Ai was going to have to play her cards close to her chest and keep Ine from feeling threatened. That wouldn’t be too difficult. They both had some form of mutual respect for one another despite everything that had occurred in Seiretei following the coup.

Slowly turning to face the man, she raised her hands.

“See. You have nothing to fear from me. I cant even use my full power with these bracelets on my wrists.”

Hopefully that would be enough for him.

“You’ve gotten stronger since the last time we met in the Library. I can’t say I’m too surprised. Only the strongest Shinigami in Seiretei can hold the title of Captain Commander, generally speaking—but enough of that!”

‘You’re rambling, Ai. Get to the point or change the subject fast,’ a faint voice called out in the back of her head. She would heed her Zanpakutō Spirit’s advice.

“If it wasn’t me you were expecting to find out here, who are you waiting for? A Captain Commander doesn’t leave Seiretei unless it’s urgent.”


[GP 312/50][6GP][13GP]

Ai slowly dropped her hands to her sides as Ine revealed the limiters on his chest. They were both on equal terms for this encounter. The challenging part would be to keep things civil, though they were off to a great start. Both Shinigami had expressed the desire to avoid a conflict. It was starting to look as if she was worrying over nothing. 
 
“Oh, her…” 
 
It had been a long time since Ai had heard the name Sakamoto Miki. Their first meeting had been in the Forbidden Library when the girl was only a seated officer in the Kido Corps. She had been pleasant and enjoyable to talk to. What had happened to her after that meeting between them Ai could not fathom. The pleasant pink haired girl had went on to slaughter not only her squad but half of Karakura Town as well. Ai’s second home had been completely annihilated due to the explosion Sakamoto caused. Now she was stuck wandering the world. 
 
“I don’t know what happened to Sakamoto-chan for her to change so radically. She had so much potential but chose to waste it annihilating half of Karakura for a reason I doubt I’d ever understand.” With a depressed sigh, Ai simply nodded at the mention of the Second’s intelligence gather. “Let’s hope she stays that way. Seiretei doesn’t need another mentally unhinged Shinigami running amok here. The last one was bad enough.” 
 
It was better if he stayed dead too. Thankfully, she wouldn’t have to hope for it. He was gone for good. 
 
Pausing for a moment at Ine’s next statement the gears in the woman’s head began to turn. How could she return to Seiretei after everything that had happened? A former Captain Commander returning to the Gotei after being labeled a traitor was unheard of. Nothing but a good deal of chaos would come of it. 
 
‘But I am tired of running.’ 
 
Maybe she could think about herself just this once? 
 
“What do you have in mind, Ine? You know just as well as I do that having me return back to Seiretei could cause some confusion…” 
 
 
 
[354/50][07GP][20GP]