[CB] Traitor (Kuro, Takatsumaru)

Central 46 Compound

The whole room was in an uproar. All of the members that made of the Central 46 were arguing among themselves about the issues that had come before them. The proceedings had yet to start and there as already disagreement on how to act upon the matter. The quibbling and shouting continued for many minutes until there was a hammer of a gabble upon the desk. All those gathered fell silent.
"We shall now come to order!" the words were wasted as the pounding hammer was enough to get their attention. The forty wise men knew better to not defy the six judges that made up the ruling body. There was the shuffling of papers as they looked over the information. Most of the room was hidden in shadow, but it was only to hide their identities. Each had a paper like screen to block them from view as well. Some of them knew each other and other did not. It was almost a secret council that few saw or heard directly from. With the power they possessed it was privilege to posses some anonymity. "Send for the prisoner." A voice rang out.
The floor before them was dark except for a single spot light casting it's ray upon the middle. At this time A figure broke the pure circle. Clad in black garb of the Onmitsukido with a red sash upon his waist and an similarly colored armband. The blonde man bowed low and left the ring of light. The doors opened and Tyrannus exited the chamber. Once more the group broke into an uproar and the hammer was used to stop the chatter. Outside the door a very tall man waited. He was of large build and dark skin. His black hair was done up in dreadlocks "Let's go Lukan." the shorter man said and they both vanished.

2nd Division barracks

It didn't take long for the two men to appear at the gate. Lukan the tall man moved toward the doorway that stood guarded by two shinigami. Tyrannus held up his hand.
"We come on behalf of the Central 46. Give us the man called Tatsu Chirako." The two shinigami looked at each other. Tyrannus sighed. "Bring forth your captain." The two shinigami looked at one another and then nodded. One of the men rushed into the compound to confer with their captain on the matter. Quickly the young man navigated the compound. People stopped to wave or smile at him, but he ignored them. Finally he came to the captain's office. Breathing heavily he knocked on the door.
"Captain! Someone here for the prisoner." he gasped. "He said he wants to talk to you."

The door slid open almost immediately as if Kuro had been standing right behind it in wait. His face was relaxed, yet still aware. The day had finally arrived. Nearly a week had passed since he had accomplished his mission to bring in Tatsu. In that time, the Central had taken it easy in organizing a hearing for his trial. It didn't affect Kuro in the slightest, but he could only imagine how boring it must have been for Tatsu in his cell the whole time. He stepped out past the guard who had come to fetch him and spoke back over his shoulder as he headed for the main compound gate. "Go and bring Tatsu Chirako from the holding cell to the front of the compound. I will accompany him and the men who are here for him to the Central compound."

Kuro made his way to the gate quickly, taking little notice of the nice day that they were in the midst of. He didn't have time for such carefree thoughts today. His past dealings with the Central committee had taught him that they were a savage bunch with little room for mercy. He'd have to argue hard and stubbornly to help Tatsu out today. He arrived at the gate and scowled at the fact that it was two red sash members from the onmitsukido waiting for him. "Hello gentlemen. The prisoner should be here soon."

Tatsu had patience, but it had been tested during the last week. His beard had grown slightly, and he had been given the chance to keep his hygiene up, he had been ready for this moment, but the more it approached, the more the stress built up in his torso, he couldn't exactly tell what this was but he did not like it in the slightest. Tatsu had been meditating to pass time but it hadn't given him much, restraints were put on him when he was moved to the cell to prevent him from using kido so really meditating was all he had left to do.

Tatsu's earing was atoned to the usual silence the hallways around there provided, f he really had wanted he could have bolted out when the guards came in to offer food, but most of the time he was polite as if he was ready with what was coming at him. Suddenly footsteps came in a hurried manner to the door, they weren't the one of the usual guard staying nearby, it was someone else, someone lighter apparently. The door slid open and the man talked to the prisoner in a hurried manner.

''Get up, you're convoked'' He said without much respect but then again Tatsu couldn't hold any grudges against him, so he smiled and stood up and followed the man to the main gates of the compound. It took about two minutes crossing the whole barrack. When the sunlight shone on his face the samurai attempted to shield his eyes while his eyes adapted to the light level.

Tatsu offered no words, it seemed like all he could do to Kuro was offer a light smile he turned his gaze forward and looked at the streets as if they were the green line, he didn't know was going to happen, what would the worse scenario be, of course he knew what the best scenario was, but he doubted that the judges were the kind of people that were known for for giving out best case scenario's everyday.

"So good for you to join us, Captain Akauri" Tyrannus spoke as he gave a slight bow to the man. His companion made no such gesture. "I wanted to congratulate you on the capture of the long standing fugitive." He said while clapping his hand gently against one another. "From what I hear he's evaded the Gotei quite well for some time." He gave the captain a small smile. "Of course it wouldn't be the same if our group had been mobilized. It's good that the Gotei forces are being put to good use."
He gave a shrug and nodded at Kuro's comment. The sooner things got started the better. There were things to be done today. He glanced down at Kuro's feet then looked to the doorway as Tatsu exited.

"Welcome, Tatsu Chirako. We are to escort you to the hearing of the Central 46." he said as he once again gave a small bow.
"Shouldn't we just take him then?" Came the rumbling deep voice of Lukan. He took a step toward the prisoner. "We don't need these weaklings to guard him, do we?"
"No, we don't." Was the frank reply "But it's only fair that they retain custody of him. Captain, as the arresting agent you are required to submit a report as well." The smirk on his face was like the cat that swallowed the canary. "Such a lovely day isn't it? Shall we then?" he gestured for them to proceed toward the Central Compound. "Lukan will bring up the rear." Tyrannus marched triumphantly forward to lead them onward. It was indeed a nice day, a mild temperature was making it a rather comfortable afternoon even by Earth standards. It was a shame they were having to do work. Still things could change. After work their time would be their own. Business before pleasure. Always business before pleasure. It wouldn't be a leisurely stroll back to the Central 46, it was best not to keep them waiting.

Kuro's eyes narrowed in annoyance in response to Tyrannus's pompous attitude. But he decided to play nice as to avoid making any waves with the onmitsukido at this time. Today was a day for Tatsu, not Kuro's ongoing vendetta. "Yes, I suppose that the stealth forces would have made a more effective investigation and pursuit. It's a shame that the higher ups didn't think to make use of your talents." Kuro stayed silent afterwards until Tatsu was brought to them. Even then, he only gave a small reassuring smile and a nod in greeting. Tyrannus mentioned his part in the hearing and Kuro replied flatly and business-like, not showing any reaction to the smile the red sash displayed. "I had a feeling that would be the case, and I intended to come along whether it was or not."

The walk to the Central 46's chambers was fast paced and short. Kuro was surprised, having expected a man of Tyrannus's personality to draw out the trip and wear down on the patience and hope of those he was escorting. Regardless, he wasn't going to get any more riled up than he already felt inside. Over stressing on the situation would only lead to mistakes in the hearing. He had to remain composed and logical on the surface to make the best argument for Tatsu's sake. When they reached the doors of the chamber, Kuro turned and put on a show of checking Tatsu's hand restraints while he muttered to him at a volume unheard by the other two, "You ready for this?"

Tatsu was still shielding his eyes but he noticed the smile and the nod the captain had allowed him, it was reassuring in every bit of his soul. Hearing the fact that the captain was coming to his hearing almost felt like it almost assured him victory, but nothing was won yet. Although Tatsu hadn't still spoken it was a joy for him to even walk outside of that freaking cell.

On their way there most of everyone who had heard of Tatsu were looking, as if they didn't know either to call him a villain or call this an injustice, of course he had killed Omnitsukido members, but he had saved members from many divisions from foe's he wasn't even ready to face himself. Tatsu alwas viewed himself as an embodiment of sacrifice and if he could rejoin the squad, he would most likely aim to be that again.

The road to the chambers was done quickly in the usual pace of Tatsu's walking, it really felt good to walk but the stress wasn't going down in any way. He looked up agains the sun to look at the towering build as the captain turned to face him and check his handcuffs. The handcuffs weren't actually held tight but they did their job at holding him without much reiatsu. He answered in the same tone. ''Are you?'' As if he expected the captain's answer to be the same as his.

Tatsu was led inside the building and shown the way to the middle of the chamber, sided by the captain most likely at this point and only the captain, his breathing was heavy with stress.

The chamber was quiet outside, but when the doors opened it was another story. Once again the 46 were in heated debate. There voices blending and melding together it was impossible to make out all the words. It all sounded like a jumble. Truly it was a wonder how any of them could understand each other at that point. Over 30 voices all at different tones and levels bounced and echoed back and forth. A man probably couldn't hear himself think. The roaring ocean of mixed words would have washed any thoughts away instantly. But it would seem that there was some that kept their wits amidst the chaos. As the group entered a gavel came down. The first few slams of the hammer was buried by the noise. But with each hit the sound chiseled it's way through the wall. One by one the mens' voices decreased and faded. With the final hit of the hammer all were quiet and the sound of the gavel echoed in the dark chamber.
"Silence!" a voice boomed, rather pointlessly since all were silent. "We will now begin the trail of Tatsu Chirako!" The words like the falling hammer echoed through the room.

"We will now hear the crimes of the accused." spoke a second voice. Deeper than the first. Tyrannus had entered the room with the captain and fugitive, but stayed by the doorway with his taller companion.
"Tatsu Chirako; you are charged with assault upon fellow shinigami, murder, desertion of post, and treason!" There were murmurs from all those around, but the noise level didn't raise to the level it had been before. Quite quickly the silence came back and the speaker continued. "Having evaded arrest, you have only further shamed the 13 Gotei and it's principles." There were cheers of agreement and further mutterings. Still only whispers and nothing more. Still the hammer came down. After three bangs a new voice pipped up.
"Captain, you have done a great service in capturing this criminal, please report." the new voice light and airy. Almost female, but definitely male by any standards.

Kuro could hardly believe the scene inside the Central 46's chamber. Constant bickering and shouting; an indistinguishable meld of dozens of voices that only seemed to grow louder and louder. So this was the highest governing body of the Seireitei and its Gotei...nothing more than a bunch of uncontrolled children locked in senseless arguments. He shook his head and was grateful when one remaining sane individual brought the crowd to order with several sharp slams of a gavel. With this the trial began.

Kuro listened as the list of Tatsu's crimes were recited. He had expected most of them, but the claim of treason was a new one to him. He'd have to listen closer later on to figure out where they were pulling that one from. He was asked for his report. Kuro decided to keep it simple for now and give personal insight afterwards. Taking a step forward out of the edge's shadows to stand beside Tatsu in the center of the lit floor space, Kuro lifted his gaze to face the covered seats of the council and give what was requested.

"A little over a week ago, the Gotei 13's strenuous efforts in locating Tatsu Chirako finally were successful. Since he had proven evasive in earlier efforts to arrest him, it was decided to send a captain to bring him in. I was chosen for the job since I had met with him at an earlier time and had knowledge of his abilities. I assembled a team of members from the Onmitsukido and headed to the fugitive's known location. Once there, we drove him from his place of dwelling and gave chase until we had him surrounded. I faced him myself afterwards. Following a very brief resistance, Tatsu Chirako threw down his zanpakuto and willingly gave himself up to be brought back to the Soul Society by my team. That is my report."

Kuro ended it there. Besides the mentioning of Tatsu's willingness to be arrested, he had not put any leaning lines into his report. He'd let the Central say what they wanted first so he would know what was best to retort with in Tatsu's defense. It would also help to know exactly what all the charges against him were referring to before trying to rebuke them.

Tatsu eyed the chamber, of course he knew that they were all talking about him, but he'd rather not even think about them, he could hear them talk about multiple things but it was only words as if they were arguing about how to do thing's with this case, they seemed very undisciplined until the hammer fell and the silence with it. He walked by himself to the circle of light eyeing the source of the light as if it was something close to redemption and heard the people talk. His crimes would be called upon, assault, murder, abandon of post, those were all the one's he had actually been waiting but when he heard the word treason, his knee's felt weak, as if he couldn't hold his own weight for half a second. He just wanted to shout that he never betrayed his duties but he kept it to himself and remained disciplined he didn't to make a fool of himself at this point.

Regaining his composure he listened to the captain speak, giving out his own report being heard by the central 46, he spoke the truth which the samurai had been expecting, honesty might bring them through if used at the proper time. The samurai in all this hadn't moved an inch weighting every word coming out of everyone's mouth's waiting to be spoken to to actually reply or speak up in anyway.

"Very brief resistance you say." The speaker shrouded in darkness commented. It didn't take much, but his voice carried through the room with ease. "An interesting choice of words Captain Akarui. Very interesting indeed. So, are you saying that he put up little to no resistance, or that he merely was overwhelmed by your abilities? Strange for you to be so vague about the incident." There was a soft chuckle "We know there is more to it than that." Everyone remained silent. It was so quiet that everyone could hear the shuffling of papers .
"Ah, yes. Here we have several reports of previous pursuit squads sent to apprehend Tatsu. Several of their number were injured or slain by this man." whispers drifted through the crowd. "There are even reports of human deaths due to this man's actions as well." The whispers grew a heated and the gavel slammed down quickly before they could become more. "The previous groups attempted to use words and still it resulted in conflict. We sent you knowing that Tatsu wouldn't be able to contend with you Captain. If he didn't surrender, he would have faced death. Despite your instructions, the Onmitsukido were given instruction to slay him should he prove dangerous." The man continued. "With your limiter in place it was posible that you could have fallen to this man's hands. It that was the case he would have been dealt with. That was the reason for sending you."

"We did have our doubts." came the other deep voice. "Your own squad member Tatsuya Okibi is still at large. I do recall trying to send a similar force only to be met with some resistance. Would you be able to preform just as well against him?" There were mixed responses from the crowd of nobles at the speaker's words. Some where snickers, others mutterings, and the rest whispers. None of the words legible as if they were speaking another language known only to themselves.
"Being able to capture a criminal of this caliber was easy enough." The sounds now were easier to distinguish; agreement and disagreement. "That villain has gone unpunished long enough." A small cheer made it's way around the room and stopped.

"That aside his surrender means little in the face of the prolonged crimes. His previous moments of resistance before now speak volumes." Spoke the first voice. "It only means shall face justice here and now before the 46. Tatsu Chirako having heard the charges before you, how do you plead?" The tension of the room almost felt tangible. Although hidden in darkness every eye was locked on the prisoner. For a moment it was if no one was breathing. Not a single puff of air or hiss of release as everyone awaited the man to reply. Did he really think he could justify his actions? Or would he throw himself upon the mercy of the court? One could have heard a pin drop or a butterfly's wings flap in the deafening silence.

Of course, like they always did, the central was twisting the conversation around in any way necessary to bring about the worst viewpoint of the person on trial. Kuro said nothing in response to their words at this point, letting the speaker continue with his rant uninterrupted so as to maintain a composed image. He would no doubt get a chance to speak again, and in the chance that he didn't, that would be the moment to drop the formalities and take further charge. The tension was indeed high as Tatsu was asked for his plea in response to the charges against him. Kuro stood back and waited for his response. Hopefully with his answer, they could have more information revealed about the nature of the alleged treason charge that had been mentioned earlier.

The silence was deep and the eyes were nailed on him, there was no escape, only forward. He listened to the words as he weighted them as a whole and alone,trying to make sure he didn't miss any details. They did it on purpose to make him seem like the worst criminal, of course they didn't mention the countless live's he saved, and the countless shinigami's he got away from harm, including a captain class shinigami, twice.

He listened to the judge speak about his apprehension, he felt anger within him when they proposed that he had surrendered to escape death, it was not the case, he had surrendered to face his punishment. There was a mix of emotions within the samurai standing before court, he had been wondering for a while if he had made the right choice.

When he was spoken to, he wasn't even offered to explain himself, they had taken the worst of every situation and put them all in one file just to make sure he wouldn't step out of any situation, but the samurai would access his right to atleast speak his words. The rogue took a step forward towards the edge of the light and looked up as if he was looking directly in the man's eyes. ''Surely, if you are so informed, you also know, I've protected captain class shinigami, Kaiyo Saiyouko Captain of the 11th division, where I was 3rd seat when she was in the human world in the skin of Buzz, after she had been sealed in a body where didn't have access to her powers and sent against an adjuchas class hollow. And you must also know, that I've also fought to save entire squads of the omnitsukido and helped against a Vasto Lorde class hollow with the help of Kuro Akarui.

You most likely know I've saved countless human's by drawing hollows away from karakura with my own spiritual powers, and saved more shinigami's that were sent to their death against impossible odds. The only time's I've commited murder, were the time's I could not heal the target on time.'' Tatsu moved a step forward as if to look at someone else, determination in his eyes he kept going on, still haven't spoken what he had in mind. ''For sure, you must also know that with my current abilities, I could've overthrown that omnitsukido squad and it's captain with little life threatening wounds, I offered little to no resistance because it is a crime to fight against a captain of the gotei 13.''

With this said Tatsu moved back to the middle of the circle giving a glance at kuro and taking a deep breath. turning back towards the crowd. ''I do not contest my charges, but I do not plead guilty'' With this, the samurai closed his eyes and listened to what would happen next.

Tatsu's words had quite an effect on those gathered. While numerous tales would usually enamor a crowd to the speaker. Instead of awe they only bred contempt of those that heard them. His stories of heroism was lost on the Central 46. Already there were grumblings of those agitated by the man's apparent arrogance. The hammer fell many times banging away the whispers, but not dispelling the disdain holders held. And so the prisoner continued to speak his piece. The falling hammer had quieted the others, but not him. Although they didn't like what he said, he did have some reason to speak. But he had yet to say the words they sought. On he rambled of things of little import to the men before him. It wasn't until he had come to the end of his speech that the damn on those gather burst open. There was a mixture of shouts from all sides at the man's parting words. Guilty or not, Tatsu claimed the middle road, and the natives became restless. The few voiced that carried over the rabble were those demanding his immediate death. While others wished to him dragged through the streets. The last of the yells asked he be hung from the highest point in Seireitei for all to see.

Once again the not familiar hammer brought everyone to order. A very Pavlovian response to the simple wooded gavel.
"So I see." It was not the same speaker from before. A new one. An even yet somber voice. "You were not captured, but came here of your own volition." There was no denying the sarcasm in his voice. A rough edge was there, and yet it vanished quickly. "We are humbled by you oh, noble warrior." There was mock laughter now. A welcome change to the tense mood. "
"You cannot ignore your crimes, nor can you try to claim innocence. If you were truly innocent, why would you be here? Why would an innocent man flee from Soul Society and evade capture? Your actions are those of a guilty man. But this is a court of laws, as such we give you a chance to defend yourself. The words of a braggart are of ill worth here." More chuckles from the crowd. "So tell us Captain, what was it that you two discussed as he allowed you to capture him?" The speaker chuckled. "There was indeed more to your 'brief resistance', that much we know. We are told from a very reliable source that you were in fact conversing with the accused. Please tell us what was said. "

Kuro watched and listened as the chamber filled with the displeased voices of the Central 46 members. Like always, they were a bigoted bunch that would not easily listen to the other side, choosing to remain stubbornly steadfast to their opinion. Tatsu had jumped the gun by announcing his good deeds this early in the conversation, but it mattered not. Kuro was quite disgusted by their hasty demands for punishment, even more so by their mockery of Tatsu's testimony. He was enjoyed when he was asked to speak again. The time for silence was over. This time he'd give more than what was asked.

"His words are not those of a simple braggart trying to claim more than he is due. I request that you men hear my words clearly before you succumb to your rage and fill this room with the deafening sounds of your embarrassing feud once more." Kuro's eyes narrowed with this sentence, as if daring the men around them to prove him right and that they had no self control. "First, I contest your claims regarding Tatsu Chirako's flight from Soul Society. While this was valid for claims of an abandoning of post, there was no crime committed at the time that called for the use of deadly force in his arrest. He was simply a disheartened man who needed time to sort out his feelings surrounding the unfortunate events connected to the captain he served with utmost loyalty. Nevertheless, the Gotei's forces were dispatched in a violent manner that forced him into acts of self defense. This is where the body count began for which he is charged today. If we look at the number of shinigami Tatsu Chirako encountered and wounded versus the number encountered and killed, we see a large difference in the ratio, backing his claim that he only killed when he was unable to spare or save his pursuers.

"While in hiding in the world of the living, Tatsu Chirako never neglected his duties born of his status as a shinigami. He worked hard to oppose hollows and defend the people over there all while trying to hide from the Gotei 13. If he had concentrated solely on hiding and truly abandoned his duty, it is likely that our forces may have never found him. His loyalty to the values of Soul Society compromised his safety and brought our forces to him. And his claims of helping to defend our forces are true. I have seen this first hand, as I am the captain he helped in fighting the vasto lorde arrancar after he drew the enemy's attention away from some of our men! Without his assistance, many more men would have died that day."

Kuro took a breath as he went into the last part of his current speech. "As for our words before he submitted, he gave proof to me that his honor and loyalty were not dead. His heart still holds the values of Kaiyo Saiyouko and the wish to fight in her name and memory. I saw a warrior who has not abandoned his honor and still wishes to fight against our enemy in service to us. A shinigami of his talents would be a waste to execute for crimes that we pushed him into with our lack of tolerance for a simple soul searching escape. So I told him to come back and serve with us again so that he may atone for his crimes while pursuing his duties once more."

Kuro gave a slight bow after speaking to apologize for his audacity in speaking up so brashly. He kept moving his gaze over the different screens in front of the Central members' faces, listening for the outburst that was sure to follow his speech.

Tatsu had just finished his words when he heard the crowd burst into anger. People were grumbling about his actions as if they had been unjust, and yet he had done all of this to find his true path, the path of loyalty, he had been doing a better job than most shinigami's they had actually sent out yet, but it seemed they just felt like watching someone die with a smile in their faces. Of course Tatsu felt on the verge of defeat as he heard the rambles go on about which way he would die.

Tatsu stood his ground in a stalwart manner as he heard the judge turn his claim to the ridicule. As if he had spoken to thin air. Had they not heard what he said! He had saved lives too, more than he had actually taken! The samurai was on the verge of despair up until Kuro took the bar and started speaking in his defense. He actually stepped up for him in front of the most influential presence of all seireitei. He was lucky to have such a friend, Tatsu took the time to look around while Kuro spoke, listening to everyword, and he spoke the truth.

Tatsu was stressed, he hardly believed their opinions would've shifted from truly hostile to letting him rejoin the Gotei 13. Of course deep down in his heart he wanted to rejoin, he knew his faith would not waver anymore and that his loyalty would keep him on track, but they had no way of actually knowing this, and even if he said so, they had no way of telling if he was speaking the truth.

Deep down the rogue prepared his mind for the worse closing his eyes and listening to the reaction of the court to Kuro's words, the samurai looked at him bow and return to his place. Tatsu took a deep breath filling his lungs with hope and he let the silence fell.

There was no sounds as the Captain made his moving speech. There were no snickers nor where there any snorts. Kuro had whole room wrapped in his words. Lawyers were not something that Soul Society possessed, and yet the captain was doing something fit only for such a profession. The man was doing his best to champion the fugitive. In normal proceedings the accused alone had to fend for themselves. In most cases they buckled under the pressure. While in other cases they managed to hold their own. For this instance it would seem that Tatsu had faltered and Kuro had taken up the slack. Even though it was not his fate that hung in the balance the captain was willing to do what he thought needed to be done.He stood in the spotlight the center of the room. All eyes on him all ear listened. As he drew to a close he bowed. No one said anything for a moment as the group considered his words. Whispers stopped and started. More hushed tones as some quietly argued amongst each other. Finally there was a cough and new voice made itself known. It wasn't as deep as the others, but there was a sense of presence with the voice. A feeling of age, indeed it did sound tired like an old man.

"Well said, such very fine words Captain Akarui. Strong and passionate. But I think that passion might have blinded you to the truth. You seen mistaken on several things." There were gasps of surprise as the old seeming voice spoke. "You spoke of duty. Do you know what a shinigami's duty is? They are the ones tasked with preserving the balance of the worlds." The speaker gave a small cough. "Protecting souls and purifying hollows. A very important role we serve, it's not something can easily stop due to personal reasons. He abandoned his post, neglecting his duty. How many do you think perished as he sough himself? And you would have us over look it all?"

"It is a never ending battle we fight, a war against an monstrous foe. Shinigami are soldiers in this fight. In taking up arms against his fellow shingiami he declared himself an enemy of Soul Society. We cannot allow a person such as that to roam free. You say we forced him to do what he did, but I say he made his own choices. Choices that have consequences. If a man saves two hundred lives are we to turn a blind eye when he takes a life? Is any a crime forgive by past deeds? No. The laws are set in place to provide structure and boundaries for our society. He choose to break them, he choose to flee, he choose to kill!" The coughing of the speaker was louder.
"Sir, please try not to talk." there came a whisper. The coughing fit stopped.
"No, I'm fine." The speaker quickly replied. "These choices were made with full knowledge of the rules he broke in doing so. Try not to see this man with rose tinted glasses, Captain. Look at him; no remorse, no regret. You call it honor and loyalty, but it only foolish pride. Something unbecoming of a warrior, even less so a man." More coughing followed the man's words a wet sickly cough. It was just as effective as quieting the room as the gavel.
"That is enough, Sir." Came the deep voice once more "There's no denying that you s you see us as cruel and uncaring monsters Captain Akarui, but you're ignoring the monster right before you."

Kuro stepped forward again to reply to the speaker, whom he was grateful to for keeping himself calm and bring a measure of civility into the hearing. His face had lost its hardness from when he'd challenged the Central previously, showing only the features of a sincere man speaking what he believed.

"I see no monsters here today councilors, neither down here with me or up where you sit. But I do see a man who made choices that others disagreed with. Such is inevitable with any single person's choice. As I said before, I recognize Chirako-san's abandonment of post, but I see him as not having abandoned his duty. He still fought against our enemy, the hollows, for the sake of balance and justice. He simply did so outside of our system. It's true that some died in attempt to arrest him, but would any of you act any differently if someone came after your life? Self preservation is the most basic of our instincts. We pushed him into murder by endangering his life. We should not overlook any of these facts. Mistakes were made on both sides that brought it to this outcome.

"What I am today is a man willing to give second chances. Tatsu Chirako's choices were extreme, but he has returned willingly with full intention of carrying out his duties under our command once again. Calling for the death of such a skilled shinigami for a simple abandonment of post only made worse by our failure to tolerate his decision and push him into violent resistance would only weaken us as a force in the fight for balance. I hope that this is taken into consideration before making such hasty final decisions that cannot be taken back. Thank you." Kuro bowed again in politeness as he'd been shown by the prior speaker. He was a person who returned any respect that he was given. Though he had honestly been surprised at receiving anything such as that in this room.

Tatsu watched as the conversation between the central and the captain happened, he didn't know what to say, or mostly how to say it. He feared that if he spoke up he would ruin the whole efforts Kuro made to save his life in this day, so the choices of the samurai were simple, he regained his composure once more and stood still as the judge spoke up and as while Kuro took to the to give out his reply. Tatsu never believed that he had surrendered his duties, he had made it a point to himself to never abandon his duties as a shinigami, and he had honestly never did, he even went forward fighting enemies that he never thought he'd fight in his whole story as a shinigami of the gotei 13.


The samurai had lived through experiences that little shinigami could even have claimed. Fought many enemies that people of his level couldn't even brag about, and saved more lives than most 4th squad members had ever had the time to at his level, but he had also killed more shinigami than most of his brothers and sisters. He knew that as a fact, but he wanted a second chance, he wasn't asking for much, it's not like the job of a shinigami was that much entertaining at all. Hope filled the shinigami as he heard the encouraging words of the captain...no, of a friend in front of him, defending him in this cause, would he have been left alone the samurai would've slowly drowned into darkness and truly become a scum bag.

All fell down to this precise moment, where the decision would be made...or worse, they would ask something of the rogue for him to come back within the seireitei, he had hoped this would go smoothly, but it seemed everyone in this chamber doesn't appreciate heroic's as much as he does. The silence fell again on the scene as he could almost feel the weight of the light on his shoulders, as if he could feel the glance of the eyes staring at him. Time was passing by at the slowest rate and the rogue didn't know where to turn his attention, stress was an omnipresent factor when you were in the spotlight of this room.

"That is enough!" the speaker said his point accented by the banging of the gavel once more. "We have heard enough." The hammering continued for a few seconds more then stopped. The last of the banging echoed within the chamber.
"Captain it is commendable that you would try to defend this man's actions, but it is not your place. You are only here to provide information nothing more." the speaker said with an air of finality. "The accused has a right to defend himself, and yet has nothing to really say in his defense. Your kind words alone aren't enough to alleviate him of his crimes. In humoring your need to champion his cause you've only impeded the process. You may leave now captain." With that the hammer came down again and the doors to the room opened. The crowd stirred, but growing commotion died rather quickly.

The spell of shadows was broken as light filtered through the opening. Not enough to completely pierce the shroud that hung over the Central 46, but just enough to light the path to the doorway itself. A ray of light from the door to the patch of light that held Tatsu. It was almost symbolic. The slim ray of hope, Captain Akarui, was leaving him. Four hooded men detached themselves from the dark confines to approach the lit circle. Two of the dark cloaked men stepped to either side of Tatsu. Each of them held a spear like weapon. Rather than just one head it had two evenly spaced blades. It resembled at large tuning fork, or perhaps a pitchfork missing the middle prongs. In addition to the spear there was a sword upon their hip. The other two men were quick in stepping to either side of the captain. One of them took his hand off the spear long enough to gesture towards the exit with a short bow.
"This way please, sir." he whispered softly. His companion gave a small nod and mirrored the bow. There were whispers about the chamber, but the speaker didn't bother to use the gavel. Instead the voice increased in volume.
"Having seen all the evidence we shall now rule on the matter of Tatsu Chirako!" the voice rang out. The two men standing beside the bound fugitive criss crossed their weapons in front of him. Both edges of the blades hung inches from the man's throat. A very subtle way for them to say 'do not move'.

The speaker continued oblivious to if the captain left or not. "All those that find him guilty of the crimes committed vote 'Aye', all that oppose vote 'Naye'." There was several seconds of absolute quiet before the first voice rang out.

"Aye." came the first call. There was no way to know who had said it. No face to put with the name that condemned the man before them. There was no way to figure the race nor age of the speaker. Just an anonymous voice, a vote cast in secret.

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye." There were different voices and different tones. Slowly the voices moved around the room. Some came from the left, others from the right, still others from right in front. Whatever order they followed they proceeded with smoothly from vote to vote.

Kuro frowned as his words were met with impatience and intolerance. Nevertheless, he took his leave of the floor and listened while the Central members wrapped up their rebuttal to his words. He was allowed to leave, but chose to remain where he stood next to the circle of light cast from overhead. He was approached by two of the guards who gently requested that he follow them out the door which had now open, shedding a bright line of light into the chamber. But Kuro did not move from his spot.

"Thank you, but I gave this man my word I would do all I could for him when I brought him back here. I intend to stay until these proceedings are over."

Things were not looking well. Kuro was out of things to say. Even if he did have something, any further input from him would only look like unprofessional desperation to the Central members. His fists clenched within his sleeves as he folded his arms across his chest in worry. Tatsu was going to have to act fast to prove his loyalty to the Central before they did something rash.

Tatsu heard the proceedings go, and they acted as if something else was pushing them, he had saved countless shinigami's saved countless humans there were shinigami's in the maggot's nest who were in there because they actually didn't do those thing's. heard the speech of the captain before, and the speech of the court right now, they didn't believe a word he said, because he wasn't talking, he didn't speak because the captain was doing a better job at it than he could. Quenching his fists, Tatsu moved forward a single step, alarming the guards that were about to surround him, and he shouted. ''ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MINDS, I kept my duties healed my follow shinigami's and upholded my post to the best of its abilities, and now your making me walk the green line because I followed orders!?''

The samurai glanced at the crowd, he didn't want to let his anger flow, but this was it or he would die. ''I followed my captain's order to the very letter until the end, even including my desertion of my post! Kaiyo, the very woman you forced in a sealed body, ordered me! 3rd seat of the 11th division, to follow my own path!!'' Tatsu was red with anger, most likely fighting back against the guards that tried to pull him away. ''GIVE ME A CHANCE TO PROVE MY LOYALTY AT LEAST!! I AM NOT A MONSTER'' Tatsu was indeed fighting back the strength of four guards while being tied down and restricted of his reiryoku. ''I..I'd do anything..'' Tatsu didn't fight back at this point, it was most likely useless. Most of his hope's were gone and his anger had left, the guards were free to take him anywhere.

"That wasn't a request, Captain." Tyrannus was already by Kuro's side. He nodded to the guard. "Unless you want to be removed by force. Here. In front of the Central 46." he was sure to punctuate each part of the statement evenly as he looked directly at the captain.
"We shouldn't give him a choice." Lukan had already flanked the Captain Akarui on the other side standing next to Tyrannus. "A good soldier knows when to follow orders." he said softly.
"You always lack tact, but you are correct." Tyrannus said with a shake of his head. "There's nothing more you can do here." he said with a sigh. "It's time to go." The four stood in silence around Kuro as the chorus of votes continued.

"Aye"

"Aye"

"Aye"

"Aye" Tatsu's outburst did nothing to slow the pace in which the voices ran out one after another. Unmoved, uncaring, each sounded off. His yelling seemed to be quickly drowned out by the men voting. The guards held the prisoner firm. There was no way they'd allow them an to escape now. Even if he could resist them, they had no qualms with using force to subdue him.
"Quiet!" one of the men hissed at him. "You had your chance."

"Aye"

"Aye"

"Aye"

"Aye"

"Aye" The voices echoed across the room oblivious to what was going on below them. Their task of voting took their full and undivided attention.

Kuro stood unfazed by the interference of Tyrannus and Lukan. Just as it would be a bad idea for him to strike out at them here in the chamber, they'd be in the same boat. Even more so since Kuro was a captain. Only the guards here could actually do something with no repercussions. Kuro made sure to play the calm one in their presence. "Always so quick to resort to violence, aren't you boys? I was told I "may" leave. One could interpret that as having a degree of choice in it. But if you so insist, I guess I'd better step outside."

Kuro turned and gave one last look at Tatsu, who was now being restrained by the guards surrounding him after his outburst at the council. He frowned at the sight. All he'd said, and yet it had fallen on deaf ears. He stepped outside feeling that he'd let Tatsu down, and now it could have drastic costs. Once safely outside, he dropped the full polite facade to the red sashes who had so eagerly wanted him to exit the chamber.

"One day, I'll have to give you guys a personal demonstration of why I'm a captain. Don't think I'll overlook all the audacity you continue to flaunt towards me. Even a patient man like me has his limits."

Tatsu listened to the vote's go one by one, his death was more and more secure, and the more they went, the less he fought back, feeling betrayed on the inside he glanced back, only to see the door where the captain left, he was alone now, and these judges were the only people that could actually save him, and they were all against him, it felt as if he was against the whole wide world, and that nobody actually wanted to save him. Slowly but surely the eyes of the samurai filled with water, no matter how much he blinked or tried to hold it in, he felt like this was the end. Demolished mentally the samurai just couldn't uphold his own weight anymore and fell to his knee's.


He felt like he was a disgrace to everything he swore to be, he was a disgrace to every promise he upheld. On his knee's he kept on listening to the votes happening fighting as much as he could the tears falling down his ears, making no noise, he waited the verdict and the punishment. He felt like he could do nothing, he had brought up every argument he believed would be enough to convince the good judge. But this day was not blessed by a good judge, as soon as he had entered this room, he had entered a death trial, not a fair trial.

The four men exited the chamber Kuro leading. They two guards were behind the captain, Tyrannus and Lukan walked a few steps further back. They all stopped once they had cleared the portal. The guards crossed their weapons in front of the Kuro as he shot his words as the two other men barring his path. Tyrannus seemed very much unphased by the man's words. Lukan merely folded his arms across his chest.
"Until that day captain." Tyrannus said with a bow, "Until that day." The doors slowly closed as the blonde man rose. With a loud click the doors shut leaving Kuro outside with the two guards.

Back in the chamber

The votes progressed the prisoner fell to his knees. The guards were quick to catch the fallen man.
"On your feet." The man said as together with the other man hooked their hands under the shinigami's arms holding him up despite going limp.
"Try to have some dignity." the other man sighed as he balanced supporting the man while holding his spear. He did so with ease. It would seem he was more than strong enough to keep Tatsu standing and his weapon.
As before the voting didn't stop nor falter. Like a metronome the pattern kept going.

"Aye"

"Aye"

"Aye"

"Aye"

"Aye" As the words finished the gavel hammered loudly in the chamber. And just like that the rhythm of votes was broken.
"There are now 24 votes for guilty, the matter is closed! All other votes are null." bellowed the deep voice. "Tatsu Chirako, you have been found guilty for crimes against Soul Society, assault, murder, desertion of post, and infraction of duties. Do you have any final words before we render your punishment?"