Dark War: Prelude

, First Division Barracks: Captain-Commander's office.

, the ancient founder of the Gotei 13 and the strongest in existence, stood calmly near the vast balcony of his office. He looked at the landscape of Seireitei with his eyes narrowed into slits, waiting.

Then, he sensed a very familiar spiritual pressure approaching.

"Yes, ?", he asked whilst turning his head to glance at the Lieutenant.

Chōjirō Tadaoki Sasakibe, his unflinchingly loyal deputy, kneeled on the floor several metres away.

"I have brought the most recent report, Genryūsai-dono", he announced.

"You may proceed", said Yamamoto, slowly turning around to face him.

Sasakibe raised his head, but remained firm in the submissive position.

"There has been another attack by a group of s, this time in the North Rukongai's 23rd District. Our soldiers were quick to react, yet the enemy was strong and numerous. The garrison was obliterated and substantial reinforcements were necessary to fend off the enemy. In total, there are 226 civilian casualties and 34 Shinigami killed in action."

Captain-Commander closed his eyes and frowned.

"This is the fourth attack of such scale this week. This is unacceptable", he declared with suppressed fury. "These meagre monsters have become intolerably bold recently. We need to teach them a lesson."

"They have a purpose, Genryūsai-dono", said Sasakibe. "Their assaults are deliberate and well-organised, and they do not chose random locations. They almost seem to be... provoking us."

Yamamoto slightly lowered his head.

"Hmph! They dare to kill innocent beings and challenge the Gotei 13. They will have what they wish for, then", he stated with a solemn tone.

"Do you think we should play along, Genryūsai-dono?", asked Sasakibe with mild surprise. "They are definitely scheming something."

Captain-Commander snarled.

"We will not allow them to do as they please. If they are ready to declare war upon as, we shall respond accordingly. They must have a leader who orchestrates their actions; we shall find that leader and pulverise them along with their army."

Even though Yamamoto's wrath was gradually increasing, his Lieutenant remained composed. He became used to his superior's temperament long ago.

"Shall we call a Captain's meeting then, Genryūsai-dono?", he asked.

"Yes. This situation cannot continue any longer. The enemy seems to be mocking us, and our reaction should be of utmost severity", replied the Captain-Commander.

"I will send the at once", declared Sasakibe whilst standing up.

Yamamoto nodded his head. Subsequently, the Lieutenant vanished in an instant utilising Shunpo. The Captain-Commander proceeded unhurriedly to the Captain's assembly hall.

There were important decisions to be made, and no time to waste.

*****