Spectre of the Past: Morning

Part 1
, Sixth Division Barracks. Morning.

Captain Ikiryō Kuragari approached the complex in a lively pace, accompanied by his Lieutenant, Motoko Manihōrudo. Numerous vigilant Shinigami soldiers roamed the area; they bowed and greeted the two officers briefly before returning to their duties. Kuragari noticed many of them were not from the Sixth Division.

"First Division troops", stated Motoko. "I wonder what are they doing here. Do you think it's because of Ueno-dono, Ikiryō?"

The Second Division Captain glanced at her momentarily, slightly perplexed.

"Yamamoto-dono has most likely realised what may be Maebure's next step as well. And do not call me like that in public, Motoko", he ended, admonishing her.

"Look who's talking", she replied, pouting.

"Kuragari-san!"

Hearing a familiar voice, the two officers changed direction and moved toward one of the many groups of armed Shinigami. A distinct grey-haired individual stood amongst them wih his hand raised.

"-san", said Ikiryō whilst nodding his head. "I assume you have already heard the bad news?"

"Sadly, yes", responded the First Division Lieutenant, bowing slightly toward him and Manihōrudo. "-dono has ordered us to complement the local garrison due to the high risk of the targeting this place next."

"I see", said Kuragari narrowing his eyes slightly.

"You have not found any traces?", asked Motoko.

"No, even though we are monitoring the entire area. There are so many troops here that all teams are within the view of at least one another. It is highly unlikely the enemy could pass by unnoticed", declared Sasakibe.

"We can't be so sure", replied Manihōrudo in a grim manner.

A short pause of awkward silence followed her words.

"Is the barrier still active?", inquired Ikiryō.

"Yes, several Kidō Corps soldiers maintain it, but you may enter if you wish", responded Chōjirō.

"Thank you. Stay vigilant."

"Of course, Kuragari-san."

After exchanging brief goodbyes, the Second Division officers passed by several teams of soldiers and stood opposite to the nearly translucent Kidō barrier. Ikiryō requested one of the Kidō troopers to open a portal for him, and then he went inside together with Motoko.

Subsequently, they walked for some time through the luxurious but currently deserted corridors of the Sixth Division Headquarters. They had not met a single person until reaching Mewokuramasu's office's door.

"Captain Kuragari-dono, Lieutenant Manihōrudo-san!", exclaimed the young Shinigami.

He was an adolescent of average height, wearing a regular Shihakushō with several embellishments. With his long, dark brown hair braided and eyebrows cut short, it was apparent he was a member of a noble family.

"Daiki Ueno-kun", said Kuragari confounded.

As the two Second Division officers approached the bowing Third Seat, Ikiryō regained his composure.

"You have my deepest sympathy", he declared solemnly.

"Sorry for your loss", added Motoko in a somewhat abashed manner.

"Thank you very much, Captain Kuragari-dono, Lieutenant Manihōrudo-san", responded the young Shinigami whilst lifting his head. "Please, you may enter Captain Mewokuramasu-sama's office."

Then, he let them inside the room. Haruka was sitting behind her desk, writing something diligently. Meanwhile, Captain Sakamoto Risa closely examined a pile of papers laying to the right and handed a few selected sheets to Mewokuramasu.

The Shinigami greeted each other politely, but there was some constant tension in the air. Manihōrudo assumed a post nearby the exit doors while Ikiryō approached the two Captains.

"So, you already know about Ueno-dono?", he asked silently.

Mewokuramasu looked at him briefly, answering him without words. After she had averted her glassy eyes, she promptly returned to keeping her Division's records, a task which apparently was of utmost importance at such a time.

"Daiki-kun seems to endure this better than you, Mewokuramasu-chan", stated Kuragari. "He is young, but he has potential to be a great soldier."

When Haruka layed down her pen, Risa moved toward the window and found something interesting to watch outside.

"I intend to promote him", declared Mewokuramasu in a strong voice. "But that has to wait until we handle the situation. I do not want him to have any doubts or bad associations with such an event."

"I understand", replied Ikiryō.

He had been afraid Haruka would not be able to maintain her composure due to the recent proceeding. Fortunately, he did not need to worry about her.

"I would rather go outside and help in the search", declared Mewokuramasu. "But I have to stay here instead. Tribulation."

Suddenly, Kuragari frowned, somewhat surprising Haruka.

"Is something wrong?", she asked with faint anxiety.

"We cannot find him, but he can come anytime", replied Ikiryō grimly. "I have a bad feeling about this."