The Exile

East Rukongai, 64th District: Sabitsura. A vast area with rows of filthy, shabby cottages, inhabited by the poor, the alcoholic, the delinquent. Recently the site of several mass disappearances, whose purpose was not known to the locals. However, they did know Shinigami were in some way responsible, and their low opinion on them did not benefit from that awereness.

Certainly not the best place to seek an exiled Soul Reaper.

A man observed a single young, brown-haired Shinigami roaming the area. Hidden completely in the shadows, with his spiritual presence impossible to detect, he patiently followed the unknowing Soul Reaper as he continued his search of a certain person.

"Tall young male. Black hair, blue eyes, large scar on the face. Have you seen him around?" the Shinigami asked a group of bearded paupers.

"I tell ya, there's plenty o' people like that in here" answered one of them with a noticeable irritation. "Snotty brats band in gangs and badger normal people".

"His name is Ikiryō Kuragari. He used to be a Shinigami" added the Soul Reaper. His voice was calm, but it was apparent he was slowly losing his patience.

"Haven't heard o' him. Now go away, we don't talk with no guys like you" snarled the old man, quickly returning to his rather unfriendly looking companions.

Ikiryō smirked. The young Shinigami was persistent, but he could have done better. Anyway, since he already had started getting bored of stalking the emmisary from Gotei 13, he decided to finally reveal himself.

Still completely obscured from sight, he followed the upset Soul Reaper into a largely deserted area. Little cottages were dilapidated and uninhabited, presumably as a result of the recent disappearances.

A perfect place for a private appointment.

Ikiryō silently overtook the Shinigami and stopped some metres in front him. He had waited until he closed the distance, and then dispelled the Bakudō, Kyokkō, which had prevented him from being detected so far.

The unnamed Soul Reaper was visibly startled at this unexpected occurence. However, he quickly collected himself and a stern expression appeared on his face. His hand stopped near the hilt of his Zanpakutō, but remained relatively relaxed.

"Quite a conspicuous one, aren't you?" asked Kuragari.