A Rock and a Hard Place: The Old Swordsman

Orders Given
Akiye lounged on a long, leather couch staring at the ceiling but not really seeing it. Three others were scattered around the room, with Yajuu - the dark-skinned Homunculus who led them. Large Iba Ikari who filled the chair he sat in close to bursting and Kyū Senshi; the quiet annoying old-timer who acted like everyones least favorite grandfather.

She had no idea why they'd gathered together or for what reason. The Imawashī's members rarely worked in groups larger than two, so for four to be present at once was something nearly unheard of. "... We've been given a new mission. One deemed of greater importance than our current." Yajuu said, tone commanding. He was the strongest, standing just below their leader, and his very presence made Akiye shiver. Though she carefully concealed that to keep up appearances. She would not give them the idea that she feared any one of them.

But she was curious. "What could be more important than our current job?" She didn't know the details - those were a closely guarded secret between Yajuu, Kyū and the Shadōkingu himself, but the resources and the time spent told Akiye that it was important. "So why the sudden change?"

Yajuu, answering as though in reply to the unasked question only served to frighten Akiye all the more. He had that all-knowing smile and his eyes shone with the promise that information would be withheld. "The Shadōkingu," He wrapped the name with contempt, "has finally given our target - or should I say targets - names."

Iba's only reaction was a smile and cracking his knuckles, a sound that was too loud. It made her jump, and that only made him laugh. "... The lass is too jumpy," He remarked with a grin, "Easy on the eyes, though... So," He said, getting back to the topic, "who? All I need is names."

Yajuu waved him aside with a lazy hand. "Kentaro Hiroshi. Jinta Kanō. Harumi Kazuki. Riki Nagakura." You have your names, so get to work. These orders come from the top, and you are compelled to carry them out." Akiye sighed in response and walked away, shouldering her zanpakutō quickly.

"..." Silence filled the air all for the steady breathing of her companion. "Been spying long?" She asked the air.

"Long enough to know that what we're doing now is the biggest mistake the Shadōkingu could make," If Yajuu had contempt for the name, Akiye's partner had utter rage. "That one... Kentaro is weak now, but in time he'll be just like his father."

She turned, and with her male partner, walked into the shadows. "Could we use him?" The only response was a quick nod and a concealed smile...