Phantasmagoria: Veiled Perceptions

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido, it was critically important that its leader not only be aware, but intimiatly familiar with all of its members. Given the nature the division, it was not just an obligation, it was an expectation.

And due to her position, Soifon had to be aware of nearly all of the happenings within Soul Society no matter how trivial, and for one reason or another her interest was peaked when she heard about the new fourth seat of the 5th division.

Normally something, so insignificant like that wouldnt warrant her attention, but the shinigami in question had been personally hand-picked by Captain Aizen himself. That alone was enough to warrant interest.

So she much like any other Captain with any sense of know-how were also keen on the young shinigami. After-all, there was nothing particularly noteworthy about him at first. His grades in the Academy were mediocre, and his spiritual power average at best. He had been a seated officer in the 3rd division, but he hadn't accomplished anything noteworthy. So then what did Aizen see, that she and the others did not?

She isnt sure, and even to this very day, cant recall the exact reasoning behind her decision. But knowing what she knew now, she felt as though her instincts had been right in that something was wrong, but it wasnt with the boy. Afterall it had been Aizen, but that story is for another time.

It was a trifling matter to staff a few Onmitsukido to observe the shinigami, but her curiousity had to be quenched, much like that other cat. The reports they gave were startling yet intriguing at the same time. She had assigned three observers, and each report was as conflicting and confusing as the other.

But she wasnt the Commander-in-Chief for nothing. While this Nagato Yagami may have had her subordinates baffled, she took one evening to finally mull over their findings and piece the puzzle together. In total there were over a dozen character profiles written on him, each one different than the last. It was as though she were looking over at completely different individuals.

She was impressed to say the least. To be able to fool not only her own subordinates, but that many Shinigami around him? The ability able to seamlessly shift from one persona to the next, was truly an invaluable skill, as skill she would like nothing more than to covet herself. Its possible his perceptiveness, attention to detail and innate skill of subterfuge could easily surpass her own. Was this what Aizen saw? Well no matter, she would continue to observe him for the time being, and when the time came, he would be hers...

Behind the Scenes

 * Obviously this fic is written from Soifon's point of view, and it roughly takes place during his captaincy of the 2nd Division. Its important to note that it wasnt Yagami's skill in swordsmanship, hand-to-hand skills or even his reiatsu, that sparked her interest. It was his ability to manipulate those around him into believing what he wanted them to believe. Having such an intimate understanding of human nature is rare, so rare that Soifon is immediately able to recognize the potential he has, and thus makes plans to acquire that skill and let it flourish.