Grandiose Entrance

Aristocrats. Those who reigned at the top of the world, situated comfortably atop their ivory towers. The Seireitei was no stranger to these types, with its own culture and Noble houses to accompany it. A hierarchy of pure-strength wasn't quite what went on behind the scenes, though.

The Government and its military existed a level below those of the Four Noble Houses. The Shihōin Clan, Kuchiki Clan, Shiba Clan, and the Tsunayashiro Clan. These four houses existed on a plain of existence above even that of the Thirteen Court Guard Squad—their involvement strictly forbidden without the say of Central 46, the governing body of the Seireitei.

As on Earth, there was corruption within the Soul-Society. Even in a land among those who protected the humans, they still shared their sour qualities. Their realm of mystical power and mighty figures was still plagued by that which they sought to protect, how ironic.

Not to mention, those who watched from their lavish towers were also hiding deep below, avoiding the light of day as they ran from the Quincy. The Seireitei seemed synonymous with irony at this point, they couldn't escape its grasp.

While many of the Noblemen were both spiritually aware and powerful, they lacked the means to fight. Their minds had been tempered into that of jelly—easily molded and changed. They thrived when surrounded by other Aristocrats, their hivemind ever growing as they amassed wealth and power. But once you threw in an anomaly, they crumbled. Such was the nature of a social hierarchy.

The Seireitei was no different.

"Arranc—Lance, forgive my insolence." Nanao cut herself off, adjusting her glasses. "This man will be your guide. Meet Seinosuke Yamada, former Lieutenant of the fourth-division."

Nanao opened the double-door, swinging it open as another man entered behind her. This man wasn't Shunsui Kyōraku, but in fact someone else familiar. Not a face I expected to see.

There wasn't any chance in hell this was a mere coincidence, either. As I'd expected, there were strings being pulled even beyond that of the Captain-General. Even among the panic of the war, the Four Noble Houses were still making moves.

'Well, I wouldn't say that's quite right… This man is his lackey, after all.'

"Greetings," Seinosuke said, extending his hand out.

"Nice to meet you," I replied, taking his hand into my own as I shook it.

"What business do you have in the Aristocratic District, Lance?"

This man wasn't a fool. His appearance betrayed his mind—his Shihakushō was that of a normal Soul-Reaper. He also had a white-robe with golden-fabric sewn down its edges hung neatly over it, with an odd hat sat neatly atop his silky-hair. He possessed the pristine aura necessary for those who existed within the Aristocratic District. This man was also exceptional with Kidō, his healing abilities earning him the right to work within the wealthiest area of the Seireitei.

That said, there was more than met the eye with him. Behind the scenes, there were cogs being set into motion by a band of unsavory characters. Seinosuke Yamada was one of them.

"I'm looking for someone. We met a long time ago… He saved my life. I'd like to repay him with my gratitude. That's all I have to offer."

Seinosuke smiled, " a noble, just reason. A quality missing from many here in the Seireitei."

I wasn't being truthful, obviously. While it was rather easy to lie to people, something about it didn't feel very good. It was coming naturally to me, as if I'd been lying my entire life.

"Well. I'll leave you two to your tasks," Nanao said. "Lance, please return to this building once you've finished. You'll have quarters prepared before tomorrow."

"Thankyou."

Nanao was a kind woman, though her stern and professional appearance gave her a certain atmosphere I couldn't quite ascertain. Another sheep in wolf's clothing, I suppose.

"Very well, Lance. Might we be on our way? I'm rather busy myself."

"Of course. Thanks, again."

With our brief meeting concluded, we set off towards the Aristocratic district. To save time, Seinosuke recommended plunging out of the sweeping window and dashing to the district, as opposed to walking the entire distance.

As we made our way across the Seireitei, my Sonido alerting Lieutenants and other Soul-Reapers alike, we soon neared the area. The whirring sound my Sonido would make had Seinosuke slightly confused at first, but he soon got used to it.

'Guess they haven't started that yet.' I thought to myself, thinking back to one of the novel's I'd read back on Earth.

"Before we enter the district, might I ask who you plan on speaking with? It could make finding them slightly less troubleso—"

As I got closer to Seinosuke to reply, a flash of fire obstructed the way, clearing a path straight through one of the fallen buildings in the area. The fire in question was pale-blue, its heat forcing me back a step as I observed it.

'Was that Hadō?'

"I'm all 'bout doing things backwards, but could ya at least let me know next time?"

A familiar, carefree voice spoke out from amidst the fire, his Shihakushō catching fire as he emerged from his Hadō spell. He swat most of it away as the bright-flames vanished, only smoke remaining.

Hirako Shinji had appeared, his grandiose entrance reduced to a pile of ashes as he struggled to disperse a smolder behind his back, burning a hole in his robes.

"Shh-Shit!"

I stood and watched, amused by his display. Seinosuke seemed to share my feelings, sitting down beside me as we observed quietly.

"Momo! A little help, would'ya?!"

"We should probably help him, right?" I asked Seinosuke, a smile creeping up his face.

"Oh, of course," he replied, his voice sarcastic.

'That's too bad…'

He seemed like a genuine person. At first glance, anyway. That said, I had no intention of getting any closer to him.

As Shinji started rubbing his back on one of the walls, a short-haired Soul-Reaper appeared to his side. She had a small badge attached to her arm, held together by a white-fabric, signifying her rank.

"Hadō Number 1: Shō!" Hinamori Momo shouted as she placed her hands in front of her, a bright flash of white appearing at her fingertips. The spell hit Shinji with enough force to topple the wall, now collapsed on its side along with him.

Shinji immediately got himself up, now stood in front of me and Seinosuke with a thrown. "Ya don't gotta rub it in, okay?"

"No, no. Of course not." Seinosuke said, waving with his hand. The two seemed acquainted already.

Shinji's suspicious gaze soon fell on me, "who're you?"

"Lance Herscher—an Arrancar."

"Hmm? You don't say," he teased, jabbing at the tip of my horns with his Zanpakutō.

"Whadd'ya want, then?"

I got up and grabbed his Zanpakutō, "I need to see this, actually."