Back to Karakura Town

Their path led them to an impressive square. Centered in it was a solitary, majestic door that stood independent of any walls or barriers, seeming to hover in space. The grand Senkaimon, the portal between worlds, shimmered with a radiant energy.

As they approached, the gatekeepers on duty offered them respectful bows, acknowledging their status. Both Kazuki and Mashiro had a Jigokuchō, or Hell Butterfly, land gracefully on their shoulders. These creatures would guide their souls through the treacherous Dangai, the in-between space that separated the Soul Society from the human world.

Mashiro, ever curious, stared at the butterfly on her shoulder, "You know, I've always found these butterflies fascinating. They're so delicate, yet they navigate us through one of the most dangerous spaces."

Kazuki smiled, "It's a reminder that strength and resilience can come in the most unexpected of forms."

As the two neared the Senkaimon, a tall officer from the Kido Corps approached them, holding a clipboard. Dressed in the standard shihakusho, the officer's uniform was modified slightly to mark his association with the specialized corps.

"Fourth Seat Kazuki, Seventh Seat Mashiro," he greeted formally, his voice carrying a respectful, albeit detached tone. He held out a form to them. "I need you both to fill out the travel documentation. It's a standard procedure."

Kazuki took the form and skimmed over it. It contained fields for name, rank, purpose of visit, duration of stay in the human world, and other such details. Without hesitation, he filled it out, ensuring each field was accurately completed.

Mashiro peeked over Kazuki's shoulder as he wrote, tapping a finger to her chin. "Oh, remember to mention our specific assignment. They tend to get fussy if things are vague."

Kazuki nodded, scribbling in the details of their assignment in Karakura Town. Once done, he handed it back to the Kido officer.

The officer perused the form quickly, ensuring all necessary information was provided. Seemingly satisfied, he pocketed the document and focused his gaze on the pair. "Next, the permission slips."

Kazuki and Mashiro promptly presented their slips, which bore the seal of the Tenth Division's captain, signifying their approval to travel to the human world.

"Very well," the officer murmured. "Finally, the suppression seals." He rolled up his sleeves, revealing a set of intricate tattoos on his forearm. These tattoos glowed momentarily, drawing ethereal lines in the air.

Kazuki and Mashiro both stood still as the Kido officer extended his hand toward them, fingers forming a series of precise gestures. "Although neither of you holds the rank of lieutenant or captain, your power levels warrant a suppression seal. You'll be limited to 20% of your total power in the human world."

Mashiro blinked, slightly taken aback. "Only 20%? That's pretty restrictive."

The Kido officer nodded solemnly. "It's to ensure the balance between worlds is maintained. Even though you might view it as a limitation, it's essential for the well-being of the living world. Their realm isn't accustomed to handling high concentrations of spiritual energy."

A light enveloped the duo, tingling sensations prickling their skin. It wasn't painful, but they could feel the constriction of their spiritual pressure, an invisible band tightening around their capabilities.

Mashiro flexed her fingers, trying to gauge the new limitations set on her. "Feels like wearing weights," she commented, her tone contemplative.

The Kido officer, apparently satisfied with their compliance, nodded approvingly. "Everything is in order. You may now proceed to the human world. Ensure your actions reflect the honor of the Soul Society and maintain the balance between worlds."

Kazuki offered a respectful bow. "We'll ensure the integrity of our mission. Thank you."

With all formalities completed, Kazuki and Mashiro approached the shimmering gate.

Emerging into the human realm, Kazuki and Mashiro found themselves in the midst of Karakura Town. The passage through the Senkaimon had been swift, the duo stepping out from a gate that seemed to materialize out of nothing.

The town itself had a rustic charm, befitting the era it belonged to. Cobbled streets sprawled ahead, lined with wooden structures bearing traditional Japanese designs. Some had thatched roofs, while others showcased intricately carved wooden panels, reflecting the craftsmanship of the time. Gentle wafts of smoke arose from chimneys, indicating the hearths that kept homes warm.

Mashiro took a deep breath, her eyes roaming the quaint town. "I missed it," she remarked, a hint of nostalgia evident in her voice. While they were well-versed with the intricacies of Soul Society, the charm of the living world had its own allure.

Kazuki observed the hustle and bustle around them. Traders peddled their wares, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from bakeries, and children darted around playing with wooden toys. It was a far cry from the ethereal landscape of the Soul Society.

"Look at the river," Mashiro pointed towards a waterway that snaked through the town. The clear water shimmered under the sunlight, with boats floating gracefully, some laden with goods and others ferrying passengers. The distant murmur of the water provided a tranquil soundtrack to the town's vibrancy.

Kazuki smiled, taking in the view. "It's been a while since I was last here."

A short distance away, the duo could hear the melodic notes of a shamisen. Turning towards the sound, they spotted a small gathering of townsfolk. In the center was a woman dressed in a lovely kimono, gracefully moving to the rhythm of the music. Her dance narrated a tale, her fluid movements and the expression on her face speaking volumes.

As they ambled through the streets, the passing townspeople moved around them, completely oblivious to their presence. In their Shinigami form, they were like phantoms, unseen by the regular inhabitants of the world.

A narrow alley loomed ahead, its shadows offering them a brief respite from the open streets. Deciding it was a good spot, the duo slipped into their Gigai, the spiritual bodies that allowed them to interact with the human realm in a tangible manner. The transition was smooth, and in moments, both Kazuki and Mashiro resembled ordinary townsfolk.

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