070908 - Pre-Mission Preparations
-=[Municipal District - Seireitei]=---------------------------------------------
The municipal district is vast, and it is unfair to label it only municipal, but labels can only lend so much. Most notable here are the white steps that lead up to Shishin Jail, wide and tall, the House of 46 Chambers, from which all most executive decisions in Soul Society come, and the Meeting Hall of the Gotei 13, where the captains of each division converge to discuss what they must.
Here and there, dotting other less note-worthy buildings are little roads that lead away from the noise (into more noise, in some cases) to the individual houses of each division. Some are better hidden than others, some larger than others, some more publically accessable than others. It is generally a good idea to have an invitation before stepping over the threshold of one of these places.
Seireitei was a pretty big place, with so many buildings belonging to each division. Now and then a person would hurry by but Miyo saw no reason to go any faster than the leisurely pace she was traveling at. Sometimes she liked to have a look at the buildings themselves and wonder what was happening inside. What business were other divisions conducting this time of day? Were they even doing anything at all? No way of knowing, since she would hardly step foot into one of those places without permission. Best thing to do is to make her way on toward the fourth division medical building. She could always find something to do there, even if it was as minor as emptying the trash or cleaning the equipment. Miyo took pride in her work no matter what it called for.
Hanatarou is one such person that seems in a hurry. It seems that ever since he came back from the living world from what turned out to be so much more than the expected supply run it was supposed to be, that he's not had a moment's rest. It's probably a good thing that the little medic is so used to long work days.
For most of the day he's been puttering about back and forth between Houses, making preparations and double and triple checking details for his upcoming dispatch with the 6th Division captain's group. Even though he's gotten most of the things he needs to know memorized, such as the included members joining them, he can't help but feel he should make certain about some details... such as if there's no mistake that indeed it's him that's supposed to be going...
Where has Retsu Unohana been over the last several weeks? Just like everything else about Gotei 4's Taichou, nobody's quite certain of the answer. Perhaps she's been off tending to some grievously wounded warrior of Soul Society, or maybe her talents were required on a mission of particular importance. Regardless, her absence is apparently an issue no longer.
Unohana's placid presence nevertheless parts the crowds assembled before her in the Municipal District. She is a diminutive figure, hardly of intimidating demeanor or stature, yet her very presence is enough to distance colleagues and nobility alike. Apparently, Retsu is accustomed to this sort of reception, for her assured demeanor is untouched.
Light footsteps take her toward the doors of Gotei 4's House, Minazuki dangling prominently against her left side.
Hearing another set of hurrying footsteps, Miyo turns to look a little over her shoulder and blinks at the sight of a familiar face. "Yamada-san?" Her hazel eyes take in the rattled appearance of Hanatarou with some curiosity. Oh sure, he often looks sort of rattled but.. he's in such a hurry! Nothing has happened, has it? She can't help but look a tad concerned because of his rush.
As she's coming upon the 4th Gotei as well, Miyo can hardly miss her Captain's presence. "Oh, good afternoon, Unohana-taichou." The woman is greeted with a slight smile from the red haired girl and a gentle bow of her head.
His appearance likely doesn't look too unusual for those that are well used to the overworked appearance of the medic. He's only missed sleep for the last couple of days, and that's no big deal for him, really! "Ah? Oh... hello, Mikazuki-san," Hanatarou greets as he lifts his head to spy his fellow 4th medic as he heads up the path towards their division house. He perks at the familiar presence of their captain even before Miyo greets Unohana by name, and is about to do the same, save that his feet happen to miss a step then.
"And good afternoon to you, Unohana-tai-aahck!" Thud.
Retsu draws to a sudden halt as she is addressed by two rather familiar voices. Her eyelids fall shut, as they often do, and her lips draw into a serene smile. "Ah, how pleasant to see you both well," notes Unohana, as her Taichou's haori settles about her slender form. "I apologize for the inconvenience caused by my absence, but I'm afraid it was necessary. However, it seems that you both have held things together quite effectively ..."
Even in the presence of Hanatarou's unfortunate tumble, she seems unshaken. Retsu leans forward and extends a small hand, offering her assistance in helping the young man to stand. She continues to speak as she does so.
"It's fortunate that you're both here, actually. I have elected to provide both of you with additional training in the use of Hadou." Why that, specifically? She doesn't say. "You'll both be adept enough at it, I suspect. Studies will begin as soon as your duties permit."
"Yamada-san!" Miyo lifts her fingers to hover in front of her lips at the surprise of watching Hanatarou trip over himself. At least he isn't hurt and their captain is so gracious as to help him up. Miyo steps over to his side as well and gives him a reassuring smile. The apology from Retsu gets a quick shake of Miyo's head. "Of course, taichou. We know your work is very important." She's the greatest healer in all of soul society, after all. When a case is serious she's definitely the one to turn to!
News of hadou training catches Miyo off guard. "R-really?" She's somewhat surprised and excited all at the same time. "Ah, I'm honored, taichou!" That she would want to work with them so closely to improve their skills, but.. those won't be used for their regular 4th division duties. That curious look is sent in a glance toward Hanatarou. "You may call upon me at any time." Miyo will be a hard working student!
Oh, how embarassing! And in front of his captain, no less! "Itetete.... ah, thank you, Unohana-taichou..." Hanatarou says meekly, seeing the delicate hand extended towards him once he's managed to pry his face off of the ground. He gladly accepts the hand up, then bobs into a bow before he dusts at his clothes. His hand pauses over his hakama at Retsu's proposal, and looking up, he glances first at Miyo and then at his captain, blinking wide eyes.
"Eh, really?" he asks, echoing Miyo's own inquiry and tone. Hanatarou isn't sure what to think of that, but kidou in general had been something he's proven much better at then zanjutsu. But hadou...? "...ah, if you really think so, Unohana-taichou..." He finds himself looking at his feet again, and tries to look back up to meet his captain's eyes. "I'll certainly do my best! Ah, but I suppose it will have to wait until I get back..."
Retsu looks between the two of them, her smile lingering. "Good," she replies, appeased by their willingness to branch out beyond their specialties. Hanatarou's final remark doesn't appear to irritate her. "Ah, yes. You were assigned to accompany Kuchiki-taichou's party, were you not? The delay in your studies will be understandable, certainly, given the circumstances." Her attention shifts then to Miyo, and she continues, "This will give you something of a head start. Perhaps, by the time Yamada-san returns, you will have learned enough to teach him basic Hadou yourself."
That, apparently, is all that she wanted to say. The diminutive captain steps forward, intent upon departing into the depths of Gotei 4's House. Over her shoulder, she advises her male subordinate, "Take care on your mission. As you know, the world of mortals is a dangerous place, and all is not right there. Remember the power of your Zanpakutou, as you may need it."
When Retsu's attention is turned toward her again, Miyo suddenly jolts in her place, standing a little straighter but unable to help from lacing her fingers tightly together in her hands in front of her and holding them close to her body. Her eyes are wide as she nods quickly. "Yes, Unohana-taichou! I'll do my very best."
She wouldn't want to disappoint her Captain of course and as the 18th seat, perhaps she can show she has true potential to become even greater someday. As the captain begins to leave, Miyo steps aside and gives a slight bow of her head in thanks. To think, she's going to be trained in hadou! Not something she expected at all, but her heart is fluttering from the news.
Not that he's ever heard a harsh word from his captain, but all the same Hanatarou finds himself holding his breath in anticipation of what Retsu might say to the reminder of his recently assigned duties. He nods his head in confirmation, offering a wan smile, grateful for her understanding. He offers the same to Miyo. "I look forward to working with you on that later, then," he says, seeming quite confident that things will go just as Retsu has suggested.
His attention goes back to the dark-haired captain as she moves, and with her words of warning, Hanatarou clasps his hands together almost nervously. Indeed he does know, but he doesn't think anything less of the reminder. Upon the mentioning of his zanpakutou, the young medic glances down at his side where the hilt of Hisagomaru juts out, his poor previously neglected weapon that he's taken to bringing with him everywhere ever since the fiasco involving Rukia's execution. Smiling fondly, he pries his fingers apart so that he can rest a hand upon it, giving a nod. "Hai. I will. Thank you, Unohana-taichou."
After Unohana is gone, it's only then that Miyo releases the breath she had been holding and lowers her tightened fingers loosely to her sides. "Hadou training.." That's still something she considers a bit odd. "Do you think she's trying to tell us something?" In her own way, maybe she is. Could their Captain be worried? And speaking of worried, Miyo looks over at Hanatarou. "You'll be okay in the human world, won't you?" That's a pretty big assignment he's getting, to accompany another division on an important mission.
Glancing at Miyo, Hanatarou slowly shakes his head. "....I'm.... really not sure what to think of it. It's not something unheard of.... but..." Well, working on hadou would certainly be useful depending on situations, situations that Hanatarou hopes will never really turn out to be. He fidgets a bit in his spot.
"Ah, d-daijoubu. It won't be the first time I've been there..." he says, offering a weak smile of what he hopes reads as reassuring to the female medic.
She wants to feel reassured but she'll have to worry a little. It's too bad he won't get some of that training in before he leaves, but he does have his weapon with him and for him to be such a highly seated position, that definitely means something. "Yes, in a certain situation it would." Miyo just wonders if Unohana is choosing now to prepare them for those situations for a reason. After all that's happened it doesn't hurt to be cautious though. "You're preparing for your trip? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Oh, there's no question about it, Hanatarou's quite nervous about this latest duty set before him, but that doesn't make him any less determined to set out and do it. He knows where his abilities lie, and as the only representative of the 4th going along with Byakuya's group, the medic will certainly do his best to make sure that everything will go smoothly. Even more so, he hopes that nothing bad will happen that will require his extensive assistance, but one can never be too careful.
"Ah.... yes, I am..." He pauses, thinking for a moment. "...if you wouldn't mind, could you make sure I have enough medical supplies then? I'm sure I'll forget something if I do it myself..."
Miyo blinks at the request and then smiles right away. "I'd be happy to." If she can be of any use then she'll gladly help out. She's just happy to be asked at all. And no doubt she'll check the supplies at least three times before being satisfied with them. "Shall we go in and have a look?" He was headed to the medical building so quickly for a reason, after all. There must be a lot on his mind before he'll have to leave.
It certainly is nice to have someone to help! He would have asked... if he had thought about it and wasn't so concerned with thinking he'd be a bother to anyone. But here Miyo has asked and offered, and gratefully accepting it, Hanatarou nods with another, perhaps even brighter smile at her. "Thank you, Mikazuki-san," he says. "Yes, let's do that." Minding where he plants his feet this time, he starts forward again.
She waits for him and then enters the building so they can make their way to the room where supplies are kept. "Do you know how long you'll be gone?" She hopes it won't be too long, since the sooner he comes back the more assured everyone can be of his safety. If Captain Kuchiki is going though then it's sure to be a very important and perhaps dangerous mission that he's getting involved with. Miyo has to wonder what it's all about but it's not really her place to know about it. At least, she thinks it would be rude to poke her nose in.
Hanatarou steps along down the familiar halls, having settled into a less hurried pace than that which he had been scurrying about at earlier. He shakes his head. "No... I don't think it's been set.... either that or I might have forgotten or missed that detail." Oh my. That would require another trip to the 6th then, but he doesn't think that Kuchiki-taichou would feel very assured of his party's medic if Hanatarou had to ask him something like that, but then this is also on top of several times he's already gone to inquire of things. It isn't often that he's sent on missions like this, and the poor medic can't help but think that perhaps this is one of the reasons why.
Miyo steps into the supplies room and looks around, then walks over to a table in the center and turns to Hanatarou. She's sure he's already considered many of the things he'll need for his trip. "You were just in the living world, weren't you?" Not too long ago. "I guess it won't seem too different, except for the company." And some interesting company it must be! "I'm sure I'd be pretty nervous, traveling with Kuchiki-taichou." After all, he always had such a cool look on his face and his behavior was the same way. Miyo appreciates how warm their own captain is in comparison.
He'd made a list, but he isn't even sure that he's forgotten anything in writing that down. Fishing around for it in his bag, Hanatarou pulls the folded piece of paper out, flattening it on the table. "Ah, yes... it was one of the routine runs to supply Hitsugaya-taichou's group that had been out there already, but I got separated from the other two I had accompanied... and then I ran into one of Ichigo-san's friends..." The faint smile that had been on his face wavers, his hands slowing in their nervous attempts to smooth out all the creases in the paper. "...Aizen and an arrancar had attacked him and taken Inoue-san away... It was only by chance that I found him, but..." He doesn't want to think about what would have happened to Uryuu if he hadn't come across him when he did.
The medic shakes his head. "I-in any case, I hope to be of some use to Kuchiki-taichou's group. I was a little surprised when I was told I'd be going back with them.."
It sounds like his last trip the human world was a lot more exciting than she realized! And a kidnapping too.. "That's terrible." She wonders if that girl will be okay. If she's even alive now, but Miyo doesn't voice those thoughts. They were all lucky Hanatarou was there when he was, or lives might've been lost. The red haired girl smiles then. "You must've really impressed them." When he handled that situation so expertly and knew what to do. "I'll bet that's why Kuchiki-taichou requested you." Because he felt he could rely on such a great medic.
"Ah..." Blushing, Hanatarou bows his head, looking intently at the list he'd scrawled down. "I... I didn't do anything special really, just what's expected of me..." He still wonders himself why not someone else instead- there are plenty other, more competent division members of the 4th!
Miyo can't help but look a little amused at the expression on his face, even if she's one that's also prone to blush like that under a compliment. His compliment is well deserved though! "What should I get for you from the list?" She leans over, while keeping his space in mind, to take a look at the list of supplies. Hmmm. After examining the list she turns and goes to one of the cabinets to open it up and rummage through it.
"...oh, right- um..." He rests a finger on the paper, running it down the list. "Can never have too many bandages... um... a few of the salves..." Hanatarou moves to slip off his pack from over his shoulder, resting it on the table. "...I suppose I could bring some extra anesthetics too..."
Miyo nods a couple of times at the list he speaks outloud. Extra bandages.. salves.. even anesthetic would be important depending on the situation. Let's see.. what else.. She reaches into the cabinet and brings out a couple of different salves, some for injury, infection, and burns since she's been treating quite a few of those lately. "I was almost worried we were out of these." There's a sheepish smile that follows. "You wouldn't believe the number of academy students I've been treating lately." It's kept her busy!
Lifting his head, Hanatarou glances over at Miyo. "Really? I wonder what could be going on..." He scratches his head. "...isn't Ishamoto-san supposed to be there though? I wonder if it's just been very busy... oh, but he teaches as well, doesn't he....?" Unzipping his pack, he begins to pull out the items already within it to see what he has on hand and what needs to be replaced or restocked.
Miyo nods and walks back to the table to set the things she's gathered down. "I'm sure he'd take care of it." If he could, but maybe something has been going on lately. More like academy students afraid of getting into trouble, she thinks. "Maybe they just don't want to disappoint him." If he's their sensei they might not want him to know about what they've been doing. "Lately so many have come in with kidou burns. The academy staff probably wouldn't approve."
He supposes this makes sense, and he nods at this. "Hmm." His hand pats around the pack for a pencil, and after finding it, he begins to write numbers and check marks on the list for the things gathered. "...that's somewhat troubling though... if they're just learning kidou then it's understandable that things sometimes go awry... but... unless they were doing things they weren't supposed to..." Hanatarou picks up the small vial of anesthesia he had in his pack, eyeing the contents and setting it down again. There's little enough in it that he won't even bother to count it as part of his stock, although he'll still bring it with him. A smile is offered at Miyo as she brings some other things, and he begins to sort and tally those up as well.
Miyo smiles a little in return, hoping he doesn't worry about the situation too much. "I'm sure they're just trying to get ahead of themselves. They want to prove themselves, you know?" They're young and only first years, but they have a desire to become the greatest. So many are like that. Miyo can't say she isn't sympathetic. In a way, she also wants to become a greater medic and member of the 4th division.
Hanatarou nods again. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just wish they would be a little more careful, eheh..." he chuckles weakly. Setting the pencil down, he nudges aside the old things from his bag, setting to repacking things again. "If you could go over my list just to make sure I haven't forgotten something, Mikazuki-san? I know I'll probably end up doing just that otherwise."
Miyo nods, glad to be of help and reaches for the list to have a look. Since she's given the task and she knows his supplies could really be important, Miyo makes sure to check and double check the supplies. The last thing she would want is for Hanatarou to be in the field and not have exactly what he needs. Even if she doesn't know those of the other divisions going, they're still shinigami. "It looks complete to me." Is said with a smile as she sets the paper down again. "You could treat a small army with this."
"Oh good..!" Hanatarou says, smiling with relief. "....and... I really hope I don't have to end up using all of this, but you can never be too prepared." He adds a few more things into his bag, pausing as he holds a couple of bandage rolls in each hand. "...hm... I wonder... if I should pack a few more... Abarai-fukutaichou is coming... and we'll also be meeting up with Ichigo-san..."
Miyo can't help but laugh softly at the comment on not having enough supplies for those two, even if she just said he could heal a small army with that. Some people might need more bandages even than that. "It wouldn't hurt, if you can manage to carry all of it." She doesn't think he should be too burdened either or held down by his own things. Though she hasn't actually met the pair Hanatarou mentioned, everyone's heard a few stories.
The other medic smiles nervously. "A few more, I think. They shouldn't make too much of a difference to my load..." he decides, nodding at Miyo. He can always divide his supplies up once they get to the realm of the living so he won't have to carry everything. Medicine, check, bandages, check, an assortment of vials... he pokes at a pouch that presumably carries stamina pills, figuring he has enough should he need them. Whether they actually work or not is another thing, of course.
Miyo nods, thinking that's a good idea, and goes to fetch a few more rolls of bandages from the cabinet. "If anything goes wrong, I hope they'll call for back-up." First news of that kidnapping and then a trip to the living world.. that must mean they're going to attempt something important. Especially to take people at the level of a captain and vice-captain with them.
"I hope nothing goes wrong, but I'm sure they'll do so if something does come up..." Hanatarou places the rolls he's been holding in the bag. "Although there was..." he begins a thought, then trails off as he thinks. He shakes his head, really not sure what to make of the mysterious person that had assisted him the last time he had been in Karakura and chased by a Hollow.
Miyo places the bandages down for Hanatarou to pack away how he likes, but his pause does make her curious and she tilts her head slightly to the side. "There was what?" Did something happen? One hand lifts to brush back some stray hair from her cheek. Some people just have all the adventures! She wonders if he's lucky or not.
Hanatarou blinks and then shakes his head again at Miyo, smiling faintly. "A-ah, it's nothing.... I think." He resumes packing things away, hoping he has enough room and wondering if maybe he's put too much on the list...