14. Unwelcome news
Third Division is running protection on the supply line into the Seireitei. As we secured Rukongai this morning we found these pamphlets. They're identical to the ones that have been published in the past - same paper, same typeset, same targetting of Aizen - which leads me to believe that the same group is responsible, but if that's true then... In any case, read it for yourself. I've sent the original along to the Soutaichou.
Initially, we would like to assure you that we share your grief and pain. Even though we now reside behind these walls, the destruction of the Rukongai hits close to home as many of us come from there, even if we have gone on to better things. It's difficult to sleep at night knowing that some of you have no rooves over your head to speak of, while we remain in such comfort. Though we feel terrible about the destruction in the Rukongai, the damage to the Seireitei must be repaired first, so that we can repel further attacks when they come, and they will come. We can do our best to come out there and help you prepare too, in what time is remaining once the reparations to the walls have been completed, but you should reconsider living so close to the Seireitei walls. It's extremely safe within them, but those walls are not there to protect you. Keep clear of them in time of conflict.
Secondly, you should be aware that we Shinigami did not bring this down upon you. If you had helped us fight Aizen in the first place, none of this would even be happening. We realise it's difficult, but we hope you realise that it's difficult for all of us, especially we Shinigami. We're risking our lives to protect you, and we cannot be expected to disobey direct orders too. Knowing that this might come as unwelcome news in this situation, we must ask you to please be prepared for the worst.
Please remember: Though we Shinigami seem to be the ones betraying you now, the same goes as in our previous publications. Aizen is ultimately responsible for all your discomfort, not us. Persecuting Shinigami isn't going to hurt him. Aizen is your enemy. Aizen is treating you this way. Burning our food isn't going to hurt him, so there's no reason to keep targetting our caravans. If you weaken us, you weaken your protectors. Target Aizen instead. Take up arms against him and leave the Shinigami alone.
(Kira's notes: This bit spanned across the whole page like a headline. It stood out, even if you didn't read the rest of it.) AIZEN DID THIS TO YOU. AIZEN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING, NOT US.
Because of the blocades, we can't possibly spread as many of these pamphlets as we have in the past. Pass them around. Make sure everyone gets to read our side of the story: it's not our fault, and we need you on our side in order to be able to make a difference. Please help us.
If this is from the original author then I don't quite know what to make of it. It seems to suggest that we're trying to shake the blame off on to Aizen, amongst other things. These people are in really bad shape, and the anger that I've felt out there is so thick it could be cut with a knife. I don't think this pamphlet is going to do any of us any good. I realise you were only trying to help, but if this backfires then things could get worse long before they get better.
Initially, we would like to assure you that we share your grief and pain. Even though we now reside behind these walls, the destruction of the Rukongai hits close to home as many of us come from there, even if we have gone on to better things. It's difficult to sleep at night knowing that some of you have no rooves over your head to speak of, while we remain in such comfort. Though we feel terrible about the destruction in the Rukongai, the damage to the Seireitei must be repaired first, so that we can repel further attacks when they come, and they will come. We can do our best to come out there and help you prepare too, in what time is remaining once the reparations to the walls have been completed, but you should reconsider living so close to the Seireitei walls. It's extremely safe within them, but those walls are not there to protect you. Keep clear of them in time of conflict.
Secondly, you should be aware that we Shinigami did not bring this down upon you. If you had helped us fight Aizen in the first place, none of this would even be happening. We realise it's difficult, but we hope you realise that it's difficult for all of us, especially we Shinigami. We're risking our lives to protect you, and we cannot be expected to disobey direct orders too. Knowing that this might come as unwelcome news in this situation, we must ask you to please be prepared for the worst.
Please remember: Though we Shinigami seem to be the ones betraying you now, the same goes as in our previous publications. Aizen is ultimately responsible for all your discomfort, not us. Persecuting Shinigami isn't going to hurt him. Aizen is your enemy. Aizen is treating you this way. Burning our food isn't going to hurt him, so there's no reason to keep targetting our caravans. If you weaken us, you weaken your protectors. Target Aizen instead. Take up arms against him and leave the Shinigami alone.
(Kira's notes: This bit spanned across the whole page like a headline. It stood out, even if you didn't read the rest of it.) AIZEN DID THIS TO YOU. AIZEN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING, NOT US.
Because of the blocades, we can't possibly spread as many of these pamphlets as we have in the past. Pass them around. Make sure everyone gets to read our side of the story: it's not our fault, and we need you on our side in order to be able to make a difference. Please help us.
If this is from the original author then I don't quite know what to make of it. It seems to suggest that we're trying to shake the blame off on to Aizen, amongst other things. These people are in really bad shape, and the anger that I've felt out there is so thick it could be cut with a knife. I don't think this pamphlet is going to do any of us any good. I realise you were only trying to help, but if this backfires then things could get worse long before they get better.