~Gang Wars in West Rukongai.~

Loki jumps down from the roof,watching the secret door disguised as a stack of boxes and scratching his head."What to do,what to do.Going in through here gonna be tricky.Maybe there's a window around or another entrance?I'll go check,be back quickly." Collecting electricity charge beneath his legs he runs up the wall in one go without problem.Taking a tour of the outside of the building he returns to report his progress."Shin-san,I found a window on the second floor.It's open,goes into someone's room.Let's get in that way."

nodding in agreement..

"I guess we don't have any other choice. what do you think about making a diversion? So you know, we can sneak in.."

"I think I have just the thing." Grinning Loki removes a small black pouch from a hidden pocket.Pulling out three black,metallic spheres the size of a marble.Replacing the pouch bag he holds up the spheres on the palm on his hand."Mini bombs.They pack a nice punch and make a lot of noise upon exploding.Let's chuck them at this hidden entrance and then make a beeline for that open window."

"How dare you address Yusuke-dono like that!" Kazuma makes a move towards them but freezes with a simple "Stop." He bows hastily,"My apologies." and returns to his previous spot.The Crows leader regards Shiro and Altria with a measuring gaze,coming to some decision at last and giving a quick command,"Blindfold them." There is a murmur of confusion about the room but the command is obeyed,black cloth settling over their eyes.There is then complete silence in the room.What they can't see is Yusuke drawing four slim throwing daggers in each hand.They are of special make,creating absolutely no noise when thrown.But what makes them truly special is that they are laced with spirit energy anyone with the ability to do so can sense.It would also warn that person that getting cut with one of the daggers would be a bad idea. With a flick of a wrist he sends the silent daggers at Shiro and Altria,three for each,all targeting potentially fatal areas.

Shiro's gaze turns hard as the crows blindfold him and Altria. (in
thought: 'blindfolding me.... was the dumbest move they could've
possibly done.') sensing the knifes flying at them Shiro summons his zanpakuto. He cuts his bonds while swatting down all the knifes in one fluid motion. (in thought: '...crap.... I just blew our cover.....') he remains in his stance for a few seconds as if expecting something else.

Wondering what the man is up to as the blindfold settles around her eyes she automatically expands her senses,bright spots of energy indicating people flaring up in her minds eye.Although that would help little if they were to be attacked as a sword would not give a signature unless it was a zanpakuto she would at least know where the attacker is.Taunt with tension,when sharp objects blazing with spirit energy come flying at her Altria reacts without thinking,flash stepping out of the way to the side of the room.At flare up of Shiro's reiatsu followed by sounds of metal on metal and something hitting the floor she pulls down her blindfold to see what just happened.The daggers on the floor and Shiro holding his zanpakuto quickly tell the story.'Kuso..we just blew it.But..' Narrowing her eyes she deliberately walks back to her spot near Shiro,giving a cold look to the Crows leader while simultaneously working on freeing her hands."Just now,that was done on purpose.You were testing us!"

~
A low chuckle that sounds close to a rumbling growl escapes the man."Girl,you don't get to be in my position without at least being able to tell a shinigami from an ordinary Rukongai denizen." Pausing,he twirls a silver dagger that appears in his hands,"And you don't get to keep my position without the ability to obtain proper information when needed.Here,right kind of knowledge is power.When Otto reported getting 'attacked' by a group that contained a person matching description of someone who stalked these streets years ago and was rumored to become one of the shinigami..well,I made my conclusions.The "test" as you put it,was to see if those conclusions were correct." Stabbing the dagger into the chairs armrest with a thunk he studies them calmly."Well,shinigami?Far from home,aint' ya?So what are you doing around here,start explaining,"there's a note of danger in his tone,promising bad things if he doesn't like their answer.

~with loki


"Sounds like a plan.."

Edging closer to Shiro and still trying to untie her hands she hopes Loki and Shin managed to get inside and are around somewhere close by in case they need back up soon.

Thinking of their situation.'Maybe we can get him to tell us what he knows..alliance are his enemy after all..so if we remove their leader,that's beneficial for him..but on the other hand..we've seen his base and how to get in..hopefully he'll think twice before engaging shinigami into battle,surely he knows we outmatch his goons.Granted Shiro is the only one with the weapon at the moment but if it comes to it,having Shin and Loki suddenly appear,armed..that just might be out trump card to play.'

Trying to figure out how much to tell she glances at Shiro for a little help.'Do we tell him we're here to stop the war?I don't want him to try and take advantage somehow..the guy's smart and sneaky...'

__With Shin and Loki___
Always enjoying using his inventions Loki grins."Heh,let's go,one distraction coming up.Time for a nice bang." Pressing a hidden button on each sphere he waits for a small red light to show,accompanied by a ticking sound."Here we go,we get ten seconds before they blow." Aiming he chucks the spheres one after another at the masked entrance,watching them stick to the surface."Run for it!" Counting the seconds in his mind Loki scrambles up the wall and for the window,jumping into the empty room cause it's best to be out of sight when someone comes to investigate.Three,two,one.Loki sticks his fingers into his ears to muffle the sound.There's a click and a huge bang of an explosion,rattling the windows and making the walls vibrate.Couple objects fall from the furniture and break.There's a moment of silence broken by shouting voices outside and sounds of many people running outside the door.Loki grins,a smug look on his face."One distraction,check!"

Shiro cuts Altria's bounds and whispers, 'tell him just the basics... he knows we're shinigami, so.... we tell him what we know... then maybe he'll tell us what he knows.'

~with loki

shin in surprise..

"Whoa..that's one heck of a distraction there...awe~some!"

noticing the people freaking out...

"Now's our chance. To the window..!"

"Ahh..thank you." She let's out a relived sigh,rubbing her wrists to get the blood flowing again,red burn marks from the rope showing.Quietly,she whispers,"Alright.But be on the ready if he decides to get rid of us for some stupid reason." Thinking over the details of the mission she filters through the information,picking out what to say and what to keep quiet about.Finding the right words that would catch his interest Altria composes herself into a relaxed,indifferent look,shrugging."We're here on a mission I don't care much for but orders are orders.The Alliance leader,this "Bosu-dono" character.He stirred up too much trouble.Those that stand out get cut.We're here to eliminate him and scatter his little gathering.That's it." Watching for his reaction she glances at the nearest Crow member,planing out how to acquire his weapon in case things go bad.'Better ready then sorry after all.'

~
"So you decided to get caught and come see if I knew anything." Yusuke states it as a fact,not a question,his voice cold.Threatening silence settles in the room as he studies them both through narrowed eyes,a calculating gleam shining in them.

It would certainly be most beneficial for him if these shinigami took out the Alliance.Letting them do the dirty work and therefore sparing casualties and resources for his clan would be a smart move.But how would such a move reflect on his reputation?The Crows reputation?Would it be worth it if they were labeled cowards as a result?And what can those two shinigami do against an almost army?Could they really pull it off?A failed attempt would have disastrous consequences.They also now knew the location of the base,that fool Kazuma should have used standard procedure. But that was a small concern,they could always move to another of the many.The other things were of more concern.

At last he reaches some conclusion,standing up.At full height he's taller then them by almost a head,towering like a giant."It would be beneficial to me if you were to take care of the Alliance.You already know this,or you would not have come and you would not be standing here so calm.But you must understand my position,shinigami.If the Crows sit back and let you take care of the Alliance for us we'll be labeled cowards and that I will not stand for.What's more,what assurance do I have you will not fail?" Walking forward with heavy steps he circles around them three times,stopping at the front again.In a surprising quick motion he picks up one long lock of the girls silver hair,letting it seep through his fingers with a smirk."Shinigami you may be but how much power could a tiny thing like you have?Where's your weapon?And the boy,that small kunai of yours looks pitiful.I've heard the size of a shinigami's sword reflects their power,with that tiny dart how strong can you be?There are only two of you too and Alliance is an army.I don't believe you'll be able to accomplish anything."

__Shin&Loki___
Already inside the room Loki waits for Shin,taking a look around.The room turned out to be someones private quarters.Opening the door a crack Loki peeks out into the hallway,gratified to find it empty.Closing the door he smirks smugly."My inventions rock." Waiting for Shin he checks that he's still cloaked by the kido and concentrating,locates Altria's reiatsu."It's one floor above us.So close.."

Shiro's gaze turns cold and hard, his kunai turns shikai, the two black and blue fireballs swirl around the blade, blazing brightly. ".... Don't insult Fenikkusu..." he glares at Yusuke with and icy cold look that could send an arrancar scurrying in fear. "and... i'd suggest you leave Altira alone.."

Narrowing her eyes dangerously Altria fights down the urge to inflict bodily harm upon the Crow's leaders person,reminding herself over and over that he has information they need.Repeating his mocking question she lets enough of her spirit energy out to be felt by even an ordinary person."How much power?Enough."Lifting one arm she points it at the wall located behind her,the only one with windows,muttering quietly,"Hadou #31-Shakkahō." As the red ball of energy flies at the wall,creating a bang upon collision,it leaves a huge hole covering half the wall and continues on to disappear into the distance of the horizon.All the while she keeps her eyes on Yusuke in a cold glare."Does that put your concerns about powers to rest?My zanpakuto is around too,I just don't need it at the moment as you can well see.So you don't have to worry about our abilities,"she smirks scarily,"let the Alliance have their numbers,it would be too boring otherwise.Ultimately,it's their boss we want.If you're worried about reputation you can take care of the Alliance itself after we get their leader.Without him they'll be easy picking."

~
A momentary look of surprise slips from Yusuke twice,when Shiro's kunai changes form and when the outer wall gets mauled by the kido.'So that's a shinigami shikai and one of their spells,interesting.'

Regaining his authoritative look he laughs merrily."You two got fire.I like that.Very well,you'll have my cooperation." Returning to his seat he pulls the dagger out of wood and resumes twirling it in his fingers.

"Their base is well hidden,we had trouble locating it for a long time.Smart bastards put it in plain sight,inside a bath house.Cover and income.Behind the outer bath house and across the inner courtyard is the entrance to their base,"he snaps his fingers,after a moments burst of activity at the back of the room one of the men brings a rolled up scroll of paper,offering it to Shiro."A map,our spy only got to the entrance at the inner courtyard and not inside their base but you might find it helpful anyway."

Flipping the dagger in the air and catching it Yusuke studies the sharp edge,"As for their leader,no one knows anything about the guy.Even I could not find much.He covered his tracks well.Three month ago he appeared out of nowhere but,"he grins slyly,"I know for a fact on that same day one of the Seireitei gates was opened in the middle of the night.Quite an interesting coincidence,dont'cha think?There are also rumors the guy has some unusual weapon and his mere presence can bring strongest fighters to their knees." Settling back he keenly observes for their reaction.

Shiro accepts the scroll, and scans it before tucking it away, he continues to give Yusuke the 'death' look. He goes over by Altria keeping very close in a protective manner. (in thought: 'He touches Altria again..... grr.... He's gonna be missing a hand.') he grumbles angrily to himself.

Crossing her arms she thinks over the new information,finding it very interesting.'That's one heck of a coincidence..and this character is starting to sound a lot like a..!!' Realizing something she keep her face blank,not wishing to share it with Yusuke.Instead she impatiently asks,"Is that all?Or is there something else we need to know?I'd like to get it over with as quickly as possible,preferably today." Of course,part of the impatience is to part company with the man.Glancing at Shiro she touches his shoulder briefly in a quick gesture unnoticeable to Yusuke,giving him a calming look that clearly says 'be calm or your giving him ammunition'.

At the sound of crashing coming from the above floor Loki turns to the window in time to catch a look at the retreating Shakkaho.Idea on how to get there quickly forming he climbs out of the window again,using electricity to stick to the wall."Shin-san,I bet that just now left a hole in the wall.I'm going to try going that way,should be faster." Scampering up his assumption turns out correct,there is a hole and it's big enough for him to get in quietly.Glad to see Altria and Shiro alright he stays near the wall,the kido spell continuing to hide him from sight.They look alright,that must have been a warning shot.Or to show power.That big guy look like the boss.I'll just stay here quiietly..

Shiro instantly relaxes when Altria taps his shoulder and gives him a calm look. He glances up at Yusuke with a more 'controlled' look. ".... Thanks for your info... is there anything else we should know? or look out for? or.... can we go?" he seems a bit hasty.

~
Yusuke makes a strange motion with his arm and a man seemingly melts out of shadows near the chair.Dressed in black from head to toe only his startling blue eyes are seen."This is Kage.He's a master at staying unseen.He will accompany you.I want some assurance.Or you can leave your zanpakuto here instead,as assurance.But I doubt you'd want to do that." Yusuke smiles,"Now,you can go,Kazuma here will escort you to the exit."

Shiro nods curtly then gives Altria the 'let's go' look.

Sensing Loki's presence in the room she doesn't give any indication of it.Scowling when Yusuke announces they'd get accompanied she considers alternatives.'Leave zanpakuto,yeah right.We could just flash step away now but..the he'd just have someone tail us secretly.That would be even worse..hm,we can always tie this guy up later before going for the Alliance,yeah.'

Hiding a smirk she gives her best defeated theatrical sigh,wanting him to think he's getting an upper hand."Fine,if you insist.But it's his responsibility to keep up,if he can't it's his problem,we are not waiting or slowing down for him.He's to stay out of the way,we wont help or protect if he gets into trouble,as a matter of fact for us he's not even there.So if he gets killed it's not our fault.If those conditions are fine,he can come."

Glancing at the sizable hole in the wall she smiles,walking up to it and tugging Shiro along,"It's alright,we can get out ourselves.Thank you for the information and your hospitality." Looking for a moment at the spot where Loki is she whispers so only the three of them can hear,"stay.listen.plans." With a wave at Yusuke she stands at the edge of the hole,measuring the distance.Gathering spirit energy to her legs she jumps out,flipping in the air and landing on a nearby roof gracefully.Relieved with the way things have turned out she waits for Shiro,spiking her reiatsu slightly so that Shin is able to find them too.

Waiting,she thinks over their next move.'Alright,we'll head somewhere to talk and plan our next move but not to Mai,I don't want that Kage guy to find out where she lives.But I'll have to pay her a quick visit to get Tsukiyomi.He's already angry at physical form being separated like that.So get him,then plan.Hopefully the map Yusuke gave Shiro will be helpful.We'll have to figure out how to get in and then get to it..I just hope my suspicions about this Bosu-dono leader are wrong..otherwise,it could get tricky.' With a sigh she runs a hand through her hair,shivering upon remembering Yusuke touching it.'Ghh..gross.I really want to hurt him for that..'