Disclaimer: I have no ownership of Bleach and Final Fantasy Tactics.
Toga Clan
Ramza met up with Yuji and told him what was going on in Yuji's house.
"I see," Yuji said, "not only you met with my brother Yashiro but also my baby brother Yosuke and you even joined the Toga Clan."
"I want to do what I can to help," Ramza said.
"I see," Yuji said, "well it's not bad but I would advise you to be careful and don't get so swept up with what they are doing, especially the leader Reddo."
"Is there something I should know?" Ramza asked.
"It's just that I question Reddo's goal," Yuji said.
"Hmm, why is that?" Ramza asked.
"I just wonder does he really want to lead to seek justice against the Seireitei," Yuji said, "or does he actually want to regain power and status and go back to the Seireitei?"
"Go back to the Seireitei for status and power?" Ramza asked.
"Ramza, what do you know about Reddo Toga?" Yuji asked.
"That he leads the Toga Clan fighting against the Seireitei and seeking justice mostly for what happened ten years ago," Ramza answered.
"Right, well there's more to it," Yuji said, "one of the things is that Reddo Toga is actually originally from the Seireitei."
"He was?" Ramza replied surprised.
"Yes, the Togas were a lower rank noble family but they lost their noble status years ago," Yuji informed, "Reddo is the only member of the Toga family left. Most of his family members were Shinigami of the Gotei 13 but they all died in their lines of duties."
"I see," Ramza said.
"Anyway, just be careful," Yuji advised, "I myself can't bring myself to fully trust the Reddo Toga which is why I did not join them much to my brother Yashiro's dismay."
"That explains it," Ramza said.
"Yep and since then I've been accused of being a coward," Yuji said, "What you decide is your business and if they don't feel right with you, you have the right to quit. Don't let them bully you if you come to that conclusion."
"I see," Ramza said, "thank you."
"You're welcome," Yuji said with a nod.
After talking with Yuji a bit more, Ramza left and headed back to his small house. He got there and entered and sat on the floor.
"It's been a quite a day," Ramza said, "I certainly did expect this on my first day here."
Ramza thought about how his day was with first meeting Yuji who helped him and then he met Takeshi who was hostile towards him and met Satsuki who stopped him. He then met the woman who spoke of his spirit energy who he found out that she was Tamayo Akechi. Not long afterwards, he met Yashiro and members of the Toga Clan including Kosei and the leader Reddo and then he met Yosuke who was a Shinigami of the Gotei 13 from the Seireitei.
"I wonder how the next day is going to be for me," Ramza said.
Ramza then thought about his life back in Ivalice and the people he knew and met over the time. He started to wonder if there were any other people that he knew who ended up in the Soul Society and they ended up at different districts of the Rukongai. It was possible but Ramza knew that he did not have the means to actually look but he wondered if he could get helped as he knew at least one Shinigami at the moment who came by the district even though the Shinigami were considered enemies. Ramza knew that he had to tread carefully.
Nightfall
It was full moon night and there was someone who was looking at the moon and then the person was looking at the district from the hill. It was Yosuke and he sighed as he looked around and folded his arms.
"I should head back," Yosuke said, "I've spent time here more than I intended."
"Just how long do you plan to do things like this?" A female voice asked.
Yosuke was surprised a bit and sighed. He turned around and saw that it was Satsuki.
"Satsuki," Yosuke said.
"Well, how long do you plan in doing things like this?" Satsuki asked with a frown, "Do you think that you are in the right of what you are doing?"
"Whether or not it's true, I'm just doing my duty," Yosuke replied, "That's all there is to it."
"Just your duty," Satsuki replied back, "and what would that be? Cause suffering to people who are just trying to live in peace and toy with their lives for their own amusement?"
"No, of course not," Yosuke responded offended at the notion.
"That what it seems to be going on," Satsuki said.
"You know that it's not true," Yosuke said, "I'm trying to change things so that what happened before never happens again."
"You actually think you can do that?" Satsuki asked and she shook her head, "If that is it, you're just naïve. You're just a seat less officer in the Gotei 13. No one in charge is going to listen what you say."
"Even so, I still have to try," Yosuke said, "and I refuse to give up. I'll do whatever it takes. I'll work my way up and get in a position where I will be listened to and get things change for the better."
"Oh sure and while you're doing that, more people will suffer at the whims of sadistic people with power in the Seireitei," Satsuki said.
"It would have been easier with you," Yosuke said, "but you left the life you had, the status, your life back in Seireitei. You just—"
"Stop, don't say anymore!" Satsuki interrupted strongly and angrily.
Yosuke was taken aback at Satsuki's strong response. Satsuki calmed down and just looked at the ponytailed youngest Matsuzaki.
"The life I had before has no meaning anymore," Satsuki said, "my life is here in the Rukongai, in this district. I'm a simple resident of the 40th District Takame."
Yosuke sighed and nodded in response.
"I… I understand," Yosuke said, "I just wish things would have been different… for you and my brothers as well. What happened was not right, to you and to Yuji and Yashiro."
"Is it another reason why you became a Shinigami and joined the Gotei 13?" Satsuki asked.
"I want to also regain the honor of my family that was destroyed at the hands of him," Yosuke said and he thought about a man who had a sadistic grin, "He's the cause of everything."
Satsuki looked away and folded her arms.
"I should head back," Yosuke said, "I'm sure my captain is going to chew me out for being out for so long," Yosuke turned around, "Satsuki, I'm not one who gives up. I will find a way to turn things around."
"Yeah sure," Satsuki said although she had no faith in Yosuke's word, "good luck with that."
Yosuke sighed sadly and left using Shupo. Satsuki turned around and had a sad expression.
"You're such a fool Yosuke," Satsuki said sadly.
Satuski walked away and headed back to her own home.
The Next Morning
Ramza stepped out of his small house and stretched his arms.
"Well I have to go," Ramza said.
Ramza went on his way. As he was walking, he saw Satsuki who was walking.
"Good morning Satsuki," Ramza greeted.
Satsuki saw Ramza and smiled.
"Good morning Ramza," Satuski greeted and approached Ramza and walked with him, "You have any plans today?"
"I'm heading to the base of the Toga Clan," Ramza said, "There's going to be meeting."
"Oh yeah I heard," Satsuki said, "You joined the Toga Clan just yesterday."
"Yeah, I figured I can help but also understand what is going on," Ramza said.
"Understand what's going on?" Satsuki asked.
"Just things for me to think about," Ramza said.
"I see," Satsuki said and then smiled, "well I'm rooting for you."
"Thank you Satsuki," Ramza said with a smile.
Satsuki stopped and waved at Ramza and Ramza waved back and went on his way. Later on, Ramza arrived at the base of the Toga Clan. Ramza went in and arrived in a large room where there were other members of the Toga Clan including the leader Reddo as well as his two right hand men, Yashiro and Kosei. Reddo was pleased that Ramza arrived and they started the meeting.
"Let's us begin," Reddo said.
Seireitei
Yosuke was walking through the corridor of a large building. Yosuke sighed as he was worried about things and wondered what he was going to do.
"Hey Yosuke," A male voice said.
Yosuke stopped and turned to see a male Shinigami with that had spiky black hair and brown eyes and he smiled seeing Yosuke and it was Isshin Shiba.
"Oh it's you Isshin," Yosuke said.
Isshin and Yosuke walked together through the corridor of the large building.
"You've been spending a lot of time in Takame," Isshin commented.
Yosuke was surprised and looked at Isshin.
"It's well known by now," Isshin said, "people have been talking. Some are making… well speculation."
"I see," Yosuke said, "guess I'm not being as careful as I thought I was. My captain was really not pleased with me, telling me that I'm pushing my luck."
"May I ask why you're going so far with this?" Isshin asked out of concern, "Is it because what happened a decade ago?"
"That's part of it yes," Yosuke said, "but also because I have concerns, mainly Reddo Toga."
"Reddo Toga," Isshin said, "yeah, the only remaining member of the fallen Toga family."
"He has a lot of people following him in Takame and I'm concern that he'll use it to gain power for himself," Yosuke said, "My brother doesn't see that and follows him so loyally."
"We'll just have to see what happens," Isshin said.
"Yeah we will," Yosuke said.
Yosuke and Isshin continued to converse with each other as they walked through the corridor of the large building.
District 40 of West Rukongai, Takame
In the base belonging to the Toga Clan, a meeting was occurring in the large room.
"First let us welcome our new member of our great clan," Reddo said as he was pleased and turned Ramza, "we have Ramza Beoulve."
Ramza nodded and faced the other members of the Toga Clan.
"Hello everyone," Ramza said, "I am Ramza Beoulve. I just joined yesterday. I am pleased to work with you all."
The other members had their thoughts and spoke their opinion on Ramza.
"Anyway, we still have much to do before the time comes that we get justice against the Seireitei," Reddo said, "and they will answer for the tragedy that occurred ten years ago and we will gain supremacy over the nobles."
Ramza raised an eyebrow from what Reddo said. The meeting continued and then Reddo ended the meeting and the members gave their respects to Reddo. Afterwards, most of the members left the large room and Ramza was approached by Yashiro.
"Hey Ramza," Yashiro said.
"Oh Yashiro," Ramza said.
"Come with me," Yashiro said, "Leader wants me to help you."
"Help me?" Ramza asked.
"Yeah," Yashiro said with a nod.
"You will follow Yashiro for a bit," Reddo said as he approached the two men.
"I see," Ramza said.
Yashiro grinned as he was pleased. Later on, Ramza and Yashiro walked outside within the property of the Toga Clan and they got to a shed. Yashiro opened the door and inside were sheathed swords.
"Swords," Ramza said.
"Now that you're part of our group, it would be best that you have a sword," Yashiro said.
"I have to ask," Ramza said, "how you obtained them."
"Our leader had most of them back when he was a noble in the Seireitei," Yashiro said.
"Right, his family was a lower rank noble family of the Seireitei," Ramza said, "Yuji told me."
Yashiro was surprised a bit when Ramza mentioned his older brother.
"You've been talking to my brother," Yashiro said, "even after I told you that he's a coward."
"However you feel about him, you helped me out when I first arrived here," Ramza said.
"Tch, fine, he helped you out," Yashiro said, "but just don't let him plant any ideas in your head."
"Ideas like what?" Ramza asked.
"Ideas that sitting around and do nothing is fine or that it is okay to quit things halfway," Yashiro said, "anyway just so you know that my older brother just doesn't understand."
Ramza paused and just looked at the sheathed swords in the shed. He then went and picked up a katana that had a black hilt, bronze circular guard, bronze pommel, and held in a black sheath. Ramza unsheathed the katana a bit and looked at quality of the blade.
"Looks like you made your choice," Yashiro said.
"Yes I believe so," Ramza said.
"Now I have a question," Yashiro said, "do you think you can handle a sword?"
Ramza just looked at Yashiro and nodded.
"I'm confident in my abilities," Ramza replied.
"Oh yeah?" Yashiro replied back, "Well then I guess we'll see. Follow me."
Yashiro turned and walked and Ramza walked behind him and the two of them went on their way to a destination. Not long afterwards, Ramza and Yashiro arrived at the plains and they faced each other.
"Draw your sword," Yashiro said, "I want to see what you can do."
Yashiro unsheathed his katana.
"Very well," Ramza complied as he unsheathed his katana.
Yashiro charged towards Ramza and Ramza charged towards Yashiro and they clashed the blades of their katanas. Ramza swung his sword and they were fast and intense much to Yashiro's shock. Yashiro fought back and swung his katana towards Ramza who was actually able to block and counter Yashiro's attacks. Ramza pushed Yashiro back and charged with speed toward Yashiro. Yashiro tried to counter but Ramza proved to be too fast and swung his sword forcing the sword that Yashiro was holding out of his hands and Ramza swung his sword again and stopped it right near Yashiro's neck. Yashiro was shocked and glanced at the blade of the katana was close to his neck.
"How was that?" Ramza asked, "Is this good enough?"
"T-That is more than good enough," Yashiro said although he was nervous, "w-were you a warrior in the past?"
"…Yes, something like that," Ramza said.
Ramza moved his blade away from Yashiro and the tall bald man got up and went to pick up his sword. Yashiro then grin in excitement.
"You're even better than I thought," Yashiro said pleased, "it's good to have someone like you in our ranks. Looks like I got a good eye on talent. I was right to scout you. Well with that, I don't think we need to get in more with swords. So let me ask you this, do you know how to make use of your spirit energy?"
"My spirit energy?" Ramza asked.
"Yeah," Yashiro said.
Yashiro held out his left hand and formed a small ball of spirit energy which impressed Ramza.
"This is what I'm talking about," Yashiro said, "this is essential for our cause."
Meanwhile Kosei was walking through the forest and looked around. He then stopped and saw someone.
"I'm here," Kosei said, "everything is proceeding as planned."
"Very good," A male voice said, "You have done very well in this endeavor Kosei."
"Thank you, I am glad to be helpful," Kosei said, "and for what we discussed…"
"Not to worry," The male voice said, "you will get what you desire. You will be rewarded for your hard work."
"Thank you," Kosei said with a bow, "then I will take my leave."
Kosei turned around and took his leave and in turn, the person that Kosei spoke to turned around and left to the opposite direction. Back with Ramza and Yashiro, Ramza had his eyes closed and concentrated and he started to form something with his right hand. Ramza then was able to form a ball of spirit energy in his hand and it was impressive in Yashiro's eyes.
"Amazing, it's actually better than mine," Yashiro said, "Damn Beoulve, you're really are good at this. You're a quick learner."
"Thank you," Ramza said as he dissipated the ball of spirit energy.
"I think we're good for now," Yashiro said, "let's head back."
"Sure," Ramza said.
Ramza and Yashiro went on their way back to the base. They soon returned to the base and when they did, they saw Reddo and Kosei discussing something. They noticed Ramza and Yashiro and the clan leader was pleased and rushed over to them with Kosei who followed him.
"Excellent, you two are here," Reddo said.
"Is something going on?" Ramza asked.
"We received information of some scheming that is happening," Reddo said.
"Our source has informed us that vassals of the Akechi Clan are planning a ritual that will harm the people here," Kosei said.
"A ritual that will harm people?" Ramza replied surprised, "Is that true?"
"It is," Reddo said.
"So they're planning to do the same damn thing like what happened ten years ago," Yashiro said.
"It would seem so," Reddo said, "but fortunately for us since we know we can prevent them from carrying it out."
"They plan to do it tonight," Kosei said.
"Gather everyone," Reddo said, "we will plan a counterattack on those fools. They will regret for even making an attempt. We will defend the people of this district."
"Right," Kosei and Yashiro said.
"Ramza, you'll help us, right?" Reddo spoke.
"Of course," Ramza said, "if there is a plot to attack innocent people, there's no way that I can just stand by and do nothing."
"Glad to hear it," Reddo said as he was pleased.
Another meeting took place with all the members of the Toga Clan and they were discussing what they were informed of what was happening and Ramza looked on and listened. He then felt nostalgic of what it was like for him back when he graduated from the Garland Magick Academy with Delita and his classmates and when listening to the plan that was set up by his eldest brother Dycedarg back in Eargrose Castle when it came to the Corpse Brigade.
"Back then, I felt that was really part of something," Ramza said in his head, "doing something in the name of justice and to be a great knight like my father…"
Ramza had a sad expression thinking about everything that went downhill for him berated himself for being naïve and blind to what was happening around him.
Nightfall
It was another full moon night, and members of the Toga Clan were quietly rushing and got to the top of an overpass. They all kneeled and looked and saw five people and they were men who wore garbs showing they were vassals of the Akechi Clan.
"There they are," Reddo said quietly said.
"Is it them?" Ramza asked as he was next to Reddo.
"Yeah, it's them," Reddo said, "They're servants of the Akechi Clan, the clan that is headed by Tamayo Akechi, the woman you met before."
"The Akechi family and those that serve them are known to be experts in Kido," Kosei said.
"Kido?" Ramza asked.
"It's one of the four disciplines for combat that the Shinigami uses," Reddo said, "it's to use spirit energy to produce spells."
"So Magick basically," Ramza said.
"Um yeah, basically," Reddo said.
They observed the five men who formed a circle and had brought out talismans and talked to each other in discussing their intent to use them. They then made their move.
"I really don't like this," One of the Akechi servants said, "I don't understand why we're doing this. Lady Tamayo is really trying to test the limits."
"We know she is but there's nothing we can do about it," Another Akechi servant said, "she wants it done and we can't defy our lady."
"Be quiet," Another Akechi servant said, "let's do what we came here do and get out here."
"But this is not good," Another servant said, "we'll be in huge trouble if we get found out especially the spells that we've been ordered to use are strictly forbidden. If a Shinigami finds us or worse, one the district residents here find us… especially those damn Toga fools…"
"No one is going know," Another Akechi servant assured, "we were told that this is the best place and that one in this district and one in the Seireitei will find out. We'll be fine"
"Oh but that's where you're wrong!" Reddo's voice said.
The five servants were shocked and they turned and saw the Toga Clan with Reddo leading them.
"Your scheme to harm people ends," Reddo said as he drew his sword.
The followers followed suit and drew their swords as well. The five servants of the Akechi Clan were shocked and couldn't believe what was happening.
"No, no, no!" One of the Akechi servants said, "How… how did you find us?"
"You shouldn't worry about how we find you out," Yashiro said, "you should worry about bad we're going to do to you."
"You should have never come here," Kosei added.
"Wait please whatever you may think, we didn't want to be here," The third Akechi servant said, "we're following orders. We don't have a choice."
"Hah, then don't hate us," Reddo pointed out, "Hate your Lady Tamayo for giving you your orders."
The five Akechi servants clenched their teeth and cursed themselves for having the worse luck.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Ramza overhears a conversation from two people he did not expect and then he starts really looking into things that troubles him.