You are Nakashiri Koharu, co-Lieutenant of the 5th Division, but also the descendant of the Tamaki line, from which you’ve inherited the sealed souls of Celaris and Zilya. As if there’s not enough conspiracies already, another one has popped up with the death of Kameko as she had refused to set you up for the Tenjiso. A joint operation with the Western Temple almost ended up in disaster, but with some mind alteration its chief priest (and your great-x-grandfather) has become an ally, although an unreliable one.

Now you’re on your way to the Southern Temple lead by the gūji Usami Fusakage. On the official records you are visiting to talk about further joint operations and to build up trust between the Gotei 13 and the Tenjiso temples. Unofficially, you are looking for further leads to figure out who is out to get you. Usami-gūji had lead the investigation into the Wailing Forest incident before your arrancars had settled there and the one to give Nijo-gūji the reiatsu samples.

Perhaps he is the one behind Kameko’s death; perhaps not. You’re going there to find out. This time, there should not be any liabilities around.

South Rukongai isn’t that different from the other districts, but the deeper you go, some differences start appearing. For one, the terrain gets more rugged and mountains dot the landscape. You don’t go further than the 48th District, where the Tenjiso Temple is located, but you see on the horizon even more mountains.

The Southern Temple, Natentera, is very much like its western counterpart in style, but instead of a single building rising in height towards the center, it’s in an L shape with three pagoda-like towers and a large courtyard. Behind it, a steep mountain rises up.

“Welcome, Nakashiri-fukutaichō.” A group of priests bow at your arrival, with the one at the center speaking. “We hope your journey has been without problems.”

“It has been pleasant indeed, Usami-gūji. I hope I did not make you wait.”

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