Ikkaku - Parting speech (10/17)

At the center of Huangzhou's fortress, a dark cloaked figure in a wooden skull mask would look out among the population. Sky blue hues peered out from their eyeholes, small wrinkles having formed next to them with time.

"People of Huangzhou,

There comes a time in every person's life where they must make choices that they can not take back. I would hope that when faced with these choices, they would make that which they believe is best, not only for themselves, but for everyone around them. I would hope people would stand for what they believe is right, and weather against harmful odds."

A pair of gloved hands moved upwards. Slowly they are pressed to the wooden oak skull, pulling it off of the Regent's face. The cowl they wore is pushed back, revealing an aged face, wrinkled, and with many cyan and white hairs sticking up in every way and direction, having not been exactly combed underneath the mask the Regent always seemed to wear.

"People of Huangzhou, recently Tragedy attacked the midst of our fortress in an attempt to reclaim her ring. It was a hard battle, but myself and another were barely able to force her back and survive. But every battle is not without it's costs.

I've found that with old age my power has been weakening, and with the most recent battle, I find that even the blessings of the Emperor are difficult to maintain. The many battles that I've been through have taken their toll on me, and as one of the last warriors of my generation, I believe that it is time for me to whole heartedly put my faith in the next, to pass on the torch to those who I believe can save this world even after I'm gone. I believe in you.

I do not find myself with regret. I do not find myself saddened. I truly believe that I can put my faith in all of you, and that together you'll be able to defeat monsters like Tragedy, like the late Zaruma, like everything that ever made our hearts shutter. I believe in a world where peace, happiness, and love can be brought and rise once again. And it is with this dream in my heart that I put all the faith I can into all of you.

I have chosen to undergo Qilinifcation. The process will leave a fighter more abled than myself to stand against the evils of the world by your side. But the person who stands in front of you right now.. Will be lost. I accept this. I'm no longer able to fight as I once was. I'm no longer able to protect how I wish to.. But I believe that they will be able to. I believe that the next generation will be protected in all of your hands, that you all have the will to do the right thing.

I pass the title of Lord Regent to Shu. I also pass the leadership of House Anxiang to Renshu Qi. I would ask that everyone put their faith in these two, as you have put your faith in me until now. "

The sky blue eyes close for a moment. A breath is taken, then slowly the Regent would smile.

"I believe in everyone. I believe in the future that you can make. I believe in the things that you can do. My part is done, but yours is just beginning. Remember to believe in yourselves, and never let go of the hope that is in your heart.

Every life is precious. Every battle can be won. And every moment holds meaning.. We are all connected by a force higher then any one of us. Our fates, our happiness, our smiles, and our hope are all intertwined.

Order binds us."

With the final words said, Ikkaku would head into the fortress.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)