Happy Synthesizer [Beetle, Koga]

Adapting to a division that was wholly against what he was normally accustomed to proved a tall order so far for the rabble-rouser of the slums. Divorced from the wild unpredictability of the eleventh now known as the fourth, the eighth seemed far more livelier than he expected. Most of the people here were openly kind, friendly to a degree that gave him pause. Some genuinely wanted to hang out for an afternoon, while others talked about the various forms of creativity and artistry they enjoyed beyond combat.

In a word, it was something he could only describe as "pretty chill". Almost too chill, truth be told. Of course, he knew it was pretty unreasonable to hold his new division to the outdated standards of the eleventh. No, half of his purpose here now was to make good impressions, and Koga found himself brimming with excitement at the idea of building his rapport in these barracks. At the moment, he sat languidly across a mat somewhere within the center of the barracks.

As it were, it wouldn't be all that difficult for Beetle to approach him. He was sitting on the ground in a meditative stance with his eyes closed. Quietly reflecting on the past and what the future might bring, comparing and acknowledging his lot in life. The moment she approached, calling out to him with a pleasant voice, Koga turned his head to the woman, greeting her in a blunt tone of speech that could've been misinterpreted as rude on account of the nonchalance present in his voice.

"Yo. That's me. Former eleventh. What's it to ya, lady? ...Hm? Wait a minute... You look familiar."

He promptly rose from the ground to gleam a better look at the brown-haired woman, surveying her face with curiosity. Oh, shit. He might actually know this one.

"Have we crossed paths before?"

"Nice to see you again, too, Beetle. I couldn't forget your blazing spirit of positivity even if I tried."

Koga chortled softly as he reached in to pat her on the shoulders. He didn't pay much heed to the way she trailed off, but then he imagined she wasn't exactly keen on digging up her past. He was aware of World War Four to some degree, but he recalls only hearing it in passing. From what he recalled in the books detailing crucial information on the event, it was a cataclysmic conflict on Earth that tested the mettle of Earth's defenders, but they eventually won out by the end.

Well, something like that. He recognized anecdotes like those had a way of blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Only those present could likely speak at length on the trials they faced during that tumultuous period. Even so, he finds it funny that they now see themselves in the same division once again, though this time with a different number. Part of him feels celebratory, prompting him to motion for the brown-haired woman to follow him.

"Since there ain't much goin' on here, ya want to catch up on lost times and grab a bite to eat at a ramen shop? I know this place that sells some of the best Takoyaki at an affordable price. And they make a mean bowl of Spicy Ramen that'll put tears in your eyes."

"Totem Pole? You're pretty tall yourself for a woman, ya know. Anyway, I'll lead the way. Try not to get lost, Beet."

Exchanging a nickname with a playful grin, Koga motioned for them to exit the eighth division barracks as they slowly began to traverse the Seireitei. His location of choice was actually closer than expected, which was relatively ideal for him. He was far from the lazy type, but division work could get busy, and lunch breaks could get short. It helped to be able to rely on a place where he could get a nice hearty meal and continue his day with little issue. This particular ramen stand achieved that and more. In the meantime, though, he was curious about catching up on old times with her and decided to pose a question or two while they walked side by side.

"Since I'm new here... how have things been for you in the 8th division compared to when we were cutting our teeth back in combat? Meet any new friends? Met the captain yet? Our walk ain't gonna be too long, but I am curious to know what the energizer bunny's been up to. Or should I say, pfft... energizer beetle?"

Koga listened to her recount her experiences so far in respectable silence. For one who enjoyed learning about any and everything under the sun, it was always nice to hear about other people's experiences. He was fairly new here and needed to learn as much about his fellow members as possible. That's what he adored about the combat division of the fourth.

They were reckless and relentless, but when push came to shove, they found a way to make their wild mix of violent techniques and talents mesh together to achieve victory, each member challenging the other to grow a little stronger than the day before. A momentary pang of nostalgia set in, but he quickly brushed it away once she finished, turning to her with a grin as they made it to the popular stand in no time at all. It was a short-lived trek, to be sure, but he intended to continue their conversation over a meal, so little was his worry.

"I see, I see. You've certainly gotten up to a lot since you've been here, eh? Since you met the captain, can ya tell me anything about the guy? I've seen him in passing, but I haven't been able to talk to him quite yet. What's he like?"

"That's what most of the division says is the best part about the guy. That easygoing nature of his and his love of music. Wonder if I could get him to teach me guitar one day. I hear that's one of the coolest instruments on earth."

Chuckling heartily, Koga's gaze continued to survey the menu, even though his order was essentially set in stone. He didn't know too much about his current captain, either, but for all intents and purposes, he was adored by his division. As one who believed in division unity first and foremost - rooted in the belief that such a dynamic was essential in fostering a great division - Koga found himself geared toward this division precisely because of the man's reputation. If it was a captain that could demand his respect, then it was a captain worth serving. That's what he enjoyed the most about his days spent under Zaraki's captaincy.

Turning away from his menu for a moment, blinking at Beetle, who had just slapped her hands across her face, he chuckled softly at how adorable she appeared and ruffled her hair. He supposed he could shift the subject to himself to alleviate whatever she was feeling so nervous about right now. Putting in two orders of his favorite appetizers and ramen for Beetle and himself, Koga handed the menu back to the shop owner and leaned against his chair. .

"Honestly? I thought that was the place I might go back to. Everybody thought that was where I was going. But I couldn't do it. There was nothing left for me anymore after Captain Zaraki vanished. Our core group of guys and girls went their separate ways, and today, it looks nothing like the combat division I admired. I hear they run things way more intensely than back then, and while I don't mind that sort of energy... The few members who did stay behind said it isn't anywhere near as pleasant as it once was. Don't get me wrong, in a division full of guys like that, I get it... but I miss the old days. I miss them... and I missed you."