*”I have decided that neither of you will go. That is all.”*

The Director of Sekai-Ryouri sat within his seat, mere minutes after making his decision, though the familiar sound of heels clicking against the floor in his direction was as much of a warning as any as to who was about to make their appearance.

It seemed it wasn’t lost on the attendant within the room either, because as they grew louder and closer, he ended up opening the door ahead of time, making it simple for his head assistant, Leria, to enter the room. Her silver hair had been tied up in a french braid, something different compared to the straightened look she often opted for, though her silver eyes were focused on her superior at the moment.

“The school is still in one piece… I assume things went well?” The woman asked, almost jokingly, with a number of files clutched tightly to her chest.

“Naturally.” The Director replied, folding his hands, and resting his chin atop of them, closing his eyes afterwards, “There isn’t a person in the world who could oppose my rulings.”

“Yes, speaking of,” Leria straightened her posture a bit, and tilted her head slightly, “...what *did* you rule? I understand I may be overstepping my boundaries a bit here, but-”

“Indeed you are, Leria.” The male cut off her words, opening those red eyes to reveal a faint glow within them, “I thought I made it quite clear how I felt in regards to my personal business being questioned in such a casual manner…”

Leria bit her tongue, and felt a chill go down her spine. The items she held were clutched just a little tighter after his reaction, and she cursed at the slight weakness within her knees at the moment, “Y-You did sir. I apologize…” She responded, much quieter than she was prior to the glare.

He shook his head a bit, “You’re letting your standards slip a bit, Leria. You needn’t forget the larger picture here. What I’m looking to create. Diligence and discipline are non-negotiable, and I’d expect someone who I carry in as much favor as I do you, to understand that.”

“Yes sir.”

The Director exhaled yet again, eyeballing the attendant standing at the door. Almost as if there was some sort of telepathic communication, he closed it, and when it shut, his gaze returned to the woman just in front of him.

“I gave them both immunity.”

“!..” Leria looked genuinely shocked, but of course, bit her tongue. To question him, was to gamble her life - something that was profoundly literal.

“It’d be unwise to do something so rash. There are still *far* too many pieces left on the table for me to have to directly involve myself. Students transferring in, students showing their worth in class, students who have already shown their loyalty to this cause. I'd be a fool to not allow what I have nurtured to destroy the weeds within the grass.”

He again looked towards Leria, “And you, daughter, will be the centerpiece of it all. You’ve already consistently proven to me that you’re capable of carrying my will, and when the time comes, you’ll be able to mince your enemies as you have so many times before.”

Leria met his gaze, something that made the Director smirk a bit, “Very good. Recall the goal that we work towards. Weakness cannot be tolerated. Degeneracy will be dismantled.

Keep your gaze on the goal, O Second Seat of Sekai-Ryouri. The world will belong to Aizen Koboko before it realizes what has even occurred.”