The tropical heat and humidity weighed down on the jungle as if it were a gigantic hot towel, suffocating anyone attempting a level of exertion beyond that of a light walk. It was the type of weather that would cause anyone to become completely soaked in sweat mere seconds after leaving an air-conditioned building. Even the plants seemed to be sweating today, moisture from the condensation forming glistening droplets on the bright green leaves. Plants of all types formed a living wall on either side of the narrow path, the only section of exposed, deep brown jungle soil for hundreds of miles in any direction. All around, the sounds of tropical birds, insects, and other animals filled the air. It was, in other words, just a standard day in the tropical jungles near the equator in South America. Far from any civilization and even from the nearest paved road, it was the perfect place to hide basically anything. Here in Bogotá, Colombia, that was exactly what these massive jungles were used for. Cocaine cartels had conducted their operations here for years, as had the country's various guerrilla groups fighting against its government, like FARC. Now, a military group of another kind was gathering here, and not one that the human world would have any knowledge of...
Shuuhei was beginning to get quite annoyed. He had been walking down the narrow jungle path for at least an hour now, and as far as he could tell, he was no closer to his destination or to anything useful at all than when he began. He had been aware that a group of beings similar to him was meant to be meeting somewhere out here today, but he could not seem to find any sign of them. For one reason or another, not even the slightest hint of Reiatsu made itself apparent to the Vizard as he made his way deeper into the Colombian jungle. His Shihakusho had become virtually fused to his skin with sweat long ago, and now the long, loose Shinigami garment was weighing him down. It was meant to allow more freedom of movement in combat, but now it was no better than a lead-lined vest. Shuuhei's long black hair was plastered to his neck and back, drops of sweat periodically falling from the wet strands onto the already saturated Shihakusho and into the dark, fertile soil. A rustle startled him, and he moved back, his hand instinctively dropping to the hilts of his two swords. There was no cause for alarm, though, as it was only a small lizard making its way through the undergrowth and across the trail. "Probably poisonous like everything else out here, though..." thought Shuuhei as he relaxed and continued on his way.
Suddenly, the path made a sharp turn to the right. Shuuhei proceeded cautiously, returning his right hand to the hilt of his katana. Around the bend, a clearing emerged just to the right of the trail maybe a hundred yards ahead. In the center of the clearing stood a decently sized concrete building, almost bunker-like in appearance. Inside, faint but unmistakeable, Shuuhei could detect several Reiatsu signatures. Some were about the same level as his own but one in particular was very powerful. "Are you gonna go in? Seems dangerous for someone at your level." said a familiar voice in the Vizard's mind. "I think I'll be okay, Jinryu. They most likely don't have any ill intentions," replied Shuuhei mentally. "I agree with that assessment also," another voice chimed in. "Thanks for the confidence, Shiryu," Shuuhei responded. He left the trail, approaching the concrete building now. "It seems like... some friends are nearby!" came an excited voice from the depths of Shuuhei's soul. He remained silent, still mildly irritated not wanting to engage with his dangerous Inner Hollow at the moment.
And anyways, there was no time. He was already at the door. Taking a deep breath, Shuuhei placed his hand on the handle, pulled the heavy door open, and stepped into the room...