Shota was lucky that the tournament was going to be held at The Seventh Squad barracks, instead of at the stadium. Some kind of a special occasion that he didn't care much about to remember. And the barracks weren't as far away from the First Squad barracks. For example, if it were held at the Eleventh Squad, that would've been a longer and more tiring trip for him. And he probably wouldn't have enough time to get ready. This way, he was already at the barracks; although it seemed that not all contestants came, there was quite a handful of people. No sign of Captains yet. 

Nonchalantly proceeding further into the barracks, he searched for a room designated for Fifth Squad participants. Only thing that was in his way was a choice - left or right? He stopped for a split second, inspecting the picture of a pond, before choosing to turn left. No particular reason for his decision, besides the fact that a saying stated to always follow a left wall when you wanted to reach your destination. Or was that right? Either way, he found himself in front of a few empty rooms and one seemingly occupied by a group of Shinigami. 

And a beautiful being with green eyes and full lips - a beautiful lieutenant. A grin appeared on his face as he knocked on the door, clearly wanting to... ask for directions. 

"Lady Lieutenant?"

In general, rooms that are filled with Aileen are at the same time often filled with chaos and a lot of free-flowing fury energy. Move that box there, unpack the here. Faster, faster, pronto! Dinner ain't waiting, goddamnit. A few years ago some punks tried to do combine Hakuda with really murky Kido before the tournament even began. Man, did that suck. She found one guy's tooth in her clothes weeks after it happened. Disgusting. Utterly. Took five field trips to heal that trauma.

So, when it knocked, Aileen was for a very short moment very not amused. 

Fortunately, it was not some bleeding asshole.

"...oh, that's acceptable."

Aileen eyed the fifth's squad Lieutenant. Carefully, inch for inch. A coy smile on her lips betrayed that she did approve of his excellent manners.

"Shota Kokki, fifth squad, isn't it?"

She stepped a bit closer to him.

"So... how can I help?"

"You can help me in a lot of ways," Shota replied, entering the room. "Indeed, Shota Koki - at your service." He kissed her hand as he introduced himself - although he saw her plenty of times before, he never talked to her a lot. Which was a shame. But, really - what did he need help with? Love? Probably. 

No! He came searching for direction, yes. "Actually, I am looking for a room assigned to my squad. But that can wait, how are you on this fine day?"

Sure, he was here to prepare and win the competition, but what would his win be worth if he wasn't socialising. Especially with ladies.

She could feel all the rolling eyes behind her back. Idiots, they better get back to work, or Aileen would have to punish them later. 

Ah, but yes! Shota. He kissed her hands and - oh dear - a pleasant shiver went up her arm. A big satisfied grin appeared on her lips. He asked for directions - which was a shame, as Aileen could show him something completely [i]different[/i] - but fortunately he realized that there were more important matters than his Squad. That thing was Aileen, of course. It was then that she remembered something about this good-looking devil.

"Hey, aren't you that singer who just released that single recently? "Show me your love", was it?

I gave it a listen, and I thought it was sh-" [i]it

Wait, no. You can't do that, Aileen. You can't just say that somebody's work is shit if you want too bang them. Uh, diplomacy. Yes, yes, that. Good word. I need some fucking words now. Good words. Fancy words. Ah, I have an idea! Yes, this'll impress him:[/i]

"The composition was a most unpleasant work of contemporary fashion. The moment the sound of your vocal chords, emitted by an electronic playing device, penetrated my ears; i felt as if the regions of my brain responsible for audio processing were the victims of multiple unconsenting sexual acts. The pain was so severe that only punishment of the Shinigami who cursed my soul was the correct response."

[i]Nailed it[/i]

He was being recognized as a successful singer without even releasing an album. How amazing was that? - it seemed that Shinigami knew exactly how good his music was. That is... if she meant to say that. Sure, she looked like a goddess, but spoke like a philosopher. And that wasn't exactly the best thing for Shota. He raised his index finger in the air, before putting it back down. 

He had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.

"You can just say it was a good song, no need to be shy. But I will give you that the song is all about [i]penetrating[/i] - ear drums." He winked. Although he had no idea what she was talking about, there was no reason to let her know. After all, he was a professional in what he did. "And I am glad you noticed how well my vocals blend with the song. It took me quite some time to piece it all together." Shota nodded to further emphasize the fact. 

At that point, a thought dawned in his head - a piece that allowed him to solve yet another puzzle. [i]Maybe, she loves big words - like, really [/i]loves[i] big words. I should definitely utilize that. Phew - and to think that I almost missed that little bit. You're getting rusty, Shota. Concentrate, concentrate. Just say the first thing that comes to your head.[/i]

"But, to be quite honest with you. Understanding how chords works, especially in electronic music, is a feat of great knowledge and hard work. If I was to give my personal, and humble, opinion - I would say that the song itself was a piece of my soul translated, first onto paper, and then into the headphones of people around Soul Society. It is the ultimate evidence that love is greater than any other form of contemporary fashion. And of course, the song serves as a gateway for young couples to enjoy their nights together - in a completely romantic sense."

[i]Heh, I'm brilliant.[/i]

It... worked? Huh. No, of course. Of course it worked. There was no question it would work. It worked like an industry-grade hammer that striked and striked again to leave a beautfiful piece of... piecemanship. Whatever. She'd have to train her phallic symbolism later. Now though, Shota became even more interesting. He seemed to try and one-up Aileen in the department of talking big. In a way, Aileen couldn't have that, because there was only one place in which people were, with great pleasure, allowed to be above her.

In another way, it was also really cute, no?

"Oh, you are indeed quite the interesting specimen~

Say, you are participating in the tournament today, yes?"

Aileen thought about requesting that he wouldn't beat up too many people, but no, she had a much better idea. Something that would fit a lady like her, and a gentleman like him. And is it not the dream of every little girl to have some man to do shit for her?

"Do me a favor and win; I want to see whether you are... [i]good[/i] with your hands."

[i]Another victory for the Showstopper,[/i] Shota thought to himself. If he was alone, he'd probably given himself a thumbs up. His words worked like a charm. What a beautiful art he was able of producing. Now, the question remained - was she genuinely impressed? Of course, there was always the possibility that she was just playing with him and laughing on the inside, whilst all the meanwhile Shota remained completely oblivious to it. 

[i]Stop spreading bad vibe,[/i] Shota scolded his narrator. Er.

Of course she was impressed. There was no question his words hit the right spot - it worked like a charm. Another victory for the Showstopper. [i]Now - that's the spirit.[/i]

"Not participating - I am [i]winning[/i] the tournament today." He smiled as her words suddenly reminded him that he actually was here [i]for the tournament[/i]. "If you show me in the right direction, I might just show you how good I am." 

Today was really working out for him. Even if he takes a punch or two, he'll very probably have a Fourth Squad Lieutenant coming to his aid at the end of the day. Coming with his aid. Shota was really one of the worst specimen in Soul Society.

[i]You, shh, you.[/i]

"Aileen, there is someone who wishes to speak you at the building entrance."

Oh, hell. Miyako Kita appeared in the door just as things began to be really fun. Aileen shot her a poisonous glare. Kita did not falter, and thus Aileen sighed - loudly and clearly played for drama - and slowly left the room, but not before giving Shota a sexy little kiss, flying through the air to him. Whoever disturbed her should have a really really good reason. And for Kita, well, Aileen would have her revengeance.

Kita waited a few seconds, her eyes following Aileen for a bit, before she spoke up

"Koki, you should not play with girls like her. It's not worth the trouble.

Now, if you come with me, I'll show you where everything you need to know is."