[Ukitake was seated in lotus position beside the pond, his hands draped lightly over his knees as he focused on his breathing. The quiet seemed strange to him, not because he was unused to going without company, but because of the absence of Sogyo no Kotowari at his side. His zanpakto had been a part of him for over two thousand years. To have it silenced was an unwelcome change.
Still, Ukitake was the sort of person who tried to make the best of things, and so, when he finished his meditation, he rose and offered a polite smile and bow to the newcomer.]