By the way, just heads up to you all. I will be gone for about six or seven days. I'm going to have zero access to internet during this time. I realize this is bad timing, but this vacation has been planned for over a year.

[Entrapment: Perverse play]


Captain Anenokoji: (Blood stains her finely tailored haori, acting like a sponge as blood pools from her wounds. She slowly lifts her hands, cuffing her mask gently with her fingers. Each finger slides across clasps, holding the mask firmly in place. The faint clicking breaks the silence of the moment, as Kie watches cautiously. Sumiko pulls her mask forward, allowing the weight to fall into her palm. She lowers her arm, removing secrecy. Her bright, mulberry hair glistens as the flames scatter light amongst the darkness. She fixates her dark cyan eyes onto Kie, recognizing her opponent’s determination. She allows the mask to slide through her fingers and clumsily crash into the ground. She begins rolling her shoulders and abruptly lifts her arms, allowing her garments to cascade from her body. They blanket the ground and reveal a slender bodied woman. She lets out a faint sigh of relaxation before speaking. ) Oh, yes, that is much, much better.

Captain Geißt: I didn’t think you Juzo Hosho took off your masks?

Captain Anenokoji: To be honest, normally we don’t. I was feeling slightly uncomfortable, but more importantly, I wanted to be ready for our guest. He’s steadfastly approaching. And upon his arrival, I want him to look upon my face. So, if we are being fully honest, it was less for you as it was for him.

Captain Geißt: Captain Gingumaru... Why such the fixation?

Captain Anenokoji: (She smiles coyly at Kie, brushing her mulberry locks from her face and staring directly into her eyes) I find him fascinating, but that is not why I removed my mask.

Captain Geißt: It does not matter why you did it because you’ll be dead long before he arrives. Out of curiosity, however, why did you?

Captain Anenokoji: I wanted him to look upon my face while my blade was thrust into your chest (She speaks softly, each word dripping with insidious intent).

Captain Geißt: You’re outclassed, so I don’t see that happening. You have finally met your match.

Captain Anenokoji: You couldn’t be more mistaken, Captain Geißt. Your failure was fully realized the moment you relinquished the advantage of distance and brought your blade crashing onto mine. It is rather ironic, actually. Your strength is what allowed me to achieve victory.

Captain Geißt: You’ve obviously lost far too much blood because you’re becoming delirious. You’re at a severe disadvantage, especially considering I haven’t released my Shikai.

Captain Anenokoji: That’s exactly what I planned for.

Captain Geißt: What are you talking about now?

Captain Anenokoji: Release your Shikai. Give it your best shot. Better yet, look at your friend. She’s not looking too good anymore.

Captain Geißt: (Kie is shocked to discover that her kido-based doppelganger has suddenly become frail and her body is slumped) What is happening? (She takes her hand and presses against the clone, watching as pieces of its body shatter and dissipate. She corrects her expression and returns her gaze to Sumiko. She releases a grin and shatters her clone) So you managed to disrupt the energy stabilizing the kido, that isn’t at all a new trick. I wouldn’t feel so accomplished.

Captain Anenokoji: You’re such a simpleton, Captain Geißt. I did not target your clone, it is merely a side-effect. (She raises her hand, extending her finger and pointing gleefully at Kie. She slants her eyes and smiles devilishly as she speaks) I targeted you…

Captain Geißt: (Leaning back, she widens her gaze and carefully inspects her opponent’s words) Again with this delirium. It truly is affecting your judgment because I feel completely…(as numbing sensation takes over her body, followed by a pulsing lifting from her feet to her head. She stares into the air, bewildered by this sensation. She cannot accurately discern the source nor the means, leaving her to question the reasoning behind this experience. She lifts her hand, staring quizzically into her palm and watching as her fingers twitch. Her eyes scan her arm, looking for the slightest clue. She abruptly becomes fatigued, as though her posture is a tiring task. Her visceral response is to slouch, allowing her shoulders to relax.)

Captain Anenokoji: You look quite flummoxed. It must be the fatigue, as though you body is gradually weakening and sending you into a state of complete exhaustion. I would trust those feelings, they are more or less accurate.

Captain Geißt: My spiritual pressure…

Captain Anenokoji: It appears you’re more intuitive than I suspected. To think, you were able to discern that your own body was being drained of its spiritual pressure, how astute. It is no wonder you’re the head of the division charged with research.

Captain Geißt: Don’t patronize me, you witch…

Captain Anenokoji: This is not the ideal time to be maligning your opponent. One false word and you could suffer fatal injuries.

Captain Geißt: (She tenses her back and stands tall, raising her blade) I won’t be defeated by the likes of you. Your disgusting tactics won’t get the best of me.

Captain Anenokoji: I’m afraid you don’t have a choice in the matter. At this point, considering what you have already exerted and how quickly you’ve been affected, you should be fighting at a level no better than a lieutenant. And while I will enjoy thrashing your meek little body throughout your own laboratory, the true joy will be the look on Captain Gingumaru’s face when he sees your limp body with my blade firmly skewering your chest (and with those words she lowers her head, her eyes lancing Kie like a blade. She rockets from her position, with speed unseen before. Her body arches to the left and her back drops, allowing her to completely bypass Kie’s horizontal swing. Sumiko slams her elbow into Kie’s arm, dislodging her aim. She quickly reaches out and clutches her by the throat and carries her to the far side of the room. Sumiko slam’s Kie’s weakened body into the wall, forcing her to rocket through. She jets to her location and begins pummeling her with her fists, striking her face and chest. She twists her body and delivers a solid kick to her side. Before Kie can successfully make any distance, Sumiko appears, raises her leg and brings it hurtling onto Kie’s back. The force from the kick generates a shockwave the shakes the building. She jumps, avoiding her opponent’s blade and lands on-top of her. She grinds her feet into her blade, subsequently leaping off her and landing behind her.)

Moment’s later…

(Kie’s body is seen erupting from the side of the building and rocketing across the ground. Her body continues to roll, collecting dirt and injuries. As she lies on the ground, she turns to see Sumiko casually walking through the opening created by her body).

Captain Anenokoji: The release of your Shikai, back there, that was a bold move, considering how little spiritual energy you have to support it. You shouldn’t have exerted yourself, otherwise you may have managed to evade me for longer. What am I even saying? Regardless of your decisions, the outcome would not have changed. Your suffering is almost at an end, I promise. (She steps on Kie’s hand and kicks her blade to the side. Leaning down, she grabs her by the hair and lifts her body) Come on, don’t be dead weight and just lift yourself. I can’t do all the work, Captain Geißt.

Captain Geißt: Fu…(Sumiko suddenly twists her body and kick’s Kie in the back, sending her jetting toward the building. As Kie begins to land, Sumiko appear and punts her through the same opening, leaving her to crash into rubble. Kie manages to roll her body to her left, glaring into Sumiko’s eyes. Her face is bloodied, body torn, and spirit weak, yet she continues to maintain consciousness).

Captain Anenokoji: (She scoffs indignantly at her opponent’s defiance) what drives you Captain Geißt?


(BEGIN PLAYING SONG - Hopefully it finishes at the end of the post. It has quite the dramatic effect)

Captain Geißt: My devotion to the Gotei 13.

Captain Anenokoji: Oh, I see (speaking with a lilt in her voice). Even after all this humiliation, you still struggle. I can’t determine whether this is perseverance or foolish stubbornness. Either way, the Gotei 13 will have one less captain once I am finished. Two, if fortune is on my side (releasing a baritone chuckle and exuberant smile. As the seconds pass, her expression begins to fade and she begins approaching Kie.)

Captain Geißt: You never mentioned how you managed to weaken me so…

Captain Anenokoji: They’re called spiritual dampeners. Unique, aren’t they? They certainly have come in use, especially considering my true objective. Yes, I was given direct orders to eliminate the 12th division, but my true target, the one even orders cannot thwart, is Captain Gingumaru. What a specimen he is… Unfortunately, I had to waste all my dampeners on you, which means I will need to find another way to weaken him enough to drag him back.

Captain Geißt: It won’t work…he’s much too strong to be pulled-in by your tricks.

Captain Anenokoji: Are you sure about that? (She slams her foot into Kie’s throat, grinding it deeper into her flesh) I most likely left him with a fairly decent scar, one that will continue to remind him of me. I have not even begun to demonstrate my abilities, so I may just thwart this mighty warrior yet. Whether or not I am victorious, you won’t be here to see it. (She abruptly unsheathes her blade and clutches Kie by the hair and lifts her from the ground. She lowers her head, allowing shadows to obscure her eyes. Her lips slowly stretch into her cheeks as she unleashes yet another ominous grin) Right on cue…

Captain Geißt: (She opens her eyes slowly as Sumiko grips her hair tighter and raises her. Strand of her hair fall over her eyes, obscuring her sight. She fixates on the opening, spotting a silhouetted figure in the distance. She relaxes her body and closes her eyes).

Captain Anenokoji: (Digging her feet into the soil, she slowly pulls her arm backwards, gripping her hilt tightly. She abruptly swings her blade forward and thrusts it through Kie’s chest. The blade passes easily through her flesh, exiting with significant splatter. Blood drips modestly down the edge of her blade and begins to pool on the floor below. Sumiko tilts her head to the side and slowly turns to look over her shoulder. Now peering at Aexus, she rests her chin on her shoulder, almost playfully positioning herself. She maintains her posture with her blade still firmly stationed in Kie’s chest. She narrows her eyes and grins ever-so-slightly as a single strand of hair falls to the side of her face)


Captain Gingumaru: (Staring into the dimly lit room, he looks upon the visible portion of Sumiko’s face. He observes her ominous actions and the subtle enjoyment lacing her relaxed grin. He looks to the floor, noticing the blood gradually pooling beneath her feet. As he carefully inspects the blood, his ears collide with a faint, baritone snicker, arising from deep within Sumiko’s throat. He raises his eyes and stares at her, anger building throughout his body).

{Entrapment: The Reunion}

It was nightmarish. Sumiko had shoved herself back into his life much earlier than he had predicted; to make matters worse, it was in Seireitei. His home turf. The sight of Sumiko’s angelically sadistic face gazing at him as her blade was embedded in his fellow Captain’s chest chilled Aexus. The scar on his chest throbbed furiously just from Sumiko being in his presence. He instinctively put his hand to the scar.

Sumiko Anenokoji: (She smiles at his action and slowly removes her blade from Kie’s chest but maintains her grip on her hair) *her voice is dripping with poison* Does it hurt Aexus?

Aexus Gingumaru: (Growing anger and fear course through his body and his hand moves from his chest to the hilt of his sheathed blade) *vehemently* What did you do here?

Sumiko Anenokoji: (He raises Kie’s body by her hair, shocking Aexus at the injuries she had sustained) There is no need for such a tone Aexus, I simply had a little conversation with Ms Geißt. (She coldly drops Kie’s body to the ground) Unfortunately she didn’t comply with my request (she smiles coyly and makes a step towards Aexus) but then my spirits were raised when my favourite prized specimen came to me.

Aexus Gingumaru: (He steps backwards and tightly grips the hilt of his blade) *aggressively* Take another step and I will kill you.

Sumiko Anenokoji: (She laughs) Just because you are in an environment that you are more familiar with, you think you have an advantage? (She continues to step towards Aexus)

Aexus roared and fired a high powered Sōren Sōkatsui at the ground beneath the two of them. Kie, slowly losing consciousness, watched as the two fell through the destroyed floor below and silently wished Aexus luck before blacking out.

Sumiko landed gracefully on top of the fallen debris in Seireitei’s underground sewer system and quickly took a look around. Aexus was nowhere in sight. She followed the sewer for several tens of metres whilst keeping her guard up and her body ready for any surprises.

Sumiko Anenokoji: Aexus, why do you hide? You are only delaying the inevitable. (She stops walking and sighs impatiently) This is boring Aexus, reveal yourself.

Sumiko was met with no reply. Aexus had brought her down to their sewers and seemingly fled for reasons she didn’t bother to think about. She turned around and began walking back towards the hole from where she had fell.

Aexus Gingumaru: *almost inaudibly* Hadō #63 Raikōhō.

Sumiko spun around and stared at the incoming kidō attack. She shook her head and recited the Dankū spell. The kidō attack collided powerfully with the barrier throwing up dust, small bits of debris and sewage water. Sumiko shielded her eyes and rapidly whirled around with her blade poised as she felt Aexus’ familiar presence behind her.

Sumiko Anenokoji: (Her eyes sparkle) There you are!

Aexus gritted his teeth as his sword swing was expertly blocked. Sumiko quickly rebuffed his effort and then intercepted his next strike to her neck before launching into a frenzied tirade of skilfully wild sword swings. Aexus furiously blocked and parried her assault, keeping his eyes transfixed on her subtly deranged expression.

Aexus Gingumaru: (He ducks under another of her swings and violently rotates his body 360˚ with his blade intended to sever) Bakudō #8 Seki. (The orb of blue energy forms on the edge of his blade)

Sumiko twisted her blade to block his strike but the force from his rotation combined with the kidō sent her hurtling backwards, crashing through the sewer wall and into another area of the sewer system. Aexus stood up straight and stared into hole Sumiko’s body had made in the wall. Barely a second later, he heard a low laugh waft through the hole that seemed to goad him in beckoning. In fury Aexus released his shikai, blended in with his surroundings and jumped into the hole after her…




Meanwhile in the fifth level of Hell…

Livius powerfully leaped into the air and drove his blade through the head of a bulbous Togabito. He withdrew his blade as the Togabito’s body dropped heavily to the ground. He looked around the black landscape, filled with veins of lava and the still composed corpses of killed Togabito, and wiped his brow with his free arm. He resealed his bankai and sat down on the scorched earth; he’d been in Hell for roughly eleven days now and it was slowly taking its toll on his body and mind. It was time he got back.

Livius grunted and got back to his feet. He eyed the modified denreishinki on his wrist and tapped the button just as Kie had instructed him to. It made a strange beeping noise and then a dimensional portal opened up in front of him.

Livius Abel: (He takes a last look at Hell) Good fucking riddance…

Livius jumped through the portal and upon reaching the other side, swore in disbelief. He had been shunted to the second level of Hell. He angrily pressed the button on the denreishinki and once more a dimensional portal opened in front of him. He jumped through the portal but this time found himself on the first level of Hell.

Livius Abel: (He curses loudly which attracts the attention of a nearby Kushanāda) That fucking useless Captain! She can’t even make a damn device work!

Livius fled as fast as his body would go as the Kushanāda ploughed towards him; after fighting non-stop in the lower levels of Hell for days he was currently in no state to challenge one to battle. He cursed once more as he leaped into the smoky chasm that led back to the second level.

[Not Even A Warm-Up]

Yushi stared at the two, as they gave their names.

'Squad seven’s 5th seat, Jey Nanjin' the first one said.

The second waited, then opened his mouth. 'Squad seven’s 4th seat, Kitsu Maho.'

Yushi sighed deeply. 'First of all, don't be offended by my lack of interest. I will not waste energy on you all, besides, you don't have any chance at all. I mean, come on, two officers against a Juzo Hosho Captain? You two wouldn't even have a chance against one of your pitiful Captains... And, yet, you still seek to challenge me? How foolish. Take your best shot and go as hard as you like...'

[Start Music]

They wasted no time. Both seemed to be careful at this point, each shunpoing as quickly as were allowed and using their Shikais to try and defeat him. The first one, the more powerful, aimed the tentacles from the base of his back and attacked Yushi with them. It wasn't particularly effective, considering that Yushi merely dodged all of the attacks, then appeared back in the same spot he had been in.

'You bastard! Why are you so quick? Stop being a coward and fight us!!!' Kitsu Maho screamed at him, finally losing his cool. The tentacles flailed again, this time picking up a little more speed and direction. Nonetheless, Yushi easily evaded each of the attacks, barely even breaking a sweat.

I don't know what I expected, but this even easier than those unspoken expectations... How pathetic, really... They're going all out and still they have no chance...

The other, Jae, sped in and attacked with his Zanpakuto. Despite the little change in appearance, it seemed to have had some kind of effect on the katana. The blade glowed and Yushi felt a strange sensation on his face. Then it went out again and he felt light-headed, all of a sudden. Then he realised what it was.

'So, you have one of those kind of blades, do you... This'll be over even quicker than I thought. Honestly, what were your superiors thinking when they sent you to fight me and Captain Seinosuke?'

'What do you mean, one of those kind of blades?' Jae asked, a look of confusion on his face. Obviously he had little experience in being an officer. Innocence, indeed.

'A pathetic one... Tell me, what is the actual ability of your blade? I thought I had something to actually ponder over for a minute there, but then your blade had no effect on me...'

'When Gabesae flickers, it weakens the opponent's spiritual pressure by a bit and allows me to inflict cuts of light-based substance during that. I can see a cut on your cheek, so I'm assuming it did work, after all.'

Yushi wiped his cheek. 'Oh, that... Honestly, I thought that was something else... So, what are you two going to do now, since you've obviously come top the conclusion that your blades will have no effect at all?'

'Don't be so ARROGANT?!' Kitsu snarled, his tentacles careening around him, looking a little more dangerous than before. They sped towards Yushi, all the while, Kitsu's reiatsu was glowing, producing a red aura around his body.

So, he was going all-out, now, was he?

He would have to be a little more careful this time. Even though the man wasn't particularly powerful, he had raised his reiatsu to the limits and it would be unwise to underestimate that, or exhibit any symptoms of carelessness. When Kitsu occupied the same space as he, Yushi automatically began to dodge the other man's attacks, even though the tentacles were flailing dangerously, like all were nunchaku. From behind them, Jae was charging a Kido, which one it was, however, currently unknown to Yushi. He resolved to continue dodging, then he would strike Jae, eliminating the other man from the battle. Kitsu kept up the brutal attack, even though it would scarcely be called 'brutal' in the presence of a Captain. Still, it wouldn't do take any minor injuries before fighting the Captains. Yushi drew his sword and blocked the first two tentacles... The other six offending appendages rolled lazily to the side, then, as quick as lightning, they struck from either side of him. He shunpoed instantly and spun in the air, keeping his blade out and slicing through several of the tentacles.

'Hado No. 63, Raikoho!' The voice came from behind him. Yushi spun around, as the bolt of lightning headed straight at him. He waited until the last minute, let it explode around him, then activated his Shikai swiftly and disappearing into the middle of the blast. He waited for a moment, then deactivated his Shikai, which had used precious little energy and then shunpoed behind Jae.

'JAE!!! Behind you!'

It was too late. Even as Jae had registered at Kitsu's shout, he had begun to spin around, grossly aware that something wasn't right. However, Yushi was already in the process of forcing the man into the ground, bodily, and knocking him unconcious, as the last of his reiatsu deserted him.

'Pitiful! Oh well, only one left to go now.'

Yushi turned to face Kitsu, who was shaking with rage. 'You asshole! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE???!!! How dare you come into our land and do whatever you please! What did you do to Jae? If he's dead, I will destroy you completely!!!'

'He's obviously not dead. You would know, if he died, since he would have disappeared. You really need to be more observant of your surroundings.'

'AND YOU NEED TO SHUT THE HELL UP!!!' Kitsu roared with anger. 'What right do you people have to come into the Soul Society and treat us like dirt? You just keep hurting my friends and colleagues and I've had enough of it! What about the people you stole their energy from? They have no spiritual power at all, now, and yet you're still harassing us! Just what do you scum want from us exactly?'

'It has nothing to do with what we want. We would have been perfectly content to leave the Soul Society alone. However, the Reiteki Rojin determined that the Soul Society had committed too many crimes. Therefore, we were required to deliver a message decreeing your fate and then make sure that you all adhered to that. Unfortunately... None of you Shinigami paid that warning any heed. Instead, you decided to fight us, instead of taking your punishment. Do you see? This could have been avoided without any bloodshed at all, yet you are determined to fight us every step of the way.'

Kitsu's mouth was open with shock and misunderstanding. 'What crimes?!' He demanded.

'Failure to operate as a nation. You called for help, following the situation after Sekhmet and her Angels basically oblierated all of your forces in battle. Nations are supposed to have NO contact with one another, something your 'Central 46' and Head Captain should know by now... The fact is, by asking us for help, you broke that rule, hence why the eiteki Rojin decreed you a punishment.'

'But, that wasn't our fault! We needed to save the Soul Society and our friends from destruction... And, it's not like we asked Sekhmet to fight against us!'

'Nonetheless, it has been decreed and this conversation will not change a thing. The deed has been done and now it is up to the Soul Society to decide what will happen.'

'But that's not fair! You can't just tell us that, now... Besides, it's you guys that are choosing to do this... It's you that isn't leaving us any choice.'

Yushi shook his head, sighing. 'Ridiculous! This is like chiding a young one... Firstly, we gave you two options... Surrender and you will only lose your powers, or fight and you will be destroyed in the same manner in which you employ against us. Secondly, fairness is irrelevant and doesn't exist in this universe... If you want fairness, then you may as well just give up your powers to me right now.'

'F**k you, you bastard! So, you guys just leave us these options and that's it?! Whatever, I'm just going to end this right now, whether you're a Captain, or not!!!'

Yushi sneered, knowing fully well that it was over for the other man. 'Yeah... right... How's that worked out for you, so far? You haven't even made a scratch on me, or caused any damage at all, yet now you're going to defeat me? Don't be so foolish... That will end up with your defeat and the loss of your spiritual pressure. So, do you want to know what happened to the Squad Three Captain, if you haven't already?'

'He died in battle, against one of you... So, what?'

'So, you feel like you can defeat someone that one of your Captains' could not?'

Kitsu frowned. 'What... You're not... Are you serious? You d-defeated Captain Hayashi?'

'Correct. He was almost as pitiful as you are, except that he was a lot stronger... Just not strong enough to defeat me, that is.'

Kitsu stared in horror, as the realisation of what he had gotten himself into presented itself. Instead of backing away, though, to his credit, he still stood his ground, even though his knees had begun to shake and looked over at Jae, to see if the other man was awake yet.

'It's over. Goodbye, Fourth Seat.'

Then, Yushi shunpoed, drawing his blade and slamming the man on his head with the butt of handle. He collapsed to the ground, holding his head and looking up at Yushi.

[End Music]

'Please... Please don't...'

'I'm sorry. However, this is necessary.' Then Yushi, with a flash of bright light, Yushi removed the man's spiritual energy. He slumped to the ground, unconscious without his reiatsu to keep him awake.

Yushi did the same with the other man, then proceeded to see if Akihiko Seinosuke was finished with his two opponents, yet. Something told him that the other man, talented as he was, was either close to finishing, or had already finished.

Well, that didn't even serve as a warm-up... How pathetic... I would at least like to have a quick scuffle with a Vice-Captain... Maybe I'll get a warm-up then!

Yoishiro was walking on the camp of the 3rd squad. He was now it's commander, but the same feeling he had before talking whit Hitei, was now emerging trough his body. He could feel that something would happen sooner or later that would focrce him into action. There were people who trusted their lives to him, and as so, he couldn't fail them.

He remembered the trainings he had whit Aexus and Sojan. Sojan was just as inexperienced as a Captain as he was, so he was the perfect sparring partner. However when Aexus came, Yoishiro saw the true power of a captain. And it was logical to expect the same of the Juzo Hosho, however in a battle were his life would be in the line.

While he was thinking about it, he sensed two srong reiatsu. He analyzed it calmly, and in seconds he recognized it as Captain's level reiatsu. However it were unrecognizable reiatsu, so it couldn't be any of his fellow comrades. So there was only one deduction left.

"Juzo Hosho..." said Yoishiro to himself. He also felt 4 weaker reiatsu, going to their encounter. These reiatsu were a lot weaker. Even if they were in the advantage of numbers, their reiatsu was so weak, they couldn't stand a chance whit the two enemies. Yoishiro ran to help them. During his way, he felt two reiatsu disappearing. He bit his lip as he knew what that meant. He rushed even faster to arrive in time to save the remaining two.

-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­

Akihiko was standing next to the two officers. He sighed. He expected them to be reasonable and simply resist. However, he now questioned himself as why he even tough about it. THe Gotei 13 were being stripped of their shinigami privileges, and as always, they weren't the side who would prefer a pacific approach. He then heard a scream. Akihiko turned to meet Kenronri. He had just taken away the spiritual energy of his respective opponents completely.

"As expected, they weren't hard... I want the real challenge." said Yushi.

"Be patient. They will arrive shortly." said Akihiko.

In a few minutes a man whit a white clothe typical of a captain of the Gotei 13, whit a sword on his back arrived. He analyzed the two figures in front of him Then he turned his eyes to analyze the four officers in the ground. He couldn't feel any reiatsu.

Akihiko was fairly surprised. He didn't remembered that man. He was surely a new face. Yushi walked closer to the man, standing at Akihiko's side. The man turned his eyes to them and spoke.

"What happened to them?" he asked.

"I can assure you, we didn't wated this. We were expecting them to act whit reason, and so we could fullfill our purpose whitout the need of violence. However, they were to passionate and aggressive to listen to reason. We had no other choice but to engage in battle whit them, and do what we had to do by force. I can assure you, they are fine tough. We fought them seeking the merciful approach. The reason you can't feel reiatsu is not because they are dead. You don't need to worry about their lives." said Akihiko.

The man looked down for a few seconds, before locking his eyes onto Akihiko's.

"You stole their powers..." he said.

"Yes. As a Captain, you should know the reason we came here today."

The man kept staring at Akihiko.

"I don't want to fight more. I just want to get his done. I don't see the need for violence here. So I'll politely ask you to come closer, so that I may fullfill my duty, and you can leave whitout the shame of defeat." said Akihiko.

"It would be even more shameful to not resist in the same place." the man said.

"He is from the Gotei 13. He'll not listen to reason. It also seems he is a new Captain. He must be searching for a chance to prove himself. He will not surrender." said Yushi.

Akihiko nodded in agreement. He then turned to stare at the man. He calculated the events. He would fulffil his duty, even if he had to use force. He didn't liked the option, but he would use it if necessary, or shown any sings of resistance. The man standing right next to him, would fight for his beliefs, and would not go down whitout a fight.

"I can assure you it will be painless. I can't lie to you, the side-effects of having a part of you taken away are severe, but you wil be able to surpass it one day. I'll give you the chance to drop your zanpakuto, and approach so I may fulfill my duty." said Akihiko.

"I don't want bloodshed either. I believe that violence is a factor only to be used, when there are no means available. You ask me to let you fullfill your duties, but I can't do that. There are people who trust me whit their lives, and I can't fail them. But unlike your friend deduced, I don't want a chance t prove myself, if this chance comes trough violence. The only option I see here for us to avoid a battle, woudl be for you to turn back to where you came from. I promise I will not strike you on your back, on vengeance against these poor souls." the man said pointing at the seated officers.

"I can't leave. I have to fullfill my duty." said Akihiko.

"And I can't let you fullfill it." said the man.

Akihiko would fullfill his duty even if he had to use force. The man standing in front of him would fight however, if Akihiko didn't leaved. A battle between them was inevitable.

They remained staring at each other for a few minutes, each one calculating any possible way to finish this whitout a direct conflict. However all options eneded up whit a negative conclusion.

"Unfortunately, I believe battle is the only option available for me to accomplish my task." said Akihiko.

"And I see battle as the only way to make you walk away." said the man.

Yushi just remained there at Akihiko's side. Akihiko gave him a look. "Ok, I gwet it. I'll won't interfere. If another Captain appears, I'll make sure they'll wont interrupt your battle, Seinosuke."

Akihiko then turned his eyes to meet the man's. Both of them started drawing their blades and the two of them got into their fighting positions.

"Before battling, I'd like to know your name." said Akihiko.

"My name is Yoishiro Roychi. I'm the Captain of the 3rd squad of the Gotei 13."

"I am Akihiko Seinosuke, Captain of the 9th squad of the Juzo Hosho."

Yoishiro kept staring at him, and then he moved his eyes to Yushi, who was sitting on a rock.

"Do not worry about him. He will not interfere. I can assure you. I'm a man of honour, and as such, I will not allow him to interfere in our battle." said Akihiko.

Yoishiro turned his eyes back to Akihiko. He didn't knew why, but the man spoke whit such confidence, he could not deny the truth behind those words.

"Even tough we had to end up battling eachother, I will not kill you." said Yoishiro.

The answer surprised Akihiko. "Why?" he asked.

"I don't believe killing is the answer to this conflict between my nation and yours. I will do my best to subjugate you, and tak you captive."

"Taking me captive will put my life at risk, as your comrades will surely vote to exterminate me. Therefore, you're not being true to your word."

"Of course I am. I will not kill you, bum capture you. If they want to kill you, I'll be against it, but I can do nothing if the majority wants it, and decides this. However, I will not be a part of it. Therefore my conscience is clean." said Yoishiro.

"I see. Therefore, I'd like to tell you I'll not kill you either. I will do my best to subjugate you and take your spiritual energy. It is my duty and I must accomplish it." Akihiko said.

The fate of the battle would not be determined by the victor managing to get away alive, but by the victor managing to complete it's duty. It was a rational way the both pacifists arranged.

Minutes had passed and none of them had moved a single inch. Yoishiro would not move unless his opponent would attack im first. It was his battle plan. He always fought on the defensive. Akihiko, was waiting for Yoishiro to attack, expecting him to be hot-headed, and passionate as the other members of the Gotei 13. However, he was calm, not showing any sign of hate, or nervosism. That surprised Akihiko, he had never met someone like that from the Gotei 13 before.

After several minutes, whit only the wind being heard by the ears of any living being around, Akihiko dashed at Yoishiro. Yoishiro however, blocked the swing whit masterfully skill. Akihiko quickly sidestepped and turned 360 degrees, moving his sword at Yoishiro. Yoishiro however, tapped the sword on it's unharmful side and the handle of his zanpakuto forced Akihiko's zanpakuto to the ground. Akihiko however, not fazed or surprised, quicky raised his sword, but Yoishiro grabbed the handle once more, and blocked the attack again. The battle remained like this for minutes. Akihiko just attacked as Yoishiro would just stay on the defensive. Yoishiro was expecting Akihiko to become confident, and lack somehow, so that he coudl counter-attack whit efficiency. However, Akihiko was noticing that Yoishiro, even tough forced on the defense, was content whit the situation, and as such, he kept his guard up for any upcoming attack from his antagonist.

At a certain moment Akihiko moved his blade to stab Yoishiro. Yoishiro sidesteeped, easily evading the attack, and then he went for a slash. Akihiko ducked, evading it, however he then saw Yoishiro's shadow raising his sword. He jumped backwards as he realized, he would be fatally injured by the attack. Once he landed, he touched his body whit his left hand in order to feel his wound. But he didn't. He then turned to analyze Yoishiro. At first he deduced that the Gotei 13 new Captain was so full of himself, that he didn't anted to end the battle so quickly, he was confident he would win, not matter what. Akihiko tough of how childish that conclusion of Yoishiro was, but at analyzing his opponent more franctically, he noticed one peculioar thing... Yoishiro didn't moved a single inch after he had raised his sword, not leaving any traces that he ever tried to attack Akihiko in the first place. So Akihiko deduced this time, that Yoishiro never tough of attacking him.

"I lacked for a moment, and let my guard open. You could had finished the battle at that moment, injuring me fatally. Why didn't you?" he asked.

"If I went for the attack, I would end up killing you, and I promissed I would not kill you." said Yoishiro.

"It's very rare to find someone who keeps to his word. You are an worthy opponent." said Akihiko.

He dashed at Yoishiro once more. Yoishiro kept blocking each attack whit masterfully skill. At one moment, Akihiko jumped, spinned in the air, and went for a strike. Yoishiro blocked it whit his sword. However, Akihiko was forced to the ground by gravity, and Yoishiro's chest was left open. Yoishiro jumped backwards and had the same reaction Akihiko had. He wasn't hurt.

"You're also a man of honour." said Yoishiro.

The two of them went back to their battle stances.

"Lets have an honourable battle."

-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­

[Beggars Dusk: Tactical anguish]



Captain Seinosuke: (He continues to place his finger in the slight tear inflicted to his Haori by Captain Yoishiro Roychi. He raises his eyes and stared at the captain with complete indifference, generating a tinge of disconcern from the newly brandished leader).

Captain Roychi: Why do you stare at me in such a way?

Captain Seinosuke: (Akihiko’s stoic demeanor is unmatched and unwavering, as his dimly lit eyes softly gaze upon his opponent. He slowly brushes the dust from his Haori and returns his focus on Yoishiro.)

Captain Roychi: Do you truly plan on staying silent for the majority of our battle? So you’ve failed at securing your guard. It happens. Just be thankful I am an honest, merciful opponent.

Captain Kenronri: (He abruptly chuckles while perched upon the large rock. He glances at Yoishiro as his grin subsides) Honestly, I can’t believe you elicited such a response from me, but you’re behaving quite foolishly.

Captain Roychi: (He exhales deeply, raising his brow) I’m afraid I don’t follow…

Captain Kenronri: I’m not surprised considering all the posturing you were engaging in. Based on that alone, I can see where it would be difficult to see just how asinine you’re behaving. You obviously are unaware of who your opponent truly is, otherwise you wouldn’t be so confident.

Captain Roychi: What in the hell are you talking about?

Captain Kenronri: Akihiko Seinosuke, captain of the ninth division and leader of the subjugation and punishment squad. Do you know what it requires to successfully subdue an opponent? You speak boldly of the future, but it requires more than brute strength and kido. It requires a complete knowledge of combat, including how to be one with a blade.

Captain Roychi: What is your point?

Captain Kenronri: If you’re honestly convinced that Captain Seinosuke allowed his guard to subside, you are far more foolish than you look. Captain Seinosuke is no ordinary captain. Among all the Juzo Hosho, he’s the most deadly with a blade. His skills are…


Captain Roychi: (He takes a deep gulp, followed by a surprised exhale before locking eyes with an oncoming Akihiko. He steps back, blood falling rhythmically onto the dusty terrain. He stumbles a few more steps before he regains his bearings and tightly cuffs his wound. His chest is exposed, as his clothing have been effectively severed diagonally across his chest. Blood seeps into the the remaining layers, soaking the finely severed ends).

Captain Kenronri: …unmatched (he finishes his sentence with a tinge of amusement in his voice).

Captain Seinosuke: (He performs a deadening stare, taking it upon himself to engage in the advance. He begins walking toward Yoishiro, who has received a fairly deep gash from a single swing of his blade). I analyzed your

Captain Roychi: I thought this was intended to be honorable?

Captain Seinosuke: There is nothing dishonorable about the truth. I was feigning a disadvantage to better pinpoint your level of skill. And I can say I’m not impressed. I shouldn’t be surprised the Gotei 13 have experienced such profound loss in recent years. If this is the caliber at which you engage battle, your opponent’s are bound to be victorious. Even more shameful is your pompous attitude. Your perception of the battle was completely derailed as a result.

Captain Roychi: You and your partner tricked me into letting my guard down.

Captain Kenronri: (He rolls his eyes) What a childish thing to assert.

Captain Seinosuke: From this moment on, be silent, Captain Kenronri. We wouldn’t want the captain to feel ill at ease.

Captain Roychi: I don’t believe a word he said…

Captain Seinosuke: That is your decision. You won’t observe me posturing or massaging my ego. My skill will be apparent with each stike.

Captain Kenronri: Inner-monologue: What a fool this captain is, disregarding my words for mere folly. If he only knew the level at which he is outclassed, he would lessen his attitude and raise his guard. It will only become more troublesome for the captain once he releases his Shikai

Captain Roychi: (He definitely bears his sword toward Akihiko) You and your goon won’t intimate me, Captain Seinosuke. Your reign of terror will end today.

Captain Seinosuke: You’re surprisingly mellow-dramatic, Captain Roychi. (He begins walking toward Yoishiro) Do you plan on maintaining your ground?

Captain Roychi: A good offense is a great defense (he recites proudly).


Captain Seinsosuke: What a quaint proverb. Unfortunately, your defense is both weak and inadequate (He begins swiftly running at Yoishiro and striking his blade with his own. His movements are swift and agile, leaving no time for his opponent counter. He jumps back and flash-steps, speeding past his opponent’s guard and appearing behind him. This forces Yoishiro to twist around and swing his blade. Akihiko simply grabs his wrist with his right arm, pushes it to the left and turns his back to Yoshiro simultaneously. He then takes his left elbow and slams it into his opponent’s chest and flings his fist back, slugging him in the face. Yoishiro stumbles back at Akihiko releases his grip. He twists his body and kicks him in the stomach. Yoishiro is flung backwards and lands on his back as he slides across the soil. Akihiko spares no time in his assault, running rapidly and low to the ground. He twists his hand and allows his blade to strike the ground, but Captain Roychi manages to rolls and leap to his feet. Akhiko flanks the young captain from the side, darting at him with the speed and precision of a snake’s bite. His blade collides with Yoishiro’s, sparks erupting from the friction, and prompting the Gotei 13 member to clutch his blade with both hands).

Captain Roychi: (He clutches his hilt tightly, having not suspected his opponent to possess such strength in his swing. He watches as Akihiko delivers quick and precise blows. He leaps back and slides his feet across the soil, changing his stance to prepare for his opponent’s onslaught. To his surprise, Akihiko’s lightning fast reflexes leave him dazed as he watches him leap to his side, twist, and swing his blade).

Captain Seinosuke: (He continues to swing his body, but begins lifting himself with his foot and kicking, landing three consecutive blows to his opponent. He then leaps forward, dives down, and swipes his blade across the ground. Yoishiro leaps backwards and lands on a stone wall. Akihiko leaps to the top of the stone wall and they begin exchanging blows. Their movements are quick and precise, each blow generating energy that reverberates through the air. Akihiko watches as Yoishiro approaches his, preparing to impale his shoulder with his blade. He acts quickly and flips to the side, falling from the stone wall. He appears behind him and delivers a broad gash across his back. Yoishiro sweeps his blade horizontally, but Akihiko leaps back, landing on the edge of the wall. He jets forward and leaps forward and flash-steps above and behind his opponent. Yoishiro twists and thrusts his sword forward, but Akihiko parries to the side and begins sliding his blade up the neck of his zanpakuto).

Captain Roychi: (He watches as the blade grows closer, moving at unparalleled speed. He quickly leaps backwards and lands on on the ground below. Blood trickles down his cheek, as he stares at Akihiko)

Captain Seinosuke: (He walks casually toward his opponent, still perched atop the stone wall. He stares down at Yorishiro before leaping down to maintain eye-level. He holds his sword at his side, glaring at his opponent’s wounds) Your defense is dull, like your blade.

Captain Roychi: So you managed you land three hits, big deal.

Captain Kenronri: Four, actually (he points to his ankle).

Captain Roychi: (He looks to his bleeding ankle, prompting him to grit his teeth) Again, merely luck.

Captain Seinosuke: Luck, you say? Luck is an argument of a man without reason and controlled by his own hubris. When valor preys on reason, it eats the sword it fights with. That’s why you will lose today, not because of some abstract notion regarding luck (He begins to raise his blade from his side).

Captain Roychi: I can sense you raising your spiritual pressure. You’re about to release.

Captain Seinosuke: Why you are gifted, Captain Roychi. You can pick-up on even basic shifts in spiritual pressure. That is, of course, where your talent subsides. You will fall today, I can promise you that…(he raises his eyes and stares directly into Yoishiro’s.) Hold in thralldom…. Kiwamete (And with those words, he releases his hold on his blade, quickly parts his arms and allows the blade to divide into two and take shape in each individual hand). I’d release if I were you, otherwise your defeat will be that swifter.

Yoishiro watched at Akihiko who was standing whit his two blades. Yoishiro got up.
“You talk about me rushing into battle without knowing my opponent. I don’t know how you managed to gain information about me, considering I’m new, and I’m pretty sure we’ve never met before. However, you as well are rushing into battle without knowing your opponent. At least, not completely.”

Akihiko raised an eyebrow. “Explain yourself.”

“Just like the time that you left your guard open on purpose, I didn’t used my skills completely. Therefore why the hits you landed me were luck. I didn’t tough you’d be this strong. Therefore, you managed to lend me four hits, because I miscalculated.”

“This is not luck. This was your own stupidity, and vanity. You consider your defense impenetrable, but I proved here, that it is as breakable as a statue of sand, and as dull as your blade. You tough that I wouldn’t be able to land you a hit, and that’s why you didn’t used your defense as you should. That is not only the act of a stupid person, but also of a very innocent and inexperienced one.” Said Akihiko. Yoishiro remained staring at him, unfazed by what Akihiko said. “You said you didn’t expected me to be this strong. That’s the level of your vanity. You couldn’t believe another Captain would have a power equal to you, and yet your power is not even close to mine. You signed your own defeat, and digged your own grave.”

Yoishiro waved his sword. “You just said I digged my own grave, but you promised you wouldn’t kill me. I’m not surprised. You’re not an honourable man as I tough you were. Your goon distracted me, and you landed me a hit, taking me by surprise. I don’t care what you or your friend thinks. That was not an honourable act. You promised me he wouldn’t interfere… He didn’t, not directly at least. But it was enough for you to get the upper hand. You got the advantage of the moment, and used it against me. It was the same as stabbing me in my back. I can’t expect for you to keep your word.” Said Yoishiro.

“It doesn’t matter what you think. It was not a dishonourable act, and I will keep my word. I will not kill you. I was also wrong at thinking you’d be a worthy opponent. Your level of skill, and your vanity and stupidity, shows the immense gap between the two of us. Your fate has already been written. You will lose today.”
Akihiko raised his right hand, pointing one of his swords at Yoishiro. At the point of his blade a yellow light could be seen. He launched it whitout reciting the Hado, and a flash of yellow light dashed at Yoishiro. Yoishiro however doesn’t faze or seem nervous of the upcoming attack. Instead he raises his sword, in a horizontal way and speaks these words…

“Kyomu no Puru… Hitei.” When these words were spoken, the yellow energy hit Yoishiro, however it didn’t exploded hurting Yoishiro. Akihiko, then lowered his arm as he watched the yellow energy being absorbed into Yoishiro’s sword. His sword now had a different aspect, resembling an European dual-edged sword. It didn’t increased in size, however, a blue energy was coursing trough it.

“Impressive…” said Akihiko. “I didn’t expected such a peculiar abilitie.”

Yoishiro looked at Akihiko. “You talk of the future as if you already knew the outcome… The truth is, you have to much self-confidence. That is not the trait of a man whit honor. You speak of my defeat, but you don’t even know my true power.”

“Sheer strength will not change the outcome. You may have a very powerful zanpakuto, but that doesn’t mean mine isn’t equally strong, or even stronger. You are new, and you are inexperienced. You’re not even one whit your blade, as it’s been very little time since you achieved Bankai. Even if you have a sheer power, that equals mine, my experience and time will lead me to victory.”

Yoishiro glared, his eyes showing revolt at what Akihiko was saying. On his point of view, Akihiko’s words were always conflicting whit one another. At one time, he was an honorable man, and now, he seemed a liar, and an hypocrite. “What you just said just proves, that you don’t know my true power.”

“Enough whit the talk. Let’s get this finished whit.” Akihiko said and dashed at Yoishiro.

Yoishiro blocked the upcoming attack of Akihiko’s Nodachi. However, before he could expect, Akihiko spinned, and his broadsword, came closer to Yoishiros neck. Yoishiro quickly moved his sword, blocking the attack, sparkles coming out of the impact, lighting the faces of both combatants, who stared at each other, their eyes, showing their resolve in that battle. Akihiko went for an attack once more, however this time Yoishiro jumped backwards. Akihiko tried to follow him however he was surprised when Yoishiro touched the ground and waved his sword horizontally, a slash of blue energy coming out of it. Akihiko jumped, dodgind it whit ease. As he spinned in the air, he saw a rock getting split in half easily by the energy sent out by Yoishiro’s blade. He then did the same movement as before, as Yoishiro blocked it. Yoishiro expected Akihiko to do the same move again, letting his body drop, and going this time, for a fatal attack. However that wasn’t what happened. A yellow light formed in Akihiko’s Nodachi. A Hado. Akihiko this time spelled the incantation, therefore, the attack would be even more stronger. Akihiko would take the impulse of the explosion to be sent backwards and out of Yoishiro’s range. However as soon as the yellow light was ready to be launched directly at Yoishiro, ending the battle, it was sucked into Yoishiro’s blade. Akihiko simply fell to the ground. And rolled backwards evading a slash from Yoishiro. He observed Yoishiro’s sword. The yellow energy slowly became blue.

“I see…” said Akihiko.


Yoishiro got back into his battle stance as Akihiko attacked him. He went for a double strike whit his swords, but Yoishiro once more blocked it. The sheer strength put by Akihiko into his blades made the ground behind Yoishiro crack, as he felt pain on his legs. However, as soon as Akihiko was about to strike once more, Yoishiro prepared to strike as well. Akihiko was surprised. His opponent had been on the defensive during this entire time, only seeking counterattacks, but suddenly he went for the offensive. That meant, panic was taking control over his reason, Akihiko calculated.

However this wasn’t the case. Yoishiro didn’t went for a strike at Akihiko, but at one of his swords. Clashing against his Nodachi furiously, Yoishiro managed to send it flying and spinning into the air, falling to the ground. Akihiko’s eyes widened. Even if Akihiko’s strength behind a blade was enough to put down many antagonists, he was holding a long Nodachi whit only one hand, while Yoishiro attacked whit all his strength whit both hands on his sword. Yoishiro blocked the attack of the broadsword, and whit one hand, he fisted Akihiko in his chest whit his palm, and sent Akihiko flying. Akihiko hit his back on a tree. He took the time to recompose himself, and searched for his Nodachi. He saw it trough it’s glimpse, shining by the moonlight. However, he then heard a sound. Right in front of him, a slash of blue energy was coming vertically. He sidestepped, and rushed at his Nodachi, as the tree split into two, falling to both sides. As Akihiko went for his Nodachi however, he didn’t let his guard down. Yoishiro was following him. Akihiko launched the same Hado at Yoishiro once more, but he absorbed it into his sword. But that was on purpose. Due to the blinding light that happened during the absorption process, he rushed at Yoishiro, and attempted an attack at Yoshi’s legs, to slow him down. Yoshi however, sensing his reiatsu close to him, jumped to evade the strike, and whit both hands on his sword, he fell, clashing his sword whit Akihiko’s.

Akihiko sidestepped, got to the ground and rolled, hitting his feet on Yoishiro’s ankle, who fell down immediately, as he was taken by surprise. When he fell to his back he could see a sword coming to stab him in his chest. He rolled evading the attack and as soon as he got up, Akihiko already had both swords.

“You tried to take away one of my swords, thinking this would save you, and grant you an opportunity to emerge victorious. That wasn’t a smart choice, considering, I was at the advantage back before we released our shikais and I was only using one blade.” He raised his Nodachi pointing it at Yoishiro. “My true skill resides in the expertise of dual blades. However, whit your level of inexperience, I can use a single sword, and still defeat you.”

“Then why don’t you toss that sword away, and fight me whit only one?” Akihiko didn’t answered. “As I expected. You have a big mouth. Your words, do not act accordingly whit your actions.”

“You chose to fight me, saying that it would be more shameful to surrender without a fight, than being defeated. Wouldn’t it be equally shameful being defeated by your opponent while he didn’t even used his abilities to the max?”

Yoishiro remained silent.

“Very well then. You seem to have regained your confidence, but I can assure you, it is purely aesthetic. An illusion. As you will see.”

He dashed at Yoishiro, who blocked the dual attack once more.

“All you do is hold your ground, waiting for an opportunity. But I’ll wont give you one.” Said Akihiko.
Akihiko went for another strike. However instead of blocking, Yoishiro ducked, as he spinned, evading his both swords. Then he went for a diagonal attack at Akihiko’s chest. Akihiko jumped backwards. As he landed he touched his chest. Blood.

“What? Akihiko was hit?” asked Yushi to himself. “Impossible!”

Akihiko however didn’t seemed fazed by what had happened. However, he was surprised. That inexperienced captain managed to land him a hit. He couldn’t be as weak as he tough he was at first.

“You talked about my defeat whit such certainty, you must be revaluating the outcome of this match. I am not saying the outcome will be what I want it to be. We’ll only know once we’ve reached our limits. Simply judging your opponent by the moment, is foolish, and that’s what you have been doing this whole time. Thinking I would never manage to break trough your endless spree of attacks. However that’s not how it works. I’m a shinigami, who’s fighting style is completely set on the defensive, and as such, I know very well how to evaluate my targets, to learn a good counter-attack. I may be inexperienced, but that doesn’t mean, I’m weak, or idiot. And I will prove to you, that my resolve is enough to keep my spirits up. I’ll won’t lose, without giving everything I have.”

Akihiko remained silent. He then raised his both swords in the form of an x and stared at Yoishiro. Both of their chests were cut in the same way, however, Yoishiro was fairly more injured, due to the other hits Akihiko managed to strike him whit.

“Very well then. I might have looked down on you, and didn’t went on my full capacity. But, from now on don’t expect any mercy, besides letting you leave whit your life.”
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[Beggars Dusk: Silent abandon]


(PLAY SONG)


Captain Seinosuke: (He stares down at his wound, contemplating the events that have transpired) Captain Roychi, you are more of a fool than I had previously imagined. You display a profound degree of ignorance when it comes to the significance of battle and the dueling of spirits. It is not simply your age or inexperience that leads you astray, it is your lack of understanding regarding battle. Your blade may be sharp and your Shikai may be released, but that hardly constitutes an advantage. I see no reason to fear you because my spirit outclasses yours. In a battle of energy, those who have mastery over their own always end up victorious. This is no different.

Captain Roychi: (He suddenly swings his sword and unleashes a vibrant blue energy that hurtles toward Akihiko. He raises his brow, flummoxed as to why his opponent is not taking evasive actions. He watches as the attack lands. A direct hit! He watches closely, but his attack suddenly vanishes with a single strike of Akihiko’s blade). What just happened?

Captain Seinosuke: The end has begun…for you and every other member of the Gotei 13 (He begins walking toward Yoishiro) You honestly think I need an opening to eliminate you? I believe that is the truest example of arrogance. You could not breach the magnitude of difference between us even if you had a 1,000.

Captain Roychi: (He points his blade and allows the blue energy to erupt in a steam of energy)

Captain Seinosuke: (He stares calmly at the roaring energy steam and lifts his blade. He jets forward and cleaves through the technique, causing it to vanish without a trace. He simultaneously takes his nodachi and impales Yoishiro’s right arm. He swiftly pulls the blade from his opponent’s arm and watches as he flash-steps safely in the) I see no reason to avoid these techniques any longer. Your Shikai is far too dependent on kido.

Captain Roychi: (He scowls) What?

Captain Seinosuke: I have deciphered your simple Shikai, limited to the energy generated by another. Unfortunately, my zanpakuto is not kido-based, so without a steady supply of kido, you can’t do much of anything. That is, of course, unless you have kido-based techniques that are not dependent on the absorption of energy. Even so, it wouldn’t make a difference.

Captain Roychi: (His body shakes in anger) You call me simple. You call me weak. Do you not fear your enemies now? Have you become that pompous?

Captain Seinosuke: I experience fear, just like any other soul reaper. But I don’t fear you because I have no reason to. Why fear what is fated to be vanquished.

Captain Roychi: You arrogant bastard…

Captain Seinosuke: (He flash-steps with profound speed and appears before Yoishiro. He begins an onslaught of strikes, each collision heavier than the first. He brings his nodachi hurtling downward, but it caught by his opponent’s blade. He takes his broad-sword and thrusts it forward, impaling Yoishiro in the stomach.)

Captain Roychi: (He flings the nodachi off his blade and leaps back, expecting to find a deep, painful wound. He stares and inspects with his hand, but sees no injury.) I could have sworn you struck me, but apparently my aim senses are as off as your aim.

Captain Seinosuke: Yes, perhaps…(He begins running at full-speed toward Yoishiro, his legs moving with lightning reflexes. He skids across the ground, bends his knees left knee, extends his right leg across the ground and swings his nodachi. Yoishiro blocks the nodachi, but Akihiko stabs his broadsword into ground, pulls his body forward, twists and sweeps his foot across the ground. His foot collides with Yoishiro, disrupting his balance. Akihiko twists his body, stabs his nodachi into the ground, anchors himself and thrusts his broad-sword toward, stabbing Yoishiro in the stomach. Yorishiro brings his knee hurtling upward, crashing into Akihiko’s arm. His arm flings back, pulling the broad-sword from his stomach. He pulls his blade nodachi from the ground and rolls quickly across the ground, brings his feet into the air and jumps up. He turns and zooms toward Yorishiro, giving no time for rest. He begins deliver quick, successive swings, twisting his body like a propeller which each wave. He brings his body to face his opponent, building moment with his rotations and climbs his body with his feet. He kicks him in the stomach and brings his other foot to his chest. The second kick manages to send Yoishiro rocketing across the ground.)

Captain Roychi: (He slides across the ground, tumbling like a rolling boulder in his attempt to regain control over his body He collides with the side of a building and slowly lifts himself. As he does so, Akihiko appears, but Yoishiro grabs him and flings him through a window in the building, hoping to buy time. As Akihiko smashes through the window, Yoishiro leaps to his feet when suddenly a blade pierces his arm, once again. He pulls it from his arm and flash-steps and turns to face the building. He watches as the blade is pulled back into the building just before the side of the structure is obliterated by a surge of energy. It creates a large opening whereby Akihiko slowly exits, both blades in hand). …that was clever, catching me off guard through the building. How’d you recover so quickly from being thrown in there?

Captain Seinosuke: I simply threw my blade where I knew you would be standing. (He stares at Yoishiro and flash-steps from sight. He suddenly reappears and swings his blade toward his body. Yoishiro instinctually blocks, but finds himself struggling to ward off the blade’s intense weight. Akihiko suddenly raises his finger and unleashes a beam of energy that strikes Yoishiro’s chest.)

Captain Roychi: (He stumbles as a result of the attack, which prompts Akihiko to slice across his body, from his left shoulder to his right hip. He falls back and clutches his chest, looking angrily at Akihiko) Your blade, is similar to mine, isn’t it? It can absorb energy (He shouts angrily)?

Captain Seinosuke: Our zanpakuto couldn’t be more dissimilar. The sheer audacity you have to compare your zanpakuto to mine is enough to warrant punishment. I can’t even begin to explain just how outclassed you are by Kiwamete.

Captain Kenronri: (He raises his brow and contemplates the situation) Inner-monologue: This Captain Roychi is certainly determined to conquer Akihiko. His defiance is admirable, but unwise. If he only knew how dangerous Akihiko’s zanpakuto truly is. The mortal embodiment of our nation and a legend among zanpakuto, it is not to be trifled with without care. He’ll soon realize why it has been nicknamed the silent warden. And when he is clutching to his last hope for victory, it will be exterminated like all the others, culminating into a massive defeat. And he will discover what it truly means to have no power.
Captain Roychi: You say that now, but you have yet to see my Bankai.

Captain Kenronri: Akihiko, stop playing with this boy and finish it. I’m bored just sitting over here.

Captain Roychi: Quiet!

Captain Seinosuke: No, he is absolutely right. I’ve been misleading you this entire time, feigning loss and allowing you to believe that your pitiful techniques and swordsmanship were formidable. To be fair, you are not remotely close to my caliber. I’ve proven that. Tell me, do you plan on dipping into your own energy reserve to fuel your zanpakuto’s abilities? That would be sensible.

Captain Roychi: (He scowls and clutches his sword tightly, gripping hard by the second)

Captain Seinosuke: (He begins speeding toward Roychi and swings his broad-sword toward his opponent, but before he makes contact he flash-steps to the side and continues his assault.)

Captain Roychi: (He watches as Roychi turns and brings his sword to defend against his blade, but before he can raise his blade to the appropriate angle, Akihiko’s broad-sword slices through his flesh. It passes straight through his shoulder, across his chest, and exits near his hip. Yoishiro halts, staring at Akihiko with a blank expression. Beads of sweat rolls down his temple as his expression turns to fear, but as the seconds pass, what he expects does not occur. He watches as Akihiko brings his blade to his side and stares at Yoishiro).

Captain Seinosuke: The fact that you haven’t deduced my blade’s abilities is pathetic, but I anticipated as much. I may as well take advantage of this startling moment of stupidity…(he suddenly takes his blade and slices across his right arm and kicks him across the battleground. He lowers his weapons and stares at him with a deadening gaze). Reflect back for a moment and then look closely at the present.

(Replay song)

Captain Roychi: (He realizes his body is not afflicted by any type of injury from the last attack, confusing him. He attempts to get up, but cannot control his right arm. He attempts to wiggle his fingers, but has no control. He leans over and pushes his arm with his other, realizing his predicament. He stares at Akihiko and continues to struggle, noticing that his blade is lying beside him, as his fingers can no longer hold his blade).

Captain Seinosuke: It would be foolish of me to disregard this opportunity, but in the time it takes me to approach you, I will explain what has transpired. (He slowly begins approaching Yoishiro) Kiwamete is unlike other zanpakuto, embodying the nature of my nation. It specializes in the capacity to seal-away aspects of my opponent, subsequently making those same aspects unavailable for use. My broadsword affects the spirt while my nodachi affects the body, which is why you were not severed in half. Though, I delivered three successive strikes to your right arm, which is why you are having such difficulty rising from your fall. Every time I attacked, did you notice my movements were slightly faster? If so, you were wrong. I wasn’t faster, you were slower. With each successive strike, Kiwamete sealed-away a portion of your bodies vitality and with that your reflexes and strength. Of course, it only affects the region in which it successfully touches, but on the third strike, it completely immobilized the region. So while you have complete control over your left arm, your right may as well not be there because it is no more than dead weight. You’ve likely noticed, as your fingers cannot even hold onto your blade. (He glares at Yoishiro as he nears him) You could, of course, begin using your left arm, but I suspect your skill lies predominately in your right. Your training was focused with the use of your right-arm, which is why you were so confident when wielding your blade with two hands. If it was any other way, you couldn’t deliver a strong-enough swing. Now, it is time you swallow your pride and succumb to your punishment (he says that as he kicks Yoishiro’s blade to the side. I’m going to permanently seal your Reiryoku and then you will truly had a full understanding of your place in this world (As he finishes his sentence, Yoishiro raises his hand and releases a sokatsui from his left hand. Akihiko manages to flash-step from harm, receiving only minor burns to his clothing. He stars at Yoishiro, who has managed to get up and has his blade in his left hand, his right handing uselessly by his side).

Captain Kenronri: (He speaks quietly and with a hint of irritation) He certainly is persistent…

Ok I'm wanting to create a csptain for the Juzo hosho I'm wanting squad two but I can't tell if it's taken or not since there's no name but it doesn't say vacant if it is I'm wanting squad 4

Darkdiciple2 ---- For this present battle sequence, the Juzo Hosho are at somewhat of a deficit with regards to opponents. At first glance, it appears as though the Gotei 13 has numerous captains, but many do not contribute regularly. This, of course, makes it difficult to set-up battles. I mean, K0V, Silver, and BP still do not have opponents, yet the Gotei 13 has so many captains. Therefore, while I would normally say you could take the 2nd squad's position for the Juzo Hosho, you wouldn't have much of a role if you did. I mean, at the moment, three people need opponents and then adding you would make four. If we can't even meet the first standard, I doubt the second will be met any easier. As such, I would suggest joining the Gotei 13. However, if Shadowcon, Demon, Akonta (who is apparently on vacation), and Zord (Who never posts) actually post (and maintain a battle sequence) than I see no reason why you couldn't. I'm not too optimistic about regarding that result, though. I'm not sure how Silverexorcist, K0V, or BP think about what I am saying. Weigh-in, gentlemen.

Well I'm gonna try collaberating with eiterh silver exorcist,blackpanther,or K0V to where my captain will end up fighting one of them

It feels as though people add in characters just for the sake of it and scarcely return to the thread afterward. I understand people have various situations at home and such, but it seems they lose interest quickly, which is a bit disheartening.

Demondude, if you'd like to put up some opposition to stop Tomoyo and Kyobo from succeeding in their goal, please go right ahead.

[Interception]

He met her in a small courtyard near the center of the barracks. The slender female, face concealed by a mask, stopped in her tracks at the sight of him.

Shen: That mask speaks for itself. You're a Juzo Hosho captain, right?

Tomoyo: Your Haori betrays your position as well.

Shen's fingers gently brushed the hilt of his lower right sword with one hand, scratching his head with the other.

Shen: Damn this war... I don't want to fight you, captain, but I can't let you wander free.

Tomoyo: It is unfortunate that we had to encounter you here... Is there no chance that I might convince you to surrender here?

Shen: I'm about as bent on saving Soul Society as you are on destroying it. I'd rather not have to fight one of you again, but if I have to, I'm pretty confident that I can beat you.

???: You think you're fighting her?

Shen glanced sideways, his confidence faltering at the sight of the second Juzo Hosho.

Kyobo: If you have to fight anyone, it'll be me.

Kyobo slid his massive sword from its sheath, moonlight shining on the surface of the smooth steel.

Kyobo: Captain Tomoyo, you should keep going. We don't have a lot of time left to waste here. I can handle him.

The woman almost seemed hesitant to Shen. She waited a few seconds before responding with a small nod, then she strode off. Shen moved to intercept her as she retreated, flashing into the air, and was greeted by a powerful kick from Kyobo's muscular leg. The impact sent the healer right into the ground, creating a sizable crater in the small courtyard. Dust cleared, and Shen was on his feet once more.

Kyobo: I am your opponent.

With that, Kyobo dashed forth, sending a powerful, head-level attack at his foe. Shen barely managed to duck out of the way and prepare himself to evade a second attack. This time, Kyobo aimed at his feet, not quite fast enough to catch Shen. Flashing away, the Shinigami rested each hand on one of his lower blades.

Shen: You're pretty tough. Seems I need to get serious really soon, here.

Kyobo: Your speed is your best ally, but without impact, you won't be able to phase me. That four sword style is definitely what Jisano faced during our last skirmish. I will accomplish what he didn't, however...

Pebbles in the dirt began to rise and crumble into the air as Kyobo gathered power. His feet printed deep marks in the dirt.

Kyobo: I will defeat you!

Shen: Love to see you try.

And Kyobo shot forward.

[End]

Crazie, I have to file a complaint here. You know as well as I do that Kie would not have fallen so easily, even is she was under such adverse effects. I know you intentionally portrayed her as weak, and It's not sitting well with me at all. Even if I did ever portray your own character as weaker than my own, it was never intentional and never as bad as what I read just now. Even though it was an amazing post, it is insulting to both my character and myself. I wont ask you to change it, but I want you to know that just because I was going to be gone, that didn't give you the authority to outright pound my character into the ground. I was looking forward to using my character in her first battle and showing you all what she could do, just like everyone else wants to do with their characters, but now I don't have the chance to do that. (I wonder if I should have even said anything to you in the first place, then we wouldn't be having this unbelievably ridiculous problem.)

Which brings me to the tricks I had up my sleeve for the battle which you so rudely ended. With both yours and Ryuu's permission, I would like for Kie to use one of those tricks that she had up her sleeve and for her to give Aexus a hand. Not to say that she would steal the show, but she could at least be of some goddamn use.

Well, next time, Link, don't idly stand-by and plan battle sequences with me when you know that nothing will transpire because you're going on vacation. And I didn't portray her as anything, actually. I didn't care much after I read that you weren't going to be able to even respond, halting it for a week. And for the record, my character may likely be weaker, so I have no qualms with that. I couldn't care less, to be frank.

Here is my suggestion for you, Link. If ever you are planning a battle sequence, which is arriving after a painfully stagnant several months of non-writing, and you know that you won't be able to participate for a week, don't incorporate your character as a primary component. I didn't find it rude, I simply found it idiotic that you never mentioned, not once, that you wouldn't be able to post for an extended period of time. If you had, I would have recommended that either we wait or alter the series of events. Instead, you neglected that and the moment I posted you notified me and the rest of us. I found that lacking in tact. As for the post, I told you that it would end-up with Kie being thrashed around because Aexus would arrive to find her unconscious and battle Sumiko.The idea, for which even Ryuu knew, was Kie was to remain in a coma, causing the head-captain to feel regret and preserve Livius' containment. We discussed this, so it shouldn't be a surprise. And I stated several times in the post that without the technology, Sumiko likely would have experienced far more trouble.

[Fowl Blood]

Captain Gingumaru: (Aexus leaps into the opening created by Sumiko’s body, but is immediately forced to guard from falling debris. A flash of light erupts amongst the shadows, revealing Sumiko’s location and subsequently shattering the concrete roof above. He watches as the energy surging from her hand shatters the entire insides of the sewer not unlike an egg shell. The debris quickly crumbles, falling below in preparation to bury Aexus. He quickly responds, dismissing the debris with a combination of kido and his blade. He peers into the dusty shadows, but does not sense his opponent. She, too, has fled above ground.) Damnit! This was her objective the entire time…(he leaps toward the light, landing above-ground.)

Captain Anenokoji: (She stares directly at the opponent, as thought she were glaring right into his eyes) You’re such a fine specimen, Aexus. It is funny, on one hand, I find myself attracted to your tenacity and shear strength, but it conflicts with my desire to dissect you. These are troubling times, I suppose…

Captain Gingumaru: What are you talking about?

Captain Anenokoji: If circumstances were different, I suspect you would willingly show me your Bankai and we could…you know.

Captain Gingumaru: (His expression drops as he stares blankly at Sumiko. He abruptly begins laughing, but quickly collects himself) Hahaha…oh...that’s funny. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh. I almost got the impression that you were suggesting we could have dated, or something.

Captain Anenokoji: (She scowls) Don’t you find me attractive?

Captain Gingumaru: …stop. This is another attempt to distract me.

Captain Anenokoji: (Her smoldering gaze and flirtatious posture suddenly dissolves. Her head sinks to the side and she delivers a menacing smile) No romance for us, I guess….(she lifts her blade) Open your eyes…Seichi.

Captain Gingumaru: (He suddenly realizes he is already caught in her trap, having not played it more cautiously).

Captain Anenokoji: I may not be able to physically see you, but I can sense you all the same. As such, Seichi’s abilities are in full-effect. You can’t hide from his watchful eyes.

Captain Gingumaru: (he suddenly appears, darting at Sumiko. As he moves closer, he realizes that she is moving ever further from him. Despite his speed and degree of distance, she eludes him.) I need to determine the source of her abilities and neutralize them. It make fighting her almost impossible. (He raises his hand) Sokatsui (with those words a torrent of blue energy is beckoned from his hand. It roars through the air, but never manages to hit her)

Captain Anenokoji: Captain Gingumaru, you are quite the specimen indeed. Your power is vast, only serving to intrigue me more. Don’t discontinue your onslaught, though. If you waste all your energy now, I will have a much easier time.

Captain Gingumaru: Don’t be such a coward, Captain Anenokoji. These tricks won’t buy you much time. Once discern the source, I will neutralize them.

Captain Anenokoji: (She grins coyly) Awe, I bet your mind is working even harder than usual, in an attempt to disrupt my advantage.

Captain Gingumaru: Inner-monologue: This ability is so peculiar. No matter how fast I move, I can’t seem to get any closer. She’s always the same distance from me, never moving an inch. Even my kido cannot reach her… (He resumes cognizance to his environment, noticing Sumiko behaving peculiarly).

Captain Anenokoji: (She she waves her sword in short circles and then thrusts it forward) Hyōga Seiran!

Captain Gingumaru: (He watches as a cascade of ice erupts from the tip of her blade, crashing into the earth with untamed ferocity. He flash-steps into the distance, attempting to flee the colossal kido aimed at his person. He lands on the ground, turning and releasing a smoldering opponent to the icy prison prepared by Sumiko. It strikes her kido, managing to subdue its onslaught. He observes his environment, now encased in a thick layer of icing bedding). That was a bold move, trying to capture me with that. I must say, you put a lot of energy into that kido. You’ll need more than ic…(his eyes suddenly widen and he leaps into the air, narrowly escaping her blade, which erupted from the ground below him. He looks at her blade and shifts his attention to her) You almost got me, Sumiko. If I hadn’t realized what you were doing, I would have surely succumb to your attack.

Captain Anenokoji: You’re so clever, Captain Gingumaru. Smart, handsome, and powerful. What a wonderful combination! You know me by now, I wouldn’t have delivered a fatal blow. I can’t have you in pieces. That would make studying you difficult, right?

Captain Gingumaru: (dashes toward her, but his dismay continues as she remains distant from his moving body. He halts, and stares at her, firing a Byakurai in her direction. He watches carefully, attempting to determine her abilities.)

Captain Anenokoji: Don’t bother trying to sense my spiritual pressure, it has been pumped throughout this entire area, so it won’t help you locate me. By the way, do you think you’re safe from my blood while in the air?

Captain Gingumaru: If you don’t have a reflective surface, I have nothing to fear.

Captain Anenokoji: Such a silly man…(her laugh is light and playful, as she thrusts her blade forward).

Captain Gingumaru: (He parries to the left, receiving a small wound on his shoulder. He points his hand and fires a kido, shattering her floating mirror) You almost got me there, Captain Anenokoji. I’ve learned your tricks, I won’t make the same mistakes.

Captain Anenokoji: (She scowls, biting her lips angrily) Inner-monologue: This wretched environment is dry and devoid of any reflective services. If I can’t utilize my mirrors or the ice below, I can’t very well injure him. And without my zanpakuto, he will be able to counter the majority of my attacks. DAMN! I need to determine an alternative. I WANT THAT ZANPAKUTO!

Captain Gingumaru: (He watches during their silence, her facial expression becoming darker and further influenced by frustration.) You’re realizing just how your tricks are leaving you with few options. Face it, Sumiko, you are not strong enough to defeat me.

Captain Anenokoji: (she grits her teeth angrily, but her expression abruptly falters. Her eyes narrow and she raises her hand) If my blade can’t reach you, my kido will.

Captain Gingumaru: (He exhales softly, sweeping his hand through his hair) I don’t see that happening. Either you release your ability and confront me or we wait until you can no longer support it. Your choice. I’m sure…(suddenly a plume of energy bursts from the ground below, enveloping the unsuspecting captain. As the energy dissipates his freshly wounded body lands on a nearby building to recover from the attack. He realizes that while her blade couldn’t touch him, it could continue to unleash Kido, and from numerous directions.) Inner-monologue: I do not need any more surprises like that one. She nearly seared my flesh with that last kido, which apparently is capable of being produced from the tip of her blade. If I am not careless, I could be gravely injured. Her blade can almost silently pass through reflective surfaces, making the detection of her attack nearly impossible. I have to wait until the precise moment it is generated and evade with no mistake. And while I avoid her attacks, I need to determine a way to thwart her ability to completely avoid contact with me, otherwise this battle may not go as I had planned and I will need to release my Bankai.

Captain Anenokoji: Contemplating your next course of action, Aexus? Be sure to be on your toes, you never know when I’ll attack next (She tilts her head to the side, narrows her eyes, grins, and laughs softly). Or you could release your Bankai now, of course. Your choice, really…

[The Power of a Duty]

A large, crimson tear of blood seeped down across Shen's face, stemming from his hairline. His Haori was stained in red as well, the fabric torn by a massive blade in several places. He panted, letting red droplets fall from the fingers of his limp arms. Kyobo stood opposite him, virtually unscathed, his massive blade leaning on his shoulder. After a final deep breath, Shen fixed his posture, standing tall once more. He flicked the blood from his fingertips and rested a hand on a sword hilt.

Shen: Sheesh. How can a guy swing that big sword around like that?

Kyobo: You've only fought with one other Juzo Hosho before myself, right?

Shen: That's right.

The healer dropped to a knee, still breathing heavily.

Kyobo: You're looking at me the way you looked at Jisano. You're thinking that it's going to be easy to outwit me. The reality couldn't be further from what you're thinking, though. Jisano is the captain of the squad for combat and torture. His job is to make you suffer. To make you want to surrender.

He took a step forward.

Kyobo: My job, as the captain of the eighth squad, is exactly this... To outfight and neutralize anybody I duel with.

Only as his voice drifted into the night did Kyobo hear Shen muttering under his breath.

Kyobo: Praying? You know, I never took you for the religious type-

Shen: Sekienton!

Shen opened his hands, letting out a violent expulsion of red smoke. As the gas spread through the courtyard, Kyobo could hear little but the sound of rushing air, and a moment later the muffled ring of a sword sliding from its sheath. He whirled about to face the noise, observing the silhouette of Shen, his blade outstretched with a disk of green energy formed about the tip.

Shen: Gaki Rekko!

In an instant, the green disk dispersed into hundreds upon hundreds of small, green projectiles. The barrage swarmed Kyobo before he could properly react, crashing into his body, small eruptions of energy upon his form. Smoke occupied the area around him as the green missiles peppered his body. Shen advanced forward, sliding his blade back into a sheath.

Kyobo: You think I'm done?

The air cleared to reveal him, still nearly untouched. The hado had singed his clothing, and his boots had left skids in the earth several feet in front of him, but still, he remained completely indifferent to the attack.

Kyobo: That's child's play, captain. I won't drop dead because of some cheap tricks.

Shen: I've gotta admit, I'm worried that you aren't down and out yet.

He flashed to the area immediately in front of Kyobo.

Shen: But you aren't giving me enough credit either.

His arms became a blur, drawing and sheathing blades, letting sparks fly as his edges slammed upon the steel of Kyobo's own weapon.

-End-

@Crazie. I'm afraid that Shadowcon still hasn't replied. Is there anyone else I can engage? I'm getting sick of doing nothing. I want a good battle. The last one was far too tame for me. I guess I can do a post with Jisano for the time being, but I do want to get into a battle with someone.

[Overpowered]

Listening from a distance, the continuous clanging that rent the air around the Squad 4 barracks gave an outsider a good idea that a battle was going on however looking on at said battle would not give a clear indication as to who was in the driving seat. While Shen was unloading a large assortment of attacks on Kyobo, the large Juzo Hosho captain stood his ground parrying and evading the strikes by mere millimeters, the disturbed air causing Kyobo's haori to move as if blown by a mild breeze. Out of frustration Shen went for a heavy attack with his blade aiming for the center of Kyobo's head. Kyobo sidestepped the strike almost lazily, latching on to Shen's sword hand with his free left hand and quickly struck Shen's throat with the hilt of his Zanpakuto leaving Shen coughing and spluttering as he grabbed his throat in agony.

Kyobo placed his blade back onto his shoulder and walked away from Shen's retching body at a leisurely pace. After he was a few steps away he turned back to the Gotei 13 captain who had finally got his breathing back to a regular yet painful pattern.

Kyobo: (Upon seeing Shen getting back to his feet slowly, Kyobo gripped his blade tightly) Another one who doesn't seem to want to give up it seems. I think it'd be better to leave your rather sorry excuse for a Soul Reaping nation alone, you'll kill yourselves off sooner or later.

[PLAY MUSIC]

Shen: (His facial expression darkened at the callous words) We will not fall. We have survived much worse than this. I will beat you here to prove that we can prevail.

Kyobo: (He watched the captain charge forward. A discernible frown appearing on the parts of his face visible as he muttered to himself) No you won't. (He gripped his blade with a sudden surge of strength) One way or another you will not leave here the same man you were.

As Shen lunged at Kyobo, the Juzo Hosho captain parried the blow on the flat of the blade with his left hand and brought his blade down with his right at an incredible velocity. Shen saw the incoming blade and sidestepped, grimacing in pain as the blade cut into his right arm, blood quickly pooling around the fresh wound. Shen, not deterred by the wound, lashed out again from his sheath but met Kyobo's blade again as the man brought the blade up vertically, knocking away the offending weapon and forcing Shen to backtrack as the blade came within an inch of his chin. However his reprieve was short lived as Kyobo fired a kido off at him.

Kyobo: Sho

The low level kido had a lot more kick to it than Shen expected, knocking him clean off his feet and back a few meters, landing with another heavy fall. Shen got to his feet again only to be met with another power laden assault from Kyobo, his blade heavily slamming into Shen's forcing him back gradually leaving ruts in the loose earth as they went. On a particularly heavy swing, Shen ducked underneath the blade and slashed out at Kyobo's back only to find him swing his blade back with apparent ease, deflecting the strike with the blunt side of the blade after quickly inverting his grip on the handle and thrust the hilt forward again, this time cracking Shen in between his eyes. Dazing Shen long enough for Kyobo to send his head into and even deeper fog by connecting with a powerful left hook that made impact with his temple, cannoning the Gotei 13 captain into one of the surrounding walls they had been getting closer to with each strike. Shen's body seemed to crumple against the wall leaving a large indentation where he made contact and falling out of said indentation wracked with pain.

Kyobo though, sensing will to keep fighting from his opponent had other ideas. Discarding his honour in search of a quick end to the battle, he fired off a byakurai at the fallen Shen and to his annoyance, the shinigami still had enough strength to evade the kido.

Kyobo: (He continued to fire a varying range of kido at Shen from Hado to Bakudo in an effort to slow or stop the him) [Inner Monologue]: [i]While I've definitely got enough of his attention to keep him away from Tomoyo, I can feel that aggressive side of me rising again. If I don't end this humanely soon I might end up killing the bastard.[/] (He suddenly found himself blocking another onslaught of strikes from Shen but pushed him away with his blade with relative ease.) When are you going to realise you on your own are not going to be able to vanquish one of our 5th seats, let alone one naive captain who thinks he can take me down as easily as he wishes to believe.

Shen: (He gritted his teach as his pride was yet again put under fire) Says the man whose side need to launch traps and surprise attacks in order to face us. If it wasn't for that you would not be in the position you are now.

Kyobo: (He started laughing heartily at Shen's words. More so to rile him up but also because he genuinely found the statement so ludicrous) My, my how you underestimate us. (He pointed in the general direction of Akihiko and Yushi who were doing a marvelous job of releasing their spiritual pressure) Those two large spiritual pressures in that direction, they are two of my colleagues and I can assure you right now, that is not even them at full force. (He made a small movement dodging a downward slash from Shen and grabbed his throat, his eyes turning hard as he addressed the captain) And like them, I'm not either.

He pushed shen back and then swung his blade at Shen's head who attempted to block the blow directly and his face took on an expression surprise as Kyobo's blade sent his own into his cheek, the blunt edge leaving a small cut in his face and knocking him off balance. Kyobo then took one step forward and brought his blade down from his shoulder at Shen and then pulled back on his blade as Shen evaded the strike. Kyobo's blade stopped before it hit the floor but the force from the swing alone, cracked the floor. Shen took advantage of his momentary lapse in defense and brought another slash across Kyobo, this time actually making contact. But the resulting damage was only a light cut to Kyobo's back. Kyobo sharply turned around and began hammering away at Shen whose blade was starting falter from the relentless abuse Kyobo seemed to be inflicting.

Shen flashed away from Kyobo and fired a Sokatsui at his opponent but to his dismay, Kyobo erected a danku barrier and in quick succession used the danku as a weapon by destroying it with a high level kido sending both the kido and he shards of the danku barrier in Shen's direction, who frantically flashed out of the way and into Kyobo's path again. This time Shen got too far inside Kyobo's sword range and brought his blade along Kyobo's abdomen, creating a large yet shallow cut across Kyobo's front as the Juzo Hosho captain quickly retreated before charging Shen down again and flattened him with another wild punch.

Kyobo: (He looked down at his abdomen, watching the blood slowly creep onto his haori) Aw shit. Sumiko's going to kill me if I come back with injuries like this again.

Hey there. So, I've been noticing Link's and crazie discussions, and well, I gotta say I agree whit Link, to be honest. And I ave my reasons, just as she have hers. So I'd also like to file a complaint here.

When messaging you (crazie) so that we could arrange a battle between our characters, I expected exchange of information, so that we could make a epic battle between our characters. Of all the Juzo Hosho, Akihiko seemed the best opponent for Yoishiro. I messaged you asking about it, and you told me to approach him whit caution, and then I made my first post. I was excited for your post, only to see my character getting squashed all over the place.


Then, I messaged you telling that I wanted my character to lose, or at tops, have a "tie" whit Akihiko. However, in the case of a loss, I at least expected for Yoishiro to at least put up a fight, and fall after a battle between the two of them, an epic battle. I even tried to get things back on track whit the other post, but then you simply squashed my character even more on your next post, treating him as if he was nothing but garbage, and as if his shikai was nothing at all. In fact, I couldn't even show his shikai completely, and the extent of it's skill. You told me that my character simply could not win, and things like that. I asked you why, and you said, that his zanpakuto was only 300 years old in power, while yours, was 1000


But I reflected a bit, and isn't there a Captian in the Bleach series, who doesn't even know the name of his zanpakuto, but still is just as strong as the other Captains, as he even had to defeat one of them to achieve his rank? (I forgot his name :P) I had to point that out.



Therefore, on my conclusion, the age of the zanpakuto should not matter at all. In my next post, which will be up in a few hours, I'll have to follow what the story's come to. I'll won't ask for it to be changed or everything, I wanted my character to lose, I just did not expected it to be such a miserable defeat. Therefore, even tough I'll be posting it, it doesn't mean I like it. Just so you can have an idea, of hos ridiculous it is, even if my character releases Bankai, he will sure lose, even if yoru character okeeps only using shikai, all because of how destroyed he got. So after this battle between Akihiko and Yoishiro, if in the next time the Juzo Hosho and the Gotei 13 engage one another, I'de be more than happy to fight Akihiko again, as long as we communicate the aspects of the battle and agree on an outcome, instead of you simply deciding what will happen, regardless of my opinion. Otherwise,next time, I'd like to engage whit a different opponent, who's more likely to trade opinions, and aspects of the battle, to make a line of interesting posts, instead of this Saint Seya style. I'm sorry, but that's how I feel about it. I don't like discussions, I really don't. However, I had to file this here. I expect we can sor this out.

Leleu, much of this is simply untrue. I clearly never said mine was stronger due to its age of 1,000 years because it isn’t 1,000 years old. I understand you and Link have been cavorting in the shadows, discussing just how unfair life is and such. And while I couldn’t care less what you two discuss or how you view me as a poster, I will say that you have managed to outdo yourselves. It wasn’t bad enough that you filled my inbox with countless e-mails degrading my integrity and claiming that my intentions were “suspicious,” but now you orchestrate this side-show and display it to the whole forum? If you have qualms with certain aspects of my performance then I suggest you swallow them and move-along. I definitely will not engage in anymore petty dialogues with you via e-mail, as that couldn’t have been more of a waste of time. And I certainly will not tolerate you using this creative space as your personal sound-board, helping to depict the numerous woes you’ve experienced. You had no true purpose for posting this, with the exception of antagonizing me, if not also to further paint yourself as such a victim of injustice. When I read the things you write, especially this last one, I can’t help but be completely indifferent toward all that you say and how you state it. It is such a colossal waste of time and energy that I can’t fathom how you claim to have such little time to proof-read your pieces. Are you seriously going to continue to argue that you aren’t able to proof-read your poorly structured posts because of time-constraints (or perhaps laziness)? Spend a little less time attempting to stir-up controversy and trouble and a bit more time perfecting your craft by generating well-written and finely tuned pieces. And while your linguistics arguments were well-thought-out, I have to say, you couldn’t be farther from correct. Your posts need to be cleaned-up, including spelling, sentence structure, tense, and punctuation. And while I don’t care to amass an army, like you and Link, I will wager that many share my opinion about the quality of your posts. If someone honestly disagrees, viewing your posts as free from error, I’ll never speak of it again. In the mean time, spend less of your efforts illustrating the unfairness of your experience and more on sprucing up your posts and generating creative material. Don’t deface the walls of the forum with your petty afflictions. If you want to complain to me about my posts or whatever you and your accomplice have difficulty understanding, I suggest you e-mail each other. You can bitch to each other, call me names, insult my character, or whatever. How about that? Sound good? I hope so!

That is quite enough. Leleu himself was not insulting you in the least, Crazie. If you please look again, he was illustrating a point that he thought was unfair and unrealistic. I am tired of hearing this kind of shit from you, like I have been continuously for as long as I could remember.

I'm not sure you would believe me, but Leleu and I only messaged each other once on the subject. Nothing more was said between us other than the first one he sent to me and the second that I responded with. So, in actuality, by 'wagering' that the others share your opinion, you yourself are gathering a figurative army. The only people that are bothering you right now are me and Leleu. We don't have seven other people with us sending you hate mail, now do we?

And while you're at it, do not think that Leleu and I posted in kind of purely antagonizing you. If you are self-centered enough to think that is the reason we posted our opinions on this forum(which is what a forum is actually meant for), then you sir need to take a step back and examine your attitude towards all of this. You yourself are also participating in the act of posting it on the forum, so you cannot really point fingers at who of us three is being the most dramatic. We simply posted our opinions on the subject, nothing more. It is you who is looking down on us at this point and insulting us with your completely unjustified assumptions. You could have just as easily contacted us via e-mail as we could have to you, but you are also choosing to 'broadcast it to the world'.

You have nothing to complain about, so I suggest keeping such insolence to yourself before I find the best way to re-enter the battle and disregard your characters powers completely, like you did with mine, if I recall.

Ridiculous. Here, I thought I had confidence in the maturity of the populace in the forum. I know I wasn't incorrect in believing everyone in here is an intelligent, wonderful writer, but this cascading torrent of argumentative bullshit's starting to wear. I'm going to put my opinion on the table and hope that it marks the end of this juvenile conflict.

One, there is a message function on the site. Use that for this unsightly mess you seem to want to create so badly. It's cluttering the forum, and I'm almost certain that nobody in the forum cares in the slightest about personal vendettas, disagreements, or arguments.

Two, you all need to rid yourselves of this aggressive nature. It seems as though you're eager to be at the throats of one another, which in turn will affect the quality and nature of the posts you produce. In short, it will be destructive to the story.

Three, if you say you're going to be away, and someone else takes over a battle for you, that should be both obvious and expected. It shouldn't light a fuse like this. It should be expected.

If you need to carry on this discussion among one another, please use the mail function. If you feel the need to tell me that I'm wrong, use either that or the comments, but there really is no need for whole posts attacking individuals.

EDIT: A fourth iota I believe is important is the existence of flexibility. The ability to not only accept something you didn't expect, but to respect and enjoy it. It can be a good jumping off point, and I for one love improvised posting and battles where you don't know what to expect.

Could we please not have any more of this snarking at each other. I know you essentially sorted it out in the messaging system above, but still... please avoid this happening in the future. We are all here to RP, not to end up fighting amongst ourselves...

Anyway, I messaged Demondude to write a post engaging my character, so, presumably, he will post in the next couple of days... I shall begin writing a generic beginning to mine, in order to pass the time. Then, I will also be ready when he does post.

Ciao!

[A Cold Truth and the Resolve to Kill]

[PLAY MUSIC]

Shen: Sheesh... You really weren't a good guy to pick a fight with...

Kyobo: It's my job to take down jokers like you. I thought I already told you-

Shen: It's funny. I've never felt like this before. I've never felt so outclassed by someone else. I can't fend off your attacks... I can't hit you with mine... I can't even beat you with Kido...

Kyobo began his approach, raising his blade to rest it on his shoulder. Shen, kneeling, stared at the ground. His breath was ragged, his haori and hair both stained to crimson.

Shen: I've also never felt so obliged to beat someone before...

He rose to his feet.

Shen: To let myself lay down here is to let my squad down. To let all of my fellow captains down... Hell, I might never see all the beautiful ladies again...

At last, Shen looked up from the ground, his eyebrows slanted not in annoyance or anger, but cold determination. Resting either hand on a hilt, his reiatsu began to intensify.

Shen: I hate war... I hate all this fighting... So you might be able to see why I'm so confused right now. I hate to say it, but I'm prepared to do whatever it takes, even if it means taking your life. Reweave, Nikotai no Mantora!

At this, Kyobo's eyebrows raised.

Kyobo: You'll kill me, huh? Whatever you say.

The hilts of Shen's blades filled with color. Red, brown, white, and pink. Without hesitation, he dashed forward, putting on a constant pressure with all four of his swords. Still, not a single slice managed to land on Kyobo.

Kyobo: Your form needs work, as does your physical strength. You're predictable as well. Even with your Shikai, I'd wager I can beat you in a few seconds.

Shen: Don't underestimate it. I can do some pretty cool tricks, you know.

Without warning, Kyobo dodged to the left, beginning a quick spin about. The weight of his sword carried him through most of the twirl, and he brought the edge up just as Shen was reaching for a blade to counter-attack with. The steel of Kyobo's weapon hacked through Shen's wrist, severing his right hand from his arm and leaving a stump. Shen's left hand immediately reached for his white sword, Kokkaku. As his fist closed around the weapon, Kyobo's fist closed around his forearm. The Juzo Hosho then brought his sword up with one hand, faltering only upon seeing Shen's mouth curl into a grin. Not the kind of resigned grin that a fallen warrior often wears, but the grin of some great strategist upon pulling off a successful maneuver.

Shen: Checkmate, captain.

Shen swung his stump-hand up towards Kyobo's chest, as though to punch him, but as he did, a blade of white bone grew rampantly from the stump. It was all Kyobo could do to widen his eyes and stumble backwards as the bone pierced his chest. As he backed away, he felt the edge grind at his ribs, then rip through his abdominal muscles. When the attack finally subsided, and the bone removed itself from his flesh, he stopped his backwards momentum, warding Shen back with a wide swing of his weapon.

Kyobo: You... You let me chop your hand?

Shen flashed backwards, the bone-blade crumbling in place of the skeletal structure of a new hand.

Kyobo: What an ability. It's a shame that you've got no more cards in your hand. You've got four swords there. I'm guessing they all grow your body in some way.

Kokkaku slid back into its sheath, and Shen reached for the pink blade. As it slid out, muscle already began to flow back onto Shen's skeletal hand.

Kyobo: If you think I'm going to let you do that, your mistaken.

Shen: Come stop me, then. It's gonna be a lot harder to get rid of me now, though. Don't you agree?

Kyobo: Not really.

Shen: Oh?

Kyobo: But unfortunately, I might have to kill you. Either way, I have to end this quickly.

He helped himself to a step forward, taking his sword in both hands. Blood still dripped from a large rip in his torso.

Kyobo: You won't last long enough to do that again.

-END-

Hi, I was wondering if I could join in the RP? I've never done RP before but I have a decent amount of creativity that needs to go somewhere?

Name: Senato Ajibana

Sex: Male

Age: 325 (Looks 13)

Position: Captain of squad 6, Gotei 13

Appearance: Senato has short, spiky, silver-white coloured hair, his eyes are a tint of gold and always have a warm caring look in them, he is also relatively short at about 130 cm, his zanpakuto in it's sealed form is shorter than average allowing him to have it on his left side at waist level, he is dressed in normal captain's attire. He wears a pure white scarf around his neck with the two ends hanging against his back.

Personality: Senato is a friendly and likable person, he is often under-estimated because of his young appearance and also ridiculed because of it, though he pays no heed to this. He is a genius strategist and a natural leader, he is known for improving his squad's efficiency by 10% after being their captain for only a year. He is calm even on the battlefield, though he dislikes fighting he will not hesitate to kill an enemy in order to protect those he cares about, he is respectful to his opponents, often granting them a final wish. He adores sweets and, in his spare time, is often seen walking around with a packet of sugary sweets.

Zanpakuto:
Name: Tenshi no hoshi (Angel's star)

In its sealed form Tenshi no hoshi has a hexagram shaped guard and a small hexagram charm hanging for the end of the hilt, it has an orange hilt wrapping.

Release command: Sekai o keihatsu (Enlighten the world)

Shikai form: The entire sword completely disappears the wielder gains a pure white cloak around his body and 12 small shinning orbs (stars) float in the air around him. The wielder fights by using these stars both defensively and offensively, he controls them using his hands.
Shikai abilities:
1. Hitosuji no hikari (Ray of light) The wielder moves the stars into formations of uneven numbers (1,3,5,7,9 or 11) and from the center of this formation a thin beam of light shoots towards the wielder's target. The more stars in the formation, the stronger and larger the beam.
2. Tenkū no tate (Heavenly shield) The wielder moves the stars into formations of even numbers (2,4,6,8,10 or 12) the formation creates a shield spanning across its entire length, the more stars in the formation, the stronger the shield.
3. (This one doesn't have a name since it doesn't have to be activated) When the wielder casts a kido spell (any kind) it can be fired from any of the stars under his command. The spell can also be fired from multiple stars at once, however, to transfer the spell from his hands to one or more of the stars uses an amount of spiritual power (The amount used depends on the strength of the spell, up to 40 it is minimal, from 41-60 it is a relatively large amount, and from 61 upwards, it uses a huge amount, thus making it almost impossible to use 61 or above level spells, more than once, through this ability.)

Bankai name: Shugo tenshi no hoshi (Guardian angel's star)

Bankai form: The wielder still has his white cloak but now has large, white wings on his back (Similar to typical angel wings) The number of stars under his command doubles to 24 (Though he can still only use a max of 11 for Hitosuji no hikari and 12 for Tenkū no tate)
Bankai abilities:
1. Tenshi no kōshin (Angel's march) The wielder pulls the 24 stars together into groups of 6, each forming a single angel, resulting in 4 angels, each wielding a different weapon (Sword, Bow, Shield, Spear) This technique requires immense focus and thus the wielder is unable to move, until the technique is ended, either through the wielder ending it, or if all 4 angels are defeated.
2. Tenshi no shukufuku (Angel's blessing) The wielder combines one of his stars with one of his allies, increasing their physical and spiritual power, as well as their speed. (This technique cannot be used on himself) The sword of the one who is given the angel's blessing will change it's colour to the purest white. This ends only when Shugo tenshi no hoshi returns to it's sealed form.

Hope you other Gotei 13 members like your fellow captain :3

Damn, a new Zanpakuto, a good fight going on, as well as others in process, or about to begin. I hope Demondude hurries up, otherwise he's just going to be out of luck... I refuse to wait for much longer. If he hasn't posted by tomorrow, or at least messaged me, then I'll just message Link and we can go from there. Whoever said impatience wasn't a virtue sometimes?

Well since Akonta didn't post on here, I guess I'll have to for him.
Akonta is going away again and he told me probably won't be able to post for weeks or months...
He asked me to take care of his character but I told him there wasn't much I could do if he wasn't there to orchestrate what he does...
So basically his character is fodder now.

Akonta by the time read this, your character will probably have been killed.
Sorry dude.

Hey there!! The post is finally up! But before I have somethings to say.

First off, welcome boetman!! I loved your zanpakuto design!!! I look forward to contributing whit you on this forum.

Sencondly, I'd like to ask everyone on this forum, my apologies. Regarding the back posts full of arguements and disagreements. I don't like doing what I just did back then. I still stand to what I defended, but I think that the way I did it, was wrong. I could had dealed whit that better, instead of posting for the whole forum to see. I still stand for what I said back then, but I could had been subtle, instead of aggressive.

But anyway let's forget about those past events. I just want friends here, everyone included! So let's go to the post.

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Yoishiro tried to move his right arm, but he couldn't. He didn't understood very well what Akihiko's shikai could do. But in any means, Akihiko was a fearsome opponent. He remembered his training sessions whit Aexus and Sojan. Despite they being very powerful Captains, they were only training. Not only Yoishiro was unexperienced, he also knew nothing about the opponent he was facing. He calculated and saw how bluntless and irrational he was, at engagin in battle alone, whit a much more experienced captain. Also, his zanpakuto was unknown to Yoishiro, and somehow, Akihiko had managed to understand his own. He tough a bit, and he couldn't even stand very well anymore.

Blood was dripping on the ground, running trough his entire body, and his moveless arm. He was holding his zanpakuto firmly whot his other hand. He had already lost that battle. However, there was one thing left. His reyryoku. The reason Akihio was there was to take his reyryoku. And, Yoishiro would lose all of his powers, if he failed. However, he had to at least manage to keep his reyryoku, at all costs.

"Let your blade go... You have already lost." said Akihiko. "Despite your desire to defeat me, and despite the rank you just achieved, your arrogance and stupidity sealed your own fate."

Yoishiro remained immobile.

"You are a man of honor, as I can see. And there is honor in accepting defeat, when there is no other choice. Just surrender, and I'll make sure it will be as painless as possible."

Yoishiro frowned. "There's still a chance."

Yuji let a tsc out of his mouth. Akihiko closed his eyes, reflecting for a moment. And then once he opened then, he stared at Yoishiro's eyes. "You leave me no choice."

Akihiko suddenly dissapeared, and re-appeared in front of Yoishiro. Akihiko swung his nodachi, adn Yoishiro used his sword to block. However, not only Yoshi was weak because of the circunstances he encountered himself in, Akihiko was almost completely undamaged. When the swords clashed, Yoishiro flew backwards, hitting a rock behind him, smoke covering everything around him.

"You're honor is just as big as your vanity and arrogance. There is no chance for you. To be honest, you never had any chance." said Akihiko.

Akihiko waited for Yoishiro to reappear amidst the smoke. As the smoke cleared, Yoishiro was holding his sword horizontally. He had his eyes closed. And once he opened then, he spoke these words...

"Ban...Kai..."

An explosion of blue energy evolved around him, sending currents of air at every direction. Akihiko closed his eyes.

Yuji just kept staring. "That captain is truly troublesome... and stupid. He believes that by unleashing bankai, he will have a chance... But Akihiko didn't even activated it yet, and he'll not even need to, considering how damaged and broken Yoishiro is. He has already lost, and is giving himself to panick." he said inside his mind.

As the smoke from the explosion cleared, Yoishiro was the same, but his sword had doubled in size.

"Is that all your Bankai does? Increasing the size of your sword?" said Akihiko.

"It does much more than that... As you'll see." said Yoishiro.

Akihiko flash stepped, and kicked Yoishiro back into the rock. Yoishiro screamed in pain, as Akihiko walked calmly torwards him.

"There is nothing you can do. If all your Bankai does is magnify your shikai skills, you are so inferior to me, that I'll won't even have to use my bankai."

Yoishiro opened his eyes. "If you believe that all my bankai does is what you just said... You couldn't be farther from correct."

"An admirable defiance, and courage..." said Akihiko, diggind his swords on the ground at his side. "But you willl not be saved by them now." Akihiko touched Yoishiro's chest and grabbed him. Yoishiro couldn't move a single finger against Akihiko. "You will now know your true place in the world, as I take away all of the power that is the reason of your arrogance."

"Oritatamu to Shusoku." said Akihiko. Whit these words said, a strong energy resonated from Akihiko's body and started moving at his arms. From his amrs, it reached his hands, and in few seconds it would eneter into Yoishiro and take his spiritual energy away, making him into an empty shell. However before the energy even touched Yoishiro's body, blue energy covered his body. And then it turned red. Akihiko was fairly surprised, but he then had his eeys wide open, as as soon as his energy touched the red aura... It dissapeared. As the energy around Akihiko faded, his eyes were wide open, trying to understand what had just happened. He let Yoishiro go, who kneeled on the ground.

The red aura dissapeared, and Yoishiro's sword went back to it's sealed form. Akihiko walked a back a few meters, as he stared at Yoishiro. How did he kept his reyryoku? Nothing could be bale to defend against that skill. But Akihiko felt as it enever had any effect on Yoishiro's body. How was that possible?

Yoishiro started coughing blood. His vision was blurred, and his ears were ringing. His heart was beating out of order. He had contracted a very serious internal damage, because of the use of his skill.

Yuji jumped off from the rock he was sitting and went closer to Akihiko standing at his side. "What happened?"

"I... don't know..." said Akihiko.

Yuji turned to stare at the almost dead captain. "Don't worry. I'll finish this." Yoishiro was so broken that he couldn't even hear the two of them. Yuji managed to notice that what just happened was a skill from that captain's zanpakuto, but now in it's sealed state, another use of the Oritatamu would safely work this time. However he was held by Akihiko.

"Don't." he said.

"Why? He is completely defeated. We can simply take his reyryoku and be done whit it. If we let him go, he may recover, and maybe will train and become stronger. We can't let that happen."

Akihiko turned and stared at Yoishiro. "He and I made a pact, that our battle would be an honourable one. We promissed not to kill one another. Instead the winner would be the one who managed to fulfill his duty. He wanted to defeat me and capture me if necessary. I wanted to take his reyryoku. However, none of us can fullfill our missions now. He can't even move and show any singns of resistance, and I can't use Oritatamu again for a set period of time. This battle has ended."

Yuji kept staring at Akihiko. "I can't believe what you're saying. If we let him go, he might come after you!"

"He'll won't be that foolish. I can sense he is not vengeful either." Akihiko turned to meet Yuji's gaze. "The battle was between me and him. None of use can fullfill our duties, and trough the pact we formed, you were prohibited of interfering in the battle. He may have lost, but he kept his reyroku, and I'll let him be."

Akihiko walked closer to Yoishiro. He grabbed his both swords and started saying: "Yoishiro Roychi... Not only your inexperinece, were the cause of your defeat, but also your bluntness, and arrogance. However, I underestimated you, and let you leave whit your reyryoku. I still do not understand completely how you managed to free yourself from my grasp... But as a sign of honor, I'll let you go." Akihiko turned bacwkards and started walking out. He stopped however.

"Desite your arrogance and stupidity, you were an honourable opponent. I suggest you train to surpass your own vanity and become stronger. Because if we meet again, and you're in the same stage you're now... I'll won't let you escape again."

Yoishiro heard all of those words, however he was to hurt to be able to say anything in return. Yoishiro then fell,closing his eyes, as he collapsed.

-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­--

There you go. I think it was a cool ending. I tough a bout it for a few days. I tough about keeping the battle between Akihiko and Yoishiro continuing, but Yoishiro was already so damaged, little could be done about his situation. So I decided to take this route. Hope you guys enjoyed it.

Hey guys, it's Boetman here, I just came to tell you that for some strange reason, my normal account has been suspended O.o
It destroyed a large amount of my confidence in fanpop, since I get suspended after having the account for 3 days, I don't know how/if I did something wrong, I barely figured out how to change my icon lol.
I'll definitely come back though once I get this suspension thing sorted, I'm sure it's just some sort of mistake, anyway, just wanted you to know so that you didn't think I just came and left :P

[Beggars Dusk: Omen]


Captain Kenronri: (The two casually walk deeper in the Seireitei, feeling the eyes scaling them as they place distance between themselves and Captain Roychi) I still can’t fathom why you decided to spare him. Despite your agreement, we were instructed to eliminate them.

Captain Seinosuke: (His gait is calm and expression stoic, as he slowly shifts his eyes in his Yushi’s direction. His emotionless gaze connects with Yushi) It is no longer important why I chose to spare his spirit. While I don’t typically indulge adolescent promises, especially those feigning honor and courage, I felt a particular degree of pity for him. Whether or not he remains capable of utilizing his Reiryoku is immaterial.

Captain Kenronri: Oh, why do you say that?

Captain Seinosuke: It should be rather obvious…he experienced profound defeat.

Captain Kenronri: And in doing so, you have already had a similar effect. Clever, Akihiko.

Captain Seinosuke: He may have thwarted my attempt to vanquish his spirit energy, but is unable to evade the shadows that now exist in his memory. You see, I defeated him once and that is all it requires. No matter how he trains or who aids in his preparation, I will have forever conquered him. He believes his loss was an act of honor, but truly it was an act of fortune.

Captain Kenronri: You don’t believe in luck…

Captain Seinosuke: No, but perhaps he made me a believer. Regardless, fate has already deemed him unworthy and if he is foolish enough to approach me in the future, he will yet again experience defeat and confront his own demise. Luck can only lead you so far until fate has you facing your worst of fears.

Captain Kenronri: I suspect he’ll be more fearful as a result of your battle.

Captain Seinsosuke: If he is wise, he will become fearful. I suspect his hubris will allow him to avoid the cold clutch of fear. He will continue to bask in the warm glow that is his ignorance. He should know better…ignorance is clearly the food of monsters.

Captain Kenronri: (He abruptly stops walking, watching as Akihiko silently and emotionlessly continues. He stares at him, somewhat shocked by his words, leaving him to wonder just how violent Akihiko can get if provoked).

So here is the re-post of Senato, I'll put up his lieutenant now ^^
Name: Senato Ajibana

Sex: Male

Age: 325 (Looks 13)

Position: Captain of squad 6, Gotei 13

Appearance: Senato has short, spiky, silver-white coloured hair, his eyes are a tint of gold and always have a warm caring look in them, he is also relatively short at about 130 cm, his zanpakuto in it's sealed form is shorter than average allowing him to have it on his left side at waist level, he is dressed in normal captain's attire. He wears a pure white scarf around his neck with the two ends hanging against his back.

Personality: Senato is a friendly and likable person, he is often under-estimated because of his young appearance and also ridiculed because of it, though he pays no heed to this. He is a genius strategist and a natural leader, he is known for improving his squad's efficiency by 10% after being their captain for only a year. He is calm even on the battlefield, though he dislikes fighting he will not hesitate to kill an enemy in order to protect those he cares about, he is respectful to his opponents, often granting them a final wish. He adores sweets and, in his spare time, is often seen walking around with a packet of sugary sweets.

Zanpakuto:
Name: Tenshi no hoshi (Angel's star)

In its sealed form Tenshi no hoshi has a hexagram shaped guard and a small hexagram charm hanging for the end of the hilt, it has an orange hilt wrapping.

Release command: Sekai o keihatsu (Enlighten the world)

Shikai form: The entire sword completely disappears the wielder gains a pure white cloak around his body and 12 small shinning orbs (stars) float in the air around him. The wielder fights by using these stars both defensively and offensively, he controls them using his hands.
Shikai abilities:
1. Hitosuji no hikari (Ray of light) The wielder moves the stars into formations of uneven numbers (1,3,5,7,9 or 11) and from the center of this formation a thin beam of light shoots towards the wielder's target. The more stars in the formation, the stronger and larger the beam.
2. Tenkū no tate (Heavenly shield) The wielder moves the stars into formations of even numbers (2,4,6,8,10 or 12) the formation creates a shield spanning across its entire length, the more stars in the formation, the stronger the shield.
3. (This one doesn't have a name since it doesn't have to be activated) When the wielder casts a kido spell (any kind) it can be fired from any of the stars under his command. The spell can also be fired from multiple stars at once, however, to transfer the spell from his hands to one or more of the stars uses an amount of spiritual power (The amount used depends on the strength of the spell, up to 40 it is minimal, from 41-60 it is a relatively large amount, and from 61 upwards, it uses a huge amount, thus making it almost impossible to use 61 or above level spells, more than once, through this ability.)

Bankai name: Shugo tenshi no hoshi (Guardian angel's star)

Bankai form: The wielder still has his white cloak but now has large, white wings on his back (Similar to typical angel wings) The number of stars under his command doubles to 24 (Though he can still only use a max of 11 for Hitosuji no hikari and 12 for Tenkū no tate)
Bankai abilities:
1. Tenshi no kōshin (Angel's march) The wielder pulls the 24 stars together into groups of 6, each forming a single angel, resulting in 4 angels, each wielding a different weapon (Sword, Bow, Shield, Spear) This technique requires immense focus and thus the wielder is unable to move, until the technique is ended, either through the wielder ending it, or if all 4 angels are defeated.
2. Tenshi no shukufuku (Angel's blessing) The wielder combines one of his stars with one of his allies, increasing their physical and spiritual power, as well as their speed. (This technique cannot be used on himself) The sword of the one who is given the angel's blessing will change it's colour to the purest white. This ends only when Shugo tenshi no hoshi returns to it's sealed form.

Name: Shihō Takumi

Sex: Male

Age: 290 (looks early 20's)

Appearance: Shihō has navy blue hair, which stretches down to shoulder length. He has green eyes and is about 160 cm tall. He carries his zanpakuto on his back with the hilt at the bottom right, this makes it easier for him to draw his zanpakuto because he wields it in reversed grasp. He wears the usual Shihakushō though with the right arm sleeveless, this reveals his dual snake tattoo which stretches from his shoulder to his wrist.

Personality: Shihō is an energetic man, he is childish and enjoys playing tricks, he spends a lot of his time with others simply enjoying themselves. He is protective, especially so when it comes to his captain, Senato. He rarely gets into arguments with anyone, even when being 'scolded' by Senato because of his childish tricks. He enjoys a good duel and isn't pained by taking another's life, so long as it is for a just cause, when in a serious situation his mood often becomes calmer and when faced with a tough opponent his determination grows rapidly, though, he is not foolish enough to take on an opponent more powerful than himself, alone. Although he has the strength to be a captain, he does not have the logical or strategic mind that Senato has and thus takes the place as Senato's sword, whilst Senato takes the place as Shihō's shield.

Position: Lieutenant of squad 6, Gotei 13

Zanpakuto: Shinjitsu no tsukaite (Wielder of truth)

Release command: Sabaku (Judge)

Shikai form: A scythe with 6 blades, 3 on each side, the 2 side ones at 90 degree angles to the shaft, with the central one pointing out like a spear, the shaft is a dark shadowy black with the blades being a combination of black and silver. The blades are sharp on both sides, making the weapon great for offense but dangerous for defense if not used correctly
Shikai Abilities:
1. Shinjitsu o shimesu (Show the truth) Shihō is able to sense the lies of another while his shikai is released, when the ability is used he is able to dispel lesser illusions, or make it easier for him to see past them.
2. Uchigawa no shinjitsu (Inner truth) By clashing blades with an enemy Shihō is able to slowly learn pieces of information about the opponent's power, making it possible for him to discover whether or not the opponent is too strong for him to fight (Note: This does not allow him to know the opponents actual abilities, only whether or not the opponent is powerful)

Bankai name: Shinjitsu no tsukaite, shūkyoku hanketsu (Wielder of truth, Final judgement)

Bankai form: An adult figure, completely made out of shadows wearing a black robe and wielding a scythe appears next to Shihō. Shihō now only has a normal, pure black sword and wields it reversed like his sealed blade.
Bankai Abilities:
1. Hitotsu kokoro, futatsu no karada (One mind, two bodies) Shihō shares a psychic connection with Shinjitsu no tsukaite, shūkyoku hanketsu, allowing them to coordinate attacks and fight together perfectly.
2. Seitōna kōi (Rightful action) Shinjitsu no tsukaite, shūkyoku hanketsu, slashes his scythe at the opponent and slices straight through them (If the attack is not blocked or dodged) the opponent is not cut but instead feels immense pain (how painful it is, is determined by the number and severity of evil acts, the opponent has done)
3. Kakusareta shinjitsu (Hidden truth) Shihō draws a small amount of blood from his own body using a cursed wound. (The wound is far more difficult to heal no matter the skill of the healer) He puts this blood onto the sword he is wielding, Shinjitsu no tsukaite, shūkyoku hanketsu, reveals his face to the opponent and curses him by revealing the truth behind every lie the opponent has ever heard through out their entire life, the sudden flood of information overwhelms the opponent's mind and causes him to lose the will to fight (This is only effective against a single target, thus not usable when fighting multiple opponents as it leaves the wielder defenseless, the technique can not be used again until the wielder's previous 'cursed wound' has completely healed, this is also not effective against enemies who have not been lied to much or who have not been lied to about important things.)

So this is Senato's "Brother by bond" I'll elaborate a bit on their past in the introduction of the two

So now that my 2 characters are done, anyone in the Juzo Hosho interested in a first clash, as part of the introduction of Senato and Shiho? ^^

[The Berserker Within]

[PLAY MUSIC]

A steady dripping from Kyobo's clothes made him realise the severity of his wound. The blood was steadily spreading across his clothes, causing them to stick to his body as the blood slowly began to congeal. But despite this wound Kyobo stood as if he was a fresh fighter. A wild spark seemed to dance in his eyes as he grasped the wound with his free left hand, pulling the hand away and inspecting the blood that then whetted his skin.

Kyobo: (He sighed at himself as he then wiped the blood in his Haori) Numb the Pain, Masui Heishi.

Unlike with Shen, Kyobo's spiritual pressure did not seem to change much and then Shen watched in wonder as Kyobo's wound seemed to seal itself up. Thatt was when he then noticed the streams of yellow that attached to his chest and then to the large axe that lay across his shoulders in the same place his zanpakuto had been. It then dawned on Shen why Kyobo was so easily able to use such a large blade.

Shen: (He readied his hand over one of his blades hilts in anticipation of an attack) So that's your Shikai? It doesn't seem that impressive. It just seems like a weaker version of my zanpakuto. You can heal your wounds big deal.

Kyobo: (A look of annoyance seemed to cross his eyes) Do not equate my zanpakuto to yours. They are nothing alike. Such an accusation in of itself is disrespectful. Besides (Kyobo seemed to vanish from Shen's view, until the Juzo Hosho's voice sounded from behind him) you know nothing of what my zanpakuto is capable of.

Shen turned and tried to attack Kyobo however Kyobo almost leisurely moved out of the attacks path, letting the now harmless slash whiz past his left. Shen then continued to unleash a flurry of attacks, aiming for Kyobo's large torso, but found each strike seemed to just pass right by his opponent. Then as one of his attacks made contact with Kyobo's axe, he found his blade just seemed to bounce off it like there was no ounce of give in his arm what so ever. That was when Kyobo then swung his axe and Shen's attempt at blocking the axe backfired severely. His blade crumpled underneath Kyobo's strike and left him with a severe gash across his chest.

Kyobo: (He watched as Shen proceeded to correct the wound before flashing behind Shen and left him with another gash across his back) ow much pain must you be in every time I inflict a wound? and then healing said wound. It must be horrible to keep doing that.

Shen: (He proceeded to heal the wound on his back, the pain from the wound visible on his face. The sweat produced from the pain began washing the blood from his face) It doesn't matter how many times you injure me, I can heal myself. This isn't a fight you can win. That zanpakuto of yours is worthless.

Kyobo: (He placed his axe on his shoulder. It made Shen think that was a habit he had more than a way of fighting.) Well the last person who faced this zanpakuto underestimated it as well. Now she's blind. (Shen's eyes dilated considerably in surprise) She was using bankai as well. Think about that for a second. I beat someone using bankai with my shikai. Now explain to me how my zanpakuto is worthless, little man?

Shen, out of anger charged Kyobo down again, wildly attacking at any sight of Kyobo he could see. Kyobo again evaded the slashes but found that Shen's blades were getting closer to him with each swing to the point where his blades were beginning to clip his clothing. In an effort to stop the onslaught, Kyobo changed the substance his zanpakuto produced and blocked one of the oncoming attacks, knocking Shen off balance long enough to soundly kick him square in the chest, knocking the breath from Shen's lungs and catapulting him from Kyobo and a good few meters into the distance, watching him crumple against the wall again.

Shen lay gasping for air, knowing that a few of his ribs had broken from the kick and he was coughing up blood in agonised spasms and convulsions. He immediately went to fix his wounds with his blades but felt an ominous breeze pass y him and then quickly found his white blade missing. He looke dup to find Kyobo holding it in his left hand and quickly threw it away, becoming embedded to the hilt in the Squad 4 barracks wall.

Kyobo: (He looked down at Shen with an almost bored expression.) We can't have you fixing those bones can we? It takes the fun out of this battle if you know both sides will just keep regenerating. (He laughed as he coldly stared at Shen) I'd almost forgotten what the trill of battle felt like. It was entertaining inflicting a wound on you to watch it get healed and then inflict another. It felt like the battle would last forever. But at the end of the day (He kicked Shen again in the ribs, causing him to cry out in pain as he slid a few meters along the ground.) someone needs to lose and it will not be me. Now get up! I hardly think a few broken ribs should keep you down.

Shen got to his feet slowly and staggered about from the pain. He looked at Kyobo who seemed to nonchalantly swing his axe in circles. Shen flashed towards Kyobo and embedded his blade in Kyobo's left shoulder expecting a cry of pain from him but found him with the same bored expression on his face. He removed his blade from Kyobo's shoulder and swung it at his head, whereupon Kyobo stepped towards Shen and latched his left hand around his wrist and held his blade arm still and brought his axe down into Shen's left shoulder, hearing another cry of pain from the man as his collar bone snapped and the muscle was torn. Kyobo then span his axe out of Shen's shoulder and brought the pommel down onto the wound, inflicting more pain onto Shen before releasing Shen's arm and lashed out with a hay maker that connected with the Shen's right temple, causing lights to pop into Shen's vision as he staggered to the left from the blow and clutched his head, trying to focus his vision back onto his opponent who then lunged forward, forcing Shen to block the oncoming strike and retaliated with a strike of his own that connected with Kyobo's axe arm and causing a slight wince to cross his face. That wince was quickly replaced with a grin as Kyobo grabbed Shen by the scruff of his neck with his left hand and pull him forward, simultaneously removing the blade from his arm and leading him into a head but that had enough force behind it to crack Kyobo's mask.

Shen fell limply backwards and Kyobo moved himself back enough to deliver another strike with his axe, opening another cut across Shen's chest.

Kyobo: [Inner Monologue]: I think my old personality has finally resurfaced. And good thing too. If I had been in pacifist mode, this kid would have walked over me by now. I'll let him get back up a couple more times. I'm not enjoying myself enough yet. COME ON! GET UP! You can continue fighting, I know you can. That pathetic pride of yours won't allow you to give up yet. What happened to all that bravado a moment ago? I thought you wanted to kill me?

Shen started moving again. He rolled onto his side and slowly made his way to his feet, blood dripping from his chest and from where Kyobo's head but had broken the skin on his head. His injuries were momentarily forgotten as he replaced his zanpakuto in its sheath and flashed forward rapidly striking out at Kyobo with his three remaining blades causing the large man to parry the blows rather than evade them due to not expecting a fierce onslaught this quickly after recovering. Shen then landed a slash across Kyobo's chest then his thigh and then his abdomen before kicking the big man in the last wound, causing Kyobo to slide back and grasp the wound painfully before quickly sealing the wound with his zanpakuto ability and then changing the substance to rid himself of the pain.

Kyobo: (He watched as the cuts on Shen were healed for the umpteenth time and a large smile seemed to plaster on his face. He ripped off his mask revealing his scarred and battered face to the Captain.) If your wondering why I'm showing you my face, Shen. (He noticed Shen's look of surprise at Kyobo's mention of his name) Yes I know who you are. I anted to make sure you knew the face of the person who is going to end your pitiful existence in this world.

[Terrifying Powers! Two Unnatural Bodies]


Shen's entire body grew still, save for his breathing, which had subsided to near nonexistence, and his throat, the apple contorting as he swallowed.

Shen: You aren't joking... You might seriously kill me...

Taking a deep breath, he drew his red and pink blades. He spread his arms, holding either weapon at a distance, and closed his eyes for a bit longer than a blink.

Shen: This is gonna hurt... Step back, will you? It's gonna get pretty messy in a second.

Kyobo: Messy? Yeah, that's the word I'd use to describe it.

[PLAY MUSIC]

He began a quick walking approach, axe prepared to rend flesh from bone. His pace slowed a quarter step as Shen began heaving. His face slowly faded to a ghostly white, and his features twisted his expression into a grimace.

Shen: Here it comes...

Kyobo dashed in, twirling his axe and ripping a large gash in Shen's shoulder, then took a step backward as Shen brought his swords together in a cross-slash.

Kyobo: You're so slow! Step up! I'm only getting-

As the words left Kyobo's mouth, Shen took a step forward, bringing his swords back and craning his head forward. Knees bent, he dropped his jaw and let out a terrible scream. As he shrieked, a red fluid began to seep down his chin. Not a split second later, a massive jet of blood erupted from Shen's throat, suffocating his scream. The torrent came fast, faster than Kyobo could move. It laid into his face, carrying him backwards and drilling him through three walls. When the jet of blood subsided, Kyobo rolled to his side, then helped himself to one knee, coughing up blood that he had swallowed. While he wiped his eyes clean and gasped for air, Shen had begun moaning in pain once more.

There was no time to lay around. Kyobo shot forth from his position, this time keeping a close eye on all of Shen's movements. Shen had dropped to one knee, now, using his swords as support to keep him from falling over. The skin on his back began to bulge, and his entire body trembled in pain. Kyobo did not relent. Pressing forward, he extended his fist, driving it into Shen's face and plowing him into the earth. Shen could do little but roll to hands and knees as Kyobo approached, axe again leaning on his shoulder. Knees bent, he whipped his weapon downward, aiming to sink it into Shen's back, but as his axe traveled its trajectory, two great tendrils of muscle burst from the skin on Shen's back, crashing into either one of Kyobo's pectorals. The impact caused a shockwave around the area, and Kyobo hacked a small amount of blood as his feet skidded backwards on the ground. Shen rose to his feet quickly, turning about to face the stunned Kyobo and peppering him with a barrage of quick, hard strikes.

As Shen diced in and out, drawing and sheathing his swords, one of the masses of muscle sprouting from his back swooped downward in an attempt to smash Kyobo once more. The Juzo Hosho took a lazy step backwards, whipping his axe high into the air and severing three meters from the gargantuan tentacle. As the piece of muscle fell, the remainder of the same tendril detached from Shen's back, falling to the ground with a thud. The other tendril, though, shot past Kyobo towards Kokkaku, Shen's white blade. Here, Kyobo's solid defense faltered, and where he might have deflected a strike from Shen, he instead opted to dispose of the remaining muscle. He hacked the majority of the thing in two, and received a quick stab to the left of his chest from Shen's pink sword. He responded with a deadly twirl of his axe, chopping into Shen's cheek, then planting his foot into Shen's chest and forcing him to his back on the ground. With his other foot, he stomped once on Shen's face, then moved his axe to cut into his throat. As he moved, he felt a sharp twang of pain from his chest. He deliberated for a mere moment, giving Shen purchase to lift his foot and roll out from his pinned position, flashing to his feet and then to the side of Kokkaku. He pulled the white katana from its resting spot, sliding it into its sheath, and gave a deep sigh.

Shen: I told you it was gonna be harder to get rid of me, didn't I?

Already, the captain was healing his wounds. The thought of it nearly frustrated Kyobo, but it was not quite enough to aggravate such a collected mind. He chuckled.

Kyobo: You're resourceful. That Zanpakuto of yours might be a pain, but don't get too full of yourself. I didn't show you my face just to die, you know. I'm going to wipe you from existence. This time, you won't surprise me with any of your dumb gimmicks. You'll need to defeat me with your skills alone.

Shen: I won't surprise you anymore, huh?

Kyobo felt that familiar pain shoot through his chest once more, and couldn't resist moving his left hand to his heart.

Shen: I'm not gonna go into details here, but you're not in as great of a situation as you think you are. You can heal up any wounds I give you, sure, but I'm not gonna win this fight by chopping you to bits.

He drew and pointed his pink blade at Kyobo's head, grinning. Wind blew, but his white hair, stained red by blood, could not sway.

Shen: There's a muscle constricting your heart as we speak. It's pretty weak right now, but it wouldn't take long for me to make it stronger. I suggest you forfeit right now.

Kyobo: An amusing bluff.

Shen: You don't believe me?

Kyobo: There's a pain in my chest, yes. I have no doubt that that was caused by you, but you need to accomplish something to grow your muscle, is that right? You'll need to cut me again.

The healer brushed several long strands of stained hair from his face, cracking his neck to the side.

Shen: Well, you caught me on that one. But one thing's for damn sure...

In an instant, Shen was in front of Kyobo, sending a vicious cut towards the left of his chest. The blow was easily deflected by Kyobo, who moved for a counterattack, kicking at Shen's temple. He just managed to nick the head of his opponent, causing Shen to stagger back. Still, the captain grinned.

Shen: You better damn well not let me get you again.

-End-

{Hunt!}

Aexus sat up and shook his head to clear his mind. Again, despite clinging on to the hope that an advantage was present, he could not find a way to reach her. The irony made him raucously laugh aloud; Sumiko irritatedly fidgeted when she heard it faintly from across their battlefield. Wasting no more time Aexus rose to his feet and leapt into the sky to face Sumiko again.

Sumiko Anenokoji: *tone is poisonously playful* Ready to willingly submit yourself to me? Or is that a bankai you’re pending to release?

Aexus merely grunted, narrowed his eyes and once again tried to charge towards Sumiko. Despite stepping at increased speed he was met with the recognizable feeling of getting no closer to her position than before. Sumiko smiled eerily and before Aexus knew it various destructive Hadō spells began spraying from underneath him at an increasing rate. Dodging, bobbing and weaving out of the way of them all was becoming tiresome but since he still could not figure out Sumiko’s troublesome ability it was all he could muster.

Aexus Gingumaru: (He smirks slightly) You still ca- (He is cut off as he realises the familiar plume of energy rushing upwards towards him; using instinct and trained action he rapidly flash steps backwards out of the way, barely escaping the powerful kidō by mere millimetres) Rude…

Sumiko Anenokoji: *innocently* What, me? (Aexus’ eyes widen in horror as he notices two floating mirrors positioned at angles directly behind him; she smiles grins guiltlessly) Sentan Nenshō.

Aexus exclaimed in effort as he attempted to dodge the bright orange pillars of energy that surged towards him from the mirrors. To Sumiko’s delight, her attack engulfed Aexus’ body in a burst of bright energy. As the attack subsided she watched as she saw a badly burned body fall to the ground below.

Aexus Gingumaru: Sorry crazy lady, but you missed. (Sumiko turned her head to her right in surprise to see him unharmed from her last attack) I’ve got Captain Geißt to thank for that.

Sumiko Anenokoji: (She turns back towards the falling body) *under her breath* Inflatable gigai? Child’s play… (She huffs) I’m getting impatient Aexus, just conform to my simple wishes. *her voice becomes flirtatious* It doesn’t have to be this hard. (She smiles demurely)

Aexus Gingumaru: Quit it… (He slowly dissolves from Sumiko’s optical view then positions his palms outwards) Sekienton. (His immediate vicinity is quickly obscured by an eruption of billowing red smoke) [Inner monologue: If I can’t find you then I’ll only make it fair that you can’t find me… thanks for the kidō Kie!] Cover the eyes of the bountiful children, bless the blind for they will see, Bakudō #94 Reigiman!

Sumiko Anenokoji: (She heightens her senses but to her slight dismay she can sense Aexus’ reiatsu coming from countless locations on their battlefield) Hm?

Aexus Gingumaru: (His voice floats from seemingly every location) Now the hunt really begins Sumiko! Let’s see if you can catch me before I catch you!

{Beggars Dusk: Turbulence}

The two Jūzō Hoshō Captains continued to walk silently in the direction of the 1st Division barracks. It was still quite a whiles away but the extra time allowed them both to mull things over in their heads, Akihiko especially.

Yushi Kenronri: (His form and composure does not falter for a second) You can feel that can’t you.

Akihiko Seinosuke: Of course. Another Gotei brat is coming our way.

Only seconds later a large blast of spherical fire-like red energy came hurtling in their direction from behind them, making the two jump apart in evasion. The attack erupted destructively with the ground letting off powerful winds and sending up a massive cloud of dust and debris in its wake. Both Jūzō Hoshō Captains flash stepped out of the cloud, each from opposite sides.

???: Breathe, Ryū Ken!

Akihiko Seinosuke: (He swivels expertly on his toe and blocks the large blade of the offender with apparent ease) *coldly* You must be the Gotei br-

???: (The offender thrusts his palm in Akihiko’s direction) Sōkatsui!

Akihiko Seinosuke: (He grunts derisively as he hastily flash steps out of the way of the point-blank kidō attack) How impertinent…

Akihiko put some distance between himself and his offender and observed the offender's appearance. A young man, with short messy dark hair and green eyes filled with optimistic resolve. Yushi flash stepped beside Akihiko and glancingly looked at his comrade.

Yushi Kenronri: I can see you’ve already chosen to deal with this one yourself. (Akihiko does not reply but despite his silence Yushi already knows what he is thinking) I’ll be over there if you need me. (He flash steps away and sits on the roof of a barrack)

Akihiko Seinosuke: You are another new Captain aren’t you? The fear in your reiatsu is evident…

Harimakku Sojan: (He locks eyes with Akihiko; the deadened eyes looking back at him seem to chill his soul) Harimakku Sojan, Captain of the 8th Squad. I know it was you that felled Captain Ryuchi; your reiatsu still lingers on him like a disease.

Akihiko Seinosuke: A disease? Amusing choice of words, for that is how everyone views the Gotei 13. (Sojan puts his free hand forward) I hope-

Harimakku Sojan: Hadō #91, Senjū Kōten Taihō!

Akihiko narrowed his eyes scornfully at Sojan as ten pink energy points flew towards him at increasing speed. Akihiko did not move as the kidō struck the area resulting in an exceedingly devastating explosion of pink energy.

Harimakku Sojan: I know you’re not finished and I’m not done yet! (He orbs his hands together) Seeping crest of turbidity. Arrogant vessel of lunacy! Boil forth and deny! Grow numb and flicker! Disrupt sleep! Crawling queen of iron! Eternally self-destructing doll of mud! Unite! Repulse! Fill with soil and know your own powerlessness! (Purple-black spiritual energy forms in his hands as Akihiko emerges from the aftermath of the explosion relatively unscathed but with badly burned clothing) Bakudō #90, Kurokakusui!

Suddenly black spiritual energy began to form around Akihiko and, enveloping him with a powerful torrent of gravity, trapped him inside a large opaque energy prison which took the form of a pyramid of black energy covered in several spear-like protrusions. Sojan managed to catch Akihiko disdainfully glaring at him with his dead Japanese laurel eyes.

Harimakku Sojan: (He turns towards Yushi) Now that he is bound, I don’t have to worry about fighting two of you at the same time. (He takes an offensive stance)

Yushi Kenronri: (He chuckles and shakes his head) You Shinigami really are an arrogant bunch, aren’t you? I admit, your prowess with kidō is quite something but do you really think you can hold him with that?

Sojan froze as he felt a dangerous surge of reiatsu behind him. He slowly turned around to view Akihiko composedly burst free from his high-level bakudō with a dangerous look in his eye matched completely by his overwhelming murderous intent.

Akihiko Seinosuke: (Pieces of the shattered kidō fall around him) Your vast inexperience will be the death of you, Shinigami.

[Indignation]

(PLAY MUSIC)

(Shards of the vanquished Bakudo scatter like leaves from a tree, crumbling as they travel amongst the wind. Akihiko slowly steps out from beneath the veil of the defeated kido, gripping his blade tightly as his eyes defiantly center on Harimakku. Any semblance of the tender sympathy that resided in his gaze has vanished. Abandoned, but reborn, his stare has taken on a coldness that is unfamiliar. His body is tense and solid, as the clouds blanket them in darkness. His eyes pierce through the thick shroud of shadows, maintaining his ominous stare.)

Captain Sojan: (He gaped at his opponent, chilled by his cold, icy stare, but thawed by the heat resonating from the density of his spiritual pressure. He can’t fathom how he managed to thwart such kido, especially after having fought another captain, not even moments before. He briefly relived the moments before he confronted Akihiko, his mind filled will reels of information. He recovers detailed memories of Yoishiro, who lay face down in the soil upon completion of his battle. He saw the fatigue, the injury, the shame. His attention returns, staring directly into the eyes of a man that preaches non-violence. This same man now possesses an aura of tremendous fury. He suddenly steps backwards, as though his body was retreating involuntarily. His instinct to escape harm had broken through his confidence and become passive, like that of his breath. )

Captain Seinosuke: I’m aware there are obvious dangers for any soul reaper, but when my life becomes genuinely threatened, especially by the likes of you, I find myself descending into a dark place. I still possess the composure and concentration necessary to deal with you quickly, but my compassion subsides. What I find even less acceptable… is your reasoning for confronting me. You stand before me, not as a noble warrior or even a concerned comrade, but as a weak-minded man that hopes to prove himself as mighty. When I look into your eyes, I clearly see your intention for battling me. And it’s repugnant (with those words he dashes at Harimakku, reciting his release command, and enabling his sword to turn into energy and split into two. It manifests as two separate blades, one in each hand, as he descends upon his opponent. His swift movements no longer possess the restraint for which he is known for. His movements are lethal, precise, and, above all else, unyielding.).

Captain Sojan: (He narrowly evades his opponent’s swing, choosing to follow with a more defensive strategy. He attempts to vanish from sight with his speed, but he soon discovers, no matter how effectively he utilizes shunpo, he cannot escape his opponent’s onslaught. He rapidly moves across the ground, sliding next to the side of a nearby building. He leaps onto the wall, flashing from sight and landing above. His footwork is agile, as he glides across the building, leaping from rooftop to rooftop. His feet land firmly on the subsequent building, putting an end to his evasive strategy. His eyes meet Akihiko’s, a chill slowly overtaking his body.) It seems I’ve made you angry. I didn’t think anything I could do would elicit such reaction from you. From what I’ve heard, you’re quite the pacifist.

(REPLAY MUSIC)

Captain Seinosuke: (He slowly removes his mask, revealing his true identity. He discards his mask and delivers a deadening stare, remaining silent. The moon beams and lights up his eyes, as it peeks from beneath the shroud above. His dull blue bayoux locks flicker in the breeze, catching the glow of the moon with each flutter.)

Captain Sojan: (He raises his brow, examining his opponent’s face.) Well, I don’t believe anyone has yet to have the honor of seeing your face. I bet Yoishiro would have appreciated such a gesture. What makes me so worthy?

Captain Seinosuke: Neither of you are worthy, but considering what is about to transpire, I find it appropriate to remove my mask.

Captain Sojan: Oh? Why do you say that?

Captain Seinosuke: It would be in poor taste to smite your life from this world and not allow you the privilege of observing the one responsible.

Captain Sojan: (Akihiko’s words elicit an overwhelming fear and anxiety in Harimakku. In response, he abruptly flings his hand forward, allowing a mighty kido to erupt from his palm. The purple energy crackles and sizzles as it glides through the air.)

Captain Seinosuke: (His arms fall to his side, like lead) Bankai… Hijiiri Kiwamete

Captain Sojan: (His sight focuses beyond his skillfully summon kido, still barreling toward Akihiko, to the magnificent light summon by the release of his Bankai. Akihiko’s spiritual pressure skyrockets, filling the air with dense, overwhelming spiritual energy. Harimakku’s body feels the weight of his spirit energy as his release asserts itself into the present. He watches as his attack is peculiarly neutralized, leaving him to wonder the means behind Akihiko’s defense. Before he can withdraw from his posture responsible for releasing his kido, he is assaulted. Akihiko’s blade slices his hand, severing two fingers. Harimakku quickly retreats, clutching his hand as blood pour between his knuckles. He raises his head and scowls, as Akihiko definitely and leisurely advances.)

Captain Seinosuke: (He steps over Captain Sojan’s fingers, never disconnecting his gaze. He is now holding two long, pure white nodachi, the left possessing rings that line the neck of the blade. He directs his attention to his opponent’s injury, glancing at this only briefly).You’re likely already feeling the magnitude of difference between us. Your mind is feverishly searching for answers, hoping to stumble upon a solution to your very lethal encumbrance. You can’t determine how or why your hand is no longer functional, but you know kido, no matter how useful, is not an effective method for thwarting me.

Captain Sojan: (He allows Akihiko’s words to seep into his mind. His mind is suddenly flooded with doubt and panic. He worryingly stares at his hand, watching the blood flow, but sensing no life) what has happened to my hand?

Captain Seinosuke: The same thing that happened to Captain Roychi, but this time, it is no longer subject to restraint.

Captain Sojan: Wha…

Captain Seinosuke: Teikoku o jissō, the ultimate in my zanpakuto’s sealing abilities. I seldom release my Bankai, but I felt it especially important to do so with you. You’re a repulsive excuse for a shinigami and I am personally compelled to eliminate you from this world. You will not experience the mercy of the forgotten end. You will merely have your existence obliterated. And I see no better way than to leave you destitute at the hands of true power, like that of my Bankai.

Captain Sojan: (He stares at Akihiko, grinding his teeth) What the fuck are you talking about you sanctimonious bastard? I will SMITE YOU!

Captain Seinosuke: That, right there. You challenge me not because you feel it is your responsibility, but because you feed a monster inside, one that controls your every movement. This monster is of the vilest kind, driven by desire for bloodshed. You do not command that sword for the purpose of defending the innocent or imposing justice, you do so simply because murdering others makes you feel whole. It allows you to maintain some semblance of pride. I could see the foulness of your soul the moment you laid eyes on me. I find your kind nauseating and I take it upon myself to neutralize you the moment your kind crosses my blade.

Captain Sojan: You’re insane! I am protecting my comrades!

Captain Seinosuke: If you truly felt as though you were protecting your comrades, you would not have simply overlooked your fallen compatriot. No, you charged in, not to avenge your friend, but your reputation. The loss by your comrades is a reflection on you and you can’t stand it. You find it so aversive, you would rather let your fellow shinigami die than to let me escape.

Captain Sojan: (He defiantly scowls, raising his head and letting his arm fall to his side. He tries to move his remaining fingers, but cannot control his hand) So…this is your power. You atrophied my muscles, limiting my dexterity.

Captain Seinosuke: You explanation of Hijiiri Kiwamete is so inferior, it shames even you. (He lifts his heels and rockets toward Harimakku, clubbing him in the face with his elbow. He turns his blade sideways and attempts to impale his opponent, but Captain Sojan lifts his other hand fires a Bakudo, ensaring Akihik. The snake-line chains bind hind, holding in place)

Captain Sojan: I knew you’d breech our distance. I was waiting for that precise moment and here we are. The tables have turned and now you’re the vulnerable one.

Captain Seinosuke: What makes you think this is any more capable of holding me?

Captain Sojan: (His eyes narrow, noticing Akihiko hand pulled both blades to his chest, allowing the chains to wrap his body and blades tightly)

Captain Seinosuke: Yōbun jikkō (with those words, the chains are vanquished from sight). If only you were a bit more astute, you would understand just how outclassed you are. If you had any sense, you would be fleeing as quickly as your legs could summon. Then again, I would catch you and your life would end all the same.

Captain Sojan: So much for the great pacifist… You Juzo Hosho are murders, too. You…

Captain Seinosuke: … But when there is doubt, our faith begins to vanish, and fear rushes in to take its place…(his eyes lift from the ground, contacting directly with Harimakku. His gaze possesses a prophetic irony, each word slipping from his lips and piecing Captain Sojan’s body).

Captain Sojan: I don’t fear you. I don’t fear anything. I may not have use of my left hand, but then again, I don’t need it! I am perfectly capable of releasing my Bankai without it!

Captain Seinosuke: You’re a fool. And you’ll die like one, too.

Hey everyone it has come to my attention that I have a lack if proactivity on here so I've decided to leave this sense there ppl on here who take this too seriously even my friend who's into bleach thinks the same thing.So I've already removed my bio and pics so all that's left is for crazieone to delete my character from the Gotei 13. Hugs peace

{Desperation}

Harimakku Sojan wasn’t even aware he was doing so but, while his eyes were transfixed on his adversary’s silently threatening form, his legs were slowly moving him backwards. His primal instinct was telling him to turn, run and try again another day but his keen sense of honour kept him in battle.
He closed his eyes and breathed deeply in an attempt to calm himself. He thought back to the brief training sessions he had undergone with Captain Gingumaru and Captain Ryuchi and let his sparring experiences with them comfort his soul. He reopened his eyes to find Akihiko still gazing at him in the same way a predator stares at its prey.

Akihiko burst forwards at incredible speeds, his dual blades poised to kill, causing Sojan’s eyes to widen in fear. But just as he was preparing to slice his opponent, Akihiko noticed Sojan’s face quickly develop into a confident smirk.

Harimakku Sojan: (He grunts in effort as he goes to block Akihiko’s incoming sword swing; the instant their two blades collide Sojan silently performs Sekienton, producing a gigantic explosion of thick obscuring red smoke) Ryū Kūkan! (Green air quickly filters out from his zanpakutō, but thanks to the red smoke from the previous kidō its presence is concealed; he then flash steps out of the smoke plume) Miwaku no Kasai (The blade of his spear changes shape into a green open-mouthed Chinese dragon head with giant teeth; he spares no time and holds his spear at a shoulder height, pointing the dragon head at the middle of the smoke cloud) Shōgeki-Tekina Ryūiki!

A giant green dragon head burst forth from his zanpakutō and flew into the expansive red smoke cloud. A second passed but he heard nothing nor felt anything change. His eyes tentatively scanned the smoke plume for signs of movement.

Akihiko Seinosuke: (His voice can be heard from the centre of the smoke cloud) Pitiful… did they not educate you at Shinigami school? (His reiatsu begins to intensify) Soul Reaper battles are battles of reiatsu. (He releases a powerful shockwave of reiatsu that blows away the red smoke and the green air from Sojan’s technique) The mere fact that you endeavour to attack me with-

Harimakku Sojan: Hadō #88, Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!

Akihiko Seinosuke: (His eyes fill with intense fury as he propels his body forward and effortlessly cleaves through the affronting kidō attack) Your impetuous and uncouth attitude is one of the reasons your meagre existence should be eradicated.

Akihiko appeared in front of the visibly stunned Sojan, swinging his right blade down heavily towards Sojan’s right shoulder. Sojan reacted frantically, bringing the head of his spear upwards to counter to strike but instantly realised he has left himself open, to which Akihiko mercilessly drove his other blade cleanly through Sojan’s stomach. Sojan gritted his teeth and winced in pain as he stifled himself from coughing up blood. The two combatants locked eyes momentarily before Akihiko simultaneously withdrew his blade while violently head-butting Sojan away; the Gotei 13 Captain crashed to the ground leaving a crater, slightly larger than his body, from the sheer force of the assault.

Akihiko Seinosuke: (He stands tall, blades held by his sides and his face displays obvious derision toward Sojan) I would advise you to release your bankai. *darkly* That way I can completely crush the misplaced pretension you possess.

Harimakku Sojan: [Inner monologue: Nnggh, my head! That felt like he cracked my skull… (sighs) looks like I’ve got no other choice.] (He slowly staggers to his feet, wobbling slightly from dizziness, but after breathing deeply attains a strong stance) I’ve had enough of your snobbish hypocrisy. (His reiatsu begins to rise and his body begins to glow with green spiritual energy) Bankai, Ryū no Ikari!

Sojan’s body erupted with green spiritual energy as he released his bankai. As the light subsided Akihiro observed Sojan’s new appearance: he had received a pair of green draconic wings made entirely out of spiritual energy and his forearms and hands were covered by giant gloves in the shape of an open-mouthed dragon head with a curved blade, resembling the shape of the blade he had in shikai, coming out of both mouths.

The increased levels of reiatsu from the two opposing Captains’ battle could now clearly be felt across large parts of Seireitei.



Shen Tsukubashi: [Inner monologue: Captain Sojan just who are you facing? Their reiatsu is… monstrous.]

Kyōbō Sōdo: (He violently brings down his battle-axe in an attempt to sever a limb) Don’t lose focus now Shinigami Captain!



Sumiko Anenokoji: (She chuckles quietly) *under her breath* It looks like someone got under his skin.

Aexus Gingumaru: [Inner monologue: Don’t lose Harimakku!]



Tomoyo Daidōji: (She is preparing her kidō) *softly* Have mercy on them Aki.



Akihiro Seinosuke: (He notes Sojan’s new lease of confidence that came from his bankai’s release and frowns aversively) It’s time to purge the world of another polluted being. (He launches himself in Sojan’s direction, his eyes filled only with the unbreakable resolve to end his opponent’s life)

Sorry about that previous post, my friend seems to have thought it would be funny to change it so that it didn't make sense and then post on my behalf while I was busy all night... So this is the proper one I created, hopefully it makes a little more sense than that previous garbage...

Reference: <> = Inner monolog
[Time to act-The strategist’s plan]

Senato sat atop the squad 6 barracks, a soft wind blowing across his face. He closed his eyes, enjoying the relaxing setting one last time. Shiho flash stepped to his side.

Shiho: You called, captain?

Senato: Yes, it is time for us to take action, Shiho.

Shiho: Does this mean?

Senato: Yes, the enemy has made their way deep into Seireitei, namely the squad 4 barracks…

Shiho: What?! The squad 4 barracks, are you serious?!

Senato: I am. I didn’t think the enemy would have been able to make it so far without us discovering them. They must have been hiding their presence somehow… (He stood up) we need to hurry. We can’t leave the injured and our healers in danger…

Shiho: Right.

The two flash stepped away, getting to the entrance of the squad 4 barracks, before them they saw the squad members lying across the hallway, unconscious. Shiho moved toward them

Senato: They’re fine, unconscious, but fine. We need to hurry and find the enemy before they do something worse. (He began running down the hallway, Shiho following right behind him)

Tomoyo still continued to think about her mission, could she somehow spare the injured, is it possible and if so, how… the thoughts continued flowing through her mind as she entered the centre of the barracks. Her thoughts were stopped when she suddenly sensed two people coming towards her. As she turned to face the incoming opponents she laid her eyes apon Senato and Shiho.

Senato: Stop right there! You’re not going any further! (His voice was filled with anger and determination)

Tomoyo: A… child? The Gotei 13 are sending children into battle now? Have they no shame?

Senato: No shame, you say? You don’t have the right to talk about shame while entering our medical facility and attacking those who cannot fight back!

Tomoyo felt those words, they resonated with her own beliefs, she did not want to take the lives of the injured, she did not want to take the lives of anyone, but it was her mission. Her personal opinions did not matter.

Senato: Shiho, (Shiho was surprised that Senato called him) I want you to get the members of squad 4 to evacuate the injured and themselves…

Shiho: Are you sure about this?

Senato: I can tell this battle isn’t going to be calm and controlled. But I can’t fight at full strength if there is a chance that I might injure my comrades.

Shiho nodded and flash stepped away in an instant.

Tomoyo: You care a lot for your comrades, and the preservation of lives, it seems we are alike…

Senato: I could tell from the look in your eyes. I do not enjoy battle, but I will protect my comrades. It seems this is a fight that we were both forced into.

Tomoyo: If possible, may I ask your name?

Senato: Senato Ajibana, captain of squad 6…

Tomoyo: I see, I am Tomoyo Daidoji, captain of squad 5 and commander of the kido corps, pleased to meet you.

[Play music]

Senato: (His reiatsu began to rise) Hado 4 byakurai!

He fired the bolt of lightning at Tomoyo who easily deflected it to the side with her own kido

Tomoyo: You plan to fight using kido? Are you sure that that is the best course of action against your enemy’s kido commander?

Senato paid her no heed and continued firing hado spells, mostly Byakurai and Sokatsui. Tomoyo reflected each spell back using her own. It was a magnificent show of bright flashes. Until Tomoyo fired a high powered byakurai which pierced through Senato’s left leg, making it difficult for him to stand. He groaned in pain and knelt down.

Tomoyo: You should leave. I don’t want to fight you…

Senato: (He lifted himself wearily from the ground and unsheathed his zanpakuto) I can’t leave. Not if you plan to continue your attack. Sekai o keihatsu, Tenshi no Hoshi!

A bright flash of light surrounded Senato. Tomoyo could not help but look away. As the flash subsided she saw the boy covered in a bright white robe, with stars surrounding him.

Senato: Don’t underestimate me, I’m just getting started.

Senato pointed towards her and the stars went flying at Tomoyo, she deflected each one using her kido. As she deflected the last star she looked at him, he was pointing towards her again.

Senato: Limit of the thousands hands, respect less hands, unable to touch the darkness. Shooting hands unable to reflect the blue sky. The road that basks in light, the wind that ignited the embers, time that gathers when they are together, there is need to be hesitant, obey my orders. Light bullets, eight bodies, nine items, book of heaven, diseased treasure, great wheel, gray fortress tower. Aim far away scatter cleanly and fire. Hado 91 Senju Koten Taiho!

Tomoyo: <A high level kido would be difficult to deflect, I should just block it> Bakudo 81 Danku

The 10 pink bolts clashed against Tomoyo’s Danku, there was a brilliant flash of pink light, but as it subsided barely any damage was done to Tomoyo’s Danku.

Tomoyo: <So, this is how powerful he is, interesting, given enough time he could become a great kido user… it pains me to have to fight one so young and obviously gifted in kido…> It seems your kido is not strong enough to break my defence, do you still want to fight?

Senato: (He pointed at her once again, a fiery determination in his eyes) Hitosuji no hikari!

Senato’s stars swarmed around Tomoyo blasting beams of light at her, though again this had little effect… The stars moved away from here and she could see Senato once again chanting a kido spell.

Senato: Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! All creation, Sharp tower, flutter of wings, red crystal, steel ring, ye who bears the name of man! Move and become the wind, on the wall of blue flame, stop and become the calm, inscribe a twin lotus, the sound of warring spears, in the abyss of conflagration, fills the empty castle! Wait at the far heavens.

Tomoyo: <Twofold incantation?! Surprising but, anything weaker than Senju Koten Taiho I can block with danku, he should have realised this. Is he that desperate to protect his comrades?>

Senato: Hado 63 Raikoho, hado 73 Soren Sokatsui!

Tomoyo: Bakudo 81 Danku.

Senato’s two spells clashed against Tomoyo’s danku, then, much to Tomoyo’s surprise, they broke through. As the smoke subsided, Tomoyo’s left arm was burnt and bleeding. She couldn’t understand what happened.

Senato: Confused? You seem like a smart person, though to save time, should I just explain?

Tomoyo thought back to the start of the battle, running each moment through her head, suddenly she realised.

Tomoyo: You… you purposefully ruined the incantation and fired a weak version of Senju Koten Taiho?!

Senato: Precisely. As I’m sure you’ve realised… although my kido is above the average captain, there were others with far better offensive power and speed than me, so why did they make me a captain? (Senato pointed to his forehead.) This is why… I’m one the best strategists in all of Seireitei, Since you are the commander of the kido corps, you’d easily be able to analyse the power of someone by their kido… by firing a weak, skip incantation, level 90 hado, and making you think it was at full power, I could make you believe that my kido was weak, allowing me to catch you by surprise with the true strength of my kido. Though it seems this battle is far from over… but we are on more equal footing. You’ve taken away my agility by striking my leg. I’ve made it harder for you to use kido by striking your arm. <I have to buy them enough time to evacuate> shall we see how this battle shall end?

Tomoyo: <It seems what he said at the start was true. Underestimating him is dangerous, it seems that to be able to move on I’ll have to actually fight him…>

[The Vanguard]

[PLAY MUSIC]

Kyobo: (He made a clear stare at Shen, quickly grasping his immediate attention) You talk as if the fight is over already? Do not think your even on the same level as me. The only thing similar between us is our rank of Captain and even then I'm surprised such a weak shinigami such as yourself even made the position. Was it simply you had attained bankai? (He watched Shen's face and received his answer from Shen's adverted gaze) Bankai does not make a Captain. While it is a requirement for a captain to know, they should be of a certain standard of skill and power...Something I dare say is missing from the Gotei 13.

Shen: (His face seemed to contort in indignation) What makes you superior to us? What gives you the right to talk down to us like the Shirub had during their invasion?

Shen's tirade was silenced by a large spurt of blood erupting from his front as he noticed Kyobo standing behind him, flicking his axe out to rid it of Shen's blood.

Kyobo: (He turned around and slammed his axe head into the ground resting his hands on the pommel.) The fact I can do that. The fact that we are tasked with talking down an inferior and dangerous nation. A nation that has already committed genocide and may be tempted to do so again if left to their own devices. A nation who's occupants are little better than the hollows we are tasked with slaying. (He watched Shen heal his wounds again, the enjoyment once bringing brightness to his eyes being replaced with a cold look of contempt) Your nation is a cancer; a danger to the other, superior nations. (He lifted his axe, gripping it hard enough for his knuckles to turn white) You all talk of rights when your nation has already taken away another's very existence.

Shen: (His indignation changed into rage) That was not down to us....

Kyobo: (He flashed forward and slammed the head of his axe into Shen's stomach and followed with a solid knee to Shen's face as he bent over knocking Shen onto his back. Kyobo stood over him in a dominant stance) It does not matter. The reason this is happening is down to your nation and your nation alone. If it wasn't for you, my nation would not be at risk of suffering the same fate as you. (He raised his axe over his head) And I would happily kill to save my nation.

The next moment Kyobo brought the axe down with as much force as he could muster. Shen rolled away from the oncoming blade and got to his feet shortly afterwards. He was then faced with Kyobo bringing his axe down again in an effort to split him in half, Shen this time could not evade the attack, so met Kyobo head on and managed to block the attack. Shen took a quick look behind Kyobo and saw a large slash in the courtyard floor. Kyobo then started exerting strength, pushing Shen's back; Shen's feet creating grooves in the floor as he was forced backwards into the front of the Squad 4 barracks stopping when Shen's back met the wall. Kyobo slammed his axe forward, the razor edge barreling towards Shen's face. Shen frantically swung his head to his right, barely evading Kyobo's axe swing and tried to capitalise on Kyobo's now open midriff with a slash from his pink blade but instead of moving like Shen had imagined him to, Kyobo's left arm swung down and caught Shen's arm in a vice-like grip.

Kyobo: (He locked eyes with Shen, trying to intimidate the captain) You've got to try harder than that. You've got two chances left to get an attack on me before I stop restraining myself. Got it?

He then opened his palm and knocked away Shen's arm with a quick palm strike before ramming his now open palm into Shen's chest.

Kyobo: Sokatsui

The blue flames impacted point blank with Shen, catapulting him through the barrack wall and through another subsequent wall before coming to a stop as he landed amongst a now broken cabinet. As he staggered to his feet and began healing himself again, Kyobo casually walked through the two holes, the axe planted yet again upon his shoulder and quickly charged forward again, making a wild slash that seemed like it was aimed at decapitating Shen. As Shen ducked he heard the sound of crumbling rubble and looked up to find a large gash in the wall from where Kyobo's axe had seemingly gone through it like butter. Shen then rolled to the side to avoid Kyobo slicing him in half, again causing a large amount of damage with the single swing. Having made it back to a solid stance, Shen began counter attacking with a flurry of slashes, which Kyobo avoided with apparent ease. Shen then fired a byakurai at Kyobo aiming for his heart but yet again Kyobo erected a Danku blocking the kido with relative ease. But using this to his advantage, Shen flash stepped behind Kyobo and attempted a slash across Kyobo's back with his white blade, however the larger man moved forward after quickly dispelling his Danku and only received a shallow cut across his back. Shen then found himself fending off Kyobo as he skillfully swung his axe, striking as quickly as Shen could parry the blows, each time, Shen became more unbalanced and found his zanpakuto were moving further from his body, leaving himself more vulnerable until...

Shen sank to his knees as another large slash was opened up across the front of his body. The attack had not hit anything vital but the amount of blood being lost from the wound was appalling. Shen quickly tried to heal himself as he quickly became lightheaded from the gruesome slash that went from his left shoulder to right hip.

Kyobo: (He was starting to breath heavier, though it was not noticeable he knew he was putting a lot more into this battle than he wanted to) That was the second time. The next time I get an opening like that, you will lose your head.

[Intensified Witchcraft]

Tomoyo sighed to herself as she regarded her opponent’s stature and white cloak of energy. She could tell from looking at him that convincing him with words would be a waste of time. Of course it would; the reason she’d come here was hardly benign. Even so, his timing was not welcome. She’d finally come up with an alternative method to complete her mission and was in the midst of performing the necessary ritual, but more time was needed. An interruption was most unwelcome.

Which left her with little choice in the matter. A fight was unavoidable.

So she steeled her resolving, accepting the painful truth. She’d have to fight in order to ultimately save more lives and perform her duty at once. Why did fate complicate things so?

“Hitosuji no Hikari!”

Tomoyo frowned delicately as several stars took a formation before her, one of her hands instinctively reaching into her wide sleeves to pull out her long nodachi that appeared to be glass with a missing tip. She held it up just in time to angle it properly, deflecting the beam of light. She held her ground, but it was apparent from the way her face tensed and the way her blade seemed to heat up that it wasn’t an easy block.

[Play Music]

“Cast your ancient spell, Youjutsu.”

“Too slow! Sajo Sabaku!”

Tomoyo released her zanpakutou, allowing it to turn into a staff that was thin at the bottom, slowly widening toward the top like a bludgeon with several tassels hanging from it. Just as she did, thick golden chains wrapped around her torso, forcing her arms flat at her side as she stumbled, nearly falling over her long robes.

“Sorry about this,” Senato said apologetically as the stars around him quickly took a formation in front of Tomoyo’s face. “But I’m afraid I don’t have time to show any mercy. Hitosuji no Hikari!”

Another beam was fired, this time point blank with no chance of being blocked. Senato was so confident that he’d fried a hole in his opponent, he almost failed to evade his own beam as it suddenly flew back at him.

“I see. While fundamentally different, it follows the same energy usage formula that kido does, to an extent. Stars are considered celestial bodies as well, after all.”

A single magic circle was erected in front of Tomoyo, slowly turning as if rearranging itself on its own. Just as it finished changing the designs within it, the golden chains around Tomoyo suddenly burst, like a balloon being filled with too much air. With her arms now free, Tomoyo took a step forward and held her staff up.

“It’s nice to see someone so young using such strong kido so freely. Without incantation, that Sajo Sabaku was commendable.”

But not enough to hold her. Senato could see that much. But so long as he could find a way to handle that magic circle, however it worked…

“I’m afraid that if all you can do is fire energy based attacks at me, you’re better of helping your lieutenant evacuate the injured. I do not wish to be impertinent, but simply using strong kido will not be enough to break through my defenses.”

“That’s pretty arrogant.” Senato murmured with a challenging smile. “I already told you; I’m a strategist. I can use brute strength in a lot more ways than simple force.”

“Is that so? But if that is true, is your bold claim of being a genius part of a strategy to catch me off guard? I rather not bear witness to dangerous mind games, but I’m a bit curious to see how your mind works. If you can truly use kido in such innovative ways, you certainly have my interest.”

“Really? Great.” Senato shifted his body slightly with caution. The words alone would make anyone think she was taunting him, but he really heard genuine interest in her tone. She seemed like the type who didn’t know how to intentionally make fun of a person. If so, he could use that naiveté. “I’ll be happy to show you up close and personal. Hado 31: Shakkahou!”

Senato charged forward as he fired the red blast from his hand, aiming directly at Tomoyo. Tomoyo raised her staff casually so the thick end touched the center of them magic circle before her just as the kido attack connected with the same circle, stopping in its tracks before exploding harmlessly. Using the smoke as a cover, Senato immediately flash stepped as he left behind three of his stars.

“Hitosuji no Hikari!”

A thin beam of light was summoned from the three stars, aiming directly at Tomoyo. She waved her staff just in time to move the magic circle in the way of the beam to block it as well.

In the same moment, Senato appeared in the air just over Tomoyo’s shoulder, chanting as he held both of his hands out.

Tomoyo’s eyes found him by reflex and she waved her staff while murmuring under her breath so rapidly, Senato couldn’t make out the words, though he was sure she’d finished an incantation for a spell before he could even get through his own.

Sure enough, the blue light of Soukatsui flew over her shoulder flaring in Senato’s face. However, it was blocked by a shield formed by his stars, having been activated right before he began chanting. He grinned as he thrust both of his palms directly in Tomoyo’s face just as he finished his chanting.

“Kongoubaku!”

A large molten ball of flames erupted from his two hands and fired directly at Tomoyo like a close range meteor, crashing down with the force of exactly that. Senato landed awkwardly as he jumped away from the flames that ensued as the wooden floor burned away and the walls quaked from the destruction, but he wasn’t convinced of his win just yet. But not even someone like her could completely block a point blank kido of that level.

“How’s that?” He grinned at the figure he saw flash stepping out of the flames. “Innovative enough for you?”

“You certainly caught me by surprise.” Tomoyo nodded politely as she brushed the flames off of her robes. The same arm that had been injured earlier was now covered in even worse burns than before, looking damaged an immobile. “I’d almost been enveloped in the attack. If I had not enchanted my arm with kido in order to smother the attack, the damage might have spread further. However, I believe a true tactician counts on more than diversions to get a hit in.”

“It’s more than just a hit. I saw the way you use your zanpakutou. You use one hand to move the staff but the other hand mirrors the movements slightly. That hampers your kido attacks, doesn’t it?”

Tomoyo’s eyes widened slightly, clearly impressed. She nodded once as a gentle smile appeared on her face.

“Well done, captain of the sixth squad. Your attention to detail is commendable. It is rare for someone to notice something so minor and then act on it. However, your means of disabling my hand is lacking.”

Senato watched with surprise as the burns on Tomoyo’s left arm quickly began to heal and the bleeding wounds closed almost as if time was speeding up around it. In just a moment, the dangerous burns that had rendered the arm incapacitated were quickly negated. Tomoyo raised her left hand as if to show it to Senato, pointing one slender finger in his direction.

“Kido can be used in a variety ways, even beyond the standard hado and bakudo. There is healing, for one. But for someone like myself, who has dedicated their whole life to the study of the reiryoku, there are even more options available. For instance…one can turn a fire based kido into a fluid that sticks to the victim.”

Senato cocked his head in confusion and prepared for an oncoming attack as Tomoyo held her hand over her head, palm open.

“O mighty heavens, burn with the exorcising flames that outweigh sin and purify all within. Shine like the burning daylight and cleanse like the merciless purgatory. Leave not ash nor a single mark as you consume all that is, turning everything to nothing!”

At the end of the incantation, Tomoyo snapped her fingers and Senato immediately flash stepped several yards away, attempting to evade what he assumed would be an instantaneous attack. His judgment was close, but slightly flawed.

Just as he reappeared, his entire body, clothes and all, erupted into blue flames that consumed his body.

“Aaaaggghhhh!” He yelled as he fell to his knees in pain. The flames themselves weren’t overly damaging, but the pain was real. The sensation of burning was nothing something the nerves could handle easily. “W-what is this?! How did you do this?!”

“The Soukatsui you thought you blocked didn’t have the properties you believed. I suppose you wouldn’t have heard the corrupted incantations since I was so quiet. Think of it like gasoline splashed over your body with no weight or form, turning to flames only when properly activated. The pain is real, but you will not die. Incapacitating an opponent like this is quite effective.”

Tomoyo slammed the bottom of her staff onto the floor as her lips moved rapidly, murmuring another incantation. Senato grimaced as he struggled to move, knowing that she was about to cast Rikujokoro to immobilize him, making him a sitting duck. Each twitch he made with his body only seemed to intensify the pain, but he had to force himself to move or else he’d be caught.

He didn’t know how he would feel it he was defeated by someone who regarded him with eyes that continued to silently apologize over and over again.

[Back and Forth]


[PLAY MUSIC]

Shen: Wow... I never thought I'd see you get so touchy...

He wrapped his hand around Kin'Niku and shot a sly grin at Kyobo.

Kyobo: Are you mocking me?

Shen: Are you mad at me? Come shut me up, then...

As he spoke, his legs began swelling in the same way his back had a short while before, corded muscle forming from his thighs to his ankles.

Shen: The only reason you haven't killed me yet is because you haven't been able to.

Kyobo: Only a fool would mock a demon.

Without another word, Kyobo sprinted forward, dragging his axe behind him and letting it eat into the earth. Shen flexed his legs and did a short hop into the air. As his feet touched ground, he shot past Kyobo, faster than anything the Juzo Hosho had expected from his foe. He whirled about, axe primed for a counterattack, but Shen had already perched himself upon one of the crumbling walls.

Shen: Keep up!

Kyobo: Stop joking around...

In an instant, Kyobo was face to face with Shen. He flourished his axe, closing the gap between its edge and Shen's neck. Desperate, Shen fumbled for Kokkaku. As he touched the hilt of the blade, he formed a thick plate of bone over the area where Kyobo's axe would connect. The impact made a sickening crunch and sent Shen careening into the rubble and ruins of the barracks. Kyobo wasted no time taking in the sight of Shen crashing into dust and rock, and pushed off the wall to follow his ragdoll body. Directly overhead the area where Shen had landed, Kyobo pointed his axe downward, gaining momentum at an alarming rate.

The sound of darts whizzing through the air overrode everything else. From the cloud of dust, a storm of small white shards flew towards Kyobo like a swarm of insects. He gritted his teeth, shifting his weight backwards in an effort to maneuver out of the trajectory of the attack. Hundreds of tiny shards of bone flew past him on either side, some embedding themselves into his skin. He flashed down to the ground, landing heavily. The shockwave cleared the air, revealing Shen, now completely soaked in blood from head to toe. It was difficult now to tell where Kyobo had injured him and where he had injured himself with his techniques.

Shen: The next time you get me like that, huh?

He cracked his neck to the side, rubbing it with one hand while his other remained fixed on Kokakku.

Shen: Well, I guess you broke my neck... But if you can't kill me in one go... Then you can't kill me, period...

Kyobo dashed towards Shen, and the healer responded by spreading his arms and exposing his chest. Erupting from his ribs, thousands of sharp, tiny bone pellets cascaded onto Kyobo. The bullets ground away his skin and bit at his flesh, but he didn't relent. Extending his arm as far as it would go, he brought the blade of his axe down over top of Shen. The shinigami shot backwards, digging his ankles into the ground to bring him to a halt not too far from his position, the skin on his chest still ripped from his bone bullets, but beginning to reweave as he gripped his brown katana.

Kyobo's assault was far from finished. He flashed to the left of Shen, delivering a sweeping slash towards his feet. Shen managed to dodge backwards, but he could not make it far enough. Kyobo's axe claimed his entire left foot, leaving his right leg untouched. Shen dropped to hands and knees, muscle sprouting from his stump-leg. Kyobo's axe flashed, catching celestial light as he twirled it in the air once before bringing it down on Shen's skull.

Something tightened around Kyobo's throat, pulling him back. Within a second, his back was arched. A slight deliberation gave Shen the time he needed to roll just out of harm's way. In another second, Kyobo crashed backwards into the ground. A cord of muscle constricted Kyobo's throat, stemming from the ground behind him. It took the Juzo Hosho mere moments to snap the length of the muscle wrapped about his throat from the rest of the tentacle. He kicked to his feet, coming face to face with Shen, balancing on a tendril of muscle sprouting from his stump-leg and digging into the ground. Kin'Niku's edge sailed towards Kyobo's exposed chest, but the Juzo Hosho easily evaded the attack, plowing his foot into Shen's chest with such force that the muscle his leg had been attached to snapped.

Shen's momentum finally stopped at a wall. His body was imprinted within the stone with shear impact. He quickly fell out of the mold his body had created, dropping to one knee. There was an apparent dent in his chest, and he was bleeding at the mouth again. Kyobo began to approach Shen slowly.

Shen staggered to his feet, swaying from side to side. He stomped the ground, bringing his attention back to Kyobo. Holding Kin'Niku by his side, Shen extended a hand, and the hand began to glow blue.

Kyobo: Shitotsu Sansen!

He whipped his hand in front of his body, sending three golden triangles towards Shen. The shinigami was nimble enough to evade two, but his sword hand was caught and pinned to the wall. Kyobo's approach turned from a walk into a jog, then into a run. Another cord of muscle rose from the ground, snaking along Kyobo's leg, but his speed was too great, and the tendril snapped without any effort from Kyobo.

Shen: Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring! Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm! The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! Hado sixty three, Raikoho!

Kyobo's approach became a sprint. Even as the mighty bolt of lightning traveled towards him, he did not falter. Raising his axe, he cleaved through the kido with an upward stroke. His axe above his head, he prepared for the coup de grace...

Three lightning strikes flanked Kyobo, one on the right, one on the left, and one from the rear. For the first time, the Juzo Hosho lost his composure, letting out a scream of rage. As the currents of energy singed his body from head to toe, his bakudo faltered, and Shen's free arm immediately began to bloat with muscle. He delivered a powerful punch to Kyobo's midsection, sending him backwards. On his way back, his axe found the bicep of the arm that struck him, severing it from Shen's body. When at last he stopped, he looked up and took a short breath.

Shen's right thigh was covered in blood, misshapen and unsightly. At the rear, a massive tangle of pink, bloody muscle drove into the ground. Glancing about, he took note of three large tentacles of muscle sprouting from the ground at each one of his flanks, each one splitting into extensions resembling two hands. As he observed them, they withered like plants, drooping and drying out.

Shen: I can cast Kido from any part of my body... Even ones that I create... AAUGH!

A sliver of bone shot out of his arm stump, quickly forming into what resembled his old appendage. Kyobo had seen Shen regenerate countless times now, and immediately responded with a flash step to his immediate vicinity. He brought his axe up from the lower right, once again for a potentially fatal blow. Shen panicked, his skeletal arm slow, but still able to grasp Hifu's hilt. Shen spat out a large globule of skin at the upcoming axe, fastening it to the ground. That would buy him enough time to put distance between himself and Kyobo and heal his severed limbs.

To Shen's utter shock and dismay, Kyobo released his axe, driving his fist straight into Shen's jaw. His head recoiled, smashing against the wall, the impact of it all stunning him. As he regained focus, a second punch struck him in the left temple, followed by yet another right hook. Kyobo's brutal strikes were faster than Shen could read, hitting home over and over and over again, blood spilling and painting the now fracturing wall.

Punch after punch split Shen's face, crushed his nose and shattered his teeth until at last Kyobo had drilled a hole right through the wall by punching Shen. He delivered a vicious knee to Shen's stomach, sending him backwards in a way similar to an ice breaker cleaving through the arctic. His body dragged along the ground, creating a large gash in the earth as he traveled backwards.

Kyobo quickly grabbed his axe and sprinted after Shen, his speed matching that of his limp opponent's.

Shen could hardly see, could hardly feel. Every breath was a labor, but he had to continue fighting. Nobody could keep up with a monster like Kyobo, he knew. Because of that, he was the best suited of all the captains to combat the monster. Biting his lip until it bled, he began to tap the hilts of his blades, quickly healing his most major wounds, restoring the state of his severed limbs just well enough so that they may be useful. The pain of healing his wounds so many times was immense, but he would not stop. He could not stop. Defeat was not an option.

He finally made a move, stopping his skidding along the ground and rolling up to his feet. Kyobo was upon him in a matter of seconds. The axe blade smashed into two of Shen's crossed blades. The two locked eyes, both recognizing the pain and fatigue in the other, but neither combatant would relent.

-END-

Majo Shin had become irritated. She was sitting, alone, in her quarters. She listened as her fellow shinigami were slaughtered by the Juzo Hosho, who had seemingly appeared with little to no purpose. She pursed her lips, and rose from her perch, grabbing her sword and leaving the barracks. She felt the need to help, even if it was only a little. Strapping the katana to her side, she flash stepped along, not knowing exactly where she would end up. She let her own body carry her as far she could go without being interrupted. Suddenly, she sensed the disappearance of many a reiatsu from around her. She gritted her teeth and suddenly switched directions.

{Play song, repeat if necessary}

The now blind captain nearly collided with Yushi Kenronri, drawing her blade as she did, and attempting to strike him from behind. Intending to cut him down with the first swing, the attempt was thwarted by his own blade as he turned on his heel and faced her. Majo increased the pressure on her own blade and locked eyes with the captain behind his mask. She leaped away suddenly, firing several modified kido in his direction, attempting to bind him in whatever way she could.

Yushi would simply force them aside with his sword or dodge them completely and attempt to strike Majo down again. She clicked her teeth, a sound that was audible to her opponent as he drew nearer.

"Scared?" he asked, clearly smirking behind his ridiculous mask as he slowed his gait, coming to halt mere yards from her.

Majo simply stared at him as she held her blade, anger beginning to boil in her stomach. Forcing down such juvenile feelings, she opened her mouth to speak. "Not at all. In fact," she continued nonchalantly, "I was just looking for something to do."

Yushi let out an audible chuckle. "Oh? And so you decided to try and slaughter me, eh?"

Majo quickly flipped her blade around in her fingers several times before finally settling on her reversed grip. "I'm not quite that barbaric, I'm proud to say that you will die quickly and without much pain, Juzo Hosho."

Yushi simply stood, obviously not phased by the poorly veiled threat. He placed his free hand on his hip and adopted a rather laxed posture as he spoke with his opponent. "You are proud to say that you would kill in any form?"

Majo narrowed her eyes. "The elimination of my enemy is a part of my duty as Captain. I'm happy to defend my people, but that doesn't mean I'm going to allow you the chance to walk away from here without at least something to help you remember me by."

Yushi sighed. "You likely wont land even a glancing blow to me, Shinigami. The most likely outcome of all of this will be your death."

Majo scoffed. "I beg to differ."

Majo suddenly launched herself at the Juzo Hosho captain, landing a swift kick to his abdomen. As he skidded away from her she followed up with an overhead swing of her blade. Yushi blocked the strike and attempted to drive his elbow into her stomach, but Majo managed to evade substantial damage by lifting her knee to intercept the strike. She quickly spun her body around to meet Yushi's blade again and they stood there with their swords locked.

"Hado 98: Kasai Jakku!" Majo suddenly shouted, holding out her hand. Yushi instinctively jumped away from her as the blast of multicolored energy swept past him, decimating everything in it's path. Majo didn't let up however, as she reappered just behind Yushi. "Hado 90: Kurohitsugi!"

The black box began its ascent around the captain, rising higher and higher into the sky. He began to attempt an escape, but the top of the box had closed off, trapping him inside the dark walls. Majo stood with a sly smirk on her face as Yushi's foot rammed into the small of her back. Majo was sent careening into the next building and slamed into it's side, smashing a hole into it and landing within the interior. She skidded to a halt within a small tea room, slowly getting to her feet with the help of the wall behind her. Yushi wasted no time as he was upon her again seconds later, engaging her in a furious exchange of thrusts, swings and swipes. Each one was blocked or dodged by the other, each one of them able to hold their own indefinitely. Majo knew she had to change her strategy.

She quickly leaped back, shifting the grip of her zanpakuto to the lower hilt, grasping the pommel in her palm. Yushi stepped closer and she instinctively stepped back.

"Scared?" Yushi said again.

"Fat chance," Majo replied blatantly. "I may not have my normal sight, but my soul perception is heightened."

Yushi smirked. "So it's like you're not even blind," he stated in a very matter-of-fact way.

Majo answered his question by tossing her zanpakuto into the air and twisting her body around. As the zanpakuto began to descend she pulled her right leg in and kicked the pommel of the sword, sending it flying towards Yushi. He dodged it nimbly, rushing to the side. Majo appeared directly in front of him and slammed her elbow into her midriff, throwing him several hundred feet back out of the hole she had made in the wall. She deftly retrieved her sword from the wall and raced after him, leaving a small trail of dust in her wake.

As she found him again he was already beginning to gather himself, throwing a multitude of kido at her, like she had first done.

"Soren Sokatsui - Kie-no Ho Seishin!" Yushi shouted, appearing to Majo's left. The blue flames engulfed her body, cascading around her like water. She braced herself for the pian that would follow, but felt nothing. The modified kido flowed around her, suddenly sapping the heat from her body. Majo could only sit there, dazed by the sudden cold she felt. As the blue fire ebbed away, her body heat had apparently gone with it. She shivered uncontrollably as she stood to face Yushi again. She could hardly hold on to her sword as she got to her feet, and nearly dropped it several times. When she was finally able to control her shivering, she still felt immensely cold, having trouble keeping her eyes open. Every part of her body was fading in and out of numbness and feeling. As she attempted to focus on her surroundings, Yushi landed a powerful blow to her jaw, shattering it, and another to her lower abdomen. She grunted and fell before him. She suddenly lashed out with her feet, attempting to trip him, but he hopped over her feet casually and kicked the small of her back, sending her rolling a few feet. Majo quickly got up, brandishing her weapon, and held it out in front of her. Majo only saw a flash of spiritual pressure in her world of darkness. A solid clang signified that something had just knocked her sword from her hands, however Yushi himself had not moved from his spot just twenty feet from her position. Majo eventually caught on to the trick he'd used, turning her head and seeing an outline of spiritual pressure. It's peculiar shape told her that they were daggers made especially for him. She returned her gaze to the Juzo Hosho captain.

As he neared her, Majo lunged for him, holding out her hands with palms forward. "Hado 1: Sho!"

Yushi was driven back suddenly. Majo began to move with him, attempting to make the effect of the spell last longer. It served its purpose, throwing Yushi into another nearby building. As Majo gave chase, however, Yushi quickly leaped out of the building, clotheslining an unsuspecting Majo. As her neck was nearly crushed by the crook of his elbow, Majo herself was knocked to the ground from her perch in the air, landing awkwardly on her upper back, causing her to flip and roll as though she were a rag doll. Yushi landed just next to the wounded captain.

Yushi stood above her. "You're pathetic, really... I kind of pity you."

Majo raised a nasty glare to him. "I will... make sure you... die," she said, attempting to speak through her shattered jaw. She tried to speak again, but all that came out was a soft whimper. Yushi found himself feeling slightly guilty at what he had done, but brushed it off as she rose again.

Majo held her ribs and neck gingerly as she stood, slightly hunched from the pain.

"Instead of allowing me the chance to use my rather... unorthodox abilities on you," Yushi offered, with a hint of kindness on his voice, "why not surrender, eh?"

Majo suddenly clenched her jaw, causing another unpleasant crunch to arise from it. She merely steeled her gaze as she looked upon Yushi. "I will not leave here an empty shell of myself," she spoke, ignoring the pain within her mouth. "You will either kill me, or I will kill you."

Yushi glared at her. "So be it," he spoke calmly. "Then, may I have your name?"

Majo stood straight and tall, her hand now gripping at something within the lining of her Haori. "You first."

Yushi laughed dryly. "Yushi Kenronri."

"Majo Shin," she replied as she released more than two dozen needles from within the folds of her robes.

Due to an occurrence I probably won't be able to make proper posts on the forum from the 27th August to 5th September.

[Aria of Legend: Subverted]



Captain Seinosuke: (Akihiko carefully examines Captain Sojan’s Bankai, inspecting his polished gloves and vibrant wings. He refocuses his gaze directly at Harimakku’s eyes, having finished his examination of his Bankai) that is quite the elaborate release. I can’t say I am surprised. I, for one, have never regretted the subtlety of my zanpakuto. The eccentric transitions from Shikai to Bankai have always been lost on me. I see no reason for the dramatics.

Captain Sojan: Well, now that you see my Bankai, I won’t hold it against you if you’re trembling beneath your robes. I would be frightened, too, if I were faced with such overwhelming power.

Captain Seinosuke: Yes, I know. You exhibited that same fear when you realized just how out of place you were when you crossed blades with me.

Captain Sojan: (He laughs mockingly, clenching his left fist simultaneously) you’re ful of jokes. And here I thought humor was beneath you.

Captain Seinosuke: I believe the only certainty you have is how far beneath me you are.

Captain Sojan: (He wrinkles his forehead, scowling viciously at Akihiko. He unravels his brow, relaxing his expression.) Your words are like folly, honestly.

Captain Seinosuke: That much is clear. And yet, you clench the only fist you still possess dominion over.

Captain Sojan: (He lowers his eyes, unclenching his fist, attempting to dismiss his opponent’s keen observation. As he raises his eyes, Akihiko has already launched an attack. He parries and blocks both blades with his gloves. His right arm quivers, significantly weaker without the added dexterity and precision of his hand.)

Captain Seinosuke: Without the control your hand provides for your movement, your right arm may as well be severe from your body. It is that useless to you now (He presses harder with his blades, breaking through his defense.)

Captain Sojan: (He swings his left arm, catching both of Akihiko’s blades with the mouth of his gloves and forcefully pushing them to the side. He leaps back and lifts his arms and positions his left beneath his right, bracing his right hand. His gloves begin to glow) Densetsu no Iki!

Captain Seinosuke: (His eyes narrow as a powerful surge of energy erupts from his gauntlets. The span of the attack is colossal, arc to enveloping Akihiko. ) Danku. (The energy strikes the Danku, cracking it and spilling around its walls. The energy is bisected by the Bakudo, but manages to generate fissures which allow the power to breach Akihiko. It strikes his body and sends him hurtling backwards. He quickly regains his composure and lands on his feet.)

Captain Sojan: You’ll need more than a Danku to protect yourself. But actually, I am glad you used the Danku. It helped me realize something about your blade. You can’t manage to vanquish anymore of my techniques. You are still unable to tap into the full potential of your blade, which limits how effectively you can use it. Evidently, you’re not as adept at being a soul reaper as you’d have yourself believe.

Captain Seinosuke: (He looks up at Harimakku, his arm bloodied and cheek burned by the intensity of his opponent’s attack. He watches as his opponent revels in his victory, delivering a deadening stare with no discernible emotion)

Captain Sojan: Don’t bother responding. This is the end for you, Captain Seinosuke of the Juzo Hosho. Ryū no Chisei…(He wings begin to tremble, transitioning into a violent thrashing. They break-away, transforming into anything but wings. Long, slender necks burst from the wings, forming faces with spear-like horns and rabid eyes. The wings have now fully shaped into two, ferocious dragons, resonating spiritual energy, not unlike Harimakku’s.) I can’t wait to watch them tear you apart. And when you least expect it, I will deliver the finishing blow. You will be dying today, Captain Seinosuke.

Captain Seinosuke: (He watches as the dragons zoom toward him, but he remains firmly grounded. They appear on both sides of him, bearing claws and fangs. As they approach, he vanishes appearing in the distance. The dragons quickly follow, accompanied by a blast from Harimakku, which Akihiko evades. One of the dragons descends and grinds his teeth into the ground, shredding the soil and rock. Akihiko gracefully avoids the dragons jaws, rotating his left blade in his hand. He thrusts his arm backwards, allowing his blade to pierce the bellow of the oncoming dragon. He quickly pulls the sword from its stomach, carefully watching the other unroot its jaws from the ground. Akihiko flash-steps and stabs it in the neck. Suddenly, both dragon disperse into nothingness).

Captain Sojan: (He gapes, expressing an unyielding level of shock at the loss of his dragons. He can’t fathom how they were defeated by a single wound. He watches in awe as Akihiko turns to face him, glaring at him viciously). H-h-how did you do that? That’s impossible! They’re skin is thick and impervious. You shouldn’t have been able to wound them so easily, let alone destroy them.

Captain Seinosuke: They were nothing but transmogrified Reiatsu. The reason opponent’s may find them so difficult to wound is because the spirit particles are bonded so tightly, it creates the illusion of armored flesh. Kiwamete holds dominion over the spirit, too, not just the body. And just as easily as I sealed-away your hand, I did to your spirit energy.

Captain Sojan: (His eyes flicker with dread as his mortality comes into question.)

Captain Seinosuke: Your confusion has begun to plague your every expression. You can no longer hide your insecurities and doubts. (He begins walking toward Harimakku) You were right about one thing, I have not yet tapped into the fullness of my blade because he and I are constantly growing. There is no limit to what we can accomplish. However, let me be clear, I chose not to seal-away your technique for a reason.

Captain Sojan: …you can only act defensively, it must be limiting. While your power is formidable, you can’t defeat me because I have offense and defense, whereas you have no offense. Your blades are easily defended against.

Captain Seinosuke: You’re so unwise. If only you were cognizant of this. I vanquish your dragons and your techniques and still you mock me. (He begins running at full-speed toward Harimakku. He lunges to the side, dodging his opponent’s jabs and flash-steps to the side. He swings around, cleaving his blade vertically and bisecting Captain Sojan’s Densetsu no Iki. He then elongates his body and attempts to impale him. Harkimakku grabs his sword with his hand, which reveals an opportunity for Akihiko to use his left blade. His long nodachi passes straight through Harimakku’s stomach, exiting at the base of his spine)

Captain Sojan: (As though he were plunged into an icy lake, his body was overcome by a cooling sensation which he could not shake. He jumped back and allowed the blade to leave his body. He flash-stepped from sight and appeared on a nearby building, clutching his lower stomach. There was no visible wound, but he could sense that something had changed. His body felt cold and numb, for which he could not find a discernible reason why. He stared at Akihiko as his body slowly recovered, feeling the warmth return to his body) What the fuck was that….?

Captain Seinosuke: (He steps toward his opponent, glaring at him from ground-level) You just can’t determine the source of your affliction, can you?

Captain Sojan: (He watches as Akihiko appears before on the rooftop. Instinct tells him to increase the distance, so he flash-steps. He lifts his feet and concentrates his spirit energy into his feet, but he stumbles and crashing, face-first into the roof. He lifts his body, bounding to his feet. He attempts to flash-step once again, but falls off the roof and lands on the ground below. He looks to the sky, observing Akihiko’s disdainful glare beaming down upon him like a spotlight. He gets to his feet and leaps backwards) Why the hell can’t I flash-step…

Captain Seinosuke: It appears you’ve been putting a lot of stress on your body, it just isn’t complying any longer. Perhaps, you should rethink your strategy. You have a fondness for kido, why not attempt to smite me with that?

Captain Sojan: (He glares at him angrily)

Captain Seinosuke: No, you’ve learned your lesson, haven’t you? (He tilts his head) You’re about to learn an even bigger lesson, though. And my blades will be the instructor.

[The Hornet and the Tarantula!]

'So, you won't change your mind then? It would be a shame to have to kill a blind woman, especially one as pretty as you... oh well, it's not like compliments are going to persuade you any different, I suppose. Nonetheless, actions speak louder than words. If you refuse to value your own life, then I will just have to show you the error in your ways and, yes, if it comes down to it, I won't hesitate to kill you, though I'd much prefer to reap you of your powers!'

Yushi dodged another oncoming strike from her blade, then spun in the air, avoiding the sudden Raikoho she had cast at him. Consistently, she seemed to enjoy the usage of using Kido, while combining them with swift attacks with her Zanpakuto. Assuming she was ever planning to release her Shikai, Yushi was sure that it would be formidable somehow. Majo Shin was definitely a formidable opponent, though not as formidable as he.

'Pretty?! What the hell are you talking about? Stop patronising me! Like I said, I will make sure you die!!!' the slightly injured Captain snarled at him, clearly unimpressed by his words, though he had been expecting exactly that.

Now, now... This is not how often converse with my opponents... I never usually joke around... What is it about this woman?

'Okay, that's enough. My jokes are over and done with. I apologise, sincerely, because this is the first time I have treated an opponent in such a joking matter, when they were so serious. I was trying not to take you seriously, in hopes that you might desist in your attempts to lose your life... However, I have to admire your courage and resolve... And, to think, Akihiko has to fight an opponent with no objective whatsoever, and then I get you fight you...? I think that was a stroke of luck on my part and perhaps on your part too... At least, you can expect me to respect you as an opponent, because I really do have respect for you and that's why I'll take this seriously and engage you, as an equal. I may be superior in strength to you, but I recognise that you have a goal you wish to achieve, clearly even more so than the goal I wish to achieve... You see, fear doesn't breed resolve, not as truly as the emotions behind wishing to save something dear to you... My dear, that makes you exceptionally dangerous.'

'Is that what you really believe, Captain Kenronri?' Majo Shin stopped in her tracks, her milky eyes unfocused with the labours of being blind.

'I told you... I'm not going to treat this fight in a joking manner... If you're going to take this as seriously as you clearly are, then I will honour your resolve by treating it in a manner as similar as yours, as possible. Just because we Juzo Hosho are charged with the task of removing Shinigami powers, does not mean that we are monsters... Unless, of course, you have come into contact with Jisano Meibatsu, which I advise that you do not. But, I am not here to make you suffer... I would not usually be interested in killing you, but I can see that removing your powers would cause you far more pain than killing you would, especially considering that you seem to wish it, anyway... though, I could be wrong...'

Majo sighed. 'Yeah, yeah, whatever... Stop trying to justify yourself, because I'm not interested, and just start fighting already! I'm becoming impatient... however, I will point out that you are an interesting man... trying to take my feelings into consideration before battle? How ridiculous!' she snorted.

'Then these will be my last words. Let's have a good battle, now, Majo Shin, Captain of Squad 9.'

'How'd you know I was from squad 9? I never mentioned anything about it.'

Yushi shook his head, unwilling to speak any more. Instead of deigning to respond, he decisively moved in for the kill. Shunpoing, and utilising his intense speed, he swung in from the rear and brought his sword around in a sweeping curve, which threatened to take Majo's head. However, she reacted with lightning-quick reflexes and the attack missed. Instead, she was nowhere to be seen, though Yushi could still sense her nearby and managed to avoid a swift strike from her end, one that seemed to wield much more power than he had originally thought. Again, she disappeared, seeming to be well-versed in a fighting style where she would not willingly expose herself to the opponent, without good reason. So, he decided it was time to come up with a new strategy, one that would allow him to fight at a fast pace and still be able to attack her.

'A question, Captain Kenronri... If I may ask?'

He grunted a reply in acknowledgement, still not willing to speak.

'Why are you really here? Your friend is fighting an opponent whom none of the Gotei 13 have any respect for and you had been just standing there watching... If I hadn't come to combat you, what would you have done? Are you even necessary to this so-called invasion?'

Yushi sighed again. 'Really... I thought you wished me to stay silent... now you're requesting information from me? Kind of contradicting yourself there, lady. Well, okay, I'll give you an answer, then I refuse to speak another word. I'm here because, simply put, I requested to come and assist with the invasion... Last time, I managed to kill one of your Captains... This time, I was hoping to just make sure that things go smoothly and I also wished to have a fight where it wasn't completely one-sided, or necessary to kill the opponent, though you have only satisfied one of those pangs... The battle isn't one sided, anyway, which is a good point. So, yes, I came here to wreak a bit of destruction and test myself against a foe who is truly worthy... Something you are beginning to prove already.'

Majo stared. 'It was you... who destroyed Captain Hakashi! So, we meet at last... We all swore to defeat the one who had taken his life... And, yet, you maintain that it was necessary... Like I said before, Captain, I'm gonna kill you!'

This time she rushed at him, with more of a sense of purpose and instead of striking and disappearing straight away, she held the attack for longer and managed to force him back, even. Then, she disappeared again, coming from his rear, and sliced eagerly at his back. Yushi had already sensed her coming and had already begun to dodge the attack, by forcing his body around, pirouetting and getting off his rear heel, which allowed him to just miss the attack, then shunpo a second later, where he attempted his assault on her.

'You'll have to try better than that!' she growled and parried his attack, then booted him in the chest, even before he had anticipated such a move. What a surprising woman. Despite the kick to his chest, she had still taken his elbow to her throat and must still be feeling it. However, while he didn't feel much pain from the sudden injury, she was showing that she was still rearing to go. Yushi grinned. Nothing like a good battle. He disappeared suddenly, deciding to move at the swiftest he could manage and began to throw off a few images of himself, just to confuse her. Then, while she struck at the first one of his after-images, he reappeared, literally right in front of her and swung his blade directly at her chest. Even though she couldn't possibly have been expecting it, she managed to thrust her arm and blade up just in time to turn a major injury into a less-than-minor one. Incredible.

-To be Continued-