Incredible Reiryoku(4/4): While not peerless like his reiatsu, Zume's Reiryoku can still be considered above most captains, and equal to the captain commander himself. It is enough to allow him a great amount of advantage as long as he does not release his zanpakuto. Still, even then it allows him to utilize such for a decent duration. Zume's reiryoku appears as different colorations depending on the circumstances. While his blade is sealed, it manifests as midnight blue with flecks of black within it, though few and far between; while in shikai it manifests either as primarily black with a midnight blue outline; and in bankai it is black, white, and grey.
Legendary Reiatsu(5/4): While his reiryoku has had its equals, Zume has only once been met in the area of his control and sheer amount of reiatsu, and this is by Gōken, the Captain Commander. The pressure he is capable of exerting is tremendous in its scope and can easily floor those below the level of 3rd seat almost without exception. Still, it is not the force behind his reiatsu that is to be feared, but rather the fact that he is able to control it down to its most minute aspect.
While he is of course not the most blatantly powerful or experienced of the captains, Zume's reiatsu has long been acknowledged as nearly equivalent to the captain commander's. Often when questioned on it, he will typically respond that it is a matter of his bloodline.
Incredible Kido Power(4/4): While his skill in kido is below that of a grandmaster, the power, efficiency, and stability of his kido is tremendous, allowing him to not only create stable and incredibly potent spells, but also to easily alter or manipulate the spells he creates making him an extremely unpredictable opponent in this field.
Zanjutsu Grandmaster(4/4): Trained by Gōken Kuribayashi himself, Zume is a master swordsman, possessing a unique style all his own that flawlessly integrates his skills into a deadly finish. Through such it should be noted that Zume is ambidextrous, able to utilize tools and weapons in both hands equally, either at the same time or alternating.
Incredible Offense(4/4): Having trained with Gōken and then further honed his abilities in the art of the sword, Zume has ignored no area and so his offensive capabilities are as good as his others. Thus he is easily capable of attacking with great finesse and power.
Incredible Defense(4/4): As with his offensive abilities, Zume has exceptional technique in the are of defense, allowing him to maximize his movements and ability to counter his opponents, which is truly peerless.
Incredible Physical Strength(4/4): So as to hold his own against opponents of great strength, Zume has made sure to increase and refine his physical strength and endurance, allowing him to
Pathetic Hakuda(0/4): His abilities in hand-to-hand combat are rather horrid, though he has a few basics down, such as normal blocks. However, he tends to use none of it and refer to his other stronger capabilities or his zanpakuto to back himself up.
Poor Offense(0/4): No.
Poor Defense(0/4): I said no.
Poor Physical Strength(0/4): Goddammit, why won't you listen!?
Kidō Master(3/4): Zume is capable of casting all kido, but only up to 70 can he cast without incantation. This makes his kidou much stronger when used with their chants. Additionally, while he is no grandmaster, Zume is quite knowledgeable in this field and due to his astounding control of reiryoku and reiatsu he is easily capable of fashioning his own spells.
Legendary Intellect(5/4): The foremost of his abilities, Zume's mind is --in its way-- a priceless creation. Possessing an eidetic memory with perfect abilities of recollection and the like. He is incredibly perceptive and possesses skill in tactics, strategy, observation, and analysis respectively. This however is not the end of its capabilities and oddly it is, on first inspection, marred by a variety of so called
mental illnesses. To name them all, Zume possesses, or rather
possessed, the following disorders: Schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, autism and sociopathy. However he has possessed these for so long that, with the assistance of his zanpakuto, he has sculpted his mind into one almost entirely alien to those of other beings. In essence his mind possesses its 'core' which is the true self of Zume, it is his soul. Beyond this is a portion conquered by his inner world, an entirely empty ever shifting scape of void and infinite potential. Just above there is layer in which Zume's many persona can be created and destroyed at his whim. Each of these persona can act independent to one another, but they all remain under the absolute control of Zume's 'core self'. Beyond this layer is one that appears as his true subconscious and conscious minds merged into one and above this is what mimics the mind of a
normal individual.
Legendary Knowledge(5/4): Partly due to his peerless intellect, and partly due to his meticulous and inquisitive nature, Zume has amassed a beyond considerable amount of information in his lifetime thus far, including a plethura of mathematical and scientific information, understanding of all manners and fields of psychology and a great many other fields. He has essentially unwound the puzzle of reishi, reiryoku, kishi, and reiatsu, understanding it in all its aspects. In fact, to any who truly know Zume, it is easily known that his knowledge base may as well be boundless in nature as he seems to absorb information like a sponge as well as constantly gathering it for what amounts to be largely his own benefit.
Hohō Expert(2/4): Zume can be considered average in comparison to most captains when it comes to his skills in Hohō, though his exceptional reflexes and mobility can sometimes make him appear far more skilled than he truly is in this art. Nonetheless his shunpo tends to be greater than that of most lieutenants, though often somewhat below other captains as it just so happens that not many captains are average in its use.
Incredible Mobility(4/4): While his use of shunpo is only average, Zume has entirely mastered his own movements outside of its use gifting him with incredible reaction times and utterly astounding levels of finesse. While no legend in this field, he goes beyond a great many and can, with some assistance, even match up to the levels of a legend in this field. His mastery of this talent has also allowed him to incorporate it into his use of shunpo, leading to some rather intriguing results.
Grandmaster Scientist(4/4): Zume has studied in an astonishing amount of scientific fields, essentially mastering all there is to know and perhaps making some novel discoveries of his own, not that anyone is entirely aware of his prowess. For, despite his position as head of the research and development institute he keeps some measure of his skills under wraps to essentially everyone, but a select few.
Master Inventor(3/4): Coupled with his legendary intellect and incredible scientific prowess, Zume is a master inventor, able to combine his two disciplines into one that quite readily serves him and his allies if he deems such.
Chess-master(huh?): As both a master manipulator and incredibly intellectual individual, Zume is a master at the game of chess in all of its manifestations. This as such does include the real world just as readily as the game board. In fact, he often uses a chessboard in his plans simply for the novelty of such an activity.
Reir: 4(mod2)=6
Zan: 4(mod3)=8
Hak: 0(mod3)=1
Kid: 3(mod2)=5
Hoh: 2(mod1)=2
Total T(0): 15-2(13)
Total S(0): 22+3+5+5(35)
Zanpakuto Spirit Personality: Zume's zanpakuto is a strange hollow being, is soul different in nature from any other of its kind. This is partly due to its inherent nature as well as being linked to the realm which it dwells in. Like his master, Mukō Kōkei-sha is a being with many layers and shades to his actions. In truth there is little about Kōkei-sha that is straightforwards, at least when one has not spent many years learning to decipher the spirit. Regardless, Kōkei-sha is eccentric and very detached from everything around him. Additionally due to one of the few inventions that Zume carries on his person, Kōkei-sha is capable of visibly manifesting. However, the spirit is not physical enough to do combat, at least not until Zume figures out how to maintain such at all times. On the other hand Kōkei-sha, with assistance from the device, is capable of making contact, being seen, and being heard by others. However, he can never be sensed or smelled, though who knows about the taste.
Zanpakuto Spirit & Inner World: The inner world of Zume's zanpakuto is quite like both its masters true nature and the zanpakuto's odd mentality. It is empty. Completely and utterly empty. Or so it would seem. While at the 1st glance, Zume's inner world appears entirely empty, it is in fact also incredibly full. Full of a substances known only as void. This, is in fact, also the name that the shinigami uses to refer to said place. His inner world is black, completely black and without any form of illumination. Oddly, when within the individual is not blind and can see just fine, not that there is anything at all to see. Lastly it should be noted that while most inner worlds are just that, inner worlds that only exist within, Zume's is in fact very
very real and it serves as the sources of both his and his zanpakuto's great power.
Sealed StateShikai: Drawing his blade from its sheath in any manner, Zume proclaims
"Drifting throughout you are coerced into reality. Understand my dominance. Know that my will supersedes all others. Unveil yourself to me, Mukō Kōkei-sha(無効后継者 'Void scion')." As its name is uttered, the blade shimmers a brackish light and fades to an entirely black coloration only to emerge in its first release state. As it does so the darkness that had coated its form erupts outwards, forming the sphere of Zume's shikai.
Abilities: While Zume's blade itself is of little import, the rest of his wholly mastered zanpakuto is a deadly thing to face. In all simplicity, Mukō Kōkei-sha draws from Zume's inner world as well as allowing Zume's body to do so as well. Thus the two are able to produce and masterfully control the forces of the void as well as an impure portion of the void itself. This portion is manifested as a jet black, but typically translucent sphere. This sphere is an even mixture of both reishi and reiryoku that are weaved and overlaid with one another perfectly. The sphere itself is quite variable in size and it is not limited to its original shape however, its maximum size narrows down to a sphere with a radius of 10 meters.
This sphere, since composed of void, has several notable properties the first being that is is incredibly dense even at its greatest size. This density is caused by the reiryoku and reishi that make it up. The reishi is typically more dormant, causing the sphere to be much more like a liquid than anything else. These two facts mean that any whom finds themselves within the bounds of the sphere will be slowed greatly due to the intense reiatsu within. Only individuals of captain level strength or above will find themselves less hampered by the sphere's natural effects, this being only the 1st. 2nd among its properties is its tendency to
crush foreign reiryoku through its sheer weight, as caused by its density. This is its typical polarity, which is negative. When its polarity is reversed, which can only be done by the will of Zume or his sword spirit if it can muster enough will to overcome its master, the void will instead
tear reiryoku within it as it pulls from every direction in an attempt to rid itself of foreign energies. If made to assume a neutral polarity, the void will become entirely still on the inside and be even more difficult to move within because of it.
Other than these, the void's impure state tends to cause the rest of its capabilities to be severely weakened in nature. The only which holds import beyond the aforementioned is its abilities as a conduit of energies. This causes the void to be a super-conductor of sorts allowing it to, though only slightly, amplify kidou. Lastly it should be noted that within the void there is held the ultimate potential for creation. This is a fact that Zume has often utilized in the creation of his various
toys and devices.
TechniquesKenjitsu-sei(堅実性 'Solidity'): This technique's effects are very simple in nature. They shift the typically liquid-like void to a more solid state allowing the void to be utilized in another manner entirely. However, void is not as difficult to destroy when solid, thus it can more easily shattered if enough force is applied.
Idō Henkō(移動偏光 'Shifting Polarization'): This technique simply allows Zume to cause multiple polarities in the same area of void, but in differing locations within. This also allows him to make even more advanced movements pathways within the void itself, thus allowing him normal movement as well as other things.
Kusa Chūō no sei(腐败中央の精 'Degradation of the Central Essence'): The only truly notable technique of Zume's shikai, Kusa Chūō no sei allows Zume to absorb the sphere into his blade, either/or himself. When the void is imbued into his zanpakuto's physical form, it turns the white portions of the blade jet black and the blade will gain the weight of the void sphere as well as the ability to shift its polarity and the movement patterns within the blade. This can cause a variety of things. On the other hand, if Zume absorbs the sphere into his own body, his zanpakuto will dissolve and his physical capabilities will all be amplified immensely, allowing him immense blinding speed and somewhat amplified hakuda capabilities due to reflexes and his many years of observation. The speeds of this technique and the force of his blows are attributed to the positive polarity of the void at the surface of his skin. Furthermore there remains a unique reiatsu that is condensed around his form. This reaitsu has the properties of neutral void and is the cause of his unique physical durability in this form. Thus, anything that enters a range of 3 feet will be immensely slowed by this gaseous void, a type of void only viewed during the use of this technique. This can last only a maximum of 8 minutes before leaving Zume almost, or completely, exhausted and in his sealed state. If used too often, this technique will in fact have adverse effects on Zume's body.
Bankai: Pointing his blade before his form, Zume proclaims darkly,
"Bankai," the abyssal formation of his shikai drifts over his zanpakuto, draping it to the hilt with its dark presence. As this occurs, Zume's appearance will shift, his garments drawing from the sphere and taking on a deep black coloration as they absorb portions of the void's essence. At this stage, the sphere begins to simultaneously collapse and expand as its central portions expand outwards and its outer portions collapse.
"Shadows are eclipsed by your purity. A darkness from beyond the rim of worlds. An emptiness to engulf existence. Rouse from your slumber and devour all, Keishō: Seikatsu shin'en no Kōkei(継承:生活深淵の後継 'Inheritance: Scion of the living abyss')." Awakened by the convergence of the expanding and condensing formations, the condensing portion appears to become inverted in color as it passed through its counterpart.
Then it seems to dissolve into tendrils and engorge itself upon Zume's zanpakuto, changing its appearance entirely as its expandin twin forms a 20 meter spherical barrier around Zume. This sphere, while not so much larger than its former state is around four times as dense and holds its own depth seeming as if one could become lost gazing into its seemingly infinite, yet contained, vastness. Despite this, Zume's blade shines with resplendant purity from within the abyssal barrier and he is revealed in his
final state.
Abilities: Unlike its shikai, the bankai of Zume's zanpakuto has a much stronger focus on the blade(s) itself. While before the blades were merely a conduit for the void, now they have become a deadly counterpart to its wielder. These blades have the ability to assimilate reiryoku to an extent. This works by bonding to the energies and engorging them in the void's creative potential as they are pulled into the blades thus shifting their control over to Zume. This however does not give Zume's already monstrous reiatsu a boost, instead it empowers the blade(s) itself through his Sentō o sendan technique. Additionally it should be noted that while initially Zume possesses only one blade, it can easily be split into two identical zanpakuto allowing him greater versatility.
Beyond the blade(s) itself, there are Zume's garments and the barrier that surrounds him. The latter is composed partially of void, allowing them to actually shield his presence. The void takes in and restrains both his reiatsu signature and killing intent respectively, allowing him to move about largely undetected by the majority of individuals. The shield on the other hand is much different and more or less possesses the same properties of Zume's shikai, allowing him to utilize all of its abilities as well.
Last of all it should be noted that within the barrier between its voidal darkness and Zume's body is a greyish mist-like substance. This substance contains the ultimate creative potential of his bankai, however, this only slightly amplifies his kido above that of his shikai, allowing him to utilize up to 85 without incantation as well as creating an area through which he can mold them more completely to his will.
TechniquesSentō o sendan(尖塔をせん断 'Shearing spires'): This technique can only be activated once Zume's zanpakuto has taken in some measure of reiryoku. The more reiryoku that his blades assimilate, the greater the strength of this technique. More or less this allows Zume's blade(s) to focus the reiryoku it has taken in between its opposing blades allowing it to whirl in a conical formation between. Once released this forms a spire of varied length and power. These spires are composed of inverted void thus causing them to have a strange effect. Within them there is a repelling effect, but on their outside they attract. This means that, depending on their strength, the spires will pull things towards them only to, after 3-7 seconds, erupt.
Kagayaki o senkai(輝きを旋回 'Whirling resplendence'): Whirling his zanpakuto after assimilating a good deal of reiryoku, the blade will attempt to utilize Sentō o sendan only for the deadly reiryoku to be trapped in a vortex of movement and form a disk of condensed reiryoku. When Zume slashes or ceases the blade's whirling, the disk will erupt outwards in a burst of intense speed. As it gets further away it expands and slows from its incredible velocity. The strength of its strike is great enough to send most flying, shear them in half, or push them along a surface for at least 20 meters. The disk also has a blinding brightness which makes it virtually impossible to gaze directly upon. Other reiryoku that touches the disk is pulled into its revolution causing it to shrink in size rather than expand. Additionally, the disk can be detonated at any time to release an explosion of pure white reiryoku which will temporarily appear to disconnect one from their reiatsu. This means that for around 2-4 seconds no reiryoku can be channeled and utilized to empower kidou or their blade and kidou-based abilities already in play will lose their connection to the source and destabilize. This technique is quite strenuous and thus cannot be used more than 6 times in any given battle.
Ake mukō no uta(明け無効の歌 'Song of the dawning void'): Focusing on the spherical barrier surrounding him, Zume will push a minute amount of the grey mist into it forming it into individual spheres that revolve around him with varied distances depending on execution. Each of these spheres is composed entirely of void and thus they attract things towards them with what amounts to a gravitational pull. This pull is strong enough to draw in most average 3rd seat shinigami as well as effect lieutenants to different degrees. Captains feel the pull, but are not directly effected by its might. Unlike his other techniques, this remains active until disabled and takes a constant stream of the grey mist to fuel them, which amounts to his reiatsu. Each of these spheres will eventually contain a great amount of reiryoku thus causing a strange resonation with their kin that is the namesake of this technique. The true strength of this is in that he can freely move these spheres to his will, using them as he would the sphere of his shikai and allowing them each to be their own weapon. There are 8 spheres in total.
Shinkai wa inbō: Mukō-mai(深海は陰謀:无效舞 'Abyssal machinations: Void dance'): Once Ake mukō no uta has been active for 2 or more minutes, this technique may be utilized. The longer Ake mukō no uta is active the stronger this becomes. This, in essence, is Zume's strongest technique and it takes the power of his blades and the spheres to utilize. Zume must first find a way to position his opponent within the midst of the spheres after which the resonation of their reiryoku will form a dissonant chorus within. This chorus will disorient those within, obviously excluding Zume himself who is shielded from its effects by his garb. From this point on the sphere's will draw upon his opponent's reiatsu, feeding it into his blades which in turn channel inverted void into the center of each sphere. After 1-3 minutes have passed, the technique can be finalized and the spheres will shoot inwards, slamming into the target, or targets if necessary, and disrupt one anothers internal patterns causing a deadly torrent of invisible blades to tear at the opponent from essentially every angle. This is further augmented by the inverted void which in and of itself causes a mutual pushing from all sides in an attempt to crush and mutilate the opponent all at once. If this technique is used, Zume will immediately exit his bankai afterwards and be unable to fully utilize even his shikai. However, depending on his level of reiatsu he may still be able to fight, though such is not very likely.