Reiryoku: "Spiritual Power" is how much energy has been stored by the user. It also describes their Spiritual Sensitivity and Willpower.
(Average (0) - High (1) - Great (2) - Immense (3) - Vast (4) - Legendary (5))
Reiatsu: "Spiritual Pressure" is the density the user can exert their Reiryoku (in spite of the actual level of stored Reiryoku). It describes the skillful use of energy.
(Extinguished/Non-existent (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legend (5))
Kido Power: The stability and resilience of spells depends on the control and even the type of Reiryoku one has. Hindrances can be overcome through diligence.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legend (5))

Zanjutsu: Simply the application of the sword. It also indicates the skill one has in wielding any other weapon.
(Yet to Learn(0) - Practitioner (1) - Expert (2) - Master (3) - Grandmaster (4) - Legend (5))
Offense: This only applies to the more aggressive tactics of applying Zanjutsu. It indicates finesse and skill in applying one's weapon.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Defense: This only applies to the more passive tactics of applying Zanjutsu. It indicates the ability to deflect, block, parry, and counter strikes with one's weapon.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Physical Strength: This only applies to the power and endurance of applying Zanjutsu. It indicates the power behind swings and thrusts made by one's weapon.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))

Hakuda: Simply the application of the body. It also indicates the skill one has in any martial art.
(Yet to Learn(0) - Practitioner (1) - Expert (2) - Master (3) - Grandmaster (4) - Legend (5))
Offense: This only applies to the more aggressive tactics of applying Hakuda. It indicates finesse and skill in applying one's body.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Defense: This only applies to the more passive tactics of applying Hakuda. It indicates the ability to deflect, block, and counter strikes with one's body.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Physical Strength: This only applies to the power and endurance of applying Hakuda. It indicates the power behind strikes and blows made by one's body.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))

Kidō: The ability to successfully execute Hado and Bakuda spells. The higher the level, the higher chance of success and the greater ability to cast powerful spells.
(Yet to Learn(0) - Practitioner (1) - Expert (2) - Master (3) - Grandmaster (4) - Legend (5))
Knowledge: This indicates known information (though what that information is is up to the inidividual).
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Intelligence: This indicates one's ability to learn and understand information (though how this is performed and accomplished is up to the individual).
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))

Hohō: Purely the application of Shunpo and other similar abilities. It also indicates one's reflexes and ability to react.
(Yet to Learned (0) - Practitioner (1) - Expert (2) - Master (3) - Grandmaster (4) - Legend (5))
Mobility: This describes one's physical speed, agility, and flexibility overall.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legend (5))

Points:
Regarding the Talent Attributes (T) (those bolded and italicized), the following points will be provided:
Academy Student - 3
Unseated Shinigami - 5
Low-Seated Shinigami - 7
High-Seated Shinigami - 9
Lieutenant - 11
Captain - 13
Veteran Captain - 15 (4 more slots available)
**Captain-Commander - 17** (Not playable)

Talents (T): The first of each grouping. Those Bolded and italicized.
Skills (s): Those following the Talents. Those only Bolded.

There may only be one 5 among the Talents as a whole. If there is a 5, a 0 must also be present among the Talents. These rules do not apply to the Skills.
Skill points follow these equations:
A T with 3 s's (Zanjutsu and Hakuda): s=2T
A T with 2 s's (Reiryoku and Kido): s=T+(T/2) *rounded up
A T with 1 s (Hoho): s=T
A T of 0 equates to a single s.
Any 0 among Skills adds a Skill Point to your pool.

s's are then added together for a pool of Skill Points which can then be distributed among all skills.

Example:
Reiryoku: 3 (3+2=5)
Zanjutsu: 5 (5+5=10)
Hakuda: 3 (3+3=6)
Kido: 2 (2+1=3)
Hoho: 0 (1)
Skill Points: 25

3: 5,0
5: 4,0,5
3: 2,0,5
2: 2,2
0: 2
Additional Skill Points: 3
Total Skill Points: 28

Exceptions are as follows:
- Five Skill points may purchase a single Talent point and vice-versa.
- In a sealed form, the character's stats are to be reduced by 2T from the above calculations or an equivalent (1T and 5s, or 10s).
- In the first release, the character's stats are to be reduced by 1T from the above calculations or an equivalent (5s). This is optional.

1. May only have a singular theme (Elemental, Light, Heat, Kido, Illusion, Melee, Projectile, Defensive, etc.) and up to two abilities (including static abilities).

2. If specified further, the theme to the abilities must be adhered throughout the techniques appearing in both release states.
Ex. A Fire-type Zanpakuto that shoots balls of fire cannot shoot waves of fire. A Melee-type Zanpakuto that affects the opponent through contact with the hilt cannot activate when hit with the blade.

3. If this theme is shifted during a secondary release, then this must be adhered to throughout the state. Previous abilities become invalid.
Ex. The Fire-type Zanpakuto can now shoot waves of fire but it can no longer shoot balls of fire. The Melee-type Zanpakuto's effects activate through contact with the blade but can no longer be activated through the hilt.

4. If the original theme is altered, said theme may increase in strength and/or range, etc.
Ex. The Fire-type Zanpakuto generates larger and hotter orbs of fire. The Melee-type Zanpakuto affects through the hilt and to a greater degree.

5. Improving upon a primary-release technique during the secondary-release can only occur if the theme has neither been shifted nor altered.

6. Any buffs made during releases go toward the specified level initially designated in the CS.

7. Any buffs made past the initially-designated levels must come from any other Attributes. (There will be no adding upon of Attributes)

8. Any buffs made past the initially-designated levels may not transcend past the highest level. These buffs need to follow the seventh guideline. To reiterate, there is nothing past "Legendary."

9. The personal use of another's Reiatsu and/or Reiryoku is not allowed. (Absorbing Reiatsu through sophisticated means is legal but will be regulated.)

10. Instant Kills will be heavily regulated or omitted per Character Sheet.

Ichigawa
The Noble House of Ichigawa deals mainly with the political aspects of Seireitei, as well as humanitarian issues. They handle most of Rukongai, monitoring the distribution between the districts (although they do overlook the furthest districts) and managing the Academy (deciding on who to let in, conducting the examination. and overseeing who's fit for graduation). The politics they deal with are secretive but it is known that they must work closely with the other three families. Most of the time, they do not see eye-to-eye, especially with the Yukihiro family's militaristic approaches. It's not unusual for them organize or participate in meeting with the Central 46.

This family is most closely related to the Third Division and utilized their talents to meet specific ends. It has come to be that many descendants of the Ichigawa House are seated within the Third Division specifically. The Ichigawa House also has relevant relations with the Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Divisions as well.

Usagi
The Usagi House is highest family currently in existence of Seireitei. Numerous Captains and even Veteran Captains belonged to this proud bloodline of Shinigami over the centuries since its acceptance into the Seireitei. The Usagi House filled several peacekeeping roles, due to their strict belief that the Law must be followed and carried out without hesitation, and most of its members act according to this belief. By most Shinigami, the Usagi Family is viewed as nothing more but a bunch of Nobles who believe they are superior to everybody, but regardless of this, they are highly praised. Their combat skills and abilities are remarked by many Shinigami to be worthy of praising.

The Usagi House is most closely associated with the Second Division and the Onmitsukido in particular. They are known to have informally created the Onmitsukido during the long era of "peace" within the Seireitei when intrigue was at its highest amongst the Houses and Divisions. They also share relations with the Seventh, Ninth, and Twelfth Divisions.

Seicho
The oldest Noble House and one of the original, the Seicho House was part of the construction of both the Rukongai and the Seireitei. Rumors say they used a relic to create a the realm itself passed down directly from the Soul King, but it's only a fabled tale told to children born within the House. It now keeps independent from the other Houses, technically having little significance in either the politics of the Center 46 or the workings of the Gotei 13 and is not called to attend important meetings. Their main duties are that of record-keeping and history. Ironically, they hold significant say in most aspects of Soul Society as a whole, however unofficially and informally. The Matriarch, Seicho Inoue, can conduct meetings with the other Houses' Heads and even the Central 46 and the Captain-Commander on short notice and without issue. It's not common knowledge, but it's safe to assume they have their hand in everything. The other Houses believe the Seicho House the least "Noble," but due to its origins and the Seicho House's respect for the other Houses in general, little contempt has arisen against the Seicho House.

This house is most closely related to the Fourth House, making their dendrology and herbalism relevant throughout Seireitei. They also have fair relations with the Fifth, Ninth, and Tenth Divisions.

Yukihiro
The Yukihiro family deals mainly with militaristic issues, working closely with the Gotei 13 and the various organizations for the best approaches. Their strategic yet brutal tactics assure them victory in every battle and most wars. As of recent times, they're heavily involved in the affairs of their own house: they have three extension families.

The main family (or "the Heads"), of which include Isao and Setsuna Yukihiro, mainly deal with approving of battle plans and making adjustments within ranks as they see fit. They also oversee the actual training. There are various other members under this family, however "the Heads" is the smallest of the three. They have excellent relations with the First Division overall.

The intelligence family are "the Tacticians." They come up with the strategies, i.e. the plan, the positioning and the layout of the actual troops. There are more members in this branch than the main family. This branch works closely with the Seventh and Eighth Divisions.

Then come the 'fighters' of the Yukihiro clan. They're some of the best practitioners of Hakuda and Zanjutsu, having some of the most brutal and vicious attacks. They begin militaristic training during childhood and the route they take, Hakuda or Zanjutsu, is predetermined at birth. There is real discipline among the Yukihiro clan and they are no exception, having impeccable manners and behavior, even in the dojo. Most of the Yukihiro members are a part of this family. Many of the members of this branch work with the Eleventh Division with the remainder steering clear of the brutes for their lack of professionalism.

Age Appearance: 85
Rank: Captain-Commander

Talents
Legendary Reiryoku
Legendary Reiatsu
Legendary Kido Power

Yet to Learn Zanjutsu
Poor Offense
Poor Defense
Legendary Physical Strength

Forgotten Hakuda
Legendary Offense
Legendary Defense
Legendary Physical Strength

Kido Legend
Legendary Knowledge
Unremarkable Intelligence

Hohō Legend
Poor Mobility

Zanpakutō: Tanzō no Honō (Flame of the Forge)
Sealed Zanpakutō Appearance: Ashy black shoto with dark red bindings.
Element/Type: Lava
Personality: Sinister, destructive, blood-thirsty
Spirit Appearance and Inner Realm: Sentient lava being upon an active volcano.

Shikai: Tanzō no Honō (Flame of the Forge)
Release Command: Sekai o Takasu (Melt the World)
Shikai Appearance: Remains the same.

Shikai Abilities
Katansei ni Naru (Become Malleable):This phrase must be uttered when the blade stabs into the earth for this ability to activate. It turns a three-dimensional five-meter radius around the point of contact into lava.
Gizō Suru (To Forge):This ability allows her to control the lava created by Katansei ni Naru. Its movements are relatively sluggish and must be consistent since the lava will cool rapidly in most conditions. She can only control a single source of lava at any given time.

Bankai: Tanzō no Kanadzuchi (Hammer of the Forge)
Bankai Command: Atarashī Chikyū o Tsukuru (Make New the Earth)
Bankai Appearance: Extends into a six foot pole with a three-foot rectangular hammer head which remains the same colors as the sealed state. It is during Bankai that Kuroda's Reiryoku and Kidō increases from the level of a Grandmaster to a Legend.

Bankai Abilities
Katansei ni Naru (Become Malleable):She does not need to call out the command for this ability to activate. Also, the area which becomes lava is doubled.
Gizō Suru (To Forge):The speed with which she can manipulate the lava drastically increases, allowing her to keep lava for extended periods of time. She can now manipulate up to ten different sources, or a single source ten different ways, at any given time.

Age Appearance: 36
Rank: Veteran Captain

History
His memory stretches as far back as two millenia, but he always remembers a life within the Rukongai. His "family" was stationed within the upper districts and his life wasn't necessarily difficult. He worked as a Dojo instructor for much of his memory and worked on inventing a new type of martial art which he called "Kori no Tate," literally meaning "Shield of Ice."

Though his birth is unknown to him, his mother has always been by his side. His grandmother and grandfather, known only as "Obasan" and "Ojisan," have also been provided for since he was young and even now he visits them regularly and discusses with them what is allowed of him while learning of their lives. He married Etsoku Hana, and they had a son, Kouta, of which has remained young for several centuries now and only appears to be in his late teens. Kouta is slightly taller but has much more muscle mass than Akimoto. He has technically graduated from the Academy but remains in the top tiers of Shihan of his father's Dojo and the Sensei during his father's absences. Many students participate in his dojo for several cycles before entering the Academy. His own abduction into the Academy was very similar in that he was training under the Master of a Dojo and his Reiatsu was notable and, thus, noticed. It's unofficial, but his Dojo is known to churn out future Shinigami.

The community has no problem with this and his Dojo as it is both profitiable and beneficial for the Fifth District of the south, which they call "Ishizue," or "the Cornerstone." With attention from the Seireitei, many are sent to the district to train under Akimoto or one of his "Shihan," or "chief instructors." This being the case, his classes tend to be daily and last long into the evening for himself, though the attention each student receives is minimal. This is to force the students to practice self discipline in learning the kata, philosophy, and techniques during their own time. Speaking of which, Kori no Tate focuses on defense and endurance more than actual attacking power. It's focus is not defeating but, instead, subduing. Of course, its weaknesses lie in one's own endurance, which must be incredibly high in order for the practitioner to take a beating. There are several offensive techniques, but none of them are directly harmful or debilitating to the opponent. The first tenant of Kori no Tate is "there is only a battle between two men when both have not opened their minds to each other and refused to accept their ideals." This makes a Kori no Tate practitioner someone who attempts to talk someone down from fighting while being able to defend against them. The second is "keep one's mind frozen in the fact that you do not know all" and the fifth is "stopping another's actions or prolonging a battle can only give time to help the other learn understanding and open-mindedness."

His time in the Shinigami Academy was longer than the average student partly due to his pacifism learned from the disciplines of Kori no Tate. He was remarkably conservative and refused to spar too aggressively with others. Ironically, he took beatings from others far worse than beatings he would ever dole out. For his fellow Shinigami, it could be argued that he held a kind of weakness for them, a bleeding heart. During missions into the World of the Living, he often put himself in mortal danger so that another might live. Though he was chastised for his passivity, he was respected for his defensive skills and resolve to aid the group instead of just the seniors. He partook in dozens of missions before becoming a Shinigami, though it is rumored it was purely for the sake that he could keep prospective students alive during more dangerous missions.

He rose the ranks regularly within the Fifth Squad. This being the Squad he waited to enter and being the true reason as to why it took him so long to enter the Gotei. He held a sentiment toward the number five, being the district number from where he originated. The Squad's philosophy was also the most fitting for his personality (centering around Sacrifice, Danger, Pure Love, Humility, and Sweetness, all of which he experiences or expresses within himself). Even as part of a Squad, he was called upon by the Academy to assist the more difficult missions. Also, his sense of obligation towards his Dojo also stunted his rise, which was "regular" mind you. With his workload multiplying as the years passed, he managed to fulfill his duties and obligations to everyone.

Now, at the top of its ranks, he works with great diligence and efficiency to accomplish tasks, though it seems all parties respect his relation to the other organizations he's part of and tries to keep his responsibilities reasonably low. He doesn't necessarily notice this, however, as he is always on the go and busy performing some task or another. He holds great respect from most everyone but some still resent his awful habit toward passifism.

Talents
Vast Reiryoku: He has some difficulty controlling it at times and can increase the temperature around him. If gone unchecked or he allows it to burst out, it can incinerate an area a kilometer in diameter depending on the level of Reiryoku remaining. He is easily sensed from a distance and he finds it nearly impossible to hide his Reiryoku. Many within his own Division have shone difficulty in being around him though it seems those who practice at his Academy have a greater resistance to its potency.
Legendary Reiatsu: Its visible color is a deep orange. His intense training and diligence towards his personal development and that of his Zanpakuto has developed within him the need to posses a strong defense and a strong energy to combat other's impressive offenses. Few rival his levels and many are quickly overwhelmed by them should he expel too much of it at once. It has a warm quality to it that can easily burn should he will it. Otherwise, it can wrap some in comfort or suffocate them by its density.
Average Kido Power: With his Kido virtually unlearned, any spells he decides to cast from the aid of others would be akin to any learning Academy student progressing well in the arts of Kido. If he was to cast a spell, it would burn regardless of what the spell was supposed to do. Flames would erupt from the energy and, if his focus was to wane, it might explode violently and rendering useless in any skill application of Kido.

Yet to Learn Zanjutsu: Again, strenuous physical exercise has made him a capable duelist, but only on the defense. He has no real talent in this area and any formal lessons taken around this subject has been long forgotten. He translates what he knows of Hakuda into his sword-style but doesn't claim to have an actual within Zanjutsu itself.
Poor Offense: Kori no Tate does not focus on Offense, but most of his students know offensive techniques. Regardless, when teaching others, he makes his Shihan use their strength against him instead of attempting to display any kind of aggression on his students. It has been shown that his "Offense" is straightforward and obvious. He very much believes that the best Offense is a good Defense
Legendary Defense: If he doesn't shrug off an attack purely by countering it with Reiatsu, then he's more than able to block it with his Zanpakuto. The blade will move swiftly around his body or it will cease some strikes against him. His adaptability is high making his Defense somewhat "impenetrable." Kori no Tate absorbs from other techniques and either takes from them or learns quickly how to block or dodge them.
Legendary Physical Strength: His ability to put muscle behind his blade is relatively astounding even for his status as a Captain. He has a firm grip on the handle and he's not been known to have ever had it knocked out of his hand. He's often smashed another Zanpakuto with his blade as well as he can with his hand.

Hakuda Legend: Same as above in most respects. Kori no Tate is open-hand combat which he was only able to apply to the use of Zanpakuto within the Shinigami after much time and practice. His stocky figure wields within it a power few can endure easily. When he attacks and the opponent blocks, they usually become surprised by how much power he possess but more by the fact that he doesn't use or rely on this to win a duel. Grappling with the intention to pin is also a specialty of his.
Poor Offense: Again, there is no aggression in his usual techniques. He refuses to strike down or injure another when it can be avoided. Ironically, he teaches that understanding and learning Offense is valuable and even necessary, but he's been challenged several times about his own ability to attack.
Legendary Defense: He will most often block with his open hand that is not holding his Zanpakuto. The blade is just a tool where his hand, his arm, his elbow, and his shoulder can do so much more than a mere blade, guard, and hilt. Of course, he is not beyond simply dodging attacks and will do so when it's both possible and reasonable to do so. It's unheard of him to become hit or even scratched by another quite adept in Offense.
Legendary Physical Strength: His body has proven to be among the strongest the Seireitei has ever seen. Placing him off balance or in awkward positions does not seem to affect the strength and power with which he's seemed to have acquired after centuries of training.

Yet to Learn Kido: This was a major reason for being held back in the Academy for as long as he had been. He held no skill or talent for this and never sought to improve the skill when he left the Academy. With enough time, preparation, and concentration he is capable of performing moderate-level Kido and Hado spells that are impressively resilient, but he's more the one to negate a Kido spell with his own Reiatsu rather than trying to fight it with his own Kido. It can be said that he's "unlearned" what the academy taught him about Kido.
Unremarkable Knowledge: He does not study academics or even martial techniques. His knowledge is only philosophical understanding of the world around him from what he's experienced, which isn't exactly a lot. He tends to forget about events after a week as he's more focused on his martial arts and running the Academy than keeping track of the other Captains and social affairs.
Incredible Intelligence: Interestingly, he can absorb information well enough to make a decision and apply what knowledge he does hold effectively enough to solve a problem quickly and efficiently. He is aware of his surroundings and knows how to employ his own body to combat someone or learn what someone did only from an initial glance or simply intuition.

Hohō Master: He's certainly not known for his speed. He can perform long-ranged jumps when necessary, but he will often put himself in front of the punch, blast, strike, etc. rather than attempting to dodge it. He'll never participate in a chase for his position is always that of defense. His goal in combat is not to reach or dodge another, but purely to keep them from advancing. He can keep up with others for the most part but doesn't seem to attempt to do so.
Legendary Mobility: He is flexible and agile enough to move wherever necessary in an extraordinarily short amount of time to reach a target, goal, or person. He is a powerful sprinter and impressive tumbler. It's not common knowledge that he's as flexible and quick as he is. Most of this skill goes into his Defense and keeping himself within the eye of the storm, and he's certainly one to create a storm.

Techniques
Ikkotsu: A single punch is launched with incredible power to the body of an opponent. It is capable of demolishing defenses made up of Reiatsu levels close to his own.
Sōkutsu: Both fists crash into the opponent's body. This technique can disintegrate most defenses and some of the strongest Bakuda spells.
Ikyari: Similar to and arguably stronger than Ikkotsu, but utilizes an elbow instead of a fist. The striking elbow's relative hand is often gripped by the other for additional force and stability.
Sōyari: Similar to and arguably stronger than Sōkotsu, but utilizes both elbows. This is performed by jumping a normal height and lunging downward upon the opponent.
Ikganseki: Like Ikkotsu, but utilizes the foot, usually the heel, to strike the lower portion of an opponent's body. It doesn't go much higher than knee-level unless there is a jump or height difference involved.
Sōganseki: Like Sōkotsu, but utilizes both feet simultaneously. A quick flip or a jump must be executed for this technique to be successfully be used.
Iktoranku: Similar to and arguably stronger than Ikkotsu, but utilizes a knee instead. Naturally, the range of this attack is limited but it's power and speed are notably greater.
Sōtoranku: Similar to and arguably stronger than Sōkotsu, but utilizes both knees. This is performed by jumping a normal height and lunging downward upon the opponent.
Tesshō: This is a simple technique used for testing and serious sparring. A basic application of this technique would crush bones of an opponent with Impressive Reiatsu.
Haneru: From extended positions, both hands, horizontal to the ground, are brought together with enough speed and power to decapitate an opponent. This is the most offensive technique but incredibly difficult to perform successfully.
Ramu: A simple full-body tackle that has behind it the weight of one's entire body. This can be applied with a specific strike or simply as a blunt assault upon an opponent. It will knock back any individual with Incredible Reiatsu when performed seriously.
Taeru: This is a stance that endures some of the strongest attacks. There are many different applications of this technique, each with their own title, but this term is used as an umbrella term. Since he developed each of the techniques himself, he can use any of them expertly.
Tozasu: Usually used a grapple but more formally a technique which halts movement of both the practitioner and the target. The grip of the user can crush bones under the proper circumstances, which are easily met.
Ken'in Ho: This unique variation of Shunpo makes the image of the user drag across the distance between jumps a significant amount, making tracking the individual much easier. Moving so quickly, the body seems to stretch to an impressive length and effectively creating a wall.
Haganenotate: The is the Zanpakuto adaptation to Kori no Tate, and appropriately names. There are few offensive techniques, as there should be. Focusing on deflecting but more often enduring strikes against the opponent, this philosophy is almost solely practiced by Akimoto.
Samuhaji: This technique is a type of one-handed grip to strengthen it exponentially while providing increased leverage. The thumb is placed upon the back of the blade. This requires a single-bladed sword and requires strength enough for the thumb to endure incredible pressure.
Hōzuri: The most passive offensive ability used, making this the technique used most often. This is used to apply superficial damage, usually cutting a piece of clothing slightly or scratching an opponent's cheek.
Agitowari: One of the more powerful techniques that might be used, this cuts an opponent in half from the jaw. It is most often used in combination with the following technique making this rarely seen in battle.
Hitostume - Nadegiri:A strike from the sheath of the sword, this is the most devastating attack that has been used once. He has the ability to easily perform this technique at most any time, but it is not for the sake of Haganenotate.

Zanpakutō: Taiyō no Fenikkusu (Phoenix of the Sun)
Sealed Zanpakutō Appearance: The blade is white and looks ashy and more rod-like while the hilt is black with red details. The Guard is also black in the shape of outspread wings. This sword is shorter than regular katana with a shorter hilt for a one handed grip. The overall weight is markedly heavier than a regular katana, though.
Element/Type: Kido/Healing
Personality: Maternal
Spirit Appearance and Inner Realm: A small phoenix (3 ft. tall, excluding the 2 ft. tail) which communicates telepathically with a feminine voice. The surroundings of the inside of the Zanpakuto is a single large grassy hill with stark blue skies and scattered puffy white clouds slowly drifting across them. It is simple and serene. Ironically, there is no sun but it is always daylight.

Shikai: Taiyō no Fujō Fenikkusu (Flying Phoenix of the Sun)
Release Command: Maiagaru (Soar) [Fires, create life. Ashes, become new. Phoenix of the Sun, soar to protect the Heavens.]
Shikai Appearance: The blade begins to glow yellow and orange, as if it were burning. This is his reiryoku focusing itself through his Zanpakuto, which is immediately noticeable. The Zanpakuto also becomes heavier (about 20kg/44lbs) and the blade rounder and of greater girth.

Shikai Abilities
Iyashi no Namida (Healing Tear (Tear of Healing)):
A clear and viscous liquid leaks from the bottom of the hilt and will heal almost any injury completely. This process is slow (an average of 2 posts to seal skin) but happens on its own will when summoned. There is a set amount of liquid that can be produced at any time. These Tears take a significant time to regenerate.

Bankai: Taiyō no Fenikkusu no Owari (End of the Phoenix of the Sun)
Bankai Command: Ima Jōshō (Now Rise) [With new life, let the Phoenix rise again and rid those who wish to harm the ones she deems to protect.]
Bankai Appearance: The hilt becomes ashen white with red details and the blade glows more vibrantly and with reddish hues along with the yellow and orange as more reishi is focused into the blade. Even with the absence of the guard, the sword becomes even heavier (80kg/176lbs) and the blade rounder and of greater girth. The potency of Iyashi no Namida increases significantly and is regenerated more quickly. It can also be used on others to a degree. It is during Bankai that Akimoto's Hohō increases from the level of Practitioner to Master.

Bankai Abilities
Shin Seikatsu (New Life):This command merges the spirit of the Zanpakuto with Akimoto. The sword fuses with him while his skin darkens as if burnt and the hair lights on fire. His eyes become bright yellow and large majestic phoenix wings of red, orange, and yellow hues sprout from his shoulder blades. During this transformation, all wounds are healed almost completely (depending on severity), at the cost of his short-term memory (from the point he activated Bankai to the point after this technique is executed). The wings will molt throughout the battle, more-so when defending or attacking than just standing there. These feathers turn to ash throughout this technique, and when all have fallen the Zanpakuto regenerates back into its sealed form and this technique ends. His skin has a greater concentration of Reiatsu and can't be easily pierced while the wings are similar if not more resilient. It should be noted that his pacifism is subdued by his Zanpakuto's spirit. When all feathers have molted, Akimoto will have expelled almost all of his spirit energy, leaving him defeated should his opponent endure this state.

Age Appearance: 22
Rank: Captain-Level

History
The first and only son of Etsoku Hana and Akimoto Taiki. From the time he was born, he was raised in the Dojo of Kori no Tate with his father. He learned diligence and humility from his father and gentleness and charity from his mother. Surprisingly, he's largely apathetic. This is in large part due to his analytical mind. Neither parent pushed him into what they wanted from him, but he intuitively knew what was expected of him, or so he thought, and worked tirelessly to reach heights few others can boast about. Of course, he wouldn't boast about his physical superiority.

Unfortunately, his intense focus on the physical left out much development in the mental. He follows the precepts of Kori no Tate as if they were the only things he needed to fully understand. Outside his understanding of anatomy, physiology, and overall fitness, many would consider him stunted in the mental capacities. This might also account for his apathetic nature, he simply doesn't understand emotions as others do.

Pushed to the degree he was, it's no wonder he's considered a physical show of emotion, be it exhaustion or defeat, was unacceptable to him. It's hard for him to associate success with struggle for success, to him, only comes when one can easily reach what it is they yearn for. Sparring with his father's sometimes brutal and ruthless shihan left him emotionally void. He pushes past all obstacles to meet an end, but the reason for meeting this end is usually unknown to him and he acts only upon instinct.

He's participated in many charity events with his mother, but usually as a hauler. Now the Head Shihan and temporary Sensei of the dojo in the absence of his father instills in him a strong sense of responsibility but also furthers his apathy. His life revolves around running the Dojo as well as his home with his Obasan and Ojisan. They and his mother have shown notable signs of aging as they don't have the talent of reiryoku like he and his father do. His apathy will prepare him for their deaths, hopefully.

Talents
Legendary Reiryoku
Legendary Reiatsu
Poor Kido Power

Yet to Learn Zanjutsu
Legendary Offense
Legendary Defense
Legendary Physical Strength

Hakuda Grandmaster
Legendary Offense
Legendary Defense
Legendary Physical Strength

Yet to Learn Kido
Average Knowledge
Unremarkable Intelligence

Yet to Learn Hohō
Average Mobility

Zanpakutō: Tsuki no Ōkami (Wolf of the Moon)
Sealed Zanpakutō Appearance: Tantō made of black steel and a silver sheath with black details. Black handle with ice-blue bindings. The guard is in the shape of a crescent moon.
Element/Type: Ice, Stealth
Personality: Ruthless, merciless, paternal
Spirit Appearance and Inner Realm: A large white wolf, standing four and a half feet tall, that speaks telepathically remains within a snowy tundra during the darkest of night. There is no moon but many stars and it is always snowing, though there are no clouds.

Shikai
Tsuki no Sutōkā Ōkami (Stalking Wolf of the Moon)
Release Command: Unari (Prowl)
Shikai Appearance: The blade becomes sharper and more narrow. It also shines a faint blue. The temperature drops around 10C when released into Shikai.

Shikai Abilities
Kōri no Kiri (Fog of Ice): His Reiatsu is released into a wide-stretching area with a radius of 50 meters around himself. This allows him to precisely sense where foreign Reiatsu is within the fog. The air turns thin and biting.

Bankai: Tsuki no Shuryō Ōkami (Hunting Wolf of the Moon)
Bankai Command: Hoeru (Howl)
Bankai Appearance: The blade becomes sharper and thinner and the blade begins to glow more vibrantly the faint blue hues as well as whites and purples. Upon release, the temperature drops an additional 5C on average and the range and sensitivity of Kōri no Kiri increases notably. It is in Bankai that Kouta's Reiryoku increases from Vast to Legendary. His Zanjutsu Skills all increase from Incredible to Legendary. His Offense and Defense in Hakuda increase from Incredible to Legendary.

Bankai Abilities
Seirei no Yuki (Snow of Spirit):
Anywhere within the range of Kōri no Kiri, snow will fall at a rate he considers necessary at any time. This snow is created by condensing the Reiatsu from the fog into actual snowflakes. This requires his pure abundance of Reiryoku to accomplish as well as much of his focus.
Futan no Hyō (Hail of Burden):
Any one snowflake can erupt into a sizable portion of ice ten times larger than the flake itself. Regardless of its size, it is surprisingly heavy for "ice" and can only be shattered by those with incredible physical strength. Again, this takes a considerable amount of concentration but he can erupt dozens of flakes at his highest level of focus. If activated in the air, it will form in a larger form of the flake it was (which will be quite sharp). If formed upon a person or object, it will encase itself around the body of said person or object.

Themes are Cool

---

Key Facts
Name: Iwakura Osamu
Age: 349 (Appears to be in his mid twenties but worn beyond his years.)
Gender: Male
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
Division: 10th
Rank: Captain (Veteran)

---

Appearance

Standing at six feet the man is tall but not imposing. He is however, rakish even gaunt. Flesh which was naturally slightly pale has been given a touch of grey by too many long nights spent bent over a desk. This is only accentuated by his slightly sunken cheeks and eyes with a firm brow and a hard, hooked nose which could be charitably described as roman. Sometimes, in the right light, he could give the impression of an eagle, but it would have to be a very flattering light.

His dark hair is cut short, largely in the name of function but also to look smart and ordered. Indeed his entire dress and general presentation could always be described as smart, if unconventional. He is permanently clean shaven, exposing a long, tapering jaw with came to a hard and menacing point. His cold, blue eyes stared out, taking in everyone and everything but just close to the pupils lay a slightly mucky ring of gold. Unconfirmed accounts have occasionally said that this golden ring seems to get larger from time to time but that could just be a rumour. Some certainly though, have credited the odd look of a forever burning furnace behind his sharp eyes to this odd golden ring.

As far as his clothing is concerned it varies from occasion to occasion. When formality and tradition are called for he is found wearing the conventional garb of the captain, kept in immaculate condition and without a hint of personalisation. However, most of the time he can be found in what he terms battle dress, even when there is not a hint of a battle around.

Said battle dress has some stylistic similarities to traditional shinigami garb. The torso portion of the garment is identical to it’s more conventional twin. However the sleeves are not loose and billowing but rather tighter to the arm, not skin tight but rather like shirt or jumper. The flowing lower half of the uniform has also been replaced by a pair of black, hard wearing, trousers and the sandals replaced by tough boots. His hands are covered by black, high grip gloves and the slightly low neckline of the garment has been filled in with a fine red scarf that he wears in a manner similar to a cravat. Furthermore he wears a plain breast and back plate for no real practical purpose but rather a symbolic one that will be explained later. The man wears the traditional sash around his waist, also coloured red, but over it he wears a brown leather belt which contains a few pouches. In these he keeps pens, paper, maps, powerful binoculars and other useful tools of command. Even his sword is hung off of his belt rather than his sash in a little spit in the eye of tradition. Even his captain’s cloak is untraditional. It’s as long as all the others and sleeveless, open at the front and with the same designs as his office demands. But it is made of white leather and has a standing collar. In short he looks like a shinigami but a shinigami from a very different time.

---

Personality

The man is a hard worker, a damn hard worker. His rise through the ranks was swift not just because of natural talent but also because of hard graft. The man has foregone many a pleasure all in the name of work. He works long hours, too long, he reads briefings during breakfast and dictates orders at dinner. Even when he seems to be relaxing or idle his brain is running at a hundred miles an hour, churning out new ideas and culling the bad ones just as fast. He is not a total work addict, he sleeps, he goes to the odd social occasion, he plays with his dog. But he works a darn sight harder than most.

With this hard work comes resentment and jealousy. He worked hard to be where he is today and every time he sees similar positions, or indeed any kind of success, just fall in the laps of the undeserving he becomes quietly infuriated. This is especially true of those who benefit from inheritance or tradition, those who obtain high office, wealth or power simply because of who their father was or because their family always held a certain position. The flip side of this is that he is a true egalitarian, giving anyone a chance no matter their background, providing aid and training to the most lowly men, blind to class and birth. Indeed he considers it something of a side mission to better the least off in society.

As part of this he makes frequent displays of unity and equality. He has no need of his breast and back plate but he wears both to establish some form of connection with his NDV who wear such things out of necessity. He will frequently visit men of all ranks, eat with them and try to help them with their problems. He will ask the opinions of many of his junior staff, even if he does not always do what they say, he makes the effort of consultation to foster inclusion and loyalty. Pre the hollow invasion he was also a frequent face in the lower districts, aiding with job creation schemes and attempting to improve education and opportunity by building and funding schools. Now the war effort takes almost all his time but he is still remembered.

He is a revolutionary thinker with bold new designs, radical plans and exciting ideas. The problem is he is also intellectually arrogant and thinks that those who outright oppose him, rather than just propose some modifications to his plans, are in someway mentally inferior. He used to have no talent at all at hiding his contempt towards such men but his time at the academy taught him restraint. Still, he is no diplomat or smooth talker.

The man is well humoured, able to take joy in his daily life even when it is even harder work than normal. He even has a robust sense of humour and is able to take several jokes at his own expense, though every man has his limit. He is not the best at telling jokes but he tries from time to time, always attempting to inject his unique brand of worn enthusiasm into others.

Whilst it would be possible to rattle on for a small age about this man we will conclude with one other, exceptionally important, thing. His dog. Montgomery or Monty. He adores that thing, an Irish Wolf Hound he rescued as a puppy during a moment of odd sentimentality in the first hollow attack. It’s easily his best friend and if you want to see a battle hardened commander reduced to a child at heart you just need to give him Monty and a stick to throw.

---

History

The Iwakura family had never been particularly noteworthy. By the time young Osamu was born the family had obtained modest wealth and an equally modest position. His father, Kyou, was in the rice business and owned a few farms. His mother, Natsuko, had been the heiress to a small fisheries fortune from a once prominent family that had been locked in a gradual economic and social decline for over two centuries. Between them they had three children, of which Osamu was the eldest. He has a younger brother named Ryouichi and still younger sister named Shizuka. The young Osamu had been expected to take over the family business come the proper time, continuing the gradual rise of the family. Indeed for many years it looked as though he would do just that and when he was turning into a man he was already a solid businessman and even better administrator. It was therefore a surprise when he announced his intention to join the ranks of the shinigami and to make a career amongst their illustrious, and occasionally short lived, ranks.

His mother supported the plan, many of her family, had served amongst them. Her enthusiasm however, was particularly surprising to the young Osamu as her own brother had died in their service. Indeed, he had been more reliant on the support of his father, who turned out to be less than impressed and initially thought of the decision as little more than a personal betrayal. Still, due to the diplomatic efforts of his mother, and the fact there was another son to run the business, his plan was eventually supported by his father as well. So, after passing the entrance exams, he joined the academy.

Whilst there he earned a reputation as a hard working young man, exceptionally so. Not only that he was able to acknowledge his weaknesses and was willing to practice them just as much as his strengths. However, whilst humble in his weaknesses he also became known as a tad arrogant in his strengths and would often become intransigent when convinced he was right. He also rubbed the traditionalists and the privileged the wrong way. The traditionalists he annoyed because he was a dangerously revolutionary thinker, some even whispered that he would tear down the 13 divisions if he had his way. The privileged he angered because he could scarcely hide his resentment and anger at the prosperity and life chances they enjoyed simply because of who their parents were. If it weren't for his strong practical and stronger yet, academic, performance he may have been asked to leave. Instead though, one of his tutors taught him the value of shutting up from time to time and so Osamu was able to successfully pass out, and strongly.

He did not however, go to the division many believed he would, indeed even Osamu was surprised. Physically speaking he had been better at speed, precision and agility more than any brute force solution. He also valued highly reconnaissance, small surgical strikes, indeed his entire attitude towards warfare seemed to scream second division. Instead he was assigned to the tenth. He obeyed, as a good shinigami would, but he asked why. For an answer he was directed to his favourite tutor, the very one that had taught him the value of keeping his big yap shut. This other tutor had singlehandedly directed him to the tenth. His reason being that whilst Osamu may have done well in the second he would have been wasted. Even had he rose to the illustrious rank of captain there he would have done well and then died, leaving no real impact, indistinguishable from the other captains of the second. But in the tenth there was real potential for long lasting reform, there he could make a difference more suited to his skills, temperament and designs. Buoyed, even inspired by these words, the young Osamu went into the life of a full-fledged shinigami, filled with zeal and purpose.

His early years in the job proper were marked with the same effort and determination as had distinguished him at the academy. True, he lacked certain social graces and skills but he worked hard and well. As a result he climbed through the ranks in the normal manner, though at a greater than normal speed. He only started to become distinguished when the hollow occupation of the lower districts began. He was the third seat at the time, by the end of the first day he was the second seat, death can make a fast promoter. During the first day he established what became known as the road to salvation, well after the event. Using those men of the tenth he could rally under his direct command he did not join the main fight. Instead he used them to create a corridor of relative safety through which civilians as well vital supplies and equipment, could be ferried to the upper districts. This was no mean feat, not only did it require exceptional organisational skills and quick thinking, it also called for skill at arms and courage. The line was not properly held at the front of the fighting, it never could have been. Hollows seeped through the cracks, flying overhead, burrowing underground, pouring through side streets and back alleys, popping up anywhere and everywhere. It was a constant battle just to keep the road open. Furthermore Osamu would occasionally lead a small group, three other hand picked men, to cut off temples, market buildings, bath houses or other likely places where men would gather in a panic, to try and lead civilians to the road who would have been unable to make it on their own. Osamu kept the road open for as long as the battle went on, gradually creeping back hour after hour, day after day as more of the lower districts were given up to the invaders until eventually, they ended up more or less in the situation they are in today. That battle was a sobering one. It shattered the illusion that the soul society was some impregnable haven and it established the shinigami were actually capable of suffering a truly humiliating defeat. It also turned the perpetual fight against the hollow into a very different type of war. The sheer number of shinigami bodies and wounded that got run up his road was proof of that.

Post invasion Osamu’s efforts were redoubled, he developed a new communication system in conjunction with the twelfth. He designed the organisation and procedure of it all whilst the twelfth made the actual tools. He also created the Neighbourhood Defence Volunteers or NDV, a grandiose term for bands of rag tag militia and tied them in to the new communication network. Their purpose was threefold. First, they were meant as a delay force, low skilled and expendable they would soak up enemy hollow’s time as much as possible, giving true shinigami a chance to properly organise a response to a fresh assault. Secondly, they were designed to create a sense of safety and community spirit. Nervous civilians felt safer with armed men patrolling the streets, men they knew and trusted and they were far too few shinigami to fulfill this role, plus it made people unite against the hollow. This unity would make it much harder for the hollow to recruit men for their forces should they expand into one of these neighbours. Thirdly, they were the proto form of Osamu’s much grander designs, if he could turn the NDV into something halfway respectable and effective one day who knows? He may just be able to turn them into an army and has already dedicated tremendous time to raising their quality and organising them in such a way as that the shinigami of the 10th and the NDV would fight as one unit come a set battle. However, this is but one of his many plans.

Osamu’s rise to the position of captain was born out his superior’s inactivity. He was coming up with bold new ideas and initiatives, though not all of them were popular. Osamu was making improvements, real headway, whilst his boss was content simply to be a strong front line fighter. Such an attitude was appropriate pre invasion but now there was no place for it. The metaphorical death knell for the old captain came when he gave an order in front of his whole division, after which there was a slight pause. Osamu, standing behind the captain, had to give a brief nod of approval to the men before the command was carried out. That silent gesture made it clear the captain had lost all authority and he was quietly transferred to other duties.

With the authority of a captain now learnt to his name Osamu pursued his designs more fervently, the NDV was expanded and shinigami from the tenth were assigned to train these militiamen. He also used the purse strings under his control to give them better equipment. Furthermore he is one of the most ardent supporters of the great recruitment drive for shinigami, insisting the new nature of this war requires ever greater numbers. He is, of course, not deaf to cries that demand quality over quantity. As such he has lobbied for greater investment in the existing academy in order to train more people, argued for the setting up of a preparatory academy which can be quickly set up in order to teach the more basic elements of fighting and living the life of a shinigami and has assigned members of the tenth to assist in the teaching of these new recruits when not fulfilling their other duties. In order to pay for this he has, controversially, suggested levying greater taxes on the wealthy. There are rumours he has other plans, grander still designs, even more radical ideas. But if this is true he has managed to keep it under his hat.

---

Relationships
Below are some of the more notable relationships Osamu has with shinigami society. They by no means include all relationships but give a very definite flavour of how he fits into things.

10th Division: As one would expect he is well liked and respected within his own team, even having won at least the respect of the traditionalists within his own division. Radical as he may be he is a dynamic leader of the team, attempting to drag the division into the foreground after the previous, uninspired, captain.

12th Division: As the captain responsible for organisation Osamu has a disproportionate degree of control over the budget of the entire seireitei and he has always been a supporter of the 12th. He occasionally disagrees with them over research projects and goals and would like projects which support his own plans to receive greater priority. But he accepts that will not always be the case and he believes technology could well be the key to victory in these dark times. As such he has always defended the 12ths funding, even expanding it slightly, on occasion.

2nd division: Though an advocate of broad and sweeping reforms within the 13 divisions the 2nd division is something he has always proposed to leave relatively untouched. Even he believes there will always be a need for such men and so Osamu occasionally draws less ire from here than other divisions. Furthermore he has always slightly admired them. After all, he almost joined them himself.

6th division: His relationship with this team is somewhat odd. He believes there work to be good and necessary, seldom attacking their purpose and asking questions even less often. But this is tempered by a distrust and unease when it comes to certain members of the squad. As such he is often on guard when around them, fearing a strike from within far more than a strike from without.

1st division: If Osamu can get the first division on board with his plans, then his reform program would be near unstoppable. Unfortunately , regardless of whomever happens to be the captain commander at any one moment, the division as whole is reliably traditional. It contains the greatest concentration of old blood and old ways of thinking. The people who would be most useful to him are perhaps his staunchest critics.

House Usagi: Osamu has a strained relationship with all the noble houses. Though not a pauper and with a mother who could be identified as a falling noble, Osamu remains staunchly opposed to privilege, certainly extreme privilege. However, house Usagi would have particular reason to dislike Osamu. The previous captain of the 10th had ties to the Usagi and not only did Osamu replace him under embarrassing circumstances but he also demoted the third and fourth seats, both of whom had loose connections to the house. This tense relationship is something of a shame. They share beliefs in the law, authority and duty. But it would take a good man to reconcile their differences.

---

Abilities
Reiryoku 4 (6 s points) Vast: A man could be forgiven for never spotting his reiryoku, or at least not seeing it. At best it presents as an illusive heat haze but you can taste it, almost feel it. It tastes like cold metal in your mouth with the slightest of currents running through it. At first it is merely unsettling but as time goes by it starts to plague and tease your every sense.

Reiatsu - 4 incredible: this presents itself in a manner very similar to his Reiryoku, though due to it’s use it appears as more intense and forceful. Whilst impressive his reiatsu is not over mighty. Others may feel uncomfortable, even pained, but it would take real conscious effort on his part to make people lose consciousness or anything of that ilk.

Kido - 1 unremarkable: technically proficient, that’s about all that can be said for this skill. He gets the job done but without power or grace, for now any way. This was always one of his greatest frustrations. He values kido highly and can really see it’s use. Unfortunately he lacks natural talent and what he has now is only through sheer effort. One day he hopes to find the key to this power.

Zanjatsu 5 (10s points) legendary: Talent, practice, in field experience. All three came together to make a legendary swordsman. Whilst personal combat was a mode of settling wars that Osamu had hoped to move away from even he could not deny his own prowess, so why waste it? Besides, at the end of the day it will always come down to a man, with something sharp, taking ground. He can adapt to more or less any situation but ideally he would go on the defensive, launching occasional distracting and interruptive strikes to prevent the enemy from stealing the initiative and building up a real flow. This would create more exploitable mistakes that Osamu could explode briefly but violently into.

Offense - 5 legendary: Master’s take lessons from this man, not that he is willing to give away his best secrets. True skill in offense doesn’t lie in heavy or precise blows, though these are both key. What separates the greatest from the good is the ability to prevent or minimise any weakness you may expose yourself to when on the offensive.

Defence -5 legendary : The ultimate aim of a fight is to stay alive long enough to see the other guy die and a solid defence is key to the staying alive part. Better yet is to do this whilst conserving energy. Let the other guy get tired and sloppy whilst you coolly reserve your energy.

Strength - 2 average : Osamu can still hit you decently with his sword, but he always valued speed and technique over raw power. After all, a cutting edge and a deft hand were supposed to make up for a certain lack of strength in your arm. He has not neglected this field but it just isn’t as important to him as the actual technique.

Hakuda 0 (1 s point) not yet learnt : Why hit a man when you can cut him? Honestly, who brings fists to a sword fight?

offense 0 poor: He might hit you, on a good day.

defence 0 poor: He is more likely to just stomach your blows than block them.

Strength 0 poor: He has the same power in his arm as he uses to swing a sword, but the technique for putting it into a blow is sufficiently different that it has little to no impact here.

Kido 3 (5 s point) Master: Again, his lackluster kido skill is his greatest martial frustration and to this day he works to better himself and would gladly take instruction and advice from one more able. He is not the most humble of men but here he shows true humility.

knowledge 2 average : His knowledge of kido is really quite awful, usually he would prefer not to talk about it and it is something he is working on in private. However, he is quite knowledgeable about other things. He is no scientist and he lacks knowledge of many things outside of his wheelhouse but logistics, organisation and strategy are three things he knows well.

intelligence 4 incredible : The man’s bright, exceptionally so, he is observant, has excellent reasoning and deductive skills, a decent memory, generally a fast learning rate , a good strategist and tactician. But most importantly he can use it practically, split second decisions on the field do not phase this man. Indeed he considers these types of skills to be the most important talents of a senior shinigami. Such a shame he has difficulty applying it to kido.

Ho ho 3 (3 s point) master: Speed and maneuverability are key to victory and the shunpo, along with it’s ilk, is perhaps it’s most deadly application. He would have been remiss not to develop this talent and he would have liked to develop it further. But alas there are only so many hours in the day and he probably spent a bit too much time on kido, unwilling to accept defeat.

mobility 5 Legendary: He is fast, damn fast. Worse still he is precise and unpredictable, able to exploit tiny gaps and openings in ways few would ever expect. Hard to hit, hard to evade, hard to see sometimes and occasionally it’s even hard to believe that not every joint in his body is a ball joint. If you don’t think this guy can get into a gap, you're wrong.

---

Zanpakutō

Name: Yōyū tenpesuto (Molten Tempest)

Sealed Zanpakutō Appearance:
The blade looks like an unremarkable katana whilst sealed, though it feels lighter in the users hand without sacrificing strength. The scabbard is made of treated ebony, with red dyed ivory comprising the hardened top and bottom portion of said scabbard. This same ivory makes up the main body of the grip, with black cloth wrapped around it in the traditional style. The hilt, is of course, made out of a more durable metal but it has been stained black for seemingly no other reason than stylistic continuity.

Element/Type: Metal, Long Range Mele

Personality: Devious

Spirit Appearance and Inner Realm: The spirit realm that this sword inhabits has been dubbed the crystalline wood by Osamu. It seems to be an endless forest of leafless trees, each one made out of strange, luminescent, crystals. Every tree gives of a slightly different kind of light, a light which gently shifts, strengthens and fades, creating an odd slow dance of colour amongst the trees. A thick mist, almost fog, covers the forest and upon the ground is a dense layer of mist, one or two inches deep, which is so thick a man cannot see the ground. This can be particularly dangerous as the ground has great cracks and fissures within it, some so deep that seething bubbling lava can be heard below, manifesting as glowing patches in the mist.

The spirit itself seems to manifest out of the mist, when complete he appears to be a tall creature of impossible proportions, long legs and longer arms that reach almost to the ground along with a neck that slope’s up seamlessly into his head, making it seem he has almost no neck at all. The spirit is always a dark, shadowy shape with no distinguishable features aside from dull, yellow eyes. Any effort to make out more detail is frustrated by the fact he seems to be eternally out of focus, no matter how much you concentrate on him.

Shikai

Release Command: Watashi no teki o yakiharau (Burn Away My Foes)

Shikai Appearance and ability: The blade seems to elongate slightly and shift a tiny amount closer to a design similar to a dark age eastern European cavalry sword. The grip curves down slightly to make it more readily manipulated and able to be held better in one hand. However, the grip also lengthens slightly to allow for a comfortable two handed grip should Osamu chose. The blade itself seems to heat up to red hot levels, with the outermost layers becoming a nonconductive semi liquid with crusty black flakes floating atop it, akin in appearance to lava. Every now and again a small drop may fall from the blade only to fade away after a few moments whilst the blade itself never seems to lose any mass.

The raw heat coming from the blade grants it a far keener cutting edge as does the increase in spiritual power that flows through the metal, allowing it to slice through defences more readily than the blade in it’s sealed state. Of course, it is not perfect and a particularly staunch defence will still stop it. Another Captain’s blade in an equivalent release, potentially the strongest substance known to shinigami, could stomach a few blows before failing. As a by-product of this heat anything the blade touches or passes extremely close too is liable to combust. This applies only to readily flammable materials such as wood, fabrics, alcohol and so on.

The second major element of the shikai release is also tied to the blade’s near molten state. By swinging the sword with some degree of vigour a wave or ripple of the molten metal is flung off at great speeds and propelled in whichever direction momentum carries it. Broad strokes create broad arcs of metal whilst thrusts create smaller, finger like darts of liquid metal. Just like the blade itself the metal is charged with reiatsu and is exceptionally hot and so has good penetrative power. However, it is not as powerful as the blade itself, possessing roughly two thirds of the power. The molten metal stays in existence for about twenty seconds before it simply fades away. Should the metal come to rest on an object before it fades away it stays there and burns for the remainder of the twenty seconds. This liquid metal can be flung roughly 15 meters.
It should be noted that at no point during 1st or 2nd releases can the metal harm Osamu, the blade isn’t stupid enough to burn it’s owner.

Bankai
Bankai Name: Yōkō no kawa (River of Liquid Steel)

Bankai Appearance: The blade itself is unchanged in dimensions but is no longer made of glowing red semi molten metal but is now made of white hot liquid metal. The heat coming off of the thing is immense and just as before occasionally the metal appears to be dripping off of it, though only to be instantly replaced so the blade never loses it’s substance. Indeed now small constant trickles of metal appear to be falling off and cooling rapidly. Just as before the extreme heat lends a still keener edge to the weapon, allowing it to cut through things far more readily. Just as before an opposing Captain’s blade in an equivalent release would likely stand up to a few hits before failing, depending on the nature of the blade, strength of the hits, duration of contact and so on. Furthermore, it still poses a risk of combusting objects it passes close to though now it does so more readily. Easily combustible objects light up from roughly a meter away instead of centimetres and at close range hard to light objects may start warping, show signs of heat fatigue or even start to smoulder and burn depending just where on the scale of combustibility they sit.

Just as before hard swings, thrusts and flicks throw off liquid metal which now stays in existence for roughly 30 seconds. Just as before the metal, once separate from the blade, is less powerful but it’s power has now increased in proportion with the blade. More importantly, the metal can now fly faster and further, up to a distance of 30 meters.

With the bankai comes a third ability. The sword is capable of generating a large amount of excess liquid metal which can flow off of the blade and onto Osamu as he wills. In total enough excess metal can be created to cover two thirds of his body. This metal is as resilient as his sword when dealing with both physical and reiatsu based attacks. The metal can move across his body according to Osamu’s will but does not automatically respond to threats, Osamu has to notice the threat and respond to it. Since the metal is liquid it does not restrict his movement but it should be noted he cannot see through the metal or breathe through the metal. This means his eyes and mouth will almost always be exposed and if he does chose to cover them it will only be for a short time or else he will be fighting blind or gently suffocating. Similarly he cannot hear through the metal, he can however, feel through it.

In order to retain control of the metal there must at least be some tiny tendril of liquid metal feeding back to the sword. If that tendril is cut or he loses his grip on his sword the metal will fade away after roughly 30 seconds, just as with the offensive flicks and ripples of metal. Should this liquid metal be covering one of his extremities then he can swing that extremity in a manner similar to a swing or thrust of his sword. This will create an ark of flying liquid metal just as if he had swung his sword. Since this requires a definite and clear movement he is practically limited to four such attacks at any one moment, one per limb. In dire circumstances he can even take some of the liquid metal into his mouth and spit it out, though just as with normal spit this would struggle to go beyond 75cm and is more often used as a last ditch effort if he has been locked into some sort of grapple or stalemate. It should also be noted that this metal remains just as hot as his sword.

Furthermore he can use this liquid metal to create crude or simple shapes which can extend up to a maximum of 1.5 meters from his own body. Just as before these shapes must in some way remain connected to both his body and the sword and the metal used to create such shapes must be drawn from the pool of metal protecting his body, inevitably sacrificing some protection.

Kanashii Piero

Alias: Jester
Age Appearance: Late twenties.

Born to house Usagi, given name Raizel, he was a good child. Focused on living up to the expectations of both his parents and the peers. Never would he question his elders and he would never dare to question the teachings of his grandfather’s techniques.
Entering into the academy, he strived to continue the name of his noble house. Being one of the exceptional students he tried to make a name for himself, but all he could do was find himself constantly compared to another, or in constant competition with ghost of students past. But when they put him at odds with a student, not his family, he found himself able to compete with more than just numbers on paper.
Getting older, he found himself lacking any more interest in anything that wasn't doable with hilt in hand. His grades began to reflect it, though he was not in jeopardy in the other fields of study, he was no longer competing to be the best in them. More he was doing them to get them out of his way. Training with his own sword knowing that his name matters more than the Usagi. He was him not “They”!
His sparring partners grew more and more timid. One incident where his rival had the idea to use banter to throw him off his game ended with Raizel removing both his jaw and tongue in one swing. He was reprimanded for lack of restraint, and this limiter was placed back on him, where an Usagi should not need to be told such.
A teacher, Akimoto, constantly tried to dull his blade, never in the young Usagis life had he met someone so foolish. Restraint, looking after the weaker ones, protection....Such childish notions, but he could not deny the man’s skills. It wasn't just experience, it was like he could read him. He understood something about Usagi that he didn't understand himself.
Akimoto never got his true point across, but his constant lessons did serve to teach that the best way to win was to understand. Empathy became something of a skill and also helped open his mind to the weeping of his blade. The three Ladies that form the spirit in his blade helped him truly understand what his reflection was. Not of the Raizel Usagi, but of Kanashii Piero!
The mistress in his blade showed him the sword style he had learned was obsolete, that the House Usagi was obsolete. The academies teachings where dated! It was all a relic of a bygone era! He struggled with their voices flooding his mind, with their conflicting ideas, opinions on his allies and his rivals. It seemed as though he was to snap at any moment. But on the surface he looked calm and ready, only Akimoto seemed to notice his internal struggles.
Much to Akimoto's dismay, he was sent out to do field studies. On the first mission, he and his group where surrounded, something that would send most students into a panic. It sent Piero into a paradise. A sparring partner in which he would show no restraint, a partner whom he could show up and not be ridiculed for lack of compassion. He at last had an enemy. His squad mentioned how in a 7 slashes he had killed 10 hollows. Piero would remember it as the truest reflection of his self.
After setting a record for number of hollows cleansed in a night and one of the few to cleanse a Menos. But his squad mates noted that he would use them as bait and or even worse leave them behind while he would "Hunt." The Menos altercation left his comrades corpses and he returned with a rather satisfied smile. "It is in our moments closest to death we see our soul reflected upon our swords."
He went on to join the 11th division despite its captain being very vocal of the sub-rate family he comes from. Piero took it for almost a decade but plenty of ridicule and fighting with the captain helped him achieve his Bankai. A quick and clear lesson to the Captain: He is not an Usagi. He Is Kanashii Piero!

---

2: 2, 2
5: 5, 4, 2
0: 4, 0, 2
0: 2, 4
4: 3
(Well format tomorrow I had forgotten this was still pending)

---

Element is Light. His weapon is based on Mirrors and the reflection of light.

His weapon the Wareta Kagami prior to release is a tri bladed weapon. Two short swords and a single hidden blade in his right boot. The hilts on the blades are bound with a dark red cloth, rather than the fine leather that most have, the hidden blade for those that have seen it, note that it is long enough that if its going to do more than hurt.
When the blade releases into Shikai, it takes the form of twin Crimson swords connected by a onyx chain. The blade that was once in his shoe becomes a freely moving 3 foot Gullitotine that freely moves along the chain.
The first ability of the Shikai is called "Distorted reflection." All three of the blades begin to refract light making it appear as if the blades are shifting in both size and shape. The Guitine itself appears much smaller than it actually is, making it seem as if they are being cut by thin air. The second ability is much more Direct. "Hindrance" The blades being releasing flashes of bright light attempting to blind the enemy.

The second release, or Bankai is named Shin'ni han'ei (true reflection)
Is one that came with great clarity to the wielder and thanks to the sword he was able to become what he is today. (Take that as you will). The three blades Become one smooth Red Katana. And he is joined by a Green version of himself and a blue version of himself, and he himself takes on a red hue. The three primiary colors of the spectrum.
His duplicates are equal to him and much to the opponents dismay can not be hurt directly (they react to being stabbed and cut correctly but it doesn't stop them it simply delays them, in addition they are linked to him so they see and hear what he does and vice versa. (The use of this Bankai was extremely taxing on his mind, when he first used it, he fought himself more than anything else.)

If you are cut by one of the three, your ability to perceive their color is taken from you, its temporary, but when you cant see any form of the color yellow. It becomes harder to understand depth of field and your location. Do to his duplicates being of simply one color following their blade is almost impossible for those without excellent sword play. The feed back from this is referred to as the true self, all the pain suffering and effort that happens to the duplicates smashes into his mind. Providing information that he may have not known, like how much the sharp end of a sword feels....

He can combine with his colors to change his weapon, yellow (making him orange) gives a Kunai and chain. Blue (making him purple) wields a pair of tonfas, or he combines blue and yellow to make a green, that wields a spear. He can not combine with both at one time, as of yet.

He can turn it off manually, but if to much damage is taken his sword will forcefully shut itself down knowing the feed back will kill him otherwise. In addition if he is maimed or knocked out, the two act as wings to fly him away.