【Akimoto Taiki】
~"The difference between loss and sacrifice is intent. The difference between killing and protecting is intent."~
【Personal Info】
【Name: Akimoto (First Autumn), Taiki (Great Brightness)
【Nicknames: Akimoto-san
【Age: 2082
【Age Appearance: 38
【Gender: Male
【Race: Junsei
【Rank: Veteran Captain
【Division: 0
【Appearance】
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Eyes: Blue-gray
Hair: Maroon/Auburn
Head: Square shape, sharp features, wide nose, thick brows, pronounced brow ridge, medium-large ears, wide and prominent chin, tall forehead, prominent cheekbones, high-and-tight hairstyle, beard along jawline light and lengthens toward chin, full and separated mustache, sideburns fade to hairline.
Torso: Powerful and lean musculature, wide shoulders, long and wide hands/fingers, natural body/underarm hair, no back hair, scar from backside of left shoulder across to the front and continues toward middle of chest with slight downward direction and the illusion of tearing.
Legs: Powerful and lean musculature, natural leg hair extending to top of feet's arches, relatively larger feet considering his height, scar traveling down right thigh and around to the back center of calf.
Attire: Standard Shihakusho hakama, but no kosode or shitagi. White linen wrappings over knuckles and up to the elbow (but not covering). White linen foot wrappings from around arch to the knee (but not covering) that hold in the ends of the hakama, allowing slight billowing at the knee. Otherwise barefoot. His sleeveless haori hangs from his waist, held up by a wide rusty orange sash. It is fastened at the neck of the garment and facing out so the Royal Guard insignia and haori border are seen. It ends where the hakama is tied into the white linen wrappings around the lower legs.
【Biography】
Hakuda. The martial art exclusive to the Shinigami. None know when it was first invented since all martial records refer to any instance of hand-to-hand combat as "Hakuda." There are many areas in this art in which one may specialize, but all have been developed under the name of "Hakuda" and thus continues to be referred to as such. Even those of Division 0 cannot remember a time when Hakuda was not the sole martial art taught in the Shin'ō Academy. There are, however, a notable few who have dedicated their existence to the further development of the art.
Akimoto is one such individual. He and Seicho Jusuina (at the time Captains of the 5th and 2nd Divisions, respectively) spent much of their time sparing against each other and training disciples to continue their teachings. There would be events and even tournaments for all to test their skills in Hakuda, of which Akimoto and Seicho eventually oversaw and judged.
Before that, however, there was a long span of peace within the Seireitei and even the World of the Living. As seated officers, they often met up to test their physical capabilities against each other and work themselves to near-death. Seicho continued to seek a pure offensive technique that could overwhelm any defense. Akimoto only had aspirations to increase his endurance and defensive techniques that could outlast any offense. Seicho developed blinding speed and impossible strength. Akimoto, too possessed impossible strength, but never seemed to use it. His ability to anticipate Seicho's movements and exert little energy to defend against her attacks worked well with his physical resilience. It wasn't unusual that they would leave a section of the Seireitei in dust after a particularly grueling day of training.
Their main difference was their Zanpakuto. Akimoto's didn't forsake his physical skills for a power entirely unrelated. Seicho's did. Because of this, Akimoto had a great relationship with his Zanpakuto Spirit where as Seicho neglected hers. This would be her downfall when they were sent to the Rukongai in search of an individual with destructive levels of Reiryoku. Her attempt to subdue the berserker with only her body proved exactly what the individual could disintegrate, vaporize. Not even Akimoto understands what exactly occurred that day. But the Gotei 13 lost a talented Captain that day.
Long trials with the Central 46 ended with Akimoto being transferred to Division 0. His contributions to Hakuda were apparently notable enough to attract the attention of the Soul King. There wasn't much left for him in the Gotei 13. So the change came at an opportune time.
Not only was there a culture shock, there was a shock to his Zanpakuto and the spirit held within. It was here he learned about the ancient practice of the Shinkaku. He also learned it was developed at the same time Hakuda and Zanjutsu was developed, something any records in the Seireitei could not describe.
With the blessing of his Zanpakuto spirit, he spent a millenia working toward the manifestation of himself, rather than a single aspect. She told Akimoto she'd see him again, and he did. The first Meiji he perfected was that of the very aura of his once-Zanpakuto's spirit. But there was a tremendous power he'd never felt behind it. When he'd perfected Bankai, he couldn't imagine he'd lacked this much potential.
Rumors began to spread, but Akimoto remained diligent in his training. Fringe groups began to form, and he pushed the limits of his body and spiritual capabilities, unlocking the potential to perform Baizō Meiji. Many Shinigami descended upon the Seireitei, and he'd perfected perfect fluidity between his Meiji. Then he was called to dissuade the Fringes and return them to the Soul Palace. Without hesitation, he transferred to the Seireitei where he hadn't stepped foot in for almost two millenia.
Once so removed from the energies of the universe due to being so focused on himself, he could feel the chaos and impending doom upon them all. He knew not from where it came or what it's source was. But he held some conviction that the Fringes could be correct in their rash decisions.
【Capabilities】
Vast Reiryoku
Through strict discipline and daily regiments, a body naturally acquires a level of Reiryoku in order to sustain their spiritual presence and potency. There are few with a well of Spiritual Energy of such a depth as Akimoto, and even fewer who've surpassed it. As a result, he tends to infuse his body with Reiryoku for the smallest of tasks so he can maintain a level of energy without it spilling out against his will.
When not in a state of release, Akimoto can train for 12 hours with occasional 5-minute breaks. However, his released forms require much energy. Still, he's capable of employing two Meiji simultaneous for thirty minutes. Past this point, the releases immediately disengage without his will.
Releases that prey on the mental capacities of their opponent have a rather difficult time affecting Akimoto. He has the ability to meditate for up to eight hours without growing restless (though this is largely due to his naturally active personality and tendencies). There are few things he's never been able to see through, and none that have ever been witnessed.
Legendary Reiatsu
Rusted copper and brilliant sunsets are the manifestations of Akimoto's Reiryoku. It's just as warm as it looks but tends to have the taste of metal and the ash of a campfire. It feels light, however, but is rather opaque.
At its lightest, it can feel calming. This is when petals of a pale orange seem to bloom and fly from his body as if taken by the wind. At its heaviest, it can burn to ash all in its vicinity almost immediately, though this requires almost all of his Reiryoku to sustain for a duration of about 10 seconds. This is when he is engulfed in an impossible bonfire of a deep orange and rust.
Akimoto is known to exert a constant stream of Reiryoku that, due to its naturally calming nature, is notable. It's so insignificant to the amount of Reiryoku he stores that it doesn't deplete his Reiryoku to any evident degree. In fact, he's able to sustain this level of Reiryoku without consequence. It's also not uncommon for him to use his Reitsu's abilities to: start fires, when needed; to play a little jest (though this is a very rare occurrence); or to deescalate situations where appropriate.
Legendary Resilience
All his training has translated into lifestyle choices that reinforce an almost exclusively vegan diet, meditation to focus and still the mind. This creates a fortitude of body and mind that is almost impossible to taint or influence.
No Talent in Zanjutsu
Any hand-to-hand martial artist can employ any weapon as if the extension of one's own hand. However, with so much focus on his own body and his form as well as the utter lack of physically employable Meiji, Akimoto has utterly forgotten any skill associated with armed combat. With so much skill and utility of his physical being, there is no real reason to arm himself with anything other than his own body.
No Talent in Kenjutsu
Any weapon is employed like a blunt instrument and without any kind of finesse or tact. Any kind of parry against him will likely disarm him of whatever weapon he, for any reason, would be using a weapon.
Angles and leverage are lost to him. A weapon is a foreign concept that is handled with the awkwardness of a child. Though his grip can withstand great force, it would be unlikely that he'd be able to block any kind of attack with a weapon of any kind.
No Resonance
Without a Zanpakuto, there is nothing with which to resonate. Though he once had a very high resonance with his Zanpakuto, that Resonance was lost when he unlocked his abilities for Shinkaku. Any resonance he once held was turned into a focus on his Alignment and Hakuda abilities.
Hakuda Legend
One such as he needs no explanation as to his talent for anything Hakuda. He spent almost all of his time within the Gotei sustaining the branch of Hakuda he developed long before entering the Gotei. Kori no Tate is his go-to for any combat situation and he would be hard-pressed to fall out of this technique.
Taijutsu Legend
Despite his despise for anything offensive, his centuries of perfecting his defensive skills has translated to his astounding level of understanding any offensive techniques. He understands that sometimes an offensive technique must be applied in the place of traditional defense. Regardless, there is little strategy or tact.
There is virtually no attack or strike against which he cannot defend. After millenia of study, practice, and training, his ability to react to strikes, whether obvious or slighted, is nearly perfect. Though he is intimately knowledgeable about deflecting and redirection, he will usually block or meet the attack with some kind of counter. He's often referred to as an "immovable object" that has yet to see an "unstoppable force."
Legendary Strength
Dedicating oneself to everything defense might make one assume physical strength is not a priority. Akimoto makes this assumption a fallacy. He must be impossibly strong to withstand blunt attacks without deflecting or redirecting them. This has translated quite well into his ability to disintegrate a foe when need be.
No Talent in Kidō
His time in the Shinigami Academy was spent continuing to improve his Hakuda while also acquiring skills in Zanpakuto, however slowly. He would have been expelled from the academy if he didn't learn at least the simplest of Kido spells, which he did so reluctantly. After barely graduating the Academy, he forsook any further practice of the art. Regardless, he respects Kido immensely and holds an appropriate level of reverence toward it.
No Stability
Regardless of the fact he has notable skill in Kido, any spell he would cast wouldn't be able to hold the power of his Reiryoku without outside assistance.
Transcending Alignment
The discipline of a Martial Artist is renown in any culture and on any plane. Akimoto is one of the highest examples of this. His existence has been that of training to protect, protecting those he respects, and fighting those who wish to take from him or those he respects. He holds himself to a very high level, higher than most ever even consider. His training regiment is ludicrous to all and insane to some, to the point to being considered utterly excessive and obsessive.
This passion to pursue the perfection of one's physical and mental body has helped him to understand everything about himself. He understands what he lacks and why. He understands what he's best in and what he can improve over time. He understands what he doesn't understand and he is constantly seeking knowledge of what he has the most knowledge about. He has revived Hakuda from a state of complacency and comatose, to one of the most underappreciated and powerful skills one can attain.
Hohō Master
If not for the his own training, he wouldn't be as skillful in Hohō as much as he is. Most of his skill in Shunpō comes from the strength in his legs and body. If he exerted any more Reiryoku to further power his Shunpō, it would be far too easy to track his movements as a trail would be left behind that could both be easily seen and felt. Because of this, his own technique of Karada no Kabe is often employed, which is largely the reason for his reputation as an "immovable object."
Legendary Mobility
Someone with so much power is likely to lack flexibility, adaptability, and overall agility. Akimoto has surpassed these perceived bodily limitations as well.
Legendary Perception
With such an intimate level of one's own body and physical ability and capability, Akimoto can quickly gauge others' movements, direction, and intent. He can skillfully spar with any individual (up to ten) while blindfolded and come out victorious. His keen senses enables him to miss almost nothing.
【Techniques】
Ikkotsu (一骨, Single Bone)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single one-handed punch that has the potential to disintegrate a target's defenses made of Reiryoku around the immediate area from the point of contact. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Sōkotsu (双骨, Double Bone)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single two-handed punch that has the potential to disintegrate a target's entire body. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Ikyari (一槍, Single Spear)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single one-elbow strike that has the potential to disintegrate a target's defenses made of Reiryoku around the immediate area from the point of contact. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Sōyari (双槍, Double Spear)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single two-elbow strike that has the potential to disintegrate a target's entire body. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Ikishi (一石, Single Stone)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single one-footed kick that has the potential to disintegrate a target's defenses made of Reiryoku around the immediate area from the point of contact. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Sōishi (双石, Double Stone)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single two-footed kick that has the potential to disintegrate a target's entire body. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Ikkan (一幹, Single Trunk)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single one-knee strike that has the potential to disintegrate a target's defenses made of Reiryoku around the immediate area from the point of contact. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Sōkan (双幹, Double Trunk)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single two-knee strike that has the potential to disintegrate a target's entire body. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Tesshō (鉄掌, Iron Palm)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Specialist | Legendary* Physical Strength
A single one-handed open-palmed strike that has the potential to shatter or break through a target's defenses made of Reiryoku around the immediate area from the point of contact. This technique is not difficult in it's execution. The difficulty is developing the Physical Strength in which to disintegrate such defenses.
Dantōude (断頭腕, Decapitation Arm)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Master | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Master | Legendary* Physical Strength
This technique is Hakuda's form of a guillotine. With arms parallel to the ground and palms flat, both hands swing toward and then past each other at the neck of the target. The force is enough to sever the target's head from their body.
Daihitsuji (大羊, Big Sheep)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Practitioner | Legendary* Physical Strength
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Practitioner | Legendary* Physical Strength
A simple full-body tackle with the potential to shatter or break through physical or spiritual defenses.
Hashiraichi (柱位置, Pillar Position)
Legendary* Reiryoku - Hakuda Adept | Legendary* Physical Strength - Legendary* Resilience
Legendary* Reiryoku - Hakuda Adept | Legendary* Physical Strength - Legendary* Resilience
The Horse Stance equivalent for Hakuda. Though it is considered the "ultimate defense" in Hakuda, one cannot move much while utilizing this technique. It is also limited to maneuvers utilizing blunt or slashing damage.
Shūryō (終了, End)
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Expert | Legendary* Physical Strength - Adequate Mobility - Legendary* Resilience
Vast Reiryoku - Hakuda Expert | Legendary* Physical Strength - Adequate Mobility - Legendary* Resilience
This is a static grapple where both the user and target are locked into each other. Movement from either user or target is halted by the user. However, the user is capable of breaking bones and/or dislocating joints.
Karadakabe (体壁, Body Wall)
Vast Reiatsu - Hohō Learner | Legendary* Resilience - Good Mobility
Vast Reiatsu - Hohō Learner | Legendary* Resilience - Good Mobility
A form of Shunpo unique to Akimoto. The user moves so quickly and in such a way that they become a blurred wall that is meant to entrap or simply block an opponent, an attack, or multiple of either or both. The user's Resilience must be at a tier equal to or greater than the attack(er)s intended to withstand.
Arashishinjū (嵐心中 (Storm Heart), Heart of the Storm)
Legendary* Reiryoku - Hakuda Master | Adequate Mobility, Legendary* Resilience
Legendary* Reiryoku - Hakuda Master | Adequate Mobility, Legendary* Resilience
Considered the ultimate defense. This technique requires the user to fall into a moving meditation that perfectly follows and counters the flow of battle with deft movements, perfectly-timed dodges, and flawless parries or counter-strikes. The user's Reiryoku and Resilience varies depending on the attacker's quality and quantity of attacks.
【Shinkaku】
"Shinkaku - Tentōsama Kyōi!"
"True Vessel - Sun Wonder!"
"True Vessel - Sun Wonder!"
Seitai (聖体, Holy Body)
Akimoto's body becomes surrounded in a deep and relatively transparent orange aura that takes the shape of a humanoid bird (specifically, a phoenix). This aura increases his natural speed, strength, and resilience. It also allows him "flight" as opposed to condensing Reiatsu or Reishi under his feet.
Tsugunai no Honō (償い炎 (Redemption Flame), Blaze of Atonement)
These are the purifying fires of the Phoenix. They "burn away" negativity, but only when directed at Akimoto (this includes being part of a group and the attack is directed at the group). When surrounded by these flames, he has major immunity to psychological and physical attacks.
Seimeiro (生命露, Life Dew)
These are the tears of the Phoenix made manifest. These tears are directly proportionate to Akimoto's Resilience. These tears can heal a superficial cut in about 1 second where the healing of a broken bone will take the time of 1 day (with continuous "contact"). Muscle repair depends on the size and severity of the damage. These tears can only heal physical wounds, but will repair multiple injuries separately, so the healing time does not increase exponentially when healing several wounds. The tears also cannot heal while the body of the patient is active.