[OOC] Bleach: The Hollowing

[Phoenix]

Open for Applications
GMs: Phoenix
Co-GMs: Oblivion

An increase in Hollows usually doesn't call for the increase in recruiting Shinigami. However, when they open a Garganta into the Rukongai directly and devastate the upper districts and take partial control of the lower districts, something must be done. Not only have the Espada declared full-out war against the Gotei 13, but they are, ultimately, winning. With their own world as the battlefield and Arrancar recruit lower-district spirits to fight against the loyalists of the upper districts, the enemy still has enough man-power to harrass the jurechi, currently Galway, Ireland, and the surrounding cities to keep them in an impressive amount of distress. This unusual increase of Hollows, in general, is rumored to stem from the blasphemous era in which the Living World is currently experiencing.

Technology has come and gone in the World of the Living. With collapses of governments due to insufficient resources, many nations have claimed independence and keep in neutrality. Eerily enough, the rest of the world has followed suit, it seems, and even the most developed nations have reverted back to subsistence farming. It's the most peaceful, and silent, the world has ever been. Still, education is a privilege and one that is not given out freely, as nations in the past have done. It is not completely inaccessible for most children, but the work on the farms outweighs that of education. For a full mind does not quench thirst or stave off hunger. Regardless of the ceaseless attacks upon Galway, they seem to flourish in this environment as they have for hundreds of years. Quincies and Full Bringers band together to keep their lands purged of the dangers the Hollows create. Lore has been born to prevent the creation of Hollows and to keep them away.

Within the Seireitei, prospective Shinigami are, quite literally, hunted for efforts against Hollows and into Hueco Mundo. Many of the Captains, having been in such a position for too long, some might say, are rightfully displeased with this almost superfluous effort against the Arrancars and their leaders, the Espada. Some believe in working for quality versus quantity while others avidly enforce the search for greater numbers within the ranks of Shinigami. With a civil war in their back yard and the need to keep safe their greatest hope, the upper districts, numbers are doing much more than holding back the Hollows, for now it seems. The 12th Division is looking for ways to secretly invade Las Oscuridades, the base of the Espada. So far, the current Senkaimon are unable to penetrate the barrier, unlike the Garganta.

The Espada are stretched thin in numbers, though their control over the flow of battle remains intact. The Gotei 13 and the World of the Living would not know of lessening numbers, however, and this facade of an unending wave of Hollowed spirits remains strong. Their goals aren't clear to the other two dimensions and is still hazy even among the Espada who work as a council for themselves in spite of the exiled Lord of Hueco Mundo, of whom has remained hidden for centuries and is only rumored about among those in power. More rumors suggest that this Lord is against the attacks on the Rukongai and the World of the Living due to the imbalance could create. However, a counter argument continues that with the increasing number of Shinigami and the rate at which Hollows are sealed that the balance remains stagnant. This is purely in the hands of the Shinigami to keep this balance, as would be most obvious. Purhaps a collective stubbornness blinds them.[/hider]

Setting: The focus of this RP will be upon the Captains and their Lieutenants and how they combat the invading Hollow Army. Any seated, unseated, or Academy students will be NPCs and making a PC for one of them is not ideal. This RP will also NPC all Hollows and Arrancars and will not go into the World of the Living making FullBringers and Quincies NPCs as well. If there is to be a prominent PC character for any of these NPC categories, then they should be of the top three tiers, listed below. To clarify, I'm not disallowing these races, they are just not pertinent to this particular RP at this time. They can and probably will change as the RP continues.

At the opening of the RP, the war will have been going on for 100 years, though there will be an intro describing a short time before that. All Divisions will have their jobs and specialties and this will dictate their role in the war currently, which will be described in the first post of the IC. Captains will be able to describe what their Division would currently be doing in regards to their "duties" and Lieutenants will be able to lead a certain aspect of these duties. Relationships among colleagues should also be noted, if only they are superficial.

If there is enough interest/desire to play as any "NPC" types, I shall create a separate RP for that section of the war but keep the same parameters. The point of narrowing this RP to only the Gotei is to make it easier to RP for those involved.

Statistics

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.

Releases

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.

Noble Houses

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.

Characters:
First Division (Generals):

Captain-Commander Kaito Kuroda

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.

Lieutenant [OPEN]

Second Division (Assassins):
Captain Yukihiro Yue
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Third Division (Diplomats):
Veteran Captain [OPEN] Matsuoka Tsubas (m)
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Fourth Division (Healers):
Veteran Captain [OPEN] Sato Rokuryou (m)
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Fifth Division (Hakuda):

Veteran Captain Akimoto Taiki

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.

Lieutenant Ueshima Yuzuki

Sixth Division (Enforcement):
Veteran Captain [OPEN] Akiyama Yasu (f)
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Seventh Division (Hoho):
Captain [OPEN] Nakamura Yuuta (m)
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Eighth Division (Information):
Captain [OPEN] Hakkin Kiyoko (f)
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Ninth Division (Ceremony):
Captain [OPEN] Maki Shiori (m)
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Tenth Division (Organization):
Captain Iwakura Osamu
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Eleventh Division (Zanjutsu):
Captain Kanashii Piero
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Twelfth Division (Research):
Captain [OPEN] Hayashi Ume (f)
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Thirteenth Division (Kido):
Veteran Captain [OPEN] Kawaguchi Akio (f)
Lieutenant [OPEN]

Other Characters:

Akimoto Kouta

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.

[Anderiel]

8th Division

Themes are Cool

Name: Captain Hakkin, Kiyoko
Nicknames/Titles: Niji, Chiizu, Chiisai, and by those in her squad Kiyoko-chan
Gender: Female
Age Appearance: 17-18
Division: Eighth
Rank: Captain

---

Personality: Kiyoko is likely to be the least respected, and even less feared of the all the captains. Known for her overly optimistic attitude and immature qualities she is often questioned to really be the captain of the seventh division, which she does not mind in the slightest. For you see, Kiyoko dislikes negativity more than anything- her squad despite being in charge of investigation are known to be the most cheerful and carefree of all the Gotei-13 in which they admit openly, and her captain wouldn't like it any other way. Should you take a trip to the Eighth Division Barracks you'd be surrounded by smiling shinigami referring to their captain as Kiyoko-chan, messing around on their free time within the colorfully decorated barracks.

And if you may disagree with her ideals, go ahead, she is not the type to shoot down the opinions of others. Might you feel she should be more serious and set an example for her recruits, she would agree with you, because in reality this is true. But Kiyoko would also say that she believes the only way to live your life, is happily. And thus, she will continue to lead her squad in their endeavors with smiles on their faces because that's how it is for them.

There is another side to Kiyoko however, an opposing to the happy-go-lucky self. It is rare to see, though some of the captains that have battled alongside her have caught a glimpse of it. Though it's rather hard to determine what triggers this turn of persona, many have theorized that the loss of comrades is what initially causes this transformation. As childish as it may seem, the bonds that Kiyoko makes is what keeps the girl together, outside of that she is slightly unstable underneath her wraps. The instability is why she is so effective at her job as the head of Information however, the girl obsessively seeks that which she does not know and will jumps through hoops infinitely to obtain the knowledge she seeks. Those of her squad have named this phenomenon ODC, Obsessive Detective Complex.

So, in conclusion- might you come across this unimpressive, smiling lass, though she may not scare you, or give off a vibe of threatening presence, it may be best to watch what you say. While it is not guaranteed, it is likely that this girl is already well educated on all of your innermost secrets.

---

History: The 79th District of North Rukongai, the differences between it and the next district are few besides the amount of bodies tossed aside the road. But of course it does not have the right to be titled 'The Worst' as it is not, though that does not mean that this district is a fine place to have a picnic with your family, because it has every right to be called 'Horrible' because every district that close to the center is very much that. Kiyoko was sent here at a young age upon death, having little significance and no one she knew the only thing she could do was search for food and shelter on her own. This was not uncommon in her particular district though, and many orphaned children gathered together forming somewhat makeshift families of their own. But even then, things were hard, the world around them had an aura of insanity about it that tends to rub off the denizens of that lived there.

Kiyoko was fortunate enough to find one of these families, it was lead by a boy seeming to just scratch the surface of teenhood named Takuma. Their family was small at first, but very tightly knit as all of the members got to know one another. Takuma was the eldest, and then Kiyoko after him- this gave her some much unwanted power within their family, but rather than use it to influence those around her she became the older sister figure to many of the younger kids. It was fulfilling for her, it gave her purpose and over the years it kept her going as she turned a blind eye to the rough and bloodthirsty outside world. Speaking of the outside world, it was only Takuma who ever left their small wooden shack that sheltered them. And it was only Takuma who brought food and resources to the family, even though he trained the younger boys within the family how to fight and steal, he always took it upon himself to do everything for us. The young Kiyoko grew to admire the boy for this, and how strong he could be despite their conditions.

Over time, things began to change. Less food was being brought to the family as they grew older, and for some reason the numbers were growing faster than it used to. Takuma continued to bring new children to the family every day, more so than he did before- eventually having to leave their old home which was far too small for them to find a new one. That is when everything came to light, and the lives of the family went south. While they traveled at night under the guise of shadows, Takuma led them to a large home off the main plots within the district. It was strange that a home like that would just be empty, young and blindly they followed their leader to the estate where two grown men stood hidden near the entrance. Something felt very wrong,and Kiyoko knew this very well. The two men offered the children weapons, swords, bludgeons, Takuma was handed a particular katana that was very rough looking and stained with blood.

It was an assault on the house, to overtake it for the family and the men.

Kiyoko had never been in such a violent situation, nor did she want to be but it was happening so fast that she walked to the estate's doors with her family in front of her. The men kicked the door open, where the hostile takeover began she did not know but it was a massacre, within the home was not a family but a number of armed men who were no novice of swordsmanship. Many of the family were the first to be cut down, but the operation was a success and Takuma along with the men celebrated away from the remaining family, and we alone mourned our losses. But still, the air was not right as the men were still armed- a shrill cry could be heard, a boy's voice. The men pinned Takuma to the ground, they had no intention of letting children stay within this home. And before the family's very eyes they carved him to pieces and approach them.

The young Kiyoko had never been this afraid in her life, the person who had protected them all this time had made a deal with the devil in hopes of finding us a larger home and paid for it with his life, and now so would they. Was this the end?

"No." Said a voice deep within her being.

"No." Repeated the angry, carnivorous women who rested within Kiyoko's being.

Kiyoko's eyes grew dark with hatred, and disgust, and pity, as she picked up a blade stained and ruined with blood and the flesh of man. She stood before the remaining of her family, and paced towards the men fearlessly. She had no imposing nature to the men, nor had she used a blade before. But that wouldn't stop her from protecting her family, she had lost too much, and it wouldn't happen again.The two men lashed out with their swords towards the girl, who blocked one with her own, and took a blow across her neck as sidestepped. And with the rage coming from somewhere she had not felt before, she quickly slashed the first man across the stomach causing him to bleed out, and into the chest of the second killing him instantly.

And with that, they claimed the estate for themselves. The family lived happily as the boys who had been trained grew older and were able to gather food for themselves. But Kiyoko wanted to do something more, still the remnants of that day lingered in her mind and how she was not strong enough to prevent the deaths of her loved ones. Alone she trained herself to become stronger, even sparring with those of murderous intent within the 79th District, this is when her reputation as a prodigal swordsman began to spread, many came to see Kiyoko in her weakest of mental states. "Join me and I'll teach you to hone your skills, together we can take this place for ourselves." One said, "You can clean this place of the scum that reign." said another, but the one that stood out the most was a shinigami who visited her while she trained. Rather than speak to her right off the bat, or try to persuade her of something she simply watched the girl train with a smile.

After a couple of hours just sitting there smiling, Kiyoko approached the shinigami with an irritated mindset to say the least. "Do you find it humorous that I sit here and train alone, or that I have no shoes, or that I am rags. Please tell me what's so damn funny about what I am doing." The young girl asked the shinigami. The shinigami replied saying: "That is a strong reiatsu you've got there, if you were a couple years older I might just faint." Confused and disgruntled Kiyoko went to strike the girl with her blade, though the shinigami was in a league far ahead of herself. The shinigami spoke again: "I do not find a single bit of what you are doing humorous, all I feel when I watch you train is respect. You would make a fine shinigami if you learned to put that anger aside." And after her speech, the shinigami vanished without a sound.

A shinigami, Kiyoko never thought of that route. Could she pull it off? It was worth a shot.

The young girl set out for Shin'ō, the academy for aspiring Shinigami where she was known as being a violent delinquent among her peers. Though not having a knack for Kido, her Zanjutsu was especially proficient along with having a very keen intellect that she was even surprised of. She obtained high marks throughout her classes, even joining the accelerated group with the advanced students. And in the end of her years at Shin'ō was given the chance to choose her squad, recommendations came from the Eleventh and Twelfth Divisions due to her basic skills and criteria, but the squad that she was set upon was the Eighth. This was due to a familiar shinigami who happened to be a captain, 8th Division Captain Haiiro. Apparently she hated her first name so few knew what it was, but she was definitely the woman who watched her train.

When she joined the Captain did not act as if she recognized Kiyoko, and seemed like a very caring captain to all of her subordinates. If anything she seemed like a mother, her platinum blonde hair, her mature face- it would be safe to assume Kiyoko admired her and how she treated those in her division. With her usual self and attitude she continued to hone herself, and eventually she became in tune with her Zanpakuto. Her name was Akaijin, and she was very similar to Kiyoko in that they both had a deep hatred for those who harmed innocents, and they both had a strong sense of survival. As they grew closer, and Kiyoko's use of Zanpakuto strengthened, she eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant in Squad Eight. It is then when the Captain confirmed their encounter, however when Kiyoko looked for confirmation of honing her strength she was denied this and further rejected as the Captain instead responded that Kiyoko would now need to learn how to live for herself.

Over time these words frustrated Kiyoko not knowing what they mean, but it was when she had her first hard battle that she would finally know. As allies around her gave their lives in struggle to defend themselves against a hollow, the strains of loss pulled at her heartstrings once again. Causing the Lieutenant to go into depression, her Captain finally confirmed her wishes. Saying "You must live happily while you can, smile so those around you can, even in the darkest of moments." This statement caused the entire presence of Kiyoko to change, a once gloomy girl now swinging the pendulum the polar opposite direction, forever smiling for those around her. And with these teachings the Captain confirmed to her Lieutenant that she would be joining the Royal Guard in a year, and that if Kiyoko wished to take her place that she would need to learn bankai.

Over that year, she trained rigorously in attempts to make Captain Haiiro proud. But it was that feeling to protect her division that pressed her the furthest, and before the year ended she acquired Bankai. Shortly after Captain Haiiro's departure Kiyoko took the Captain's Proficiency Test to determine if she was worthy of becoming the division's captain over another Lieutenant. She passed with flying colors, however it was told to her afterwards that she almost would have been promoted due to recommendation, however she was one approval short of fulfilling the criteria.

---

Statistics

Vast Reiryoku:
Legendary Reiatsu
Poor Kido Power

Zanjutsu Grandmaster:
Impressive Offense
Unremarkable Defense
Average Physical Strength

Hakuda Master: (3T - gives 6s)
Average Offense
Poor Defense
Average Physical Strength

Yet to Learn Kido
Legendary Knowledge
Impressive Intelligence

Hoho Expert
Average Mobility

---

Zanpakutō Name: Akaijin, The Red Mistress (赤愛人)

Sealed Form: Akaijin's sealed form is a lone katana at Kiyoko's side. It's saya has a smooth exterior and is made of bamboo painted red. The tsuba is a rectangular shape within adjacent square prints cut within it. And the blade has a glossy whitened reflection to it, with red markings along the edge.

Type: Melee

Spirit: Like this. The world is a vast grey space at the moment.

Personality: Akaijin is fairly cold, and has a violent sense of superiority even to her master, but in the end she has the best of intentions when using her strength. She is easily angered, and can often snap at Kiyoko when she doesn't agree with her but will default to accepting things as arguing is pointless in her mind. She often refers to Kiyoko as mother, and will often demand that she finds her a father, which Kiyoko snaps back with "Hell no!"

---

Shikai

Release Phrase: Embrace your violent nature. (Anata no bōryoku-tekina seishitsu o ukeireru)

Shikai Form: Akaijin's blade remains unsheathed, but along with it are two other saya, one being blue, and the other white. Along with this her right arm and hand is adorned with samurai-esque armor, these are the only visible changes in her shikai.

Shikai Abiltiies: Aside from an increase to Kiyoko's physical strength, Akaijin's true blade (the red one) vibrates at immense speed upon contact with it's enemy, causing it's cutting force to be amplified and melee combat with an enemy not used to blocking strikes from this blade to be hindered. Akaijin's servant blades (white katana, blue katana) are only effective when she wields them both as a pair as one is a dull blade unsuitable for cutting or attacking enemies, however is extremely light and long enough to block multiple blows at once | Shirojin(white) , while the other is shorter and heavier, with a fine cutting edge | Shianjin(blue)

- Akaijin's cutting ability is extremely powerful and should not underestimated, while it may be a myth or not there's a story about Kiyoko cutting a Gillian Class Hollow in half while she was a Lieutenant using Akaijin in it's Shikai form.

- Shirojin's defensive ability is something that is also in a class of it's own as it is able to block physical blows without taking much effort on it's wielder. Kiyoko often compares it to a shield that is stronger than diamond and lighter than paper.

-Shianjin's the runt of the three, and is often called the inept child by Kiyoko. It has yet to make a name for it's self.

---

Bankai

Bankai Name/Release Phrase: Open your eyes and defend our family, Fukushū no Oni Akaijin (Ogre of Vengeance, Red Mistress)

Bankai Appearance: As with her Shikai there is little visible difference with this transformation, one notable thing is that one one of Kiyoko's eyes are now red, another is that small red horns now appear from her forehead. But perhaps the most prominent appearance change is that of her reiatsu, once nearly hidden and rarely threatening is now visible and bloodthirsty, the red aura visibly shakes the ground around Kiyoko. The form and traits of her Bankai has been compared to that of a Ressurecion Arrancar, as her two servant blades are no longer there and she would only use the lone red blade if absolutely necessary.

Bankai Abilities: While her Shikai could be considered completely based upon her swordsmanship, Kiyoko's bankai focuses mostly on herself. Increasing her speed, physical strength, and reiatsu, her bankai is more of a berserk transformation than anything. While her body keeps it's shape and size, her weight greatly increases along with the hardness of her skin which is similar to an Arrancar's Hierro. Though with alongside this, while in Bankai she has access to abilities she isn't able to use outside of it.

- Chēnsō(Chainsaw) - : Kiyoko draws Akaijin and with a bankai enhanced shunpo attempts to use her brute force to cut through an enemy at lightning speed.

- Mezame Kyojin(Waking Giant) - : Kiyoko charges an enemy and uses a strange form of bankai enhanced Hakuda to grab an enemy by their arms, positioning her legs against the enemy and performing a number of kicks to the opponent's chest.

- Sōgi Dansu(Funeral Dance) - : Kiyoko throws her Zanpakuto in a flash at her enemy, afterwards jumping quickly to follow it. Within the moments that she follows the blade she charges a high powered kick towards the tsuka(handle) causing it to accelerate towards the target at a greater speed and force.

[Oblivion]

-

[Edgeworth]

Iwakura Osamu

---

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

I'm glad to find this thread up here on the new site, please find above Osamu once more. His abilities have been ever so slightly tweaked from the past thread as I only had an old CS saved and it was one of the versions where the maths was wrong so I have amended accordingly. Plus some formatting changes that I think come with the site change.

[Phoenix]

Taking a refreshed look at that, the Zanpakuto is over-powered. I can see the Shikai being able to meld into any single various shape while keeping its lethality. Also, any length it could have I would cap at 20 meters.
The current Shikai is much the level of a Bankai.

My reasoning: he doesn't have to do anything to kill everything. It's the ultimate offense that doesn't need a defense. He can sit back and have the wires lash at everything. Even if anything were to get up to him, he has "perfect" Offense and Defense.
Accepting it the way it is would mean that the wires would need to be able to be repelled with Average Reiryoku (Impressive if all at once) in Shikai and Impressive - Legendary Reiatsu in Bankai depending on the number of wires attacking. Its resilience to Kido should also be similar.
If this was intended, it should probably be added. (and by "probably" I mean "needs to be") ;)

Otherwise, everything is in order and I very much like the character overall. Welcome back ^^

[Venom]

Kanashii Piero

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!

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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)

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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.

[Edgeworth]

Grrr, I shake my fist at you sir! ( Nah not really.)But, in all seriousness I've taken the above on board. As a result I heavily altered his two releases (by which I mean re wrote almost from scratch.) Not only does it seem a tad more thematically consistent this way but it’s also much less powerful now. The 1st release can only do one ranged attack at a time, shorter range and for my money less lethal. Plus Osamu has to move about and be active to get anything done now.

Similarly with the 2nd release he has to move around, the level of protection is roughly the same but it’s hard to precisely define it, he has far fewer potential simultaneous attacks or potential attacks per second and is just generally more under control. Let me know if it needs further tweaking but I think this addresses your above concerns and seems on a par with the other releases of equivalent levels.

[Oblivion]

Welcome back! :D

[Phoenix]

Edgeworth said
Grrr, I shake my fist at you sir! ( Nah not really.)But, in all seriousness I've taken the above on board. As a result I heavily altered his two releases (by which I mean re wrote almost from scratch.) Not only does it seem a tad more thematically consistent this way but it’s also much less powerful now. The 1st release can only do one ranged attack at a time, shorter range and for my money less lethal. Plus Osamu has to move about and be active to get anything done now. Similarly with the 2nd release he has to move around, the level of protection is roughly the same but it’s hard to precisely define it, he has far fewer potential simultaneous attacks or potential attacks per second and is just generally more under control. Let me know if it needs further tweaking but I think this addresses your above concerns and seems on a par with the other releases of equivalent levels.

"Less lethal"...but still lethal. He has range and skill above most others. No one can really touch his sword, even to block. If they do block, it's going to take a lot of energy to not have their blade melt. And even two simultaneous attacks is "more" lethal than others. I mean, think about it, what can Yue or even Akimoto do against flinging molten metal? Lot's of dodging and use of Reiatsu, I'm sure.

Anyway, it's good to see you back. :)

[Edgeworth]

All right, in the bankai I have removed the possibility for multiple, simultaneous, ranged attacks. (Other than the spit which is a desperation move and just makes me chuckle.) And the possibility does not exist at all in shikai. I have also made it clear that staunch defences will not instantly fail against either the bankai or shikai and quantified it a bit more to a level that I believe is fair. I have scaled back the range of the attack in both bankai and shikai and cut down the length of time the metal exists when separate from the blade in bankai.

As it stands I do believe everything is fair and balanced. When comparing it to the other captains I believe Akimoto stands a chance because of his regenerating health. The flying metal (in my head) will burn his flesh away about as quickly as it heals up, leading to a stalemate unless he gets hit in something particularly vital and weak like the eye or the neck. Only the contact with the sword itself is really going to be able to hurt him faster than he can heal which is fair because otherwise he can’t be hurt at all.

The comparison with Yue is a tad harder because it is asymmetrical. But I believe it to be balanced. Her one hit nerve dulling dooms anyone it touches as they will not be able to effectively run or parry so the follow up strike could readily kill. As for the lightning, even at 20% below natural lightning strength and speeds and assuming normal lightning rather than unusually strong lightning, it will be traveling at 2960 miles per second and imparting 400 mega-joules of energy with a core temperature of 40000 kelvin which is several times hotter than the surface of the sun. That’s just comparing shikai, bankai comparison is a similar exercise but with numerous varying abilities the comparison becomes really clunky. Plus it gets even clunkier when you start trying to work out just how fast shunpo is and how small reaction times are to function at those speeds and the whole things becomes impossible to accurately compare so with Yue it’s a rough comparison at best.

As for how anyone else can deal with Osamu your best bet is to kido him into the ground, just back away and take as many shots and throw as many spells as you can. Beyond 30 meters even at bankai he is useless.

[Phoenix]

I think a few simultaneous attacks would be acceptable in Bankai. I like what you have now, though. It exudes a sense of control and manipulation which we know is a large part of who Osamu is. ;P

As it is now, it's very adaptable and sleightful, which I appreciate for originality's sake.

Also, Akimoto does not continue to regenerate, it is a one-time occurance. He's just more robust afterward. ;)
But I like that you took into account other CS's to gauge your own. Good idea. ^^

[Edgeworth]

Excellent, Excellent. You mentioned a few simultaneous attacks would be okay in bankai. Previously I had a practical limit of one per limb in bankai as it would require very definite movement like a punch, kick or swing of the arm.etc. So that's a max of 4 not including the spit. Is this a low enough number for simultaneous attacks? If not I can reduce the number down to two or three to keep it balanced but I'll defiantly keep it to one in the shikai.

[Anderiel]

CS nearly done, just need to work on those accursed stats l:

[Oblivion]

Do you want help? I've gotten the hang of it by now.

[Phoenix]

Edgeworth said
Excellent, Excellent. You mentioned a few simultaneous attacks would be okay in bankai. Previously I had a practical limit of one per limb in bankai as it would require very definite movement like a punch, kick or swing of the arm.etc. So that's a max of 4 not including the spit. Is this a low enough number for simultaneous attacks? If not I can reduce the number down to two or three to keep it balanced but I'll defiantly keep it to one in the shikai.

5 Sims is fine in Bankai. Sounds good what you have here.

Sorry I've been away, Ande. As for your CS, there's nothing wrong with it and everything seems to be in order. I enjoyed the History and the Stats are right. I just want to make sure you know of one of the Release clauses about stat changes. I'm too lazy to cut and paste at the moment. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
The only real thing I can critique is the grammar. There's some awkward punctuation errors and phrasing which was difficult to decipher at times.
Oh yeah! And there are some discontinuities with her History stating that she's Captain/joined the Seventh Division, not the Eighth.
But now Yue has an age-appropriate peer at their level! ^^
She shall go into the OP now, though. :)

Oh, and another thing, I'm debating whether or not to start the IC. I'm going to type it up tomorrow but I don't know if anyone is looking for more players to be present before I do. If someone's not ready or has questions they'd like answered beforehand, let me know. :D

[Anderiel]

It was 3'o clock in the morning and I was like- breaking down to get everything done.
I think I forgot which Division I wanted to join like 6 times last night, I'll go correct that when I have time.
Sincerest Apologies~♥

[Phoenix]

That is just humorous! >D
Just don't let it ever happen again >(
eh heh, just kidding. ;)

[Edgeworth]

In answer to your question Phoenix, about starting ASAP or delaying I'm relaxed but lean towards a quicker start. I think the sheer number of people we had before really bogged stuff down and whilst more active people would be great and really spice stuff up I'm not sure we can rely on that. But as I said I am relaxed. I can create a "can we get a few more guys" thread on the int check if you want to push things at the last moment.

In other news, Anderiel,your little animated signatures are dangerous! Flying Whinne the Poo isn't so bad but the girl with an eye patch either doing a little dance or berating me whilst holding cutlery, it was hypnotic. I dread to think how much time I lost trying to write whilst staring at those weirdly trance inducing animations. At last I am free from it's curse.

[Phoenix]

I do agree with you. This was mostly to see what everyone else thought. Glad you're eager, though.

[Venom]

Edge you must be more like the burning fighter and then your passion shall overshadow any attempts to withhold your creative impulse! Oh and I am just poking to let you know I am still alive.