Shinigami
------------------------------------------Genji Yusugi
Age -178, around 22 in appearance
Gender -Male
Height & Weight -6'4 - 286lbs
Hair & Eyes -Reddish-brown Hair and Green eyes
Division -1st
Physical Description -Wide, chiseled features give Genji a more welcoming face than his build would suggest. High cheek bones and a strong square jawline surround the broad nose at the center of his face, sat firmly above his dull peach lips and topped by the sunken sockets of his eyes. Being bright Green in colour they're complimented by the rough, reddish-brown hair atop his head, sufficed to say it sets him apart from most in a crowd.
Years of enthusiastic work-outs have sculpted his particularly impressive physique. Muscles intertwined with sinew press underneath his skin, pushing the veins to the surface of his hands and forearms. It wouldn't be absurd, once his back and abdomen are revealed, to believe he is constructed from brick rather than flesh and bone. There is an obvious and conscious effort to keep himself in such shape.
As far as clothing goes Genji is of course required to wear his Shihakusho, however it is edited to the degree that it has no sleeves. It gives him more freedom and lets him show off his arms when the situation calls for it. When in the midst of battle Genji is not adverse to taking his Shihakusho off his shoulders entirely, leaving just the lower half of his body covered. Genji typically wears his sword at the waist, to the left.
It is rare to see Genji out of his Shinigami uniform as he can rarely differentiate cloths for comfort opposed to those for duty. Nevertheless he does in-fact own a teal Kimono that he generally keeps in his barracks quarters and only wears when he bathes or his Shihakusho is unavailable.
Personality -A pragmatist at heart, Genji is a man who lets fate run its course and acts according his instincts. Whilst he can be quite wild at times he is always jovial and respectful of friendships, he regards the bonds he makes with his fellow Shinigami highly and similarly admires people who treat his friendship with sincerity and compassion.
Being a virtuous man Genji is fond of using himself as an example to his friends and Squad members. His confidence in himself, his Zanpakuto and his overall fate has pushed him to ever greater heights. When faced with difficult situations he prefers the path of bravery and action, regardless of the consequences being potentially fatal.
Genji often makes an impression on his opponents, he likes to test himself in new ways and jumps at the chance to fight those with unusual abilities. Preferring to fight one on one, he rarely loses his cool even when faced with a powerful opponent. Genji tries to enjoy the fight, going as far as to make sarcastic remarks to actually spur on his attackers and make them more open.
In contrast to his fighting style, Genji tries to keep bloodshed to a minimum. Despite his love for battle and destruction he has a very visceral sense of death and eternity, it is something that always rears its head as fights come to a close.
To Genji a selfless leader who isolates himself from his friends to die for ideals is nothing but a fool. He respects a figure who is inspiring and leading to his people, instead of a distant loner who concerns himself only with protecting and saving himself. This is the kind of leader he strives to become. Ultimately, he would grieve and weep over his losses and mistakes, but he would stay true to himself and never regret decisions he has made.
Positive Traits -Caring - Despite his jokes and jovial nature, Genji knows when it is time to be serious. Most importantly he can see in others when they need a serious touch. He cares a lot for those around him and has always had the keen eye for the weaknesses in friends. It is at these times that he can take someone aside and give them advice, he can ensure them and give them the confidence that they are lacking as if Genji believes you are under-selling yourself, it's probably true.
Adaptable - At first sight it is an easy assumption to make that the sum of Genji's mind set and power, is to hit things as hard as he can. He certainly does not shy away from this option but people underestimate his ability to adapt to different situations by using his powers in different ways.
Confident - Genji has always been supremely proud of his achievements and has never had an eschew opinion of himself. Whilst some people might see this as a weakness, in Genji's case it is most definitely a strength. His level of confidence makes him a hard man to shake and thus you cannot phase him via mere words. Action is required.
Humorous - Genji has always been a jovial person. He cracks jokes and enjoys the company of other people who have a similar sense of humour to him. Generally he also takes this into his fighting style, whilst it inevitably becomes more serious he enjoys the chance to 'play' with his opponents. He will crack jokes and give backhanded compliments, trying to persuade them into being more aggressive.
Conscientious - Throughout Genji's life he has been taught to do the task set before him to the best of his ability. Whether it be in life, in which he helped his father, to now where he takes his duties as a Shinigami very seriously. This is partly his reasoning for joined squad one, in which he knows he will be depended on by the highest rank Shinigami in the Gotei 6.
Brave - As previously stated Genji is a supremely confident man, but it is what he does when he knows that he is beaten that makes him a brave one. His confidence makes him an incredibly assured person but when he is physically beaten by an opponent and his confidence can do him no good, it's his bravery that will kick into action, allowing him to push forward even if facing his end.
Competitive - Genji has always enjoyed the challenge that his opponents put forth. He enjoys testing himself against others, working them out like a puzzle before putting the pieces into place so that he can come out on top. This is seen in all walks in life for Genji, whether it be a drinking game with fellow Shinigami to a problematic combatant that boasts they have capabilities beyond his imagining. He knows what he can do, he wants to know what everyone else can do.
Cunning - Similarly to his adaption many people underestimate Genji's mind in problem solving. He has been known to play tricks and to catch people off guard during fights. Using his Zanpakuto in such ways that it clouds his true intentions has become somewhat of a game for him. With the friendly visage Genji has people are often surprised at the specific kind of 'street smarts' he holds. Which on the rare occasion can be akin to true genius.
Virtuous - He plays around sometimes but when it comes to the important decisions that he will have to live with for the rest of his life, Genji is sure he makes the right one. He is a good man at heart and it's a quality in him that shines through to any who pay attention. He believes in good and he has seen few people who are completely 'evil' as he would define it.
Negative Traits -Boastful - Genji shows almost excessive pride in his accomplishments and abilities. This is somewhat the other side of the coin to his confidence, whilst it can help him in times of hardship it can also damage his reputation with others if they are of the opinion that his opinion of himself is somewhat inflated from what is actually true.
Impulsive - Genji has been known to throw himself into fights before thinking, especially when a particularly enticing challenge is put before him he can follow his urges rather than his common sense. Others can hold him back from these urges but it would be a difficult task, having to force him rather than simply request it.
Dogmatic - Having been taught in the ancient ways of the Samurai and then joining the Shinigami institution, Genji is very conservative in his ideals. He will protect them to the Nth degree and whats more, even if through logical explanation, Others will not be able to break his stubborn mindset. Genji is adverse to change and he dislikes all that is 'new' within the Gotei, preferring to stick to the traditions of old.
Vengeful - Being a proud and confident Shinigami Genji is not altogether happy when he is defeated. If he survives in battle with a combatant, be it a friendly spar or a serious fight, he tends to hold a grudge against that person. This walks hand in hand with Genji's Impulsive spirit, if someone that has previously defeated him happens to appear he will make it his mission to engage them.
Indiscreet - There are those of the Gotei 6, most prominently squad two, who can sneak their way to achieving their goals. Genji is not like this, being the size he is it is almost impossible to catch people by surprise. This means he has to employ tactics and techniques that can catch people of guard rather than purely use natural stealth.
Machiavellian - Genji has been known to employ or suggest tactics that might seem underhanded. This most likely comes from his lifetime in Japan where to protect ones family and ideals you would go to any lengths possible to overcome another. This can help him with dealing with others but when those around him notice this trait in him they begin to question more, Genji is a genuine person but it is actions such as these that make people uneasy around him at times.
Obstinate - Many years and many teachers have taught Genji each and every ideal he holds. He has gotten to an age where he believes he is on the right path in life and that whilst other may be able to teach him life lessons and train him, the foundation of his beliefs are set in stone. He is very stubborn about his opinion, which he is normally very vocal about.
Untidy - Not known for his tidy nature Genji is almost the room-mate from hell, leaving almost everything he owns on the ground he cares little for material things. He is also a messy eater, something which more often than not puts other people off their food. This is something Genji purely doesn't understand, often left to eat alone he wonders what it was he had said.
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Zanpakuto
ゴリアテ
Goriate
[Goliath]
Zanpakuto Spirit - The spirit of Goriate is quite typical in as much as it is humanoid. Clothed in brown leather, straps and belts along with other small cloths, the majority of his skin is visible. Sunken markings that glow a bright teal colour trace from the soles of his feet all across his body and through to the top of his head which is covered by thick black hair. His eyes, almost whitened out by a similar bright glow make his stare particularly eerie.
It has only been in the past few years that Genji has learnt much more then he imagined about Goriate, the two have a bond almost like a father to a son. In particular Genji has come to realize that the man whom often stands before him, with his green markings and leather bound limbs, is only one part of Goriate. A form he wishes to be seen in but not the true extent of his physical being. The mountain upon which he sits and the inner world Genji is taken too, that is Goriate. He is the mountain.
His Zanpakuto has always seemed a little distant to Genji, he has never talked much but has the uncanny ability to get his point across through a slight change in his demeanor. Genji had died at the tender age of eighteen and he had always felt that he had missed out on the many lessons his father still had for him. Since those dark times and his rebirth into the soul-society, Goriate has almost been like a father figure to Genji. Quiet, unforgiving and often intolerable of Genji's immaturity. However, there has always been respect, and there has always been love, to a degree. Goriate is the part of Genji that he hoped he could become. Genji is almost an apparition, a projection of his past father. This is not because of his suffering, if he had been so attached to that world he might well have become a hollow, but it is Genji's future. His fate to become the man his father was. Goriate is that future, it is a window into what Genji is working towards.
His Zanpakuto is the mountain, it is strong, tall and does not yield to others. It stays still, it does not wander and it does not interfere with others. However, if you are on the mountain, you play it's game, if you do not abide to the mountains rules it will throw you off it's cliffs.
Inner world - Goriate's inner world is very mysterious. Transported to the flat peak of an impossibly high mountain, Genji often finds himself peering downwards, only to realize the ground cannot be seen for the clouds that envelop the mountains waist. It is on this mountain top, generally among an outcrop of boulders and rocks that Genji can find Goriate close to the tiny plateau's edge.
Sealed Zanpakuto - As a sealed Zanpakuto, Goriate does not differ from a typical Katana. It's Saya (Scabbard) is a solid black that compliments the sage green Ito (Cloth braid) and bronze Tsuba (Guard). As is typical with Zanpakuto, Goriate's Tsuba has a distinctive shape. Round and thin, it has three equidistant teardrop-shaped holes spreading from the core to the edge of the guard, creating three small notched in its otherwise smooth edge.
Shikai - Kiretsu, Goriate [Crack, Goliath] Appearance - Calling out its name, Genji smashes his Zanpakuto to the floor. The ground cracks, breaks and shatters underneath almost as if his Zanpakuto was one hundred times its own weight. A blinding white light explodes from his Zanpakuto, stopping anyone from viewing its transformation. As quickly as the light appeared it fades, Genji holding his newly released Zanpakuto. A two-handed hammer with a head so large it seems unliftable. On the reverse a cone shaped protrusion, to balance the weapons immense size. Grabbing it with both hands Genji swings it in a wide arc, eventually resting it across his shoulders.
Ability - Goriate is an Earth-type Zanpakuto. It's ability is to manipulate earth in such a way that Genji can sprout rock arms and hands from any earthen surface (Rock, Dirt, Concrete, Metal, Wood). These 'attacks' can come in many forms, such as a cluster of clawing, scratching hands that must be dodged else they keep the opponent in place. Alternatively Genji can create single large limbs such as a big hand to obstruct an incoming attack.
The conditions of this ability are that Goriate itself (The hammer) must be in contact with the surface Genji wishes to attack from. Whilst the attack can be from any part of the surface Goriate is touching (E.G I put the hammer on a wall I can sprout the hands from anywhere on the wall) the attack must be withing the bounds of Goriate's spiritual pressure.
This ability is linked to the spirit of Goriate itself, being an extremely powerful spirit it actually holds sway over all the earthen material within it's spiritual boundaries. Genji is not yet mastered it and as such this is the little he can do with its great power. The clawing arms and limbs are a signal of the best that lies within the walls.
- Not yet Revealed -Bankai - Bankai, Tetsuyama no Goriate [Final Release, Iron Mountain Goliath] Appearance - Ability - -----------------------------------------
History
Human beginnings - Genji was destined to follow in his fathers footsteps, as was the tradition of the Yusugi family. Being blacksmiths for nearly eighty years they made a name for themselves on a little patch of land tucked away at the tip of Japan. Their land had been through many iterations of government, old men bickered over price and power had replaced the Daimyo and Shoguns of old. The time of Samurai was fading and with it, the principles of honor. Fortunately for Genji, the old ways and traditions were not lost on his father whom, over time, passed them down to him as a child and indeed throughout his life.
From a young age he was taught discipline, the skills it took to run a business and how best to protect what he loved. Working at the blacksmith kept him incredibly active, definitely one of the influences on his determination to stay in shape today. His father was strict but kept his family safe, as the land switched hands many times, it wasn't unheard of for bandits or Ronin to seep into the small towns causing havoc, throwing their weight around to bully the populace. Genji’s father was generally the one that the townsfolk looked to in these times, hoping he would persuade them to leave or if needs be kick them out himself.
From a young age Genji found the duality between protecting family and friends, and opposing those who would threaten them. How he could treat some with such compassion and in the same breadth result to any means necessary to prevent their suffering, no matter who was causing it. It was a thin line of morals to walk, but one that he had inherited from his father and as such one he believed in.
Witnessing what his father had done for the town Genji strived to be just like him, helping out where he could and making sure everyone was civil towards one another he gained quite a reputation as a young boy, bouncing around the houses shouting at the other kids to be nice to one another.
It took a few more years than necessary for him to mature, it was around fifteen when he joined the local Dojo that his father used to be part of. Using wooden swords and mostly being hand to hand combat it was another arena of life that Genji flourished in, and whilst he grew bigger than most of the other kids he was never the bully, much more the teachers pet in fact. He helped out the other students, often letting them try out their techniques on him and over the next few years it was unanimous that he be actually considered an instructor. Of course he was still working at the Blacksmith when his help was needed, his father also growing older, but it was teaching others that really gave Genji purpose.
As much of his childhood that was happy however, it met an unfortunate and bleak end. At the age of eighteen, his father a grey haired man with a tapestry of wrinkles crossing his face, he had almost completely assumed control of the blacksmith. It was his inevitable fate, he knew it, but it had the downside of taking up most of his time, limiting his sessions at the Dojo. It was after one of these rare occasions, under a grey sky, that Genji found himself walking home. Hurrying himself as rain was expected, he heard the sound of a fight, the impact of a punch. Between the wooden houses were a trio of unknown men, circled around a single, younger boy. One of the students at the Dojo. These men were unknown to Genji but he noticed one of them had a sword strapped to his side. Rumours of yet another governor moving in had been widespread for a day or two and Genji expected these men to be a symptom of them. His brow ruffled, he wouldn’t tolerate such a thing in his town. Walking over to the trio, enclosed by the wooden walls he called out, telling them to stop. Trusting his intimidating stature to do most of the work he stood close, towering over the only man with a weapon. The students eyes lit up with relief, a terrified smile curling each end of his mouth.
Unfortunately stature everything and trusting in their numbers the three set upon Genji. A jab to the face, a trip of a leg and ending with an iron grip on the final mans arm he had only just succeeded in stopping him draw his weapon. With a smile on his face he looked upon his student with glee. The eyes of the younger boy saw a different story though. A shadow suddenly appeared over Genji, as much of one that was possible in the already dim conditions, but enough of one to indicate the equally intimidating stature of the man now positioned behind him.
As the rain began to fall a scream of horror shot across the town, in between those wooden walls, atop of the squelching mud, Genji had been struck down. He didn’t know who and he didn't know why it had all happened, why his fate was so. His only memory is of a hooded man, leaning over him only minutes after those bandits had dispersed. Placing a hand on his shoulder and watching the life drain from his eyes. Only five words were spoken,
“This is not the end.”----
A New Life - Genji thought himself lucky to die at the age of nineteen, he was young enough that his death did not overwhelm him, he was still open to new things, ready to adapt to his new surroundings. Equally he was old enough that he could accept his death with a kind of maturity, whilst he found it unfortunate that he had died at such a young age, he was by no means saddened by it. It was exciting to learn there was life beyond life, as it were. A new beginning.
Genji had spent most of his early years in Soul society acclimatizing himself to this new ‘heaven’, as it was so dubbed. Although what he found was decidedly less so. Slums almost akin to those back on earth were spread throughout the Ruknogai, Genji himself was lucky enough to have been taken in by one of the pseudo families that had a significantly higher standard of living. Regardless of this he had a determination to do what he could for those less fortunate than himself, he found himself a job. Working in a shop that wasn’t far from his district but had the reputation for being in a bad neighborhood. he wasn’t even trusted by the owner to look after the shop for many years but through this job he found a way to help the civilians that surrounded it and depended on it. It was obviously something that had carried through from his lifetime, to create and protect a community as he had done with his father.
It took nearly fifty years until Genji had the yearning for something more, something more substantial, something more suited to him. It didn’t take him very long to find a local Dojo, in the richer part of town. It immediately became his second home. He rose from an initiate to an intermediate, all the way to a black belt in little time, more of his past shining through. Genji didn’t realize the strange parallel between his life in the human world and the one he was living in Soul society, it was clouded for him. he could remember faces, maybe a voice or two. He decided not to dwell on it too much, he prefered to focus on the now, the present moment.
One hundred years passed him by at the Dojo, he was amazed at how fast it flowed. How little he physically aged in that time. It was during one of the more sunny days in Rukongai, a breeze strong enough to ease the sunlights burn from his shoulders and nose, that Genji’s attention was caught by a flash of black down a side alley-way. He was passing friends, acquaintances, faces he recognized. The face in the alley way however, memories exploded in his mind, flashing by like fireworks. It was him, the hooded man.
Genji lept out of instinct towards the shadowy figure, whom had taken the chance to spin and flee at equal speed. He came out the other side, a street full of people staring at him, the hooded man nowhere to be seen. Before he could find a sign of the person he was following he found himself mid-air, someone had backed into him. On the floor and muttering curses under his breath, Genji stood back up to find a man in an all black Shihakusho. With a blank expression filling his face, Genji wondered if this man was a Shinigami. He had heard of them, he had been taught about what they do but this was the first one he had seen. He was...admirable. Strong, tall just like Genji was. All the people along the street were not staring at Genji, they were staring at this Shinigami. People moved out of the way for him people respected him and it was all because he did right. He was virtuous, he was a protector of the people a soldier of the Soul society. He was a Shinigami.
Days came and went, all Genji could think about was that Shinigami. It was something...more. He had made a life for himself, humble beginnings of helping out those less fortunate than he, working in the poorer districts, becoming a known entity at the Dojo. They were things to be proud of but they did not make the impact, the difference Genji wished they would. Genji wanted to fight, he wanted his chance to change everything.
From that moment forward Genji had a new aim in his life, a new target to attain. He would become a Shinigami, and although he didn’t know it yet, he was already on the path.
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Obtainable destinies - Genji was assured that it would not be easy to become a Shinigami. He had known so many people in Rukongai, in the Dojo that could become great warriors but they did not have the qualities. Genji was different. He molded his body beyond what it ever was before, he spent days on end training himself, both body and mind all in anticipation of becoming a Shinigami.
One part of his journey that Genji found particularly difficult was the meditation. He knew that he had to connect somehow with his spirit, he had to try and find that part of himself he needed to become a Shinigami. But it was difficult, no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t find his spirit. Genji became angry at his inability to do what must be done, in almost all walks of life he could just grit his teeth and work through it until it was done, but this was different. It wasn’t physical it was mental. For every hour he spent meditating he took three in the Dojo, trying to clear his mind.
He trained alone, when all the other students were done. Days, weeks even months past as he stood alone, unable to reach his goal. He had almost given up, sweating rolling down every inch of his body he stepped out of the Dojo, he took a deep breath and for a split second the thought of giving up flashed in his mind.
That is when Genji noticed. Sat upon the roof, opposite the Dojo, was the hooded man. Staring back at Genji. Stood still, his face stunned, not knowing what to do. The man dropped down from the roof and approached Genji. He was so fixed on this elusive mans face that Genji didn’t realized that everything had changed. The sky, the wind, the floor and the buildings. He wasn’t in Rukongai anymore. He was, on a mountain?
“Do not give up.”Said the stranger. But he wasn’t a stranger? Genji had the unnerving sense that, he knew this man. His face was recognizable, he had to think hard to remember why exactly he had chased this man into that street. Months ago this man had led him to that street. Was it on purpose?
“Who are you? TELL ME!”He wasn’t used to being so flustered, he wanted answers. This man, he was part of his life? he had followed Genji into Soul society?
“You are a strong, Genji.”The man spoke with a deep, resonant voice that calmed Genji’s nerves.
“Many have sought power, the same power you are seeking now. Many fail. You are different, you think that you are not able. You believe you cannot connect with your spirit. You are wrong.”The black hood slipped back from his head, his cloak slumped on the floor. The man was revealed, belts and leather cloths covering little of his strange skin, glowing green ridges bored into him.
“You are one of the few, who can want something so much, be so determined, that through sheer will you can accomplish it. You are strong, Genji. With me, you will be unstoppable.”Genji’s eyes widened in realization. Him? he was Genji’s Zanpakuto spirit? All this time he had been led down this path by his own soul? the thoughts were too confusing to Geni. His face a mixture of perplextion and relief. He didn’t understand how, but he didn’t care, he had done it.
“My name, Genji, is…”----
Academy Days - Genji was ready, he had applied to the Shinigami academy and was thankfully accepted. Whilst he was only a rookie, he had some signature of spiritual power, and it was noticed in him by the Seireitei. He still had to learn a lot. Genji found it difficult at times to get the hold of things, Kido and Shunpo were so alien to him it took him more time than he cared to admit to accomplish something in either field. But he never gave up, people could see his struggle, people could see there were some things he wasn't designed to do, but his hard-faced determination clawed him through, just as it had in Rukongai. Of course there were instances in which Genji was perfectly suited. Hakuda, Zanjutsu.
He also found it very easy to make friends during his academy days, with a mixture of hard-faced show offs who he often held personal competition, and those nervous few that had been roped into the academy due to their spiritual potential.
It took Genji six years in the academy, it was little compared to the time he had spent in Rukongai. He was closer to his goal, he was closer to being the protector of the people he was hoping to become. However, what he didn't know, was that being a Shinigami would change him. It would offer new challenges, it would displace his goals and replace them with hopes he wouldn't have dreamt of before. Genji believed he was on the path to greatness, was this true? Or was he walking a much more dangerous path...
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