Expllo

Bleach: Rise Of The New Generation

@RoseKnightJason Sounds good! He's definitely out enjoying the festival somewhere; drinks, games, food, drinks, drinks again, etc. you can find him anywhere.

@Everyone: I plan on pushing the IC forward on the weekend, while I wrap up collab(s) during the week, and starting Main Missions soon. Voting will begin soon and will be further explained once I make the update post.

Bleach: Rise Of The New Generation

Asami, Umeki, & Aya

An Expllo and @RevekaRed collab!

Umeki leaned against one of the four beams holding up the pavilion. His face now wore a neutral expression as he watched the new graduates flock around his peers. He remained unbothered, as this was the situation he hoped for. Not everyone deserved to be in his Squad, and he wouldn't play nice like the rest. That's why it was a shock to him when the smallest person here approached him, and so bluntly at that. His face morphed back into that intense, bizarre, stare as he bent his body forward almost unhuman-like in order to match her height. His face was mere meters away from hers, staring daggers into her eyes to gauge her reaction. "And what the fuck am I supposed to do with that information, Asami? Kekeke~" His eyes would shudder for a second. "You're a bold one coming up to me, ain't ya?"

After introducing herself with a bow and staying in the position for until he would address her is when she would raise from her position. When she had raised, she noticed just how close he had gotten but it didn't stir her like she expected it to. She assumed it was her curiosity that was keeping her from recoiling away from the man who, in her mind, was seeming almost like an insect with his behavior. Asami was annoyed by how he addressed her, however, which made her flat expression turn into one of disgust toward Umeki as she continued to look at him. She was very expectant of people not liking her in the same way that they didn't like her during the Academy but she stayed strong in her stance and would allow others to continue to paint the picture of them that they had in their head of her.

"Bug." She said in an almost faint whisper, not even realizing she had let the thought out that he reminded her of a bug but as she stood, it seemed like she didn't even acknowledge that she even said it as she stayed staring at him almost like she was doing a staredown battle with her eyes before she would inhale to compose a slightly better answer than what she could have given if she was at the Academy because she was indeed in front of a Captain and they had to be competent in their position in order to even have it to begin with. "You seem competent enough for someone to follow. And you're creepy." She said a bit more in a normal tone while still retaining her bluntness and harshness to her voice. Asami wasn't about to brag about her talents as she was sure that some of the captains had been made aware of her capabilities and if he wasn't aware, then she needed to not burden herself with dealing with him.

The back part of her mind did keep surfacing through all of this as a young girl squealing and blushing from the close proximity that Umeki was to her that she would definitely have to write about later in her journal that she kept. While outwardly she would restrain this expressiveness of hers, it was still there, just hidden until she had private moments to herself. She wasn't completely blind to romantic advancements, but this moment with Umeki would definitely provide her with plenty of inspiration for a while.

'Bug huh? Well, that was my nickname as a kid. Kekeke~' Umeki thought to himself. A genuine smile flashed across his face as she called him creepy and refused to back down from him. "And you seem annoying, but cute, in a puppy sort of way! Kekeke~" Umeki reached down and pat the girl on the head, before backing away and allowing the girl some space. "So, what's your deal pup? You really interested in this Squad or are you window shopping? You must not know what comes with joining us..."

When Asami heard him say that his nickname was bug when he was a child, she tilted her head a bit in confusion with a frown on her face as she continued to look at him. She was surprised for him to smile at her but didn't allow her face to change when she saw it which managed to bring her some smugness that she got a captain to smile at her. Asami would pout however when he called her annoying but cute like a puppy before patting her head. It took every ounce of her body to not swat away his hand because while she did enjoy head pats she did not enjoy the feeling of being patronized by the person in front of her.

Asami was a bit glad that he had backed away from her a bit as she went back to her stonish expression even though the back of her mind was going absolutely wild with ideas for writing romantic moments. Even though her mind was acting a bit erratic, she was still able to listen to the captain as he asked her what her deal was, if she was window shopping or had any actual interest in the squad. She was a bit put off by him saying that she must not know what comes with joining them which is where the weirdness came back as she went back to being on guard around him even though there was a slight hint that she felt deep inside that she could trust him because as she has learned, you can't always trust outward appearances.

"I'm not interested in the slightest. I just couldn't quit staring at you and your piercings. I like them." Asami said very promptly and bluntly after the captain had asked her. Once again, her boldness with her blunt behavior in the way she talked to people was something else, even if she was being restrained because she was talking to a captain and still wanted to provide him with enough respect that she could. "That's all, sir."

Umeki shrugged at her disinterest in the squad, however, this was the first time he had gotten his piercings complimented. And that's all she wanted to tell him? What was with this girl? He refused to let a new graduate swoon him. He cocks his head slightly to the left. But she was being nice, and the only person to approach him this night, so he wouldn't be a downright asshole. "I appreciate it pup, but I gotta say this social shit's not really my thing. I wouldn't want you wasting your night around me anyway, so, why don't you run and bark along to who you're really here for? Kekeke~"

Asami was at least honest with the captain about not having an interest in joining his squad but she at least let him know why she was even standing in front of him to begin with, albeit a fairly silly reason, he did catch her eye even if he was creepy to her. She expected to be reprimanded for her answer but only heard him thank her before trying to shoo her off to who she actually had interests with in joining their squad. Again, referring to her as a pup and told her to bark at who she would talk to next, she was annoyed yet mildly entertained that he referred to her as a dog of all things and allowed her stonish and disgusted exterior drop for a second as a smirk came across her lips as she looked at the captain.

"See ya later then, Captain Bug." It was quick, her smirk, but it was there before returning to her frown that she normally adorned before bowing to the Captain of Squad Six and then moving to walk away from him and to the line of students that stood in front of Aya from Squad Two. The only things Asami could note from the interaction from the captain of squad six was that he certainly wasn't as annoying as she thought although he could get on her nerves fairly easily and that her bluntness didn't deter him from the interaction with her. For that, she was grateful but now she was focused on trying to secure a spot or at least notice from the girl from Squad Two and then possibly get food because she was starting to get a little bit hungry.

"Kekeke~ trailed in Asami's wake as she approached Aya. Her spot would be easily secured as not too many were looking to join Division Two either, as they made their high standards well known. There wasn't as much action comparted to Division Eleven, nor did they do as many incursions in the human world as Squad Three. It created a perception of being boring, but that was good, as they needed members to intentionally want to join their squad. Still, enough interest was garnered that Aya was able to have direct conversations with everyone directly, instead of just answering a barrage of questions. Her attention would turn to Asami not too long after she approached. Aya laid one hand on her hip and waved. "Heeeeeey girl! My name is Aya, and I'm the third seat of Squad Two! Nice to meet you!"

While Asami walked over to Aya, she was a bit weirded out by the sound that followed in her wake but chose to ignore it as she got closer to the third spot of Squad Two. She did notice that not many people expressed interest in Squad Two but did join among the few that were there in front of Aya as she kept a rather flat expression on her face. She seemed a bit more watchful this time as Aya introduced herself when she walked up and Asami gave a quick nod and bow for joining the group, not really having a question yet.

The others around her, however, seemed to keep hounding Aya for why the Captain or Lieutenant wasn't there instead of her which made Asami annoyed to hear from them as they seemed to not let it drop. Why were they so focused on the fact that the captain wasn't there? She understood wanting to impress the captain but if the captain had left someone capable in charge, why would you question it? The more she thought about it, the more she became irritated by there incessant questions which she was sure that Aya was probably tired of hearing but seemed very friendly when talking to the others and trying to dismiss those kinds of questions. Asami was definitely not one to mince words, especially when she was irritated. So she said a little louder than the others, "So when can one actually start in Squad Two?" When Asami raised her voice, she could tell she irritated her former classmates by speaking over them but it did manage to get them to quit pestering the lady that was representing Squad Two. Also taking advantage of the fact that they were finally quiet, Asami did step forward and bowed to Aya more properly this time. "I'm Asami, miss." She introduced herself to make herself known to the young looking woman in front of her. Asami may have been a lot smaller than her other classmates, but she was for sure more blunt and ballsy than most of them.

"Well it's very nice to meet you Asami!" Aya smiled, "I see the academy is getting sloppier explaining things. Well, let's see. First, you have your Squad Ten evaluation missions! We all go through it. Your Captain will determine where you fit best, and you'll generally be sorted that way. However, if you work hard enough and make a name for yourself it isn't unheard of for the Captain to send personal recommendations to the main Squad of your interest. Takehiro is very nice about that."

Aya taps her chin, thinking. "What else, what else...Oh! I remember!" She giggles with a light snort, "Aw, silly me, the reason I'm here. So, while this is a chance for new graduates to meet us, this is a chance for us to spot anyone interesting. So, Asami, if you would like to be on our radar... what exactly interests you about our Squad? What can you offer us?"

Asami made sure to listen diligently to the woman in front of her so as to make sure to not miss any information she would give that would be helpful to her. She really didn't want to wait for evaluation missions to complete but was glad that she said if she made a name for herself that the Captain would send a personal recommendation for the squad she was interested in. After hearing that, Asami simply nodded before hearing some snickers of the others around her muttering that she's already made herself known as the Ice Queen in the Academy.

Asami chose to ignore them and not retaliate like she normally would, showing a lot of restraint today. As she listened to the jubilant female, and heard her question, she wondered about whether or not she should boast of her capabilities but it would most certainly be out of character as she continued with the stonish look on her face not ever wavering the entire time.

"Most of my capabilities would be an asset to your squad and would fit most perfectly to Squad two." She explained as the young woman before thinking of anything else she could say. "And I'm pretty fast."

"That's a very good start so far!" Aya smiled wider, "Buuuuut... unfortunately that's all that is. While speed is definitely a priority for us, we need people who can think just as fast. You need to be able to study your opponent in an instant, weak points and all. If not, you certainly need to be able to analyze it quickly based on knowledge that you've gathered of said target. If I could give you the best piece of advice, it'd be to work on that when you get out there in the field. Now did I remember everything?"

Aya began counting on her fingers, one, two, three, four. She clenched her fingers into a fist. "Yup! Looks like that's all! As for your personal capabilities fitting our squad, that'll be determined in time. But I sure hope you're right! Another pretty girl with bright hair working in our Squad sounds so.freaking.amazinggggggg!" She giggled again, snorting slightly harder this time around.

Asami mostly just stared at her in a way of like staring into her soul when she told her that it was a good start but that they needed more than that. Even though the woman gave her advice, Asami did get irritated by the belittlement she was feeling from how these people would speak to her. She did understand that they were at least being realistic with them and giving hopefully most of them a reality check for if they couldn't tough it out in their squad but it still irritated her to hear. She was almost thrown back to a moment she had trauma blocked out but quickly phased out of it to stay back in reality and simply sighed as if sounding she was bored of the interaction she was having but that was not the case.

As Asami kept staring at her, she did keep her gaze not only focused on her but the others around her in her peripheral and simply blinked at her like she was bored of the interaction. But that was simply just her being irritated. "Sure." She said, very restrained through her teeth before bowing to Aya before walking away. Fully knowing that if she stayed any longer, she would have blown up at her, but that's mostly from her being hangry and needing to satiate her hunger.

Bleach: Rise Of The New Generation

Samurai Champloo is perfect down to its story, characters, inclusion of different cultures and the music is 10/10.

Bleach: Rise Of The New Generation

Goten

Goten watched the young runt closely (@Teyao) as he seemed lost in a train of thought after his words. He could sense a strength coming from the boy, but something was hindering it. Doubt? Fear? Insecurity? Anger? It intrigued him, the wild runt being paralyzed by simple words but not from a fight from someone in Squad-Eleven? Goten sat a hand upon his shoulder. "Keep your head up at all times young man. I know not what you've gone through, or what you're seeing now, but always keep your head up. In this life, a man doesn't find his purpose, he lets it find him within time." He gave a singular nod before removing his hand and giving his attention to Ageha (@Psyker Landshark).

"As for you, there will be time to prove yourself soon enough. Despite the unruly showing of our Captain-Commander, he speaks true. This may very well be your final calm day, especially if you look to join my Division, so please enjoy it. You made enough of an impression anyway, so you're on the right path. Visit me once you've completed your first mission." He gestures forward. "So, unless you two have more questions, once again I do implore you to enjoy your night."

Sum up your week in roleplaying in just 3 words

Productive

Black Clover: Fool's Arcana

I personally don't mind the slower pace as long as the posts are good quality, but I'm slow as molasses myself. Either way it goes, Hikari would rather it end sooner than later

What Are You Listening To?

Bleach: Rise Of The New Generation

Goten

Every graduation felt the same. "How many people have you killed? Why do you wear a mask? What's your Bankai?" It was like a Fanclub meeting more than actual recruitment most of the time, but Goten answered each question diligently, almost as if rehearsed. He lost count. Medical condition. He doesn't have a Bankai, a lie clear as day. Ageha would catch his attention out of everyone, due to her clear and direct question. He held up one hand. "No need for the formalities, we're here to celebrate you after all." His hand lowers as he scans the people surronding them. "As for your question, I believe everyone here could learn from Ageha how you should be looking to interact with a Captain. Look to gain information to help you."

The Captain turned his attention back to Ageha (@Psyker Landshark) fully. "Truth be told, this is the easiest Squad to join. So, what am I looking for? Strength above all else and the willingness to fight. The most basic requirement. However, all those that are Seated within my squad fight for something. Something they'll use to ultimately help them surpass me and kill me to become the next Kenpachi. That is the nature of this Squad, after all."

The Kenpachi turned his attention to Yuto (@Teyao). "So, do you have that in you? Because if not, I hope you find it. Something to separate you from the rest of the dead meat in this Squad, otherwise you're just more fodder for the front lines. That's as blunt as I can tell you."

Goten would observe the two for a reaction. Ageha, she said her name was. Headstrong and brave, it seemed. Yuto, the runt who picked a fight with a squad eleven member and didn't back down. Most Squad Eleven Captains had the reputation of brutes, but Goten was very observant, therefore nothing went unnoticed within his own barracks.

Bleach: Rise Of The New Generation

@EVERYONE: IC IS OFFICIALLY UP!
@RevekaRed@The World@Psyker Landshark@Kalas@Brink@Teyao@RoseKnightJason

Once again, this is Free Mode, so post to your heart's desire. If you would like to interact with any of the NPCs mentioned, whether at the pavilion or in private, you can either start the interaction or we can collab via PM or discord. You also have creative freedom on what you see/do at the festival if what I listed wasn't quite to your tastes. Use this opportunity to interact with one another as well, if you so please. If you have any questions, let me know.

Side Note: Every Shinigami has killed at least one hollow in order to graduate, so that's always something to play around with as well.

Interactable NPCs

Takehiro, Squad Ten (Captain)
Sio, Squad Four (4th Seat)
Goten, Squad Eleven (Captain Kenpachi)
Aya, Squad Two (3rd Seat)
Seki, Squad Three (Lieutenant)
Umeki, Squad Six (Captain)
Hikari Shinrai, Squad One (Captain-Commander)

Bleach: Rise Of The New Generation

An ancient power once existed in this universe. A small, bluish-purple orb that birthed destiny and fate itself. This power, the cause of many ancient wars. Crumbling, and shattering into a thousand pieces after one use, it has since been long forgotten in this world…

Meanwhile…

Somewhere in Hueco Mundo…

Nine figures of various races sat in white chairs across a large, black, round table. Some appeared bored, others waiting expectedly, while some just looked annoyed.

#10, green haired male: “Does anyone know what the fuck we were called here for? I mean, seriously, it feels like we’ve been here AAAAAAALLLLL FUUUUUUCKIN DAAAAAAAY!”

#3, white haired male, crossed arms, eyes closed: “I would suggest speaking with more respect.” He opened his eyes. “Don’t forget he’s the reason you live, so the least you can offer is your time.”

#8, red-haired female, giggles with her fingers to her lips: “And it probably doesn’t help that you’ve been complaining since you got here… the last of us to get here.”

#5, black-haired male: “Plus it’s only been thirty minutes… it’s not like you’ve got anything to do anyway.”

#10 slams his hands on the table: “Oh, look who wants to speak up! The literal fuckin’ baby!” #5 raises his left hand to show the number five tattooed in black ink. He then lowers all his fingers except his middle, which got chuckles out of even the most stoic of members.

“Ah, you got fuckin’ lucky!” A green disc of spiritual energy emerged from #10’s left palm as he stood. “I can take any of you, any day of the week!” #5 was more than happy to oblige. He stood up as well, and in his right hand emerged five floating orbs that look to be made of ash and soot.

“Alright my children, that’s enough out of you!” A voice emerged. A purple mass of spatial energy sprawled across the ceiling as two figures stepped out and stood upside down in the air. “Save your energy for our inevitable fight with the Gotei 13.”

The two figures took to the floor and sat in their respective chairs. #2 sat in between #1 and #3 while the other man sat at the head of the table, looking over everyone. “With those Shinigami being slaughtered,” he shoots a glance at #10, “It’s only a matter of time before they catch on. Nevertheless we still have the advantage.” He smiles a warm smile, placing half an orb covered in blood on the table. It glowed as an immense power emanated from it.

“Time to enact Step Two…”

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Hikari Shinrai

An arm, severed from a body, flew into the air as Hikari dashed forward and withdrew his blade from its sheath. ‘Did I miss?’ Hikari used the same momentum to spin around. To his surprise, his enemy, with one arm, was right upon him. His remaining arm, striking in a punch with the power to rip through space and time itself. Blood splattered across his face as a figure, clad in absolute metal, jumped in front of him to shield him from the blow.

The blood would fall down his face, into his eyes, before dissolving into the face of a pink-haired woman. The same woman that would kill him if he ever dared called her hair pink, instead of Reddish-Blonde. Her bright blue eyes glared angrily at him, asking why he was staring at her instead of responding. Was that the moment he realized he loved his lieutenant? In a dainty restaurant he and Kenta grew up stealing food from in the 80th district. It was funny, being known as a romantic by everyone except the woman he fell for. She made him nervous, so nervous he bluntly professed his love and sat in shock. Her cheeks turned red as she gave him a warm smile, putting dango up to his lips and feeding him. She would bluntly tell him that he was cute but needed to work harder to earn her love.

Hikari opened his eyes, blinking a few times and shielding his eyes from the sun. “Huh?” He cleared his throat. “That’s weird…” He wiped a single, wet, substance from the left side of his cheek. “It must have been raining while I was sleeping…” Hikari raised his bottle to his lips and to his surprise, not a drop was left. He yelled angrily as he tossed the bottle off the tree he was laying in.

“Great, now I gotta meet these new brats sober…” Hikari sighed and stood up, dusting himself off before preparing to attend the ceremony.

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Welcome To The Gotei 13!

In the capital of the Soul Society, a vibrant and energetic festival took place in the Seireitei to celebrate the new graduates. It was dusk, and the peak of cherry blossom season as they flew across the city. Lanterns of various designs adorned the sky, accompanied by the occasional fireworks of Kido. Shinigami performed traditional dances under the moonlight as taiko drums and flute music played. There was an area where Shinigami could display their unique Kido and Zanpakuto spells, anyone could hop on stage to try and impress the crowd. Different cultures across the world, as well as within the Soul Society, were represented in a masked parade that marched across the city. Many stories were told within this marching parade, including the regaining of the Seireitei by the Captain-Commander. Food stalls offered a variety of traditional soul-based foods, meals infused with Spiritual Energy that boosts flavors ten-fold, all for free.

A pink-haired woman, by the name of Sio, served tea to guests surrounding a pavilion. She gave a forced half-smile with every pour, just to roll her eyes once they turned their backs. “Every graduate is here to listen to this speech, and the Captain-Commander is…” She raised an eyebrow.

“Enjoying his own festivities?” The Squad-Ten Captain, Takehiro, responded as they laughed.

The new graduates were told to arrange here in order to meet the Captain-Commander, as well as representatives from different Squads. They stood within the pavilion, adorned in special cloaks that had their Division and Rank engraved. Takehiro represented Squad-Ten as Captain, although everyone knew him by now. Sio represented Squad-Four as 4th seat. Representing Squad-Eleven as its Captain, standing at six-seven, stood the Kenpachi Goten. His dark black hair fell over his purple eyes as a purple mask encapsulated his jaw. Representing Squad-Two as 3rd seat stood Aya, a woman at average height with blue hair and hazel-brown eyes. Her garb was significantly different from the rest. Seki represented Squad-Three as its Lieutenant. Her long, brown, hair swayed in the wind as her eyes pulsated yellow with a continuous glow around her. Her spiritual energy was continuously pouring out, yet had a calming effect to it. Finally, there stood the off-putting Captain of Squad-Six. An extremely pale man by the name of Umeki. He had short black hair and various piercings across his face. He wore an intense, bizarre, look as he scanned over the crowd with the occasional “Kekeke~”

When things were beginning to feel too-awkward to stand around, a voice bellowed from the sky. “WELL HELLO EVERYONE!” Hikari landed suddenly, and then made his way onto the pavilion. “I’m sorry to keep you all waiting, but when duty calls it can’t go unignore-” Takehiro cleared his throat as Hikari matched his eyes, trailing down to the bottle still in his hand.

Hikari chuckled. “Oops, well, you guys can’t have all the fun!” He shrugged. “Well let me get straight to it since I’ve kept you all waiting. I know you’re itching to get back to the festivities.” He scanned the crowd, locking eyes with each and every graduate. “I know some of you are itching to get out in the field as well, but I implore you to enjoy this night and take it all in for what it’s worth. You have dedicated yourself to becoming Shinigami, dedicated yourself to long days and long nights. This may very well be your last calm day.”

“To be a Shinigami is not to be a Hero. Our one and only goal is to maintain balance, by any means necessary. I know you have heard stories of what I’ve done to maintain this balance, to bring peace… but that’s what I’ve done. That’s the past and we’re living in the now. From this moment on I want you to make a promise to get stronger, and find your own way to maintain balance and peace. The future is in your hands, New Generation, and now you have your own story to tell.”

“I realize that probably wasn’t worth the wait to hear me say so little, but formalities and blah blah blah-” Hikari put the bottle to his lips and downed the entire thing in one go, letting out a ferocious burp. “Oh yeah, use this as an opportunity to get to know these wonderful people up here. You probably won’t have another opportunity later.” Hikari began walking off without a care in the world, waving goodbye. “I’ll be around, so catch me if you need me…” Takehiro sighed as Sio facepalmed, and to think the speech was actually getting good.

The various Squad Members would wait around and interact with all those who approached, while the festivities continued on throughout the night.