Shinkou Masaru - Sereno Aestus

[Winduril]

Name: Shinkou Masaru (Last, First)

Age: 1924 years in Soul Society (Looks like 28)

Persona: Masaru at the darkest period of his life was a reclusive depressant, due to a childhood incident that had traumatized him on many levels. After a personal revelation and insight into his own characteristics, he realized that such an attitude would be the end of him if he should choose to continue his pessimistic path of life. Thus, he is now quite the optimist, engaging in conversation with anyone and always offering words of encouragement. He has learned from nearly 2000 years of experience to never underestimate any situation.

Physical Stature: He stands at 6 '2, has average brown eyes, and a short-haired goatee. His hair comes a little past his ears, and he leaves it loose. He wears Tasukeru on his left side. Having shed the title of Commander General, he has discarded his red haori in favor of a standard gi and hakama, both dyed a deep black that sports occassional undulations of navy blue. Over these garbs, he wears a long cape across the left shoulder colored in the same golden-red colors of Hizashi (nearest comparison would be Kurosaki Isshin).

Picture:

Spoiler: Shinkou Masaru as Commander General

As depicted by the fantastic artwork of Mizumiko.

Picture 2

Spoiler: Kyoumou Nesuai, Shougo Tenchou, Shinkou Masaru

As portrayed by the wonderful skill of Miharu-san.

Picture 3

Spoiler: Shinkou Masaru

As shown by the illustrious technique of Ximena.

Theme Song:

Note - Lyrical themes are mainly for characteristic sagas, i.e., the Longing would be Masaru in his quest to rescue Nesuai, the Storm would be Masaru in the Siege, etc. Instrumentals can pertain to specific scenes or just themes presented in general.

Lyrical

[The Longing] - Heaven's Not Enough, Steve Conte
[The Storm] - What I Saw, John Frusciante
[The Man] - Snow (Hey Oh), The Red Hot Chili Peppers
[The Serene Feather] - Stadium Arcadium, The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Instrumental

[1st Division] - Red Warrior, Hans Zimmer
[To Surpass Midnight] (Drama Mix) - Tataki no Hate, Various Artists
[Tasukeru] (Save) - Each Parting, Kotaro Nakagawa
[Tsubasa Moetsuite] (Unleashing the Beast) - Tatakai no Toki, Unknown
[Kurokasai] (The Dark Flame) - Devil Gundam, Tanaka Kouhei
[Hizashi] (The Light Flame) - Gohan Powerups, Bruce Faulconer
[Genseikou] (Argentum Niveus) - Makeru Wake ni ha Ikenee, Yu Yu Hakusho


Division and Seat: N/A (Rogue)

Zanpakutou: Tasukeru "Save"

Manifestation: N/A

Shi Kai: "Tsubasa Moetsuite, Tasukeru" (Wings Ignite, Save)

No longer dominated by Kurokasai, Masaru's Shikai has now transformed to utilize both the resistance manipulating Kurokasai and the light that breaks through, Hizashi.

The form is similar to that of the purely Kurokasai release, in that the it remains in its single blade state upon release, having lost its twin form basis when Utsuro annihilated the left blade completely. It still appears as a 3 1/2 foot blade with a traditional frame. The hamon is gunome, and the ha is a vivid gold line. The tsuba is in a wave motiff, and from the butt of the hilt, a lighter shade of red makes itself seen on a tassel. The dull side of the blade itself is obsidian with streaks of navy, while the edged half of is golden-red.

The Shikai, now using the power of both flames, raises the Shintsuuro's fighting ability upon release, allowing him to use higher level forms of the Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu style. This is accompanied by the ever useful "Teikoutoppa (Resistance Breakthrough)" ability, once again materializing as the crescent zangeki that transforms from a ramming Kurokasai base to a blazing Hizashi cut. Masaru can manipulate the ability to a great extent, ranging from sweeping tidal waves to bleeding minute amounts to serve his purposes.

Finally, a slight transformation occurs prior to initiating Bankai: his face is covered with the makings of the fiery mask that had accompanied his previous Shikai, but it is only the lower half of his face...the upper is composed of a Hizashi menpo that covers everything except his eyes. Two intertwining torrents of the flames issue forth from his body, though, obviously, Hizashi pours out in much greater amounts than its shadowy brother.


Ban Kai (Full Compressed): Hikarimono Tasukeru (Luminous Body [Shooting Star] Save) -- The final form of Tasukeru, and the culmination of Masaru's life spent shaping into a Shintsuuro of unprecedented strength and valor, hardened into a Shinigami Bankai of omniscient proportions. It was acquired by successfully channeling Ginseikou into controlled torrents of spiritual pressure, with which Masaru forced Tasukeru's concluding transformation to occur.

Form -- The plate armor transforms in hue and slightly in shape, gaining more streamlined "winged" edges and taking a silver-white color. Individual joint pieces (i.e., at the knees, elbows, shoulders) are interlocked by the same foliage design of feathers. The scabbard's lacquer turns to a palette of white, silver, and light blue, and the obi takes on these colors to match. Lastly, an addition to the garb is made, in the form of a kabuto, the traditional helmet of the samurai, accompanied by a menpo, or face mask. The menpo does not cover the Shintsuuro's now argent eyes, nor does it shroud his mouth and chin, but the rest of his face is enclosed behind the metal. The kabuto itself is in typical ronin style, with surrounding plates on all sides and a particularly dense cover over the forehead to protect from head strikes. Not an exception to the rule, the rims of the kabuto itself are edged in to fine brushes not unlike the wingtips of any bird.

The main five feathers that had manifested in order to form Seionhane's pyramid materialize once again, serving a very different purpose: they are now attached to Masaru's back, made of steel, angled at specific degrees, and hollow at their core. They form a square, with two pinions inclining skyward while two point at the ground. The fifth feather is the largest, having been used for the peak of the prism in the earlier Kai, and here, it is positioned a little above the center, and its trajectory is slightly upwards.

Lastly, Tasukeru itself endures yet another metamorphosis, losing its previously all-Hizashi composed blade in favor of a translucent steel frame with an incandescent interior of silver, white, and small patches of cerulean. The blade is approximately 70 cm in length, with a groove that runs up to the yokote (the lining in the ridge that determines when the kissaki [sword tip] has begun), but it is abnormal when compared to standard fullers: the majority of grooves produced a whistling sound in order to help the swordsman correctly assess if he was cutting with the edge straight in the trajectory of the swing. Hikarimono's grooves produce a phoenixial bird cry instead, and the harmonic resonance simultaneously will lift the spirits of the Shintsuuro's comrades and strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. Etched into the steel just above the tanka (section of the sword that locks the blade into the handguard), a single wing is depicted on both sides of the katana. The tsuba, or hand guard, depicts a montage of raining feathers enveloped in blazing fire, and the tsuka (hilt) is in well furnished wood, along with the scabbard itself -- the sheath now is buke-zukuri, slipped through the obi (belt) and waiting to be used for drawing techniques. From the butt of the hilt itself, a tassel hangs, its threads shimmering in a manner where the shades change from white to silver as the decoration shifts.

Ability -- "Shikou Teikoutoppa" (Supreme Resistance Breakthrough) Hikarimono, like the reformed Shikai, is intended to augment the Shintsuuro's fighting prowess, enabling him to execute the top tier forms of Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu style by enhancing his Zanjutsu and Hohou by 55% each. The former is largely a result of the new blade, and the latter is accomplished by the five feathers jutting forth from Masaru's back. The hollow interiors are flooded with torrents of Ginseikou that rocket out from the pinions' tips, propelling the Shintsuuro at extreme speeds. His mental control over the calami is pinpoint precise, however, and by burning energy out of only one or two feathers at a time, he can turn and almost freely move as he desires. In addition, his control over the degree to which the "engines" pour out energy is masterful as well, to the effect that he can simply hover in place or come to a complete stop with relatively little ground even at full speed. The jet propulsion serves another, more basic purpose, however: since "fuel" for the flight is provided from Masaru's unique flame, Ginseikou (the fire that is the Shintsuuro's template for triumph in the face of impossibility), if the ex-Captain of the 1st is locked in a grapple with a steadfast opponent, the blasting flames will continue to flare with greater vivacity. In other words, the longer the opponent spends interlocked with Masaru, the more likely the antagonist's weapon is to break asunder. This steady escalation in power is a failsafe in case Shinkou is incapable of utilizing his impetus system for whatever reason. The final property of the jet propulsion is the flames themselves...Genseikisei will swallow up anything that is unfortunate enough to be washed in its expulsion. Despite not being as powerful as Tasukeru itself, this backwash can send the victim into a fiery oblivion should their spiritual pressure be low enough, and is a quick method of destroying large numbers of weaklings.

Attacks -

Choushinsei no Zetsuha [Supernova's Breakthrough] - The standard attack of Hikarimono Tasukeru, the Choushinsei no Zetsuha is a versatile technique that burns large amounts of spiritual pressure in favor of a skill that is applicable in a number of situations.

The Choushinsei no Zetsuha is executed with what is, in effect, a reverse battoujutsu: Shinkou begins the activation of the attack by compressing Ginseikou within Tasukeru's blade. This immediately causes the steel frame to melt away, leaving the luminiscent contents to blaze ever brighter as he approaches his target at high speeds. When he is within range (80-100 meters, though preferably, point blank), Shinkou sheathes Tasukeru into its scabbard at a velocity so quick the action appears to be instantaneous. This noutoujutsu is augmented by the "impossible break through" effect of Ginseikou, and thus, the Choushinsei no Zetsuha begins.

The result is an omnidirectional explosion of argent blue currents that erupt outwards in a sphere-like shape. This blast is preceded by a deafening roar, resembling the sound of a guitar that is amplified a thousand times over being strummed. The torrents within the Choushinsei no Zetsuha are concussive, and hammer away at the victim in varying degrees depending on proximity:

100-80 Meters Away - Only about a tenth of the Choushinsei no Zetsuha's strength, it feels like a body slam.

80-40 Meters Away - About half power, the victim takes blows from all sides simultaneously...it resembles being pummeled by many fists.

40-10 Meters Away - Approximately three fourths of the threshold, the Choushinsei no Zetsuha can severely cripple anyone unfortunate enough to take a direct hit at this range.

10-0 Meters Away - In addition to being nearly crushed by the immense spiritual pressure, the opponent is cut and slashed all over, culminating into one final wave that hurls them out of the sphere's epicenter with frightening force.

These effects are relative to Shinkou's Spiritual Pressure stat...they are based off of the value at the time of the attack. However, as aforementioned, the Choushinsei no Zetsuha sacrifice power for the sake of versatility, and so, Shinkou can use it up to four times in combat. Each Choushinsei no Zetsuha is more powerful than the last, and so the first is only valued at 3% of Shinkou's spiritual pressure, the second at 6%, and so on.

If Shinkou so chooses, he can immediately jump to a higher degree of Choushinsei no Zetsuha (for example, using it at 12% ((full strength)) on the first shell). This immediately forfeits any remaining shells he has for the duration of the battle.


Eikoukan Choushinsei no Zetsuha [Sharp Corona, Supernova's Breakthrough] - An escalation on the Choushinsei no Zetsuha, this attack elevates the original technique's power in exchange for a single shell and mandatory execution at point blank range. It is immediately valued at 15% of his Spiritual Pressure.

Shinkou follows the same procedure of letting Tasukeru's blade dissipate, leaving only the brimming fires of Ginseikou in its wake. This time when he sheaths, however, there is no explosive burst of energy. Instead, the Shintsuuro redirects the attack's power into Hikarimono's feathers, where the speed is momentarily quadrupled...he has literally used the Choushinsei no Zetsuha as fuel for a temporary afterburner.

This extreme increase in velocity is accompanied by a vicious battoujutsu, which couples the momentary boost in movement with Ginseikou's ability to "break through the impossible". Consequently, the sword strike that is unleashed is at a speed greater than any other that the Shintsuuro can produce. This means that the Eikoukan's likelihood to hit the target is valued at Shinkou's Zanjutsu + (Hohou X 4), and the damage dealt is equal to 15% of his spiritual pressure plus the standard 1/3rd that come with Compressed Ban Kai attacks. The result is a blazing conflagration that bores into the wound left by the attack. This argent fire circulates upon itself, forming a gargantuan halo that burns away at the target while it continues to revolve. The conclusion is a single eruption of Ginseikou, blowing the opponent away with a force equivalent to the point blank Choushinsei no Zetsuha.

??? [??] - T.B.F.

 

[Winduril]

Stats:

Kurokasai-Hizashi Value = +10%

Ginseikou Value = +20%

Hikarimono Value = +55%

Tairyoku: 54,375

Spiritual Pressure:(Base) 17,652
(Tasukeru) ~21,182~ (23,300)
(Hikarimono Tasukeru) ~35,304~ (42,365) (7 Turns///*50%*)

Zanjutsu: 16,961 (18,657) ((20,352)) [31,546]

Hakuda: 183 (201)

Hohou: 16,747 (18,422) ((20,096)) [31,149]

Kidou: 2,832 (3,115)

SLOT
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Connection: 51,596

Items:
Cape of Seionnekketsu
Setsuro
SLOT

 

[Winduril]

Techniques: Note...the number of techniques Masaru knows is unknown. Many have been created by himself, while the amount he has learned are countless in estimation. His feats, however, are special abilities, some legendary and well known all over Soul Society, some so secretive only one or two others know of it.

Feats:

Stat Boosters:

[Kurokasai] (Dark Conflagration) & [Hizashi] (Rays of Sunlight) - Within Shinkou Masaru resides two different reiki: a dark flame, and a light flame. In Tasukeru's Shi Kai state, the both flames come to the surface.

No longer are they separated through the Shinigami system of seals and releases. Kurokasai and Hizashi flow out in flares of energy, intertwining in their warring clash for the Shintsuuro's heart, and their blazing heat heightens Masaru's battle capabilities, granting him a 10% boost to all stats upon entering Shikai.

Ginseikou (Silver Starlight) - The final flame that Shinkou Masaru could produce, and unique to himself. All Shintsuuro are capable of producing Kurokasai and Hizashi, which are products of the Shintsuuro's feelings. These feelings manifest in the real world appropriate to the moral alignment that the Shintsuuro has according to their Reisai, but when they've experienced a personal epiphany, known as the "Keiji" or Revelation, the Shintsuuro is capable of forging their own flame, exclusive to themselves. Shinkou Masaru's select fire is Genseikou, borne through the combination of Kurokasai and Hizashi, both in terms of the ideological and the physical bases.

In terms of ideology, Kurokasai is Masaru's darker side, whereas Hizashi is his light. The two are representative of more than just his emotions, however...they are inherently the failures and triumphs all humans are fated to endure for as long as they breathe. Thus, Kurokasai is his personal set of defeats, and Hizashi is personal set of victories. In the physical plateau, the Shintsuuro manifests these defeats as corporal resistance being done to him in various forms, and the victories as his ability to break through the said resistance. In laymen's terms, Kurokasai blankets, pushes, sticks, and Hizashi explodes, blazes, cuts.

Ginseikou is the result of Masaru focusing on himself. He takes his failures and his accomplishments, and binds the two flames within his being. This means that the flames manifest differently: Masaru is simultaneously treating himself as the resistance and the breakthrough. By doing this, Masaru inadvertently accesses the truest, most pure aspect of having a human heart, for humans all strive to climb the steps of their mistakes, all aim to ascend over what has been deemed impossible and thus, transcend their limits. This is the most basic of all human qualities, and their purpose in the world...their duty, under Order. Because the former Commander is now channeling this element of nature through himself, he generates the new flame, Genseikou. The silver fire can be manipulated to whatever ends Masaru wishes, since it is the product of accomplishment, but this is limited to two prerequisites: 1) Masaru must be in Ban Kai, and 2) It can only be implemented when using the Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu style.

Due to Ginseikou's nature as a product of Reiki, the flame increases Masaru's Spiritual Pressure, Zanjutsu, and Hohou by 20%.

Fighting Style:

Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu
(Ascending Sky, Silver Phoenix)

*Will Be Posted Below*

~Revealed Techniques~

[Tenkou no Shougekitotsu] (Ascending Crash of Kindling Rays)
[Hisouen Katsu] (Cleave of the Soaring Sheath Wheel)
[Houyoku no Te no Hira] (Palm of Phoenix Wings)
[Kiyoku no Saiugeki] (Crushing Flap of Waking Wings)

Race Feat:

[Shintsuuro] (Way of Heart) - A Shintsuuro, in essence, is a being whose power draws from their emotions.

This status is acquired through an unusual prerequisite: willpower. The potential Shintsuuro dies, and becomes a Hollow. Under the rules of the universe, a Hollow requires a deathblow from a zanpakutou in order to be purified, yet the Shintsuuro's intense strength of will allows them to purify themselves. Because they're purification is the result of their heart's resolve, they're power becomes the result of that as well. From that point on, the state of their feelings determines everything about their strength.

This "Reiki" [Spirit Aura] manifests in different ways for each Shintsuuro, and is extremely volatile. Indeed, it is impossible to master and channel the Reiki into useful spiritual pressure unless two requirements are filled: 1) The Shintsuuro becomes a Shinigami, providing their Reiki with an item through which it can materialize, and 2) A "Reisai", which is a pact formed with the zanpakutou manifestation that ensures what alignment a Shintsuuro intends to wield. In other words, a Shintsuuro will choose between "right" and "wrong", and swear to up hold to that chosen path for the remainder of their life. Should they stray from that Reisai, the foundations of their strength is obliterated, and they will die.

The nature of this Reiki is well worth the foreboding requirements, however, for it is through the special characteristics of this unique energy through which a Shintsuuro is able to eradicate their limits...for their power is based on the capacity of the human heart, and the human heart has no limits. This unique reiryoka allows for the following properties:

*A Shintsuuro can target what they want, whether it be physical or metaphysical. If it is the latter, special conditions must be prepared and successfully accomplished, including having a Spiritual Pressure greater than the opponent's and attacking the intended ability or quality when it is playing some part on the physical plateau.
*A Shintsuuro can generate their own unique flame after experiencing a Keiji, or Revelation. This personal fire is the result of the specific Shintsuuro interpreting the origins of Kurokasai and/or Hizashi in order to justify a new ideology that builds off one or both of them, and their potential abilities are infinite.


Gen Kai Breaker:

[Daigo] (The Fifth) - There are 4 "Paths" through which Shinigami can train and channel their spiritual pressure. Zanjutsu, the way of the sword, Hakuda, hand to hand combat, Hohou, footwork, and Kidou, demon way, all share the fact that they are limited, however, and when one reaches their maximum strength in these 4 arenas, they're power growth stops.

Shintsuuro, through their emotion-based power growth, follow the Daigo, the 5th Path that holds no limit. All Reiki produced by a Shintsuuro is warped within their spiritual core through usage of the Daigo, and transformed into spiritual pressure to which they can effectively make use of in our realm. If the Daigo did not exist, Reiki would simply pour out, and Shintsuuro would only be able to affect fellow Shintsuuro with their power. The Daigo is created the moment a Shintsuuro becomes a Shinigami, and will manifest the Shintsuuro's energies in a viable state for the duration of their life.

 

[Winduril]

Biography: Shinkou Masaru died nearly 2,000 years ago in the beginnings of a war on Earth. When he arrived in Soul Society, he was assigned to a high area number, and thus witnessed many atrocities of man every day. He was taken in by a good family, cared for by them, came to love his father, mother, sister. It was in this short time of bliss that he discovered he had spiritual powers, though they were weak. One of the men in his area, fearing his potential as a Shinigami, killed hismother and father, than forced Masaru to kill his sister at sword point, hoping to traumatize the boy. Masaru on the contrary, disgusted with the acts he had done, came to the conclusion he must become a Shinigami in order to wipe away the cowardice that allowed him to kill his own sister.

In the Spirit Academy, Masaru rose quickly through the ranks, graduating to the 12th Division in 1854 P.N. He worked hard to improve his spiritual abilities, and in 1493 P.N. met Seiji Yasuo, and the two became friends. The two's bond would continue to grow, for the next 500 years, in which time several disgruntling incidents occurred, including the death of Masaru's Captain and his replacement by a man named Kotsu. Masaru disliked Kotsu and his blunt disgust for people below him, and steered to avoid him. Over time however, he developed a suspicion for his superior as several murders occurred. In 686 P.N. he became a Vice-Captain, and immediately secluded his ideas to himself, in fear that Kotsu would destroy him should he leak any of his suspicions to others.

6 years later, however, he revealed his story to the only soul he trusted completely: Seiji. They agreed that neither of them, even together, would stand a chance against their opposition, and so they left, hiding away in Rukongai where they could safely train for Ban Kai over the course of the next hundred years....or at least, they thought it would take a few hundred years. The two legends achieved it in less than a couple of weeks, however. Masaru achieved Ban Kai after Seiji, but Seiji's....problems concerning his zanpakutou pushed Masaru to achieve the next level, revealing his Shinno Ban Kai. They began to sneak out, taking in info of the outside world...

A Hollow War had broken out, and the Seireitei had been abandoned. The two knew that individually they could change the entire tide of the war, and thus Masaru took reigns of the battle on Earth, where the Hollows fighting the Quincy and Earth-based Shinigami was mingled with the revival of the human race after a terrible nuclear war. Masaru organized the resistance warriors who were spread far across the globe, and with the forces unified easily slaughtered the Hollows.

At around 424 P.N., Masaru received information concerning the maskless Hollows leading the invasion, and in particular, the Hollow leading the Earth invasion. He set out to find "Brainfang" , and found the Hollow retreating with forces across a plateau. Masaru instantly activated Ban Kai, cutting Brainfang out from the other Hollows and encompassing the two of them together in a ring of fire. Brainfang's ability to extract data from an opponent's mind through cuts and wounds inflicted by the giant Hollow was formidable, but Masaru worked his way through it by using Kidou and hit and run tactics to avoid entangling with the nasty Arrancar. With the leader of the Earth Hollows dead, the resistance wiped out the remaining Hollows, and Masaru was free to return to Soul Society.

Masaru did not return immediately however. He wished to push himself to the final level of Ban Kai, and increase his strength as much as possible, so after 14 years, he emerged, having gained Kyoshou Ban Kai and become much more powerful, then raced to Soul Society. The instant he arrived, he found out about a situation concerning the village elders, and took the guise of a Rukongai citizen, easily getting within range of his former "Captain" Kotsu, who had now shown his true form as the Hollow "Emptybones" . Masaru revealed himself, and in Emptybones shock he was able to easily drive away the Arrancar. When he returned to the main base of the resistance, he heard the good news: Seiji had taken down White Corona at the same time Masaru had driven Emptybones back.

With the Hollows retreating, Rukongai had earned many years of peace. Hollows sprung up here and there, but they were easily destroyed while Masaru and Seiji hunted for Emptybones, wishing to crush any chance of the Hollows reviving their efforts. During this period the people of Soul Society recognized the two of them and their achievements, and Masaru was named to be the successor to Ro-hanken, the former Commander of the Gotei 13, while Seiji was appointed to revive the Central 46.

After two hundred years of searching, Masaru and Seiji finally found a retreating but revitalized Emptybones. The battle that ensues is legendary. The two Shinigami gained an advantage quickly, their individual powers working well together and forming a strong offense and defense that Emptybones could not break through. Unfortunately, Seiji lost control of his zanpakutou's wild power, and the impenetrable defense the two had created was shattered. Emptybones took advantage of the situation to severely injure the two of them, until Masaru mustered the spiritual power needed to activate Shinno Ban Kai. Seiji could not use his zanpakutou, but was free to use Kidou, and so chained Emptybones on the spot, making it impossible to avoid Masaru's "Seionhane Tsubasakakou Tasukeru" , which subsequently obliterated Emptybones.

The Hollow War was over, and the rebuilding process could begin. Masaru took the reigns of the new Gotei 13, becoming the Commander and Captain of the 1st Division, and immediately began work on reviving the Spirit Academy he had taken education under so many years before. 6 years ago, he successfully had rebuilt the school, and opened the doors to potential Shinigami for the first time in several hundred years. He now awaits to see the progress of those individuals he deems the future.

 

[Winduril]

Name: Hagane Sosogu / Emptybones (Deceased)

Age: 598 years in Soul Society (Looks like 28) / *Approximately 2000

Persona: Sosogu's true character has been revealed at last...it seems that in secret, the man had always been hiding his true objectives, and has at last found the template to accomplishing these objectives through his symbiotic relationship with Emptybones. He is cold, remorseless, and sarcastic. His recent boosts in strength have also twisted his ego. / Emptybones is an intellectual, first and foremost. His arrogance can be suffocatingly strong to those around him, but his haughtyness is well earned...the Arrancar possesses a brilliant ingenuity, both in battle and in strategy, and makes sure to remind all that he is the premonated victor and that his opponent is the underdog.

Physical Stature: He stands at 6 '2, wearing the garb of the Keigun leader. He has emerald green eyes and blonde hair that contrasts greatly wth the black Keigun outfit. He wears Genseikisei on his left side. / Unknown Currently

Division and Seat: Rogue With Charges of High Treason / Lord of Hollows

Zanpakutou: Genseikisei "Life Parasite"

Manifestation: Unknown

Shi Kai: "Aogu, Genseikisei!" (Take, Life Parasite)
No one knows the exact properties of Genseikisei. When Sosogu releases it, the sword transforms, gaining a wider girth, a longer point, and a tassel with a deterioated appearance. The blade turns a dull grey in color. Sosogu stabs Genseikisei in to the ground, and after several moments, the dull grey vanishes, replaced with an odd green hue.

This aura slowly starts to encompass Sosogu, until his body is covered in the green, soft flame. As soon as this is complete, Sosogu becomes much stronger and faster than he was before, recieving a large boost in every Shinigami fighting form. How this is done is unknown, though during the War it was noted he would often take a sick expression after using this, and consequently it was not questioned when his rarity of actually using Genseikisei became recognized.

If he so chooses, he can manipulate the green aura into his blade to create a Nagasuasshuku, a powerful wave of energy that, upon contact, causes the target to implode like a crushed can of aluminum. If the opponent's spiritual pressure is high, then the wave will simply act like a giant slice.

Ban Kai: Shitai Genseikisei - The medium in which Emptybones manifests his true form. The host body becomes a monstrous abomination that boasts an enormous tail capable of boosting the beast to a height several stories tall. The body is rotting and decayed, with a split chest that uses the rib cage as a vicious weapon, and both arms have transformed into deathblow-dealing tools of mass genocide. The right is a gargantuan pincher, and the left holds the sinister, new Genseikisei, a double blade dripping in poison. Sprouting from the left area, vines fester and feed on the corpse that has become Emptybones home, boosting his power while they suck energy from the undead nature of their food. It is a horrendous sight, and connotates the reaper's blade at one's throat.

Stats
Spiritual Pressure: Unknown
Zanjutsu: Unknown
Hakuda: Unknown
Hohou: Unknown
Kidou: Unknown

 

[Winduril]

Name: Kyoumou Nesuai

Age: 1,747 years in Soul Society (Looks like 26)

Persona: Nesuai is a very compassionate woman. She follows the belief that one needs to place others' lives before their own, and ceaselessly works against things she finds antagonizing innocents. When her blood becomes boiled, she is a force to be reckoned with, viciously assaulting the source of her anger until it is completely destroyed. She is not one to bestow mercy upon those she deems deserve punishment.

Physical Stature: At 5'8, she dresses in a red gi with a light blue hakama that Masaru had made for her upon her return. She leaves her hair down, since it is fairly short (only a little past her ears). Her eyes are a dark blue, contrasting with her brown hair.

Division and Seat: N/A

Zanpakutou: Musebuhebu

Manifestation: A kunoichi who always held an explosive in her hands. During conversations with Nesuai, Musebuhebu would often play with this explosive, twirling it along her fingers.

Shi Kai: "Haji kaze, Musebuhebu!"
Musebuhebu is a rather sinister sword in appearance. The moment it's released, the blade peels into seven whips of steel, and the end of each tendril is an odd, black sphere. A light blue aura encompasses her, and condenses around these sheres.

In combat, besides the mere effectiveness of having seven whips that can cut (and are guided by mental commands...so in reality, she can move attack using the tendrils while simply standing still), the spheres become a deadly means to using Musebuhebu's attack, Kazebaku. The sphere, as long as it is in contact with something, can be told to explode violently. Often, Nesuai would simply have one of the spheres touch the ground, explode to cover the area in a haze of dust, and attack like a ninja in the confusion, taking advantage of her opponent's crippled vision.

Ban Kai: Unknown

Stats

Spiritual Pressure:(Base) 33,720
(Musebuhebu) - ~40,460~
Zanjutsu: 49,999
Hakuda: 2,310
Hohou: 41,900
Kidou: 16,890

 

[Winduril]

Name: Kimete Garyou

Age: 834 years in Soul Society (Looks like 19)

Persona: Kimete is a particularily arrogant fighter. This does not arise from overconfidence but from the fact that he often tends to draw out a fight until he has made a point or driven his feelings into the enemy's head. He is fiercely loyal to his Commander, and does not see things in terms of ranking: to him, everyone is equal in stature except for Masaru, who stands above them alone. As such, he treats all others with a mutual respect, though should someone believe themselves worthy of more formaility, they will be quite disappointed with Kimete.

Physical Stature: Standing at 6'0, he dresses with a light brown attire that would make him blend quite easily with his surroundings in the outskirts of Rukongai. His short hair is a vivid red, however, making this dress policy almost completely pointless. His eyes are a similarly intense shade of red.

Division and Seat: Former 5th Resistance Commander, currently listed as in the "Reserves".

Zanpakutou: Sendaikousei

Manifestation: An enormous, bright red worm. Both sides had a brain to communicate with, and as such Kimete would often get confused on who he was talking to. Sendaikousei's manifestation was quite proud of its regeneration ability, and would often intentionally let itself be slashed apart in Ban Kai training just to rub in the technique's efficiency.

Shi Kai: "Ikare, Sendaikousei!"
Sendaikousei's most noticeable trait is its length: the blade doubles in size on release, gaining a grand total of a 5 foot long blade (6 foot long sword all together). As such, the zanpaku isn't exactly maneuvarable, and Kimete doesn't try to use it in that way: it is more of a skewering type blade, and able to take a high number of hits.

The zanpaku is also credited with one of the most powerful abilities in Soul Society history. The Rikiryou Tsukuri (Capacity Structure), which allows the blade to manipulate Kimete's body to return to a 100% healed form and to harm the victims touched by the blade on the genetic level. Since Sendaikousei released always gives off pressure, Kimete never tires in combat since he is always being put back into a spot of full stamina. He is also known to take chances of being mauled, then, when the opponent believes it is just a mere carcass on their sword, he attacks at point blank and uses the close quarters to complete morph the physical structuring of the antagonist.

Ban Kai: Hidora Sendaikousei
Kimete is covered in a brown-red "armor" of fleshy material that protrudes into many spikes. From any point on this armor, he can create (after a fairly disgusting display of twitching and flailing) the original Sendaikousei, though the blade is now tinted the same color as the armor.

The Rikiryou Tsukuri is exponentially more powerful in this form: when parts of Kimete's body are severed off, they regenerate nearly instantaneously into another Kimete. In this way, he can create an army of himself to bring down opponents. The main weakness lies in that unlike the Shikai version, this one consumes spiritual pressure: because of that, he is not able to simply keep regenerating or make copies of himself forever. He does have a limit. He can prolong this limit by fanning out his spiritual pressure among the clones to keep some to himself, but this obviously makes them weaker as a counterbalance. Despite this, Hidora Sendaikousei is undoubtedly a powerful Bankai worthy of a former Resistance Commander.

Stats

Spiritual Pressure:(Base) 35,660
(Sendaikousei) - ~42,790~
(Hidora Sendaikousei) - ~49,920~
Zanjutsu: 49,999
Hakuda: 8,460
Hohou: 32,890
Kidou: 12,380

 

[Winduril]

Name: Shougo Tenchou

Age: Over 4,000 years in Soul Society (Looks like late twenties, early thirties)

Persona: Shougo is a carefree, and ultimately optimistic man who automatically defines any fights he engages in by Good and Evil, himself always being "Good". In the event that the opponent cannot be fully be judged as "Evil", Shougo will not fight them. He is powerful, and never lets this fact escape his words in the midst of a battle: he is egotistical, but no braggart has ever had more reason to be arrogant then he has.

Physical Stature: Standing at 6'3, he dresses in a white haori, that has many gold and red wave symbols woven into the cloth. His hair is medium length, blonde with a stripe of scarlet. His eyes are a crystalline blue, though they turn the color of a sunrise during the course of battle.

Division and Seat: N/A

Zanpakutou: Shinseikassou

Manifestation: A 16th century samurai with a flag coming out of the back of his armor bearing the symbol of a sunrise. It was Shinseikassou in this form who helped Shougo master his handstands.

Shi Kai: "Terasuite, Shinseikassou"
Shinseikassou is potentially the most powerful Shikai that's existed. It converts Shougo's entire body into light, meaning that his attacks and evasions now come at the speed of light as well. Even if one does hit his own, special particles admist the light that he glides upon, he is invulnerable to all attacks unless they are made by a fellow Shintsuuro. More benefits include the instantaneous ressucitation that occurs (any injuries he has prior to release go away when he converts into light) and the ability to go anywhere light touches. A truly powerful zanpakutou indeed.

Ban Kai: Fuhentenkaen Shinseikassou - A terrifying Bankai, coupling a compressed form with radical abilities that no one but another Shintsuuro could possibly stand up to, Fuhentenkaen Shinseikassou transforms Shougo into a demigod composed of flame. The fire is perpetual: whatever matter is touched by him is lit into a wild conflagration that never ceases burning until Shougo wills it to be snuffed or Shougo himself is killed. The latter is nearly an impossibility, for in addition to his consecrated inferno, Shougo retains his abilities from Shikai, and moves with the speed of light. Thus, he is still invulnerable to all attacks unless they are from a Shintsuuro, due to his transformation into a being of complete Reiki, a form of energy on a plain altogether different from Reiatsu. A Bankai of legendary proportions indeed.

Stats

Spiritual Pressure:(Base) 90,000
Shinseikassou - ~108,000~
Fuhentenkaen Shinseikassou (Compressed) - ~180,000~
Zanjutsu: 82,000
Hakuda: 60,400
Hohou: Neglible
Kidou: 0

 

[Winduril]

***Note: This is mainly for people who either detest my writing and simply don't follow it, or for those who try to read my writing but due to its horribleness can't follow it. ^^***

Overview of Events:

1. Beginning - Shinkou Masaru, on graduation day for the Spirit Academy, gives a short speech to the new Gotei members. He then makes way back to his office, where, while working on some paperwork, he feels a resoundingly powerful spiritual pressure. He dismisses it, knowing that whatever power that can be mustered against him stands no chance against the promising Shinigami that have entered the Gotei.

2. Shikai Lessons - After reading up on several Shinigami in particular, Masaru handpicks a select group and brings them together in outside Rukongai. The first lesson is one concerning morality, and the second was an actual test of power. The future leaders of Shinigami all activated their zanpaku, and attacked Masaru who defended himself. Masaru's zanpakutou release is revealed: the legendary "Tasukeru", which at the time, covered the area in a thick, dark flame that would be used as a template for explosion attacks. Afterwards, Masaru notes that Diega Torres and Kyin Fenre are the most promising of those he crossed swords with. Following the students' departure, Masaru is attacked by a ventriloquist in training who is eventually driven off once satisfied with his vocal skills.

3. An Old Friend - Masaru is informed that a former member of the Five Resistance Commanders (who led the forces against the Hollows during the Great Hollow War) and one of his old friends, Hagane Sosogu has been spotted in a Hollow controlled area of Rukongai. Sosogu, many centuries before during the Great Hollow War, had been taken into Hueco Mundo and never seen again. Masaru immediately sends a team, led by Dirge Meilan, to find and rescue the man who has been described as Sosogu. They succeed, bringing back a traumatized Sosogu who refuses to respond to anything. At last, Masaru breaks the man's bewilderment, only for Sosogu to give Masaru some very discouraging news.

4. The Hollow Army - Sosogu claims that during his stay in Hueco Mundo, he beheld the Hollows mustering together to form another army. Masaru doubts his word, asking Joaquin Cofresi, another of the Five Resistance Commanders, to join him in an "interrogation" of sorts, were the two press Sosogu into revealing how he survived several centuries worth of being in the realm of Hollows. Sosogu reveals nothing, and the matter concludes with Masaru stating that Sosogu will be showing him where exactly the "Hollow Army" is along with two accomplices that Masaru will be choosing. Immediately, Masaru makes a request to Joaquin: bring him Diega Torres.

5. Vice Captains - Upon arrival at Masaru's office, Diega proceeds in asking rather unnerving questions from her commanding officer before Masaru announces he wants her for a Vice Captain. She earnestly accepts, and Masaru moves on to the next subject: Kyin Fenre. Despite Kyin's failure to come to Masaru's office the day that the meeting was set, the Commander General wastes no time in appointing Kyin Co-Vice Captain to Diega after a similarly unnerving question sequence. Masaru then informs Sosogu the two accomplices he is bringing with them to Hueco Mundo are these newly elected Vice Captains.

6. Reflection & Red Moon - Masaru begins to act conflicted. Through bits and pieces, it is revealed that Masaru's former lover, Kyoumou Nesuai, was taken into Hueco Mundo similarly to Sosogu. Masaru has earnestly worked for centuries towards the moment where a chance to find Nesuai would present itself, and at last, in Sosogu's odd return, Masaru senses that chance has arrived. If Sosogu could survive so many years in Hueco Mundo, surely Nesuai could as well. The question begs duty and responsibility vs. what Masaru truly wishes to do. The Commander sinks into deep turmoil over the topic. While torn, the Red Moon invades Seireitei in attempt to assassinate judges of Central 46 during a crucial Keigun vote. Masaru leads a team that destroys the leading officers within the Red Moon invasion, then uses his pressure to keep the head Red Moon from evaporating, and in doing so, preserves a source for information later.

7. Hueco Mundo - Masaru, Sosogu (recently named Head of the Keigun), Diega, and Kyin all enter Hueco Mundo. The first day is spent following Sosogu as a guide through the realm towards the army. Masaru warns Diega and Kyin of Sosogu. The second day reveals the location to a special area: a sealed off set of caverns that contain Shinigami that actually live within Hueco Mundo. It is there that Masaru questions the leader about Nesuai, who informs Masaru that up until a few years before, Nesuai had been living in the encampment. It is also confirmed that the Hollow army is growing, but Masaru wishes to judge the threat with his own eyes. The four return to the surface of Hueco Mundo, then separate: Masaru and Sosogu journey ahead to the ridge of a valley, where they beheld their enormous army growing. Diega and Kyin are attacked by a Gillian, which they lure into the Shinigami encampment and destroy. Having accomplished their goal, the group heads back once again towards the original portal point. On their last night in Hueco Mundo, Masaru questions Diega and Kyin on their thoughts concerning duty vs. personal matters. Diega responds with duty while Kyin answers with personal matters. The next day, at the exit, Masaru knocks out Diega and then informs Kyin of what to do on the other side while he holds Sosogu at swordpoint.

8. Decision: Go After Her - Masaru asks Tasukeru his approval of the decision to go after Nesuai, then attacks Sosogu with a ferocity previously unseen, intending to draw out the answer to how Sosogu survived for so long in Hueco Mundo. The two Commanders duel before Masaru attains victory. Sosogu, rather than tell Masaru how he has lived all this time in the realm of the Hollows, informs him that Nesuai is in fact being held within the Hollow Army. Masaru hastily lets Sosogu go, asking him to relate the fact that Diega and Kyin are now Captains. Masaru heads back to the Hollow Army, then shockingly descends for all the Hollows to see straight into the army. The spiritual pressure of Kurokasai, the dark fire that Tasukeru has been emitting, is almost identical to that of a Hollow's, and consequently, the Hollows have no choice but to believe that the red cloaked figure is one of them. Masaru then uses a high ranking Hollow to lead him to the prison grounds, where he searches for Nesuai. At last, he finds her, though his happiness is immediately replaced with dismay, for she has no memory of him.

9. Return - Masaru returns to Soul Society, carrying Nesuai. He calls forth several of his most trusted Shinigami and informs them of the situation: the Hollow army is rebuilding, and Emptybones, the original leader of the Hollow army, is the one rebuilding it. After a display by Dirge, Masaru heaves her into his training caverns beneath 1st Division HQ and proceeds in training her for a short time before letting her out. About a week later, Masaru performs a Taishyuu test for Dirge, making her Captain of the 13th Division.

10. Trump Card - In the outskirts of Rukongai, a single Arrancar appears and systematically begins to annihilate village after village with his power. In one of the villages he comes across, a seemingly normal man manages to drive back the Arrancar. The man reveals himself to be the lost 5th Resistance Commander, Kimete Garyou, and fights against the Arrancar, who informs his opponent that his name is Petycon.

11. Love in the Shadow of Arrancar - Masaru and Nesuai spend several weeks together. It is revealed that Nesuai never in fact lost her memory, but has been faking amnesia due to her dismay that he had broken his promise to her...the promise to put everyone else before her. At last, in the forest next to a brook that held special meaning to both of them, they admit their true feelings to one another and finally find their way into the other's arms. Their peaceful content is short-lived however, for they sense the spiritual pressure of a powerful being and immediately pursue it. Upon arriving at the location of the pressure, they find Kimete and Petycon locked in combat. Kimete backs off, having reunited with his Commanding officer, the man he is more loyal to than any other. Nesuai picks up where Kimete left off, engaging Petycon with her sword, Musebuhebu. She tears the Arrancar apart, but before finishing him, a set of new pressures shake the area. Using their astonishment to his advantage, Petycon retreats, making a point to connect the odd feeling behind the pressure to Masaru's. When questioned, Masaru simply states he must pursue the source of the pressure, and does so, unable to step away from a fight he knew he would eventually have to join.

12. Shintsuuro - More of the origin of Masaru's enormous power is revealed: Masaru is a Shintsuuro, and the source of the pressure is two of his fellow Shintsuuro. All three of them know each other: Utsuro, a wild, insane swordsman who is closer to a demon, and Kokeru, who is Masaru's former Master. The reasons for the three fighting is not given, though all three speak as if the fight is destined. From the statements given, one can conclude that:

*Masaru was a student under Kokeru.
*Masaru then went against his Master, defeating him and placing him in a state where Kokeru could not do anything for several centuries.
*Kokeru took in another student, Utsuro.
*Utsuro came to hate Masaru, though the reasons at this point remain unknown.

Masaru succeeds in incapacitating Kokeru, then attempts to defeat Kokeru. He is careful to avoid Kokeru's strikes, which automatically destroy anything the blade touches. Tasukeru recommends Masaru attack with the blades coated in Kurokasai's energy, and when Masaru does so, Utsuro completely obliterates one of the twin blades. His pressure exploding violently, Masaru is forced to retreat as far away as possible. The agony of defeat and loss of his swords drive him into giving up, but remembering words given to him by Kokeru long ago, his resolve is renewed, and he finds Tasukeru within the depths of his soul once more. The zanpaku intentionally told Masaru mistaken info so that one of the swords could break. With only one zanpaku, Masaru's power would be compressed and much stronger than before. Kokeru locates Masaru just as the Commander General releases the new Tasukeru. With the single zanpaku, he drives back the underestimating Kokeru, then heads back to Seireitei, knowing what decision to make: it is time for new Captains.

13. The New Captains - Masaru wastes no time in gathering Setsujoku, Kenzo Matsumoto, and Kento Daymea for a makeshift test...which in reality is a three on one battle for Captainship. Masaru awards them their titles when done, then continues straight into requesting other Shinigami to become Captains as well. His short-termed Vice-Captain, Kanie Meisekimu, becomes one, as does Yukiko Murray and Akuma no Jubei. Saiyoisen and Rei Jiiro, two Shinigami Masaru earnestly trusts, attain the ranking as well. Finally, Seisatsu Kuragari takes the final slot. Masaru now awaits for these Captains to set up their divisions before moving on to whatever the future holds for him.

14. The Strongest - In the outskirts of Rukongai, one last character reveals himself: a man named Shougo Tenchou, who, after acquiring some information about events that occurred during his 800 year hiatus, wastes no time in destroying an Arrancar and nearly killing Petycon. Before he can, Petycon is saved by Negation from Menos Grande, and Emptybones descends from the sky above, revealing that he is now in Sosogu's body. Emptybones wishes to discover the reason why Masaru is so powerful, and he intends to do so by learning more about Shougo...whose spiritual pressure is frighteningly similar. Shougo refuses, attacking Emptybones without any heed to the monster's wishes, and Emptybones retreats, leaving Shougo to head towards Seireitei, where all pieces of the board are focused.

15. Uncovering Wings - Kimete visits the friends that he had to leave in the scuffle with Petycon, and has a revealing talk with him concerning his origins. In short, he was picked up by Masaru and used as a secret weapon to confuse the Hollow army during the first war. He then returns to the Commander General, who he finds in the Training Caverns under 1st Division HQ in the middle of Bankai and preparing to move into something even more powerful. Masaru loses control however and is forced to return to his sealed form. After some small talk, Kimete and Masaru face off for a friendly spar. Both move into Bankai, and Masaru defeats Kimete.

16. Scampering with Shintsuuro - In Rukongai, Kokeru Sakuban busies himself with slaughtering those he deems unjustful. He stumbled across Shougo Tenchou, who promptly reveals his identity, causing Kokeru to conclude that he is a Shintsuuro aligned with good as well, making him an impediment to Kokeru. The two face off, and though Shougo initially wupps up Masaru's Master, Kokeru uses a sacrificial hit to revert the damage he has taken into Shougo, fatally wounding the Strongest. Revealing his Shikai, Shougo heals his injuries and continues his wupping of Kokeru, who realizes due to the lack of killing intent that Shougo can't kill him. At this point, Reisaitaku is revealed, something that appears to be a vow unique to the Shintsuuro that cannot be broken. For whatever reason, Shougo's Reisaitaku won't allow him to kill Kokeru, but it does let him use a sealing technique Masaru used centuries before to put Kokeru in a comatose state. He then promptly heads to the outskirts of Rukongai to put the unconscious opponent.

17. Truth to the Captain Triad - Masaru requests Kyin and Diega's presence in the remote region he initially learned Bankai at. He asks them to take part in a game with him that they agree to: hit him, and he will reveal information. He gives away two pieces of information during the fight:

*The revelation of a Hollow mask, explaining that it is a leftover from how he originally became a Shintsuuro.
*The explanation of what a Shintsuuro is. A being that as a Hollow purifies themself. The creation of their form through a method of willpower that overrides the horrid anguish of Hollows ties their power directly to their emotions and feelings. As such, they have no limits, for human beings have no limits emotionally...they can always feel something more.

He also explains the fighting style he uses in part, stating that he coats the area with his special energy, which allows him to know if something is moving at him, even if he can't see it. He lastly tells how the two flames that reside within him, Kurokasai and Hizashi, are relative to his melancholy and his happiness respectively. In the end, he carries both Captains home for a well deserved rest.

18. Oh Yes, I Trust Him - With nothing short of complete spontaneity, Masaru requests a meeting with long time 1st Division member Amagawa Sougen. The two engage in an outting to Rukongai where after a slightly philosophical and enlightening discussion, Masaru asks Amagawa to become his Vice Captain. He agrees, and the two proudly begin to head back to Seireitei, but are cut off by the attack of a ressucitated Petycon and an newly born Arrancar. An interesting in-fight dialogue reveals that Petycon has no desire to work under Emptybones, and is planning to rebel with 9 fellow Espada. He also mentions an important role he has to play in the planned invasion, a role that would be potentially crushing to Masaru. He offers a united front against Emptybones. Masaru dismisses the notion, and he drives away the Arrancar as Amagawa eradicates the goon. The two promptly return to Seireitei to face the seige as Captain and Vice Captain.

19. Midnight - Masaru and the other Captains are summoned to the trial of Sosogu and Yasuo. Yasuo assures Masaru that he will be the victor after a turn of events releases the two, and the Commander General grudgingly leaves. The seige begins. Masaru gathers 1st Division members and heads to the north east section of Seireitei to defend. After several minutes worth of skirmishing, he feels Saiyoisen's spiritual pressure vanish, and realizes that the Captain of the 7th has been killed by Emptybones. Enraged, he leaves Amagawa in charge and dashes off to the stop the Lord of All Hollows. He successfully makes it in time, and the two engage for their long overdue rematch. It is revealed that a part of Emptybones' strength is the result of Masaru's power and that Sosogu is willingly working together with Emptybones. A couple blows are traded before both combatents raise to Bankai level, although Emptybones has warped the Bankai of Sosogu so much that the Commander General is astonished. They engage again, but Masaru begins to press his advantage, and it appears that he is in control of the fight. With good timing, Sosogu reemerges on to the battlefield, and shows that he is far stronger with the Bankai as a result of him knowing how the zanpaku actually works. Masaru and Sosogu are about to deliver a final exchange when Petycon appears, Nesuai in tow. He had snatched the woman while the two clashed, and now was fulfilling his promise of "playing an important role" to Masaru. The Commander desperately fights to get her back, and succeeds: a slash through the cord of Sombra Alabea returns his beloved to his arms. The momentary happiness transfigures into the worst of tragedies: Masaru realizes that Nesuai was killed by Petycon already, and that he has been fighting for a corpse. After several traumatizing moments, the Commander reveals the darker half of his Shintsuuro essence: the Hollow mask rematerializes over his face as he succumbs to the melancholy of Kurokasai in his heart. Lost in grief, he bitterly and sadistically takes his time to beat Petycon mercilessly. He is about to deliver the coup de grace when Emptybones shoves his blade through the Commander's back. Undeterred, Masaru stabs Tasukeru through his would-be killer's forehead. Before the two can destroy each other, Petycon regains his senses and finishes the Commander General, hurling him away. Emptybones approaches to execute his greatest enemy, but Petycon seizes the moment to plunge his hand through the Hollow King's chest. Emptybones wastes no time in attempting to retaliate, but his Arrancar subordinate is too fast and reappears much further away. He reveals that he and nine other Espada have been sucking away at Emptybones' energy, and are now ready to seperate. The Subidoverdad Espada assemble right there, and Emptybones is forced to flee. Petycon and the Subidoverdad Espada return to Hueco Mundo, Petycon sparing a glance at the very beaten Commander.

20. 3rd Division Rendezvous & Confrontation with 11th - The Commander is rolled into 3rd Division in the aftermath of the Siege, where he is promptly healed by Nifuji Jinte, Sayuri Chikako, and Shimizu Takuya. After recovering enough to sustain his physical injuries with Kurokasai, he asks Takuya to apply to the 1st Division after thanking Nifuji and Sayuri, and then bursts out of the hospital and Seireitei, aiming to kill Emptybones and Petycon in a one-manned ride to oblivion. On his way to the dimensional tear that will bring him closest to the Hueco Mundo base, he runs into Diega and Joaquin, conversing in relation to what occurred within the white walls and his motives at present. Diega correctly guesses his intentions, but the Commander is still not willing to accept the responsibility he has in relation to his personal affairs, and vanishes back into the forests of Rukongai.

21. Antinimus - Masaru inexplicably comes across a set of ruins he is very much familiar with as he makes way to the location he wishes to enter the Dangai through: the Ruins of Antinimus. Through a wave of nostalgia, he recollects an explanation for the seemingly divine central pillar of the colossus, known as the Syora, and the philosophy that Shougo Tenchou instilled him when the two made the ruins their home in the ancient past. The Commander breaks down, apostrophizing due to his inability to successfully save those he cares for most, only to find that Shougo is standing right behind him, having waited for Masaru to show up for some time. The two begin a ressucitating duel as Shougo takes out his disgust for what his friend has deteriorated into through Shinseikassou. The ideology in combat revives Masaru, who not only returns to his old self, but elevates to an unprecedented level as he reveals his Bankai's true form. After their spar has completed, the two men quietly reflect on the issues regarding the upcoming war. Shougo informs Masaru that compressing his Bankai levels into a single release will raise its power significantly, and the Commander decides to embark on such an endeavour as they begin the long trek back to Seireitei, noting that an alliance with the Vizards is of the utmost necessity.

22. Rebuilt 1st Division & The Seeds of a Coalition - The Commander, revitalized, returns to find that the 1st Division is being rebuilt, with Shimizu Takuya within the numbers tirelessly crafting the structure. Takuya's induction into the 1st Division is confirmed, and the Commander leaves, putting into action the beginnings of his plan to form an alliance with the Army of Masks. He messages Kimete to tail Jinsoku, who is meeting with the Vizard known as Disdain. Kimete promptly issues his own request for a meeting, discussing the potential for an alliance with the hybrid before sending a message to Inoue Taka through the teethy diplomat. The meeting is set, and the Commander General, with Rei Jiiro, meets Inoue Taka and Disdain in the outskirts of Rukongai, where they trade battle strategies and a proposal for a coalition. The Commander departs with the aim of testing the Captain of the 9th and investigating the Hueco Mundo base Emptybones resides in.

23. Tango with Terada - Initiating the Taishyuu Test for Junichi Terada, the prodigy quickly proves himself a reliability as far as morals go, and selects Masaru as the Captain to clash with in the Practical. As they spar, the Commander General reveals that he is well aware of Junichi's darker half: the prospective Captain of the 9th is also Disdain, and the Shintsuuro wants to engage Junichi with his alabaster face showing. Junichi follows on cue, and Masaru responds by showing his newly compressed Bankai, the Shinno from Antinimus, but on an even greater degree. With his Shintsuuro secret told, the two conclude their bout, and Masaru approves the Vizard as fit for Captainship, and agrees to aid the Vizard for his grand surprise in the upcoming Captain's Meeting.

24. The Returning Hurricane - Before the meeting, word reaches Masaru that Arihito Muramatsu has returned to Seireitei after embarking on a soul search in the alleys of Rukongai. The Commander requests the presence of his Division member, and upon arrival, the two men enter the large training cavern beneath 1st Division, where Masaru gives Ari two techniques to wield in battle. It is a display of gratitude, for he is thankful that the steadfast warrior has returned at last.

25. 3rd Division Waltz - The Commander General, having finally managed to select an individual capable of leading the 3rd Division, requests that Sayuri Chikako and her Vice Captain, Nifuji Jinte meet with him at 1st Division headquarters. He stakes claim to wishing to express his gratitude for the incident in the hospital, and thus, the three enter the training room, where Masaru asks them to release their Bankai. Both do so, and as Sayuri begins the sparring assault, the Commander thrusts Tasukeru through her heart. A flicker of Hizashi is melded to her soul while she is impaled, and he rejuvenates her as soon as he has removed the blade from her body, quelching an enraged attack by Nifuji in doing so. He then cuts off Nifuji's connection to his Captain, instilling some of his energy in the Vice Captain as well, and explains to both that he has given them each a part of himself, and hopes for them to use it to the best of their ability. Nifuji questions Masaru's philosophical statements, to which the Shintsuuro responds that he merely can show the alternative, not ask Nifuji to believe in it.

26. Funky Monks - Continuing his 1st Division escapades, the Commander requests that an ancient friend return to Seireitei and join his division, in the form of Hitsutoshi Seshiro, who has been living in the outskirts of Rukongai for the past several centuries. When the monk arrives, Masaru requests a friendly spar, to which the two begin with an elegant dance, quickly escalating to a climatic duel of zanpakutou releases. When Seshiro reveals his Bankai, the Commander uses the opportunity to teach the monk one Division technique, strengthening Seshiro's resolve to work for the Gotei once again.

27. Jimalaya with Jinsoku - Kimete meets up with Jinsoku, and immediately announces that the Commander wishes to meet the Captain of the 10th in person at last. As the two move towards 1st Division, they converse on reasons why to be dedicated to Masaru, and subsequently arrive at the new office, where Jinsoku attempts to get some background information on his Commander, but to no avail. Jin does manage to secure Kimete for continued Vice Captainship of the 10th, and the two enter the underground training cavern upon request, where Masaru attempts to prod Jinsoku into releasing Shinno Bankai through increasingly more gruesome measures, eventually releasing an astonishingly large Teikoutoppa tidal wave after entering the maximum fighting capabilities of his Shikai. He was pushed into such extremities by the revelation of Jin's many personalities, whom all fail horribly in doing battle with the Commander. Finally, the real Captain of the 10th takes the reigns again, and finally attains a momentary Shinno Ban Kai, to which the Commander crushes through use of Bakudou 98. The two compliment one another on a job well done, though Jinsoku is not too pleased with the finishing blow dealt to him.

28. Obsidian Moon - Junichi relays information to Masaru asking him to call a Captain's meeting so that the Vizard can reveal his identity. Masaru does so, and the identity revelation progresses smoothly until the Captain of the 4th, Seisatsu Kuragari, erupts in fury. After neutralizing the Captain's attack, Masaru requests that he speek to him after the meeting has concluded, which they do within the golden red walls of Masaru's office. In there, the Commander promptly takes Sei into the training caverns where he antagonizes the Captain into releasing a monster that the Shintsuuro could feel deep within Kuragari's soul. Seisatsu obliges in a maelstrom of spite, and the Commander releases his compressed Bankai again, obliterating all attacks by the possessed Seisatsu with ease. The monster is suddenly beridden with Seisatsu's attempts to destroy it, and the two explode, leaving only a small child in their wake: the spirit of their sword, and the incarnation of the triad. The child suggests that Seisatsu can be brought back if the Commander and he duel; Masaru agrees. After a tumultuous exchange, the boy's Tenbatsu is broken, and Seisatsu's soul is taken back within the child's frame in a state of dormancy. The boy agrees to act the role of Captain of the 4th for as long as Seisatsu stays sleeping.

29. Joint Spying with Junichi - Wishing to confirm the finepoints of the Commander's battle plan for the upcoming clash in Hueco Mundo, Masaru takes Junichi Terada with him on an expedition into the Hollow homeworld so that the two may relay the information of the Great Hollow Army's main base to their respective sides. At the brink of the giant expanse that hides the humongous army, Masaru beholds a grand citadel being built into the face of the mountains, and knows that it is in the colossal tower that Emptybones would undoubtedly keep himself and his strongest men. Masaru knows he will have to change the battle plan accordingly, and begins to head back with Junichi, when they are intercepted by Numero Ocho of the Subidoverdad Espada, who wishes to rekindle alliance conversations with the two men. Masaru and Junichi refuse, and the Espada is left to return emptyhanded, but amused with the "ignorance" that both display. Thus, the Commander and Disdain head back to Seireitei with mixed feelings on the impending battle.

30. Diamond - Aiming to speak to Masaru in regards to recent developments with his status in the Army of Masks, Junichi visits the Commander General in 1st Division. After briefly informing the Shintsuuro that he no longer holds a position with his fellow Vizards, Junichi agrees to Masaru's proposal of gaining more power, and thus, the two enter the undergound training cavern once again. This time, Masaru asks that Junichi summon Disdain for combat, and as the two clash, the Commander prepares the grounds for his point. With both warriors prepared to fall, he heals them immediately prior to sealing them and himself within a maelstrom of Kurokasai, to which he releases Tasukeru and ominously informs that he will be attacking with killing intent. Forced to cooperate with Junichi, Disdain has no choice but to give the Vizard the epitome of their strength: the compressed Bankai, with which Junichi effectively fends off Seionhane Tasukeru in a supressed state. The Commander congratulates his friend on a job well done.

31. Epiphany - Amagawa is summoned to the office following his fight with Takuya, where Masaru proceeds in confronting his Vice Captain on the nature of Sougen's demonic zanpakutou. The two enter the underground cavern, where Sougen subconsciously ushers in the Lord of Rebirth, Nui, a consecrated figure that then informs both men she has been residing within Amagawa's sword. Using her omniscient power, she summons the Fudoushin and the Kishin to the battlefield, the former of which engages Masaru while the latter attacks its previous owner, Amagawa Sougen. Over the course of the fight, Masaru begins to experience several revelations:

*He can no longer feel Tasukeru's spiritual manifestation connected anymore.
*An unidentified Voice speaks to him with nostalgic amusement.
*The Voice sparks long forgotten memories within Masaru, that lead to the revitalization of the Commander's fighting style, Tsukinukeru Akabane.

These memories allow the Commander to successfully fend off the Fudoushin while Sougen assimilates with his ancient armor, breaking the 500 Curses that had plagued his body for so many centuries. The celebration is short lived, however, for a doppelganger of Sougen himself arrives, and proves to be a foe far more formidable than any either has encountered. Masaru requests that Sougen let him fight his shadow alone, and so the Commander begins a duel with the clone, whose indominatable strength continue to kindle more and more memoirs from Masaru, until the Shintsuuro suddenly ignites with a never before seen silver flame to the astonishment of all. The doppelganger retaliates with a precarious stroke aimed to sever the Commander's arm, but the genuine Sougen rushes to take the blow for him, and a unique shard is revealed in the wake of the devastating attack. The three promptly stop their bout, where the shadow reveals that he is from an alternate timeline where the Gotei lost the upcoming battle in Hueco Mundo. He then gives his scabbard, "Setsuro", to the Shintsuuro in the hopes that Masaru and Sougen will successfully prevent our timeline from befalling the same fate that his did, before vanishing, leaving a weary Captain and Vice Captain to ponder the future, accompanied by the reintegration of the 500 Curses onto Sougen's body and a remorseful Masaru acknowledging that he could not control the new, silver fire that he had unleashed.

32. Before the Break - Masaru and Kimete journey to the 10th, where they discuss Jinsoku's feelings about the upcoming battle in Hueco Mundo, and to inquire as to the split personality issues the Captain experienced in the underground cavern before. Simultaneously, the Commander also reflects on the words given to him by Shadow Sougen, and is forced to give Jin advice that he isn't very comfortable with applying to himself.

33. Battle in The Fortress - Having concluded the battle in the valley, Shinkou immediately enters Emptybone's private chambers. The two waste no time in beginning their final battle. After Masaru nearly kills Emptybones using Seionhane, the Hollow King utilizes an attack that will drain his host body's life (Sosogu) in exchange for extra power. The result is a devastating blow that almost finishes the Commander General. In the wake of the assault, Masaru finds that Emptybones has been storing the ultimate in preparation: Nesuai's body has been in storage, and now the Lord of All Hollows has possessed it. Moreso, the possession has ressurected Nesuai from the dead. After taunting the Shintsuuro, Emptybones stabs him through the heart, leaving him for dead.

Struggling to remain alive, Masaru attempts to summon the Voice that aided him in his battle with Amagawa Sougen, and inadvertently arrives in a unique realm where the owner of the voice belongs. The being is impressed with Masaru's drive to live, and so he grants him knowledge in regards to saving himself: he must sacrifice a large portion of his energy, and then wield the silver-white flame in combat against the Hollow King. It is at this point that the Voice is revealed to be the King of Heart, and Masaru subsequently returns to combat, knowing what he must do.

With his opponent ressurected, Emptybones proceeds in pummeling the Shintsuuro, who can only defend himself...he cannot kill his foe while inside of a now alive Nesuai's body. An abstract use of the term "impossible", however, wakes Masaru up, and the Commander promptly uses the silver flame, Ginseikou, to activate his new Bankai, Hikarimono Tasukeru. With the the high-level fighting power granted by the release, he appears to relentlessly beat down his opponent. Depsite the savagely accurate attacks, Emptybones realizes that Masaru still doesn't deal any death blows, and takes this as evidence that the Commander still isn't capable of dealing a coup de grace in his current body. Using this for a barter chip, the Hollow King activates the same life-burning attack he had used earlier. In preparation for the final exchange, Masaru ascends into the heavens, ponderingly thoughtfully on the nature of his new power and the consequences of this battle. It is here, amongst the clouds, that he decides it best to drop his position as Commander General. With a newfound resolve to destroy Emptybones for himself, the Shintsuuro descends and the two enemies deal a climatic blow to one another. In the aftermath, it appears as if neither has hurt the other...until Emptybones begins to convulse violently. Smiling, Masaru reveals that he was aiming for the bond between the Hollow King and Nesuai, and forces him out of her body. The fleeting phantasm that is left is subsequently annihilated by a victorious Masaru...Emptybones is no more.

34. Departure - Masaru promptly delivers the recovered Nesuai to Shougo, before returning to the Fortress with the intention of calling Amagawa. Before he can, he is greeted by the Zeitgeist Avatar Aver, a deus ex machina who soon reveals that he is, in fact, the King of Mind. Zeitgeist explains the situation regarding an upcoming War: the Heir to the King of Spirits cannot be found, and now the broken clan of the Royal line along with several other factions are preparing to fight for the empty Throne. He also informs the listening Shintsuuro that a group known as the Excelsior still exists, a group that Masaru was apparently a part of. Once the Zeitgeist Avatar Aver has left, the former Commander General summons Amagawa. The two exchange information, and Masaru names Sougen the new Commander General of the Gotei 13, while simultaneously granting his ex-Vice Captain the remaining portion of his draining energy. With this transfer accomplished, Masaru meets with Diega and Kyin, to whom he delivers gifts. Diega and he exchange some private words before the Shintsuuro leaves Hueco Mundo, following his mentor back to Rukongai.

35. The Excelsior - Masaru sends out letters to five Captains in the Gotei: Rei, Junichi, Hitsutoshi, Seisatsu, and Jinsoku. While doing so, he attempts to actively locate the whereabouts of the Excelsior, whom he discovers to be at the Antinimus Ruins. Together with Shougo, the two return to the Excelsior after informing Kimete and Nesuai of their intentions. In the reunion that follows, the Excelsior creator Adamos Clementia eventually agrees to let Masaru and Shougo return to the band of men after discussing how much exactly Masaru has changed. Afterwards, Adamos asks everyone to leave so he may speak to Masaru in private, and it is here that the Shintsuuro alerts the Primoris to the fact that he has asked the five Captains to join the Excelsior together. Adamos asks that Masaru bring them to the Ruins...a request the Shintsuuro is happy to oblige.

 

[Winduril]

Shinseina Bujutsu
Sacred Fighting Art​

****************

Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu
[Ascending Sky, Silver Phoenix]​

Originally the style known as "Tsukinukeru Akabane" , the Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu style was created by Shinkou Masaru during his training days spent with Kokeru Sakuban, and subsequently refined during the period of time he spent with Shougo Tenchou. Its basis is a strengthening of airborne tactics and high speed strikes, although the style does possess techniques that only exemplify one of these rather than both, and a discerning quality of clairvoyance that supersedes any sensual augmentations that can occur to either Masaru or his opponent through use of a pervading plane of natural activity that is found in all organisms.

It was initially developed as a result of his master's unrelenting pressuring during the two's occupation of the Kosenjou Shrine, where Kokeru taught Masaru the nature of his Shintsuuro powers while simultaneously attempting to convert the youth to his ideology. Accompanying the lessons of the former was instruction in battle strategy, an area Kokeru had found the fledgling to be quite uncultivated in. During the several years spent sparring against his viciously inexorable master, Masaru discovered that he had an affinity for the naturally unlimited style of fighting while airborne, and pursued the creation of several techniques that could be chained to one another, regardless of the situation, and allowed for a free-forming, ever changing fluidity, the only prerequisite of which was that he must be off the ground. This love for the adaptable nature of such an open environment as the atmosphere was nearly squashed by Kokeru's insistence that a fighting style dependant on being in the air was fundamentally doomed to fail in the face of any that possessed the same variability but while remaining on the ground, an insistence that the dark Shintsuuro quickly drove home through unremitting assaults that clipped his pupil's wings and demonstrated how futile such a style would be in the face of an opponent of substantial versatility.

Fearing that he would not be capable of taking advantage of the sky he loved so, a beaten Masaru pondered the shortcomings of his endeavors on remaining in flight, and came to the conclusion that if he were to make his maxim speed, he could throw out the inefficient techniques while simultaneously adding ground-based skills that could move interchangeably in and out of those based in the air. Aiming to accomplish his need for high velocity executions by using battoujutsu and diving attacks, the combination proved to make up for the rudimentary form's original shortcomings by providing the style with a potential response to anything, and as any fighting style practitioner will support, the self-evident axiom of all fighting styles had been fulfilled: if two combatants wielding battle techniques that can handle an infinite value of threats decide to clash, the difference between the two will be decided in terms of who is the better master, not the better style, and thus Masaru was satisfied in knowing that he need not submit to Kokeru any longer as a result of his form's faults rather than his own.

This knowledge sustained the Shintsuuro in his raising prowess and capacity in combat, galvanizing him into believing that if he were to refine his person strength enough, his tactics would noticeably begin to have a greater effect on his adversary. In order to prove this, Masaru never improved the actual techniques he had created, even when his master destroyed them with some thoughtful counters of his own. As he began to become stronger and stronger, however, Kokeru's retaliations began to clearly lessen in succession, until the day that his student was even enough in power to effectively deal out the full effect of his style's attacks without the elder Shintsuuro being able to thwart him. The trial run had been a triumph: his beliefs had been correct, which meant he could more closely spend his time attempting to master the flames Kurokasai and Hizashi while simultaneously adding on to the techniques he had already created.

Unfortunately, it was at about this time that Masaru and Kokeru began their disputes over the philosophically sound choices of right and wrong, and after Masaru had sealed his master with the very attack that the now comatose elder had taught him, the fledgling had no one with enough battle experience to use for testing, and his progress on the fighting style stopped, the only thing left to show for it being the name "Tsukinukeru Akabane" , tagged on by Kokeru upon likening Tasukeru's counters to a red feather.

He did not revitalize his attempts to improve the techniques until he met Shougo Tenchou, another Shintsuuro whose age and familiarity with the ways of combat were such that he had found the ultimate guide to perfecting the still elementary style he had forged. Together, the two worked adamantly towards the generation of an applicable set of attacks, parries, and counters that Masaru could utilize anywhere to maximum effect. The result was the base versions of the Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu techniques that Masaru currently wields today when Tasukeru is sealed, and the two spent their time together pitting the array of skills against the formidable Goraikou Ryuu style of Shougo, and later confirming its adaptability when they met the Excelsior. It was during the escapades with the latter that Masaru discovered that after releasing his Shikai, he could use advanced versions of the same techniques by mingling them with Kurokasai...and later, confirmed that the same effect occurred to a much greater degree when wielding Hizashi in Bankai. Thus, he made it his new task to hone these higher level versions of the techniques, thereby ensuring that he could brandish them to their full aptitude.

The style's completion was still one more step away, however...though it was a satisfactory in terms of resourcefulness, there was no personal tie in between the Shintsuuro and the very techniques he had created, past a personal preference for speed and flight. More specifically, Masaru had failed to integrate the fighting style into his own personal powers as a Shintsuuro past the enhanced techniques borne from the use of his fires. He did not bother to fill out this essential quality until the recent events with Amagawa Sougen beneath 1st Division Headquarters. During his battles with the Fudoushin and Kan no Amagawa Sougen, the Shintsuuro began to use the universal qualities of existence to attack and defend. More specifically, Masaru connected with the plane upon which all feelings and emotions preside, and used this as a template for determining the nature of his opponents and their attacks. Life exists on four plateaus: body, mind, heart, and spirit...the four cannot produce a true life without each other, and the energies of the four, especially spirit, make the universe work. Being a Shintsuuro, Masaru is particularly close to the heart plane of reality, and it is through that dimension that he can begin to understand his opponent's attacks and abilities before they execute it. Of course, this precognitive sense of clarification, like all forms of power in the universe, can be nullified by someone who wields greater amounts of reiryoka. An example of this is Kan no Amagawa Sougen, who possessed far more of his special reiryoka, Utsutoki, than Masaru did Reiki, and thus easily defeated the Shintsuuro. The purpose, however, is to aide in battles of a more level playing field, and that is where this pervading sense of illumination, aptly named Meiryou, truly becomes a part of the Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu style.

The style received its final touches in the bout against Emptybones, in which Masaru successfully experienced a Keiji (Revelation) and created his own unique flame, Ginseikou. The silver white flame altered the Kai levels of the Shintsuuro radically, merging Hizashi and Kurokasai within the Shikai while implementing the new fire into his Bankai. Now that he had mastered his Shintsuuro properties completely, he was free to shape his Kais into releases that would use the three flames the way he wanted, and so Masaru chose to manipulate them for supplementing his fighting techniques, thus increasing the potency of the more advanced skills. The result is the renamed Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu sword style that Masaru wields to deadly effect.

The three aforementioned prongs of the style are attraction to airborne combat, a preference for high speed movements, and the utilization of the Meiryou that allows him to quickly counter with whichever technique he feels is best. The flight-based attacks cover a wide-range of exploitations, developed specifically to make use of the factor Masaru most appreciated in the air: freedom of movement. The Shintsuuro had specifically seen that the omni-directional aspect of being airborne was capable of being used to flow into an infinite amount of possibilities. This liberty to act and respond in the sky generated the bulk of the Shintsuuro's techniques, but more importantly, constituted the trademark signature of the Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu style: in order to rid himself of the weakness presented by being unable to actually move once off the ground, Masaru developed a method of releasing his unique Reiki out of Tasukeru's frame in bursts. By swinging, or "flapping" , Tasukeru while releasing one of the said bursts, Masaru could thrust himself in the same manner that a bird does, creating a simple method to fly.

Of course, this rather primeval means to remain among the clouds isn't necessary when implementing the jet propulsion system of Hikarimono Tasukeru. Using the feather-engines of Hikarimono, Masaru could not only take advantage of fighting in the air, but also add extra force to each technique, while simultaneously becoming capable of moving to a much greater degree within the atmosphere. The rockets of Hikarimono also solved another issue: on Earth, where spiritually empowered beings could simply use their spiritual pressure to float or walk wherever need be, there was no genuine need for an airborne based method of fighting. Hikarimono's engines guaranteed that the Shintsuuro would be capable of maintaining his liberated system of combat regardless of the battlefield.

As for the speed that Masaru had come to believe an absolute necessity, he intended for the airborne techniques to either be fast or lead into/from fast, additional attacks. The main medium through which he accomplishes this is through a variety of battou and iai sword techniques that implement the momentary acceleration granted by unsheathing a katana in order to increase the velocity of the sword cut. This is not the only instrument with which the Shintsuuro speeds up his assaults, however...the "flapping" method of wielding Tasukeru also accelerates Masaru beyond his normal speeds, and there are specific techniques that rely on this fleeting boost in order to strike at much quicker alacrity than ordinary levels. With Hikarimono, since there is no "flapping" , the Shintsuuro can make use of a special kind of "afterburner" flare that works like a shyunpo for his engines. Thus, the degree to which the techniques using these diving, swooping sonic booms inflict damage exponentially grows, as the very temperament of Hikarimono Tasukeru is intended to amplify the power of these attacks as much as possible.

The permeating Meiryou and the perception of reality that it ushers forth allows Masaru to use these high speed movements and airborne assaults to their maximum potency by immediately gaining insight into his opponent's attacks. He cannot learn how to block the unblockable, or evade what is undodgeable...he will simply know what would be the best method with which to deal with the immediate threat. Obviously, this means that stats come into play, since should the Shintsuuro be pitted against an opponent of greater skill than he, the Meiryou undoubtedly crumbles into a pointless exercise in knowing that he is about be dealt a blow that cannot be avoided. In addition to acquiring a mental blueprint of how best to react to his surroundings, Masaru also can gain a general idea of the state of his opponent's heart. Rampant, passionate emotions will be felt strongly within the pervading environment of the Meiryou, while more serene, tranquil feelings will be harder to detect among the environs within the heightened sense of perception. These vague detections of his antagonist's sentiments serve little purpose in battle other than to more personally know his foe beyond the blade.

Despite this, it is the Meiryou itself that is ultimately responsible for Tasukeru's change, in relation to the lost zanpakutou manifestation and the surreal sensation Masaru experienced when he had felt that his blade was him. The sword has transformed into a template, an instrument through which the Shintsuuro can effectively keep his consciousness on the plateau of the heart, and by becoming this gateway per say that grants Masaru access to the higher dimensional plane, the zanpakutou has transformed in order to exist everywhere, for that is where the Meiryou itself resides: everywhere. Thus, the brusque samurai that had aided Masaru for so long has been replaced by the Meiryou, and subsequently, the possible entry into the King of Heart's realm itself.

Together, the three properties of Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu unite to illustrate a reflection of Shinkou Masaru on the world around him, and are a distillation of his favored strengths in battle. Given the nature of the style, the following conditions come into play for players opposing the Shintsuuro:

1. When in aerial combat, Masaru is automatically at a greater advantage, unless the stat comparison between him and his opponent alludes to higher Zanjutsu from his foe.

2. The speed of Masaru's attacks is such that multiple techniques use both Zanjutsu and Hohou. The techniques that do so multiply the two values in order to effectively determine the actual figure representative of the execution's velocity. For attacks that do this, the opponent's own Zan X Hohou product must be determined in order to accurately scale the effect of the technique.

3. Usage of the Meiryou allows for Masaru to gain a fundamental grasp of his opponent's assaults even if he has never seen or heard of the attack before. If the opponent's spiritual pressure supersedes the Shintsuuro's by a large enough margin (1.5 times Masaru's own), then this effect is nullified outright. Also, if the Zanjutsu stat of the opponent is greater than Masaru's by a factor of 2, the Meiryou will not be capable of sufficiently accomplishing anything, and will be consequently useless.

Conditions​

A. The total number of techniques in the Koushuuki Kanafuge Ryuu style is 15, and the Technique Allocation, which is raised to 8, is not affected by the higher level versions of the techniques that coincide with Tasukeru's releases.

B. Masaru can still effectively use all other Techniques within the Technique library.

C The price the Shintsuuro has to pay in order to wield the style reduces his stats down to 0 (pre-recount), and a reduction of total Feat Slots to 4.


~ More to Come.

 

[Winduril]

Just got through updating the summaries. I'll try to add in Bankai attacks, some Kanafuge Ryuu techs, and possibly some NPC charts for the Excelsior over the week. (Yeah, right).