In the Wake of Tragedy [Jt, R]

[Shizuyoko Toraumi]

Akira Kanamaru. Seated Officer, Finance division. The blonde folded her legs as she idly allowed her eyes to scan along down the length of the file itself. Recent survivor of an arrancar-related incident. Decent Academy Record. Very involved with her squad and comrades, moreso than a lot of shinigami these days. In any other circumstance, she would have had the label 'Good egg' to that list of monikers. But as it were, she ALSO held another title. 'Disturbed'. Since that particular incident, the young lady's behavior had changed dramatically. Under most circumstances, individuals who reached such a position as Third Seat did so with a good number of loss of comrades on the way up.

Akira had been so fortunate as to avoid that. But this was not a complete blessing. It made the woman erratic, unstable, and a concern. And so, Shizuyoko sat, dressed in a plain shuhakusho, at one end of a very empty matted room. Her legs folded in lotus beneath her, her seven black, serpent's tails lightly coiled into her lap with her hair tied back into a ponytail and a set of reading spectacles (Unnecessary, but she was REALLY getting into character here) resting on the bridge of her nose as the girl was brought in to sit across from her. She lowered those specs to take a look at the woman. Not the scanning, hungry eyes of any sort of lust, but the sweeping, piercing eyes of incredulity.

"Akira Kanamaru. Third Seat. Beneath Captain Raion." She mused softly, setting the papers down and then glancing up over those specs at the woman. "Your squad has taken quite a beating lately. Another of your seated officers almost died on a mission in the world of the living. Captain Raion's own personal....associate lost her life in the line of duty. And now there's report of your own ...encounter." She let the papers plap onto the mat as she watched the woman so very very carefully. No doubt they had many questions. That was good. It was why she was sent for these kinds og things. Curiosity often opened one's guard.

"I have a series of questions to ask you, Third Seat Kanamaru. It has been made clear to your squad that this interview will determine the time at which you will be cleared to resume squad duties. If...." She produced a clipboard, and a pen, resting it's point over a form. "....at all. Do you understand, Kanamaru-san?" She inquired calmly. She had no expectation of behavior. No anticipation. Humans had so many strange reactions to these situations. To her. She simply kept her mind open, and prepared herself to soak in the response, whatever it may be. Worst case scenario? Akira wouldn't leave this room. Well, most of her wouldn't. But in all likelihood, this was simply a lttle snag in the lady's career. Something she would look back on with....mild concern. But nothing more.

[Akira "Komadori" Kanamaru]

IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY

Akira felt a profound uneasiness ever since she passed the border of the Second Division grounds. She faintly remembered her academy lessons about the Onmitsukido, the Stealth Corps and how closely they were intertwined with the Second Division - no outsiders were allowed to enter these confines without good reason, and it didn’t take a genius to notice that she would be at the mercy of the resident Shinigami, especially since her senses have dulled since her sword has awakened. But while she was anxious to say the least, there was...just not all too much going on around these parts. Everything seemed fairly casual, even relaxed to an extent - if one can ever say such a thing about perhaps the most disciplined division in the entire Gotei. She knew this kind - her kind, as jizamurai undergo similar training in service of the great houses.

She was promptly escorted on after passing the first gate, and she didn’t like it one bit. Only once was she escorted before, on the fateful day of her banishment, on the way to Central 46 where her fate was sealed for the next couple hundred years. It didn’t help that her sattelites were masked, as one might expect - although she was sure she wouldn’t see familiar faces around anymore. It was so long ago...so much time has passed. Would she even recognize a friend from the past when she sees them? Would they? And could she, by some sort of miraculous working, find a lost relative, a brother or sister perhaps? They couldn’t have all faded into nothingness. Her parents wouldn’t stand for it, not even after the dissolution of the Kanamaru Clan.

Her escorts did not follow her into the matted room where the officer tasked with her assignment to a new squad sat - or perhaps some sort of evaluation was in order. She did not remember the way these things are supposedly handled, and due to her strict upbringing, it would have felt weird to her if “new recruits” like her were allowed to pick their own squads. In addition it seemed only natural that a “rogue” element like her would be tried and tested before being let loose on unsuspecting new squadmates - the Gotei was a military operation, and the slightest lapse of discipline could spell disaster. At least that’s the premise she expects, and the formal air she was greeted with only reinforced this impression.

A stern sidewards glance at the guards before they handed her over, then a moment of silence as she eyed the woman sitting in front of her. Ironically, her own outfit almost made her fit in better with the Onmitsukido - her almost knee high ji-tabi, the black pants tucked into them, the broad sash around her waist and the lack of shihakusho. Were it not for the fiery red accents of her clothes, especially her neat, thick scarf she had wrapped around her neck, it would not be too big of a stretch to say she belongs here, as she always did - a few other discrepancies aside. Her tall stature was another one of these off-putting details, similar to her unusual weapon, a tachi that seemingly belongs into some kind of historical exhibition - and it is a given that shinobi would never wear the kind of makeup she does.

She actually had to walk across the room to meet with the officer she had an audience with. Her pale amber eyes locked with those of the woman facing her, and after a disconcerting, almost too cautious pause, she bowed her head respectfully and sat down in a roguish, manly way - only to realize the tidy posture of her soon-to-be colleague and therefore swiftly correcting it to a sitting pose almost mimicking that of Shizuyoko. She even blushed a little, something that was fairly uncharacteristic of her. She seemed excited and somewhat insecure, in spite of her appearance that suggested she was ready for combat - or rather, ready for war at a moment’s notice. At least she was received by someone who wasn't wearing a mask - and although she wouldn't admit it openly, Akira thought that the officer was quite pretty.

The young woman already got the shivers when Shizuyoko called her by her true family name. She was always Komadori for Natsuki - “Robin”, like the bird. Or Akira, with no honorifics, albeit a few years later...it felt weird and wrong. Yet it was the name she was registered with, despite becoming somebody else along the way. And then, another surprise. :Captain Raion?: - she thought, never having heard that name before. Her expression was one of slight surprise, passing quickly as she kept listening intently, with the eagerness of a newly-made freshman. Because that’s what she was, at least partially - a weird mixture of a naive greenhorn who has barely ever set foot on the ground behind the walls of the Seireitei and a seasoned warrior who witnessed the passing of centuries - as the date of her exile will surely tell the young woman next to her. While she listened intently, her gaze inevitably wandered towards Shizu’s lap, and a passing expression of surprise could be seen as she noticed the neatly tucked...tails? She tried her best not to stare, but it was a curious sight that made her wonder about her origins.

“I was informed of that...troubling news indeed. I’ll...be sure to give my condolences to Raion Taichou when I get to meet him. As for the...encounter…”Akira had to lower her gaze for a moment and turn her head sideways to try and hide the pain she felt after hearing those words. She raised her fist to her mouth and suppressed the tears as hard as she could - regaining composure was not easy, even after all these years. “I have...filed autonomous reports on the incident. They have been taken off me after I passed the Senkaimon. That’s...probably the document you have on your hands now. Apologies...I prefer not to comment on the occurence, if possible. But you got a report of your own to file, so let’s get over with it I guess. My banishment was lifted for a reason, after all. I understand the gravity of the situation...and will do everything in my power to assist. the Gotei 13 in these dire times.”

The record which details the attack of the Arrancar named Lagos Oscuras and the subsequent death of sixth division officer Natsuki Tamura speaks of nothing but an opportunistic cooperation between the officer and Akira, and while she does not seem like the overly aloof or cold one, her reaction goes well beyond the pain one would feel after the loss of a comrade. She seems deeply pained by what had transpired there - this might just be the reason she was deemed as potentially volatile, “disturbed” even. It remains to be seen how this occurence has affected her combat prowess. She made no effort to hide her emotions - it is quite likely that Akira is one of those heart-on-sleeve types who prefer not to masquerade all too much, even when it would be beneficial to her.

[Shizuyoko Toraumi]

How mildly adorable. Her mind processed Akira with that same flat empathy-less gaze that earned her these sorts of jobs. That gap of humanity that made her so much more...pragmatic than any of her comrades. As Akira plopped down, and quickly corrected herself, Shizuyoko kept that unerring gaze locked solely onto the woman, even as they seemed to survey the punishment Officer's own appearance, those eyes notably pausing at the tails curled up in her lap. "I'm told that the usual Officer Type takes great pleasure in swinging his dick around. Not wishing to dissappoint, I grew these for our interview." A joke, delivered in absolute deadpan.

It was something unexpected, something to shatter the defensiveness and firm exterior that those she interrogated often put up. For some, torture was the preferred method, but Akira had not yet earned that sort of treatment, not yet anyway. In any case, the condolences on behalf of the captain were amusing no less. But what she really was interested in was the incident. "Kanamaru-san. As I understand it when questioned regarding your return prior, you expressed some interest in occupying an officer's seat. If that is indeed your ambition, then I would very strongly suggest that You get.Over. This aversion you have of explaining details. Given that the majority of your potential future vocation would very well entail the discussion of such things." She stated.

She glanced back up, and she produced an object from her shihakusho, a single, long needle, easily over two feet long, and setting it down beside her as her gaze never left the woman before her. "As it were. Regardless as to whether or not you maintain this ambition, that information is still something that will need elaboration on given the nature of the incident as well as the other parties involved, No matter how detailed your initial reports may have been. So, in the interest of your continued health and comfort, I would strongly ask that you reconsider your aversion." She explained, never wavering or shifting in her tone as she watched Akira.

This, naturally, was not standard procedure. But the fact of the matter was that this woman had spent a LONG time away from soul society. Far too long for most comforts. Even if the reasons for her banishing had been acquitted to some degree, it was still a matter of protocol to be....thorough. To double check. And to ensure that the woman returning did not hold any resentments. Or rather, that her understanding of Central 46's rule be affirmed. Was Shizuyoko here to torture the woman? That wasn't important. Not right now. Not yet. What WAS important was whether or not Akira complied with the request. However calm, passive, and vaguely threatening it may have been. Each agent had their methods. Shizuyoko had plenty of practice for her own.

[Akira "Komadori" Kanamaru]

IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY

Her eyes narrowed at the sight of that long needle. She didn't need an all too vivid imagination to be able to discern what the pointed tool was meant to do - and she decided it was better not to find it out. This was not the moment or the environment where she wanted to spill the beans on this very sensible topic, but in all honesty, it is only natural that they would pry on about this. Reports are one thing, a first hand account on what happened is another. But how would she go about it? Tell the truth, the whole account? She would probably not leave the room alive otherwise - and even if she managed to do so, there is no way she could reach the gates alone. There was no turning back.


The attempt to pull a joke did not resonate all too well with Akira. It was not about the way it was delivered, or the topic itself - she simply wasn't in the mood to make or take jokes anymore, brushing the comment aside with a similarly deadpan "Neat". She gathered her composure while Shizuyoko instructed her upon her need to comply - this was not a simple, formal interview. This was, for the most part, an interrogation. No would not suffice as an answer, and Akira rightly suspected that the woman across her had the means to extract the needed information from her, despite that endearing, albeit a little eccentric appearance. And it would, of course, mean that she would miss her mark and put on hold until she was "fit to serve", sitting idle while a storm was brewing - something she could not abide.


"Allright, fine. You're only doing your job, let's not make this harder for both of us than it already is. If this is what it takes to be allowed to fight those monsters. I trust the things I say in this room will stay in this room, right? Well then...about Natsuki and me...*sigh*...We were close. Very close. We...were lovers, she and I. Until the one with the broken mask, the fiend named Lagos Oscuras took her life...took her away from me.

It wasn't always like that. We were...rivals, I guess. I saw Kyoto grow for centuries, it was my city, my sanctuary that I had protected. There were others, of course, passing figures that reminded me of this life I lost due to my youthful folly and the ire of Sozen Kuchiki. I was told he is a master of intrigue after all...And, maybe at his leisure, I was left to my own devices, for the most part.  Until, as you might know, Natsuki was dispatched to herald over the area in a permanent assignment. We had our petty quarrels - she thought I was a loud, gung-ho loose cannon, and I didn't like that the big guys arbitrarily put that twinkle-toed dilettante on my turf. But as the years passed, as we saved eachother from the jaws of death over and over, we...grew on eachother.

I'm not going to bore you with the particularities of our romance - it's not what you are here for, after all. And while it is only natural for members of an organization such as ours to get accustomed to the loss of our comrades, this...this is different. I've spent so much time analyzing what went wrong that night, you wouldn't believe...but the conclusion was always the same. It was inevitable. We picked up on a faint trail of Hollow reiatsu coming from an old industrial complex - naturally we darted out to investigate and contain the threat before it could cause havoc in an urban area. Turns out that these...Arrancar...can mask their reiatsu just like Shinigami do sometimes.

It didn't take long to turn out that we were in over our heads either. It toyed with us, taking hits that would easily send ripples through a Menos Grande with its bare skin, crushing Kidō in its palms, and using some manner of Shunpō I have never witnessed before. It even had the audacity to tell us its name, as the last thing to remember before our untimely demise...and when it flexed its Reiatsu, the entire building we fought in was reduced to rubble in seconds. I'm sure you have your own records on these occurences, on the techniques this new kind of enemy uses...but we were just...not prepared to run into something like that. In retrospect, I am sure it could have taken on a Vice Captain without flinching.

It was only due to Natsuki Tamura's valiant stand that we managed to force the fiend to retreat. She drew the monster's attention to her, allowing me to cast a full incantation Hadō #63...but the time it took me to recite the formula was more than enough for the monster to break the chains put on it...to put a hole in the body of my dearest...with its bare hand."
She had to force herself to go on at this point. Her voice grew faint and shaky for a moment, and she turned away to wipe a few stray tears off her cheeks.
"She died in my arms that night...the one I loved...like the morning loves the sun...Will this...be sufficient for your report?"

[Shizuyoko Toraumi]

Shizuyoko nodded slowly as the woman explained the situation. A slow, steady drum of her fingers. However, as Akira began to get more rmotional along with her tail, she did pause. Ah yes, she recognized this. The woman was grieving. She immediately recalled the last time she had seen such a thing. The thing that had put Captain Raion out of comission for so long. It was such a strange thing these shinigami went through, this self-inflicted pyre they threw themselves into when getting over the death of someone.

She paused, thinking for a moment before she shifted, her body a blur as she suddenly was beside the woman. Even without the use of a step technique, Shizuyoko would easily move to the girl's side, She let a hand rest on the woman's shoulder. A gesture of compassion as that flat expression warmed and a soft smile crept across her face, one that almost radiated a sense of warmth and comfort. All of that menace was gone at that point as those pretty green eyes set on Akira's own. Of course, at this distance the woman would likely notice those soft streaks of yellow in those pools of green.

"I understand that this is hard, and I thank you for cooperating. You seem very upset over the matter. I suppose that regardless as to the.....unusual manner of your banishment." Honestly she was getting a little tired of seeing Sozen Kuchiki's rat-dick name all over her paperwork. After his 'promotion' the number of incidents that were revealed to have involved him was a little nauseating. "I almost feel as if it at least gave you time to come to terms with it. Do you feel as though you've had addequate time to process the incident?" She asked, once again locking eyes. Even though Akira would feel nothing but warm support from Shizu, she still was collecting information. Especially about just how much that incident was still effecting the woman.

[Akira "Komadori" Kanamaru]

IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY

Akira's eyes widened as the officer who was listening to her story just a moment ago shifted to her side. She was all but a blur to her - and as she realized how utterly deadly such a situation could be in a hostile environment, she shuddered a little. Her eyes just couldn't follow movement so quick - how was this even possible? She would have at least sensed the usage of a Flash Step, but it seems this was just a natural exercise to the blonde. Thankfully her intentions were benevolent - but even if they weren't, Akira knew that her hand would never have reached her tachi in time before she could stab her in the neck with the needle next to her. The entire realization reminded her of something important, and it certainly managed to put Akira into her place.


"You are amazingly fast...ever since I took on her...no, my Zanpakutō...my senses seem to have dulled, almost as if I have to get accustomed to her brightness. As you can see, I still have a long way to go until I am ready to face that which I loathe the most. Thank you for reminding me of that. And...thank you for your support, too. It feels good to be...home."
Another set of tears rolled down her cheek as she fixed her amber gaze on Shizuyoko's gorgeous eyes, almost as if saying a final goodbye to the chain of thought that reminded her of the awful pain she experienced.

"I'm not going to deceive you. This...is not something I can get over with any time soon. Not without help or new impulses. That is why I heeded the call - here, I can find colleagues, comrades - perhaps even friends, or the remainder of the family I have lost due to those foul intrigues. I'll manage...I promise. I have to. It would bring dishonor to Natsuki's memory if I didn't. This sword I wield - it used to belong to her. It didn't have a name back then...now she does. And by all that is sacred, I have taken a vow - a vow, that we will grow together, bleed together, and finally, we shall, together, strike down the Fiend that slew my beloved."


"I don't remember you introducing yourself. Would you mind doing so, if protocol permits it? I would hate to leave this place without being able to tie a name to the first friendly face I saw in a long time..."

[Shizuyoko Toraumi]

Shizuyoko paused as she noticed the woman more or less staring into her eyes. The smile was maintained, well aware that as the woman spoke, she was still being very vulnerable. She even seemed a little amazed at Shizuyoko's display of speed. She supposed it was mildly expected. Some could anticipate the use of shunpo, but in most cases, they were caught off guard in terms of a simple feat of raw speed that was just below that level. But she didn't worry too much about that. Rather, she was focused at the situation at hand.

"I understand. However, as it were, you will still need to be properly tested. Not only physically, but psychologically." She explained and gently let her hand rest on Akira's own, patting it lightly before she slowly rose up to her feet and rolled her shoulder just a little. One of her tails peeled her own zanpaku'to from it's place sheathed across her own lower back just above that rear of hers, the long blade glinting in the light as she took just a moment to collect herself and take a nice deep breath. She glanced over her shoulder at Akira as she pulled her hair back, retying her ponytail. She hated fighting in the normal shihakusho, but there was nothing to do abuot it for now.

"Come downstairs. There's a special training room prepared to ensure that there's not too much collateral damage. I don't expect either of us to defeat the other, this is not a contest. This is simply a gauge of your competence." She explained and lightly yawned, peeling the top of her Shihakusho, shrugging out of it until there was nothing but the backless portion of her onmitsukido uniform, the shuhakusho still hanging loose around her waist as she took a brief moment to shake out her hands, stretching them over her head as the muscles in her back stood out and she made her way to the little staircase off to the side. "We have medical staff on standby, so don't feel obligated to hold back." She explained.

Once they were down there, the entire surface of the inside of the room seemed comprised of flat grey panels. The space was designed to soak up the attacks of a Spiritual nature, as well as impacts of a physical type. It was similar ot sekkisekki in that regard, only without the aspect of sucking the reiatsu out of whatever made contact with it, the room itself was over 80 meters wide in any given direction, almost like an arena. She took another moment to finish stretching before Shizuyoko would turn her attention back to Akira, assuming of course the woman had followed along. "Before we begin. It is probably important that you begin trying to let go of your plot for vengeance. While progress and such are certainly driven by such things. Revenge will also cloud and obstruct your better judgement. And as a result, it won't be you, the strong, who suffer. But it will be your squad, those beneath you, who wind up paying the price. Do not allow your fixation on your own retribution be the beginning of your subordinates own warpaths to revenge." She advised softly.

She paused, and then closed her eyes, thinking for a moment. Hmmmmm. "Ah, you asked for my name, right? It's not exactly a secret. It's not as if you'll ever recognize me on duty. My name is Shizuyoko." She noted, putting on that warm smile once again. It was a little strange, probably. The Onmitsukido was a squad feared, a squad known to execute and slay shinigami who caused trouble, even up to the captain class if necessary. So it seemed a little unbelievable to most that a girl with such a warm, kind face could be a part of such a group.

[Akira "Komadori" Kanamaru]

IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY

"It's allright. That's what I came here for, after all." she replied, and the sweet gesture Shizuyoko made was even able to coax a slight smile out of her before wiping off those tears. "I might have a long way to go as of yet, but this...rehabilitation process needs to start somewhere. You're short on people, and sitting idly is, let's say, not my cup of tea." Akira stood up in concert with Shizuyoko, and observed her drawing the weapon with one of her many tails. Curious, she thought - they seem to be prehensile. The Onmitsukido are also famed for their prowess in close-quarters hand to hand combat and Hakuda, and while Natsuki has always complimented her own skills as "superb", these additional limbs could give her an immense advantage that might even the odds.

"That's fortunate...although in all honesty, I prefer fighting under the open sky. Well, I trust your judgement on the matter. After you." she mused, and followed the young woman closely. It seems that the change of scenery helps her calm down somewhat - as she walked down the stairs and saw the training chamber appear, her mood changed to a more solemn state. She had to focus, embarrassing herself would not be an option, especially since she considered applying for that high seat just under the current Vice Captain. "I understand, we had such training rooms in the academy aswell to practice techniques that were...prone to go off target...or boom in one's face, at least while the student wasn't familiar with them. As for holding back...I've mostly fought hollows during my years in the mortal world, and they tend to play rough. I will do my best to be careful, allright?"

When they moved across the room to face eachother, she listened to the advice of the woman before replying in a much calmer, stout-hearted voice than before. "The time of my revenge will come when fate wills it so. I'm applying to the position of a seated officer, something that comes with a lot of responsibilities on its own - if I would allow my rage to take the better of me, I would not be able to face that vile entity, no matter how hard I tried. And I'm not willing to lose anyone else because of my own ineptitude. Thank you for your concern, however. It feels reassuring to know that there are people in the Gotei 13 who think the same way."

Akira tied her silky, raven hair into a makeshift ponytail and began to stretch gracefully herself while eyeing the young woman, careful not to lose sight of her. She seemed to be a very odd fit for the squad she was in - for a brief moment she thought that this image of sweetness and understanding is all a hoax, but the thought quickly faded into obscurity as she began focusing on the task at hand. As she introduced herself Akira straightened herself up and gave her a slight bow as a gesture of respect. "It's a pleasure and an honor, Shizuyoko-san." She looked around the arena-like training room. No sign of people - she couldn't sense anyone either. Were they this good?

Another thing that struck her was the lack of training dummies. Did they really want to test her combat prowess against one of their own, without even knowing what to expect? "I would be glad to give you a cold demonstration if you'd like, such as performing various Zanjutsu kata, Kidou, even Hakuda. I used to be a junior instructor at the Academy, you see...It seems to me however that you have prepared a bout between the two of us for this occasion. If that is the case...I'll respectfully oblige." She replied, while checking the bands that held her curved tachi in place.

"Curious...you will be the first person in the Gotei 13 to ever witness the release of my Zanpakutou. And all that in a hidden, remote place like this. Who would have thought?" she mused, before taking up a low stance as if she wanted to dart off in a sprint. "Brace yourself...here I come!" she shouted fiercely and shot off after releasing a burst of fire-red reiatsu. Not wanting to take the chance of Shizuyoko slipping away, she used Shunpou to appear before her in the air, executing an earth-shattering dropkick that could easily fragment a Gillian's mask if it connected. She wanted to test whether the woman would defend against it or rather dash away - she obviously banked on the latter, although she would very much like to see whether she can match her skill in Hakuda.



Reiatsu Total: 2950/3000

-50 (Shunpou)

A T T R I B U T E S

Strength: 100
Speed: 150
Reiatsu Strength: 350 [525]
Spiritual Pressure: 200 [300]
Instinct: 100 [65]
Senses: 100 [65]
Energy Sensory: 0
Light aura: 60
Dark Aura: 40
Healing Expertise: 0 [LOCKED]

S K I L L S

Weapons (Zanjutsu): [1]
Weapons (Sojutsu): [2]
Martial Arts (Hakuda): [3]
Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do): [1]
Martial Arts (Aerial Combat): [2]
Acrobatics: [2]
Strength of Will: [1]
Battle Analysis: [1]
Damage Recovery: [1]
Charisma: [1]

[Shizuyoko Toraumi]

Shizuyoko watched them carefully, that soft, gentle smile still on her face as she observed them. their Cadence, their stance, the way that they spoke. It all helped her to understand this woman. And indeed there was a lot to understand and process. "It's very easy to claim you have things under control." She noted softly, those bright green-yellow eyes never leaving them. Not only that, but the girl had a modicum of respect. They bowed to her, and all the more they seemed pretty intent to get this show on the road.

"Of course. Admittedly, my squad has different....standards for officers. After all, we have a very dire occupation. I may be an unseated member, but do not think that an inability to combat me would mean you are not fit to be a seated officer." She assured the woman. When Akira suddenly used shunpo, her eyes followed it....easily. Even a human could follow something about twice as fast as it, fairly easily at that. And Shizuyko's senses and reflexes were well beyond that level. So her hand snapped up at full speed, grabbing Akira by her thigh literally as her Shunpo stopped, before she could even begin dropping that heel down.

Shizuyoko's grip was like steel. Vicing down and suddenly SLAMMING the woman down and onto her back on the floor. She never let go of her hold though, and she promptly aimed to plant her foot onto Akira's neck, intent on pinning her to the ground by her throat as Shizuyoko would pause, thinking for a moment. "While you have skills. You are not particularly fast. Or Strong for that matter. I would then assume that most of yuor training has been for your spiritual or mental abilities. But nobody really trains their mental abilities these days, so I'm going to guess spiritual. In which case, close combat would not be your friend." She mused.

"You mentioned you had Kido. Yes?" She ventured. She mused over the notion and shook her head. "I would not recommend Bakudo. In the past, I have had...negative reactions to it being used against me. A bit of a reflex. The last spar I was a part of, when the girl began using a kido incantation, I cut her tongue out." she murmured with a slow tilt of her head. IT was a leery thing. Akira seemed VERY specialized. If she was at this level, but was only this strong and fast? That meant a CONSIDERABLE neglect of her abilities in order to accomplish the capabilities she had at present.

Shizuyoko (If she was still holding onto the woman), would release them and begin circling slowly, letting her muecles rest as she began walking at a nice, leisurely pace, letting the fatigue wind it's way back down. It was something she was very used to, at the very least. But even so, she couldn't help but feel anxious. If the girl switched over to using her kido, or her release, then it would probably be fairly powerful. "You may have to release. If you are so physically inadequate. But I would reccommend working on your speed. As cute as you are, Hollows will not generally slow down for you. And even they can boost their speed." she pointed out softly.

The woman slowly raised her blade up and let it rest on her own shoulder. "I would use my own Zanpaku'to, but honestly, It is not suitable for training. Though I suppose I could try some different type of technique." she mused, she did have one or two that she could use instead. Those eyes locked onto the woman and she began to hum lightly to herself, thinking about what would be the most plausible and reliable to use for this. Those eyes snapped back to Akira. No doubt the woman would be feeling....down. Shizuyoko's sheer speed and stre ngth would no doubt prove to be a bit disheartening. But it was important that thew woman know her limitations.

"So then. What will you do now?"

Shizu's Stats
SP: 1400 ( 700 from Class, 700 from Training)

Strength - 400 Points (+25%= 500 Points)

Speed - 400 Points (+50%= 600 points)

Spiritual Pressure - 300 Points (-50%= 150 points)

Reiatsu Strength - 50 Points (-50%= 25 points)

Light Aura - 100 Points

Dark Aura - 0 Points

Instinct - 150 Points

Senses - 80 Points

Energy sensory - 20 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

[Multi-Dexterity - This Skill Pertains to Shizuyoko's ability to use her tails simultaneously in combat]:{3}
[Damage Recovery]:{2}
[Stealth]:{2}
[Anti-Stealth]:{3}
[Mental Incantation]: {2}
[Hoho]:{2}
[Hakuda]:{2}
[Battle Analysis]:{1}

[Akira "Komadori" Kanamaru]

IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY

"...What th-?!"  she thought when Shizuyoko grabbed her by the thigh, but the only thing audible was a faint grasp of surprise, immediately followed by a short scream just before she hit the ground. She thought that the power of the slam was strong enough to shake the room, and after the dust began to clear after the loud crash, she could be seen again, lying on the ground, with both of her hands wrapped around the foot of the woman, trying to push it away from her neck - to no avail. Not even using all of her strength would help - she used the firm appendage to push herself to the side and try to roll out of the situation.

If the woman would allow it - which was a requirement, since her speed and strength are both vastly superior to her own, Akira would assume a kneeling stance and begin a slow, painful ascent until she stood upright again. Her hand was fixed to her back and she let out a series of terrible coughs; a cracked or broken rib would be a likely conclusion. She wanted to conjure up a defiant, brave image, but her pained, beaten expression betrayed her feelings readily. She never considered herself to be fragile - or weak, or slow for that matter, and the way she got demolished after her first move made her remember that fateful day all too vividly.

"You're...amazing. I've yet to meet a Hollow...who could have...expected that move. Let alone...counter it." she said, forcing a sad smile onto her lips. "You could have...used that strong grip of yours...to tear the muscles in my thigh apart. If it was...not just a mere  oversight...or an act of kindness...I suggest to work on that technique...a little more. But to think that I would be so...outmatched. It seems I am...in dire need of training. Training with the likes of us." she followed up, brushing her scoldings (and the little flirt) aside to give way to a carefully polished, nurtured respectfulness and honorable demeanor that would serve her so well as an officer. It didn't come to her naturally - she was a sore loser once, and even now she has trouble to get over this painful reminder of the reality she has suspected.

:I cannot touch her. She doesn't even have to use flash steps. She will obliterate me before I even get the chance to draw...:
:She's not here to murder you, foolish child. Despair makes you look weak. Do you consider yourself weak, with the power I can lend you? Don't insult me.:
:I shouldn't have disrespected her. I should have called upon you immediately.:
:She got a few very good jabs at you, though. Listen and learn. This is just part of our ascent - you have barely left the nest, yet you believe you can already fly gracefully. You almost make me laugh.:
:I will. I'm sorry. Can you help me out on this one?:
:Perhaps.:

After listening to her Zanpakutou spirit's counsel, she decided that releasing it's fury was the only option avaliable to her now. She closed her eyes and straightened herself up to assume a more graceful stance, entering a focused state of mind that would help gather her Reiatsu. Her hand slowly wandered to the sheath of her tachi and untied the curved longsword, pulling it forward from behind her back and holding it in a ritualistic stance. She slowly opened her eyes, revealing a determined, almost spiteful look. She seemed more bitter than sad at this point - it seems, the rightful accusations of her own inadequacy have sank in quite well at this point.
"If your release is indeed unsuitable for sparring, then at least we have that thing in common. Allow me to demonstrate...Tsubasa wo hirogete, Minakata Suzaku."

Her release was solemn and graceful - she slowly drew the curved sword from her hilt, and immediately, a massive burst of fire-colored Reiatsu bursted from her body, causing the very air to resonate with the flamboyant aura. Flames flickered on the bared steel as soon as it hit the air, running up Akira's arms at an alarming rate, but instead of igniting her clothes they simply passed over the silk, like serpents over sand. They gathered in two radiant knots just under her shoulders and with a jolt of power, two amazing wings of living flame spawned from her back - they looked like a cross of a great eagle's wings and the decorative tail-feathers of a peafowl. Her weapon shot out towards both ends, forming a vicious, tapered longspear with a blade forged of dark steel.

She spun her newly formed weapon and took up a traditional, low battle stance used for an aggressive forward burst in spearfighting, but allowed Shizuyoko to perceive the slow, amazing display of rippling flames before darting away at a moment's notice - Minakata Suzaku was a vain Zanpakutou after all, who loved to revel in the fact that it may well have the most gorgeous fire-type release in this century. Akira took a step of Shunpou, however this time towards the ceiling of the room - and raised her left hand to perform an incantation. "Hadō no Sanjuuichi - Shakkahō!"

She knew perfectly well that she would never hit Shizuyoko with any projectile based Kidou, not even at the amazing power and mastery of this particular spell - she was very well aware of the threat that the young woman uttered, and hoped that she would assault her in an angry impulse - something she could not prevent...directly. Akira was certain she would use a jump or air platform technique to get to her height, only to realize that she had nowhere to stand anymore, as the reishi particles in the air disintegrated around the firebird. Even without the moment of shock, she could at least perceive her movement enough to see a blur shift closer to her - and in that moment, she would crush the Hadō, engulfing herself and the woman in a massive explosion of red flame.



Reiatsu Total: 2500/3000

-300 (Shikai)
-50 (Shunpō)
-100 (Hadō #31: Shakkahō)

A T T R I B U T E S

Strength: 100
Speed: 150
Reiatsu Strength: 350 [525]
Spiritual Pressure: 200 [300]
Instinct: 100 [65]
Senses: 100 [65]
Energy Sensory: 0
Light aura: 60
Dark Aura: 40
Healing Expertise: 0 [LOCKED]

S K I L L S

Weapons (Zanjutsu): [1]
Weapons (Sojutsu): [2]
Martial Arts (Hakuda): [3]
Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do): [1]
Martial Arts (Aerial Combat): [2]
Acrobatics: [2]
Strength of Will: [1]
Battle Analysis: [1]
Damage Recovery: [1]
Charisma: [1]

[Shizuyoko Toraumi]

Shizuyoko never stopped that soft, caring smile, even when Akira was on the ground with a foot planted onto her neck, pinning her down, that grip on her leg almost oppressive. Of course she absolutely could have broken her leg, or even torn it clean off. But she had no actual intention of doing that, and once Akira struggled enough, she allowed the woman to wriggle free and begin to pick themselves up. That same soft, gentle calm on the blonde's face as she watched them, waiting, patient and caring. She seems capable enough. The young, tender kind of shinigami that we always loved to eat. She ignored the words in her head. Yes, Akira was absolutely the kind of shinigami she had adored eating in the past. The kind that focused so much on their spiritual powers that they could be culled before they even knew what was going on.

None of that showed on her face, of course, and as Akira spoke, Shizuyoko shrugged. "The truth of the matter is that no matter how hard you train. No matter how powerful you become. There will always be some manner of being, strong or weak, that can be your bane. Your ability was very good, and most low level hollows would fall to it. But there are all manners of enemy. That's why even as you become strong, you should understand that strength in numbers is a power that nobody can afford to underestimate. Even the strongest can fall beneath the weight of proper teamwork." She noted softly, and tilted her head as she watched Akira.

The girl clearly was ramping up her release, Shizuyoko was easily able to sense the sudden lift in her spiritual pressure. Not to mention those words that made it so very very easy to know what she was about to do. And the release itself was rather magnificent. She was a little enamored as she watched the woman as they unleashed that powerful flame zanpaku'to. "Ahhh, I envy you. I wish that my zanpaku'to were more elemental. I've always wanted to be able to control that sort of thing." She hummed softly, tapping her foot as she made note of the wings. "My my. You really do look beautiful like that." She noted with a soft, warm smile, that expresson changing. In that moment, Akira would see an almost sultry st are from Shizuyoko.

As the woman charged up that kido, she of course made note of it. No mental incantation. Interesting. She of course knew the Kido so very very well. It was a staple of most shinigami, and interestingly, one of the more easy to dodge as it was not a surging beam. The main danger was from it's ability to explode. However Shizuyoko was a bit...perplexed? Akira had used shunpo up to the ceiling. And frankly Shizuyoko wasn't entirely sure what it is she thought she was doing. If she had any sort of sniping ability she definitely would have used this opportunity to do so. But frankly, the woman wasn't......doing anything?

"Pretty as all that is. What is it supposed to accomplish? You finished charging up the spell. So I'm a bit perplexed as to what the plan is now. A kido at that distance has no real chance of hitting me. No matter how large the explosion is. At least not a Shakkaho. Byakurai? Perhaps. But again, your options are limited." She called out to the girl and sat down on the floor, resting her head in her chin as she observed the girl. Well she had no intention of chasing them. The girl had wings after all. She wasn't going to try and aerial fight someone with wings.

Sure, Akira probably would THINK that taking to the sky would force an opponent up into her element. It would not. In most instances, Hollows fought as well as they could, and then ran when things got too dicey. They were only mindless in terms of their hunger. even a weak hollow would have enough brains not to go after a flying enem y if they were unable to fly. So indeed. What now? shizuyoko let her hand rest in her palm. Her guard not even up that high. Akira was WAY too far away for her to do anything that Shizuyoko wouldn't notice coming at her. She was just the tiniest bit concerned about the girl's....tactics? They were entirely too assuming.

Especially since Shikai did not last forever. It certainly was something that lasted a long time, but by her estimate, the woman had already used up....ten percent of the time necessary for it? It always varied by how intense he battle was going, the girl may well have bought herself mroe time by distancing herself. But even so, it wasn't a timer one should take very lightly. Shizuyoko yawned and arched her back, the backless portion of her top, her uniform, showing those muscles as she stretched just a little. The girl was....hm. Well quite frankly she really had no .....sense that this girl was anything more than maybe a fifth sear or fourth seat. Maybe third for a weaker squad. Then again, Raion's squad was not especially strong outside of the Captain himself. At least not these days.

She lightly drummed her fingers, and simply waited.

[Akira "Komadori" Kanamaru]

IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY

A large explosion shook the room with its epicenter where Akira was floating in the air. She immolated herself, not taking any chance of Shizuyoko exploiting her dimmed senses - the execution of the volatile Kidō was perfect however, and the red fireball grew to the size of a large ball lightning before the encasing bubble bursted and formed a huge globe of igneous demon fire. If her advesary had taken the bait, or even move closer for an attack, it is for sure that she would have been singed through this display of the spiritual arts. Her expectations were indeed right, as Akira seemed to be someone who focused on her spiritual capabilities very much - and, as an outcast, could not do much else but perfect the few spells she had learned during her time in the Academy.

As soon as the burst began to fade, she emerged from the billowing incendiary clouds - unscathed. Well, unburnt at least. It is quite clear that such a blast would have caused massive damage in a regular Hollow or even more seasoned Shinigami, as it was, in spite of the low level and lack of incantation, definitely on the level of a strong Vice Captain's display of power. Her release must protect her against fire-based attacks somehow, perhaps only her own ones - but the implications of this, the potential versatility of the technique could not be overstated, especially for someone who seemed to be toying with the idea of actually going toe-to-toe with an enemy. She needed to train to make that leap in power though - grow stronger to put actual force behind her gorgeously executed Hakuda techniques, and grow faster to be able to keep pace with people proficient in speed like Shizuyoko was.

After the dispersing explosion revealed her full form, Shizuyoko could see that the explosion did seem to damage her after all, as her wings, clothes, even her hair seemed tattered, and some plates of her armor got blasted off cleanly. Even that sweet scarf of hers got shredded, which is a real shame - and if she looked closely, she could see that the hand that crushed the ball of fire was not only missing its glove, but was covered in bad scrape marks and was bleeding profusely. Akira remained calm however, and once she espied the young woman who was seemingly teasing her, she let loose another spell. "Hadō no yon, Byakurai!" - she shouted, and a brilliant cone of white lightning crashed towards the spot where her advesary was relaxing. A warning shot that would hopefully make her move - even if she did, she was positive that her next attack would surely hit, as it was such a change of pace that it might take even someone as perceptive as the teasing woman by surprise - it was not the most potent, but perhaps the fastest spell she knew. "Hadō no gojuu, Mabarashi Dangan."

Something was not allright. Akira made a motion that was basically a finger-gun, but in spite of the name and number of the spell, no effect was seen forming. It may even seem as if she had just made up something to scare the pretty blonde into jumping away- in reality, the baseball-sized bullet and its path were not perceivable by Shizuyoko - while her senses were quite sharp, her ability of sensing Reiatsu was insufficient to see the motions of this technique of astounding subtlety. Ironically, it is fairly in the realm of possibility that Akira would miss even if Shizuyoko didn't manage to dodge in time - she practiced extensively with this particular spell, and got a good feeling of it, but not even she could perceive its formation or clear path which made aiming a little difficult. If it would hit, Shizuyoko would be in quite a jiffy since the penetrating power of the technique is twice as strong as normal - if not, it would blast the ground, creating a deep, smoldering hole akin to a shell's explosion.

Regardless of the effect, Akira would soar further downward and away from Shizuyoko, taking a half-circle at the farther end of the room and dipping even lower, almost as if she was preparing to do a diving attack. Instead of doing so however, she accelerated and pulled up after a distance of a good thirty meters, calling out a technique she hadn't used before yet - "Hageshī Hō-ō no Hane!" She spun herself around in the air and flourished her glorious plumage, with the next spin sending a barrage of seven fiery peafowl-feathers across the room that would hit the ground in increasing intervals, similar to a bombing run - and each one of them would explode in a blossoming cloud of flame, leaving a crackling bonfire where they touched the ground. Their descent would be just as fast as Shizuyoko's running speed, which is nothing to scoff at - and the area of destruction was no laughing matter either, especially as the room would begin to undeniably heat up shortly.

Even though she would very much like to see her advesary at least bruised a little for that cracked rib, regardless of whether she hit her or not, Akira would descend from the air gracefully after this display, since they were pretty much at a standstill and Shizuyoko should have a good grasp of her abilities now. She didn't seem spent whatsoever - her Reiatsu was stable, hale and hearty, and it is quite sure that she could keep this dance up for a long time, despite being fragile and not particularly fast. The prowess of her destructive powers was undeniable, and her expertise in Kidō was shown in every single spell she cast - it is quite likely that she didn't resort to Bakudō out of courtesy, maybe in an attempt to befriend the young woman who had complimented her multiple times during the battle.

She would walk up to Shizuyoko with her spear lowered - and although she seemed somewhat short of breath still due to her injury, she smiled softly as she moved closer, trusting that the woman would not attack her unless she attempted a hostile move. "You were, of course, right in your assumption. I have focused on honing my spiritual powers, extensively. I've always thought that Kidō is one of the most versatile tools in our arsenal, one that Hollows could only dream to match - maybe that's why Minakata Suzaku revealed herself to me as a similar type. I hope that my lack of display in the binding arts did not leave you disappointed, since you expressed distaste for them - but rest assured, I have spent a lot of time to master the arsenal that was given to me aswell."

"The skies are my domain - and fire just as well. You were wise not to come after me when I rose towards the ceiling - the speed of a cheetah is all but nullified once he begins to swim, entering an element that is foreign to him. We are very different in our approach to combat, and I feel that we could learn a lot from eachother. As for teamwork, I sure hope I can compliment my future squad's roster, even though we both know that I still have a long way to go." she mused, as she stepped before Shizuyoko, stabbing the spear in the ground and extending her unscathed hand to her in a friendly manner. "Do you have a verdict, Shizuyoko-san? Or would you like to test other aspects of my expertise?"


Reiatsu Total: 2175/3000
-25 (Hadō #4: Byakurai)
-150 (Hadō #50: Mabarashi Dangan)
-150 (Hageshī Hō-ō no Hane)

A T T R I B U T E S

Strength: 100
Speed: 150
Reiatsu Strength: 350 [525]
Spiritual Pressure: 200 [300]
Instinct: 100 [65]
Senses: 100 [65]
Energy Sensory: 0
Light aura: 60
Dark Aura: 40
Healing Expertise: 0 [LOCKED]

S K I L L S

Weapons (Zanjutsu): [1]
Weapons (Sojutsu): [2]
Martial Arts (Hakuda): [3]
Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do): [1]
Martial Arts (Aerial Combat): [2]
Acrobatics: [2]
Strength of Will: [1]
Battle Analysis: [1]
Damage Recovery: [1]
Charisma: [1]

[Shizuyoko Toraumi]

Shizuyoko didn't even need to move at full speed to avoid that Byakurai, simply moving at around 200 given how incredibly far away Akira was from her, her eyes watching closely as they launched that Kido. Shizuyoko herself really wasn't all that concerned, however when it came to the point where that second kido fired, she suddenly tensed. IMMEDIATELY she moved to the side full tilt. She didn't have to sense the kido to recognize the name. Even as that bullet SLAMMED into the ground beside her, she felt her spine begin to tingle. She needed to work on her reiatsu sense... that was NOT cool. Of course she could still sense it's general direction. She was a specialist in working around stealth moves. Her skills in unveiling stealthed attacks was even better than her skills in hiding. Even if it had no direct sound or noise itself. As it SLAMMED into the ground, she hissed.

Her eyes narrowed, that smile vanishing. If the woman had not had to call out that kido, she would have actually gotten hit by it. No that wasn't true, the finger gun had still been present. She did make a mental note though. She absolutely needed to perk up her ability to sense reiatsu. She watched as Akira came around, flying in low and fast. That sudden spinning did cause her to lift a brow, speeding past the girl, easily avoiding the feathers as they flew. Until they started to explode. Her eyes widened as she noticed that buildup, the slight burst. IMMEDIATELY she bolted away, speeding from the explosions and grunting as she was thrown away from them, skidding along the ground and then landing on all fours, her tails up in the air as she eyed the big fiery mess that was the ground where those explosions had taken place.

She hadn't wanted to shunpo, and so she had not escaped the effects of the blast fast enough. Her uniform was singed, and hidden under that clothing, her skin was a bit seared as well, though thankfully her durable tails hadn't suffered too much damage. She felt a bit stupid. She should have known that those thing s could have exploded, especially it being a fire release. Rolling a shoulder, she eyed Akira as the woman beg an closing in with her. But it was clear that this little spar was over. Akira spoke fairly well and without any kind of anger or resentment. shizu...actually kinda liked her.

"Seal your Zanpak'to please." She instructed, and stepped forward, folding her hands behind her as she looked the tattered woman up and down. "You're fairly strong. Definitely around the upper levels of an unseated. Well, for the ONmitsukido. However, for the squad you're being assigned to? You're set for third seat." She noted. Suddenly a young woman in full onmitsukido stealth attire showed up, appearing beside Shizu as the blonde handed over the paperwork for the evaluation. The girl nodded and then vanished just as suddenly as she had appeared.

At that point, Shizu turned her attention back to Akira and nodded. "As of this moment, I am no longer your proctor. You are cleared for duty, and you will be placed in your squad accordingly with the help of my evaluation. Congradulations." She stated, and then broke into a big smile, in an instant Shizuyoko moved in and was hugging the woman, a big chuckle escaping from her as she promptly used Shunpo, whisking Akira out of the room, suddenly they were both back upstairs, several medics already closing in and beginning ot tend to their wounds, after prying shizuyoko off the girl of course, the Blonde was VERY happy.

"WHEW! Finally over! Business mode is off! That was really awesome! I rarely ever get to fight someone strong. Sure I fought the Vice Captain of Squadd......hmmm...I don't even remember Yetsuna's squad... But yea, that was kinda eh in terms of fun. Its SO awesome to get to fight someone who is around my level though~ You did awesome! Your release was so cool as well! I should introduce you to my Zanpaku'to" She chimed happily seeming unbelievably happy, that sweet, warm aura was now practically boiling off of shizuyoko at this point as they were both fixed up. However the girl suddenly perked.

"Oh! We should go hang out after this! You probably won't have any duties for a while, and I have some time. We can get something to eat and then go another round! We'll do a flipflop~ This time around, I'll release and you have to stay unreleased~" She crooned excitedly, practically bounding in her spot, and thankfully she wasn't ROO buxom, otherwise she would be bouncing all over the place as the healers tried to get her to sit still as they fixed her up. There wasn't too much damage that she'd actually accrued, but they still needed to restore her reiatsu and stamina at that. healing them both up as though they had had a nice long rest.

[Akira "Komadori" Kanamaru]

IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY

"As you wish, Shizuyoko-san." - she answered, grabbing her spear and giving it a soft stroke. The weapon soon shrunk back to its original, curved form and was curiously sheathed already - the blossoming wings disintegrated aswell as the feathers seemingly fell to the ground like a rain of fiery petals. She listened to the evaluation of the officer standing before her, with a curious expression as she was making a strong distinction between the Onmitsukido and the Squad she was being assigned to. Should she take her perceived seat as a compliment or did she express disdain for Captain Raion's squad?

She didn't have too much time to contemplate this however. She bowed to Shizuyoko despite her injuries, thanking her for the time she took to help take the first steps to her re-integration into the Gotei 13...but just as she straightened herself out, an interesting turn of events had the reserved, calm officer suddenly latching onto her. While it was not intended as a surprise attack, it sure did startle Akira, whose eyes widened as she let out a squeak that would befit a young girl much better than a seated officer. Then the blonde launched herself off, dragging the tall young woman with her - and as they arrived at the top, she took a bewildered glance at her, not entirely sure what was going on.

She calmed down as the medics closed in and pried the overzealous officer from her body, as the broken rib alone was enough to make it hard to breathe . While she was strong enough to power through the injuries she sustained, she didn't want her arm to stay in this mangled state - it was bad enough that she blasted off one of her trademark gloves and managed to rip off a good portion of her scarf too - now she'd have to introduce herself to Raion taichou like some tattered ronin from a young adult's visual novel, when she would have liked to present herself in the best light possible before her new squad.

Akira listened wide-eyed as Shizuyoko basically shook off all the formalities that were forced upon her by her assignment. The blonde seemed to radiate with an intense light, her bright smile brushing away all the tension and seriousness of their fight below, not minding the way she was singed by Minakata Suzaku's feathers, or the fact that she could have broken her sparring partner's spine with that vicious throw. She was someone else, and while Akira found this new revelation very sudden and quite overwhelming, she managed to lighten up enough to laugh a little - something she almost forgot how to do during the past few years. It was a very refreshing feeling, and even though she played with her raven hair and blushed in her embarassment, she began to think that she managed to make a friend here - someone to be cherished.

"On your level? I'm flattered, really. But isn't that a bit of a stretch? If it wasn't for the different nature of our powers, I'm fairly sure you would have mopped the floor with me." She said haughtily, but while her expression might have been a little overexaggerated, it seemed sure that her assessment of Shizuyoko's power was not. "Back when I was a junior tutor at the academy, I used to do the same thing to cheeky upstarts you know. Students who've yet had to learn their place in the food chain. They would come around, of course - even if they attacked you with a rusty shank during their first hour, just to test your authority to their limits."

Her eyes followed the young woman as she mused on - her excitement was almost contagious, even though Akira was a little vary about what could happen if she fought her while she was in such a bouncy state. Especially if she intended to turn the tables and actually released her sword. Truth to be told, she was a little scared, and that sheepishness showed as she tried to calm Shizuyoko down a little. "Allright, allright, haha...We can do that, sure...I'll be glad to witness your release...er...if you promise me I'll still be in one piece after we're done sparring. I kinda have an appointment at Raion taichou's office later today, and I look like a mess as it is. We can hang, though - and eating sounds good too. I'd love some good okonomiyaki right now."

[Shizuyoko Toraumi]

Shizuyoko smiled at that. "Are you surprised? sure you're not really fighting at my level now. But it really does seem that you're simply rusty. A bit of raining to build your body back up and you should be perfectly capable of handling me in my casual state." She noted with an idle nod of her head. Her eyes shifted to some of the medics as they continued to work on the both of them, patching them up just a little and making sure that they were in tip top shape. She thanked them gently, and soon enough the medics were gone.

Both Shizu and Akira are back to prime condition

With that out of the way, she turned her attention back to Akira. Hmm, the woman did have an interesting point. Admittedly her release was a bit destructive. It might not be a great idea to go shunting the poor woman around. That aside, she also didn't think that Roaring Orchid was that good of an idea to use either. Especially with how it damaged her body in the process. The Medics were around sure, but just pummeling Akira wouldn't be all that fun at all. She made her way over, scooting toward the shinigami and leaning in, inspecting them for just a moment. No real regard for personal space.

"I guess you have a point. Maybe my release would be a bit much to go using on you. Maybe I could just use my transformation. That would at least still be fun." She mused, rubbing a little at her cheek as she eyed the girl. She reached up and turned their face this way and that. Hmmmmm. she stood up, lifting Akira clean off their feet and bringing them into a standing position as she continued to look them over. She was making sure that the Medics hadn't missed anything, giving her a pat here and there, specifically to her lower back to make sure it wasn't busted up or anything.

"Looks like the Medics didn't cut any corners. Always a good idea to check. Sometimes they overwork themselves. Kinda the issue with them not having a Captain." she murmured before promptly rolling her shoulders and clearing her throat. "At one point I was kinda secretive. But as it turns out there's a lot of freaky people in Soul Society. But even so, to make sure that we don't cause a panic. We should head out to the world of the Rukongai." She noted, her tails lightly coiling around Akira.

The girl would find herself reeled in, those tails winding around her upper and lower body, to make sure she was nice and secure. Even Shizuyoko had to be a bit careful when using shunpo that long of a distance with someone in Tow. "We could go the long way, but I think us having a nice quick trip there and back should do good, yes? There's this old guy out there that I visit sometimes. Very nice to me, used to be in the Gotei too. He already knows so it won't be an issue. And he can patch us up if we get too rowdy. Just let me know when you've braced yourself and I'll get goin!" She noted with an excited grin. Clearly there wasn't a lot of choice in this manner, Shizu was way too excited.