The Meeting of Brickheads! [R, NDE]

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

Thread Title: The Meeting of Brickheads! [R, NDE]
Participants: Alexander Kuma-Hebi, Kuroi Naito
World: Soul Society
Death Setting: Non Death Enabled
Rating: R
Location: In the nowheres of Patagonia, Argentina. There are just plains and plains and plains for as long as sight reach, occasionally dotted with some low bushes or something.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Example}

Special Conditions: No special items. I get the first post.
Circumstances: Squad 3 Monitoring Department picked up a strong Reiatsu signature in the nowheres of Patagonia. Rather than sending a team to investigate, Alexander goes himself, and stumbles into Kuroi Naito, who is there for whatever reason he is. A LUCKY DAY! Naturally, combat must ensue.

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

Soul Society, Squad 3 HQ, Human World Monitoring Department
Time: T minus 24 minutes

A lots of monitors, lights and computers. Lots of people too. All of them were Shinigami, and were wearing ordinary Shinigami robes, though none of them wore their Zanpakuto. There was no need for that. They almost never saw live action. All this Shinigami had to do, and what their sole duty was, was to keep Human World under surveillance. That was not an easy job, and it was in past jointly carried out by Squads 3, 12 and 13. However, to ease the war efforts, and to lessen the burden on Squads 12 and 13, Squad 3 took on this duty completely for themselves. Therefore, Human World Monitoring Department was really like a central node, bustling with activity, threats noticed, identified, teams sent to investigate, their reports taken in, all that. It was here that information from field came in and from here requests to dispatch teams from other Squads were issued. Generally, this was a coordination center for most Shinigami activities in Human World. Shinigami keeping grip they still had on Human World, well, this place had lots to do with it, especially now that burden of monitoring Human World fell solely on Squad 3. In this big hall, atmosphere was just as usual. Which meant slightly chaotic. But it was still ordinary. Teams were dispatched. Reports gathered. Records made. Until this routine was broken by strong howl of alarm.

The moment it wounded, everybody dropped everything that they were doing. They all focused on the sound, and then onto their monitors. They would have to see what was happening. What was the cause of alarm for top threat level going off? All Shinigami were looking at monitors. One, obviously an officer, gave out orders. "Determine type and exact magnitude of reiatsu signature! And give me coordinates! Prepare teams to depart for found location!" All went to work, and alarm still howled. "Sir, it's varying! We cannot determine exact magnitude! It's Arrancar, rough estimate is above Captain level!" "Dear God! Prepare to send out two, no three teams! Immediately! And issue a call to Squad 11! We shall deal with this!" "Sir, I have additional information!" "Spit it out soldier!" "It's not confirmed yet, but so far, it seems that Reiatsu signature matches that of Segunda Espada, Kuroi Naito! Currently we determined 75% match! It is likely to be him!" "DAMN! PREPARE ALL TEAMS! SEND ALL WE HAVE AT HIM!" "No." At that moment, alarms ceased sounding. The soft, but resolute, determined voice was heard by all officers. "I shall deal with him personally. If it truly is him, I don't want to miss the opportunity."

Voice belonged to Captain of Squad 3, Alexander Kuma-Hebi. he heard the alarm, and rushed to see what threat made it go off. And now he was here, towering over his subordinates with his incredible height. After all, he was incredible seven feet and seven inches tall. He wore his trademark outfit, black suit with white double stripes, black shirt and white tie, and white shoes. he had his famous sunglasses on, and his Zanpakuto was at his side. Residing on his shoulders was his haori, or to be more precise, white coat with epaulettes and Suqad 3 insignia on his back which served as haori. There was a wide grin on Alexander's face as he spoke and gave out orders. "Where is he?" "Patagonia, Argentine, sir." "So, middle of nowhere, eh?" "Exactly, sir." "Perfect. Call off the orders for teams to depart. We shouldn't waste their lives by sending them to certain death. And send note to Squad 13 to prepare me Senkaimon." "But sir, we have reports, he defeated multiple Captains..." "Shut it out soldier. Never question orders, and follow chain of command. Leave thinking to me. I shall face him." Afterwards, Alexander moved out. He aimed to reach Senkaimon as soon as he could, and get into this battle soon.

Soul Society, Squad 13 Compound, Main Senkaimon Gate
Time: T minus 6 minutes

"Sir, we are finishing preparations! It took us longer because he is on the move, but we finally locked onto him. It will take you about five or so minutes to pass because it's constantly adjusting to enemy's position." Alexander was in front of that opened, gigantic Senkaimon gate. With him was an officer from Squad 13, overseeing his departure. It was standard procedure. Alexander was calm, collected, and even his wide grin was no longer there. His mind was one hundred and ten percent focused on what awaited him. And he anticipated a tough battle. If anything, Segunda Espada was known to be a resourceful one. If it really was him. Alexander guessed that it was more likely him than not. "Please also relay this order to Third Seat of Squad 3, Kisaku Oroki. He is to both make preparations for my comeback party... and my military funeral. Without delay." Saying that, Alexander ran into Senkaimon, simultaneously releasing Hell Butterfly. As he was running through, he was already deep in his thoughts. What is Segunda Espada going to be like? Will he give Alexander fair and tough fight? Will Alexander manage to do what others failed, and bring glory to his name and Shinigami cause? Or would he find himself broken and in disgrace? Either way, hard work awaited him. But it was just another day at the office.

Human World, Argentine, Patagonia
Time: T = Present Moment

A Senkaimon opened. A man stepped out. He observed for a moment, taking in his surroundings. This truly was middle of nowhere. But that was good. He wouldn't be able to fight to his fullest in urban, populated areas. Here, he could unleash his powers. Alexander Kuma-Hebi, being who he is, wouldn't risk damaging Shinigami future recruitment pool that Humans represented. And so this location in middle of nowhere came in really handy. Quickly, a quetsion passed through his mind. What the Hell is his opponent doing in this God-forsaken plain? But then, he was here, his opponent. Visual contact was there, visual identification confirmed identity. It was Segunda Espada, Kuroi Naito. His opponent was directly in front of him, though there was about twenty yards of distance between them. Alexander didn't draw his sword. He instead addressed his foe. "I am Alexander Kuma-Hebi, Captain of Squad 3. I know who you are, Kuroi Naito. Now that we are done with formalities, come! COME AT ME! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Well, not the most subtle exchange of formalities nor appropriate introduction. But introductions were not needed. Alexander was not even taking any battle stance yet. All of his previous gestures were... welcoming. Open. But yet, they gave of some kind of feeling. Deadly feeling. As Alexander stared down Kuroi, he noticed his clothing. Well, if I die, I will at least be killed by a man who has style... Ball was in Kuroi's yard. What would he do with it?

SPOILER: Click to show

{Skills}[Weapons: Swords] [3]

[Martial Arts: Hakuda] [3]

[Battle Analysis] [3]

[Strength of Will] [3]

[Damage Recovery] [3]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}Strength - [800*2=1600] Points

Speed - [600*2=1200] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [200*0.75+700=850] Points

Reiatsu Strength - [500+700=1200] Points

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [300] Points

Senses [200] Points

Energy sensory - [0] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: [2600] Points

[Zou ۞]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Play this}

Clad in black dress pants and matching, shiny black dress shoes. Wearing a ruffled white dress shirt with a perfectly erect collar encircling his neck, and a black tie loosely hanging around him, coupled with an unbuttoned, two button slim fit sports jacket blazer, perfectly fitted to an athletic, powerful body with clear toning and definition, and powerful, masculine shoulders, a man of around six feet in height. Pale skin of Japanese descent, and a gaunt face with high cheekbones, portraying within its visage merciless black eyes which were cold, unforgiving, and devoid of nearly all visible feeling. Black hair to finish it all off, short, unruly, cut in layers. A serious look on the otherwise good looking young man, perhaps in his early twenties physically, and well dressed for the part as well, and with a sheathed sword hanging at his side. This was the description of he who was called the Segunda Espada, Kuroi Naito, the Espada whom Alexander had come to face off against alone in individual combat, and who had been in this forsaken wasteland on a mission of his own, the results of which Alexander would see upon arriving.

Sitting down on a large, dry gray rock, Kuroi was surrounded by dozens of corpses in white, military style uniforms. There was a huge castle in the background, behind Kuroi, or at least what remained of one, for it had been collapsed and demolished, trashed completely. As expected, to appear in what was considered prime Hollow formation, living, and hunting territory was foolish, and the Vandenreich officers that had been slaughtered easily, ruthlessly, and quickly by Kuroi were to attest to that. That being said, Kuroi had been sitting there to rest and ponder momentarily, and should in fact have left several moments ago. Why he did not, however, was quite clear. Kuroi was not leaving because he had suddenly sensed an approaching reiatsu of considerable power, and decided to wait it out, realizing that it was a Shinigami whose attention he had caught. Only one Shinigami, of approximately Captain level. It was foolish of any Shinigami to engage an Espada of Kuroi's rank alone, let alone to do so without having ever encountered him previously. Kuroi had decided to send this Captain back in a body bag.

"What...?" Kuroi asked of Alexander's proposal to suddenly do combat so easily, and so quickly. His callous black eyes focused in on Alexander, narrowing onto him and scrutinizing the body of the opponent. "Ridiculous...You are engaging me on your own? Have Shinigami simply learned nothing?" Judging by the reiatsu, and the clear build-up of bodily strength Kuroi's eyes detected from analyzing his opponent, Kuroi determined that this one was not unlike Saix Shinra or Okusa Shogen, brutes of considerable physical ability and great power with their reiatsu as well. However, the fact that such a challenger believed he could take on Kuroi, a master of close up combat, was also ludicrous. Even with statistical values, there was no substitution for skill, and for actual power. Kuroi also took note of the Captain's robe on his opponent, indicating a Captain of the Gotei Thirteen, as he had first assumed. He had been correct, but it was clear to Kuroi that this was a Captain that he had never before encountered. Strange, considering that he was otherwise acquainted with virtually all of the other Captains.

These Shinigami lost and replaced their high ranking Captains like some would change their clothes. It was frequent, to the point where Kuroi barely even knew how they were even still an organization to begin with, if they were so short of Captains. Kuroi then noticed the insignia on Alexander's badge as well. "The third division...?" Kuroi observed. "Are you then the successor to Ryuu Usagi? I was unaware that he had been left too crippled to resume his duties after I defeated him. How regrettable." Indeed, Kuroi had defeated Alexander's predecessor, Ryuu Usagi, the former Captain of Squad 3. Then again, he was not the first, either. Kuroi had flat out killed another of its former Captains, Hara, after having killed Hara's father, the Vice Captain, Dimitri, years earlier. Squad 3 and Kuroi did not have a good record, given that the Espada had been responsible for a great deal of their deaths and their pain. Kuroi was also irritated by his opponent's lack of a battle stance. How foolish could one be as to approach a high ranking Espada without assuming some sort of combat stance? Only an amateur could ever do this.

Kuroi stood up, deciding that he was not interested in this, and would end things relatively quickly. "You are foolish to challenge a high ranking Espada on your own, Shinigami." Kuroi admonished. "Considering that of your current Gotei Captains, six currently holding Captaincy have been defeated by my blade, most of which are far more powerful than you, it would have been prudent to bring another to assist you." Kuroi reached to his side, and unsheathed his Zanpakuto, a sword with a black hilt and a deadly blade without glint, but which emanated sharpness and menace. He held this in his right hand, noting that with that reiatsu strength, his opponent was more than capable of penetrating Hierro. This would be worth doing, at the very least, for that reason, even if the foe would actually land no blows, and the fight would still be relatively short. "Then again..." Kuroi stated. "You would not be the first Captain of Squad 3 that I have killed..." Reiatsu started to pour from Kuroi, and his aura made itself well known as he expressed his malevolent intent. There was no Arrancar alive with a killing intent like Kuroi's, and his dominant aura seeped out continuously. "Come at me, Squad 3 Captain. You are the challenger. The first attack therefore is not mine, but yours."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Skills}

[Weapons: Sword] {4}

[Battle Analysis] {4}

[Analyzing] {3}

[Pain Tolerance] {3}

[Battle Abilities Other: Mixed Martial Arts (Kung Fu/BJJ/Muay Thai)] {3}

[Calm Mind] {2}

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}

Strength - [200{1/2}(100)] Points

Speed - [400] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [400] Points

Reiatsu Strength - [400{x2.5}(1000)] Points

Light Aura - [0] Points

Dark Aura - [100] Points

Instinct - [200] Points

Senses [200] Points

Energy sensory - [100] Points

Healing Expertise - [400] Points


Total SP: 2300 Points

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

OOC: Well, if I mess up wth music forgive me. But I suck at matching music with posts. Also, on a LOL sidenote, when did Kuroi kill Hara? I remember that Hara was discovered and executed by Gotei for Hollowfication.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Play This}

"What... Ridiculous...You are engaging me on your own? Have Shinigami simply learned nothing?" Alexander grinned. As expected of one known as Segunda Espada, Kuroi Naito. Never short of a mind game or two. "Oh, you have no idea..." Alexander was still gauging his opponent, and now he was using the given opportunity to probe him mentally a bit, perhaps even get into his head. Because, why not? It was always good to have upper hand in mind games, even if one, in this case Alexander, disliked them. "The third division...? Are you then the successor to Ryuu Usagi? I was unaware that he had been left too crippled to resume his duties after I defeated him. How regrettable. You are foolish to challenge a high ranking Espada on your own, Shinigami. Considering that of your current Gotei Captains, six currently holding Captaincy have been defeated by my blade, most of which are far more powerful than you, it would have been prudent to bring another to assist you." Ah, yes. Classical taunting. While Alexander was already itchy because of prospect for a good battle, he kept his act together still. "That may be true, but none of those six were me." Grin never left Alexander's face, even as Kuroi got up and drew his Zanpakuto, speaking more.

Alexander absorbed it all into him, listening, but yet he had his own thoughts not entirely focused on his foe. Yeah, this is the real deal. Now I get to go all out! Well, my funeral is ready... So I have nothing to worry about. "Come at me, Squad 3 Captain. You are the challenger. The first attack therefore is not mine, but yours." Now that was a wake-up call,there was no time for idle thoughts, and battle was, without yet starting, already taking over Alexander's entire focus. Alexander was confident for multiple reasons, and he was even a bit surprised that Kuroi refused to take offered first strike. Would that turn out to be mistake? Maybe. Maybe not. regardless, Alexander confidently spoke out. "Here I was making generous gesture, offering you to strike first. And you refuse my generosity. I guess it cannot be truly helped then." Saying that, Alexander instantly planned his future actions. With his incredible instincts, and his incredible eye for detail in battle, and good comprehension of how battles worked, he had it formulated in no time. And when I say no time, I literally mean no time. Alexander had more than enough Instincts and Battle Analysis for a feat like this.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Now This}

Alexander calmly raised his left hand, and pointed his index finger at Kuroi. "You..." Then he vanished. Question. How? Answer. Shunpo. It was really a textbook move, but in this case it was especially dangerous. The thing is, Alexander was incredibly fast. With 1200 Speed, he could even create whirlwinds and similar when he ran at his top speed. And his Shunpo was beyond comprehension for most people at his top speed. Luckily, Alexander held back. His unique condition of having no Zanpakuto was tricky. He knew that the raw power he had could kill him unless he was careful. So he HAD to hold back. In this event too, he was holding back. He held back himself at half his speed, statistically at 600. And that was the base speed behind Shunpo in this case. Therefore, Alexander was moving at 6000 Speed in Shunpo! Kuroi, with his good senses and his good speed, would still face the fact that Alexander has disappeared from his sight. And then reappeared, straight in front of him. That was a thing that might catch Kuroi a bit off guard, since people rarely came straight at him in this fashion. But this was Alexander and he had his ways of fighting. While this seemed an idiotic move, it was in fact a tactically smart move. Alexander was master of close quarters combat. He came so close to Kuroi to do one thing. Attack. His attack was a simple one though. Alexander chose to use something that isn't complicated so it couldn't backfire on him.

He thrust his right hand forward, his palm opened, aiming to hit Kuroi in the middle of his chest. being a master of Hakuda, he actually translated this attack into a fluid motion straight out of Shunpo ending, to give himself more leverage. If his opponent was acquainted enough with Hakuda, he could perhaps recognize it. It was Denden! Alexander was holding both strength and speed of his strike though, keeping both at 600, but Kuroi would find himself in trouble if he was hit. Not only the raw force of the punch would send him flying back and then suddenly stop awkwardly, but he could expect to have cuts in shape of Alexander's palm on his skin. Reason? Kageno'O. Simple little thing that made all Alexander's barehanded attacks have cutting properties. And given that Alexander had a superior Reiatsu Strength than Kuroi, though he wasn't aware of it, Hierro wouldn't protect Kuroi from Kageno'O and it's effects, same as his six times lower strength in comparison to Alexander's wouldn't protect him from being sent flying back by Denden. And it would most likely hit, far more likely than not, because speed of the strike was fifty percent greater than anything Kuroi could muster in such short time, save for Sonido.

And even if Kuroi managed to counter attack, Alexander was still confident in himself. It was ordinary confidence he had at this stage of battle. Why? Well, with his immense Spiritual pressure and Reiatsu Strength, people often found themselves unable to cut him without releasing. Alexander was not actually knowing was that the case here, but he counted on it. In over ninety percent of situations it was the case. And while Alexander couldn't tell for sure because his potato (0) in Energy Sensory, it was actually a case here too. If Kuroi cut him with a sword, he would suffer quite a bit. With their difference in Spiritual Pressure, Kuroi would suffer trmendous cuts and lacerations on his sword arm that he wouldn't be able to wield sword at all! Couple that with Kageno'O, and Alexander was safe from punches completely. Only solution other than dodging left to his adversary was Reiatsu and magic, but Alexander had means to deal with those too. He was really in a strong position here, and was at really good odds. So, Denden was almost as good as landed.

If it landed, which would quite likely happen, then Kuroi would be sent flying backwards, and Alexander would follow. Given the fact Kuroi would be awkwardly stopped after some thirty meters, left off-balance. Alexander would just use that point to thrust both on his arms into Kuroi, to impale him. He could do it because of Kageno'O. And because of Kageno'O slicing through the Hierro, he could easily stay within his comfortable 600 strength and speed. But when Alexander, and if he impaled Kuroi as he planned... Then the real show would begin. Kuroi was possibly facing being ripped apart, in most literal sense...

Remaining Reiatsu: 8450/8500 (-50 for Shunpo)

OOC: As per Pie and erm... Kyo, I think, can't remember who was it who also told me, using Shunpo while restraining yourself in base speed wouldn't start off Kenpachi counter. Of course, if you have a different ruling, just tell me, and edits shall be made.

[Zou ۞]

OOC: Nope, that's fine. Also shamelessly stealing your song so as to maintain some fluidity to our scene.

IC:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Play this}

Unlike Alexander, who had no energy sensory, Kuroi had enough to be able to tell when his own Hierro could be cut, meaning that this was an opponent whose strikes he intended to avoid. Additionally, though Alexander's formulation of a plan and analysis of the battle took him no time, Kuroi's had been completed virtually the instant his eyes had gazed upon the Shinigami Captain, almost subconsciously even, without any need to try to think. It had simply happened on instinct. This was what was possible with such a high capacity for analyzing combat as Kuroi possessed, not to mention coupled with his mastery of martial arts, which allowed him to even further analyze the foe even as the battle continued and progressed. Kuroi's preliminary evaluation had been that, based on that reiatsu strength, loudness, and demeanor stance, not to mention the way his foe's body seemed to be worn, and well adapted to physical combat, his foe was similar either to Okusa Shogen or Niaga Hinsshi, both of which were extremely proficient close range fighters, one of which having been a man with no Zanpakuto but a mass of Kido ability, the other having been a monstrosity with no Kido but a reiatsu and physical prowess few could match.

Kuroi, by that evaluation, was not surprised at all when his opponent blasted forwards with great speed. Not only had the Segunda Espada seen faster, but he had seen better. He had seen superior movements, and he had seen speeds well over this one. Cierro Muerte's was four times this, and Kuroi's own former Fraccion, Chisoku, had been capable of reaching a speed over ten times this. In other words, not only was Kuroi used to dealing with speed, but his opponent had not done a particularly apt job with it, either. The speed difference meant that Kuroi could potentially be considered "late" in guarding against his opponent, but it did not matter, given his precursor analysis. As soon as Alexander began to move, Kuroi knew the trajectory by observing gaze, body language, and utilizing personality factoring. Not only this, but the sight of a foe whose body had not fully extended to its maximum potential in that moment, for it was clear from the seemingly stiff demeanor of Alexander that something was being held back, that his opponent was holding back some strength and some movement speed, leading Kuroi to understand his foe was more like Okusa Shogen than Niaga Hinsshi.

Still, that being said, Kuroi's defense mechanism came quite quickly. It might almost feel as if he had moved on par with his opponent, but in actuality he had simply predicted trajectory as soon as he saw his opponent begin to move. It was not difficult to initiate a Sonido back a few paces as his opponent began. Normally, Kuroi would have been too slow, had they gone at the same time, but Kuroi determined to move as soon as his opponent looked at him and those eyes helped to give away the trajectory of the movement, not to mention Kuroi saw the feet tense as if ready to blast forwards. Kuroi's Sonido, therefore, took place a second or two before Alexander's Shunpo. It still was not as fast as the Shunpo, but it was far closer than had it been two Shunpo, given that Sonido was faster than Shunpo. Kuroi, several paces back, noted his opponent appearing directly in front of where the Segunda Espada had been moments previously. However, now Kuroi had moved backwards, and also slightly to a diagonal angle, so that he no longer faced completely in front of his opponent. This allowed him to avoid the potential for blasts of air, and dodge the attack as well.

Kuroi's mind was quick to recognize the Shinigami Hakuda technique known as Denden, however it made no difference what the overall strike was. His opponent had extended himself into that attack and left himself wide open. Kuroi had no problem with simply attacking his opponent then and there. Anyone with energy sensory could evaluate that Alexander's reiatsu was such that Kuroi would meet cutback effect from his opponent, but this was why Kuroi was the Segunda Espada. Having made it to the side, an essential backwards side step, and with Alexander extending himself forwards, in mid attack, Kuroi had found good timing to strike. He slashed across at Alexander's arm. However, Kuroi was too far for a proper slash. Normally, his slash would have missed because of distance. On the other hand, Kuroi had a rather unique skill because of his experience with swords, and his mastery of his Cero. As he slashed, a green glow encompassed the blade of Kuroi's Zanpakuto, and a blade emerged of green reiatsu, three feet wide and six feet long, a green reiatsu, opaque, forming into a blade which encased the metal one of Kuroi's Zanpakuto. This gave him the range with which to slash across Alexander's extended arm.

This was a special skill of Kuroi's, the ability to pin his Cero as blade forms on his blade. Possible only with his expertise in swordsmanship and his mastery of the Cero technique, Kuroi had translated his Nunca Acabar Cero into a blade form, creating a green reiatsu blade on his sword. This would give him the range necessary to strike just at the elbow portion of Alexander's exposed arm, while the Shinigami Captain was in mid attack. The benefit to this was that the blade was now reiatsu, rather than regular spiritual steel, and this would negate cutback effect. In other words, using this technique, Kuroi could cut his opponent. And, therefore, in that way, if Alexander was unable to defend himself, his extended arm would be severed at the elbow. That being said, it was possible to recover, given his speed, but because of the timing of Kuroi's attack, Alexander having just come out of Shunpo and seamlessly flown into attack, it meant another step technique would not be possible in that second, and Alexander's withheld speed would have trouble defending. It meant that, if he wanted to defend himself by block or dodge, Alexander would need to accelerate to a higher speed.

However, Kuroi counted very much on this. He counted on his opponent speeding up and successfully keeping the arm. Kuroi even planned for it, intending to launch an attack far too devastating for even one with such physical brutality to even so much as attempt to guard against. "Do not be foolish..." Kuroi informed his opponent during the whole procedure. "You are weaker than me. Had I taken the first strike, you would already be dead." To Kuroi, this was fact. Had the Segunda Espada taken the first strike, then he would not have held back as much as he did here, for any sensible first strike would come with an intent to do some damage, and Kuroi knew that it was have been pointless to try it without first stepping up his power. That was how combat worked. However, had he done so, his opponent would certainly not have been able to counter, and would have been utterly demolished then and there. Kuroi looked down on this Shinigami, whose assumption that a statistical superiority would save him against a superior combatant was beyond ludicrous. Soon enough, Kuroi would show Alexander what it meant to fight an overwhelmingly superior foe.

Kuroi's Remaining Reiatsu: 3500 Reiatsu

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

It was good. It was really good, and was something worthy of somebody who held the rank of Segunda Espada. Keeping it on Alexander's level was quite good. many couldn't do that even while he was holding back. Kuroi Naito maybe wasn't where Alexander wanted him as he came out of Shunpo. And maybe he was attacking Alexander with that gigantic green sword. Even without any energy sensory, Alexander knew that it was made of some form of energy, and that it would cut him if it hit. But Alexander would never allow something like that to hit him. Losing his arm would not be good at any cost. And there was no way he would lose it. After all, everything he did until this point, which wasn't even much, actually, was done at less than fifty percent of his abilities. Alexander was a strange sort. Men like him were a rare breed, strange one too. He all too well knew that fighting at his full strength for too long could kill him. But, his instincts were also telling him that he couldn't even attempt to fight one known as Kuroi Naito if he held back. So for what it was worth, Alexander decided that he would go all out, and fight at his fullest. He would risk it, and take the consequences. Which was not at all a decision to be made or to be taken lightly. Because, like it has been said, Alexander was a rare breed.

Kuroi's swing was still in progress, when Alexander switched it to the top gear. There was nothing there, that would give this off easily, and no visible signs of what was he going to do next. But he started. He was fast. Incredibly fast. He was triple Kuroi's speed, which meant he was capable of creating really strong whirlwinds with even most basic movements. With such incredible speed, Kuroi would get to enjoy the blurry sight, or maybe even no sight at all, since Alexander incredibly fast did what he had in store. And what he had in store? Well, he was aiming to get the best bang for his buck. So yeah, while Kuroi was still in mid swing and devoted to it, Alexander kicked his idea into motion, at his incredible speed. He in one fluid motion retracted his arm and crouched. Those actions alone were enough to create enough of whirlwind and strong enough one to push Kuroi's sword away and to deflect the swing. In terms of raw physical strength, Alexander was out of Kuroi's realm. To make a proper comparison, one might say a Kuroi was a squirrel, and Alexander was a bear. With that odds in Alexander's favor, that blow was deflected with that whirlwind alone, which had the strength because of his speed. And that strength of that poor whirlwind alone was enough to send that slash elsewhere. But best thing was the fact that Alex was not nearly over.

He was incredibly fast and yet incredibly strong. He had his left arm free all the time. And while he was in crouching motion, he translated motions of that arm into a good solid punch into the ground. Now, that would usually not be dangerous. But, this was Alexander. It was mega dangerous. He had strength that was beyond common reason, and beyond comprehension too, for many people. For example, someone could crash entire Empire State on him, and he would just walk out of that damn pile of debrief, concrete and steel unscathed. Now, if his physique was such as that in terms of defense... Well, it was hard to imagine what he could do offensively. And he did something one wouldn't like. It was just a fist punch at the ground. But at whooping 1600 strength. Now, Alexander could, should he do something like body slam at the ground, produce a genuine earthquake in small radius, at least. But this punch alone, no, it would not have such great effect. It would be smaller, but more explosive. Basically, everything in quarter of mile radius went up. Ground, rocks, bushes, fences(?), cows, squirrels, Kuroi, snakes, bears, Alexander. EVERYTHING WENT UP, LAUNCHED IN THE SKY! After reaching a certain altitude, everything would drop to the ground though. It would be a mess with all those squirrels and bears,but it was as it was.

But not Alexander. He just stood there, up in the sky. Kuroi too, presumably, in front of him. And Alexander was there, with his Zanpakuto unsheathed, finally. He grinned like a maniac. "You're good. BUT! I AM BETTER!" That was sound Kuroi was hearing, Alexander was not there. It was a mere afterimage, and sound lagging behind. It merely disappeared after those words. But where was Alexander then, if that was afterimage? He was behind Kuroi. He was grinning. He knew Kuroi would figure him out eventually. He had something akin a free shot. Well, except that there wasn't something like that. Not against Segunda Espada. Yet, he was in slashing range. But, why was there an afterimage like if he used Utsuemi? Well, it was because of sheer speed. Every Alexander's Shunpo at full, unrestrained speed left afterimages like Utsuemi did. Alexander grinned. He had to get something, a message, across. And he did it in best possible manner. He touched Kuroi's cheek with his Zanpakuto. Then he again dissolved, for Kuroi was actualy already cut and that was an afterimage of sword he would see. Alexander was where the initial afterimage was. ten yards in front of him. And on Kuroi's cheek, there was a little, tiny cut. A message.

Remaining Reiatsu: 8350/8500 (-100 for 2x Shunpo)

Full Strength Combat Posts: 1/16

OOC: Now, since we won't probably meet in chat, I would appreciate if you considered that part with Shunpoing and cut and message cinematic, for the needs of CD. If you wanna count it as real though, do so, and murderize me

[Zou ۞]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Play this}

Kuroi's eyes never once lost their focus, and he continued analyzing the battle. Even with such impressive speed, the Shinigami had chosen to stand his ground and deflect Kuroi's slash with his own blast of air. That was his chosen move, and it was a foolish one at that. The Segunda Espada had intended for this, and come prepared with the use of his Nunca Acabar Cero. Indeed, Alexander was fast, but he was also predictable. His movements were large and powerful, and his body was very quick to respond in an aggressive, obvious manner. He lacked finesse, and was not subtle. This was why Kuroi's attack would land. What attack? A far larger one than Alexander used. In the first place, because he had to stop and retract his slash, and then try to force Kuroi's arm out of the way, Alexander was especially vulnerable. Kuroi could see, because of Alexander's sloppy, predictable movements, that his foe was about to move and change positions. It was borderline precognition, based on careful physical observation with incredible levels of skill from the Segunda Espada, not only in battle and analysis as themselves, but in swordplay, and even in martial arts.

Instantly, Kuroi's Nunca Acabar Cero expanded, and fired outward. It had previously been on his blade as an extension of his blade, but now it shot outward and engulfed Alexander, instantaneously, in the blink of an eye. The Captain would still be in mid slash, and would even still be beginning to move to deflect Kuroi's sword to the side. Cero were fast, and naturally this one, at nearly point blank range, and being well over the size of an apartment complex, would be more than able to engulf Kuroi's opponent. Alexander was in mid motion of numerous different actions, and would more than likely be unable to guard himself or try to punch through the attack, given the occupation of both arms, plus the occupation of legs in using Shunpo. The Cero would hit dead on, consuming Alexander, whose air strike may knock Kuroi's sword away, which was from where the Cero fired, but the Cero was large enough to stay on Alexander for quite some time. It utterly engulfed the Shinigami, who would barely escape even with Shunpo, and whose combat abilities were vastly reduced by that attack even then and there. And, even then and there, Kuroi had yet another move coming.

Nunca Acabar Cero, the infinite Cero, stopped and retained its shape along Kuroi's sword as a venom green colored blade, back to the original size of the prior blade. This happened after he noted Alexander escaping with Shunpo. The raspy voice that the Segunda Espada heard behind him speaking did not phase him, and his face remained stone cold. He did not even turn around as Alexander reformed before him, ten yards away. Kuroi noted his foe, who had been drenched in that powerful Cero. Alexander, with no means of escape or guarding himself, such being the case with overloading oneself with so many simultaneous actions against such an analytic foe, was covered in injuries. Fourth degree burns ravaged the entirety of Alexander's torso and the majority of his arms and legs. His face as well. One eye might even have been burned shut, though steam was still coming off of Kuroi's opponent so profusely that the Segunda Espada simply could not tell. Furthermore, Alexander was covered in blood, and a great deal of his internal workings, the muscles and sinews, were not only visible, but were burnt black and charred. His opponent's battle capacity would be reduced severely by this detriment.

Kuroi reached up then with his left hand, and touched his cheek, upon which he felt a simple, shallow cut. Kuroi lifted his hand away, and gazed at his index and middle fingers, observing a single droplet of blood from the cut. "Is that all...?" Kuroi asked. "Look at yourself." Kuroi held up his fingers to show the tiny spec of blood which was barely even noticeable from that distance. "You are barely standing, and your body is all but dead, and this is the most that you could do as a tradeoff? You must be joking." Indeed, Kuroi was disappointed. His opponent talked big, and had even called himself better, but had inflicted that minor cut, worthless and not even deserving of mention, in exchange for that huge amount of damage. Alexander had taken a great deal of damage in order to inflict something very small, and now the battle was already as good as over against Kuroi. For a Shinigami to try to turn the tide and continue to fight against an opponent who had not even shown a fraction of 100% power, especially with those wounds, was inconceivable. Alexander's defeat had been cemented only mere seconds ago, and so now it was time for him to listen. Listen to the lecture of the Segunda Espada. "I told you..." Kuroi stated coldly, eyes unblinking, voice monotone and devoid of true feeling. "You are weaker than me. If you continue to fight me with those injuries, you will be destroyed."

Kuroi's Remaining Reiatsu: 3500 Reiatsu

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

OOC: First off, I sincerely apologize for this taking so long. Second, I figured that keeping on fighting at this point is suicide. Therefore, this is a surrender post, and is to be treated like cinematic.

IC: Pain. Pain was an overwhelming sensation that drowned everything else out for Alexander. But there was no backing down, no retreat yet. Alexander clenched his teeth and did everything he planned. And now he stood there, opposite of his opponent, Kuroi Naito. His clothing was gone for the most part, and his skin was charred terribly. Alexander was panting, and it was bad. He was still up on his feet. Despite terrible burns, he was alive. He could even perhaps keep on battling. After all, to take somebody as tough as him down, it would take more than just a single attack like this. To kill him, Kuroi Naito would either have to reduce him to ash or to put the blade through Alexander's heart. But his opponent was there to talk at this point, as it appeared. "Is that all...? Look at yourself. You are barely standing, and your body is all but dead, and this is the most that you could do as a tradeoff? You must be joking." This caused Alexander to grin. His white teeth were quite in the contrast with rest of his charred body. Luckily, his hair and beard weren't completely gone, just burnt a bit. Remainder of his body took most of it. And even in such injured state, Alexander grinned. "Trust me, Kuroi Naito... When I turn to humor, you will certainly know it. Or maybe you won't. I intend to laugh to your dead corpse." Was that a threat? Hardly. It was just a tease. Maybe a promise. Alexander's tone was not threatening at this moment. Rather, it was joyful.

"I told you...You are weaker than me. If you continue to fight me with those injuries, you will be destroyed." Alexander laughed at that, he honestly laughed. Then he pointed a finger towards his opponent. "Ah yes... You told me. Well, as things stand at this moment, we are both to yet unleash our full power." That was completely true as far as Kuroi was concerned, and even partially true for Alexander. He didn't use any of his special abilities yet. "But you are right, if I do keep fighting you in this state I will die. And my goal will die with me. As it is, I can live with my pride injured, but my cause can't live without me. I shall retreat today and live to fight another day." Senkaimon opened behind Alexander. What a timing, right? Well, Alexander had people monitor this so that he could be given bailout exactly when required. As Alexander stepped into it, and it was closing, he spoke out to Kuroi. "But! We shall cross our swords again, Kuroi Naito! It's a promise!" Then Senkaimon closed and Alexander was gone from the battlefield. Though, this was barely a battle. Only a single proper exchange happened. But even that was enough.

Few moments later, Alexander staggered through Senkaimon into Soul Society. There was nobody around as it seemed. He approached a wall of a building and leaned against it, and then slid down into a seated position. Pain was terrible. Ever since he killed her, it seemed as if his tolerance for pain was just not what it used to be. His vision was blurry, yet he was clenching his sword, tightly, holding onto it as a person drowning would hold onto a straw. But it was not cold. Death was not coming. It was not cold, but warm. Too warm. Alexander felt like he was plunged into a fiery hell, a blazing inferno, which was consuming him. He clenched his teeth, trying to ignore the pain, but it was too much. It couldn't be ignored, and wouldn't go away. Moaning in lower tone, Alexander used the wall as a support to get up. He knew in which direction his Squad's compound should be. Near it should be former Squad 9 officer's barrack, which he was using as his own dwelling place. "Shit... I hope you burn Kuroi Naito. Then he performed a Shunpo. Which was pretty deadly in his state. He must have passed out for a mere moment or something in the middle of it, since result of that Shunpo that was supposed to take him to his residence was quite disastrous. He slammed at full speed into the wall of Squad 3 armory.He broke through it, but he was already unconscious by then and simply fell into the room he broke into. They found him like that, unconscious.

A few days later...

Day was quite bright. Sun was shining on Soul Society unimpaired by clouds, and only occasional breeze was disrupting the peace of the day. In courtyard of one building, under a tree in the corner of it, a man was sitting, leaned against the tree. He was only wearing black pants, his feet bare. His torso and arms and hands were all bandaged up, as was his forehead. He had his sunglasses on. If there was anybody else there, they could seen that he was holding something in his hands. It was a navy saber, still in it's sheathe. It was quite decorated and artistic from the first glance. He pulled it out from sheath, and took a good look at the blade. Blade was dull, and it wasn't shiny, let alone polished. It was chipped at few places, and if one would look really closely, there were many scratches and shallow cracks on it. It really was in a bad condition. Was there any helping it? And why wouldn't it repair itself? Ever since then, it wasn't restoring itself to it's previous pristine condition. Rather, it just soaked up damage and deteriorated. That was not normal, but then, there were many things that weren't normal with owner of the blade. Then suddenly, the blade snapped in two. It's owner sadly looked at it. "Shit. Now I need to get a smith."

OOC: The winner is Kuroi Naito.

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

+190 TP Alex
+250 TP Kuroi