Post by Kento Waffles on Nov 3, 2015 4:12:28 GMT -5
Play this first!
For the first time in a long time, Sozen Kuchiki had been silenced. Anyone who knew anything about Sozen Kuchiki knew that he was a dynamic, powerful figure who was able to boost morale and crush the resolve of his enemies in one fell swoop. During the Tridential Conflict, Sozen had been one of the most integral forces of Soul Society. Of five mighty Ogatago Generals, Sozen had killed three. In addition to this, he had killed virtually every known Vizard at the time. Sozen's prestige, therefore, was impossible to dispute. He was the strongest Captain in the Seireitei, and after his recent victories against Las Noches, there were those who believed that he simply could not be stopped.
Yet here was his equal. A woman who could stop him dead in his tracks. A woman who just by looking at someone knew their greatest weaknesses, and the greatest weaknesses of every single person that was important to them. Just by looking at Sozen, Saeki could read his son, his fellow Captains, and others. And, she could also read the important figures to all of those people. Right down to six people down the line. Saeki knew almost everything about everyone present. The darkest, most twisted secrets of Asmokon Masurao, and the vulnerabilities of Kagami Murai. From the Captain Commander to her own allies, Saeki was all-seeing. All knowing.
With a smirk as Douma approached, Saeki nodded to one of her comrades. Steve Lee stepped forward with a Zanpakuto, and handed it to Douma. This was Douma's Zanpakuto. Or, more accurately, it was Kagami's weapon, presently being employed by Douma. In time, as Douma would come to learn, he would need to trade up if he intended to follow down this path. For now, Saeki spoke in his mind. Escape with me and you will know Manami's whereabouts. But is your plan for when you find her really sound? She's stronger than you, and her hate is more potent than yours. If you clash, she'll destroy you again, this time physically. Why not work under me instead, and grow stronger?
"I'm pleased to meet you, 35th Captain Commander," Saeki replied to the old man. "And with all due respect, even you're no match for me. They say that knowledge is power. However, sight is the origin of knowledge, and I see everything. I am omnipotent, and there is no one who can escape my gaze." Her words cut deep into all who were present. This was Saeki Kuchiki. Anyone who knew anything about her knew that she really could see everything. And those who didn't know her would get chills down their spines knowing that such a powerful person existed. Had she not become a traitor...had she stayed a formidable power in the Kuchiki Family... It was obvious a total hegemony where the Kuchikis absorbed all the other nobles would have ensued.
A Lieutenant stepped forward boldly, not even phased by Saeki. "And what makes you think that the power you have obtained brings you victory?" Lieutenant Souza Kuchiki asked. The son of Sozen Kuchiki, and thus the nephew to Saeki, his features matched his father's, but he had a colder gaze, not unlike his aunt. His was a proud sort of eminence. He stood with his body carelessly, arrogantly at ease, shoulders loose and head held high. The man that had never lost at anything in his life. "Ah... My nephew..." Saeki greeted. "I'm pleased to meet you, too. As for why I'll win, it's because you have no strengths or weaknesses about which I don't know. That alone is enough to negate everything that you are."
"No," Souza replied to her. "Even if you try that, I am absolute. I have never lost at anything before, and I never will. Fight us now, and I'll show you. Your head is held much too high... You should lower your gaze." Saeki laughed, amused by her nephew's words, and looked at Sozen. "I like him, Sozen!" Saeki exclaimed. "And how fierce he is... His weaknesses are completely different from yours. If I fought him, he would be willing to kill me just to prove that he's better than me." Souza did not share in his father's one great weakness. But, Saeki had mentioned others. Meaning Souza was not as absolute a she believed. And Saeki knew how to break him. Not even he could do it.
"Enough of this foolishness..." the Captain Commander said. "I am in no mood for games." Saeki ignored the Captain Commander's words, and looked next at Asmokon. "And what of you, Quincy?" she asked. "Why don't you ally with me as well? On my side is one of the greatest of your kin, and my promise for the survival of your race. An eternal alliance that will never be broken, and a force that will purge and genocide those who remain loyal to the despicable Vandenreich." Saeki, having read everyone's souls, knew all of these details. All the things that Asmokon desired... And all the enemies that he faced. But he also had an allegiance to Sozen. So, it depended on just who he thought would benefit his family more.. And, of course, on his feelings for Hotaru.
Meanwhile, Hiroshi locked gazes with Okami, but said nothing. A whole new dimension had been added to the Shihoin revolt. Not only had Hiroshi done it and hurt the Shihoin family greatly, but he hadn't done it just out of fear of the Kawadas. It had been at least partially orchestrated as Saeki Kuchiki's plan, and for some other greater end. Just what had Hiroshi been promised to join up with Saeki? Or, could it be that he had so feared her power that to protect himself and his family, he had allied with her, insisting the Shihoin be spared her wrath? At long last, immediately after Asmokon replied to Saeki, Sozen spoke to interrupt it all. "I can kill you, Saeki," Sozen said. "And I will." He drew his Zanpakuto, and stepped out in front of all of his allies, ready to fight.
Stop music.
Saeki sighed. "Dear god, Sozen, have you learned nothing? I can read you. I know when you mean what you say and when it's just words. You can't kill me. I know that you can't." Sozen gritted his teeth. Of course, Saeki was right. Sozen couldn't kill her. He obviously hadn't been able to do it hundreds of years ago when they had imprisoned her. He obviously hadn't been able to do it upon returning to Soul Society. That was why she was here now. Why she had grown so powerful. Why she had been able to create such an elaborate plan, spanning literal centuries, to get to where she was at this given moment. If Sozen didn't have this one weakness, of all weaknesses to have, then Saeki wouldn't have gotten this far.
Actual Bleach music?!
"ENOUGH!" a loud voice bellowed, echoing around the area. A blast of wind rushed inward. And then, there he was. The mighty Captain Commander, moving straight at Saeki, going to punch her. Immediately, a shadow appeared in between Saeki and the old man, blade up with its flat to block Kyousou Ningen's unimaginable punch. The old man's fist stopped right at the blade, unable to go through it to strike the target behind. And, how unbelievable... That target who stood before him. A huge man with rippling muscles, balding but with still some gray hair left, this wrinkled figure was Jinbei Kawada. Which meant that... Jinbei Kawada was working with Saeki as well.
All too clear now was also Hiroshi Shihoin's treachery, as he now worked alongside Jinbei Kawada under Saeki Kuchiki. But, could this be testament to how powerful Saeki was? So dangerous that even Jinbei Kawada, whom Hiroshi had called the greatest of all threats the Shihoin had ever faced, was forced to work under her in hopes that his family too would be spared when she attacked? "I told you, you can't defeat me," Saeki told the old man. Kyousou Ningen looked up, rage boiling in hate filled eyes, like craters that were brimming with magma. "It may very well be that your forces together can bring me down..." The Captain Commander said. "But you were just in the world's worst prison as prisoners. At least half of you lack the strength to face me, and I can see that you probably don't even have any reiatsu right now..."
The Captain Commander's fist started to push forward, and Jinbei Kawada glanced down. "Of all people to betray Soul Society, I would never have expected this sort of treachery from you, Jinbei..." The old man said. "Maybe if it had been a Kawada coup, I might have expected it. But for you, who once boasted the strength to fight Shigekuni as an equal, and once spoke of how you could challenge any of your rival noble Heads... For you to work as a mere dog under a rogue Kuchiki? It's so laughable how far you've fallen with your disgrace of a family." Jinbei's eyes went wide as the Captain Commander's eyes started to focus and reiatsu started to pulse around him, his fist continuing to push against the blocking blade.
Jinbei's Zanpakuto started to crack. "Not even your Kawada style boxing was ever a match for my combat skill, Jinbei... And you're about to find that out when I break your sword." Jinbei's Zanpakuto started to crack all the more. He was losing ground, too, his feet dragging and skidding back. Even Saeki looked impressed, even slightly taken aback by how strong the current Captain Commander was. There could be no doubt about it, actually. The old man really was in a class of his own. The strongest Soul Reaper alive today--the man who had literally changed his name to indicate "Strong Man." The 35th Captain Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Kyousou Ningen.
"Jinbei, back off," Saeki ordered. "You're no match for this guy yet."
Jinbei obeyed, managing to withdraw his sword and bring up his arms to stop the punch. Kyousou Ningen's fist flew against Jinbei's forearms, which he crossed like an X. Jinbei then blasted them outward, utilizing an advanced Hakuda technique called Gokken to attempt to redirect the old man's force. Jinbei, however, had underestimated how strong his opponent was, and was sent flying over Saeki's head, flipping in mid air to land on his feet, skidding, with both arms severely bruised, and the wind knocked out of him. A blast of air had hit his chest, causing him to cough a small amount of blood out. At just that moment, Sozen appeared out of a flash step, blade out, slashing toward Saeki's face.
In that same moment, Petrov appeared in front of Sozen, standing in between the Kuchiki Head and Saeki. Petrov had pulled out a metal bo staff of some kind, and was using it to block Sozen's blade, which strung it with a metallic clang. Saeki didn't even move an inch as this happened, having seen that all of it would happen. By being near Sozen, she had been able to read his intent. And, as he had started moving, she had read Petrov's intent to guard her. All was eternally well when you could read everyone's mind. Saeki glanced back at Asmokon with a sly smile. Her voice resonated in his mind once again. Well, Quincy? What'll it be...? Servitude... or survival?
For the first time in a long time, Sozen Kuchiki had been silenced. Anyone who knew anything about Sozen Kuchiki knew that he was a dynamic, powerful figure who was able to boost morale and crush the resolve of his enemies in one fell swoop. During the Tridential Conflict, Sozen had been one of the most integral forces of Soul Society. Of five mighty Ogatago Generals, Sozen had killed three. In addition to this, he had killed virtually every known Vizard at the time. Sozen's prestige, therefore, was impossible to dispute. He was the strongest Captain in the Seireitei, and after his recent victories against Las Noches, there were those who believed that he simply could not be stopped.
Yet here was his equal. A woman who could stop him dead in his tracks. A woman who just by looking at someone knew their greatest weaknesses, and the greatest weaknesses of every single person that was important to them. Just by looking at Sozen, Saeki could read his son, his fellow Captains, and others. And, she could also read the important figures to all of those people. Right down to six people down the line. Saeki knew almost everything about everyone present. The darkest, most twisted secrets of Asmokon Masurao, and the vulnerabilities of Kagami Murai. From the Captain Commander to her own allies, Saeki was all-seeing. All knowing.
With a smirk as Douma approached, Saeki nodded to one of her comrades. Steve Lee stepped forward with a Zanpakuto, and handed it to Douma. This was Douma's Zanpakuto. Or, more accurately, it was Kagami's weapon, presently being employed by Douma. In time, as Douma would come to learn, he would need to trade up if he intended to follow down this path. For now, Saeki spoke in his mind. Escape with me and you will know Manami's whereabouts. But is your plan for when you find her really sound? She's stronger than you, and her hate is more potent than yours. If you clash, she'll destroy you again, this time physically. Why not work under me instead, and grow stronger?
"I'm pleased to meet you, 35th Captain Commander," Saeki replied to the old man. "And with all due respect, even you're no match for me. They say that knowledge is power. However, sight is the origin of knowledge, and I see everything. I am omnipotent, and there is no one who can escape my gaze." Her words cut deep into all who were present. This was Saeki Kuchiki. Anyone who knew anything about her knew that she really could see everything. And those who didn't know her would get chills down their spines knowing that such a powerful person existed. Had she not become a traitor...had she stayed a formidable power in the Kuchiki Family... It was obvious a total hegemony where the Kuchikis absorbed all the other nobles would have ensued.
A Lieutenant stepped forward boldly, not even phased by Saeki. "And what makes you think that the power you have obtained brings you victory?" Lieutenant Souza Kuchiki asked. The son of Sozen Kuchiki, and thus the nephew to Saeki, his features matched his father's, but he had a colder gaze, not unlike his aunt. His was a proud sort of eminence. He stood with his body carelessly, arrogantly at ease, shoulders loose and head held high. The man that had never lost at anything in his life. "Ah... My nephew..." Saeki greeted. "I'm pleased to meet you, too. As for why I'll win, it's because you have no strengths or weaknesses about which I don't know. That alone is enough to negate everything that you are."
"No," Souza replied to her. "Even if you try that, I am absolute. I have never lost at anything before, and I never will. Fight us now, and I'll show you. Your head is held much too high... You should lower your gaze." Saeki laughed, amused by her nephew's words, and looked at Sozen. "I like him, Sozen!" Saeki exclaimed. "And how fierce he is... His weaknesses are completely different from yours. If I fought him, he would be willing to kill me just to prove that he's better than me." Souza did not share in his father's one great weakness. But, Saeki had mentioned others. Meaning Souza was not as absolute a she believed. And Saeki knew how to break him. Not even he could do it.
"Enough of this foolishness..." the Captain Commander said. "I am in no mood for games." Saeki ignored the Captain Commander's words, and looked next at Asmokon. "And what of you, Quincy?" she asked. "Why don't you ally with me as well? On my side is one of the greatest of your kin, and my promise for the survival of your race. An eternal alliance that will never be broken, and a force that will purge and genocide those who remain loyal to the despicable Vandenreich." Saeki, having read everyone's souls, knew all of these details. All the things that Asmokon desired... And all the enemies that he faced. But he also had an allegiance to Sozen. So, it depended on just who he thought would benefit his family more.. And, of course, on his feelings for Hotaru.
Meanwhile, Hiroshi locked gazes with Okami, but said nothing. A whole new dimension had been added to the Shihoin revolt. Not only had Hiroshi done it and hurt the Shihoin family greatly, but he hadn't done it just out of fear of the Kawadas. It had been at least partially orchestrated as Saeki Kuchiki's plan, and for some other greater end. Just what had Hiroshi been promised to join up with Saeki? Or, could it be that he had so feared her power that to protect himself and his family, he had allied with her, insisting the Shihoin be spared her wrath? At long last, immediately after Asmokon replied to Saeki, Sozen spoke to interrupt it all. "I can kill you, Saeki," Sozen said. "And I will." He drew his Zanpakuto, and stepped out in front of all of his allies, ready to fight.
Stop music.
Saeki sighed. "Dear god, Sozen, have you learned nothing? I can read you. I know when you mean what you say and when it's just words. You can't kill me. I know that you can't." Sozen gritted his teeth. Of course, Saeki was right. Sozen couldn't kill her. He obviously hadn't been able to do it hundreds of years ago when they had imprisoned her. He obviously hadn't been able to do it upon returning to Soul Society. That was why she was here now. Why she had grown so powerful. Why she had been able to create such an elaborate plan, spanning literal centuries, to get to where she was at this given moment. If Sozen didn't have this one weakness, of all weaknesses to have, then Saeki wouldn't have gotten this far.
Actual Bleach music?!
"ENOUGH!" a loud voice bellowed, echoing around the area. A blast of wind rushed inward. And then, there he was. The mighty Captain Commander, moving straight at Saeki, going to punch her. Immediately, a shadow appeared in between Saeki and the old man, blade up with its flat to block Kyousou Ningen's unimaginable punch. The old man's fist stopped right at the blade, unable to go through it to strike the target behind. And, how unbelievable... That target who stood before him. A huge man with rippling muscles, balding but with still some gray hair left, this wrinkled figure was Jinbei Kawada. Which meant that... Jinbei Kawada was working with Saeki as well.
All too clear now was also Hiroshi Shihoin's treachery, as he now worked alongside Jinbei Kawada under Saeki Kuchiki. But, could this be testament to how powerful Saeki was? So dangerous that even Jinbei Kawada, whom Hiroshi had called the greatest of all threats the Shihoin had ever faced, was forced to work under her in hopes that his family too would be spared when she attacked? "I told you, you can't defeat me," Saeki told the old man. Kyousou Ningen looked up, rage boiling in hate filled eyes, like craters that were brimming with magma. "It may very well be that your forces together can bring me down..." The Captain Commander said. "But you were just in the world's worst prison as prisoners. At least half of you lack the strength to face me, and I can see that you probably don't even have any reiatsu right now..."
The Captain Commander's fist started to push forward, and Jinbei Kawada glanced down. "Of all people to betray Soul Society, I would never have expected this sort of treachery from you, Jinbei..." The old man said. "Maybe if it had been a Kawada coup, I might have expected it. But for you, who once boasted the strength to fight Shigekuni as an equal, and once spoke of how you could challenge any of your rival noble Heads... For you to work as a mere dog under a rogue Kuchiki? It's so laughable how far you've fallen with your disgrace of a family." Jinbei's eyes went wide as the Captain Commander's eyes started to focus and reiatsu started to pulse around him, his fist continuing to push against the blocking blade.
Jinbei's Zanpakuto started to crack. "Not even your Kawada style boxing was ever a match for my combat skill, Jinbei... And you're about to find that out when I break your sword." Jinbei's Zanpakuto started to crack all the more. He was losing ground, too, his feet dragging and skidding back. Even Saeki looked impressed, even slightly taken aback by how strong the current Captain Commander was. There could be no doubt about it, actually. The old man really was in a class of his own. The strongest Soul Reaper alive today--the man who had literally changed his name to indicate "Strong Man." The 35th Captain Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Kyousou Ningen.
"Jinbei, back off," Saeki ordered. "You're no match for this guy yet."
Jinbei obeyed, managing to withdraw his sword and bring up his arms to stop the punch. Kyousou Ningen's fist flew against Jinbei's forearms, which he crossed like an X. Jinbei then blasted them outward, utilizing an advanced Hakuda technique called Gokken to attempt to redirect the old man's force. Jinbei, however, had underestimated how strong his opponent was, and was sent flying over Saeki's head, flipping in mid air to land on his feet, skidding, with both arms severely bruised, and the wind knocked out of him. A blast of air had hit his chest, causing him to cough a small amount of blood out. At just that moment, Sozen appeared out of a flash step, blade out, slashing toward Saeki's face.
In that same moment, Petrov appeared in front of Sozen, standing in between the Kuchiki Head and Saeki. Petrov had pulled out a metal bo staff of some kind, and was using it to block Sozen's blade, which strung it with a metallic clang. Saeki didn't even move an inch as this happened, having seen that all of it would happen. By being near Sozen, she had been able to read his intent. And, as he had started moving, she had read Petrov's intent to guard her. All was eternally well when you could read everyone's mind. Saeki glanced back at Asmokon with a sly smile. Her voice resonated in his mind once again. Well, Quincy? What'll it be...? Servitude... or survival?
