Intra-Squad Battle! [NDE] [PG-13]

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Thread Title: Intra-Squad Battle!
Participants: Shōkan Kawada, Arantima Aoire
World: Soul Society
Death Setting: Non Death Enabled
Rating: PG-13
Location: Squad 11 Baracks
Special Conditions: None.
Circumstances: In a friendly tournament between squads 10 and 11, Shōkan and Arantima are facing each other in the first bracket.

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan looked down at the battered sword in his hands before tossing it away. Another dud. Ever since Shōkan had returned from the god forsaken purgatory he had been sealed into, one of his first priorities had been regaining the skills that he had lost. Namely, Hakuda and Swordsmanship. And he had regained some simblance of skill in these two areas, he was back to the level of an adept in both of these areas, except... Well, his Hakuda was fine, even after his stasis, his body was still stronger than any living humans could hope to match. It was really the art of the sword that had left him so melancholy. When he returned to the Seireitei, Shōkan had found that his zanpakuto spirit was gone, now and for all of eternity.

This had hit Shōkan hard emotionally, he had always been the type of shinigami that had a close connection to his zanpakuto, and to suddenly find it gone... Well, it hit home for the man. Beyond that, as he retrained his lost skill in swordsmanship, he found more and more that finding a replacement for his lost friend was impossible. No sword felt right in his hands, not the finest blades, nor the cheapest pieces of metal. To be frank, Shōkan figured that it was time for him to give up on this fruitless search for a new blade. Perhaps it was time to try something new? Something to replace what the art of the sword left empty inside of him?

One thing came to Shōkan's mind at that thought; Kawada Kentoujutsu. His grandfather, Jinbei Kawada, had created this fierce style of boxing, unique to the Kawada family. After much consideration, Shōkan had decided to pick up the art, it had stagnated a bit recently, with no Kawada actually practicing it. With this in mind, Shōkan pulled out a scroll he had brought with him, detaling some of the basic forms of the art. Being the genius that he was, Shōkan had already picked up a great deal of the art from watching his grandftaher, but it never hurt to go over the basics. With a little practice, Shōkan would be just as skilled in Kentouutsu, as he had ever been with the sword.

Suddenly filled with determination, Shōkan began throwing combination punches at the padded training post. Jabs, straights, uppercuts, and hooks assailed the training instrument. The Kawada style of boxing was peculiar, it relied upon the technique, speed, and finesse of an outfighter, as well was the raw power of a slugger. It paid special attention to counter punching and critical blows. Thankfully, not only did Shōkan have the finesse required, with his enhanced body, he could easily match the requirements in both strength and speed. Yes, the style would become a devastating weapon for him in the future. After a few hours of training, alternating between combination punching, roadwork, and studying his scroll, Shōkan finally took a short break under the shade of a tree, sipping water quitely and recuperating. He surprisingly sweated a relatively small amount, which was good for him he supposed.

He was disappointed, it just felt... Off. He missed the feeling of a reliable blade in his hands, the cold steel. There was no subsitute. He picked up the blade he had taken to using, a simple katana, and made his way to the Squad 11 headquarters. His presence was required there. Shōkan was greatly respected within, not only because of his legend, but also the standards he kept himself to and his leadership qualities. Not to mention his fighting ability. Even having just returned, he was still powerful. In fact the only reason Shōkan wasn't a seatedofficer was because he had no wish to be. Shōkan was simply training his strength back until he could directly reclaim his family's squad, squad 13.

Shōkan arrived at the tournament grounds. it appeared that it had already begun. He watched as one of his fellow squad members was defeated after recklessly charging into his opponent, Shōkan shook his head, his comrades could be imbeciles sometimes. Seeing that his was the next fight, Shōkan stepped into the arena with a calm dignified air, one hand loosely laying on his weapon. He surveyed the crowd, searching for his opponent. Seeing as the tournament was between unseated officers only, Shōkan wasn't expecting much competition. He planned on examining his opponent, and taking his time. He might as well help them out with some advice, they were his comrades after all.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}
Strength - 135 [185] > [323.75]
Speed - 140 [190] > [332.5]
Spiritual Pressure – 50
Reiatsu Strength – 50 [100] > [150]
Light Aura - [100]
Dark Aura - [0]
Instinct - 125
Senses - 75
Energy sensory - 0
Healing Expertise - 0

SPOILER: Click to show

{Skills}
Swordsmanship: 2
Hakuda: 2
Strength of Will: 2
Battle Analysis: 2
Analysis: 2
Charisma: 1

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima had heard about this little Competition between Squad 10 and Squad 11, He Had been Training for a Week even since he came back from the forest and Felt he was ready to try his hand at something a bit more challenging than training alone in the barracks. He Took his Hooded Robe and put in on before strapping his Zanpakuto to his hip with a wry smile "if all goes well, You will just be able to rest this entire bout.. otherwise I may have to draw you.. Be restful but ready friend.

He had spent the Week before this bout refining what he knows and adding more too his arsenal, He has Taken his Shunpo to the highest level he can without more focused training the arts of Hoho and is of course still limited by his own Snail like speed. He noticed this flaw in himself as well, his attacks were slow and predictable. He Worked to change this drastically, Learning a method of attacking that would increase his speed slowly.

This Tournament was about more than keeping the honor of his squad for Arantima, it was about testing himself to see if he had in-fact gotten any stronger, if he could overcome his own limits. this was a personal Test That Arantima had placed on himself and if nothing else he would see where the gaps in his Style laid, how large they were and if he needed to try a different method. When he reached the Barracks of the Tenth squad he was the shortest person there, maybe ever.

He Did not turn his head to the snickers and jeers from those around him, he simple walked straight up to the lists and searched through for his name. Hmm. My opponent is. Shokan Kawada? He looked Around and Saw the man whose face was drawn next to the name and his heart dropped almost out of his chest. This Man was Nearly a Whole foot Taller than himself and was built like a Stone statue.

He Looked up as he heard the Announcer take the stage and begin to Call the fighters to get ready for their bouts. Arantima Walked up to the Center staging area and stepped inside of the Arena, Putting his card forward to the announcer as he Calls for the Fighters. A Few people Can't Beleive that Arantima has even showed up, Let alone that he is actually so small. With the way word spreads around The Seireitei it may have gotten around that Arantima is possibly one of the weakest Shinigami in the entire Gotei 13.

He Turns and faces the Crowd before Bowing To each cardinal direction once, standing tall after finishing his formal Greeting. "I Am Arantima Aoire of Squad 11, unseated officer. it is a pleasure To be allowed to join this Tournament being Held by Squad 10. I Hope That this match is at the very least Entertaining to watch, as it May be short." There is no Arrogance in his voice, though neither is there fear or sadness in his voice, which takes a few of the Bystanders aback.

He Stands steady for a moment before taking a Stance, your traditional Hakuda Style of fighting, and he was at least a passing practitioner of the art. His stance was stable and steady but not a masters stance by any stretch. He Looked Straight forward at Shokan with an unwavering Gaze that spoke of a determination to at least give this beast of a man a run for his money. He has a look of one that has trained.. But not one in which that training has bore much fruit.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}

• Strength - [100] Points - 25 Sealed - 300 Unsealed
• Speed - [75] Points - 25 sealed - 75 Unsealed
• Spiritual Pressure - [75] Points - 25 Sealed - 225 Unsealed
• Reiatsu Strength - [75] Points - 25 Sealed - 75 Unsealed
• Light Aura - [50] Points
• Instinct - [45] Points - 15 Sealed - 45 Unsealed
• Senses - [80] Points - 26 Sealed - 80 Unsealed
• Energy sensory - [0] Points
• Healing Expertise - [0] Points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Skills}

• [Calm Mind] {1}
• [Strength of Will] {1}
• [Martial Arts (Hakuda)] {1}
• [Pain Tolerance] {1}
• [Bleeding Tolerance] {1}
• [Anti-Stealth] {1}
• [Memory] {1}
  
• [Weapons - Way of the Winding Dragon (Dual Sword Style)] {1}

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

As Arantima made his announcement to the crowd, there was a scattering of clapping, including Shōkan himself. Just from looking at Arantima, he could tell the man was struggling. His eyes were slightly unfocused, his body looked stick thin, and he didn't seem to be able to focus his gaze. The man obviously had terrible eyesight and musculature. Shōkan couldn't underestimate him however, there was always the chance he had a rather powerful spirit. Seeing as how he was unseated however, Shōkan figured he wouldn't have shikai.

You can tell a lot about a person in a split second. From his stance and announcement, Shōkan could tell he didn't have much faith in his abilities. Confidence was key for any warrior, but so was humility. At least he would never underestimate his opponent. The thing that most caught Shōkan's attention however were his eyes. They shone with a determination that Shōkan respected. Despite his apparent shortcomings, he appeared determined to go forth and do his best, to grow and perservere. That was why Shōkan clapped.

He decided that he would help this boy, it was the least he could do for a fellow comrade, especially one with so much determination. Looking at his stance, Shōkan concluded that he didn't have much experience in hand to hand combat, understandable given his obvious physical abilities. He had enough to know how to not trip over his own feet, and throw strikes properly, but nothing overly advanced. All of these observations Shōkan took in, in a matter of seconds. By the time the bell rung, Shōkan had already taken his Hakuda stance.

Speaking of, Shōkan's Hakuda was a bit different from Arantima's. It was obviously similar, but something was... Off. Be it the placement of the shoulders, or the leaning of the body, or what have you. This is because Shōkan's syle was a bit older than his opponents, ancient really. He also had a bit more skill in it, at an adept level. It could be better, but with his physical abilities, even adept Hakuda is a force to be reckoned with. Gazing at his opponent, Shōkan nodded. The bell rung.

Arantima didn't move, it appeared he would let Shōkan make the first move. Looking him in the eyes, Shōkan spoke, "Let us make this a good fight shall we? Indeed, In any fight one must try to learn and improve themselves, even as they battle... Lesson One: Never let the opponent make the first move." Shōkan dashed across the 10 yards seperating himself and his opponent. However, he held himself back by a rather large margin, moving at only a fraction of his actual speed (75) barely more than that of a normal human.

Reaching Arantima, Shōkan through several choreographed strikes, aiming to be blocked. He wanted to get a measure of the boy, not break him, so he ketp his strength at the same level of his speed. "When facing an opponent of superior size, use that size to your advantage, evade. Do not block." If all went according to plan, Arantima would be able to block or dodge them all, if only barely. Pressured enough so that he couldm't do anything other than that. This said, Shōkan backed off a bit and took up a defense stance. Let's see Arantima's offense... "Lesson Two... Offense."

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima Smiled At Shōkan brightly for a moment as he Spoke, not nodding however as he wanted to keep his gaze level with the man before him incase he moved to strike. His Mind at ease with what was about to occur, His Body was not ready as his mind was to fight this beast of a man and he knew it, But he had to do more than lay down and take this massive brutes blows. He Smirked inwardly As Shōkan began to Try and Coach him, it was obvious the man was Simply Better than him, But Basic Combat? Please.

He Watched the man move, And though his vision may not be the best he followed along easily enough with the mans motions. The Style of Hakuda Demonstrated in his stance was something Arantima thought was odd, it had the basics of Hakuda.. But There was a Subtle Difference to it, Perhaps something born of a closer knowledge of his own body intertwined with the form, a way of holding himself that made Shōkan more comfortable.

As Shōkan crossed the Gap between them Arantima's stance changed just slightly and a Smirk Crept around his lips as he replied "Way of the Winding Dragon Rule 1.. Always Let your opponent think They have the first move." He tapped his right foot on the ground and Was Moving in a flash. For someone So weak he would Certainly Use Shunpo, Better than most Shinigami, Certainly Better than Any Unseated officer.

Moving at a Breakneck pace for one so slow normally (250 speed) he winded up and around Shōkan like a serpent, Appearing Back to back with the larger man, pressing himself back with the Momentum of the Shunpo guiding an Elbow Towards Shōkan's Ribs to at least try and Damage the man, though that seemed Wholly unlikely. He Was Fast, but Shōkan was just naturally Much faster than him.

The Momentary Burst of Speed May have hopefully caught the larger man off guard but perhaps not, All the Same With the Elbow Follows a Spinning right hook aimed up Towards the pit between Shōkan's Arm and chest, a nasty blow to any fighter regardless of size if it were to land that is. The way he was moving and striking was calm and measured. These two blows would be fight-enders if they were delivered by someone like Shōkan, Seperated Ribs and a blow to a pressure point that would deaden the entire arm.

However These Blows Were barely blows, especially To a man Like Shōkan. The speed of them was almost laughable, though the placement still had to be admired. This Little Shinigami Was phsyically Weak, But it seems that he has Tried to make up for those shortcomings in other places. if anything this would most certainly be an interesting Bout to be certain even if Shōkan had to hold back to make it so.

---------------

1 Step Shunpo (Master Level) - 50

Reiatsu 200/250

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan couldn't help but give a genuine smile as Arantima spoke. It seemd the little one wasn't going to let Shōkan dictate the fight... Good! As Arantima shunpo'd, Shōkan was impressed, His shunpo was exceptional smooth. It seemed that, what Arantima lacked in physical ability, he was trying to make up for in technique. Even so, Even at Arantima's enhanced speed, he was almost moving in slow motion to Shōkan's eyes. Shōkan's base speed was considerable faster than Arantima's even shunpo enhanced speed.

This, combined with Shōkan's skill over Arantima in Hakuda, allowed him to easily read, and counter Arantima. Expecting to be back to back with Shōkan, Arantima would be surprised to see Shōkan facing himand slightly farther away than Arantima would expect. This is where his reactions would come to bite him. Due to the tunnel vision shunpo causes, and Arantima's low instinct, it would appear that Shōkan had teleported 180 degrees and a yard away. Not a blur, not quick movement, one minute he is in one place, and in the blink of an eye, he is in another.

With this, Arantima's strikes are also rather easy to counter. He had to admit however, they were well placed. It was obvious Arantima had trained many hours to acquire the technique necessary for such precision. In response to Arantima's strikes, Shōkan merely batted them away, Pushing them in the direction the momentum would take them, pushing Arantima off balance. Before he should be able to react, Shōkan placed a quick strike to his solar plexus, that Arantima probably wouldn't even see coming.

It was rather weak, only that of an athletic human (75), but even so, Arantima would have the breath knocked out of him. To be honest, it was more of a push than a strike, so indeed, the boy would probably stagger back. "That was very clever, I'm impressed. Your shunpo is quite masterful, and the excecution of your maneuver was spot on. If you had the physical ability to follow through with that, I would have been hard pressed to stop you" Shōkan said respectfully, "It is unusual to see one so determined lack so much. You obviously train harshly, yet your body doesn't seem to have responded..."

Shōkan's eyes widened, he took a closer look at Arantima. In his vast years of experience, he had seen all sorts of fighters. Innumerable warriors. Some had no release, like himself, other focused on their kidou, others their hand to hand, even others their own brand of technique. Many relied on the power of their release. But every once in a while, there was a warrior that not only relied on their release, they specialized in it, they put everything they were into it. In most cases, they didn't even have control over it, it just so happened that more of their soul was sealed away than most.

Shōkan suspected that Arantima was that kind of fighter. Interesting, almost his antithesis as it were. He woud be extremely interested in seeing Arantima's progression. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. "Your determination is admirable. It wouldn't be honourable of me not to fight seriously. Please," Shōkan smiled brightly "Come at me with all of the strength you possess, test yourself!" Shōkan drew the sword at his side, setting it in a leisurely guard. "in return, I shall show you what made the Kawada the noble house rivaled only by the Kuchiki all those years ago."

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima Blinked when his Blows were slapped away. His Body was rocked by just the Simple batting done to him and his arms. The blow he didnt see comeing was the thrust, and though he had been affected by a blow much like this one before it was a more refined pushing technique, Not one borne of brute force and speed. He Recalled the Technique was called Denden, and this didn't feel anything like that.

Arantima barreled over backwards rolling heels over head more than once landing probably 4 yards away from Shokan. A Combination of being off balance and being struck in the chest made him unable to catch himself properly, though Shokan might notice that he rolled back one extra time, just to gain distance. A Smarter move perhaps than just landing on his arse two feet from Shokan, and it certainly seemed to get a reaction from the crowd.

He Stared up at the sky and caughed a bit as the air slowly returned to his lungs, the wind having been knocked clear out of him. He Wheezed and Breathed torturously  as his mind reeled with the last time he experienced this kind of pain. His Vision blurred a bit before he blinked the blurry haze away and his mind went back to when he was still alive, The time he spent as a Child in the Human world.

---------------

Arantima Was about 15 years old and he was folling around with a few of his friends in the traders road playing around kickng a simple leather ball around. He Freinds All Ran off Without a word and  he Called after them wondering why they were running away, He picked up the Ball and turned around to see what was behind him. The ball saved his life by absorbing most of the impact from a running Ox charging him. He Was knocked clear across the road and into a bale of hay.

He Was wheezing and struggling to breathe, The ball deflated and flattened but still being clutched in his shaking hands. He watched as the Ox was scared off by a few adults before they all rushed over to see if he was alright. He Couldn't answer them becuase of how hard it wa for him to breathe, so he simply nodded yes and no to their questions when he could. H was carried back to his Mother to be taken care of

-----------------------

Arantima Comes back to reality, no real time having passed while he remembered this. One thing was certain, he was not going to be carried back to his mother, he Had to stand and he had to do it now. Then he heard the Sword being drawn and he closed his eyes gently, His mind Blanking for a moment and He almost went through a bodily "Reset", his breathing normalized and he stood with a even motion that didn't stagger or waver in the least. When he opened his eyes, there was that look in his eyes again, that look of raw determination.

This gaze didn't say I will beat you, it didn't lie to you and say that he will win for his Squads honor. This Gaze Had a Heavier message You will respect me.. I Will not Stop until you break me. He knows he is outmatched, but he will not be stopped until he literally can not fight any longer.  It was like a Lizard trying to play at being a dragon, Only this lizard was very close, very close to becoming a dragon.

Arantima took a breath and Nodded to Shokan, Putting his right hand on the Handle of his Blade, leaving it in its sheathe for now as his stance widened out into a Traditional Samurai stance. Iaijitsu would be the term for the style of swordsmanship being utilized here, mostly used as a "Training" style meant more to hone the theory behind itself than for its combat use. Though Arantima Was far from your Standard Fighter it seemed, So this stance may be more dangerous than it first appears.

Arantima Takes a Wide Step forward and Draws his blade Ceremonially, Flipping the blade stylistically and switching it between his hands as he does so before sheathing it once again "My Blade Greets You as an Honorable Foe Shokan Kawada..  And I Honor You as a Superior Opponent. I Will Show You All That I am, Show me the Same in return and perhaps we can each learn something from each other."

He Approaches Shokan at a Full tilt run, Not Getting much Speed out of it moving only at 25, But it was how he moved that made it so interesting. As he had moved in Shunpo he moves with a winding set of steps that makes him Erratic and hard to predict at first glance.. But As Shokan watches he can see that this set of steps and motions would be good for drawing out a attack from the enemy before he was actually in range of the blade, but with his slow speed the Advantage is lost.

He Had called his style the Way of the winding Dragon before, and that is what it seems like, a Winding and Twisting Dragon poking and teasing its foe before striking, and then Shokan saw it. Something that at Arantima's speed moved like a slow motion replay but just as he stepped forward and in range of Shokans Blade, his foot tapped the ground just barely as if a man pre-empting a snake strike and dodging it, stepping into a spin to Shokans Left, drawing his blade mid spin and coming hard against Shokans Ribcage with a Solid Strike.

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

As Arantima tumbled away from the blow Shōkan struck him with, he was surprised and mildly impressed that th eboy had the presence of mind to roll even further away on purpose, so as to gain more distance against a superior opponent. This was a decent strategy under most circumstances. This however, was fruitless as with Arantima's sluggish speed, if Shōkan wanted to rush him, there would be exceedingly little he could do to stop him. Shōkan however wasn't inclined to push his advantage, and instead see what else Arantima had to offer.

Arantima rose to his feet and struck an iajutsu sword style stance. Although it had several alterations from the standard one. It seemed to be a different style, one Shōkan had never seen before. Arantima then spoke, "My Blade Greets You as an Honorable Foe Shokan Kawada.. And I Honor You as a Superior Opponent. I Will Show You All That I am, Show me the Same in return and perhaps we can each learn something from each other." Again, Shōkan was deeply impressed by Arantima's sheer determination in the face of overwhelmiong odds.

As the boy rushed towards him, Shōkan noticed something. Seeing as Arantima's speed was almost snailike to Shōkan's eyes, he had plenty of time to analyze and take in the boy's every move. For instance, the way in which he moved was very strange. With winding steps, and erratic movements, if he weren't so slow, and Shōkan weren't so skilled, he would have been difficult to predict. Alas for Arantima, Shōkan was easily able to follow his movements and already had a counter and action prepared for the boy. It was time for another lesson.

'Never let the enemy prepare for you, and never make the mistake that an enemy will simply wait on you to act.' Instead of waiting for Arantima's strik to land, Shōkan instead took action. Shōkan swung his sword at Arantima, timing and aiming it perfectly. With only the speed of an athletic human, Shōkan made sure Arantima would be able to block it, but not much else. Seeing as he had aimed the strike directly at Arantima, with just enough speed that he would be able to block... Probably.

What was unique about Shōkan's strike was that he was swinging the sword with the broad side facing his opponent. Shōkan was in actuality using one of the Kawada's famed kenjutsu techniques, Taiyou. The technique in fact, is meant to be blocked. When an opponent blocks it, a wave of air hits them, equal to the strenth Shōkan put behind the strike, in this case, that of a powerful predator, like a grizzly bear (200). This would undoubtedly send Arantima flying once again.

This time however, Shōkan wouldn't simply wait for the boy to rise again. Acting proactively, he would rush the boy even as he was flying through the air, and once he reached the ground, would raise the tip of his sword to Arantima's neck. "Dead" Shōkan said, looking Arantima directly in the face. "Do not attack where you are weak, from our last encounter, you should have noticed that my abilities severely outweighed yours. Find a different avenue of attack, close combat is obviously not suited for you..."

Backing away, Shōkan raised his weapon once again, "Try again" he said. Actually, Shōkan was very impressed with Arantima's determination. He wanted to see something, anything... He hoped that Arantima would show it to him. Late bloomers such as him tended to fail early, when they didn't achieve power quickly, but in return, the ones that did rise, generally became some of the most powerful warriors out there. Shōkan truly believed Arantima was capable of this.

With this in mind, Shōkan gave Arantima a bright, charismatic smile, "It's true determination can't do it all, talent does indeed play a role in ones abilities, but I refuse to believe that this is the limit of one who tries as hard as you do" In fact, since Shōkan's entering of this time period, he had yet to meet a shinigami with the sheer perserveranc eof Arantima, he had to say, he genuinely liked the boy, and wanted to help him succeed. That being said, he couldn't go easy on him.

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima watches the Blade, as best as he is able.. it is much more like a blur than a blade to him before he weighs his options. He Could Move to block the Blade, or he Could try and Be devious, both options would end poorly For Him. He Gritted his teeth and instead of blocking the blade with his motions he Sheathed his own and turned into the blow of the flat of the blade. There is a Sickening Crunching sound as his left Clavicle is shattered by the blow.

Arantima jumps backward as he is hit, adding to the momentum of the blow And As he Flipped in the Air head over heels he Calmed his mind through the pain and disorientation before thrusting his hand forward "Hado#1! SHO! He Tried to time it so that the thrust would propel him directly up and away from the floor and interrupt the Spin, instead he Flew Backwards towards Where He and Shokan had been standing a moment before.

He Lands with a Three point landing that skids backward a few feet, He only has moments before Shokan is on him once more and  he has to act without a single thought in his head. He Can't think about the pain in his chest, he can't think about what he should do next. Action must be made and he has to go with what his instincts tell him, and His instincts Tell him to... And Then there is a blade on his neck and his eyes widen a bit.

He heard the Word clear as day and all he could do was swallow, not a gulping sort of swallow, just the swallow of nervousness with a blade that close to your throat produces. He looks up to Shokan and nods Before Rising and rolling his one good remaining shoulder, Taking a Single handed Stance of Hakuda "Then I Will Show You my kido.. And Then if I can Hold out for that long.. A Technique that No other in the Soul society Currently knows as far as I am aware. I Was Hesitant At first to use Kido in our Bout, as this is the Barracks of Squad 11. It Wouldn't Do to be looked at as a Coward while visiting."

He Smirked And pointed his finger at Shokan and Barked out "Hado #4 Byakurai!" When he finished, a long Crackling Bolt of lightning Erupted from his Finger aimed Towards Shokans Left shoulder. He wasn't looking to kill The man, just leave a mark at the very least. His kido wasn't the strongest, But He could use it at the very least.  It Seems that Byakurai isn't his Best kido either, though perhaps the longest range offensive Kido that he knows. 

He Was Sweating profusely at this point and was injured but the pain didn't seem to bother him. Even though he was physically Weak in strength it seemed he had an unnatural tolerance for pain that one of his Size and power shouldn't. As Soon as his kido was fired off he draws his blade once Again, this time in his left hand however, and Held Backhand. Arantima keeps his eyes on Shokan and Nods once, knowing he is about to get rocked.

There is Something Peculiar about how his body is being Tensed however, as if he is preparing for something, some kind of technique is being readied and it involves his right hand, something is about to form in that hand or be thrown from it at the very least. Something That Shokan would be able to notice is that, What little Pressure Arantima did exert on the area around him is now completely gone, its as if he is completely Lacking any sort of pressure signature.

-25  Hado #1 Sho
-25 Hado #4 Byakurai

Reiatsu 150/250

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan was a bit shocked at Arantima's move to take the blade full force, truly he didn't expect the boy to make such a... stupid move. Firstly, there was no way for Arantima to know about Taiyou, e could easily have blocked the blade and taken much reduced damage. After all, the wind from Taiyou doesn't actually do any damage, just blows th enemy away. He really didn't know what Arantima had been thinking, if Shōkanwnted to, he could have turned the blade, and sliced the boy in half. Oh well, what's done is done.

As Arantima finished speaking, and raised up his hand, Shōkan nearly sweat dropped. Did he mean to be so obvious? He rose his hand so leisurely, and essentially told Shōkan what he was going to do before he even did it. With this foreknowledge in mind, Shōkan just leaned to the side as Arantima's Byakurai blew past him. Turning and looking at the boy again, Shōkan spoke, "That move you pulled just now was quite dangerous, I easily could have killed you on accident."

Looking Arantima's stance up and down, Shōkan spoke again, "Also, if you're going to do something, don't tell your enemy what you're going to do. It makes it ten times easier to counter." Even so, Shōkan was a bit impressed by Arantima's pain tolerance. He was standing at the ready, even with a broken collar bone, that had to be painful. Arantima still had much to learn. With this in mind, Shōkan decided to teach him through example.

Shōkan, still haveing his blade out, put on a blind show of speed. Utilizing the technique Senka, and moving at his maximum speed Shōkan moved at a massive speed (3657.5). To Arantima's eyes, he would have blinked, and Shōkan would have disappeared completely. Next, with Shōkan's mastery of Senka, he wouldn't actually complete it, instead, shallowly strike the area's Senka targets, and leave small cuts. After this, Shōkan would merely land a few feet behind Arantima, facing away from him.

At this point, Arantima would probably still be looking in front of him for Shōkan, and he might feel a slight sting in his chest and back. Once Arantima aqcuired Shōkan's location, he would speak, "I cut just above your Saketsu and Hakusui... If I had actually struck them, you would lose any and all spritual powers." He turned to look at Arantima, "Learn from this, no fight is ever truly fair, use any advantage you can get to disable an enemy."

Shōkan knew that lesson all to well, after all, it was what had put him in this situation in the first place. When he had been a captain, over a thousand years ago, whilst patrolling the World of the Living, he had encountered a hollow invasion. Shōkan decided to let Arantima in on his story, mayhaps he could learn something from it, it would be best if someone could learn something from it. Looking at Arantima, he told his story...

---

By himself, he had engaged the army. The battle lasted for 7 days and 7 nights. Raging to and frow, it was so intense that reinforcements couldn't even join in to help, lest they be destroyed. Shōkan fought the un-named Vasto Lorde who lead the army. He was strong. Extremely strong. In fact, Shōkan had never fought a stronger opponent in his entire life. Hour after hour, day after day, the two fought for an entire week, neither giving an inch, until the Vasto Lorde finally ran out of strength, and fell to his knees, head looking down. The other hollows, seeing their leader fall, quickly retreated back to Hueco Mundo, and Shōkan slowly approached the Vasto Lorde.

As he slashed his flaming sword to bisect the hollow however, it suddenly struck Shōkan with the palm of its hand. The instant it did, an gel struck it down, killing the unnamed vasto lorde, but the damage ha dbeen done. While he had no noticable mark on him, Shōkan immediately lost consciousness and fell to the ground. Something in the technique the Vasto Lorde used had caused a disease which ate away at Shōkan's soul. In the end, to save his life, Squad 12 put him in a time stasis, untilt he disease ran its course. As a result of this, Shōkan's spirit was damaged so heavily, he nost his zanpakuto. He would never again make the mistake of underestimating an enemy...

-100 reitsu ~ Senka
400/500 remaining

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima Didn't even flinch at the sallow wounds that were inflicted on him When Shokan Used Senka. He Actually Smirked, Shokan was standing within range now and his thought had been right. "Yes, You could have killed me. But you didn't, becuase That would be dishonorable. You are not a dishonorable man Shokan, and I must apologise for abusing that in that instance." He lets out a Low and Growling breath before turning to face Shokan.

"I told You what I was going to do, So that you would capitalize on it. There is a Truth we must observe about this Battle Shokan, and that is that you will be the victor. Not for my Lack of trying, it is simply that you are stronger. My Goal was to get you closer." He Smirks again and Looks him over making certain that Shokan is within 6 feet of himself. He Slashes the Air as if he were weilding a Long Katana, Mid Slash a Shimmering Energy forms in Arantima's Hand.

The Blade is About Four feet in length, for a normal Katana that is nearly Absurd. The Handle Is itself a solid Twelve inches, making the blade formed by this technique nearly as Tall as Arantima is himself. He Moves from That opening slash into a Whirlwind Series of Strikes and slashes with Both his Zanpakuto which is only about 3 feet in total length and this new blade. His motions Seem to be Level and Steadied, a Sword Style not seen before.

His Blows Come at Angles that are difficult to block properly without outright parrying the blow and batting it away. If Arantima Had Strength behind any of these Attacks it might just be a deadly onslaught, but as it is it is just an extremely pretty demonstration To Shokan. As he Moves he is panting heavily and Shokan Can tell that He is on his last legs now, He doesn't have much more in him to give.

As he Continues his Barrage he pants out a short statement "Underestimation is something that I am never capable of, I Always Fight like I am going to die. One Stroke lands or twenty, it doesn't matter, Every Fight is a Fight for survival." He Growls and Stops his Barrage, Hanging his head down low and His Body Lax as he pants, sweat dripping off of his body now. The pain in His Arm Seems to have Kicked in as the last few strokes of Arantima's Blades with his right arm Were slowing down, if that were even possible.

He Looks down at his blade that he has formed from his own Spiritual pressure and Extends it, pointed level at Shokan "This Blade is a Testament To my Will. My Determination to Cut through my Limits and Forge Something new from my own ashes." He is shaking now, Close to nearly Collapsing, but he might have a few more strikes left in him. With this Shinigami it is hard to say where his reserves dry, but its getting there swiftly.

-50 Pressurized Gravitation

Reiatsu 100/250

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan liked Arantima, he really did. It took a lot of heart to admit when one is beaten. A lot of heart to try so hard with so little results. In the end, he couldn't do it, he could not beat Shōkan. But he could tell that Arantima didn't want his pity, what he wanted was to bring out Shōkan's all, everything he possesed. He wanted to be taken seriously. If this was the request of someone like Arantima, then Shōkan could hardly refuse. As Arantima summoned his gravitational blade, Shōkan himself unleashed an ability.

"Arantima, I respect you, therefore, I shall not hold back. Learn from this defeat, grow stronger and challenge me again... Honō-Haraikiyome..." Suddenly, flames erupted all around Shōkan. White flames of intense heat. Around Shōkan's head, there was the vague outline of a halo, and on Shōkan's back, a pair of fiery wings appeared. "This is my true power... Prepare yourself." With that, Shōkan began walking towards Arantima, dodging every single strike with effortless speed and skill.

Each one he moved only just enough to not be sliced, the wind from his blows blew Shōkan's hair around. Arantima was just too slow, he didn't have the reastions to time Shōkan's movements, nor the skill to actually hit him. In every way, he was insufficient. Shōkan hoped that this would drive it home for Arantima, if he wanted to get strong, he had to find his own source of power. As Shōkan walked closer, Arantima would get hotter and hotter, accentuating the sweat already running down his face.

Finally, as Arantima stopped, Shōkan was nearly face to face. At this point, the pain would be excruciating, intense burns would appear all over Arantima. Shōkan reached over, and grasped Arantima's sowrd in his bear hand, before snapping it in half with a flick of his wrist. Looking into Arantima's eyes one last time, Shōkan spoke again, he didn't know if Arantima would hear them over the pain, but he hoped he would.

"Rise... Rise again from this defeat, become reborn, salvage your strength, rally your determination, find your inner power. And when you are ready, fly, little dragon." With that, Shōkan would put Arantima out of his misery with a chop to the neck, knocking him out and ending the fight. Shōkan deactivated his power. The crowd stood in awe of their confrontation, especially sqaud 10, it appeared they had never realized Arantima's potential. They would now. Hurriedly Squad 4 members rushed to treat Arantima's wounds.

As he walked away however, Shōkan realized something. He reached up and touched his cheek, where a shallow cut had emerged. He couldn't help but break into a smile. The little dragon had doen it after all. Finally, Shōkan thought to himself, in the face of Arantima's determination, how could he quit? 'Maybe it's time to search into myself. Find my zanpakuto once again...' It seemed Arantima had taught himself something after all. As Shōkan reached the end of the bout area, he turned around and bowed to Arantima's broken body, 'Arigatou'.

[Zeich Yajuu]

Shokan: 400 TP + 100 for winning = 500 TP.
Arantima: 360 TP.