Nurturing The Dragon [Joint-Training, PG]

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

OOC: Training for 100 SP, excess is CTP

It had been 3 weeks since Shōkan's battle against Arantima. In that time he had been keeping tabs on the young shinigami, and his progress healing. There was something about him that interested Shōkan. Was it the hidden potential? Was it his sheer raw determination? Or was it his humble, likeable nature? Regardless, Shōkan found he quite liked Arantima, and wanted to aid in his progress. Gaining friends and allies was essential in the redemption of his clan, so helping Arantima was also helping his clan.

The last time he checked, yesterday, he had notcied that Arantima was to be released around this time, so of course, he went to go check on the boy, hoping to have another conversation with him. After telling Joff he was done for the day, he began taking a leisurely stroll towards the Squad 4 Barracks. It was quite the beautiful day out, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, it was a wonderful day for a walk. In this new world, many things were changed. The Kawada Manor was new and modern for instance.

Many of the people he once knew were dead was another... But regardless, there were some things that would always remain the same. The sun, the stars, and good friends. It was something his grandfather, Junbei Kawada, would tell him often. Shōkan had been very close to Jinbei, they had been similar in mind. Junbei was probably the closest thing Shōkan ever had to a father figure. The man had taught him everything he knew about fighting after all. And when Shōkan had ascended to lead the clan, none had been prouder than Jinbei.

As Shōkan mused, he became nearer and nearer to the Squad 4 Barracks. Finally reaching the building, he politely caught the attendant on duty's attention, "Yes miss, could you point me in the direction of Arantima Aoire of Squad 10's room?" After she gave him Arantima's location, Shōkan thanked her and made his way towards it. Finally, he reached the room, and before entering, he politely knocked before reaching confirmation. He saw Arantima sitting in bed, he appeared healthy and well, which pleased Shōkan, he was glad that he hadn't caused any lasting damage to his comrade.

"Arantima," Shōkan smiled warmly at him, Shōkan had one of the best smiles in the Soul Society, with his natural charisma, and overall encouraging aura, he made you feel like you were the center of his attention, like you were of immense interest to him. Many people said that it wasn't his sword, but his smile that drew such power to the Kawada in the old days. Shōkan was a skilled negotiator as well as a fighter, something that was essential in the role of clan head. "It is good to see you well"

Shōkan moved over to grasp Arantima's hand, "I hope they are treating you well? I would say I'm sorry for putting you in here, but I'm sure you'd take offense to that," Shōkan chuckled "I came to check up on you after our fight, I wanted to insure that you had recovered well. After all, the soul society would be less without you," he gave Arantima an eye smile, "I believe that every member of the Gotei 13 is essential to our success, and I also believe that there is a lot of untapped potential within you"

"I remember being astonished during our fight, you had such will and determination to succeed! And to see all of it come fruitless in your strength... I came to offer some assistance, I'd like to help you train, if you'd accept of course. I know there is a well of power hidden in there, I've been around a long time, met many people, and powerful opponents, and I can feel potential within someone. There's quite a bit of it within you, you just have to find it Arantima." Shōkan offered his hand to help Arantima up, "So What do you say? Up for some training?"

[Arantima Kawada]

{CTP}

Arantima Was looking out his Hospital room window, Sitting on the bench. He was no longer wearing any bandages or even an arm sling. The healers of Squad 4 are something else entirely, and when they work on a Shinigami' whose healing properties are already accelerated, they can produce almost miraculous results. He was watching the sky and Returning to the memory of his Fight with Shokan, he was certain, almost certain that Shokan should have had some mark on him but that fire that enveloped him was just too thick and heavy to even see through for him.

His Mind reeled, flowing over every motion that he had gone through in order to try and make his way through Shokans defense, but he kept returning to that initial slash. That initial slash that should have hit Shokan.. but he was just to damned slow. His Speed, His strength, his every step and motion was just inferior to this Towering hulk of a Shinigami.  He was awaiting the nurses Final Say that it was ok for him to return to active duty and training. He watched as the clouds mingled and flew through the sky, care-free and tranquil as a floating cloud can only be.

He Stayed where he was seated for a good fifteen minutes before looking to his wide open room and nodding to himself, if he was going to be left alone, he was going to train. Afterall He was in a hospital, what damage could he cause to himself here they couldn't fix? That was a Silly Question to ask himself, as just when he stands he knocks the Bedside table with his knee and falls to the floor with a loud thud before he just comes up laughing, amused beyond words at the Karma of that moment. He Takes a Moment to calm himself before Coming up to Take a Hakuda Stance.

He moves through several motions, Slow and practised. His Motions are traditional meditation and repetition motions, meant to get the body used to moving in unorthodox ways, striking with the Elbows and knees. He Stops When he hears the Door being knocked upon and he calls out "Yes? Come on in." He Smiles and Bows To shokan in greeting gently "it is Good to see you Well too Shokan. They are treating me Quite well, and you are not the worst source of injury I have recieved thus far.. I had a Sparring session with Captain Hotaru some time ago. just coming into contact with her blade Nearly Destroyed my organs."

He nods To Shokans Statements about his Strength Verses the will and determination he possesses and scoffs an amused chuckle when he finishes.  "i Often wonder about the juxtaposition between the Two myself.. I Have trained for Seven hundred years, Just to barely pass the Shinigami Academy. My Zanpakuto Has tried to speak with me several times already but each time it nearly Makes my head explode." He looks over his shoulder out To the sky before Looking shokan straight in the eyes with a curt nod

"I Would Very Much Like To Train. There are some things I would Like to show you, I have learned.. Some Techniques. You Saw it, actually, at the end of the bout. " He looks slightly sidelong at Shokan as he heads out the door. He looks around the hallway when he enters it before continuing along "I Call it Dragons Soul. But the actual Technique I imagine has a more generic term. Pressurized Gravitation, For someone without a Sword of their own Any longer.. I think it would be fitting for you to learn it as well."

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Heeding Arantima's words, Shōkan gave him a smile, "Thank you for the concern, my friend, but pressurized gravition isn't for me. At the highest echelons of combat, it is a bit of a hindrance. For you tho, at this level, it is exceedingly useful. There is a time and place for every technique." He headed towards the door, "Now, follow me, I know just the place we can train. That place of course was the Kawada Clan Manor, a massive, sprawling complex with countless servants... Training area indeed...

When they arrived at the area, Arantima might be a bit overhwelmed. It was a rather large clearing, but it was gorgeous. The clear ponds reflective surface was extraordinary, the grass was greener than anywhere Shōkan had yet seen, trees were strong and healthy, the area just radiated a sense of beauty and life. Shōkan found it was a good place to work positively towards goals. It even had a kidou sealing array set up that kept it from sustaining all but the most catastrophic damage.

Shōkan turned to Arantima and spoke, "This is one of my most favoured training grounds in the possesion of the Kawada. I find it really motivates your creativity and positive thinking to be in such an environment, don't you think?" He rolled his shoulders, "Let's get started shall we? I've noticed that some of your major problems include, stamina, swordplay, strength and speed, and skill with the Dragon Soul of yours." He gave Arantima a smile over his shoulder, "Now that list might sound long but you're in luck!"

"I know of a training method that can increase all of those attributes at the same time. A little method I like to call... Fighting!" He laughed, "I understand what you're thinking, thats so simple, but in reality, combat is the best form of training, it increases every single one of the attributes you need in battle, simply because you are actually in battle. So to start with, lets do some swordplay sparring. Go ahead and summon one of those blades of yours."

Shōkan drew his sword, "Now, for this, I am simply going to match your strength and speed, nothing more, nothing less" Shōkan motioned for Arantima to attack. Now, while Shōkan would be limiting himself to Arantima's strength and speed, he wouldn't be limiting himself to Arantima's skill level. When he atacked Shōkan, he would, quite simply, be outclassed. He would notice that Shōkan's technique was on an entirely different level from his own. Shōkan wouldn't be striking with the blade, instead, whenever Arantima made a mistake, he would rap at an unprotected area of his body, be it his hands, or his body, or his legs, or his back...

That's one way to motivate someone. All the time, Shōkan would be keeping up a commentary of exactly what Arantima was doing wrong, and ways to improve. "Your wrist isn't loose enough, think of it like holding a bird, strong enough so that it doesn't fly away, but not so strong that you choke the life out of it, you want freedom of movement Arantima. Keep your back straight when you strike, slouching leaves openings." Sometimes there wouldn't be anything that would help, and Arantima would only get a "You missed."

This would go on for however long Aranitma wished it too, and when they finished, Shōkan would clap him on the back. You could say one thing about Arantima, he might not be overly powerful yet, but he didn't quit until he stopped getting it wrong. "Excellent, I think you were really getting it by the end of it there, I'll leave the next type of training up to you, what do you think you need the most work on?" Shōkan would be up for just about anything, he was enjoying himself, he found he liked teaching an awful lot.

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima Simply Walked around the area, looking  around at the trees, touching then gently and chuckling gently at the difference between these trees and the ultra hardened yet supple wood of the Doragonzutsurii that he calls home. He Looks around the Clearing for a good long time, spending maybe Five minutes just strolling around silently as he inspects everything to become more familiar with it.  His Face just ablaze with a warm smile before he finally returns to Shokan, having stayed within ear shot of him the entire time of course.

"This is Very much like the area where i was taught The Dragons Soul.. it will be a Good spot to rest in between usees of the blade. I've found that.. As i get More capable, and my soul grows, The blade becomes stronger but also more taxing to use." He looks down at his hands a moment before Nodding To Shokan when he mentions fighting as a way of training and he chuckles It really does make the most sense, pushing yourself in a fight is the best way of pushing yourself..

He Nods once again when Shokan Tells him that he will only stay on his level of strength and speed, again a good choice on his part, it wouldn't be training if Arantima ended up bloodied again. He Took his robe off and hung it over a nearby tree branch before Taking his Zanpakuto and flipping it over his hands as he did last time to start the fight. The Blades tip rounds in Vertical circles as the handle wraps and twirls over his hands, between his fingers and rolling smoothly over his wrist like a man using a gimmicked balance pole.

He finishes by gripping the blade, palms flat against the flats of the blade, thumbs gently wrapped around the edge to keep just enough friction to prevent the blade from slipping down. He Bowed his head to Shokan and then dropped the blade, letting it bite into the earth below, right between his feet. He looked up to Shokan then and took his Hakuda stance. "I Hope you Don't Mind, but I would prefer to start with my hands, and move onto my Blades as we progress, just to keep myself well rounded."

He darts forward with a series of Well placed but Slow and weak punches, Each aimed at a fragile spot on the upper torso. His First blow is simply a Fient towards shokans Clavicle before stepping in fully and extending an Eblow Strike to his ribs, if he were faster, stronger, just better the blow would have been a good one but Shokan rolls with the blow easily, thunking Tima on the head with a finger flick "Keep Your Defences up, Even a Feinted blow can be countered." Tima Rubs his head and nods, as he moves back to Reset himself.

He Rolls his shoulders gently and drops back into his hakuda stance, this time jumping off from a lunging step into a spining kick pair, aimed at Shokans mid-section and throat. Tima Doesn't jump very high at all but the forward momentum carries him into Shokan like a spinning torpedo, though without the speed required to be all that dangerous. Shokan easily blocks both of the blows landed by Arantima and just watches as he falls flat on his back, knocking the wind out of himself slightly.  Arantima Waves away any helping Hands Shokan might offer before rolling up and getting himself up, holding a hand to Shokans Tutoring reply to stave it off.

"Don't jump Without a landing plan.. That one was obvious as soon as the grass kissed me in the back.. ow." He Smirks and chuckles to Shokan before continueing to Try his skills in hand to hand For a Good 4 or 5 minutes, Not a Steady set of blows by any stretch of the words but a steady series of Attempt and reset. He Tells shokan that he needs a minute to rest, Dipping himself into one of the nearby pools of water, Coming back out dripping still, though now instead of sweat it is pure water.

He Takes a Gentle Breath and dries his hands on his hanging robe before Coming to take his blade from the ground, rolling it around his arms as he did before, this time however the motions end with the blade resting in a back handed grip in his left hand. He Widens his stance slightly as he squats down so his knees are just slightly bent and ready for motion, placing his hand on the pommel of his blade. This stance seems to be wholly unique to Arantima as Shokan, even in his years of experience can not place it.

The Stance does however share a Similarity to Iajitsu that Samurai use, as well as the arm position being similar to the traditional two hands katana placement, high shoulders and pointed elbows, but the blade is backwards and down below his underarm instead of being pointed forward and Guarding from above his head. It appears, at least to Shokan's eyes like a Dragon Feigning a restful position, waiting for the enemy to think it has a chance in order to strike a killing blow in one move. it is a pity that Arantima's Reaction times are just too slow for such a thing.

Every motion that comes from This Stance is well practised and understood, it is his weak body that simply can not keep the blade straight, Makes a Blow that should have been instant into a Sluggish crawling slash. He slices and cuts in Strikes that should be precise from how he carries the blade, but his muscles and eyes can not keep up with the knowledge in his head, he has the skill most certainly but his body is holding him back in a great deal of ways. He Keeps htis Method of training up for almost as long as he did with the hand to hand.

After Beign thwapped with the side of Shokan's Blade or switch, whichever he was favoring at the moment he fell to his knees, using his blade as support on the ground to hold himself up, holding out a hand "Hold. Hold.. I need a Breather, Apologies Shokan. Tt won't be long." He pants Heavily and looks back to the pond, Rising up slowly and shakily to stumble over and fall face first into the pond, Gulping down mouthful after mouthful of water before rolling back out of the water, resting on his back in the grass.

He Stared up at the Sky once again and just stared up into the clouds that floated lazily along, while in the distance he saw a mass of black clouds beginning to form. He Wondered a moment about the difference in those two clouds, Why was the black cloud so angry? What did it have against the blue sky that it would darken it so. Why did the Cloud unleash Lightning and Thunder on the world, Winds and Rain washing away what people had built, while the white cloud was happy to lazily observe?

It is not one or the other Arantima. They are both the Same Creature, the white cloud and the black storm cloud. Two sides of one single being that shows itself in different Forms, carrying Solace and shade in one, and harsh cold unforgiving rain and pressure in another. He Blinks and looks over at Shokan before Rising from the Grass Slowly. "They are one .. and the same creature. The Violent Storm and the gentle Cloud. They can not change what they are, they can only be." He Takes a Deep breath and takes up his Zanpakuto once more.

Arantima levels his gaze at Shokan and unleashes his Dragons Soul blade at his right hand, holding his Zanpakuto in his left before coming at Him as he had during the competition, winding and stepping like a teasing serpent. His Strikes were swift and biting, catching some of Shokans Parries with his off hand blade but never getting through his defenses. This Sword Style of Tima's with two swords was certainly a sight to behold, if only both of his blades were as long as his Dragons Soul.

Arantima Could only Seem to Hold his Dragons Soul blade up for Maybe Six seconds at a time before Requiring an entire Ten minutes to recover with the aid of his Gourd of Airaig. He Would pant and sweat once his Blade Dissipated from exhaustion, Arantima Kept Coming back for more and more only Opting to stop After a Full hour of Training in total. Arantima Would Swap between Hand to hand, Sword combat and the use of his Dragons Soul evenly throughout.

After he had finished He took another dip into the pond, coming back out and wiping himself down with his robe, sitting down at the base of a tree Looking up to the sky and then looks over to Shokan as he asks what sort of training he would like to get into next. He Really Well and truly must think about that one, he had spent a lot of time mastering what he could before he smirks to Shokan "Lets try Something.. How Long Can You activate that Fire Aura?"

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan laughed loudly at Arantima's question. "Arantima my friend, it's not a matter of how long I csn keep it up. Honō-Haraikiyome is active all of the time, it is my default state. It is only through sheer force of will that I am able to keep from incinerating everyone I am near every second of every day. However, I don't recommend we train with it... My spirit is just too much more powerful than yours, you would burn to a crisp just by being within a few feet of me, it's not exactly a training friendly power."

In truth, Honō-Haraikiyome was more of a burden to Shōkan than anything, it forced him to hold himself back, every minute of every day. He had to be excruciatingly careful, or he would destroy everything and everyone he cared about in a single instant. Because of this of course, Shōkan had gained nigh god-like levels of will and self control. Even so, it was a challenge just to get out of bed every single moment. The only time he wasn't holding himself back was in his sleep... And his dreams always defeated him, no matter how strong he got.

"However... If you insist..." Shōkan finally released a modicum of the restraint he constantly kept himself under. He still kept the strength of his reitsu quite low, so that Arantima would onl feel very hot, as if he were in a car thats been parked in the mall parking lot on a 95 degree day in the middle of summer. Now you may think that description was very specific... Yes, yes it was. Anyways, Shōkan inquired at Arantima, "For what purpose did you wish for me to utilize this ability? It is not one to be taken lightly."

Shōkan's body was wreathed in voluminous white flames, twisting and swirling and catching the eye. They were beautiful to behold, the way they licked at his body, the way his eyes glowed a solid white, how his voice gained an immeasurable timber to it, as he held all of the world within his palm. If you looked closely, the large phoenix tattoo that traveled up his right arm, symbolizing his being born to lead the Kawada, glowed. It glowed a bright white, the same color of his eyes. To all that beheld him, Shōkan appeared to be a god you did not wish to anger.

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima tosses he Robe into the pond, Retreiving it and putting it on,. covering himself in a dripping wet covering as he looks at Shokans Burning form. He Nods to himself once before looking straight forward and stepping up to just the barest edge where he'd feel the heat, standing there. "think of it as a Speed test.. if i can Get in and out before burning to Ash.. i Pass. The closer I get to you the Higher the grade. Touching you is out of the question.. I Am not that fast, even using Shunpo." He Nods once and Steps in slightly, then steps back out, Making sure he had the distance measured correctly he sinks his Zanpakuto at the edge of the Aura.

He Takes a Breath and Darts in and out the Fiery aura, Rolling his shoulders slightly as his skin is pink and tingly. He looks as his arms which are steaming slightly and touches his robe, which does nothing to help the pain even if it is cooler and wet. He Frowns and suddenly Spins and Hurls the Robe into the aura deeply, and he watches as it doesn't even dry up before erupting into flames and burning to cinders, not even leaving ashes behind.  He Scoffs and nods "Of course.. it doesn't pay to believe that The Flames would behave like actual flames."

He Smirks and Shrugs "It still does not change the Test.. the faster i can get in and out, The Better my grade.. Now Lets do this." He Returns to his darting,. going as deep as he can before popping out. He repeats this over and over again as his skin gets more and more reddened, Eventually After about the Fifth Attempt geting about 4 feet into the aura he has to Shunpo out to get out fast enough, Steam ising from his flesh as he pants, not wanting any part of himself to touch another part."That is.. About Enough of that i think.. Can We Retire For a While? I've worked up quite the appetite."

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan had often been called charsimatic in his lifetime, and it was true, he was. Countless years as a diplomat for his clan, preserving the peace and aiding the common good had given Shōkan the instincts of a natural born leader. Shōkan wasn't just charismatic though. Shōkan attracted everyone towards him like the planets does to moons. Like stars does to planets. It was as if he had his own gravitational field. Just by being near him, you were pulled farther and farther in, and once you got to a certain point, you could never go back. A black hole.

This was why, as Arantima and Shōkan made made their way to the Clan Compound, the servants showed undying devotion on their faces as they passed. You see, in the Short time that Shōkan had come back in, already he had one their hearts. Not only their hearts, their very souls. You see, with his return, Shōkan had brought back the legend of the Kawada. He was the epitome of everything they once stood for. Power, Nobility, Honor, Invincibility. He had restored to his people the very thing that Kuroi Naito had stolen from them all those years ago... Hope.

It's been said, judge a man by the way he treats his subordinates. If that is true, then Shōkan was a very good man indeed... As they finally arrived at a small dining area, Shōkan sat down on his knees at the edge of the waist high table. The room was designed like one of the traditional japanses homes. With Tatami mats, and even paper walling. Shōkan gestured to two of the servants, "Would you mind getting myself and my friend here some tea?" The servants nodded enthusiastically and rushed to do his bidding.

Now this type of devotion might drive most ment to arrogance, but not Shōkan. You see, he had been born into it, and he was utterly comfortable with it. He knew he was only human, and that he had limits, and he also knew that he owed a responsibilty to protext every single one of the people under him, with his life if necessary. It was what came of growing up, groomed to be the head of one of the most powerful clans in the soul society. Finally acquiring his tea, Shōkan began to speak.

"So, Arantima, tell me a bit about yourself. I'd like to know your story, you seem like an interesting man. Where are you from? How did you get to where you are now? What exactly makes Arantima Aoire 'tick'?" Shōkan was considerably interested in his comrades answer. He really truly did enjoy Arantima's company, and wished to know more about this man that had so caught his interest. Yes, this young dragon was quite a bit more than met the eye, that was for sure.

[Arantima Kawada]

He looked around at the servants and nodded to each of them as they passed before he seemed to realize that.. House Kawada had a metric Fuck ton of Servants and Maids and servers of all varieties. Arantima Sat down Gingerly in the nearest cushion he could find, still steaming slightly in places.  He Did not kneel like shokan, instead sitting in a relaxed fashion like a mongol would. He put his Gourd on the table, taking a Cup from nearby and filling it with Airaig "The First Thing to know about me. I am a Mongol, And that is Airaig." he Smirks To Shokan and offers him the cup.

"It is Fermented Mare's Milk. So if the taste offends Do not Worry over much, many people have frail taste buds that are not mongol born." He Takes his gourd and drinks straight from it before placing it back down onto the table between them. "I was Born in the Time of the Great Kublai Khan, Grandson of the Great Ghengis Khan.. My Mother was a Courtesan in a small Village on the Silk road. I Died at the age of Seventeen, killed By the Boy that killed my mother.. " His voice is Very level and calm as he speaks of the past, as if he has already come to terms with it, but Shokan could see otherwise in his eyes.

"I Am over Seven hundred and Twenty years old, and I have been training for Seven hundred of those years.. I Am The Weakest Shinigami in the Gotei Thirteen, and I refuse to allow Anyone else to Hold this title. No one Else is Worthy of the weight that holding that title brings." He Says that with a bite in his voice, As if his own strength of will and determination have made this an imperical fact that no one could even attempt to change. He looks up to Shokan in the eyes and smiles.

"Being the Weakest Shinigami means setting the Bar for Every other Shinigami in the Seireitei, Not only in Drive to Excel but in the sense of duty to your fellow Soul reapers. If There is a Shinigami Weaker than myself Who is Content With his station, Content to remain where he is without furthering himself Then I will personally Shove my Sword so far up his arse  that he can taste my rage as I force him to climb the Ladder." He Smirks to Shokan and taps the table as hard as he can which isn't very hard at all.

He Bows his head to the manservant as he returns with the tea, Taking his cup as it is offered with one hand on the bottom and on hand on the side, taking a mouthful of the tea immediately after he takes the cup before placing the cup on the table. He looks over the Table To shokan once more and takes a moment to think about what he will say next. He Simply Sips his tea once more before placing the cup down gently "I Am a Rather Simple man, But since our fight i have made up my mind about my position. it is not a mind set of Giving in to my own weakness.. it is about Taking something that Will remain true and using it for the betterment of the Seireitei."

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Hearing a bit of Arantima's story, Shōkan had to say he was a it... Surprised. He had known that Arantima's potential was stunted... But to this extent... If he was only this strong after 700 years within the Gotei 13, it was worse than he thought. In his time with Arantima, Shōkan had noted he was much like several warriors he had known in the past. Warriors who, for one reason or another, just didn't progress. When someone tried as hard as Arantima did, they might not become powerful, but they would most certainly see some form of results, even if it was just a mild increase in strength.

Arantima didn't seem to grow at all. Every iota of power he gained was through backbreaking effort. Shōkan had a theory. If Arantima's power wasn't coming out on the surface if all of his training didn't show obvious results, t had to be going somewhere. Shōkan thought it might actually be storing inside him. His potential increasing more and more, just waiting to be... Released. That, actualy made a lot of sense, Shōkan had seen it in the past, shinigami who, normally were quite weak, became absolute monsters when released.

If that was the case, then he needed to focus Arantima's training. Training for release was difficult. There was no specific thing one could do to gain it, it was just an overall tier of power you had to gain. Pushing the limits to your fullest until your soul was forced to evolve. Shōkan thought he could help Arantima with that, but it would take a lot of time, and a lot of effort. In all hoesty it could be years before Arantima released, or it could be days. It wasn't a very definite process.

As for Arantima's life, well, it was somewhat difficult for Shōkan to relate. He never experienced the world of the living as a human. He had born a shinigami. And his life hadn't exactly been what you might call 'normal'. An heir to one of the most powerful clans, a prodigy, a genius, all rolled into once. He had never been weak, and in fact could easily been caled the most powerful shinigami of his time. What he could understand however, was the need to grow stronger.

Ever since he had returned, Shōkan had experienced a profound sense of weakness. He had grw at an astounding rate, already stronger than most seated officers, but he was still weak, because without a release, a shinigami was next to nothing. So to fix this fact, Shōkan trained his body and his soul to the limits of a shinigami's power. he pushed himself to the absolute highest for a spiritual body could achieve. He was making progress, but it wasn't enough. He had to become stronger.

Not only for himself, but for his clan, his family, for the Gotei 13. His world was in danger, and he was going to do everything he could to save it. Now, back to Arantima, "That's quite the story, you seem to have a very strong will and determination, essential for any warrior..." Shōkan got serious "I believe that is admirable, taking your role and making the best of it... But in all honesty, the Gotei 13 doesn't need to raise the overall power of the lower ranks. in the spiritual world, wars are waged by the most powerful of forces. Only the monsters matter."

"When an espada can kill countless unseated shinigami with ease, theres no point in raising there strength mildly. What we NEED, is power houses. Those who can singlehandedly change the tide of a battle, of a war. Arantima, believe it or not, but I think you have the potential to be that kind of individual. I have known men like you, who can't seem to gain power no matter how hard they try... But those same men, when they released for the first time, blew there cmrades away. I think you are that kind of fighter."

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantma Smirks as he sips from his tea when Shokan Finishes. Arantima doesn't even look up from his tea as he says softly, bare above a whisper "Then we are on the same page.". He chuckles gently and looks up to Shokan finally as he places the teacup on the table gently "If there are any Shinigami who do not posses my drive to improve, I will Drive it into them even if it kills them. I'm certain my Story has struck you as odd, Seven hundred years and I am still so weak" He smiles at looks to Shokan in the eye.

"Imagine if you will, a Gotei Thirteen where every Shinigami fights as hard for their power as I. I daresay that we could send a Single shinigami into a thousand hollows and have them walk out barely even hungry." He smiles grimly to Shokan and tilts his head to the side sharply enough to crack it like one would their knuckles "That is what it means to be the weakest. Not To Slightly increase the power of the Gotei, But the Light a Fire down where you reside.. Make This space uninhabitable by any other fool who thinks it to be safe." he chuckles, a much darker sound.

He looks down to his Teacup and taps it with a finger nail, making a lovely sound that emanates out of the tea. "in my Dreams i see a Warrior, He is an embodiment of the phrase 'The oncoming storm' He Will fight at his weakest, not to give himself a challenge but to allow his enemy the chance to feel strong.. He Is strength and he is the Walking Storm, without compassion and with an uncontrolled hatred that blinds him to what is a foe and what is a friend.. He Places his blade on the table.

"I See this Blade held by that warrior Many millennia ago.. And i see how he fell, I see how he died. Finally The warrior Removed the head of his own Wife while they were fighting, he had allowed his rage to consume him. So he Broke his blade and swallowed the broken tip of it, sending this remnant of it to be found by another. To be found by someone who could control its rage." He Looks up to Shokan and smiles softly with a chuckle before draining the tea in his cup and standing, he flicks the air down towards his sword and hisses out the word "Sho". The handle of his blade rockets downward, flinging the blade up into the air between Arantima and Shokan spinning wildly.

Arantima reaches his hand into the center mass of the spinning bit of metal and rotates his arm the opposite way, taking control of the blades momentum and maneuvering the blade into his sheathe without ever touching the handle "Calm in mind and Gentle in spirit.. The Rage of a Demon trapped within. The Rage of a Storm so loud no man can hear it, Contained inside this Heart of Sin." He Thinks back to the day he wrote that poem, carving it into the Trunk of Doragonzurejji, he reads the poem every day when he wakes and until recently he never truly understood what it meant.

He Sits back down and drinks from his gourd, a long and slow drag, draining it finally before setting it down on the table once more "A monster is exactly what I am. And sometimes the world no longer fears swords, but it always fears monsters. Even We as Gods of death Fear monsters, Shinigami, we who are the only creatures in all of history to have the word God in their name.. Still fear monsters. Because Monsters revere no gods, revere no rules beyond those that govern even gods. Walking through fire even if it means our flesh burns away to land a blow.. Breaking your own arm in order to try and create an opening for yourself. "

He Smirks up to Shokan for a moment before letting out a sighing breath "Sometimes, when I was training i would think of the day that I would become a Shinigami. it has barely been Three months since that day and it has been nothing like that. It has been better." He leans back into a very relaxed and comfortable position, waiting to hear Shokan's veiws on all that he has said there. It was comforting to know that there was a person so very.. opposite than himself but at once similar.

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan was a bit disturbed. What Aantima was attempting to accomplish was admirable, it really was, but ultimately, it was impossible. Arantima's motivation was of the highest echelon, there would always be people who tried less than others, whoe had less talent, it was simply a fact of life. Arantima needed to accept that. It was true what he said about monsters, people like Adalo De-Mona, Kuroi Naito, Sozen kuchiki, these were the monsters of this world. These were the gods of this world.

To make a difference, one couldn't simply be a shinigami, one couldn't even simply become a monster. Those were just stepping stones. To truly make a difference, you had to become a god of battle. This was what Shōkan had once been, and what he hoped t become once more. Taking all of this into consideration, Shōkan began to formulate his response, he truly did want Arantima to understand where he was coming from, because he had seen through years and years of experience, at the highest level how the world works.

"Arantima... Like I said, that goal i admirable... But it is impossible. I spent 400 years in the highest echelon of warfare. I wielded power akin to that of a god. I witnessed the rise and fall of countless wrriors of immense strength. Do you know how rare that is? There are thousands upon thousands of shinigami in the soul society. And in all of their number, how many actually make a difference? A dozen. Slightly more, a few of the vice captains are powerful enough to, but not many."

At the mention of vice captains, Shōkan was particularly thinking of one Souza Kuchiki, that child was a monster. "What you wish to accomplish is impossible. Sure you may give motivation to a few shinigami, but odds are less than a percent of a percent that they will rise to make a differece. There are two things that determine power. Will, and talent. Some have one, some have the other, and then there are the lucky few with both. Nothing you or anyone else can do willl change that. Trust me, I have tried."

"The only way that you can improve the Seireitei, is to improve yourself. Become powerful, make a difference, inspir by example. You have the potential, I have seen it." Shōkan smirked, "And as for being a monster... Hardly, you may have will Arantima, but you are nowhere near being a monster yet. I believe you have the potential, bbut you don't yet have the power. I am but the fraction of a shadow of what was formerly a monster, and you have no chance of defeating me as you are."

"But... That is how you are, not how you will be. Come, let us return to the training field. I don't yet beilieve you have shown me everything you possess. Now that we've started, I won't stop until I have you at my feet begging for me to stop. I'll make a monster of you yet... Or you'll die trying, whichever comes first." With this, Shōkan rose and gestured for Arantima to follow him back the training grounds... There was much to be done, Arantima was going to become strong, if Shōkan had anything to say about it.

When they reached the training fgrounds, Shōkan would stand across from Arantima. "Show me anything you have, anything you haven't yet shown me. Once we've done that, you are going to show me again, and again, and again, until you can't move anymore." There was a gleam to Shōkan's eyes, " Now come forth! Do not hesitate, stop and you will stagnate! There are only two types of warriors, those who are growing and those who are dying! Which will you be Aranitma?"

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima Nods To shokans statements acknowledging his stance on the matter, but the matter of truth was that Shokan wasn't wholly correct. Shokan's veiws were on the large problems. which were important, But Arantima's veiws were on the whole. the larger issue at hand, the Entire Soul society. The Little people and the little problems of the world that will escalate into those larger issues Shokan speaks of. When the World is Saved before it needs saving there is never a need for a monster to exist save to kill other other monsters.

He thinks back to his time in the Rukongai, if there had been a monster Attacking that girl in the Tavern the one time he allowed himself to break, the situation would have escalated and killed several people around them. But instead there was just a small enough monster to contain the problem and deal with it, before the problem got any worse. This wasn't that Shokan wasn't right as well, it was that his veiws were Skewed, having once been a Monster, a God of the world he could no longer see the smaller issues of the world, and this was not a bad thing.

There had to be a balance to make things right, the monsters, containing the monsters and the Smaller people keeping problems that didn't matter away from those monsters so they could concentrate on their bigger problems, where a single distraction meant destruction. While Shokan would regain his place as a God, Arantima Would Be a bridge, Being at once one of the little people, but being able to Fight a God should he arise where one of the true gods could not get to it. That was his place in the Soul society, a Bridge to Allow the people of the world that were unaware of the gods and their level of power to experience it in their hearts.

He Followed Shokan with his hand on the hilt of his blade and nodded to Shokan as he spoke once again when they got out into the grassy area once more. He Drew his blade and stuck it into the ground to the right of where he stood and Dropped down into a Stance, a Bit different from the one he had used before. As he Charged forward he used Shunpo to Attempt to at least close the distance faster than he would have been able to otherwise. He Moves swiftly, but his attacks are still slow, but they are different than before. Where his blows were precise and meant to disable before they are now consistant and leveled almost in a manner that would say he is ready for a prolonged fight.

His Blows however suddenly Change, his moves are going along to a much faster tempo all of the sudden. Moving at what is a hell blazing speed for Tima normally (75) his Blows Start to take on their presice nature once again. Spinning Heel kicks towards the temple, Elbows Aimed at the center chest and ribs. The Sudden and Stark change in speed would be surprising but nothing that Shokan couldn't handle with ease. He is breathing evenly and his whole body moving smooth even though he is pressing himself hard to do this, it seems it is a Reiatsu based body improvement.

"Rythm Beat, Or So it's called. Taking the body's natural Tempo and flowing into another gear, with my naturally Low speed this technique is disgustingly useful for me.. " He Uses Shunpo once more to put himself around Shokan's Back now, continuing his Assault of Seventy-five speed blows and thrusts, an assault pattern Shokan would be able to analayse fairly easily to counter but it might be impressive to the Man considering the stark imporvement in tima's movement speed.

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

In the short time between Arantima's defeat at Shōkan's hands, and now, Shōkan had grown ever faster and stronger. Meanwhile it seemed Arantima had focused more on his reflexes and technical skill. Because of this, Arantima seemed even slower than before.His shunpo was barely half of Shōkan's natural speed, much less his full speed. Even so, Shōkan allowed him to come forward, he wanted to se exactly what the not so young shinigami was capable of at the momet.

When he reached Shōkan, Arantima started out with a series of sluggish strikes with that peculiar style of his, however, this time, his speed grew as he prgressed. 'Interesting...' Shōkan thought to himself. By the time Arantim had worked himself up to full speed, hje was movin much faster, to that of an athletic human. Something Shōkan thought was amusing now, but would probably be a nightmare once Arantima got stronger, was Arantima''s attempts at clevernes. Truthfully if he had the power to back them up, he would get somewhere.

In this case however, Shōkan didn't even move. Througout his etire assault, from beginning to end, Shōkan didn't move once, allowing Arantima to have a human body to actually place his strikes against. No matter how much you practiced, it was always different when hitting a person. Shōkan knew this. In truth, Arantima's most powerful strikes couldn't even bruise Shōkan. He barely felt them. Although Arantima surely did, Shōkan's muscles were akin to that of steel.

Shōkan wanted to see how Arantima's blows would land if they were able to actually get past an opponents guard. They were somewhat skillful. Arantima's attacks were... Adequatr to put it best, he knew enough to not trip over himself, and to throw strikes correctly, but it was obvious that he didn't have much experience actually fighting someone. Shōkan assumed that was because Arantima couldn't keep up with most o he shinigami in his squad, so he didn't get to train with an actual partner often.

Shōkan analyzed the technique Arantima was using. From the trikes tht had been thrown at him, Shōkan was easily able to notice a pattern forming, a rhythm that Arantima had fallen into. It had allowed him to move a bit faster than he had before, which could surprise some slower opponents. It appeared to be very useful for Arantima's purposes, but Shōkan didn't like it. As he was, Arantima couldn't do much, no matter how many techniques he learned. Sure he gained miniscule amounts of trength, but that just wasn't enough. He needed to focus on release.

Once he achieved that, he would be able to hold his own against oponents of his own level, and focus on gaining some usablility in his non-released form. He had to realize, that no matter what he did, he wuldn't be able to do anything to opponents of even somehat close to his own level. It was an excersize in futilitiy. Maybe it was time Shōkan showed him that. Arantima, still attacking him from behind, would suddenly be thrown across the clearing with massive force.

Shōkan hadn't moved an inch, in fact, all he had don was flex his muscles. Shōkan was so powerful, that just flexing his muscles was enough to send actual shockwaves of pure strength just surging through the air. Shōkan still didn't move, but turned his head so that he was looking behind him. "Is that all you are capable of Arantima? I expected more." He was purposely baiting the man. He wanted Arantima to throw everything he had at him and still not achieve anything.

Hopefully, this would show Arantima how much he needed to focus on his shikai. As long as he insisted on focusing on his sealed abilities, he would never progress. Right now he was nothing not even a nuisance. For Arantima, training for his shikai should be everyhing. When Arantima next attacked him, Shōkan would act. Blurring to him at nearly 20 times his natural speed, Shōkan would punch Arantima into the air, then using shunpo, he would blur behind him and slam him into the ground.

Of course, Shōkan couldn't use his full strength or Arantima might... Explode. He would keep goading Arantima 'Get up. I'm not done with you. I told you, you're either going to grow, or die trying." Shōkan wasn't naturaly this harh when training others, he was actually a very kind man. he might take his own training to the extreme, but generally not others. This was a special case however, one, he knew Arantima could take it, and two, if Arantima ever hoped to grow truly powerful, he couldn't just break his limits...

He had to beat them ino h gound over and over and over again until he dominated them. Destroyed his own preconcieved notions of his potential and blast through his own glass ceiling. The more powerful a release, the more potential stored up, the more difficult it was to achieve. And if Arantima had been storing up potential for more than 700 years, then his release would be a ight to behold... and ridiculously difficult o achieve. Arantima needed this tough love.

[Arantima Kawada]

He Took his time with the Attacks he was delivering to Shokan, Noting how little he was affecting the man. He punched and Kicked, striking Shokan with everything he had and More. The More he hit Shokan the more his knuckles protested, His Elbow was aching and his knees were screaming at him. Every blow was like a Blow against the Doragonzutsurii, solid and unforgiving but the pain meant nothing to Arantima not yet at least. His Mind was elsewhere, his mind was on that Warrior from his dreams, how that warrior had Raged and raged against his foes to tear them to shreds.

He Would use Shunpo to put himself behind Shokan after Rotating around his Body with his Steady and stable Collections of blows before Suddenly Shifting his Tempo down. His Change in Tempo and striking pattern was far from Expert but it was something that would be a ruinous force in a fight against someone of Shokan's own ability. He looked for Openings, or softer spots on Shokan's body finding him to be rather Solid, much like the tree he had worn soft over seven hundred years.  The Blows and strikes from Tima were slowly racking up the Bruises on his hands and anywhere else he was striking Shokan.

Then it came, the first counter blow and it rendered Arantima's vision blackened for a split second before his eyes regained a blurry sight, just in time to see himself flying up into the air, he hadn't even heard the words that Shokan spoke, so surprised by the flexing power of Shokan he was. He had passed out from just the initial blow but only for a moment, long enough to cover the time between that and the Second blow. He Saw Shokan for but a second before He dissapeared again, slamming an elbow down into his Back.

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Arantima's World Went Dark before he felt the wind screaming past his face again, and when he opened his eyes he was inside of his inner world, but instead of standing or sitting on his Water-ground he was falling towards it from a massive height. He Scrambled and flailed as he tried to Catch onto something, Anything as he screamed out for dear life. When he impacted the water it was like getting stuck a third time by shokan, and where he had been expecting to land on its surface he fell straight through.

He Found himself sinking in the water, unable to grasp at anything. No matter how hard he tried he could not swim in it either, like a crushing black weight he sank deeper and deeper into its depths. unable to breathe and after a moment, unable to see, surrounded in a Crushing black shroud of pain and the worst part was the silence.A Silence so loud that it started to make his ears bleed, or was that the pressure of the water? Arantima never stopped clawing at the water however, even as he felt his joints begin to pop under the pressure, coming so close to breaking.

He hit a soft sandy bottom, finding himself unable to even stand, laying on his belly, Letting out bubbles of air very very slowly until something rushes through the water around him. He brings his hands up and slams his fists uselessly into the sandy floor around himself, trying to force himself to stand but as he tries to push against the water pressure, it gets heavier and his arms Break. The loud wet crunch normally following is muffled by the water but the pain is not and he lets out all of the remaining air in his lungs.. But finds that he is suddenly able to breathe.

He is picked up by something and sat on his arse, put there cross legged so he can support himself, even if only barely. A Creature Snakes through the shadow, around him, he can only tell because of the sand being kicked up around himself. He Focuses and creates an orb of Reitasu in one of his broken hands, creating just enough flickering light to see. He Didn't wish to speak in-case he would start to drown, still confused by the fact that he was conscious and that he could breath. He Glared into the water before himself.

"He is Right.. you are Weak. But only Becuase you won't listen!" The Dragon Darts Forward and Headbutts Arantima Straight in the chest. Arantima once again feel the air knocked out of his chest as he rockets back through the water, his ribs broken in several places as he trails a light blood line through the water as his mouth streams the crimson liquid from the chest damage he just suffered, and then he wakes back to reality With a Solid and Disturbing sound. His Body just Spit up Blood not only in his inner world but also here in reality.

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Arantima Makes a loud groaning Sound as he stands, wiping his mouth clear of blood and spitting down to the side. It is Easily Evident that he is not happy now, infact Shokan can tell that his eyes have changed, if only slightly. The once gentle and calm, kinder eyes are gone, they are replaced by a pair of eyes that would make a lesser man soil themselves by Gaze alone. He Roars loud, wild like an animal before his Dragons Soul Blade appears and he takes it in both hands as he rushes Shokan, using Shunpo in a Wild manner, much better than he had before almost on a level very few could hope to match, but even still he was slow.

He Stepped around Shokan, keeping his distance and using the length of his blade to his advantage. Slicing once or twice before retreating, surely he could hit him now.. But No Shokan was faster than he was, had more skill than him. Shokans moves were like slow motion to Arantima they were soo much faster, dodging without a bare movement and backhanding the blade simply becuase he could. Shokans body was built of iron compared to Arantima's and he showed it when he showed his all to Arantima here.

Arantima used the momentum of the backhand to let himself spin completly Around, and while his back was to Shokan cxentered himself and readied a kido to fire, as soon as he was fully around and facing where Shokan had been he released "BYAKURAI!!!". The Shout was filled with a blood curdling rage, he was no longer holding back, this was no longer just simple training, Arantima Was going for the kill. Even though he was trying to kill him now in his rage, Shokan was no longer in the line of fire.

Arantima Looked around, Side to Side trying to find Shokan only to find Him Coming from Above, Smashing Arantima Down into the ground with a blow to his upper chest, the sound of Flesh smacking flesh and the air escaping Arantima's Lungs rang out through the clearing as arantima impacted the ground, leaving a human shaped dent in the grass. He Couldn't see, he couldn't hear anything as he felt the crushing weight over his entire body again. He Wasn't Seeing clearly, as if his vision was being rushed past by soo many hundreds of gallons of water.

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

He blinked and fluttered his eyelids to try and restore his vision as the sound of dripping water engulfed his ears, each drip sounding like it was played through a loud speaker at ear shattering decibel levels. Then they stopped and his vision returned, he was standing once again in his inner world, the pristine water once silver and shining from the cloud cover above was now red and Thick, like a sea of crimson blood. Around Him he saw the little dragon, wearing Golden Bracers prowling around him and growling, letting out gouts of steam from his nostrils. 



He Stopped and took a Seated position, which looked at once awkward and hilarious to Tima, but he was in so much pain he couldn't manage to lauch as he could barely manage to stand. "You are breaking boy! You are bleeding So much you have turned your own sea red with it! Get up and Fight! Get up and Listen to my name for once you dumb Little Child!" The Dragon Roars and rizes up on it's hind legs, holding its front claws infront of itself as lightning flashes between it's bracers. A pressure wave erupts but is caught by the dragons Claws and it's muscles flex as he compresses that pressure into a Ball, a Visible tight ball of pressure about the size of Arantima's head.

"Maybe This will clear the Wax from your ears whelpling!?" He Takes the ball of pressure in one Claw, And hurls it like a bomb but instead of a ball flying at tima, the rage of a storms thunder clap is hurled through him and around him, wracking him with a pressure wave localized on his body that crushes and rips him apart, lacerating 90% of his body and bruising what isn't cut to shreds. The dragon walks over his body, not caring if it hurts Arantima any longer just staring into his eyes as Arantima passes out.

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Arantima Wakes up in the real world, Coughing up a copious amount of blood. He gasps for air as he turns to the side to let the blood flow out of his mouth and prevent suffocation. He put a hand up to stop Shokan from proceeding with anything further "Enough.. I Need a Healer.. I.. I nee... A.. " He Lays out flat as he passes out once again. He Lays there silently Blood flowing from his mouth and nose freely. He Held up to a lot of punishment but he was physically weak without his release and could only go so far on willpower alone.

[Amagai Kuchiki]

106 paragraphs/2 = 530 TP

100 SP and 330 CTP to Shokan
530 CTP to Arantima