Seeking Strength, The Path of the Weak. (Jt, Closed)

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima is moving through several Stances, It is the Standard Kata of Hakuda. He Moves through these stances slowly, controlled and with grace and expert motions. The Area around the Gotei Assembly Ground was mostly Empty save for his presence. Arantima was a Vice Captain and yet there was no pressure in the area around him, it was little more than walking through an empty Assembly Ground. He Was Serene and Calm as he moved, and a gentle breeze seemed to catch his golden hair constantly as if the world at peace around him. He Stopped after a few more moments and slid his feet along the ground, bringing his arms in close to himself and forcing out his own Pressure from his body downward, He Is Trembling at the sheer Willpower required to force it out in such a controlled manner and When he looses his composure it erupts out from him harshly creating a massive gust of wind that blows the trees around.

Arantima moved slowly, he was sliding his feet along the floor as he hung his arms out slowly down from his sides to slump into a defeated stance. He slipped a hand through his Golden locks and Sat down seating himself in a meditative position with his Zanpakuto resting against a nearby tree. The Zanpakuto was Long, almost 5 feet from end to end and thinly bladed which was strange but elegant. Arantima himself was a tall and lithe man, but he was missing one eye and had a scar along his chest that looked deadly, as if he had been nearly sliced in half.  He Was once again at peace, sitting there meditating after failing at whatever it was he was trying to do.

Arantima was fairly well known at this point around the seireitei. He was talked about with some scrutiny because of how his power was such a drastic change, and when he released he was uncontrolled, like a wild animal, and yet he Attempted to keep innocents out of the crossfire. He Fought dangerously and was a danger to others while doing so, it was also known that he only released when he could do nothing else.. Or when he was training with his captain Hotaru-Kuchiki-Masurao. He Was known for mastering any technique he trained with as well, he never utilized anything he did not have a full control over save for his Shikai, and it was wondered by some if he did that because that was all he could control.

[Deleted]

Finally the first day off Anthony had since joining squad 1. The transition had been tough to say the least given there was beyond a lot to do for squad 1, which when Anthony thought about it made sense. The squad that commands all other squads should have arguably the most to handle given it handles the other 12. That didn't mean it still didn't blow Anthony away at just how much work they did. At least he had Smokey with him. Anthony turned to look over at his four legged companion who only flicked his ear as acknowledgement. That had to be the most awkward thing given everyone around him immediately went quiet. He guessed the only reason he was "allowed" to have him around was due to his being a Kuchiki, not quite what he wanted but if it kept his companion around he'd let it be. He didn't like using the family name, purposefully or not, without good reason and it would be very hard to justify to his family members why his dog was important and meant to be around him at all times. 


Anthony stopped in the middle of the street and sighed for a moment rubbing the back of his head while looking into the sky. Well now...I've a free day and yet I've no plans currently...What do I need to then? Is there something I'm forgetting that I've been pushing off? Anthony took a moment to think still looking up into the cloud covered sky. Neither his mind nor the clouds were going to give him the answers he wanted. He let out another sigh and shrugged at Smokey. "Guess we will just wander around and see if we can't find something to do. I don't know about you but I'm not ready to go back to the barracks until we've done SOMETHING on our off day." Smokey just looked up at him and gave him the best shrug a dog could before leading the way for Anthony to go. With nothing else in mind to do Anthony just followed enjoying the weather if nothing else. Not too much sun, a cool breeze and overall the quiet that hung around the seireitei. 

Without much of anything going on time passed by slowly but eventually the afternoon came and Anthony rounded the assembly ground. His serene quiet was disrupted by a sudden gust of wind that had even Smokey on guard from it's sudden appearance. Having been knocked out of his stupor Anthony took only a few moments to find Arantima first beating himself up internally before quickly moving to a meditative stance. Anthony wasn't the sharpest pencil in the box but he could tell frustration when he saw it and from his experience it didn't exactly evaporate just because he decided to do something calming. Still best not to disturb more than he already was so Anthony started to walk away. Still something was curious about the whole situation and prompted him to look back at Arantima. 

For someone so distinctive he'd never heard of this person. Let alone upon closer inspection seeing the vice captain badge. That should have immediately been obviously present in his mind as to who he was. Hell that was Anthony's first big goal from Squad 1. Memorize and recognize all Vice captains and upper seats so that if there was ever something that needed to be handed to them directly he could do so swiftly. However currently his mind was blanking. This didn't sit well with him given he needed to know who this person was but he didn't want to rudely interrupt the training? Or meditating that this one was currently occupied with. So Anthony did the next best thing, he went to a tree, away from Arantima's field of vision, assuming he opened his one eye, just in case another gust stirred up from him and watched quietly once he'd climbed up the tree to sit on a lower but thick branch. Smokey just looked up at him before rolling his eyes and sat at the base of the tree. Not underneath Anthony but close enough. Unlike Anthony however Smokey in the meanwhile just started to fall asleep. having been tired enough from the long walk prior.

Training for CTP

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}
Strength: 25

Speed: 50

Rieatsu Strength: (40) 28

Spiritual Pressure: (60) 90

Instinct: (55) 74

Senses: 50

Energy Sensory: 0 (0)

Healing Expertise: 0

Light Aura: 75

Dark Aura: 25

Skills

Strength of Will: 1

Damage Recovery: 1

Battle Analysis: 1

Weapons: Roman weapons 1

Pain Tolerance: 1

Mental Incantation: 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Smokeys picture reference}

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima Sighs before walking over toward his Zanpakuto. He Stares at it for a good long while before leaning down and drawing it from it's scabbard and swishes it around the air, looking around before starting to draw with the tip along the air, reaitsu forming and suddenly a second form of his own zanpakuto sits in the air, hovering as if waiting for Arantima to grasp hold of it. A Long Dutch styled Longsword, that was drawn out to a ridiculous length. The blade is almost pure white, looking like it was made of a Compressed cloud and given shape. The Handle of the Blade is ornate and jeweled, with a Dragon motif to it that makes it iconic just by the pommel alone. The pommel now being mentioned clasps a large Gemstone in a dragons claw that is about the size of an eyeball, made of Opal.

He Takes hold of the blade and flips it around his hand, moving from one sword to the other as he moves in a very practiced manner. The way he moves and strikes with one is complemented by defending and parries with the other always advancing and if a full defensive stance is taken it never backs down merely sidesteps. The Motions are fluid before he stops and stabs both blades into the ground clasping his left arm around his right forearm. His palm focused on the Blades as he send a golden pulse of energy into the Opals of both blades before suddenly a being beings to form between the blades. A Tall, lithe man with black nails, Golden Skin and Black eyes. Tenryu Satsujin, The Heavenly Dragon Slayer stands at 7 feet almost and wears a balance of Blacks and Silvers. He is a Noble at first glance but his Golden Skin and black claws say otherwise.

The Being looks up to Arantima and the black eyes Show golden with dragon-like pupil slits as he stares almost harshly at him before moving to stand and doing it faster and harder than he perhaps should have. He Wobbles and grabs hold of the Twin blades to steady himself. He Looks around and his voice booms out like a growling dragon even from a very long distance his voice is clearly heard. "What in the Hellish fuck is this Sleeping dragon? Why do I feel like I'm a Toddler in a body too large for him? And Why am I staring at you outside of your inner world?!" Arantima simply smirks and takes up the original Zanpakuto, taking a combat stance and staring.

Tenryu grabs the other blade and nearly keels over as he struggles to stand before looking down at the blade as if he doesn't know what the hell to do with it. He Blinks and then looks over to Arantima taking a similar stance before looking over at Arantima warily as Arantima Speaks "This is to show you.. Exactly how I have felt every day since my Awakening in the Spiritual world. The Feeling of weakness when you know you are stronger. Feeling more than inadequate." Arantima Pauses and points the Tip of his sword at Tenryu "Basically Fuckface.. Welcome to what it feels like to be me while you seal my power you great cunt!" Arantima Takes no second beat before he starts to move in on Tenryu attacking and thrusting with his long blade. A long blade like that is hard to maneuver with in order to parry such blows and Tenryu can do nothing but be pushed back over and over again barely able to prevent himself from being impaled.

Tenryu can not even put enough weight behind his strikes without wielding his own sword without two hands. Tenryu is aghast, but realization is hitting his eyes, he knew he sealed arantima's power he knew Arantima was weak without him but this was shocking. how did he survive without his power and now he was showing Tenryu. He was skilled, he was not strong but he was perfectly skilled and capable of things that made up for a lack of power. Arantima Made his way through Tenryu's defenses and when Tenryu went to Attack him Arantima's free hand came up and with his middle and ring finger Arnaima struck Tenryu's wrist. Tenryu's hand shot straight up and then Arantima thrusts the same hand he had used to deflect the punch into Tenryu's chest who is suddenly shot straight back into skid, yet staying on his feet.

Arantima Flicks his blade before holding it ceremoniously behind his back "Mushi. The Defense that shoot an attack straight up.. Denden. The Assault that impacts and send the target skidding backwards to open up more advancing techniques.. I can only use these Techniques in a limited capacity until I bind you.  Once we are bound and i have control these techniques become Supremely powerful. You already know of Ten Kaika Ken.. It is an assault that is so deadly when used with your power..  But This is why I forced the Soul bind Tenryu. So I could fight without you. So I could allow you to rest until you were absolutely needed." Arantima just stared at Tenryu who was back against a tree and Looking straight up. And then Arantima was looking behind the Tree at the Dog nearby, Tenryu was panting like a dog at this point.

Tenryu just chuckled and looked down and over to Arantima "I think we have an audience.. Hmm?" He Coughs gently and takes the time away from being pummeled by Arantima to take a breather. Arantima looks up to Anthony and inspects him for a moment before scratching the back of his head and clicking his tongue "I am sorry to say Ser that i do not rightly know who you are.. But I am Arantima Aoire-Kawada, Vice Captain of Squad Ten under Hotaru Kuchiki. A pleasure to meet you.. and this is Tenryu Satsujin.. My Zanpakuto spirit. " He Bows gently before stabbing his blade into a gap into the floor and sliding his hands into his pockets.


-50 create sword
-400 summon zanpakuto spirit


480/930

Stats and skills below

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{Spoiler}{Stats and skills}

• Strength - [235] Points - 58 Sealed - 705 Unsealed
• Speed - [235] Points - 157 sealed - 235 Unsealed
• Spiritual Pressure - [280] Points - 187 Sealed - 840 Unsealed
• Reiatsu Strength - [150] Points - 100 Sealed - 150 Unsealed
• Dark Aura - [50] Points
• Light Aura - [50] Points
• Instinct - [150] Points - 100 Sealed - 150 Unsealed
• Senses - [150] Points - 100 Sealed - 150 Unsealed
• Energy sensory - [0] Points
• Healing Expertise - [0] Points

• [Strength of Will] {2}
• [Calm Mind] {2}
• [Martial Arts (Hakuda)] {2}
• [Pain Tolerance] {2}
• [Bleeding Tolerance] {2}
• [Memory] {2}
• [Weapons - Way of the Winding Dragon (Dual Sword Style)] {2}
• [Ho Ho] {2}

[Deleted]

It seemed Anthony’s patience was rewarded. Though Arantima didn’t initially realize his presence he’d been watching intensely. His first distraction was the sword that he’d spawned out of nowhere. For one thing Anthony was incredibly curious as to how he was pulling out that sword. He knew that there were some interesting kido but honestly he didn’t remember any basic kido that pulled out a sword from nowhere. Especially not an ornate one like the blade Arantima had created. And as if that wasn’t enough Arantima proceeded to blow Anthony’s mind further by bringing out his actual Zanpakuto Spirit. Anthony may not have been the smartest pencil but he could hazard a guess that a being like Tenryu Satsujin was anything but a random summon. Although if he was honest his current mind was simply replaying an old song in his mind at the color pattern of Arantima’s spirit. Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow…



This only lasted a few moments though as the sheer ferocity of his voice is ever present and almost made Anthony fall from the branch he was sitting on. Pissed off dragons were not normally his preference of beings to deal with, not that he’d ever met any prior anyway, so he could only hope more so than ever he wouldn’t be caught. Arantima’s commentary however made certain that this was a bit harder as just the sheer sass thrown back to the pissed off dragon was too good to be true. Anthony would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy sass off’s, truthfully they were incredible to watch. Not so much to be apart of given Anthony couldn’t even use sarcasm to victory as it’d just be used against him but watching was another matter entirely. He managed to maintain his ability to remain quiet for the most part but if he had continued on sassing his zanpakuto spirit Anthony inevitably would have been found out very quickly.



Surprises aside for once Anthony didn’t take a great deal of shock when Arantima began his sparring session, payback, to his spirit. The fact was he had made vice captain, as far as Anthony was concerned he should be at the level he was at, if not higher. So while he had previously been chuckling to himself like an elementary student he quickly shifted to rap attention keeping an eye on Arantima’s fighting style. Though his skill was impressive what caught his attention most were the techniques to deflect and then forcibly distance his opponent from him. Interesting as if his sword play wasn’t impressive enough he’s flinging this spirit back towards me, honestly I’m… WAIT HE’S SENDING IT MY WAY. SHIT. Anthony had enough time to grab ahold of the branch just as Tenryu came into contact with the tree. The shake enough wasn’t going to knock him down but the appearance of another human sized body flying his way was not something he was taking a chance on. Smokey on the other hand merely raised his head, shook it to get rid of some sleepiness and almost glared at Tenryu. The kind of glare that was questioning why he had to hit his tree of all trees. Though in all fairness Smokey didn’t nearly give half a shit enough to do anything more than return to his nap.



Anthony in the meantime decided another heart attack was in order as making eye contact with the dragon was anything but on his list of things to do today. The previously pissed off dragon that if nothing else looked more intimidating than it appeared, though in all fairness Arantima was probably just that skilled at fighting to have made him look any less terrifying. "I think we have an audience.. Hmm?" Anthony just kinda stared back uncertain what to say in this situation. Someone above must have been looking out for him though as said spirit just chose to walk away instead. So that heart attack could be dealt with at another point, now however was Arantima himself talking to him, from underneath a tree. Yes this is how a vice captain should interact with someone whose far beneath him. Via a tree. "I am sorry to say Ser that i do not rightly know who you are.. But I am Arantima Aoire-Kawada, Vice Captain of Squad Ten under Hotaru Kuchiki. A pleasure to meet you.. and this is Tenryu Satsujin.. My Zanpakuto spirit. "



Anthony didn’t even hesitate to make sure he climbed down and bowed to both mostly to hide his face momentarily and the red outlook on it. As well as any fear he had, though if he was honest his rigid body language spoke volumes already. And it took literally no amount of skill to see he was something akin to moving stone. When he stood up he spoke clearly but hesitated initially, A-a pleasure to meet you both as well Vice captain Aoire-Kawada. My names Anthony. Anthony Mortifero Kuchiki, newest member of squad 1. Not that that’s of any importance.. Ahh anyway my apologies for spying on your uh..training session?” The commentary prior didn’t really make it seem like it was but the initial martial arts definitely seemed like it was training so he wasn’t really sure what to call it honestly. What he did know however was if he didn’t just tell them why he was there and that he would leave asap he’d probably get some sort of reprimand.



How accurate that would be was up in the air but as far as Anthony knew, you don’t just waltz into a vice captains private time and expect to get away freely. His current vice captain didn’t even make time for anyone that wasn’t at least 3rd seat as far as rank, only deigning to talk to those beneath 3rd seat as necessary. Which was not often at all so from where Anthony stood his ass was over a fire second only to a captain. “Ah where are my manners I forgot to introduce my dog,” Anthony would motion to Smokey who was currently sleeping on his side. That would be my companion Smokey. Again my apologies for interrupting you both I had heard what was a small explosion earlier and came to see what it was. I could only assume it was something you had been doing prior but by the time I came around I just saw you meditating. Then you started your swordplay and I was uhh..well I was determined to watch. I thought there might be something to learn if I was quiet and didn’t interrupt.’’



As Anthony stood waiting the response from either the spirit or Arantima he focused on trying to calm himself and not bust out with his standard excuse line of, “Don’t mind me though I’ll just leave now and forget I saw anything. Wouldn’t want to interrupt any longer”. However his lips were kept tight as steel as he didn’t really feel like he could wiggle his way out of this interaction, not to mention neither had yet gotten onto him but he wasn’t expecting anything less if he was honest. Without Smokey to reach to and distract his mind from it’s current shit fest of random thoughts he instead decided to let his left hand hold onto his gladius which was at his side. Though he didn’t fully know why the fact that it was an ancient roman weapon brought a certain peace for him. Like a reminder of a time long past but at this point it didn’t matter why it did. He just needed to remind himself he had something familiar in this moment of abnormality. Hopefully his luck would hold out and he’d just be told to leave. He could stand to have the earth swallow him currently so leaving was something he was almost praying for.

[Arantima Kawada]

Arantima Smiled as he listened to the Younger Shinigami Speaking, then he looked askance at him when he introduced himself as a Kuchiki. He Just chuckles and waves his hand to the side Silently Sending Tenryu behind himself as he listens more. He Smiles down towards Smokey and bows Slightly at the waist towards the Dog before returning his attention towards Anthony.  ""Well, Your companion is definitely interesting to say the least. You don't see many dog owners in the Seireitei, They are a thing I missed from my days in Mongolia." He looks back up towards Anthony and makes a questioning expression towards him "You say you are a Kuchiki? My Squad Captain is Hotaru Masurao-Kuchiki. It is nice to meet another member of the house, Thus far I've met Hotaru, and Kyomei and now yourself. I myself am a Member of the Kawada family, I understand if that does not mean much.. The family has not done much of note.. I plan to change that."

He Gestures behind himself towards Tenryu and nods to Anthony with a chuckle "Yes Explosions and me are often Assumed to be correlated. I am known for having destroyed the entire Squad 10 Training grounds once, but that was back when i could not fully control myself." He looks back around the area that they are in and smirks towards Anthony before gesturing for him to come down from the tree. "Why don't you come down from there so we can talk more easily? I was training yes, however it is known among my own squad and I extend this to every Shinigami.. My Training can always be joined by others. It is good that you had the idea to try and pick something up through watching but I find it is much more applicable to learn through doing however?"

He looked Back over towards Tenryu and Thought for a moment before chuckling "You should Return to the inner world I think hmm?" He Taps Tenryu with the Tip of his Zanpakuto and Tenryu absorbs back into his zanpakuto in a wisp of golden light.  He Grasps The Second Sword he had created and twirls them around before holding both of them in his left hand and Bowing down low towards Anthony  before flipping his head up, his long golden hair cascading back to splay around his back as he locks his grey yet passion filled eyes with Anthony's. "Every single Kuchiki I have ever met has been So much more powerful than me on a different scale of power..  Not just physically, not just spiritually I mean their souls..  Their souls were so much more sturdy and stronger than mine. Yours, on the other hand is closer to mine, I would like to test you..  But I can not release without Hotaru nearby while I am within the Seireitei walls."

Tima raises back up to stand straight and holds both of his swords in a backhanded stance, low to the ground with his knees bent. His Right hand knuckles pointed towards Anthony with his left hand out behind him mirroring the pose. His hair whips softly in a breeze that Anthony cannot feel yet he can see it as if the air is always drawn towards Arantima's body. He Stands there unwavering in his resolve and yet welcoming he does not seek to threaten Anthony but show that he is ready for the advance. Arantima does not feel physically imposing, Nor does he look it, yet theree is something about him that says he has trained with demons and monsters and been built into what is standing before Anthony.  There is also another air about the man, a Desire to train and yet learn at the same time.

[Deleted]

The record player that was Anthony’s mind stopped mid track and his expression showed it. Arantima was an odd ball to be certain. From the way he spoke to the way he showed respect which honestly Anthony wasn’t deserving of. Hell he even showed respect to his canine companion who’d currently be sleeping underneath the tree he just jumped down from. Let's not even start the talk about how Anthony’s soul was. That one comment threw him for a loop and put Anthony on the defensive. He wasn’t certain what all Arantima could do but he had an inherent fear of others peering into or messing with his soul. To have a comment made that his was unstable and weaker than what he’s faced was. . . disturbing in a way.

Still there was something to be said for the look in his eyes, Anthony dared not turn down his offer lest he regret having missed an opportunity. What it held he didn’t know but he knew that with this one as a vice captain he could stand to learn a good deal about the level a vice captain was at. The bar he was aiming for given he wanted to become squad 1’s vice captain. In a way, Anthony couldn’t refuse if he truly wanted what he labelled as his goal so with a nod he simply walked towards Arantima, stood about 30 feet away and pulled out his gladius. He doubted that would throw the other off but it would certainly be an interesting point to note that he held an ancient weapon instead of the standard katana. Let alone that the appearance of it was more akin to ebony steel. The handle, hilt and even the blade were considerably darker than what normal steel looked like. The mahogany wood used for his sheath as well as part of the handle only making that ebony steel look darker.

Anthony’s stance was fairly simple. Standing but with a slight bend in his knee’s to allow him to move forward or backward as necessary and specifically with his left foot in front of the other. His right hand held his blade while his other was free and laid at his side, limp. A show that he was uncertain of what to really do with it given he hadn’t a weapon or any training in a martial arts. In truth he was basically just doing what he thought was right as far as a stance went. Enough to move, with less area for his opponent to hit given he was turned to the side some, but still had enough reach to swing at his opponent. Aside from his clear lack of real knowledge on a good stance he at least held his sword firmly and had a comfortable look to him about it. Anthony’s remaining body posture however compared to Tima’s pretty easily showed his lack of confidence. His eyes didn’t burn with a determination for his goal. He didn’t look like was thinking about how Arantima would fight instead giving off the vibe of “I just need to last long enough against him.”

He stayed in his “stance” as he spoke towards Arantima, his voice yet again showing he was at least somewhat uncomfortable in this situation. “I appreciate the offer to allow me to train with you Arantima, or Aoire-Kawada. Sorry I should have asked what you prefer to be called by. I. . . only hope I can keep up with the other Kuchiki. I certainly have some big shoes to fill heh. Here’s hoping this will be enjoyable for the both of us.” The central bit was spoken more quietly than he’d intended but that was due to Anthony’s mind trailing into some of his inner frustrations. Though the last part was genuine and spoken clearly it probably came off as disingenuine despite his best efforts to be appreciative. To at least alleviate this a bti he starting pushing the little voices in his head to the back of his mind. He didn’t need them now and after a deep breath refocused his attention on Arantima. The first move would be his as Anthony wasn’t confident enough to take the first action in this.

[Deleted]

29 Paragraphs means 140 CTP to both participants.