Growth of Character [JT]

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

After taking a period of reflection, resting, and recently obtaining her new position as Captain of the Eighth division, she had laid under the radar, deciding to keep her position far more discreet. However, after the events of her past reflections, she had decided that now would be a good time for discussion with her fellow captains, to understand them as individuals, as well as potentially discuss how divisions could begin coinciding to improve the defense of their home, as well as the denizens within it. So was the ideal.

What better start than with the tenth division? The division that was most responsible for defense. The meeting so she would imagine would be a very political one in a way. Though, she couldn't help but wonder what kind of reputation's been spreading around about her. After all, how would one react to seeing a girl, just a hint taller than five foot walking onto the grounds of the tenth division. If it was just short, sure, that would be understandable. However, she wore a uniform that seemed ill fitting, perhaps a size too big, like a pair of hand me down clothes, with a sword that was as tall as she was. 

Coupled with Senshi's youthful appearance, and someone might mistaken her for a child playing dress up as opposed to a division captain. She was lithe, petite, and unfortunately, for her age, she lacked the "assets" that would make her seem more attractive, much to her chagrin. However, she'd have sent a letter in advance, and hopefully, it would be well received. Then again, people seemed to refer to her as the "IRS" of Seireitei. One might wonder if someone would feel uneasy receiving a letter requesting an audience from them.

The letter was as worded albeit in slightly messy writing, 



"To Captain Shindazu of the Tenth Division,

I cordially request an audience with you when you are available to receive me as a guest at the Barracks of the Tenth Division. I wish to see the status and quality of its holdings and its operation in order to help guide me in making important decisions regarding funding distribution across the Gotei Thirteen. While normally, lower officers would make this visit, I have found with my ascension of rank, I would like to perform this task personally. 

Sometime next week would be ideal, and I will arrive early morning, here to make a number of assessments.

Signed,

Captain of the Eighth Division. Odayakama Senshi."

The letter would have the official stamp of their division. So, as Senshi arrived in the early morning, as the sun had yet to rise high in the sky, she observed the outer area, to see how much damages it may have sustained in the past invasion, and had full intention on observing just how the squad conducted itself. To avoid any biases, she had come dressed in a plain black Shihakusho, with no badge nor proper captain's robes. So, assuming one was looking for her, they might have seen what seemed to be a small Shinigami child looking about the perimeter, poking her head in and out as she looked at the buildings and walls.

[Celes Shindazu]

Today was a long and quiet evening for Celes. While the Captain of the Tenth Division would normally be found training in the halls and grounds of the Tenth Division Barracks, she decided to take the next couple days to relax and tend to her other duties. One of these was paperwork. Notoriously boring especially without the aid of an official Vice Captain, Celes found herself at the mercy of what seemed like endless tacks of paperwork. She was certainly determined. As hour after hour passed, the stacks of paperwork did not even seem to decrease. With a sigh she leaned back into her chair as the Shinigami would simply rub her temples. This was becoming tiring. 

The lower-ranking officers in her division had been given a number of duties. The most important of which were maintaining the tidiness and cleanliness of the barracks. Celes simply leaned over half of her desk as she picked up an envelope. She decided to go over it one more time. Bearing the mark of the Eighth Division, Celes knew that this was an official letter from the Eighth Division Captain herself, Senshi Odayakama. Her eyes scanned over the entire letter once more to see if there was any other reason for her visiting. It claimed that the Captain herself would be coming by to discuss funding of the divisions and that the Tenth Division was next in line. 

Having received this letter nearly a week ago, Celes was eager to try and get the Barracks in tip top shape. Thankfully this would not be a very arduous task as Celes tried to prioritize cleanliness as best she could. Naturally this made the overall task simple as a few members of the Division were simply recalled to scrub the floors, pick up any wayward trash and in general just make the Barracks look presentable. Celes did not stress too much. Her duty was to defend the Seireitei after all. She would prioritize that, but a meeting with the Captain of the financial division was rather significant. Hence why the Captain recalled some of her troops to tend to these menial tasks. 

In the meantime, Celes tried to think of what she knew of the Captain of the Eighth Division. She was sad to claim that she knew very little. Even as a Vice Captain, Celes spent very little time networking and meeting her fellow Vice Captains. She never had a connection with her Captain as she had mysteriously vanished one day. Celes was going to change this now that she was a Captain. She wanted to network. After all, she was in charge of the primary defenses of the Seireitei. They stood watch regularly to assess and neutralize threats that appeared in the Seireitei and even the greater Soul Society as a whole. Celes prided herself on their effectiveness. Unfortunately it made life boring.

Sure there were the occasional attacks that would slip through into the Rukongai. Those would be dealt with rather quickly. Speaking of which, Celes had heard rumors of the Twelfth Division using their expertise to develop defenses that could help protect the Seireitei further. Perhaps that was worth following up on. Regardless, right now she had to try and get this paperwork out of the way. A few more hours would pass, however and Celes would find herself closing her eyes as she drifted every now and then. Eliciting a yawn, she felt that it was time to call it a night. Tomorrow was the meeting with Senshi after all. She should be rested.

---

The sun shone beautifully as Celes woke up to first mornings' light. Rising from her couch in her office in which she fallen asleep, the Shinigami stretched. A few cracks later and she would find herself in working condition. Or at least functioning. She sighed a little as she moved to put on her haori. She had to admit that wearing the haori was certainly a negative to the job for her. Sure it drew a distinction between herself and the other lower-ranking officers, but she felt that it created natural biases. Others would react completely differently when the sight of a haori came into play. Something about it rubbed Celes the wrong way despite understanding why.  

Before opening the doors to her office, Celes took her sheathed Zanpakutou and carefully slid them to her side as they remained attached to her Shihakusho. Sighing for a moment, she slid the door open and walked through it before moving on to the outer grounds of the Tenth Division. As the sun shone on her it took her eyes a little bit to adjust. The grounds had been cleared off and restored to pristine condition. Celes actually liked the look of the training grounds normally. Traditionally they had many marks of battle strewn across them. This really sold the idea that they were a combative Division. For today, however, they would maintain good appearances. 

This is when her eyes would descend upon a peculiar form. A Shinigami wearing a plain Shihakusho with beautiful crimson hair. Celes chuckled a little. Wasn't Senshi supposed to arrive for a meeting today? Could this...be Senshi? Celes was not sure. After all she did not wear her haori. Regardless, Celes knew well what her own haori invoked in others. Perhaps this was all to reduce anxiety? Not necessarily of herself, but of her Division? If so then that would be a rather sweet sentiment of the Captain. Celes began to make her way towards the notably shorter woman. Celes could not put her finger on it, but this woman certainly felt strong. Seasoned. 

The Captain of the Tenth Division would approach her quite closely as she spoke in a rather kind and motherly tone. "The Captain of the Eighth Division was supposed to meet with me today. I assume that this would be you?" Assuming that Senshi offered the sentiment that this was the case then Celes would give a rather polite bow. Her stance and demeanor would already give her the distinction of a warrior with etiquette. She would continue with an equally calm tone. "It is truly an honor to welcome you to the Tenth Division, Captain Odayakama. As you may well know I am Captain Shindazu. As we are fellow Captains you can simply call me Celes." Celes paused for a moment as she chuckled. "Your letter mentioned wanting to observe the condition of the Division and its operation. How do you wish to proceed?" 

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

When approached, Senshi had turned herself to gaze upon Celes Shindazu.  The captain of the tenth division. What she was most surprised by was the fact that the captain had seen almost immediately through her gesture, her limited disguise. "H-Hai. I-It really isn't an honor. Ehehe...I-It's more of an honor to meet you." She responds in a shy manner, closing her eyes as she rubs the back of her head with her right arm, her sword held in hand by the scabbard as she seems to use it like a walking stick or staff. She bows her head in return, and with it, she pauses.

"Well...I wanted to see how your division functions, how they live on a day to day basis, and with it, assess their current abilities. I remember the last great invasion of Seireitei by Kuroi all too well, and with it, I remember the many Shinigami lost in that attack, if not personally to Kuroi, then to his many soldiers. That's the primary concern. I need to determine the fighting skill of those that we'd call the first line of defense." Looking at her with shining blue eyes, with the breeze of wind, she might have seen Senshi's left sleeve flap lightly in the wind.

"Not all of us are great warriors, nor have the potential to be. You see, the devastation of the fourth division was incredible during the last great conflict. The only medics left were but a handful, as well as the ones that returned from the field. I've decided from there, I would need to dedicate a considerable amount of funding to repair their equipment, as well as ensure their members are trained right away. Without them, as a foundation to fall back on, our wounded are inconsolable." She remembered the death of Captain Lorelei, as well as being a casualty herself in those battles.

The devastation was immense. She seemed to shyly shuffle her left foot back and forth along the ground as she slowly glances at the floor before looking back upwards. "I don't want you to think this meeting is simply business. I want to get to know my peers also. So. Please take good care of me." Her cheeks flush a light shade of pink as she says such, and with it, she glances onwards. 

"They say you're a skilled fighter. As I'm here to assess the strength of the tenth division, would you mind showing me your skill? A spar perhaps? I'm...not a great warrior, but if you'd humor me, I'd be honored. Celes-Taicho." Whether Senshi was showing humility, or if she was being honest, it didn't really matter. The offer had been made, and it was too late for the small redhead to back out after tossing up the offer. After all, what was a Squad if not defined by its command? 

[Celes Shindazu]

As Celes studied the Captain of the Eighth Division, she would be surprised by the Captain's own response to her admiration.  "H-Hai. I-It really isn't an honor. Ehehe...I-It's more of an honor to meet you." As Senshi seemed to be shy and apprehensive which was noticeable even in the way she presented her words. Admittedly this worried Celes. As she continued to study Senshi she noticed the way that the Captain was gripping her scabbard. It was more akin to a walking stick. This made Celes think. Was she injured? What was her history? Celes would be fascinated to inquire though she knew well the scars that injury could leave. Not just physical. Scars to pride. 

Regardless of her personal feelings or even her interpretations of Senshi's past, Celes would offer a smile. Senshi proceeded to answer her question about their purpose here.  "Well...I wanted to see how your division functions, how they live on a day to day basis, and with it, assess their current abilities. I remember the last great invasion of Seireitei by Kuroi all too well, and with it, I remember the many Shinigami lost in that attack, if not personally to Kuroi, then to his many soldiers. That's the primary concern. I need to determine the fighting skill of those that we'd call the first line of defense." Celes chuckled and nodded as she considered what Senshi was saying.

In truth she knew very little of the invasion that Senshi was referring to. She did not need to. She knew war well, however. The loss of life that accompanied it. Celes frowned for a little before returning to a smile. "To determine the fighting skill of my Division?" Celes chuckled for a moment as Senshi continued. "Not all of us are great warriors, nor have the potential to be. You see, the devastation of the fourth division was incredible during the last great conflict. The only medics left were but a handful, as well as the ones that returned from the field. I've decided from there, I would need to dedicate a considerable amount of funding to repair their equipment, as well as ensure their members are trained right away. Without them, as a foundation to fall back on, our wounded are inconsolable."

The Shinigami nodded as Senshi seemed to offer a sentiment.  "I don't want you to think this meeting is simply business. I want to get to know my peers also. So. Please take good care of me." This is something that Celes could certainly relate to. Her smile persisted. "Well. I am happy to hear that you view this as an opportunity to form a relationship with peers. I view each and every member of this Division as family. While you may not be of ours, rest assured that you shall be offered the same respect." Celes wished to make Senshi feel welcomed. Warm. After all this is how she viewed all of her fellow Shinigami. The Tenth simply received most of it due to proximity and exposure. 

Despite all of this it was Senshi's latest comment that certainly intrigued Celes.  "They say you're a skilled fighter. As I'm here to assess the strength of the tenth division, would you mind showing me your skill? A spar perhaps? I'm...not a great warrior, but if you'd humor me, I'd be honored. Celes-Taicho." The Captain blinked momentarily. She was being challenged to a duel by her peer? This was certainly becoming interesting. Though she had claimed that she was not some great warrior. Even this made Celes frown. Sure, the Captain was an expert at Hakuda. A natural example of martial prowess. Despite that she recognized the value of the other forms of combat.

Celes smiled as she placed her hand onto Senshi's shoulder. "Well. It would certainly be an insult to you if I were to deny your request. You say you are not a great warrior, but I would question that notion. You are a Captain. Just like myself. I am well-versed in both Hakuda and weaponry. Despite that I am pitiful at Kido. Most may declare that I am not a true Shinigami for I have turned my back on Kido. Yet I am still a Captain. I have made it this far. There is value in being humble. Yet lack of confidence can be just as destructive as arrogance. Though how do you wish to proceed with this demonstration? Simply a battle of blades? Should all of our skills be tested?" Celes simply smiled further as she waited to see how Senshi wished to proceed with this. 

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

To be given the same respect as someone akin to family was another thing Senshi was foreign of. Senshi hadn't felt any semblance of kinship or family in...what seemed to be a small eternity. When she was offered it, there was a slight rise in Senshi's eyes, those big blue orbs looking at Celes with a sense of incredulity perhaps for a moment or two. However, that was all she would display as she seems to keep her gaze glued onto her then. Especially when the challenge was accepted. After all, it wasn't every day a bout of captains arose.

"It wouldn't be an accurate measure of skill and ability if we didn't test everything." She spoke truthfully, and with it, she lightly shifts her weight onto the pale of her right foot, seemingly musing before she nods her head. "Let's begin softly, and steadily increase intensity." She speaks with a sense of clearness, and with it, she does awkwardly rub the back of her head with her hand.

"Please...do forgive me. I don't have much pride in my skills. Though. I suppose they are good enough to get me where I am." Looking to head inside, to find some arena if any for the two of them to combat themselves amongst a sandy ground, perhaps littered with training targets and outlines, Senshi stands on the opposite end of the arena. However, with a flick of her wrist, her long blade rises from the scabbard, flipping once in the air before landing firmly in Senshi's grasp. 

The long blade would then rest along the ground, in which the redhead takes a deep breath, and then relaxes herself. She lets herself fall into a state of emptiness, this familiar sensation as the world seems to go black as she gazes forwards and only forwards towards her opponent, her left leg lightly sliding back as she enters stance. It seemed almost comical, to see a girl wielding a blade that was almost as large as she was with one arm. However, it was then that she pressed forward, dashing at around the speed of a normal human. After all.

This was a bout to test one's skills. One's ability. Assuming she wasn't interrupted in her approach, she slashes down vertically, overhead, leaning into the strike and entering a crouch as she aims to slide her Zanpakutou down the length of the blade, creating a scratching sound and the ringing of steel as she uses her smaller stature, attempting to finesse the blade down towards the guard before breaking the clash. Now in this clash of skill, blade on blade, it was time to begin. 

[Celes Shindazu]

Celes patiently awaited the terms of the spar. She would stand relaxed and calm, but deep down she was excited. This was an incredible chance to test her skills among upper echelons of the Soul Society. A fellow Captain. Though aspects of the situation also rubbed her the wrong way. Namely Senshi. The Captain of the Tenth Division had a reputation for being a fierce physical combatant, but she also possessed a great deal of pride in her own abilities. She needed to be sure of herself. To portray it was to elicit trust and morale within her Division. She cared for each and every one of them and sometimes she would  need to ask them to put their life on the line. How could they do this unless they trusted the their Captain?

Regardless of her own thoughts on this, Celes finally got an answer to her question. "It wouldn't be an accurate measure of skill and ability if we didn't test everything. Let's begin softly, and steadily increase intensity." After the Captain's explanations of her expectations, Celes continued to wait and listen for any additional comment. After all, she had tried to raise a flame within Senshi. One that would ignite her will and allow her to see that she was not as weak as she claimed to be. Celes would eventually get a fragment of this  "Please...do forgive me. I don't have much pride in my skills. Though. I suppose they are good enough to get me where I am."

The Captain of the Primary Defense Squad simply chuckled. Her stance continued to remain relaxed. She needed to be ready for any first strike against her. Her blood would pump furiously through her artery to every part of her body. Meanwhile, Celes noticed that Senshi was seemingly preparing for combat. Celes would be impressed to say the least. With a simple gesture, Senshi's blade began to spin in the air as it reached its peak only to fall towards the Shinigami. With excellent hand-eye coordination, the Captain caught her own sword as the blade slid along the ground. Admittedly Celes chuckled when comparing the size of the blade to the size of her opponent. 

Soon her demeanor would change as Celes primed herself for combat as well. Among her peers, Celes was one of few Shinigami that wielded twin Zanpakutou. Rarely did she use her two blades unless she was fighting for survival. As this was not the case, Celes slowly drew her blade from its sheath. The silver blade shone under the sun before the Shinigami expertly rotated the handle within her hand. She would then proceed to thrust one of her twin blades into the ground. Diving into the cool and soft dirt below, the Captain breathed out calmly. She would slide her right foot forward as she took a slight crouching stance. Her hands rose before her slowly as she was now ready to go.

As a physical fighter, Celes had a predominant expertise in the form of Hakuda. Not only that, but she had studied Baguazang for several years which allowed her to more than hold her own in melee combat without a blade. Celes had respect for Senshi, but she would by no means make it easy for her opponent. She wanted to see all that Celes was capable of and that she would. She would start by utilizing Hakuda against the Captain, but would slowly ramp up as she wanted. The air between them remained still. Not a sound erupted from either one of them. That was until Senshi decided to make the first move. Celes was ready. She would be prepared for anything that Senshi would throw at her.

As Celes became hyper focused on Senshi, she was met with some level of disappointment. Celes was a physical threat, possessing agility that outperformed most of her peers so when Senshi began to move towards the Shinigami, her speed appeared sluggish. Only moving at the speed of an average human, Celes blinked. Her movements seemed so slow to the blur that was Celes. She would not judge, however. Senshi wanted to start small so they would start small. Celes began to hop from side to side slowly as she was priming herself for the attack. Assuming that Senshi was prepared to continue with the overhead slash, Celes would wait till the last possible moment. 

She would use her own speed, moving at a leisurely speed of 100. This would likely be enough to allow Celes to jet to the side of her opponent. Of course if Senshi's attack continued to fall upon Celes' last position, then the Captain would have left herself wide open. If this was the case, Celes was sure to take advantage of this. Using her speed of 100, Celes moved deeper into the personal space of her opponent. Assuming she was right up against Senshi, Celes used her foot first. Continuing at a speed of 150, Celes would it with a strength of 100 to try and sweep Senshi off of her feet. Targeting her ankle, she would attempt to disrupt her opponents balance.

If she was successful, the force alone would likely raise Senshi into the air right before Celes, leaving the Captain suspended horizontally in midair. If she had gotten to this point, Celes would utilize her next attack though it would be far from her true strength. Using a fraction of it, she would attempt to hit Senshi in the stomach with a strength of 100, likely pushing her away with a woozy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Of course if she was successful, Celes would give her a few moments to recover. She would continue to stay light on her feet, awaiting the next attack of Senshi. She would smile a little at her opponent, displaying her enjoyment of the spar thus far regardless of whether she succeeded or not in her onslaught. 

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Senshi was by no means a martial artist. She had learned it briefly before, but realized that the disparity between her constitution and those she faced would make such investment in such a skill worth...less. Not worthless, but worth less. Senshi wanted to take it slow, ramp it up, and indeed, Celes did wonderfully in ramping up the pressure. As Senshi swung downward with her blade, her eyes sharply could see her opponent sidestepping, and closing in. It was indeed one of the major weaknesses of a person such as Senshi.

With a blade as large as this, as well as with but one arm, if often left her defense halved, seemingly weaker. As Senshi is tripped up, she tumbles forward, the tip of her blade embedding into the ground, and with it, her momentum is disrupted. As Senshi falls forward however, her grasp along her blade slacks, and with it, as the fist comes for the smaller Shinigami's stomach, Senshi wordlessly casts the spell Seki. Celes' fist would collide with a small orange shield, and with it, the spell shatters apart in its brittle nature.

However, it would not only repulse Celes' fist, but fill her with a slight lock of paralysis, her entire body locking from the effects of this spell, her fist physically repulsed away from the redheaded Captain as she falls to the ground and enters a roll to reduce the fall, and to enter a swift crouch. To take advantage of the moment, Senshi decides to release her lower level spells as she speaks forth. "Bakudo no Yon: Hainawa!" A rope shoots from Senshi's fingertip, and with her mastery, she selectively manipulates it in such a way that the golden rope shoots for Celes' numbed arm, as well as the leg on the same side and binds them together, tying it tight and taut towards one another.

With this rope attached then, the small redhead extends a finger along the rope connected to her hand. "Hado no Ichi: Sho!" The key was to never let Celes fully adapt to the situation, rush her with odd sensation and movement while Senshi used minimal movement. With the sudden pushing tug along the rope, Senshi looks to also sweep Celes off her feet, causing her to be knocked off balance and onto her back in a pseudo hogtie. If successful, the redhead rises to her feet and steps forth to grasp her Zanpakutou as the rope disconnects from her hand, leaving Celes in a state of pseudo bind.

If there was any indication of Senshi's Kido? It was strong. The spiritual power behind it was powerful, and it showed where Senshi's skill truly stood. That, and it showed she had some creative uses on it, though one might wonder how skilled she may have been when she had both arms as opposed to just the one. There was no need for dialogue here, this was a meeting between two warriors trying to best one another, and it seemed Senshi was truly getting serious. 

[Celes Shindazu]

Celes prepared her relentless onslaught upon the Shinigami. First she sidestepped effortlessly to avoid the strike. Moving in, she was successful in disrupting Senshi's balance. As she moved in for her strike, the Captain foolishly believed that Senshi was at her mercy. It's the reason that she held back. She was not prepared to punch a hole though her fellow Captain, but she could not go easy on her either. Unfortunately for Celes, it didn't matter. The munchkin of a Captain erected a shield. One that Celes was not able to see. This left her careening into the barrier with her fist. She could feel the moment of contact yet it did not hurt. No, instead Celes felt a counterforce.

The force itself pushed against the Shinigami's hand as she felt what was akin to an electrical surge rise up her arm. As she tried to pull away, she felt her skin twitch. Her arm was largely unresponsive as she tried to will it to move. It would remain there...motionless as Senshi prepared her next set of Kido. Already in Celes' mind she cursed her own ignorance and stupidity. She should have expected the use of Kido though what was about to happen next was something that Celes had never really seen. Her numb arm suddenly willed itself to life, but not by the Captain's own doing. Instead she felt a force tug at her arm. This was around the same time that the Shinigami heard Senshi call out, "Bakudo no Yon: Hainawa!" 

The Captain of the Tenth Division had once dabbled in Kido. Even now she knew a bit about the magical art of the Shinigami. Unfortunately most of this knowledge revolved around Hado which both Camila and the Akki, Orobas, seemed to favor. Among them she knew Hado #33, Sōkatsui and Hado #90, Kurohitsugi the best. Two extremely destructive Hado, one of which Celes had encountered many times. Bakudo was where Celes' experience halted and while she appreciated the opportunity to learn more about them, she did not welcome the coming feeling. The woman's leg suddenly jolted up as it made contact with her numb arm. Suddenly her arm and leg would be linked by a spiritual rope. This alone was a nuisance, but it seemed that Senshi was nowhere near done. 

The Shinigami called out once more. "Hado no Ichi: Sho!" Once again, Celes' mind raced as she felt a sudden force. A push of spiritual energy bombarding her. Together with the tug of rope on her leg, the normally stable Shinigami lost her footing and hit the ground with a thud. A groan erupted from her lips as she blew a strand of hair to the side that was now hanging before her eyes. While she lay there, the binding that kept Celes' leg and arm immobilized lingered. Thankfully the numbing of her arm dissipated though the Captain's pride had taken a bit of a blow. If this was an actual fight, Celes may have found herself passing on into another life.

She would be at Senshi's mercy though she could not give up yet. She began to push against her binding. She would start out small, curious to see the durability of this rope. Starting at 200, she struggled against it. Her leg and arm did not even budge an inch. Once more, she would apply more pressure. This time an impressive strength of 500. Once more, the bindings did not break, but Celes could feel a small twitch. Able to withstand Celes' monstrous strength even now was simply impressive. It seemed that she would have to kick it up yet another notch. A strength of 750 elicited far more movement in the form of limited range of motion. 

As Senshi retrieved her blade, Celes decided to see if this rope of hers could withstand her full strength. She breathed out calmly as she began to strain. She applied as much physical force that her body could muster. Suddenly she began to hear tears. Those tears would soon become snaps. Within mere moments, the rope that bound Celes' limbs would disappear into a mist of reiatsu as it dissipated. Celes attempted to catch her breath for a second after that strain. For a simple Kido to possess such strength spoke of Senshi's abilities. She was a rather gifted Kido user and Celes recognized this. Despite this, she felt that she now needed to pay the little one back. 

Rising to her feet, she hopped a little into the air to give herself a bit of a spring in her step. She sighed and winked at Senshi. As she finished her wink, the Captain would suddenly disappear. The movement that Celes used would likely be easily mistaken for a Shunpo, but it was not even Hoho. Celes' expertise lied in Hakuda. The martial art of the Shinigami. She would demonstrate this expertise now. Unlike a Shunpo, this little trick of hers allowed for more tactics in melee combat. Traveling at a speed of 1500, it was weaker than Shunpo in raw speed, but allowed for much more diversity from a fighter like Celes.  This movement was known as the Shukuchi-Ho. 

Using the Shukuchi-Ho, Celes used the first step to arrive on Senshi's side where she was most vulnerable. Celes hated to fight like this, but she had little time to waste. Suddenly, Celes let out a rather weak hit towards Senshi. The actual strike would be backed with a strength of 50, but erupted outward with a blurring speed of 625. Celes began channeling reiatsu through her fist and thinning it out. Assuming that the, at first glance, weak hit connected with Senshi, something would feel off. Wasting little time, Celes would use the second step of Shukuchi-Ho to maneuver around Senshi's frame to her backside. Once again, a weak hit at incredible speed as the limb itself became shrouded in a thin layer of reiatsu. After attempting to deliver her two strikes, Celes kicked backward to create several dozen feet of distance between herself and Senshi.

Assuming that Senshi was struck by the weak blows, she would likely feel weakened. The reiatsu shrouding her fists, if connected, dug into Senshi's very soul. Like starving hounds they would bite into Senshi's soul, inducing nausea and general weakness. More than this, Senshi would then feel her very being weaken. The strength of reiatsu...the integrity of her muscles...her very senses. All of them would diminish as the effects of Celes' little technique took root assuming that she had made her mark. This devious technique was a pinnacle of the Greater Wild Arts. Spirit Fang was the techniques name and it has one purposes. To bring the strong low. Whether or not Senshi was afflicted by the malady, Celes began to hop from side to side as she raised her fists and grinned. "You truly are an excellent combatant Senshi. Cunning. Resourceful. Gifted at Kido. I can see why you were chosen as a Captain.." The Shinigami just wanted to offer words of encouragement to boost her opponents morale. Sure it was a spar, but Celes felt it was deeper than that. This was a chance for Senshi to prove herself to another and Celes would happily give her the oppurtunity.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shukuchi-Ho}Technique Name: Shukuchi-Ho (Reduced Earth Steps)

Class: 3

Technique Type: Hakuda

Technique Element: None.

Description: The user makes use of his innate speed to move flawlessly. From a standing stance, or from any resting position, the first step that the user does becomes an illusion, moving quickly than the eye can see. This technique gives the user a short burst of speed to move and invade an opponent's personal space, and engage in hand to hand combat, or to weave in and out of an opponent's attack. This move triples normal speed for each step, and uses no reiatsu.

How to use: The user simply channels reiatsu around his feet instead of gathering spirit particles as what Shunpo or Sonido does.

Drawback(s): Shukuchi-Ho requires its user to have at least a base SPEED of 400 points, and is versed in Hakuda (meaning the character must be very knowledgeable in the shinigami art of hand-to-hand fighting). Also, the technique can only be used if the opponent is within 10 meters of the user. If the opponent is too far, the technique cannot be used. A maximum of 2 steps per post can only be done using Shukuchi-Ho, nothing more, nothing less. Note that Shukuchi-Ho is by no means superior to Shunpo or Sonido.

Made By: Kousaru Mugenryu

Reserved: [Captains and Zero Division Shinigami Only]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Taibu Gigei Mikon: Konjou Shikon}Technique Name: Taibu Gigei Mikon: Konjou Shikon [Greater Wild Arts: Spirit Fang]

Class: 2

Technique Type: Other

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects:

“There is always someone stronger” is a saying that few take to heart, but from that understanding came a technique that would weaken those who are strong and bring them down to the user's level. The Soul Fang literally delves into the target’s soul, no longer just tearing at it but ripping it apart and weakening the foe. This is a slight alteration to standard Reiatsu, a thinned-out and distilled version that passes through and does not damage solid matter. However, when these fangs tear into a target, it is easy to tell; weakness and dizziness overcome a target on the first hit, and subsequent hits only make it worse.

This technique, on a successful hit, lowers the target’s stats by 10% of their original amount after Type changes. 5% is recovered every three posts, or after an extended rest. This effect also stacks with itself.

How to use technique: The user surrounds the weapon or limb that they are using to strike with Reiatsu, but then allow that Reiatsu to disperse and thin out. Then they attack physically, striking at the opponent’s body, letting the Reiatsu tear through their spirit.

Drawback: This technique can only be used twice per post, successful or not. It can also be blocked by defending against the attacking weapon or limb; though the Reiatsu that is used to bite into the enemy's spirit is insubstantial, the weapon or limb is not.

Requirements: This requires a 3 in Hakuda along with a 3 in any weapon that the user chooses to make use of with this technique.

Made by: [Zeich Yajuu]

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Celes moved at speeds that were great, incredibly fast. However, if there was one thing Senshi was well accustomed to, it was Shinigami that moved faster than she did. That was an inevitable thing. That, and as someone who has experiences the problems of being disabled as she was, she too had learned how to fight those that would take advantage of such. After all, it only made sense to target the area where someone seemed weakest. Still, the speed was blurring. However, moving as fast as Celes did?

Dust kicked rapidly where she once was, and it was still very fast. As the fist comes lurching towards the small redhead, she utilizes her own Shunpo, to blur, her eyes widened and her instincts the sharpest they've ever been, just barely out of Celes' reach. However, she would reappear just a couple feet before her, beginning to now up her speed to its fullest at around 350. Utilizing her large sleeves to hide her hand movements, she steps inwards, her arm lightly twisting with the blade rising upwards from along the ground, seemingly looking to slash towards her upper body and face.

However, this was in fact, a feint. Senshi's movements were calculated, thought ahead. When utilizing the Sho from before, she had disturbed the ground, the dirt and otherwise somewhat sandy dusty floor outside the barracks. Her blade when rising in fact would be more so used to sweep up and attempt to throw a bit of that disturbed dust into Celes' face and eyes, stopping short of slicing Celes as Senshi herself then enters her own sidestep whilst leaning closer, attempting to rest her Zanpakutou just along Celes' right shoulder, the blunted side pressing against the cloth.

Celes might have talent and skill as a martial artist, and as a result realized how people's bodies might move, their motions and stances far better. However, Senshi's swordplay was just as refined. It was incredibly elegant, finessed, and despite their differences in skill was just as refined as her Kido was. It showed Senshi was very perceptive and aware of her own weaknesses. Readjusting the grip on her Zanpakutou, she seemed to be a far different person when it came to battle, a deep seriousness on her face. Calm.

"...My blood is pumping." She calls out, and with it, she felt in a sense alive, wanting to further press this. Further see what Celes had to offer, her full strength and power, instead of the woman pushing back on her. "Shindazu Taicho...please. Push me more." She calls out, and with it, Senshi's Reiatsu begins to flare. For a moment, Senshi wasn't at the barracks of squad ten, sparring off against a fellow captain. For a moment, she found herself in calm nothingness. For Senshi, this had become a battle. 

[Celes Shindazu]

Celes had to admit. She did not like using this technique. Konjou Shikon was the type of technique that did not merely lash at the victim's physical form. Their very spirit would fall prey to its fang as well. To weaken the spirit itself was a traumatizing experience. Or at least that is what Celes thought. This scenario was unique, however. Normally Celes dared not use such tactics against a fellow Shinigami, but she could tell at a glance that Senshi wanted to see what Celes was capable of. To see in whose hands the safety of the Soul Society rested. As such Celes could not hold back. No. She needed to show that Senshi among others could trust her skills as Captain of the Primary Defense Divison.

Though as Celes came in with the strike, ready to weaken her fellow Captain, Celes was relieved to note that she had hit nothing, but air. Dust kicking up accompanied by that familiar whoosh instantly made Celes aware that the Captain had utilized a Shunpo. Now this was truly getting interesting. It did not take much for Celes, a physical powerhouse, to tell that Senshi was not even close to her athleticism. For her to be able to anticipate Celes' attack garnered respect. Her eyes narrowed as she focused on Senshi who due to her Shunpo was now only a few feet away from her. How would she react? Would she use another Kido? That was her specialty after all. Celes needed to be ready. 

Despite her preparations and focus, Celes was not ready for Senshi's next movement. Senshi was actually moving into her space at an impressive speed of 350. To Celes, however, this seemed relatively slow. Her eyes could track her easily though Celes' mind raced. Why would Senshi move in for a potentially physical close combat scenario? Sure, some Kido could be applied by touch, but Celes' earlier display of agility had to show Senshi that she was physically outmatched. Regardless, Celes eyed her movements carefully. Her sleeve hid her hand which required Celes to rely on the blade itself. How would it swing? How would her shoulder move? These little things could tell Celes how Senshi would attack.

As Senshi's blade tilted down, Celes could easily deduce the attack. An upward sweep at her chest and head. As the blade came upward, Celes moved slightly to the side at a leisurely speed of 500. While would allow her to dodge the initial swing she was not prepared for what came after or at least did not anticipate it. The Sho having disrupted the ground beneath them make the dust spring upward with the blade. While she was safe from the blade, the combination of sand, dust and other earthly residue collided with her face. Most notably her eyes. She gasped from the initial pain and tried to open her eyes. No good. The sand was blocking her vision.

Keeping her eyes shut put her at an immediate disadvantage. She was sure that Senshi would take advantage of this in mere moments. If she could not see Senshi, then she'd have to hear her. Moving at an impressive speed of 600, easily dwarfing the alacrity of her opponent, Celes knelt and with a monstrous strength of 800 hit the ground beneath her. In mere moments the ground itself cracked and crumbled. Not only did a massive smokescreen of dust kick up with Celes' location as ground zero, but the Shinigami knew that her strength would destabilize the ground. This would make it shift and likely knock most off of their footing.

It was time, Celes relied on her senses and attempted to listen for any gasp of shock from Senshi. If she did, Celes would immediately close in on the sound. She did not need her eyes for this. She could move instinctually as Baguazang had taught her. She just needed to feel for her. Assuming that Celes closed in on Senshi's location with yet another display of speed at 600, Celes would attempt to blindly grab at the Shinigami's arm. Assuming she found it, Celes would then bring her own leg behind the Shinigami's and push her shoulder into Senshi. The combination of these two-opposing forced would barrel Senshi into the ground with Celes falling atop her.

Naturally if this was the case, Celes held her strength back by good bit. She was not looking to kill Senshi after all. Even harm her. Her full strength against the sternum or waist could easily break the bones of most she fought. She was not prepared to bring the broken body of a fellow Captain to the 4th Division for healing. As such if her shoulder came barreling into Senshi's, it would be with a strength of 100. Enough to knock the wind out of her, maybe even elicit discomfort, but it would not knock her out or incapacitate her. If this was all successful, Celes would wipe the dust off of her eyes and smile at the Captain. This would after all put Senshi at quite the disadvantage and give Celes some breathing room.

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

What Senshi found delivered her way was something more than just a blind show of strength. It was a show of calculated power. As the ground was stomped, the earth gave way, cracked, and rose from the shockwave, and indeed, Senshi's footing was displaced, preventing her from closing inwards. Instead, as she was thrown off her footing, she lets out a grunt as she found herself leaping, almost instinctually as shrapnel and shards of stone rise, her arm rising to shield her. Dust was displaced.

It was harder for Senshi to see now as well. However, keeping her senses sharp, and seeing the Shinigami practically blur as she made the advance? Senshi in her mid air position had little she could do. Theoretically. That was until she utilized Advanced Airground. Giving her a solid footing, she takes an extra bounce off of the surface, just narrowly avoiding the grasp as her opponent might be confused by the grasp of nothing but air. However, that split second was all Senshi needed to begin taking it seriously.

Realizing she was fighting against a true martial artist, someone who needed no tricks or methods other than their very body, it only made sense that Senshi would look to restrict that bodily freedom as much as possible, if even only for just a few seconds. So, wordlessly, she casts Rikujokoro. A six ringed formation of light forms, binding around their waist, making it physically impossible to move. At least for a moment.

Even for someone like Celes, they'd need to put in an effort to break a Kido like this. However, Senshi was swift of mind and even swifter when it came to execution. So, dragging her right foot back along the dirt as she skids, from her fingertip, a golden rope is sent wrapping around the near entirety of Celes, as if to bind her tightly in place. Before she swiftly draws a triangle within the air, taking a deep breath as Senshi runs electricity through the rope of Tsuzuri Raiden. To act as a taser and to disrupt Celes' muscles and concentration.

Shitotsu Sanzen. The three golden beaks look to fly into Celes, to pin her ankles, mid section, and neck to the nearby wall of her own barracks as the electricity continues to funnel gradually into her person. Tying the rope taut, the redhead then clenches her fist as she launches the Geki spell to finish the icing on the cake. A red aura that would attempt to envelop Celes to make her feel as if a spirit itself was oppressing her, trying to prevent her from moving a muscle. The best "binding" combination she could.

Though it would not be complete with a final note. "Hado no Gojuu Hachi. Tenran!" With one hand, she spins her blade with the flip of her hand, causing it to rapidly rotate in place, before stopping as she catches it. A rapid tornado wind bursts from it, blowing into and pressing Celes into the wall, oppressing her, almost as if she was perhaps standing against a storm. A blunt oppression that Senshi took as just an extra precaution as she was fighting an incredibly dangerous foe. This tornado wind would blow all the smoke and debris from the area, as Senshi pressed the bondage combination to new heights.

"...It's not enough." She declares. She was sure Celes could go a step higher. With a six spell combination of binding and oppressive forces, Senshi was wondering if Celes had perhaps ever experienced anything like this before. However, the tingling of electricity and many other mixed signals would perhaps have been a bit too far. However, Celes couldn't truly be considered so fragile. So for Senshi? Best be a bit more cautious. Safe than sorry.

[Celes Shindazu]

The ground cracked and crumbled. Footing became unstable and with it, Celes finally heard it. A fleeting grunt from the Shinigami Captain. She smiled. She immediately closed in on her. After all, she did not need to see if she already knew where to go. She would let her body take care of the rest. She could feel herself almost be upon Senshi though as she went for the grab in an attempt to pin Senshi, she felt no physical feedback. Her smile had turn into a pout as she quickly realized that Senshi was not where her sounds had betrayed her to be. She had to search for her, but she was still blinded. Preparing to wipe the sand and dirt off of her eyes, she suddenly felt resistance.

Her arm. No, her entire body came to a crawl. Celes had only one assumption due to the opponent that she was facing. It rang loudly within her ear. Kido. She was not going to mess around with this. Rather than test the waters, she flexed her muscles and began pushing outward. The rods of light began to crack and crumble beneath the Shinigami's strength though it was far more resilient than the Sai she had been bound with just a minute or so before this. She kept pushing. She needed to get out of this Bakudo. Before she could completely crack this Bakudo, she gasped in some pain as an electric current ferociously assaulted her body. 

While she could easily resist the pain after a second of acclimation, her muscles jolted. Another layer of binding covered her from head to toe, further restricting her resistance. She growled and continued to try and push through. She was so close. If she could only just-...As she reassured herself, it seemed that she would not be out of the woods yet. She felt herself move and certainly not of her own volition. Something was pushing her restrained body as she, with some force, planted against a wall. She gasped from the added jolt and found that she had trouble turning her waist or head. Her legs refused to respond as well. What was once a pout became a growl. 

Senshi was right about one thing. Celes had never come to blows with this kind of layering of Kido. She was typically struck with Hado instead of Bakudo. Sure, she had the strength to utterly shadow a good number of Bakudo that others cast on her, but Senshi was rather unique. Her Bakudo had some heft to it. She could break it, but it took time. Time that she frankly did not have. Despite this, she did not give up. She could not give up. Even despite the robe surrounding and tazing her, three separate regions of her body being restrained and the near full-body paralysis that she was forced to endure, Celes kept pushing. The Rikukojoro was so close to cracking.

Celes had hope as she could still move somewhat. Only some of her body responded, but she knew that most would be completely restrained. She at least had a chance. She could do this...or at least she thought she could until the next Bakudo collided with her bound form. The crimson aura coalesced around Celes. If the Rikukojoro could not stop her then this certainly would. As it enveloped her, Celes suddenly felt a halt. Up until a few moments ago she could move. She could resist, but now she could not even lift a finger. She wanted to thrash. She wanted to break out of these bonds, but she couldn't. That realization would suddenly sink in.

Her expression turned from one of defiance to another of acceptance. There was nothing she could do in this scenario. If Geki did not completely paralyze her, then maybe she could expel these other bindings. Suddenly, Celes felt another force. Not one like the electricity coursing through her body, but a wind and a damn strong one at that. It pushed her against the wall further, blowing the dirt and sand off of her eyes allowing her to finally see again. The wind made it difficult, but through the torrent of wind she could see Senshi. Her emotions were split into two. On one side, she was angry. Angry at her own helplessness in this situation. 

It reminded her of darker days of the past. Her weakness that led to her sisters' death, her loyalty being clouded by sentiment when she let Camila go and how utterly helpless, she was to stop Orobas from killing a nearby woman. It ate away at her proud core. This is why she had gotten strong. To stop this from happening and yet here she was, at the mercy of another, albeit benevolent individual. It was only a spar, but much like with Senshi, this had become more of a test. A test of her will and resolve. In that one moment of silence among the howling wind and sizzling electricity, Celes heard it. A familiar voice. "Oh my dear Celes...You found yourself needing my assistance again I see? Let me out and I can crush this pest for you. Look at her. Weak and so reliant on Kido to restrain you. She's basically asking to die." Celes hated it. She hated this voice so much. She tried to clear her mind and focus on the battle.

She sighed as she opened her eyes once more. The Hollow was wrong. Celes knew that Senshi was not weak. There she stood, a one-armed woman taking on Celes. Celes was certainly no pushover and yet she was put into such a precarious situation. As the winds kept buffeting her, pushing her further and further against the wall, she breathed calmly. It hurt, but she was resilient. Her body could take a lot of punishment and this battle of theirs was certainly exciting. She did not know much about the Kido that affected her, but she reasoned that they eventually had to give out. There would be a pause at some point and Celes would take advantage of it when it arrived. For now, she simply had to endure. If Senshi paid close attention, even despite the raging winds and paralysis, she would see a smile form on Celes' face. This battle was too invigorating for her to simply give up or rely on borrowed power from this other entity. She was going to bide her time even if the wind ripped the flesh off of her bones. 

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Helplessness. It was something she was well accustomed to. How many times had she laid, maimed, crippled, and worthless after throwing herself at a foe. How often did she linger in these fleeting moments before she found herself in some hellish reality? Looking upon Celes, and how she remained bound in place, something seemed to snap in Senshi for a moment. She grasps her blade, to halt its spinning motion, and the blade stops short. With a pull of her fingers, every single spell of Senshi's cracks.

Shattering into many beautiful little particles, the redheaded Reaper takes a deep breath, and bows her head down low in respect to her opponent. Her fellow Captain. Her friend. "Thank you. For training with me." Closing her eyes and with a tilt of her head, she delivers a charming and beautiful smile, her lips tilted upwards, as she looks down upon her frame. "It showed me a lot."

The Shinigami says, "That strength...is not the same thing as power." She seemed rather quiet in those moments, but something seemed uplifted in the young Shinigami in those moments. Looking up to the sky, she found herself thinking about her past regrets, and the people she had come to know. "...You're strong. I can tell. A lot stronger than I am." Senshi said that with confidence.

While the meaning behind that might have been a little bit hidden and misconstrued, Senshi was now ready to move on from this bout of training to instead talk about something different. To instead talk about themselves as people, and to talk about the future, the future that the two of them could build together. The short reaper stepped forth, and offered a hand out to her, and with it, would look to walk with her, to hear what it is she had to say, to talk about anything and everything.

[Celes Shindazu]

Celes vision was blurred. Winds tore at her, her muscles felt weak after resisting against the restraints. The Captain had to admit one thing. She hated it. She hated to be powerless. Helpless. To be too weak to defend herself against Senshi. It burned her very core. Her pride was damaged and yet, the Captain was not entirely upset. After all, Senshi had begun by vocalizing her inadequacies or at least what she felt they were. Senshi believed that she was weak. Yet here they were. Celes, of all people, restrained against multiple layers of Kido. The Captain of the Tenth had to admit that it was impressive, albeit a bit overkill. It was almost as though Senshi feared for her life if Celes got out of the Bakudo.

Celes closed her eyes, resigned to whatever Senshi was prepared to do. She wouldn't even see Senshi's movements. A few moments later, after taking a deep breath in, Celes felt some movement. Pressed up against the wall, she could feel more of her muscles breathe with every passing second. "Sh..she's undoing the Bakudo?" Soon she could move her entire arm and then her leg. Shortly after, her entire body was finally free as she'd tilt over. Unfortunately, the few minutes of fighting combined with being restrained hindered the Shinigami's senses. As she fell, she'd fall against the floor with a thud. It was almost as though an iron weight had been dropped.

As she lay there, Celes sighed briefly as Senshi approached. She'd compose herself, rising to one knee. Her hand would be planted against the dirt as she looked up to meet Senshi's eyes.  "Thank you. For training with me." The Shinigami briefly paused and smiled down at Celes. Suddenly, a small blush touched her cheeks. As Senshi continued, Celes merely listened.  "It showed me a lot. That strength...is not the same thing as power." For a moment, Senshi looked up as though she was reminiscing. Celes' eyes narrowed as she listen to the Captain before her speak and offer her a hand up.  "...You're strong. I can tell. A lot stronger than I am." Just before Celes had a chance to move, a voice assaulted her senses.

He had reared his ugly head before and Celes foolishly believed that she had cast him aside. Yet here he was again. "Now is the chance to strike Celes. Her guard is down. You've been beaten...humiliated. What you call humility is a weakness. A disease. It should be punished..." Celes gritted her teeth as her hand twitched on the floor for a moment. She sighed and tried to relax her mind. "I disagree. I think there is much to learn from this. I underestimated her. She exploited it. At least I have the courage to learn from my mistakes unlike you..." A small scoff could be heard as he spoke again. "Have it your way. Like I said before, just don't get us killed!" With that, the foreign voice vanished and Celes breathed out. With a firm hand, she'd reach towards Senshi and take her hand into her own, raising herself off of the ground.

As she rose, Celes spoke in a soft tone. "You give yourself far too little credit, my friend. You should take pride in your ability. After all, I was at your mercy for a few moments. I accept that and I happily learn from that." The Shinigami briefly smiled and closed her eyes briefly. She'd breathe in and out for a moment. The Captain of the Tenth Division had some things to reflect on. Her own self-confidence had quickly turned into arrogance, and it led to her underestimating her opponent. If this was an actual fight, then she may have very well lost her life. There was no definitive way to tell, but Celes had a good understand of combat. She could tell when enough was enough.

As she opened her eyes, smiled once more. "Now then, if I recall correctly, you weren't just here to train." Turning her back, Celes would motion for Senshi to follow her. Assuming that the redhead followed her, Celes would lead her through the pristine barracks, passing members of her Division who saluted both of the Captains as they walked by. Soon, they'd be in front of two doors which Celes opened gingerly. Walking into her office, Celes set down her twin Zanpakutou and lazily fell into her seat behind the desk. Stretching with a notable crack, she'd motion to one of the seats. If Senshi took it, Celes merely smiled and spoke. "So then. Let's talk about the future."