Training? What a bother (JT - col)

[ashland]

Of course it was another overcast day at the academy. The clouds hung heavy in the sky but white instead of grey. Ashland could tell at least it wasn't about to rain. He always had a sense of when rain was coming. It felt more comfortable to him out in the rain than many would expect. Most people rushed to escape it but he always felt more comfortable in it. It was his element after all. He was actually in his school uniform but mostly due to not having other clothes. It was a bother to go shopping for his downtime and the blue trousers and white robes suited him fine for the time being. He looked forward to changing into some darker colors though. If he ever graduated. Still his black hair hung around his shoulders loosely instead of tied back into a ponytail like his instructors usually requested. His Zanpakto was nearby of course. His eyepatch though had the same academy symbol that he had on each breast of his shirt. While for footwear it was just the traditional white socks and sandals. Just like everyone else at the academy. Following strict schedules and straining to become shinigami.



Of course the downside here was Ashland skipping class. It wasn't a Kido or swordsmanship class so he didn't really have any interest. Something about the history of the soul society. He lived there so he didn't have much interest in how it was founded or its traditions. He had escaped to the roof. A wide open space with one door leading up to it and a high fence surrounding the edges. Safety precautions from some student getting blasted off the roof likely. Normally he had lunch here by himself but that was to be expected. He had a reputation for being lazy and the fact that he was born a slum rat meant a lot of the student body butted heads with him. He usually got away with calling them assholes and avoiding a fight but lately it had been like walking a razors edge. For now he would be laying down with a stuffed lion for a pillow and one arm over his eyes next to the entrance to the roof. The other resting his hand idly on his chest. His Zanpakto was resting leaned up against the wall by his head where he liked to leave it.



Next to him was a bag of sweets and out of that bag his free hand would reach out and dig into the bag. Pulling out a sucker before idly removing the wrapper. Tossing the wrapper into a pile of older wrappers scattered around the roof. He would put the sucker in his mouth and sigh in delight. Green apple...one of the best flavors. Still he didn't feel like he was getting much stronger in these generalized classes for the masses. He wasn't very strong or fast. His Reiatsu was about average as was his spirit pressure. He wanted more honestly....he wanted to be able to freely hunt hollows and wipe them all out. He knew that to be impossible though. One of the classes he hadn't skipped said something along the lines of wicked human spirits becoming hollows. Or at least he thought thats what the instructor said. He would eventually get in trouble for skipping certainly...but for now he was enjoying some much needed and hardly deserved down time. There was more to do here than the slums and more sweets but it all seemed so posh. Even his uniform made him feel out of place. What a bother this path he had chosen.

[Kaen Youji]

(ooc: Apologies for the poor opener, but I wanted to get something out, work-induced fatigue be damned).

Ashland wasn't the only layabout at the Academy today. Not that Kaen would ever own up to it. Just kidding. He totally would. But he was working on it! Ever since his chat with Shizuyoko he'd been doing his effort to take the workload off of the Empress, for the day she returned to Soul Society and resumed her duties. Until that time, Kaen would have to keep his skills sharp and... at least make an earnest attempt to keep the paperwork light.

And what better way to keep the paperwork light than a quick tour of the old Academy grounds. Kaen had just emerged from running a seminar on hand to hand combat. It was one he'd done many times before. He wasn't entirely fond of the rigid, indoctrinated teachings, but for many Academy students who had never thrown a proper punch in their lives, basics did have to be drilled in before they could start to individualize their technique. Kaen took a look around the Academy grounds at all the students. Hmm... Need a better view.... A quick hop carried the Lieutenant of Squad 7 quite high up into the air, yet despite the height and velocity of his fall, he landed on the rooftop lightly and without much force. A controlled descent that clearly looked of a practiced art.

Kaen took a moment to survey the area. Huh. A fence. That hadn't been here the last time he was at the Academy. An accident maybe? Aww man... How disappointing. Jumping off the roof was a great way to toughen up the students! Kaen's azure gaze shifted across the rooftop until it fell onto-- Oh shit! He wasn't the only one here!

"Huh! Well. Hiya. Didn't expect company. How did you-- oh. The door. ...I see." He paused for a moment looking between Ashland and the door to the rooftop. "...Was that always there?" Kaen inquired. He didn't sense anything especially formidable from the student on the rooftop for the moment. Not that that changed much. The Academy was a place for learning. Nobody except for exceptions and nobles ever looked particularly pretty in the Academy, and the nobility, only because they usually had prior practice before entering. From the look of things, this guy was from the Rukongai, at a glance. There was a certain roughness about him, that Kaen was accustomed to seeing in people from the outer districts. "So. You seem to be making yourself right at home here huh?" He commented, easily shifting from his embarrassed questions, directly into casual dialogue. "How've you been finding the Academy so far?" He added, leaning back against the metal fence.

Sure Kaen didn't know anything about the student he was talking to, but they were the only two up here, and with the seminar finished, it's not like there was anything else to do besides his actual job.

[ashland]

Ashland never heard the soft landing of the other person. His mind was drifting halfway between a nap and the sucker in his mouth. Just a lazy feeling with no need to do anything other than nap. Already he knew several techniques upon entering the academy so when it came to Kido he had a leg up on some of the other students. However others had begun to surpass their limits and there was a clear difference in spiritual pressure between him and the upper classmen. He understood of course the purpose of this place was to teach him...to push him to newer heights and limits and help unlock his powers. Through trials and tribulations he would find strength. He didn't feel as strong as when...wait what? A voice startled him into sitting straight up. Blinking as his vision blurred a moment before he focused. There was a young man there standing before him. It took him a moment first to feel out how he could of gotten there. The door wasn't used...he would of heard that...did he scale the wall? It wasn't fathomable to him that someone could just leap from the ground up to him....so he settled on an air step kido being used. Clever.

Aside from that a question had been posed to him. What was it? Oh yes it was asking if the door was always there, As in since when? How old was this place anyway? Perhaps the history class would have actually been of some use. Still he figured he would answer the question first. Yawning with a big stretch. His black hair spilling about his face and eye patch. ..

"I mean I guess so? Do doors often appear and disappear here? Is that a thing?"

With that Ashland would place one hand on the back of his neck as he sat up cross legged. Jerking his head to the side until there was an audible crack. Even with the stuffed lion as a pillow it was rough to just nap on the ceiling. Causing some stiff joints. He could try some diagnosis Kido if he actually cared enough but at best he would just see what parts of him were sore. Which he could mostly already feel. Still he didn't seem concerned enough to reach for his Zanpakuto. Now slightly behind him and to the side leaning against the wall. A light blue ribbon attached to the hilt.

Another question was poised as this man seemed comfortable talking to him like an old friend. He wasn't a student certainly. Not outside of the uniform. Though by how he looked he could have been. A fighter maybe? Well that tracked well enough. Physical types typically had a more open personality than others. Still it felt a little forward. Placing both hands in his laps Ashland would sit cross legged. A raised eyebrow over his eye patch was visible. The guy could spot he wasn't from around here easily enough so maybe a graduate? Guest instructor?

"Its up to the individual to make his own home where ever he may be. No use being miserable. Besides the last place I lived was a shack with three other people and nothing but blankets for windows. Now I have my own room so upgrade I guess. That said...the name is Ashland. And as for the Academy. Its educational if not rigid. But I suppose all systems involving a direct result to the government such as the employ and deployment of key assets to the correct assignments or in this case squad placement would have to be rigid...to get more specific results."

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen would have laughed about using a kido to get up here if Ashland had voiced his thoughts. At the Academy he had only truly failed one class, and it was his kido courses. Even now Kaen's aptitude with kido was so poor that he had to settle for faking kido spells with his Zanpakuto. Not that it got him down much. Kido was great. It was all well and good, but it wasn't Kaen's thing at all. Punching people in the face was more his speed.

"Nnno. No they do not." Kaen replied awkwardly.

In any case! New topic right? New topic? New topic.

"True 'nuff." Was the response with regards to making your home wherever. "To all of that actually. Yeah, a bit rigid, that's why they pull Shinigami who've already graduated from the Academy and earned a place in Soul Society to come back in and breathe fresh life into the place. I think one of our old Captains is actually a proper instructor here too. Oh, and it's Kaen." He interjected at the end there.

"Squad placement's not hard though. It's ninety percent preference. People might not cut it with every division, but at that point they just transfer you somewhere they think you'll work out better. Placement's treated like a huge deal, but it's really not. I've seen a lotta graduates come fresh out and fit in just fine. Most of the time you know your preferences well enough. The guy who's all about winning, crushing enemies and whatnot, usually isn't going to ask to go to Squad 4." He shrugged. "Either way, rigid or whatnot aside, where are you thinking of going? What are you taking to?" He added curiously.

[ashland]

Ashland would listen a moment before he would sigh and rise to his feet. Placing both palms on the small of his back and leaning backwards until his back popped. Man napping on the roof needed an improvement...beanbag maybe? Or perhaps a hammock between the fence posts. Nah that would be too easy to spot. Maybe just a long cushion? Either way he didn't seem to mind it much. His golden eye shifted over the man as he mentioned how one of the squad captains was a proper instructor there at the academy. Well that was a bit of a surprise he supposed. He wasn't great with sensing spiritual pressure but someone like that had to have a lot he would assume. Though with enough skill perhaps they were able to restrain it? They kind of would have to Ashland surmised if they didn't want to suffocate their class. Or he was just making assumptions about captain level folks. Still he would hesitate at the question of where he intended to aim for squad wise. If he was putting things together this guy was basically a guest instructor. Likely that meant he was at least in a seated position...if only Ashland had actually learned the names on that list.



Still he would stand up straight and reach down. The blue ribbon extending from the hilt of his Zanpakto seemed almost to reach out to meet his hand. As if eager to be attached to him again. However Ashland didn't seem to notice this at all. Instead he idly would tie it back to his waist on his left hip before pausing a moment. It wasn't that he minded others knowing. But his left hand now rested lazily on top of the hilt of his katana. Draped over the hilt as he looked down at it. As if ashamed.



"I come from one of the furthest districts from the center. Soul society doesn't govern as strictly out that far so most of us fend for ourselves. Its a harsh world but one I knew of. Until a damned hollow tore it apart." He would frown as he would idly grind his teeth for a moment at the mention of hollow. It left a bad taste in his mouth. One with rage in it. However he would continue after his teeth stopped gritting. "Squad three is frontline...a first response squad and that means putting down hollows. Its how I intend to leave my mark. That said you yourself must be somebody if your expected to train others here. What are you? A third seat? I am assuming not of squad four. Oh right...uh Kaen uh...Sempai?" He would finish almost questioningly as if he didn't know how to address the man. He was a guest here and Ashland was borderline irresponsible with not knowing common knowledge at the academy. He had only just joined himself recently. As for the other part. "Oh right what is it I'm taken to....Well Kido I guess. I already know a few but just the seventh tier spells. But I lack any real combat skills."

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen sighed. "Also sounds about right...." He stated in an exhausted tone. "So you're joining up to vent revenge on Hollows? Or to stop more people from ending up like you?" He asked. "Or am I off base and it's something else entirely?" His comment about third division passed without comment otherwise. If that's how he wanted to go, that's how he could go. Kaen didn't know enough about the new Captain of the Third division, Tsuyoshi, to comment one way or another.

"Sorry, I forgot to say. Vice Captain of the Seventh Division." Kaen replied. "I've fought my fair share of Hollows, but honestly I don't get to get out of the Seireitei often. It's kind of disappointing. I like the Human World a lot, but duty calls, and unfortunately most of my work has to get done here." At the querying of his title Kaen gave a dismissive wave. "You don't need to worry much about honorifics anyways. This isn't a formal setting and I'm not giving you orders."

Lastly they came to his last point. Kido huh? Kaen gave a low sigh. "Naturally... Well. Unfortunately, I can't help you much on Kido. I don't have any talent at it myself. I do know someone who does though. A couple actually. If you ever get a chance to meet her, Captain Senshi of the Eighth Division is probably the most talented kido master I've ever met. Also got one in my division, goes by Angel, who isn't too shabby at it either. I don't believe the Captain of the Third is too great at Kido either, I'm afraid, so if the third's your goal, you might have to look beyond Squad 3 for help."

"As for skills?" Kaen shrugged. "That comes with time. I could help you out a bit with some practical application right here if you're up for it. I didn't actually get to do any real work with my seminar, it was mostly basics with Academy students too new to the program to actually get into any kumite, or even anything beyond showing them proper technique for punches, blocks and kicks. Honestly they didn't need me for that, but it is what it is. Either way though, I'm up for a round or two if you are. And don't worry too much if you say yes, I can play nice."

[ashland]

Ashitaka would blink as his purpose for joining up was summarized easily. But yeah it stemmed out to he hated hollows and wanted to hunt them. Be it through Kido or some other method it didn't matter to him. Of course the idea of preventing it from happening to others was both noble and astonishingly naive. He was certain he wouldn't make enough of a difference to keep it from happening again or to make soul society give a crap about its slums. So he would just frown and nod silently. He didn't much care about others or their lot in life. For him it was about comfort. Yeah there was a sense of justice to him he didn't really connect to often. But he didn't have the power to save everyone....hell he lacked the power to likely kill a single Hollow at this point.



That said his inward musing halted pretty suddenly when the man stated his rank and division. He didn't know much outside of the third division if he was being honest...but a vice captain had to be powerful. He casually mentioned how he had taken down some hollows in his day and visited the human world. Of course Ashland had never been to the human world. Not with how poor and low class he was. Hell he had only met one hollow and barely helped defeat it. It had cost him an eye and that man from the third division almost half his body. It was all he could do to teach Ashland some basic Kido. However they hadn't gone much into physical training as both had a considerable amount of recovery to handle outside that battle. Still his golden eye would widen in surprise at the rank. Would he even be capable of learning from someone that strong at this stage?



Ashland would hesitate at the idea of having a go or two with Kaen. He couldn't really sense the spiritual pressure even this close....hell he sucked in general at that but...well to hell with it. He couldn't dwell on if the man was suppressing his powers or if Ashland was just terrible at it. Either way he would need to work on improving his ability to sense it. Ashland felt himself swallow audibly and realized he had a bead of sweat shifting down his forehead. Kaen said he could play nice but...well Ashland wasn't the most athletic build around. Shit....well at the very least he couldn't let it go without trying. Why turn down an opportunity. So he put on a sheepish grin and tried not to think about the pain coming his way.



"Well that would be great. Learning how to fight from a vice captain sounds like its actually worth some time and dedication. That said I should be honest...I recently recovered fully from that hollow attack and lack in some physical areas. Well...alright all physical areas. But you honor me with your offer and I won't turn you down...after all hunting hollows isn't easy...and I bet most of the other students here haven't even ever encountered one...I doubt they know what they are getting into....soooo....Where do we start?"

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen took notice of the man's lack of response. Which summed it up perfectly. Revenge then. Most who were looking to save others from their fate, would usually speak of that detail proudly. Revenge had an altogether more negative connotation. Some would say it reflected a darker character, and so to be silent at the proposition suggested the latter. Not that Kaen was judging. He had no right to judge people on matters of revenge. Not when he too had completely succumbed to the inky depths of it himself in the past. If that was what drove Ashland, so be it.

"I don't mind at all. We can start right here, on this rooftop. I don't know how long you've been here, but I encourage you to show me everything you've got at your disposal. I might not be talented at Kido, but I've learned to compensate. I've fought a lot of kido users. I've grown wise to most of the tricks you kido users have at your disposal. Consequently, Ashland, that means I know most of the tricks the really good kido users use. Maybe I can still give you a tip or two with that." Kaen ceased his leaning against the fence, and leisurely paced to the center of the rooftop.

"But maybe you don't need that. Maybe you're some up and coming prodigy, eh? Well then." Kaen's arms were loose at his side, but he was bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet. "Either way, bring everything you've got to bear. Whatever skills you have, this is where I can evaluate them. Kido. Swordsmanship. Hand to hand. Footwork. Some other trick you might have. Whatever you've got, show me what you can do." He prompted. "Seeing as I'm the ranked officer in this case, first move is yours. And if you don't mind-- hit me with your best shot. I'll adjust my performance to match, but you're not going to get much out of this, if I adjust to your strength when you're half-assing it." He advised.

After that, Kaen's bouncing stopped and he shifted into Karate's Shiko Dachi stance. A low, well braced stance, that suggested he was prepared to take a hit. The floor was Ashland's, it was on him to impress or not.

[ashland]

Ashland watched the obvious movements of a martial artist with a slight twitch to his eye brow. He felt he was about to get the air knocked out of him. Possibly repeatedly. The truth was he wasn't even a match for a more athletically inclined student...yet alone a vice captain...specialist...maybe. Well he assumed he was a close quarters specialist based on the way he held himself. Was there a way to do anything here? He needed to think but for the life of him. Well the rooftop limited options since he didn't want to get blasted off. But the guy said he would gauge himself...didn't he? Ashland felt his nerves pushing against him as he rested his right hand on his katana on his hip. Slowly and smoothly drawing it out. He assumed the guy wasn't kidding when he said give it his best....so likely they would be using their zanpakto. Right? Wait...was there enough distance between them that the guy didn't need his? Ashland would swallow as his nerves gripped him. The man seemed ready enough. Perhaps it was Ashland who was not...After all a freaking vice captain for a sparring partner...he could legit die on this roof with one accidental mismeasurement in the guys strength.

"If...If your certain. Here I come."

Ashland would grip his sword nervously in both hands. The blue ribbon wrapping around his knuckles. As if to hold on or soothe him. His sword seemed to like him at least. Truth be told though he was an amateur. He had the basic stance down but the sword shook in his hands ever so slightly. That golden eye would take in Kaen a moment before he felt out to his sword. Whispering in his head to himself. Come on come on...work...just work please! With a slight shift of light in his golden iris the sword would suddenly burst out mist. Filling the area for thirty meters with a grin from Ashland. His sword had managed to do it when asked this time. He had gotten it down to a fifty fifty chance that the ability would even activate. The majority of the rooftop they were on seemed to be filled with a thick white mist. However the two of them would likely still be visible to each other since they started off within fifteen meters of each other.

Ashland would swallow his fear once more before charging forward. He was a quick learner but not very strong. Not in any category. Still he would dash forward at the embarrassing speed of 50. Going to swing his sword down. But at the last moment before it would be easily blocked or avoided he would speak. and use one hand to release the sword and point his palm at Kaen.

"Hado #1: Shō!"

Ashland would shout at almost point blank range. The sword attack and mist had been mere feints to disorient. Not that it would likely matter. Not with the push effect being a mere 33 Reiatsu strength. But he had used some tactics in order to attempt to blast his opponent. Regardless of if he hit or not he would plant his heels and attempt to use the push of the hado technique on himself as well. Even if he didn't push back Kaen if he used it while launching himself back he may just clear that fifteen meters and fade into the mist. Maybe.

SPOILER: Click to show

{325/350 Technique used}
Technique Name: Hado #1: Shō (Thrust)

Class: 7

Technique Type: Kido

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: This technique creates a simple burst of force that pushes at the opponent backwards. The force is equal to the user’s Reiatsu Strength.

How to use technique: Speak the spell and point hand at the target.

Incantation and Effect: Incantation unknown. When the incantation is spoken, the Reiatsu Strength used to determine the power of Sho is increased by 10%. (i.e. 100 Reiatsu Strength is treated as 110.)

[Kaen Youji]

Mist? That was a new one. And emerging from the Zanpakuto-- come to think of it, that didn't look like an Asauchi. Well he's got a more advanced control of his Shinigami abilities than I'm used to seeing in Academy students, there's definitely that. The mist seemed to cover the majority of the rooftop, limiting Kaen's sight. But he could still see the shadow of Ashland in the mist, as his opponent charged him. Kaen was already prepared to endure a little pain if it turned out his edge was sharper than expected, but instead of slicing at Kaen, Ashland unleashed a kido spell. Sho. One Kaen had faced more than once. The invisible bolt of force crashed against the Vice Captain, but with his grounded and steady starting stance, it may as well have simply bounced off of him for all the effect it had, leaving Kaen unmoved from his position and unfazed

"Alright then." Kaen stated. "I've checked your speed and, assuming that was your best shot, your spiritual strength as well. We're gonna have to work on that." He stated. He shifted out of his low stance into a more balanced one, both arms up and ready to go. "Well then, let's start this proper." Kaen shot into the mist after Ashland. If Ashland wasn't quick on repositioning himself after landing, Kaen would be on top of him in a moment, attempting to bulldoze past his sword's reach with raw speed, with a swift one-two, throwing a heavy punch his left hand towards Ashland's stomach, following by a right hook towards Ashland's jaw.

He tried to fake me out with the sword, which means that, as he said, he thinks his best bet is kido. Based on that kido then, his physical strength probably doesn't exceed that Sho he blasted me with. I'm gonna need to check my strength so I don't blow a hole in this guy. Kaen considered as he attacked. But does that mean the Zanpakuto itself is just for show? He wondered. If he's like most kido users, he's going to try and get away from me. If he's as green as he's said he is, he'll probably try to go straight back. In that case...

Immediately following his one-two combination, Kaen took a quick in-step and threw a forceful side kick straight towards Ashland's sternum. If Ashland simply tried to get out of the reach of Kaen's punches by dodging backwards, the additional reach of the kick, coupled with Kaen's superior speed, would still see the kick land. For Ashland to avoid this kick he'd need to predict Kaen's attack pattern and avoid to the side, or use a step technique to get out of the way. Something that an experienced and trained opponent would know to do-- which was why Kaen was using this in the first place. He was gauging just exactly how experienced Ashland really was before he could start figuring out how to help the Academy student improve.

"You know, I gotta give credit. This mist up here at least means we won't attract a crowd. That's a handy trick." Kaen added with a slight grin. Of course, none of his attacks would land at all, if Ashland wasn't where Kaen had expected him to land with Sho. If he had indeed accounted for Kaen chasing him down and move immediately after landing, Kaen wouldn't have had the chance to throw his strikes. In that case, it would be entirely on Ashland to provide a new stimulus for Kaen to respond to.



Kaen's current strength & speed
Strength: 50
Speed: 75

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}
Skills:

• [Martial Art- Karate] {4}
• [Pain Tolerance] {3}
• [Martial Art-Jiujitsu] {3}
• [Analyzing] {2}
• Hakuda {3}
• Zanjutsu {2}
• Strength of Will {2}
Total: 20


Stats:

[[Strength - 375 Points (750)
Speed - 375 Points (750)
Spiritual Pressure - 200 Points (150)
Reiatsu Strength - 325 Points
Light Aura - 45 Points
Dark Aura - 55 Points
Instinct- 175 Points
Senses- 100 Points
Energy sensory - 50 Points
Healing Expertise - 0 Points
Total: 1600 SP]

[ashland]

Unfortunately for Ashland he had little to no experience with actual brawling. So when he launched straight back he didn't move to reposition fast enough. There was a combo in mind using two kido to locate his opponent and attempt to attack from stealth. However he never got far enough to enact his master plan. Instead he was utterly dominated in terms of speed. One moment there was distance between them. The man had commented on two points they needed to work on...then said something about getting started proper...and then he was there. Ashland would let his eye widen in surprise before noting the attack coming as it happened. He moved both arms to protect his face from the blow. The fear of getting hit still overriding his responses. He tanked the hit to his jaw to both arms. Feeling them both go numb as his hand trembled on the hilt. Barely able to even grip it from blocking a blow. He would wince but only for a second as the blow to his gut connected in full.



The world spun a moment as he was lifted off his feet. Knocked back and all the air exploding from his lungs as spit flew out. His eyes trying to roll back as he clung desperately to consciousness. How heavy were these blows?! The guy was holding back even and it was like fighting the strongest man he had ever seen in a bar fight. It wasn't gonna kill him but a solid hit sure rocked his world. A memory of the Hollow rushing to the front of his mind. The torn bodies of those three who brought him in. The Irisaki clan. One not known by the nobles likely...but it was a family. Three brothers and an older sister. Ashland had been the youngest...they went on so many adventures together and all his memories up until a couple years ago involved them...the memory of the pain of getting thrown through a building. Of getting his eye ripped out and his bones shattered. On the verge of losing consciousness something stirred in him.



The impact shattered the barely working concentration on the mist as it burst away from them from the connection. Ashland couldn't really pull it out easily or whenever he wanted. So taking a hit like that broke his concentration. However the Sternum kick would soon follow. Sending Ashland skipping across the roof like a sandbag with out so much as a gasp of air left in his lung. His sword falling from his grasp as it slid next to him. The water from the mist now soaking the rooftop but that was all that was left of it. He struggled where he laid there. Gasping for air desperately. Taking a dozen breaths before managing to cough a few times. Rolling onto his stomach to spit out some blood. His teeth had clacked upon hitting the ground hard enough to make his gums bleed. Still he gasped for air to fill his lungs.



However after about a minute of gathering himself it would seem he wasn't down and out. Instead he would reach out with his hand shaking before gripping his katana. The blue ribbon wrapping around his knuckles as he stood up once more. Spitting some blood to the side. His black hair hanging around his face. His golden eye seeming to almost shine with a rage...no power to back it up but he was back on his feet. Taking a defensive Kendo stance as he stood as firm as he could with his chest aching with every heaving movement.



"I suppose...I should thank you for...the restraint vice captain...."

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen watched as his kick connected. Ashland had done alright to mitigate one of his blows, but it was clear he was still reeling from the other two. Did I hit him too hard? Kaen wondered as he pursued Ashland into the mist, following his side kick. He hadn't felt any bones break behind the blow. It may well be that Ashland wasn't accustomed to taking hits? Hmm... Though coming from a Rukon District so far out... Well. While it did matter, Kaen would have to simply adjust if this level was too intense for Ashland. He was glad to see Ashland staggering up to his feet, and trying to bring his Zanpakuto into a defensive stance.

"Don't thank me yet." Kaen replied, resuming Karate's Kotsudachi stance. A balanced stance for mobility, or attack and defense. "We're not quite done yet. Keep in mind, if this was a real battle with a Hollow, they wouldn't give you that time to stand up. But since this is practice... Let's work on making sure you don't get knocked down in the first place, before we work on defending yourself from a prone position, yeah?" He commented, using light chat to give Ashland a few more moments to catch his breath.

"I saw your charge speed before. You should be able to react to this level of speed. Based on what you showed me, I should be a little faster, true, but still within your realm of being able to see the movements and defend against them. Maybe with some difficulty." Kaen stated. "That's, of course... Assuming I can get in punching range. What are you doing with that blade of yours if you're not using it to keep me at bay?" Kaen inquired. "It's longer than my arm or leg, isn't it?" Giving Ashland only a moment more to ponder that, the lieutenant of the Seventh went on the offensive again.

Ashland would witness a direct charge through his fog, just slightly off-line from his blade position, as Kaen tried to weave past his weapon, aiming to close in tight to throw a left hook just below Ashland's ribs. If Ashland let Kaen get close enough to throw as close ranged a strike as a hook, Kaen would then throw a right elbow strike into Ashland's abdomen, hammering away inside the reach of his sword. If Ashland let Kaen get close enough he'd have to work on creating distance again if he wanted a good strike with the sword. But Kaen hoped his tip would be enough to give Ashland a clue, if not the confidence. Fighting a Vice Captain could be intimidating. Kaen had seen it in many other Academy students. But Kaen knew he was fighting directly and "honestly" enough that Ashland should be able to at least understand Kaen's moves so far.

Once Ashland could handle an attack of this skill level-- this simplicity at any rate... Then Kaen could move on to some slightly more advanced tricks. But first he had to make sure he could handle a simple bullrush, especially against an opponent with a shorter reach than him. Whether Ashland knew it or not, Kaen was deliberately handing the man several advantages. True-- Kaen was well versed in fighting sword users with his bare hands. He knew the weaknesses of Kenjutsu against his own Karate, Jiujitsu and Hakuda hybrid technique. But he wasn't going to employ those against Ashland right now. There was no point in that. Let Ashland understand his advantages before Kaen sought to take those away. That battle could be saved for another day.

"You're going to do fine. Just focus. Think about your training. Don't think of me as a Vice Captain, think of me as any other opponent. Think of me as someone you can beat. Then think about how you're going to do it. You've got a sword. You've got kido. You've got footwork, and other skills besides. You've seen what I'm bringing to the table. Now think about how to use your abilities to beat mine." This was, in essence, Kaen's philosophy of combat. Applying his strengths against an opponent's weaknesses. Simple, and maybe even obvious in concept, but something he found many people even at the Vice Captain and Captain level struggled with. Kido experts that would blast away with Hado spells against someone with superior spiritual defenses. Brawlers who would bash themselves to pieces against an indominable defense instead of looking for a way around it. Swordsmen who would clash against a stronger and faster opponent head-on.

Kaen was fighting with greater speed, greater strength and a clear advantage in close quarter combat. In Kaen's mind, were he in Ashland's shoes, the answer would be obvious. To leverage his Zanpakuto's greater reach to create distance, and use that distance to fire his kido spells. But perhaps Ashland would come to a different answer. If so, Kaen was eager to see what it was. If not... Well, Kaen could always try coaching him a bit more. But he didn't want to. Kaen found that telling people the answer was too simple. Didn't make it stick. Coming to an answer yourself? That was a lesson that would stick in your head.

[ashland]

Ashland would listen at the coaching portion of the interaction. He felt the pain as a dull ache on the edge of his senses. His breathing was becoming more regular. His golden eye more focused as he focused on inhaling through his nose and out through his mouth. Control the breathing...control the amount of time you can engage. It was one of the first things they taught in weapons training. One of the only classes he did attend so far outside of the Kido. He had a plan of course but it would be determined on if the force of the Kido was even enough to do what he intended. The last one hadn't seemed to have mattered...of course it was a generalized ball of energy he had sent forth. Still the mention of a hollow not giving him time made his nose curl. He hated them...the mere mention of them was enough to raise his temper. He was starting to get less logical and more direct. Well he would need to work on that. Still this combo was not ideal for close range. Nor did he have a lot of energy to waste. Focus on his sword? What was it for?



The sword was to attack right? So if he had more reach....and they were roughly the same speed then he would need to utilize that fully. Ashland would shift to a one handed grip and turn his body sideways. This meant he had less of a profile and his reach would be used to its fullest potential. It felt right at least. His golden eye shifted to the ground a moment before he decided this would have to be his best plan. Though the academy wouldn't appreciate it much...Still he didn't have time to doubt himself. His opponent was coming. This time it was fast still but not faster than Ashland could handle...right? So he began to chant as quietly as he could but quickly. The chant from memory alone perfectly wasn't bad for an academy student he supposed. But he would need the extra power from it.



"Arise god of thunder! Awake mother of storms! Unleash the lighting on the sinners!"



As Kaen charged before he could get in range to do a haymaker Ashland would thrust his katana in a low stab. Attempting to aim at the belt line. His golden eye however wasn't focused on Kaen entirely. He was still kept in vision but it was clear he was watching Kaens footwork. It was something else the man had mentioned. It was the purpose of the chant. Depending on how Kaen retreated or attempted to step to either side he would find Ashlands free hand pointing to his footwork and firing a brilliant white beam to destroy the section of roof where he was going to go next. If Kaen went low to avoid the stab such as in a sliding motion he would likely take it point blank unless he negated or redirected it. If he went over Ashland however Ashland would try to blast him mid air. Hopefully knocking his opponent away.



If it was aimed at the footwork however and not an attempted direct hit though Ashland would pounce on the offensive. Attempting to bring his sword down in a falling strike to a hopefully unbalanced opponent. His opponent was too tough for his Kido to do anything to directly...but maybe if he caught him off balance the sword strike would do something. Even if it was weak. However if it was a direct hit Ashland would desperately try and use the bright flash of light to launch himself back and try to fade into the mist. He needed to get distance in this fight and hold it. He was too focused in fighting to respond to the coaching either way. Just trying to improve his tactics based on them.

SPOILER: Click to show

{300/350}
Technique Name: Hado #4: Byakurai (Pale Lightning)

Class: 7

Technique Type: Kido

Technique Element: Thunder

Technique Description and Effects: The user fires a concentrated, powerful lightning bolt from their finger that pierces a target.

How to use technique: Speak the spell and point hand at the target.

Incantation and Effect: "Arise god of thunder! Awake mother of storms! Unleash the lighting on the sinners!" When the incantation is spoken, the Reiatsu Strength used to determine the power of Byakurai is increased by 10%. (i.e. 100 Reiatsu Strength is treated as 110.)

[Kaen Youji]

Ashland was readying an incantation. Here came the kido. Byakurai, if Kaen wasn't mistaken. He'd let Ashland get away with the incantation this time. A Hollow wasn't always going to be familiar with kido and might not understand. But he was going to make his sparring partner work for it if they were to try a full incantation kido a second time. But before even that, Ashland was doing one thing right. He wasn't relying on Kaen doing nothing to get his incantation out. However, he could have chosen a better method of attack. For a hand to hand fighter like Kaen, slipping punches and kicks was second nature, and to Kaen's eyes a sword thrust was nothing more than an extended punch.

Kaen effortlessly sidestepped Ashland's thrust, while still attempting to close in on him. That's when the Byakurai flashed out! It was going for Kaen's legs as well! Had he anticipated the sidestep? Good prediction. Good baiting. Kaen considered, attempting to spring back. But it was a double fakeout! Not only had Ashland anticipated the dodge, but he'd accounted that Kaen would probably attempt to evade the second attack too. It wasn't an attack at his legs, but at his footing.

The Byakurai shattered a portion of the rooftop where Kaen was standing, throwing Kaen off balance, and turning his backwards leap into a stumble backwards. "That's more like it!" Kaen praised, beaming in the mist. Ashland also wasn't letting Kaen off that easily. Kaen might not have been bleeding yet, but his staggering motion was blood in the water, and a shark would come! Kaen simply opted to sacrifice his balance entirely.

As Ashland struck at Kaen, Kaen allowed his already off-balance movements to cause him to fall backwards, executing a perfect backwards roll to avoid Ashland's first sword strike, and coming back up to his feet, his balance restored. "Getting a bit more of a feel for things then?" He inquired. "You warded me off pretty well that time. Can you keep it up?" Kaen erupted back into motion, charging Ashland down. His eyes watched the flashing blade, his ears were primed for the sound of Ashland attempting another kido incantation.

As before, Kaen would attempt to slip and weave past his sword to deliver a right straight to the solarplexis and wind Ashland. Unlike before there wasn't going to be a breather if Kaen got past Ashland's guard. He was going to follow that blow straight along and barrel into him, intending to deliver an entire series of blows to Ashland's torso in an attempt to knock the wind out of him and drive him off his feet and to the ground. An incredibly direct approach. Kaen was confident Ashland would at least give him something to think about, but that was how it was when you fought with a shorter reach. Kaen was the reactionary one here. He had to force Ashland to respond, and then react to the response. Fortunately for Ashland, Kaen wasn't ready to deliver every single bit of experience he had at his disposal today. Just enough to get Ashland to learn some things. To push him. And to drive him to be stronger.

[ashland]

Ashland would step into his strike only to find that despite the loss in footing his opponent had expertly evaded him entirely. The truth was he had already used up a great deal of his spirit energy just attempting to utilize Kido in battle. One of which the man had tanked easily and the other was narrowly a failure. He felt aggravation from his failure. His body hurt and his air still felt a little ragged in his lungs. Still he was improving which meant there was still more he could do limited as he was. He had three plans formulating but he needed to be more careful with his use of energy. His sword had missed its mark and his opponent had rolled back onto his feet with ease and grace. He wasn't made at Kaen...just himself for his shortcomings. If only he had more power...or was faster...however he had heard an instructor say there was no educational substitute for battle experience. Still the praise from his instructor brought a smile to Ashlands face. That golden glow of anger and mindless adrenaline faded a little from his iris. The energy dying down slightly as he chose to use his head a little more.

"Thank you. I am grateful for your educational fists. Don't suppose you wanna take a breather and ooop!"

Ashland dived backwards as Kaen charged him. Attempting to keep some distance with footwork of his own now. He did know the majority of the lay out of the rooftop. He spent most of his time here so he was confident in where he was moving. However it was unlikely that Kaen would allow Ashland to simply evade him by back peddling long. For now he experimented with shifting his grip on his sword. Kaens attacks were designed to get within the effective reach of his sword right? So if his effective range became up against his body that would be more difficult...supposedly. So Ashland would shift his grip to a reverse grip and press the back of the blade along his forearm. Crossing his arm against his chest to attempt to use it as an offensive guard. Kaen had to reach out further if he wanted to strike Ashland than Ashland had to move to defend. So intercepting the blows target as just a matter of determining where the blow was heading. Kaen was being kind enough to be direct after all.

The design of the stance was a simple one. If Kaen followed through with an attack it would be met with a blade. Utilizing his own force to hopefully cut him instead of taking the blow directly. This of course held one issue. Grappling. If those fists opened Ashland would attempt to escape further back quickly. If they remained closed he would continue to attempt to intercept the blow. Not that he was faster than Kaen in any regard....but the goal was to back up further. Closer to the fence around the roof. Closer to his plan. If he could get that far.