All Is Calm With Bankai (JT, Closed, Bankai Training)

[Brutus]

Kami no Te chuckled some at Shawns answer as he continued to motion his left hand and the accompanying Air Strings in his direction. He certainly wasn't wrong that there were a number of issues with his current allotted power. But that didn't mean he was devoid of options. Still dodging would do him good if he didn't stop spending all of his share of energy. He'd just have to get more creative with what he was given. And that meant spending just a bit more reiatsu for some unconventional maneuvers. From Kami no Te's right hand came several more strings, these strings however wrapped around his blade aside from the cutting edge. From there he simply shunpo'd towards Shawn bring the strings with his left hand closer. Kami no Te would be within 10 feet of Shawn and swiping his left hand in front of Shawn while flexing just a bit of his reiatsu.

Without a doubt Shawn would hear the boulders rising out the earth to his right and making their way towards Kami no Te, but more specifically him as he was between Kami no Te and himself. He knew Shawn had to have regained his strength at this point so the only thing he could truly do was limit his ability to move around and focus him down from there. And since his left and right were rapidly becoming smaller, he knew there was only so much Shawn could do. Thus, he spoke to him. "This is a good assessment. But battles were not won doing nothing. Waiting is at best, a momentary tool for an opponent whose patience is thin. I suggest, you begin a counterattack sooner than later. Lest you find yourself unable to."

Speaking of finding himself limited Kami no Te decided that then and there he'd need to push Shawn just a bit more. And thus, flung out his sword directly towards torso. The sword itself was still attached to the strings for his right hand and thus wasn't really out of his reach. Granted the sword was noticeable slower than the boulders so even if he was limited there was a moment to try and retaliate but the real question was, could he? Kami no Te had his own thoughts on the matter. Shawn could surely attempt to push him into the sky. Could attempt to cut the strings. He could even produce his own in an attempt to foil the attacks. But these were Kami no Te's immediate thoughts. Would Shawn follow suit, or did he also have his own ideas to follow? If anything, Kami no Te needed to see what Shawn could do under pressure and in turn could reveal aspects of his Bankai to him so long as he could keep up. "I wonder if you've realized it yet."

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{Reiatsu}-600 for Class 2 Air Strings (Right hand)

-450 for 3 boulders being pulled

-50 for shunpo

Total reiatsu used: 1,100

4,000 - 1,100 = 2,900 reiatsu remaining

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{Air strings info}Right Hand:

Durabilty: 600
Class: 2
OS: 5500
Duration: 1/15
Special Properties: Reiatsu conductive


Left Hand:

Durabilty: 600
Class: 2
OS: 500
Duration: 3/15
Special Properties: Reiatsu conductive and with electrical energy applied (2/4 Posts remaining)

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{Bankai Info}Class: 2
Duration: 4/15
Next post will have final stats increased

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

This battle was progressing quickly and Shawn could see his chance for victory was diminishing every second. As if to show how much the battle was tipping from his favor, Kami no Te makes a comment about how waiting can be helpful but at best it's only momentary. Following this quick lesson the Zan spirit Shunpo'd to be ten feet in front of him. This was bad, he knew at that distance the gravity powers would work instantly.

It seems Shawn was luck, however, as Kami no Te used that gravity power to instead rip some boulders out of the ground and have it flew towards him (as Shawn was in the middle of the boulders flight path). Wasting not time after hearing and then spotting the incoming projectiles he reaches up and grabs his hilt, readying himself for the next moments to come. Matters of course only get worse as Kami no Te flung the strin held sword straight at his chest.

The correct time was upon him, turning to face the boulders and have his back towards the incoming sword Shawn unsheathed his sword just as the boulder entered five feet of him. With that unsheathing the sword would swiftly cut downwards, cleanly slicing the boulder in half before jumping through the middle. Turning just long enough to glimpse the two halves he would mentally say the word push, sending the boulders hurtling towards Kami no Te before attempting a Shunpo to escape the dangerous situation.

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{Reiatsu}Remaining: 6300/7500
Shunpo - 50
Push X2 (for each boulder half) - 400

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{Overall Zan ability "Push}The Overall ability of the Zanpakuto is the user's reiatsu is condensed and released at high speeds giving it gravitational properties thus making it's theme "Gravity". This allows Shawn to pull and push a single target (An opponent or their weapon), allowing Shawn to be adaptable to most situations. This is a pretty strong ability, however, every good ability has it's limits. The gravitational property of this Zanpakuto only reaches out about 30 Meters, it also requires Shawn to both be in contact with his Zanpakuto and have visual contact with his target while saying attract or repel (respectively) and can be said mentally with a 1 in mental incantation. Regardless of it being in Shikai or Bankai, the target will only be pushed/pulled in a straight line from the Zanpakuto and will move at 400 speed and if pushed the target will move back 30 Feet (if only targeting a limb/weapon being held it will just be pushed/pulled 3 Feet). Pushing requires 200 Reiatsu while pulling only requires 150. This power works instantly on anyone within a distance of 10 feet. Those who are farther will feel a tingle giving them notice about what is going to happen, this gives them a moment to prepare for counter play or to simply try breaking line of sight.

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{Shikai Duration}Remaining: 4/15

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{Stats Boosted}None this post, 1 post until next pair of boosted stats

[Brutus]

Kami no Te watched as though time were slowing down. Three separate attacks were coming towards Shawn from three different venues. All abilities well within Shawns power to manage and deal with. He'd made some predictions about what Shawn would do and how he expected things to go, though Shawn followed none of his immediate thoughts surprising him. . . Though that wasn't for the best. He could tell that he was pushed. That issues were going to continue to arise because he allowed himself to be boxed in and was only focusing on escaping. Which admittedly, Kami no Te could agree with. Repositioning was a good idea, assuming he could set himself up for success. However, he'd simply been repositioning and while he had now gained the power to fight back given enough time had elapsed, his counterpart was still just running around.



Kami no Te had to come to terms that perhaps, Shawn was in part acting this way due to the restrictions he'd placed upon him. How much he was pushing him. But he had to see what Shawn could do. He needed Shawn to push back. This entire "farce" was intended to show him the power he could wield. A more. . . hands on lesson if you will. Though in truth, he was honest about what he'd said to Shawn earlier. If the man wasn't capable or worthy, he'd never get access. Though again, that implied that Shawn was not worthy of his powers in the first place. Admittedly he was, he just needed guidance. Guidance on how to handle himself better and use his powers better. That and time. Shawn, amongst all other things had never been truly given time to come to terms with everything his shikai could do. And now he was attempting Bankai?



It was a lot all at once. And it felt, from Kami no Te's perspective, like Shawn was attempting to fight a river. Too much water, information, with not enough time to manage it all appropriately. Kami no Te mentally sighed some about it. He could focus back on his thoughts once he made his next move. Shawn was without a doubt, going to be upset at the turn of events that would occur next. With Shawn turning and facing the boulders Kami no Te had brought his way, this meant the sword would be sailing past him, coming close but without actually having the means to hit him. Well, without some intervention on Kami no Te's end. But even he knew that Shawn would just destroy a boulder in some manner and squeeze an opening out that way. He was more than strong enough at this point.



However what Shawn was forgetting was the possibility Kami no Te set up traps. Hence when a Hainawa found itself being fired out from the string, directly behind Shawn it was all but over. Shawn wasn't incredibly fast, and the blade had only missed by a few inches making the string follow suit. With the boulder cut in twain he'd find his body rapidly bound in rope from the shoulders down. Pinning his arms to his sides and ensuring that his legs were tied together. He'd give Shawn a single moment to attempt much of anything as he altered the course of his left hand's air strings. Wrapping them around the boulders and throwing them into the ground around Shawn, with one on his zanpakuto and the other boulder alongside with the chunks blocking out the man's vision as he placed them around his head.



Boulders placed, while being damaged though not destroyed, and Shawn being bound Kami no Te felt as though this fight was done. Or at least, at its end. Bringing the sword back, he whipped the blade back while ensuring it would tap Shawn's leg with the flat of it. And if Shawn thought he was going to get away up to this point, he would be sorely mistaken. As soon as the blade touched his leg Shawn would feel an immense pressure all throughout his body. It would be akin to the air itself slamming him into the ground except it came from himself. While the immediate implication may not come to Shawn, it would without a doubt come eventually that his own spiritual energy was in fact forcing him down and into the ground.



Kami no Te decided to walk towards Shawn's backside as he brought the blade to his hand and withdrew the strings to 10 feet for his left hand. Once behind him he created an air ground panel and sat upon it, look down at him before speaking. "So, Shawn, this I would say is the end of this fight. Tell me, how would you gauge yourself were you in my shoes? I have opinions of my own, but this is less about me, and more about you. Thus, your reflections over this fight are more relevant. Do not rush however, we have all day for this so collect your thoughts before answer." Kami no Te sat quietly as he waited for Shawn to think and ultimately respond to his question. Again, curious as to how the other would respond. Shawn clearly had his own line of thinking, but it was not so separate that the two couldn't understand one another. Kami no Te vaguely chuckled to himself as he felt the final barrier break for his abilities, knowing Shawn would follow suit here as well.

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{Final stat spread}
Strength - 100

Speed - 200

Spiritual Pressure - 750

Reiatsu Strength - 1000

Instinct - 200 Points

Senses - 300

Energy Sensory - 0

Healing Expertise - 0

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{reiatsu}
-200 for Ugokanai de
-25 for Hainawa

Total: 225

2,900 - 225 = 2,675 reiatsu remaining

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{Air String information}
Right Hand:

Durabilty: 600
Class: 2
OS: 500
Duration: 2/15
Special Properties: Reiatsu conductive


Left Hand:

Durabilty: 600
Class: 2
OS: 500
Duration: 4/15
Special Properties: Reiatsu conductive and with electrical energy applied (3/4 Posts remaining)

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{Techniques used}
Ugokanai de- After touching the opponent (With either hand or Zanpakuto), they begin to feel as if their own reiatsu is pushing them down and leaving them unable to move (This can be negated by paying 600 reiatsu)/ Activation Cost: 200 and 150 for every additional post

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{Bankai Info}
Class: 2
Duration: 5/15
Strength and HE regained. All stats at maximum.

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

This battle was simply not going in Shawn's favor, after splitting the boulder with ease he turns to send the halves flying back towards Kami no Te. Sure enough, the moment he attempted to do so a Hainawa was sent from the sword that passed him and landed before he could react. To make matters worse the string also began entwining around him, causing him to be double tied. As if to rub salt in his wound, Kami no Te would yank the string causing the blade to safely make contact with his leg.

The moment Shawn felt the cold metal touch his leg the world pushed down on him. He could tell it was his own spiritual power shoving him downward, and down onto the ground he went. Eating dirt as he fell face down on to the ground, he turns his head to see Kami no Te walking towards him. The Shinigami knows this battle is almost assuredly lost, however, he will make one more last ditch effort. So in response to Kami no Te's words he manages to squeeze out a few of his own, "I'm not done just yet".

As to keep his words true, Shawn creates a gravity puck ten feet above Kami no Te. Following that a whispers the words "Yōku o mochiageru", causing the ground under his Zan spirit to shove him upwards. If nothing is done Kami no Te will slam into the gravity puck above at a speed of 400, right after that the gravity puck would then begin falling to the ground. If for some reason Kami no Te stayed under the gravity puck when it hit the ground he would find himself crushed with a force of 1000.

Shawn understands that this isn't guaranteed to work, but a chance is still a chance. At the very least he wants to show Kami no Te he understands the power he was given, if not perfectly at least to a degree showing he can learn. With that he can only wait until either the attack fully plays out or his opponent escapes before he can either admit defeat or manage a victory.

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{Reiatsu}Remaining: 5950/7500
Yōku o fuyasu (Gravity Pucks) - 200
Yōku o mochiageru (Upward Gravity) - 150

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{Yōku o fuyasu}Yōku o fuyasu- Sending a large burst of reiatsu into the spot where Shawn points his Zanpakuto, gravity becomes visible taking on the shape of a 3 foot wide and 3 inch thick puck. This gravity puck will fall from the spot created at 400 speed and with the force of Shawn's OS (In Bankai Shawn may use his hands to use this technique). Activation cost: 200 reiatsu

Limits: If targeting an enemy it may only be created 10 feet above them, the creation process is instantaneous though.

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{Yōku o mochiageru}Yōku o mochiageru- Causes the ground under target to repel them upward 10 feet at 400 speed. Activation cost: 150 (can use in Bankai)


Limits: Will not work on someone or something in the air already. Twice per post limit.

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{Shikai Duration}Remaining: 5/15

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{Stat's Boosted}Strength & Senses
Stat's after boosts -

Strength - 100 Points

Speed - 200 Points

Spiritual Pressure - 750 Points

Reiatsu Strength - 1000 Points

Instinct - 200 Points

Senses - 300 Points

Energy Sensory - 0 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

[Brutus]

Kami no Te was admittedly. . . uncertain how to feel about Shawn's final attempt to fight him. Namely because it implied that Shawn seriously thought such a simple maneuver was going to change the fight as a whole. Kami no Te WAS caught off guard about the other using the ground at the last moment. Something even he'd admit, he should have considered. However, when it came to the puck above, he was more or less certain nothing would happen. This was because he did two things. 1. He threw out the air strings of his left hand into the ground and kept himself from being flung too far into the air. And the other part was he activated Danku. Which effectively grew cracks on the translucent barrier from the impact before the puck rested there and faded away.

Kami no Te in the meantime changed his seating arrangement to be an air ground so that Shawn couldn't pull that stunt again and pulled himself as well as his air ground seat towards the other. Once he was floating 5 feet above the ground he looked down and spoke to Shawn. "Truthfully, I didn't foresee you trying a last-ditch gambit. Usually, you'd have given up by this point. I suppose that is a level of growth in and of itself. However, as you can likely imagine, that didn't succeed. But I suspect on other opponents this would have been a game changer. One they may not expect the first time you use it. So good on you for figuring that out. I do still want to hear your answer Shawn, no number of last-ditch efforts or gambits are going to change that. Especially now that your gambit didn't work."

"So, how would you grade yourself Shawn? Explain your answer, if you don't mind. It'll help me follow your line of thinking." Kami no Te simply stayed seated on his air ground panel as he waited. retrieving the strings that were originally pulling the panel and himself. This way Shawn didn't get any other funny ideas. Because even Shawn had to know, if he created another puck, Kami no Te would simply destroy it this time. Or. . . worse yet, sidestep it and let it fall on Shawn, who was under him. While he could restrict the others use of his power that would only undermine the point he was trying to make. This entire fight wasn't about Kami no Te beating the shit out of Shawn. It wasn't some kind of pent-up aggression that was let loose.

It was to emphasize his point from earlier. The two need to be considered equals. Especially considering how much power Kami no Te was willing to give Shawn. The power he'd seen first-hand by his own zanpakuto spirit was all the same power he was capable of wielding himself. He simply needed to work together with him to achieve the same results. If not better ones all things considered. Without a doubt, if Shawn could look past any frustration he may have about their fight, it'd be readily apparent that Brutus was correct. Shawn was LEAGUES more capable than he allowed himself to be. It was only a matter of time, training, and cooperation with others, zanpakuto spirit included, that Shawn needed to truly succeed at his endeavors.

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

It looked like that last ditch effort was paying off for Shawn! Until it wasn't.... After being tossed up into the air Kami no Te both leashed himself to the ground to prevent himself from being tossed up to high and a Danku to take the impact of the Gravity Puck. The last bit of hope the Shinigami had that the fight could possibly reverse in his favor was dashed against the ceiling. 

Letting out a sigh, Shawn finally admitted defeat to himself. He was, however, happy to take the compliment his Zanpakuto spirit gave him. That's when he was asked how he would grade himself. Letting out one more sigh he opens his mouth to voice his opinion, "I would grade myself C+, B- at best. Sure I dodged for awhile, but that was meaningless when I didn't take any opportunity to attack. The only reason I rate myself that high was the last attack I tried, it was to late sure, but it was still at an opportune time." 


Finishing his opinions about the fight Shawn let's out one final sigh, he then realized he remained calm through out their fight. Sure he could have done better, but it was certainly a big step forward. Up until now he knows the only reason he was calm during release was due to Kami no Te's intervention. With the reiatsu flowing through his body in this state though, he felt like his true self. Therefore, even though he lost he had a smile on his face that spoke his current feelings. 

"Thank you for this opportunity to learn about my shortcomings. It seems I was holding on stubbornly to my fears of the past. It doesn't change how I feel about protecting people, but I admit I need help more often than I'd prefer to admit." With that Shawn would go silent as he listens to Kami no Te. Shawn wouldn't trade this experience for anything now, as this will allow him to grow in a more beneficial way.

[Brutus]

Kami no Te hummed to himself. And to Shawn to an extent. It was effectively to let him know that he'd been listening to him. He gave himself a passing score, though only a bit above average. Teetering on good. Namely for the fact he launched a single attack. Kami no Te shook his head around. It wasn't wrong that if they were going to grade his actions, it certainly helped. But even Shawn had to know the attack was too late. Something like that as a starter would have changed much. Might have allowed him more opportunities to fight back. But he got swallowed by the tempo that Kami no Te instilled. So, he wasn't all that convinced about a B, even a low one. But he did have to admit, the other was making sound choices with regards to trying to dodge.

Knowing his opponent was stronger and bidding his time was good. It was a necessary strategy for those like Shawn who locked away their potential. But he still could have done more. Could have done better. So, Kami no Te would have to admit, he'd give him a lower score than he'd given himself. Still, it wasn't completely fair to say that they fought on an equal playing field. He was using Bankai after all, meanwhile Shawn was using Shikai. Certain abilities were just strictly not available to him. So, he'd give him some credit there. When Shawn was done speaking, he hopped off his air panel and down next to him. Waving away the stones, releasing the air strings, his Bankai, and allowing Shawn to move again. Then he made his blade and Shawns disappear before walking in front of him and speaking.

"Shawn, to be blunt, you barely got a passing grade in my eyes. A C is most likely appropriate, but a C- could be argued. And it's in part due to what you mentioned. You were hesitant to attack, to try and alter the flow of our fight. And when you had the ability to do so, you found yourself so entrenched in my tempo that you couldn't do much else but follow through. You need to understand how dangerous that is. Believe me when I say, I understand how difficult it is for you to have to play a waiting game. But that is simply the nature of your soul. Our souls even. You need to determine how you can strengthen your defense so that even if your opponent is making you follow to their tune, you can break away swiftly and surely once you've gained your true potential."

"Brutus was correct when he said your potential is great. If nothing else, you've seen what I can do. And I mirror your potential, if only with a bit more skill and grace behind my actions. But the power behind my actions, that's the power you will have. This power will change how you fight from here on out. Make no mistake, though our fight did not end in your favor that does not mean you've failed. On the contrary I think you finally understand how much more capable you are BECAUSE you've seen how power I, and by extension, you are. So too will this occur when you work with others. Allow them to influence and assist you. Obviously, you do not need to follow them by the nose and allow them to rule you. But opening the doors to assistance and some degree of trust is important. It is what will make you a captain of note. It is what will make you a powerful shinigami. It is, what will make you, capable and reliable Shawn. But this will come in time. Step by step, day by day. I have no doubt in my mind you'll get there. Especially with me at your side."

Kami no Te then reverted to his previous size. Shrinking and returning to a far more youthful appearance. He then stretched out his back giving a few meaningful pops and yawned some. Waving his hand in over his mouth before looking back at Shawn. "Forgive me, that actually has tired me some. It's been a long time since I've used Bankai. And that wasn't even all the power available to me. Well, us now. I think it's safe to say, I'll teach you everything you need to know Shawn. But I think it's best for us both if you go reflect on what has transpired today. Rest even. And if you're feeling truly appreciative, perhaps even thank your resident guest when he returns. He may not acknowledge it, but he did play his part well. Regardless, be at peace knowing you will be given access to my truth strength. And that in time, you will be able to protect those around you near and far. By the way, my true name is..."

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Alright to expedite your acquiring of Bankai I'm grading this thread. I counted 111 paragraphs.

This means Shawn and a character off my roster gain 550 TP. This also should qualify as your bankai training thread as we had staff permission to allow this type of joint training when we started. So, you should be good to go post up your CIU for Bankai at your leisure.