Post by Ken'ichi Shihoin on Nov 28, 2022 19:16:42 GMT -5
 | ⊰〖• K E N ' I C H I |  | S H I H O I N •〗⊱ | |
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| ⊰〖• CURRENT TOTAL POINTS •〗⊱ |
- Class: 1
- CTP: 16,200
- TTP: 150
- SP: 1600
- SKP: 15
- Ryo: 6,500
| ⊰〖• KEN'ICHI'S TECHNIQUES •〗⊱ |
⊰〖• Zanpakutō Techniques •〗⊱
- [050] [Shikai ] Hane Yaiba
- [100] [Shikai ] Ittō Suigin
- [100] [Shikai ] Ekitai-Kō no Kishi
- [300] [Shikai ] Suigin Keitai
- [600] [Bankai] Ryū Ibuki
- [500] [Bankai] Hagane no Gun
⊰〖• Hōhō Techniques •〗⊱
- [7] [050] [Mastered] Shunpō
- [7] [025] [Mastered] Advanced Air Ground
- [5] [100] [Mastered] Shunpō Karin
⊰〖• Hakuda Techniques •〗⊱
- [3] [ --- ] [Mastered] Hakuda Defense: Do
⊰〖• Zanjutsu Techniques •〗⊱
- [3] [200] [Mastered] Kyojin no Kogitte [Reserved]
- [2] [600] [Mastered] Shunpōhau [Reserved]
⊰〖• Kidō Techniques •〗⊱
- [7] [025] [Mastered] Hadō #01: Shō
- [7] [025] [Mastered] Hadō #04: Byakurai
- [5] [100] [Mastered] Hadō #33: Sōkatsui
- [4] [150] [Mastered] Hadō #53: Surasorutoiera
- [2] [600] [Mastered] Hadō #86: Sōkahō
⊰〖• General Techniques •〗⊱
- [5] [100] [Mastered] Sairento Satsugai [Shihoin]
- [5] [050] [Mastered] In'nāfōmu [Shihoin]
- [4] [150] [Mastered] Kage no Kurōku [Shihoin]
- [4] [075] [Mastered] Combat Cutback
- [4] [ --- ] [Mastered] Iaijutsu
- [3] [400] [Mastered] Ni
| ⊰〖• PURCHASE HISTORY •〗⊱ |
- Jul 08, 2021: 17,000; Plasma Blade (Class 1)
- Jul 08, 2021: 1,500; 3x Amnesia Pill (2 remain)
- Oct 31, 2022:
10,000; X-Ray Contacts (Class 1)
| ⊰〖• COMPLETED THREADS •〗⊱ |
- [1/8] [PvP] Flames That Refuse to Go Out
- [2/8] [Social] Returning to Duty
- [3/8] [Training] Long, Long Way to the Sereitei
- [4/8] [PvP] Star of the Morning and Star of the Evening
- [5/8] [Adventure] Katabasis
| ⊰〖• ACTIVE THREADS •〗⊱ |
- [Adventure] Soul Burnt
- [Adventure] Demands of the Mystery Box
- [Social] Hollow Hangover
- [Social] Sereitei Mixer
- [Social] Now that's a lot of Damage!!
[PTab=Ken'ichi Shihoin]
⊰〖• B A S I C I N F O R M A T I O N •〗⊱
❀ Name: Ken'ichi Shihoin ❀ Age of Death: N/A ❀ Real/Apparent Age: 789 [29] ❀ Birthday: Nov 29, 1231 ❀ Blood Type: AB- ❀ Type: Cunning
⊰〖• A P P E A R A N C E •〗⊱
❀ Height: 5'11" ❀ Weight: 152 lbs ❀ Eye Color: Hazel ❀ Hair Color: Lilac ❀ Complexion: Chocolate {Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION •〗⊱ While standing just shy of six feet, Ken'ichi has a slight, lanky build which gives him the overall appearance of having been stretched on a rack. With a warm chocolaty complexion, and an offbeat taste in fashion, Ken'ichi's overall appearance comes across as an awkward combination of geeky and sophisticated. His usual attire consists of an iridescent pinkish-yellow lab coat worn over the sleeveless black kosode and hakama traditionally worn by members of the Onmitsukidō, and accented by a dark green sash, and an elaborate, layered mantle colored a reflective orange. Tied about his neck, Ken'ichi wears two pieces of dark, red-brown fabric, worn as a tie, and which flare outward at the bottom, giving a sharp, angular effect.
The full-length lab coat itself is cinched up on the right to reveal his black hakama beneath. While appearing to be made of expensive satin or silk, Ken'ichi's outerwear is actually made from a durable, fire-retardant fabric of Ken'ichi's own design. Worn about his waist is a dark green and blue sash made of the same fire-retardant fabric. Decorated with hibiscus flowers, the sash is buckled on the right side by a wide metallic buckle made of some pinkish metal. Worn asymmetrically, the left side of his sash trails down his left thigh, while the right side ends just below the buttocks. Hanging from his right wrist, Ken'ichi sports a delicate, ovoid pendant. Decorated with a large oval turquoise set in a golden filigree clasp, the pendant itself is weighted at the bottom by a brass pointed pendulum, causing it to hang loosely against his arm.
Buttoned across his shoulders, Ken'ichi's mantle made of the same reflective material as his coat and sash. The orange-colored mantle itself covers Ken'ichi's shoulders and back, and is cut with sharp, angular points which end abruptly at a point above the elbow. The front of the garment is layered, with the outer layer arching high toward the neckline, where it is buttoned into a high, skin-tight collar. The inner layer drapes downward, ending in a rounded point, and is decorated with delicate, red embroidery. A small almond-shaped gap is created between the two layers, giving the appearance of an "eye" in the center of his chest. Accenting the mantle, small metallic buttons of a dark, muddy red run along the front of the garment, while the seams are accented with embroidered thread in the same color. Finally, two dark metallic bands are pinned diagonally to the right side of the garment. On the rear, the mantle comes to a triangular point just above the waistline, and is flanked by two smaller triangular points at the back of each shoulder.
For footwear, Ken'ichi wears the traditional japanese sandles and white socks worn by most of his shinigami brethren. Unlike them however, Ken'ichi's sandles are tied to his ankles by red-brown thread, which criss-crosses his legs, almost to the knee, and gives the appearance of a greek or roman soldier. Finishing off this flamboyant ensemble, Ken'ichi sports a pair of thin, wire-framed glasses which perch delicately upon his pale, angular face and enhance the allure of his piercing, hazel eyes.
While dressing in an extravagant, flamboyant style, Ken'ichi pays little attention to his disheveled rose-white hair, or at least - that's the impression he deliberately conveys. Kept in a short, but deliberately unkempt fashion, Ken'ichi's hair is parted on the left, with his long sweeping bangs partially covering his face on the right side. On the left side of his face, his pale tinted hair sweeps outward away from his face. Worn just above the shoulder, Ken'ichi's hair shines with a lustrous radiance, and smells faintly of lavender. To a perceptive individual, these details belie the seemingly unkempt appearance of his hair, and reveal that he wears his hair deliberately in this fashion, and takes great pride in deceiving people of this fact.
⊰〖• P E R S O N A L I T Y •〗⊱ {Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• OVERALL PERSONALITY •〗⊱ Ken'ichi carries himself with an air of quiet sophistication. Despite his best efforts however, his outwardly calm demeanor is frequently interspersed with moments of extreme excitability and enthusiasm. Such episodes undermine his carefully constructed public image and make it difficult at times to take him seriously. While Ken'ichi maintains an aloof yet friendly professionalism with most people, his friends know him to be a deeply compassionate, and genuinely friendly individual. Despite being a high ranking member of the Shihoin family, Ken'ichi does not lord his nobility over those of lower social class. In fact he behaves quite the opposite, priding himself on being approachable to anyone, regardless of rank or social class. Ken'ichi even extends such courtesy to his enemies, and endeavors to remain civil regardless of how uncouth or hostile another person acts toward him.
Not one to judge people based solely on their race, class, or even species, Ken'ichi has been known to have engaged in civil and polite conversation with both Arrancar and Quincy alike, although such conversations are understandably rare. While his professional duty requires him to eventually eliminate both Hollow and Quincy alike, Ken'ichi harbors no deep-seated hatred toward them, nor does he derive personal satisfaction from their destruction. As a result, should Ken'ichi meet a member of an "enemy" race who is willing to set aside their differences, Ken'ichi is more than willing to interact with them on a social level. Ken'ichi rationalizes such encounters on the basis that while it is his duty to eliminate them, they are not posing an immediate threat and as such, he can ignore their continued existence while other "larger" threats still remain. Besides, despite being on opposing sides of the great conflict, Ken'ichi recognizes kindred spirits regardless of race, and is loathe to destroy a potential ally, comrade, or research subject, simply on the grounds that it is his job to do so. This is not to say that he is opposed to killing enemy races. When Ken'ichi feels it necessary, he will carry out his obligations swiftly and without hesitation.
Ken'ichi is a hopeless flirt and an unabashed romantic and will shamelessly throw himself at any (and all) people he finds even remotely attractive. While not in the least bit seductive, Ken'ichi's overly enthusiastic romantic gestures can be intimidating and overwhelming at times, leading to frequent rejection. Not one to manipulate others or force himself, Ken'ichi bounces back from such rejections quickly, moving onto the next person he might shower with his affection.
Highly intelligent, Ken'ichi is a deeply passionate and dedicated scientist. Largely self-taught, Ken'ichi's eclectic studies have resulted in him becoming knowledgeable in a wide array of different sciences and other intellectual pursuits. Suck knowledge includes expertise in the fields of electro-mechanical engineering, physics, cybernetics, bio-chemistry, and genetics - most of which he has acquired over the past one and a half centuries of human scientific advance. In addition to his fields of expertise, Ken'ichi has a passionate interest in the fields of archaeology, anthropology and paleontology. Ken'ichi maintains an extensive library of human-world textbooks, and research papers and takes every opportunity to personally attend the odd research symposium (or part there of). Failing that, Ken'ichi has acquired a portable computing device and has filled it full of research papers, textbooks, course materials (thanks largely to MIT), in addition to the odd video game or movie.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• DISLIKES •〗⊱ ❀ Rejection/Disappointment
While Ken'ichi has felt the sting of rejection more times than he can count, each and every time one of his "special interests" rebuffs his advances wounds his self-worth and confidence. Not one to reveal how deeply being rejected hurts him, Ken'ichi masks his pain behind a show of mock indifference while moving onto the next person, ever seeking the special "One" who he can shower with his boundless love and affection. Ken'ichi's aversion to disappointment does not end solely with rejection however. Any kind of disappointment, no matter how small leaves Ken'ichi with a hollow, empty feeling deep in the pit of his stomach - one he most often tries to fill by consuming sweet, sugary foods and drink.
❀ Sour or Bitter Foods
Ken'ichi cannot stand the taste of anything sour or bitter. Such foods leave him feeling nauseous with indigestion. This is a psycho-somatic response resulting from a long-forgotten negative reaction to a rotten lemon early in his childhood. Alcohol seems to be the only exception to this aversion and causes him no undue discomfort.
❀ Imposed Restrictions
Ken'ichi cannot stand artificial restrictions placed upon his person. While he grudgingly acknowledges the need for "rules" and "regulations" in order to maintain peace, safety and order, he feels stifled by such restrictions. This has lead to him bending or breaking any rule he feels he can get away with, living by the motto of it being "better to ask forgiveness than permission". However, despite his rebellious nature, Ken'ichi will never break a rule if doing so would increase the chances of an ally or innocent coming to harm.
❀ Disorder
While this may seem at odds with his rebellious disregard and contempt for "imposed restrictions", Ken'ichi cannot stand being in a disorderly environment, nor does he hold any love toward chaotic or haphazard situations. His love of combat seems to be an exception in this regard, as while combat is by its nature chaotic, Ken'ichi seeks to impose order on any battle he finds himself within through a process of careful observation, and calculated maneuvers orchestrated with mathematical precision. While Ken'ichi holds order, discipline, and organization in high regard, he is far from obssessive-compulsive when it comes to cleanliness or order. As such, while he expects his subordinates to keep their quarters clean, and relatively well-organized, he is quick to overlook inconsequential details, providing the overall standard is moderately high. Those who fall short of this standard however, do not often last long under his command. Those who show disrespect for basic "orderliness" can expect swift reprimand, and consequences for their disobedience. Given Ken'ichi's own disregard for rules and restrictions, expecting his subordinates to hold themselves to even this standard is more than a little hypocritical of him.
❀ Unnecessary Violence
It is a shinigami's duty to slay Hollows and the enemies of the Sereitei. With this duty comes a certain degree of necessary violence. Likewise, Ken'ichi's love of combat results in him engaging in violent behavior with some degree of frequency. With that being said however, in Ken'ichi's mind there is a clear distinction between "necessary" violence in the pursuit of training, or fulfilling one's responsibility as a Shinigami, and excessive, "unnecessary" and over-the-top violence. It is Ken'ichi's belief that combatants must hold themselves with a level of self-restraint and discipline, and to only use as much force as necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Ken'ichi views unrestrained violence, violent displays of anger, wanton destruction, and attacks which harm the innocent are seen as abhorrent and disgusting, and cannot be tolerated. Ken'ichi holds nothing but contempt for those who engage in frequent and unnecessary violence. Such pathetic excuses for life are worth less than animals in his eyes, and their violence must be curtailed.
❀ Injustice
Tying in with his hatred of unnecessary violence, one of Ken'ichi's core values is in "Justice for all". So strongly does he believe in the cause of "Justice" that witnessing an act of Injustice is one of the few things known to infuriate Ken'ichi. Depending on the severity of injustice, Ken'ichi's intolerance toward unjust action is so great as to frequently shatter his calm, disciplined demeanor, and make him visibly enraged. Learning of an act of injustice (even second or third-hand) presses all of Ken'ichi's buttons, making it extremely difficult for him to maintain his self-composure, and resist the urge to lash out and immediately take action to correct the perceived "wrong". In moments when he loses his composure in the face of injustice, Ken'ichi will later feel extreme guilt at his own actions, no matter how justified.
❀ Arrogance
While insanely intelligent and a master of many fields, Ken'ichi does not lord his abilities over his peers. In fact, Ken'ichi feels great contempt toward braggarts, believing arrogance to be a sign of self-doubt and emotional weakness. In his eyes, if one is truly gifted in their art, there is little need to "show off", as the fruits of their efforts would be self-evident. From his point of view, if someone feels the need to draw attention to their work, it shows a lack of self-worth, or failing that - skills that do not measure up to their own inflated sense of self.
❀ Tsujigiri (Random Killing)
Tying in with his strong moral code, Ken'ichi finds the practice of Tsujigiri abhorrent and contemptible. Those who would slay another innocent soul, simply for the purposes of practicing a new technique are in his eyes, among the worst of criminals. Utterly despicable, such individuals do not deserve the air they breathe, and must be brought to justice at any cost. While slaying an inferior foe in combat is detestable, those who would slay a weak and defenseless innocent simply for the purpose of testing a new technique are the lowest of the low.
❀ Rogue Shinigami
While holding no love of authority himself, Ken'ichi has strong beliefs in the oaths sworn by shinigami upon entering the academy. Such oaths are few and offer shinigami great latitude in how they are followed. While normally tolerant toward other races, Ken'ichi lacks all compassion toward those of his own kind who would turn their back on their brethren, and would dare forsake the spiritual bond between Soul Reaper and Zanpakutou. Wielding the accursed Bakkōtō, such individuals are traitors, deserving of death, a punishment Ken'ichi is all to willing to carry out. This is not to say that Ken'ichi finds the Bakkōtō itself an abomination. The scientist within him respects the ingenuity that went into their creation, despite its flawed results. No, it is in the forsaking of One's duty as a shinigami, and the rejection of their zanpakutou that so enrages Ken'ichi. Despite his hatred toward rogue shinigami, Ken'ichi is extremely tolerant of rebel arrancar, quincy, and other such races; viewing such individuals as having discovered the error of their ways and having been redeemed.
❀ Kasumi'Oji
Ken'ichi holds no love of the Kasumi'Oji clan, blaming them for the downfall of the once proud Shihoin Clan. Were it not for their rebellion in 1967, Ken'ichi believes that the head of the Shihoin clan would have never attempted his ill-conceived coup. As this was the event that triggered the Shihoin-Kawada conflict, of which his family ultimately lost, Ken'ichi believes that had the Kasumi'Oji never rebelled, the Shihoin clan would have never suffered disgrace, and eventual subjugation by the Kuchiki's.
❀ Being Heir
As heir to the Shihoin clan, it will one day fall to Ken'ichi to govern his once great and noble family. In his youth, Ken'ichi had no desire to lead the Onmitsukidō as was the duty of the Shihoin Daimyo, nor did he hold much interest in the tedium of noble politics. Ken'ichi much preferred to practice his swordplay or bury his nose in the book of some scientific text than to engage in monotonous tea ceremonies, political discourse, or other courtly activities. Given the families disgrace and decline in recent decades, Ken'ichi finds the prospect of leading the family daunting. Where as he would have previously abdicated his position should the honor of Daimyo fall to him, in light of recent events he would feel obligated to assume the responsibilities awarded him, although finds the prospect unappealing, as it would undoubtably cut into his precious research time, training, and other pursuits. In this regard, Ken'ichi sincerely hopes that Okami gives birth to a suitable heir, and that "her" reign ushers in a revival for the Shihoin clan. The last thing Ken'ichi wishes, is for Okami to die without birthing an heir, or worse yet - being forced to challenge for leadership due to incompetence.
❀ Cowardice
While Ken'ichi understands the value of a strategic withdrawal, he is disgusted by displays of abject cowardice. Fear is a natural reaction to danger, and should be viewed as a tool warning one of impending harm. He feels pity toward those who lack the courage to act in spite of fear, believing them to lack the necessary survival instinct that grants sentient species strength.
❀ Plagiarism
Claiming credit for another person's hard work is a contemptible act and one that Ken'ichi frowns upon with disdain and obvious displeasure. Should Ken'ichi discover that an individual under his command be found guilty of plagiarism, he would expel them from the squad immediately, and without hesitation.
❀ Boredom
While Ken'ichi rarely lacks for activities to fill his time, he dislikes the few times in which he has been bored. Should he be incapable of ending his boredom for any reason, he will quickly become frustrated and seek "creative" avenues to ease his boredom.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• LIKES •〗⊱ ❀ Romance
Ken'ichi has an insatiable desire for beautiful people of all genders, and enjoys to spend his time in the company of said whenever possible. Ken'ichi showers his affections on anyone who catches his attention, seeking to woo them with extravagant displays of ultra-sappy romance.
❀ Sweetened Alcohol
Ken'ichi has a fondness for good alcohol. Unlike most in Soul Society however, Ken'ichi has developed a preference for the sweet liquors, carbonated spirits, and mixed drinks from the human world, and prefers them to the more traditional sake available in Soul Society. Ken'ichi's fondness for human-world drinks is so great that he has designed and installed a carbonated softdrink machine inside the Soul Society Research Division, as well as an entire building devoted to the manufacture and storage of human world alcohol, the production of which Ken'ichi oversees personally.
❀ Confectionary
Ken'ichi has a great love of chocolate, taffy, powdered, and hard candies from the human world, and takes great delight in acquiring and consuming these sweet delicacies, all but unknown in Soul Society. When he is unable to consume human-world candy, Ken'ichi will partake of a variety of sugared and honeyed cakes, and other pastry treats. It is rare to find Ken'ichi without some kind of sweet in his possession or another.
❀ Science Fiction
Ken'ichi has a great love of Fantasy and Science Fiction television and movies, especially those relating to space exploration and interaction with alien species (hostile or otherwise). While he rarely has an opportunity to partake in this past time, while on deployment in the Human World, Ken'ichi will often steal a few moments to watch television through a Humans Window, at the cinema, or on a demo television at a supermarket; providing he feels he can get away with it. Back in Soul Society, Ken'ichi has yet to acquire a television, despite having requisitioned one for "research purposes" into Human entertainment and psychology.
❀ Auto-didactic Study
Ken'ichi has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and spends vast quantities of time dedicated in scientific research, and self education. Ken'ichi's love of the sciences comes second only to his love of women, and only by a slight margin. There are few things in this life Ken'ichi enjoys more than to spend hours (and sometimes days), toiling away in his laboratory conducting experiments of one form or another, or locked away in his personal study absorbing information at a remarkable pace. So great is his passion, that Ken'ichi has become a self-trained polymath in a number of different scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, electro-mechanical engineering, and astronomy.
❀ Training/Practice
Ken'ichi believes in the principle of keeping One's mind and body in perfect harmony. To that end, Ken'ichi spends several hours daily training his body, and practicing his combat kata's. To him, enrichment of the mind at the sacrifice of the body is detrimental to long term health. Likewise, as a shinigami, it is his duty to keep himself in physical fighting fitness. In addition to that, Ken'ichi finds the act of practicing his techniques meditative, allowing his mind the opportunity to wander while simultaneously allowing his subconscious mind to percolate. There is little Ken'ichi enjoys more than to honing his skills to sublime, mathematical precision.
❀ All things Furry, Chibi, and/or Cute
Soft, fuzzy, and impossibly cute animals melt Ken'ichi's stoic exterior, causing him to explode in a cute-gasm of variable magnitude. With that being said however, Ken'ichi refuses to keep such adorable critters about his quarters, as he knows full well how quickly such beasties will distract him from his training and research. In a similar vein, Ken'ichi's heart melts at the sight of all manner of small, chibi, and/or cute things including babies, children, small adults, and anyone even remotely attractive.
❀ Intellectual Discussion
As an intellectual himself, Ken'ichi loves debating the finer points of various sundry topics, even those outside his particular fields of interest. To that end, Ken'ichi would be more than willing to debate the philosophical differences between Shinigami and the outlook of various other races. Finding someone from another race willing to sit down and discuss such topics in a calm, collected manner is another story however.
❀ Aramis Tezuka
Ken'ichi finds Aramis' off-beat and highly quizzical nature both delightful and refreshing. Ken'ichi considers Aramis a kindred spirit at heart, someone who shares his enthusiasm for knowledge, and his compassionate, merciful nature. While respectful of his privacy, Ken'ichi is curious as to the reasons behind his heavily shrouded left arm, believing him to have suffered serious deformity, or being embarrassed after suffering serious scarring and/or injury. Ken'ichi likewise finds Aramis attractive, in that school-boy bookish kind of way, and finds his olive green hair a refreshing departure from standard.
❀ Taien Hadohou
Ken'ichi has a lot of respect for the vivacious, happy-go-lucky Vice Captain. This is largely due to his invention of the powerful "Kidou Fusion" technique, revealing a keen, unorthodox mind who does not fear thinking outside the box. While Ken'ichi has had few opportunities to get close to him as of yet, it is his goal to one day sit down and discuss the merits of Kidou fusion with him, preferably over a bottle of sparkling liqueur and a romantic, candle-light dinner. There is little doubt in his mind that beneath her sky-blue robes and shikakushou, is a firm, velvety body waiting to be unwrapped and sampled.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• FLAWS •〗⊱ ❀ Black Sheep
Ken'ichi is the veritable "Black Sheep" of the noble, Shihoin Clan. While he is officially the heir apparent of the Shihoin Clan, Ken'ichi has expressed no desire to lead his family, and has stated that "if ever, the responsibility of governing this family were to fall to my shoulders, I would gladly abdicate in favor of someone more worthy of governing the role". Ken'ichi would much rather spend his time neck deep in women, research, or both and sincerely hopes that Okami lives long enough to give birth to an heir and take the weight off Ken'ichi's shoulders. Not only this, but Ken'ichi has shirked the Shihoin family tradition and has shown little interest in studying (let alone mastering) the ways of the Onmitsukido. The fact that Ken'ichi has shown little interest in one day leading the Shihoin comes to great relief to the rest of his family, as they find his hedonistic lifestyle and lack of tradition disgraceful and embarrassing, and are disturbed by his mild delusional psychosis. As a result, the Shihoin family believe Ken'ichi unfit to be the next leader of their prestigious and noble family, and are inwardly grateful he has shown no interest in pursuing his birthright.
❀ Lecherous (Pervert)
Ken'ichi is flirtatious and perverted, and will make passes at anyone he finds attractive (which is most people). So great is his lecherous nature, that Ken'ichi has been known to make passes at his opponents while in the midst of battle.
❀ Poor Vision (Myopic)
Ken'ichi is mildly shortsighted and wears eyeglasses to correct his limited vision. While his eyesight is sufficient to navigate his environment without need of corrective lenses, Ken'ichi finds objects and people outside of a short radius (15-20') to quickly lose focus. Loss of his eyeglasses during combat would make it difficult to observe facial features, and other fine details at a range beyond 10'. For an understanding of how his vision affects his day-to-day functioning, Ken'ichi's vision is rated at approximately 20/40, approximately halving the distance at which writing, people, and objects remain in focus.
❀ Sugar Cravings
Ken'ichi has an insatiable fondness for human-world sweets, candy, and soft-drink; and takes every opportunity to acquire these most delectable of treats, which he consumes on a regular basis. Rare is it for Ken'ichi to be found without at least several pieces of chocolate, gum, or some other candy in his pockets, or sipping on a bottle of carbonated beverage from the human world. Several decades ago, he learned of the existence of sweet, flavored alcoholic drinks manufactured in the human world, and has taken it upon himself to learn the arts of bar tending. Fortunately, Ken'ichi's immense spiritual abilities place great demands upon his energy conserves, preventing him from gaining weight despite his excessive sugar consumption.
❀ Merciful
While Ken'ichi views this trait as a positive quality, his compassionate and merciful nature can all to easily be taken advantage of by those who are cunning and deceitful. This has lead to several occasions wherein Ken'ichi has found himself in an extremely vulnerable situation, after having shown mercy to an enemy in combat.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• HABITS •〗⊱ ❀ Inner Monologue (Romanticized)
While hyper-intelligent, Ken'ichi is prone to flights of fantasy. These flights of fantasy take the form of frequent, internal monologues in which Ken'ichi fantasizes romantically about himself and those which he finds attractive.
❀ Unusual Speech (Third Person)
Ken'ichi speaks in an unusual manner. Rather than using first-person pronouns, Ken'ichi refers to himself in a clinical, detached, third person frame of reference. Ken'ichi seems oblivious to the fact that he never refers to himself in the first person, and does not appear to be speaking in this manner consciously. When speaking of himself in the third person, Ken'ichi usually does so by referring to himself either by name, or by saying "This One". Those who are highly perceptive recognize that the reason behind his unusual use of third person pronouns is a result of his highly scientific, and rational and detached mind causing a small degree of self-disassociation.
❀ Self Neglect
Ken'ichi will frequently neglect his health and well being when engrossed in research and other scientific endeavors. As a result, Ken'ichi will go long periods of time without rest, sustenance, and other basic necessities. While normally fastidious about his hygiene and appearance, Ken'ichi will also forego keeping up his appearance during such bouts of self neglect. Ken'ichi does not neglect his nutritional requirements and other necessities deliberately. Rather, he becomes so hyper-focused and tunnel-visioned on his work that he simply forgets, ignoring hunger and fatigue until such times as it becomes impossible.
❀ Kawaii-gasms (Cutegasms)
Ken'ichi prides himself on self-restraint and maintains a deliberately aloof, yet friendly demeanor. Despite this however, Ken'ichi has an extreme soft-spot for the adorable, the fluffy, and chibi, and falls victim to the evil power of the "Cute". When faced with the impossibly cute, Ken'ichi's carefully constructed persona shatters (much like it does when he becomes smitten with a "beautiful" woman), and he fawns over the object of extreme cuteness with wild, enthusiastic enjoyment.
❀ Adjusting Glasses
Ken'ichi has an unconscious habit of adjusting his glasses by pushing them upward at the bridge with one or two fingers. This most often occurs when deep in thought, or when pondering a course of action, but when done during battle or conversation - gives him the appearance of being a "Badass Bookworm". Given his expertise with a sword, this is not far from the truth.
❀ Hammer Space
While this trait is typically reserved for women, Ken'ichi has an uncanny ability to seemingly pull flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, and other romantic gestures out of thin air. Ken'ichi is only able to display this ability when attempting to shower a prospective mate with his affections. Whether Ken'ichi truly manifests such items from "hammer space" or simply has them secreted about his person has yet to be revealed, however this ability has shocked his would-be date on many occasions.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• FEARS •〗⊱ ❀ Senility
Ken'ichi fears going senile in his old age and losing his prodigious mental faculties. While Ken'ichi knows that old age means little to a Shinigami, in the deep recesses of his consciousness, he is well aware that one day he will become old and infirm, and hopes against hope that when he does, he does not succumb to dementia. Given shinigami longevity and their tendency to die in battle, this fear is a small aspect of his character, and surfaces rarely.
❀ Rabbits
Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes in Ken'ichi's life was in watching Monty Python's "The Holy Grail". Since watching that movie, Ken'ichi has become increasingly leporiphobic. Convinced that the "Beast of Caerbannog" was inspired by a powerful, hollowfied rabbit, Ken'ichi is on a quest to uncover the whereabouts of this terrible beast, and end its reign of terror. It matters little that the "killer rabbit" in the movie was designed as a sight gag, and that it met its untimely end as a result of the "Holy Handgrenade of Antioch", Ken'ichi firmly believes that such creatures still exist, and must be hunted down and destroyed. Unknown to Ken'ichi himself however, the movie triggered a Post Traumatic Stress response, mirroring suppressed childhood fears as a result of having been savagely bitten by a rabbit in his formative years.
❀ Corruption
Part of the reason Ken'ichi shirks his duties as heir to the Shihoin clan, is his fear of becoming corrupted should he attain such immeasurable power within Soul Society. This fear stems from witnessing the deep seated corruption and greed within the noble houses that sparked the Kasumi'Oji rebelion and the Shihoin-Kawada Conflicts some 45 years previous. In light of these tragic events that lead to the near-complete collapse of three noble families, Ken'ichi is ever mindful of his own ambitions, lest they consume him and lead to his downfall.
❀ Technological Collapse
As a self-proclaimed technophile, Ken'ichi fears the day in which mankind's greed or a stray solar event leads to complete techological collapse. While the chaos following such an event would be catastrophic, it is the loss of such technology itself that Ken'ichi fears more so than the loss of life that would accompany it. Having lived through more than seven centuries, Ken'ichi knows all too well the value of modern technology, and the sundry ways in which it has improved the world. While he knows such knowledge is easily recoverable, and has taken steps to preserve as much knowledge as possible within the Squad 12 barracks as a precaution, he knows the loss of such technology would be a major setback to any future scientific advances.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• GOALS •〗⊱ ❀ Rebuilding Squad 12
In the wake of Sayuri's departure, Squad 12 has become a defunct and poorly represented squad. Ken'ichi has plans to rectify this situation, training up the unseated masses of his squad and rebuilding the squad once more into a powerful, fighting force. Concurrent with this goal, is the goal to modernize the Shinigami Research and Development Institute (SRDI), and fill its ranks with the brightest, most gifted, and most intelligent of his Squad. These talented individuals would also hold ranks of responsibility within Squad 12 itself, establishing a hierarchy of excellence which others may aspire. Of course, Ken'ichi would not act on such desires without permission from his Captain, but given leave to do so - he would revolutionize Squad 12.
❀ Meeting the "One"
A hopeless romantic at heart, Ken'ichi desires to eventually meet the "one" true love of his life. That "one" special person that he may shower with his eternal love and admiration, and with whom he can share his deepest desires, secrets, and achievements.
❀ Develop the "Ultimate" confection
As a connoisseur of sugary foods, Ken'ichi has dabbled in the manufacture of chocolate, and other candies. While lacking the time to pursue his interest in the culinary arts, it his his desire to one day develop the "ultimate" confection, to rival all others.
⊰〖• H I S T O R Y •〗⊱
❀ Birth Place: Shihoin Estate ❀ Current Residence: Squad 12 Barracks {Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• MEMORABLE FIGURES •〗⊱ ❀ Shihoin Hiroshi
Perhaps the single most influential person in Ken'ichi's life is his own father. Brother of Jiro and Tetsuo Shihoin, Ken'ichi's father lived a life of prosperity and privilege. Raised in the shadow of his elder brother Jiro, Hiroshi fueled his efforts into attaining excellence in the Onmitsukido, rising swiftly through the ranks to become head of the Assassination force. It was Ken'ichi's father who sought out the finest instructors so that he may one day rise to become Kensei. When his aptitude in the scientific arts was discovered, his father spared no expense in his education. Sadly, living in his brothers shadow would come at great cost, for shortly after attaining leadership of the Shihoin clan, Hiroshi succumbed to corruption, leading not only to his own death but the downfall of the Shihoin clan itself. In this regard, Hiroshi has become known as the most infamous Shihoin in history, and brought great shame on his once proud and noble family.
❀ Shihoin Akane
As a young soul, Ken'ichi spent a considerable amount of time with his soft-spoken, dignified mother. Ill of health even then, Akane rarely ventured outside the family residence at the Shihoin Estate, and spent the majority of her time wandering the private gardens reserved for the Hiroshi side of the family. Unbeknownst to Ken'ichi, Suigin's adult appearance and personality is an idealized memory reflection of his deceased mother Akane, and represents all that is good and kind in Ken'ichi's world. Sadly, Akane died during the birth of Ken'ichi's younger twin sisters while Ken'ichi was very young (at an apparent age of 6).
❀ Shihoin Tomoe
Former Vice Captain of Squad 2, the eldest child of Hiroshi and Akane was a free spirited, rebellious youth. Even as a child, she was a gifted sneak and had natural stealth, and speed and was being groomed for acceptance in the Onmitsukidou. Growing into a talented shinigami in her own right, Tomoe rose through the ranks of her uncles squad to the eventual position of Vice Captain, a position she would hold until her death at the hands of mini-gillian. Ken'ichi idolized his elder sister, despite her teasing. In fact, it was his desire to live up to his sister, and follow in her footsteps that prompted him to join the Gotei 13 and challenge himself to excellence. Ken'ichi still harbors the feeling of loss at his sisters death.
Unbeknown to Ken'ichi however, his elder sister was secretly adopted by his parents. This secret was only known by a select few within the Shihoin clan. Outside of his parents, only Jiro knew the true identity of Tomoe, and the reasons why she was adopted into the Shihoin clan. With the death of Jiro and Akane both, Hiroshi remains the only person aware this secret ever existed, and with his rivalry and rebellion within Soul Society, he is unlikely to reveal this fact any time soon. This secret is also the reason why Hiroshi considers Ken'ichi his heir, rather than Tomoe as would normally be her "birthright". Despite the atypical beliefs of his father, it was within Hiroshi's right to skip over members of his family if he deemed them unfit for any reason, even if the decision was frowned upon by other members of the Shihoin family. Whatever reasons may exist, Jiro allowed Hiroshi the unusual privilege of overlooking Tomoe as the heir to the Hiroshi line of the Shihoin clan. This in and of itself would be unusual, but has never been questioned, at least openly. With Tomoe's death, it is unlikely that anyone will ever learn the true reasons behind the secret adoption, or the great lengths that Jiro and Hiroshi went to keep her identity secret.
❀ Shihoin Jiro
Deceased. Uncle and former head of Shihoin, and Squad 2
❀ Shihoin Okami
Active. Current head of Shihoin, son of Jiro; cousin. 118 years older.
❀ Francis Grin
Active. Husband of Emiko, cousin in law. Married into family during Ken'ichi's absence
❀ Hayate Takahata
Takahata was an instrumental figure during Ken'ichi's youth. A master swordsman, he was originally hired by Ken'ichi's father to instruct his son in the ways of swordcraft. For the better part of a century, Takahata worked diligently in that task and over time, both he and Ken'ichi formed a strong friendship over their mutual respect and skill as swordsmen. True to character, Hiroshi dismissed Hayate from his service once he found his tutelage no longer necessary, and unbeknownst to his son - banished him from returning to the Shihoin Estate on pain of death. While Takahata was Ken'ichi's first and most memorable instructor, the greatest lessons he taught him were not ones of the blade, but ones of the heart. Courage, honor, respect, and above all - friendship.
❀ Twin Sisters
Ken'ichi has two younger sisters, which he dotes on. These characters are available as RPCs. I will edit this section in a CiU should anyone create one of his siblings.
⊰〖• B A C K S T O R Y •〗⊱ {Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• BIRTH OF A SON •〗⊱ A wailing cry rang out through the Shihoin Estate proclaiming the birth of Hiroshi Shihoin's second child, and firstborn son. Pacing anxiously outside the birthing chamber, relief flooded his face when the screen partition slid back and he was ushered within. Wrapping the new baby in swaddling as he entered, the midwife who assisted with the delivery handed the small bundle to his radiant wife Akane. Glancing up at her caramel skin and smiling as he gazed into her lavender eyes, he could not help but notice the beads of perspiration that ran in rivulets down her forehead, or the flushed look of her cheeks. The birthing had been laborous and difficult for her, having begun in the morning of the previous day and extending well into the night. Dawn would soon be upon them and for a time Hiroshi was not certain whether the baby would come, or whether he would end up burying his wife and unborn child. Glancing down from his wife's peaked face, he looked lovingly into the violet eyes of his newborn son.
"And what name will the heir of Hiroshi Shihoin be known as?", he announced after several moments. Looking long into his eyes, Akane brushed a lock of moist white hair out of his eyes before proclaiming that he would be known as Ken'ichi. "That is a good name, for one as strong and feisty as him", Hiroshi beamed proudly. True enough words could not have been spoken, for the infant began squirming in his mothers arms, turning its head from side to side seeking a breast with which to latch. Strong healthy lungs bellowed in frustration, his wail heard clear across the estate. "Suzunami, please go fetch my daughter so that she may pay homage to her brother, and heir to my line". Dismissing one of his servants, it was not long until his daughter was soon escorted into the birthing chamber. "Tomoe, this is your new brother Ken'ichi. Watch over him and help him to grow strong and wise, for one day he will be heir to the Shihoin, Hiroshi line".
Several years later, a young woman darted swiftly down the concealed path beneath the cherryblossoms that flourished within the high stone walls of the Shihoin estate. Trailing behind her, Ken'ichi strived to catch up to his swift and graceful sister. "Tomoe! Tomoe! Wait up", he panted. "You know I am not as fast as you, and my legs are much shorter. Tomoe, no fair where did you go?"Having lost sight of his elder sister by several decades, Ken'ichi searched the gardens fruitlessly for his wayward sister. Hearing a giggle from somewhere above him, Ken'ichi had but seconds to glance upward before his agile sister dropped lightly from the branches above. Almost a woman grown, Tomoe had flowered into a beautiful and radiant youth. Long violet hair whipping gently in the slight breeze, and falling across her chest. Catching his gaze with her striking, but mischievous magenta eyes, she spun gracefully on one foot to show off her attire.
No longer was she wearing the delicate rose and lavender yukata she had been wearing moments before. In place of delicate long-sleeved silk, Tomoe was robed in a white kosode accented with red stripes and matching red hakama. Beneath her kosode, Tomoe wore a red shitagai, while a striking red obi was tied about her waist. Emblazoned upon each breast in fine embroidery was the symbol of the Shin'ou Academy. "What do you think of my new digs little brother? Isn't it exciting! I am going to be a shinigami like cousin Okami and Uncle Jiro". Stunned at the revelation, Ken'ichi stood open-mouthed and speechless while his sister twirled with the grace of a dancer in her student's uniform. "Don't stand their like a gob-fished karp. Say something Ken-chan. Aren't you happy for your big sis?" Eyes narrowing in mischievous humor, she lept swiftly toward him, tackling him and playfully rubbed him across the head with the knuckles of one fist while clutching him about the neck with the other."I know...You're jealous! Big sis gets to go to the Academy while little Ken-chan gets to stay home and play with his toys like a baby". Poking her tongue out in a childish manner, Tomoe threw her younger brother lightly to the ground, bursting into laughter as she did.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• A MOTHERS FAREWELL •〗⊱ "Excuse the interruption Hiroshi-dono, but there has been a turn for the worse. You must come quickly, for the midwife does not think Akane-dono will survive much longer". Looking up from his work, no hint of the anxiety and worry that had been plaguing him could be seen in the stoney expression across his face. Moving swiftly with the grace of a trained Onmitsukido assassin, Hiroshi Shihoin beckoned quickly for the young boy to follow at his side. Hopping down from the stool he was sitting on, the young Ken'ichi placed the Kendama he had been playing with carefully on the cushion before him and followed after his father, in a state of heightened fear and confusion. Upon reaching the birthing chambers, Hiroshi barely had time to knock upon the partition before it was slid aside to allow them entry. "How is she? How is my wife?" Hiroshi demanded, the wavering in his voice betraying the fear he truly felt.
Shaking her head sadly, the midwife stood up from her kneeling position and wiped blood from her hands."My apologies Hiroshi-dono. Your wife began bleeding an hour ago, yet no sign of the child has issued. We fear the loss of both mother and child if something is not done soon". Visible distress crossed his stoney gaze, and he looked in alarm at his nearly unconscious wife. Face softening, Hiroshi knelt at his wife's side while Ken'ichi stood near the entryway, uncertain what to do. "Akane dearest, the midwife says you are not long for this world. I feel at a loss how to proceed. Advise me as you always have done, and be the strength I myself lack at this time." Raising her head weakly from the pillow beneath her, Akane gazed deeply into her husbands eyes with a glazed, faraway expression. "Husband. You must be your own strength now. Look after Ken'ichi and the child. Don't let this babe die with me. Do what you must so that it may live as my legacy..."
Breath rattling in her chest, Akane's voice failed her for a few moments, before she continued. "Ken'ichi. Where is Ken'ichi? I cannot see him...." "I am here Mother. What's wrong? You're bleeding? Are you alright Mamma?" "No son. I am not.....I am dying" Seeing the tears well within her young child's eyes, she smiled gently and brushed them away with an ashen hand. "Fear not my brave little Ken-chan. You must be strong and help your father. Be a good big brother to your new brother or sister.......I will always Lo....." Her voice trailing away, the dying woman collapsed on the mattress, words of bittersweet parting left hanging mid sentence. Stepping quickly, Hiroshi turned to one of his servants and began issuing orders. "You. Take Ken'ichi somewhere safe. He should not be here for what I must do next". As Ken'ichi was quickly escorted away from the birthing chamber, he turned to see his father removing a tanto from within the folds of his obi and kneel before his stricken wife, tears streaming down his face as he prepared to make the incision within his dead wifes abdomen, that would extricate the unborn child and hopefully save its life.
Many hours later, his father knocked quietly on Ken'ichi's door. Sliding it open, he entered quietly to see Ken'ichi sprawled asleep on his mattress, signs of fresh tears making his face puffy, while coating his pillow in damp, wet circles that had yet to dry. Kneeling before him, Hiroshi shook his son gently. "Ken'ichi. Ken'ichi son. Wake up. There's a good lad now.... I have someone for you to meet. Two someone's in fact. Ken'ichi, say hello to your new twin siblings...."{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• GILDED CAGE •〗⊱ "But Father, why can't I join the Academy? Tomoe graduated years ago, and was even granted a seated position within Uncle Jiro's squad. I wish to follow in our family tradition and become Shinigami, so that I may do the Shihoin clan honor like those who came before me." Pleading uselessly with his father, Ken'ichi tried everything in his ability to persuade him to grant his request."Absolutely not! Under no circumstances will my son and heir step foot within the walls of the Gotei 13. I have raised you to be a proper noble. To answer to no-one beneath your station. Those of the Gotei 13 exist solely at our bequest, and in service to us as members of the great houses. They exist to serve and protect. Would you have a son of mine grovel in service beneath the booted foot of another?"
"That makes no sense at all. Uncle Jiro recently became Captain of Squad 2, and he is the head of Clan. Cousin Okami serves under him, and then there is Tomoe. You-" "Enough. My reasons for allowing your sister to join the Gotei 13 were mine and mine alone. I do not answer to you and will not have my wishes questioned by an upstart brat who thinks too highly of himself. Serve your family and clan the way you have been instructed. Family honor before personal. What your uncle chooses is best for his family is his choice. But as your father, you will do as I say"
Seeing the look of utter rejection and defeat within his son's eyes, Hiroshi's stern countenance melted."Fear not Son. I am not without compassion. While I do not wish you to belittle yourself by training alongside those of lesser birth, I will seek out the greatest instructors of both worlds, so that you may rise as the finest swordsman to ever walk Soul Society. I wish nothing but the best for you, my only Son. One day you will lead this proud and noble clan, as the greatest ruler of the Shihoin, and Executive Commander of the Onmitsukido. Let us not speak of associating with the rabble that fills the ranks of the Gotei 13 again"
And so began Ken'ichi's tutelage beneath many great kensei. Trained personally by Hiroshi in the secret arts of the Shihoin, the young, intelligent Ken'ichi excelled in his studies, eager to please his stern, yet instructive father. Several years into his studies, Hirosho introduced Ken'ichi to Master Hayato, a renown kensei and vassal of the Shihoin. Under the intensive tutelage of Master Hayato, Ken'ichi grew to be an accomplished swordsman, skilled in the arts of Kenjutsu....
"Good, good. Use your rear foot as counterbalance as you strike through the gate". Steel rang against steel as Ken'ichi swung his razor-edged blade again and again at his instructor, each blow deflected seemingly without effort by his skilled and talented instructor. Spinning to his right to dodge a blow aimed at his mid-section while simultaneously repositioning himself, the young swordsman slashed upwards with skill and precision, only to have his blow met by his opponents. "Excellent. Strike with the grace of a swan as it steps lightly upon the water. Move as the reed as it sways gently in the breeze."
Dodging yet another strike, Ken'ichi feinted to his left while pivoting past his sensei's guard. Moments later, a thin trickle of blood flowed from the thin slash on his master's left cheek. Wiping blood lightly from the cut, Master Hayato beemed at his student for having successfully bypassed his defenses. "Marvelous. Your speed is impressive. I was forced to use Shunpo in order to avoid the worst of that attack, and yet you still managed to draw blood." "Thank you Hayato-sensei. Your praise is most appreciated. I didn't think that would actually work". Mused Ken'ichi. Wiping sweat from his brow, Ken'ichi inquired whether they might take a break and have repast before continuing. Glancing in the direction of the manor house, Master Hayato spied the stern expression of Hiroshi as he studied his son's progress intently. Shaking his head sadly, Master Hayato responded. "Not as yet, my pupil. I fear your father would not take kindly to a break at this time". Reading himself in a wide defensive stance, Hayato beckoned for his pupil to continue with his free hand. "Again! Let us see you repeat your new technique until you have mastered it. It shall not strike me twice.
As the years progressed into decades, Ken'ichi's mastery of the sword came to rival that even of his master. A man now grown, Ken'ichi and Hayato trained day and night together. No longer a student in the eyes of his master, Hayato saw within Ken'ichi a kindred spirit, and an equal, and together the two practiced and developed many new fighting techniques. All the while, Ken'ichi longed for companionship and would wisftully gaze out through the bars of the Shihoin estate to see the other youths playing or seeking romance beneath the cherry blossoms. Outside of his friend and mentor, his only companionship being that of his father, and younger siblings. The rare times that his elder sister Tomoe was able to steal away to visit were the highlights of his youth.
One fateful day, Ken'ichi went in search of his longtime friend and former master in vain. Approaching his father with the humility expected of him, Ken'ichi inquired as to Hayatos absence only to be quickly rebuffed. "Master Hayato has been dismissed from the task of instructing you, and has been reassigned new duties befitting his station. You will have a new instructor within the week. "But father, why would you send Hayato away? He was my friend, and comrade?" "Precisely. You had surpassed his capability to instruct. It is time you had a new teacher. One who can instruct you in a new, different style of Kenjutsu." With anger and sadness in his eyes, Ken'ichi learned a harsh, yet valuable lesson that day - that his father cared little for his son's emotional well-being, and only cared about the image he would present to the world.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• DISCOVERING SCIENCE •〗⊱ {Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• A FATHER BETRAYED •〗⊱ "HOW DARE YOU BETRAY YOU FATHERS TRUST!" screamed Hiroshi. "AFTER ALL I HAVE DONE FOR YOU TO RAISE YOU TO BE A TRUE SHIHOIN, AND ALL OF THE INSTRUCTORS I HAVE HIRED, AT NO INCONSIDERABLE EXPENSE, YOU DARE BETRAY ME BY JOINING THE GOTEI 13?" Kneeling before his father in his academy uniform with head bowed in humility, Ken'ichi tolerated the rage directed toward him, awaiting his father to finish his rant so that he may explain his position. After what seemed an eternity, his father's fury seemed to abate, and raising his head slightly, Ken'ichi attempted to explain his reasons for joining the Gotei 13. "Father I -" "Leave me. You have made your choice, and sworn your vows. There is little I can do at this point. Leave an old man to his worries, and attend your new masters with all the noble bearing you have. You know not how disappointed I am in your choices. Leave me." Reaching a hand toward his father but thinking better of it upon seeing the look of complete rejection and disappointment in his eyes, Ken'ichi stood quickly and quietly left his fathers presence. Gathering a small satchel of belongings, Ken'ichi made his way swiftly to the Shino Academy to begin his studies in the ways of the Shinigami...{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• ASCENDING THE RANKS •〗⊱ Gazing out across the garden, Jiro Shihoin admired the sunlight as it filtered gently through the leaves and played upon the flowerbeds beneath. "Tomoe has performed her duties admirably Hiro. She has a keen mind, and a grace about her not often seen in one so young. Despite her youth, she routinely outperforms her senior officers out on patrol." Looking askew toward his brother Hiroshi, the head of the Shihoin clan raised his cup to his mouth and drank deeply of his steaming hot sake. Looking away and closing his eyes, Jiro continued. "It is my intention to ask Tomoe to become my new Vice Captain. She has more than earned the position. Studying his brother intently through half-shuttered eyes, Jiro could not help but notice the manner in which Hiroshi's body trembled with barely suppressed rage. Regaining his composure, Hiroshi thought long and hard for several moments before responding to his brothers sudden revelation. "As you wish, Jiro-dono. It is your right as Captain and head of the Shihoin clan to make any request of my daughter that you feel necessary..." His voice breaking, Hiroshi looked quickly away to hide the tears that welled in his eyes, fearful of what the future held for his children.
Meanwhile, behind the walls of the Shino Academy, Ken'ichi Shihoin stood at attention with his fellow graduating class. Thanks to his long decades studying science and swordcraft under his father's watchful eye, Ken'ichi had graduated among the top of his class. Despite the few short years he spent studying at the academy, Ken'ichi had surprised his teachers at the speed with which he mastered Shunpo. So great was his skill in the arts of hohou, that Ken'ichi's stepping skills were considered equal to many seated officers. At his side, Ken'ichi wore his Asauchi proudly. Gazing up at the stage where his class mate and close friend Rillen Hakudo gave his valedictorian speech, Ken'ichi thought back to their short years together in the academy. Close friends, and fierce rivals - Ken'ichi and Rillen competed endlessly at every task. Equally skilled in almost every way, the friendly, yet competitive rivalry between the two spurred both of them to test their limits at every turn. Were it not for Rillens exceptional talents in the arts of Kidou, it may very well have been Ken'ichi himself who was up on stage at this moment.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• SUIGIN AWAKENS •〗⊱ Decades later, Ken'ichi had proven his worth time and again on the battlefield, and had swiftly ascended the ranks of his uncles squad. Recently promoted to 7th seat, Ken'ichi found himself frequently on missions alongside his uncle, cousin, and sister. Despite the frequency with which Ken'ichi found himself working alongside his sister, his training and duties as a low rank seated officer left him little time to socialize. As the months turned into years, Ken'ichi worked diligently at his duties until one fateful day during the month of September, which would change his life forever.
"It has been a rather uneventful month, has it not Ken-chan?" Leaping gracefully across the fields of ankle-high grass like an antelope, Tomoe smiled cheerfully up at her younger, but much taller brother. "I expect it was because of the lull in hollow activity that Uncle Jiro allowed us to patrol together today, rather than have you working tirelessly at some menial task or another." Keeping up with his sister easily, Ken'ichi raced across the endless fields that encircled the outer edge of the Rukongai district, and which marked the borders of the wilderness. "You're telling me Sis. I almost never get to see you any more, except when we are on patrol like this. Have you heard any word from Father? Is he still mad at for joining the Gotei 13 after all these years?" Opening her mouth as if about to speak, Tomoe shook her head sadly and avoided her younger brothers question. Noting the unspoken truth in her silence, Ken'ichi continued. "I don't understand Father's double standards. He never showed any issue with you joining the Gotei 13, yet he has all but disowned me for having done so." "Father doesn't hate you Ken-chan. He's just..... hurt is all. He loves you deeply and still asks about you during the rare times I am given leave to visit him." "If so, he has a funny way of showing it."
Caught completely off-guard, neither Tomoe nor Ken'ichi were aware of the Adjuchas' presence until it suddenly attacked from behind a copse of trees. Smaller than the more common gillian-class menos, but far more deadly, the feline shape clawed savagely at the space where Tomoe was standing but moments before. Materializing some distance away, a small rivulet of red swelled in three parallel lines on her right arm. "Ken'ichi. Get away from here. Run! Go get help from Captain Jiro and the others. I will hold it off as long as I can". Drawing her zanpakutou, Tomoe held her blade low, and sliding her left hand along the rear edge of her blade, cried out its release command. "Whisper. Kagebara (Shadow Rose)" Black smoke trailed along her blade as her hand passed along its length. When the smoke cleared, Tomoe held a pitch black naginata. Shadows gathering about her feet, Tomoe slashed upwards with the blade of her weapon releasing a wave of shadowy-black energy which blocked out the light, obscuring the two shinigami from view.
While the powers of her zanpakutou obscured them from their opponents view, the lightless shadows did not hinder the shinigami's vision in any manner. In fact, the power of her zanpakutou illuminated the outline of the Adjuchas in stark relief against the night-black surroundings. Knowing that the effects of her technique would wear off momentarily, Tomoe silently urged her brother into action, after which she dashed off quickly toward the beast. Fearful, and uncertain - Ken'ichi found himself paralyzed with indecision, yet knowing that precious seconds were being lost. Watching on in horror, Ken'ichi saw the Adjuchas turn and stare directly at his sister. There is no way it can see her? Kagebara should have blinded the creature completely. Springing into action, Ken'ichi shunpo'ed beside his sister and, without a moment to spare raised his zanpakutou to deflect the creatures strike that would have surely slain his sibling. Springing backward lightly at this unexpected turn of events, Tomoe glanced about to see the shadows retreating. It would not be long now before the effects of her zanpakutou wore off completely. Grabbing her brothers wrist, Tomoe sprang away and took off at lightning pace, each step empowered by shunpo as she fled the monster behind them.
"That was no normal Hollow. That was an Adjuchas! There hasn't been one of those seen in Soul Society in many centuries. We must make haste and report this to Captain Jiro!" Racing forward with the blade of her zanpakutou held behind her, Tomoe hoped the shadowy light which billowed from her blade would obscure their presence long enough for the two to make their escape. Fortune did not smile on the two shinigami officers however, for as they came in sight of the outermost buildings of the Rukongai, the impossibly fast feline landed gracefully in front of them denying their retreat. Hissing with menace, the creature paced quietly backward and forward as it sized up its prey. "FOOLISH MORTALS. DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD ESCAPE ME SO LIGHTLY?" Laughing maniacally, the red-furred Adjuchas growled with pleasure as it anticipated its meal.
"You must act quickly. Call out my name, else both you and your sister will be slain!" Without knowing from whence the voice came, but sensing a familiarity to it, Ken'ichi reacted with pure instinct, his training as a shinigami causing him to instinctively mesh his thoughts with that of his zanpakutou. "Ooze and flow forth. SUIGIN KAWA!" In place of the seemingly unremarkable katana he held mere moments before, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou had transformed itself into a work of exquisite craftsmanship. Taking the form of a swept-hilt german rapier, the silver-edged blade shone with a polished, mirror-finish. Gold-leaf feathered etchings swept back from the crosspiece, forming a handguard which protected his hand, the hilt itself ending in a gold-leaf, crown-shaped pommel. Without warning, the felinid Adjuchas rushed toward the new threat. As the beast pounced toward Ken'ichi, his sister cried out in anguish fearing the worst only to see Ken'ichi duck swiftly, causing the beast to sail overhead. Pivoting on the ball of his foot, Ken'ichi slashed upwards with his zanpakutou, striking the beasts tender underside, drawing blood.
Rounding on the shinigami yet again, Tomoe sprung into action, positioning herself defensively between the beast and her brother, warding it off with a wide, sweeping arc of her naginata. Pointing the blade toward the creature, she spun the blade in swift, circular motions creating a whirlwind of black shadows to encircle the blade. "Kage no ha!" (blades of shadow)Lashing toward the beast with an upward stroke, the shadows sliced through the beasts red, armored hide causing minor yet painful injuries. Taking cue from his sister, Ken'ichi lept high into the air, momentum taking him above the creatures position. As he descended, Ken'ichi spun lightly, generating centrifugal force, striking downward across the beasts shoulder in a sweeping arc. As he landed, Ken'ichi stepped backward with a shunpo assisted movement to land gracefully beside his sister.
Looking at the beast to see the damage inflicted by his blow, Ken'ichi was surprised to see a dark, purple discoloration extending across its shoulder, and down its forelimb. A similar discoloration was rapidly spreading from the wound across its stomach. As he looked on, the creatures forelimb became transparent and gelatenous, causing it to stumble as it attempted to rush toward its aggravating meal. "HOW DARE YOU INJURE ME! I WILL CRUNCH YOUR BONES TO POWDER" Inhaling deeply, black purple energy gathered within the beasts mouth. Reacting swiftly to the increasing threat, Tomoe thrust the blade of her naginata deep within the beasts throat, causing it to gag on its own attack. Not yet defeated, the creature lept high into the air in an effort to leap past his sister and strike at the seemingly weaker target. Raising his blade defensively before him, Ken'ichi aimed his blow at the creatures already-injured forelimb, severing it and causing it to dissolve harmlessly into a silvery-grey liquid. Crashing down on the shinigami and knocking him to the ground, the creature readied itself to bite his head off.
Without a second left to spare, a powerful arc of electricity blasted the creature off Ken'ichi's prone form. Two additional blasts slammed into its body as Captain Jiro and several officers from Squad 3. "It looks like we arrived not a moment too soon. We detected a powerful reiatsu baring down on the outer edges of Rukongai. Squad 3 was dispatched to investigate. Naturally, I requested to join them, knowing you two were out here." As Ken'ichi faded into unconsciousness, he heard the muffled voice of his Uncle remark at the beauty of his Shikai release.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• QUINCY EXTERMINATION •〗⊱ "Stay on your toes, and keep to the shadows. This is an assassination assignment. As you are all aware, the Quincy have been hunting hollows with increasing frequency. Despite many attempts to negotiate with them, they continue to upset the balance of souls by unrelenting use of their power. As such, while the bulk of our forces will launch a frontal assault, the Onmitsukidou and Squad 2 have been tasked with infiltration of their headquarters and assassination of their command structure. You all have your assignments. That is all." Having addressed the assembled shinigami, Jiro Shihoin turned to speak briefly with his son, third seat Okami Shihoin. Shortly thereafter, he summoned his officers, to go over the finer points of their assignments before dismissing them.
Assigned to the Onmitsukidou forces to help coordinate their efforts with the Shinigami, Ken'ichi waited patiently for the command to infiltrate the Quincy stronghold to begin. After what seemed like a considerable wait but was most likely less than 15 minutes the order was given. Silent, and stealthy, the Onmitsukidou strike force approached the complex undetected. Launching grapples, they quickly scaled the walls to an open window on the third floor and silently infiltrated the complex. Two guards positioned nearby were felled before any alarm could be raised, allowing the contingent to proceed swiftly and methodically throughout the upper floors. As liaison between the Shinigami and Onmitsukidou forces, Ken'ichi found himself operating near the center-back of the strike force, and as such had yet to engage any hostile forces directly but marvelled at the efficiency of the Assassination squad.
Once all visible guards had been eliminated, the squad proceeded toward their final objective. According to intelligence, the command room was located toward the rear of the complex on the fourth floor. Approaching their destination, one of the Onmitsukidou forces withdrew a small hand-drill and with considerable speed and expertise drilled a viewing hole into an easily overlooked corner of the target room. From another pocket, he then retrieved a folded instrument which appeared to be several mirrors attached by a series of thin metal wires. The officer carefully fed the device through the hole created by his drill, and once fully inserted, pulled on a small wire attached at the base of the unit, unfolding the mirrors to act as a periscope. Studying the room for several minutes, the officer nodded to three of his fellow assassins and, after exchanging several lightning-quick hand gestures, five members of the strike force peeled off, and headed into adjoining rooms.
Moments later, a dull explosion was heard, as smoke began filling up the corridor and adjoining rooms. With the signal to advance given, Ken'ichi and his unit assaulted the room from the main entry. With zanpakutou drawn and readied, Ken'ichi quickly followed another Onmitsukidou assassin through the doorway, only to be shocked by the unexpected sight before them. Expecting to see high ranking Quincy engaged in strategic deployment movements, the Onmitsukidou were instead greeted by a room filled with children of all ages. Looking across the room, Ken'ichi spied several other Onmitsukidou entering from the adjoining room and from the external window.
Withdrawing his communicator from an internal pocket of his kosode, Ken'ichi sought clarification of their objective in light of this new information. "7th Seat Ken'ichi reporting. Intelligence was incorrect. Target was not the enemy command structure, but rather a training hall for children. Requesting new orders." Moments later, the voice of his uncle, Captain Jiro Shihoin crackled across the receiver. "We have our orders. Proceed as directed, and eliminate all targets in strike zone." Stunned by this information, silence was heard on the line for several moments before Ken'ichi responded. "But Uncle.....Shihoin-taichou, these are children. We...." "I realize that Ken'ichi, but the orders from Central 46 are very clear in this instance. Eliminate all Quincy, without exception. I'm sorry that you have to be the one to carry out such a despicable act, but it cannot be helped. Proceed as ordered."
Ken'ichi heard a click on the line as Captain Shihoin disconnected the channel. Turning to face the Onmitsukidou squad leader, Ken'ichi nodded with a heavy heart, as he approached the closest child. With tears glistening in his eyes, Ken'ichi prepared to eliminate the enemy target before him, as did each of the Onmitsukidou units attached to his squad. As one, twelve blades pierced their targets, ending a generation of quincy in one fell blow. Turning to leave the room, tears fell freely from Ken'ichi's eyes at the loss of innocent life. Why did it have to come to such barbarism? Ken'ichi thought heavily.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• TRAGEDY STRIKES •〗⊱ ".....And so you see, we have a new enemy in our midst. Whomever this purple-masked individual is, and whether he serves a higher power has yet to be determined. All that is known is that this individual presents a serious, and unknown threat to Soul Society.
Worse yet, as I indicated at the emergency captains meeting, this individual controls deadly new enemies which he refers to as "Mini-Gillian". While small, the power of these creatures should not be underestimated, as they wiped out an entire unit of highly trained Onmitsukidou with little effort. Furthermore, I report with a heavy heart that Vice Captain Tomoe Shihoin was slain in the confrontation. To that end, I feel compelled to promote Third Seat Okami Shihoin to replace her as the new Squad 2 Vice Captain. That is all."
As instructed by the Captain Commander, Jiro Shihoin withheld information regarding the unknown faction responsible for supplying disgraced shinigami, Takeshi Kurosawa with a deadly new weapon known as a bakkoto. Until more intelligence had been gained, it was deemed in the best interests of Soul Society to keep knowledge of such weapons secret, in the hope that the individuals involved would slip, and reveal their knowledge.
Kneeling in the first row with several other seated officers, tears fell freely from Ken'ichi's eyes at the revelation of his sisters death. In an effort to regain his composure, Ken'ichi stiffled his emotions and burried them deep within his core. With deep shuddering breaths, Ken'ichi stood slowly and requested the manner in which squad 2 planned to avenge their fallen comrade. Suppressing his own pain, Jiro looked at Ken'ichi with great sympathy, and slowly shook his head.
"At this time, we are ordered to standby and await further instructions. Until more information is known about this unknown enemy, Squad 2 has been specifically ordered to stand down, in order to prevent additional loss of life. It is believed the enemy deliberately provoked Squad 2 in an effort to draw us out and decimate our forces, on account of our familial ties. I repeat, we are ordered to stand down and not engage in acts of vengeance at this time."
Cries of outrage echoed throughout the assembled squad 2 forces at the revelation of this fact. Meanwhile, in an unknown location, a purple masked figure watched the meeting through his hidden surveillance equipment with great interest. "It will not be long now Takeshi. Soon you will have your revenge....."{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• A COUSIN HONORED •〗⊱ ".....And so, I officially abdicate my position as Captain of Squad 2 and hereby promote Vice Captain Okami Shihoin to succeed me as your Captain. Okami's performance on the Captaincy exam was exemplary, as befiting the heir of the Shihoin clan. While I am retiring as Captain of Squad 2, I will remain Chief Executive Officer of the Onmitsukidou, and look forward to continued joint operations with all of you."
Looking out with pride at the assembled squad, Jiro Shihoin stepped aside and gestured for Okami to step forward and address his squad for the first time, as Captain. While Ken'ichi could not be more proud of his cousin in that moment, he could not help but think that, were it not for her untimely death, it might be his sister standing before them in that moment instead. A single tear rolled down his cheek at the thought, as he awaited his cousins first Captain's Address.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• AS MENOS RISE... •〗⊱ Genocide. While the untold casualties of the Great War was horrendous, such loss of life paled when compared against the holocaust that would follow. As the world recovered in the wake of the first Great War, they were unprepared for the vicious and carefully orchestrated genocide that occurred a mere two decades later. While the death toll from the holocaust itself was incalculable, little did the human world know that such tragedy gave rise to the greatest hollow uprising ever recorded in Soul Society.
Within the concentration camps, the Gotei 13 was sorely pressed to perform konso on the recently departed. Given how sudden and horrific their deaths, fully 90% of those slain had become pluses, and were unable to cross over to Soul Society naturally. This in turn saw a massive upswing in Hollow populations as the Shinigami struggled to keep up with the demand. Worse still, the massive upswing in human death attracted the attention of hollows which dwelt within Hueco Mundo, resulting in many gargantua opening within the camps each day.
At the request of Squad 3 Captain, Ken'ichi Shihoin had been transferred to Squad 3, and promoted to Third Seat once the severity of this war had been ascertained. This was in light of his expertise and unparalleled skill with the blade which was felt wasted within Squad 2. As Third Seat of the Expedition Forces, Ken'ichi spent a large portion of his time deployed in the Human World on the front lines of the Hollow Uprising. At the height of the Second world war, a massive invasion of Gillian-class Menos descended upon the Human World. While some of these Gillian had been drawn to the Human World by the banquet of new souls, many more had formed as a result of newly formed Hollows feeding upon each other within the camps themselves.
"Stand alive men. Who knows what might come out of that thing." Standing shoulder to shoulder with a unit of Squad 3 unseated officers and two lower-ranking seated officers, Ken'ichi gazed up at the dark tear that stretched several miles across the skyline. Never had he witnessed such a massive Gargantua and feared the worst. "Quickly. Send word to the Captain. Appraise him of the situation and request reinforcements." Dismissing the scout, Ken'ichi gathered reiatsu and prepared to release his zanpakutou.
Moments later, the head of a Gillian-class Menos became visible within the dark aperture. Roaring in defiance, the menos took one ponderous step into the world of the living and gazed at the assembled shinigami in disinterest. To its left, another Menos stepped out from the gargantua, flanked by yet a third of the towering monstrosities. "My word! Three Gillian-class Menos! That has to be a new record. Gritting his teeth at the seemingly insurmountable odds, Ken'ichi ordered his men to keep their distance, and only engage if doing so was advantageous.
As one, the three Menos turned to stare at the 13 shinigami which blocked their path, and roaring yet again in defiance, each of the creatures opened their cavernous mouths and inhaled. Red orbs of scintillating reiatsu began accumulating within their maw, intensifying rapidly. "Scatter! Those bastards are about to incinerate us with their Cero!" Scattering as ordered, Ken'ichi's quick thinking spared the lives of his comrades as three scarlet beams of energy lanced the ground where they had been previously standing.
Circling about the megalithic hollows, Ken'ichi ordered his men to keep the beasts distracted yet focus their efforts on the left-most Gillian. Such efforts proved widely successful. By the time reinforcements had arrived, Ken'ichi and his unit had managed to down two of the behemoths, with only three casualties, none of them serious. With the aide of a second unit, the shinigami made short work of the third and final Menos. Turning to survey the damage wrought by their battle, Ken'ichi saw the partially melted form of the Menos he had personally slain, as its fractured mask rose up from a massive pool of silvery-white liquid.
Looking skyward, Ken'ichi was puzzled to discover that the Gargantua which had birthed these creatures had yet to close. "Don't those things usually close once the hollows appear?" He inquired. Studying the event horizon closely, Ken'ichi thought he spied a small pair of glowing red eyes from somewhere just beyond the opening. "BACK! This isn't over. Another hollow approaches!" Ken'ichi's warning came but a moment too late, for three rays of pulsing purple light shot out from the opening of the gargantua, piercing through the ranks of the shinigami, felling any in its path.
Moments later, a purple hollow some twelve feet in height launched itself from the aperture, landing effortlessly within their ranks. Before they could react, the beast tore the head off one of the stunned shinigami with a single bite of its massive jaws before impaling yet another on its two wickedly curved horns. "Damn! Its a bloody Adjuchas!" Spinning his zanpakutou in a wide arc, Ken'ichi launched a spray of metallic feathers shooting toward the creature. While several of the darts struck the creature directly, they appeared to prove ineffective before melting into small puddles of silvery-white liquid. Little did his comrades know, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou had a special ability which would aide them in this battle. Already, the effect of his attack could be seen, as blood began to pool beneath the creatures repulsive purple skin, resulting in a rapidly spreading bruise at the site of each impact.
Without waiting, Ken'ichi lept high into the air, his blade transforming into a multi-pronged scourge which he raked across the beasts hindquarters, causing its flesh to become partially transparent, and gelatenous. As he landed, many of the shinigami had recovered from their initial shock and began launching attacks of their own against the powerful beast. "Careful men. That's no ordinary Adjuchas. Look at its mask. It's partially broken." True enough, a long black crevasse could be seen running the length of its mask down the left side, indicating that this particular hollow was on the verge of transforming into an Arrancar.
Whipping about in agony, multiple tentacles shot from the beasts body to impale several more of his fellow shinigami. Caught off-guard by the unexpected assault, Ken'ichi himself was thrown violently to the ground by one of the wild, whipping tentacles, striking his head forcefully in the process. Dazed, and confused, Ken'ichi raised his hand to the back of his head to assess the damage, only for his hand to come away drenched in blood. Vision clouding, Ken'ichi tried to raise himself to his feet to no avail. As he lay helpless, Ken'ichi watched the beast tear his comrades apart, yet not in vain for their various kidou, and zanpakutou strikes had worn down the creatures defenses, leaving it battered and bloody. When it had finally defeated the last of the reinforcements, the hollow turned its attention to feeding off the wounded, starting with Ken'ichi himself.
Having recovered his senses, Ken'ichi feigned weakness until the last moment before launching a surprise attack on the wounded hollow. As the creature pounced on the seemingly helpless shinigami, Ken'ichi cried out the name of his technique, transforming himself into a being of living liquid-metal. Roaring in frustration as its claws passed harmlessly through his form, Ken'ichi whipped to his feet and launched a volley of metallic silver darts at the creatures back point blank. Slumping as its lifeblood flowed freely from the injuries, the creature fell to the ground helpless as Ken'ichi launched a final volley into the crippled creature. On impact, the creature liquefied instantly, melting into a puddle of silvery-white liquid which pooled at his feet. Gasping with breath, Ken'ichi allowed his body to return to normal, pleased to see that the gargantua which had spawned these beasts had closed some time during their battle.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• A CAPTAIN FALLS •〗⊱ In the aftermath of the battle, as Ken'ichi recuperated within Squad 4 barracks, his father approached him baring grave news. For reasons unknown, Ken'ichi's cousin Okami Shihoin, Captain of Squad 2 had been reported missing during the conflict, and is presumed dead. "Nobody knows what happened to him but we all fear the worst. The family is gathering as we speak to launch a search and rescue mission to ascertain his whereabouts. Your Uncle Jiro is taking the news hard, and has retreated within his private study, admitting no-one, not even his wife. I just thought you should know." Ken'ichi was at a loss. Why was his father delivering this report and not a member of the Gotei 13? And, why of all times was he choosing this moment to make amends. It was not as if the two of them had spoken much since he had joined the Gotei 13 all those many decades ago......{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• A TRAITOR ASCENDS •〗⊱ Some time later, Jiro Shihoin passed away, followed shortly thereafter by his wife Ayame. Both of these events were believed to have been due to grief at the loss of their son Okami causing them to lose the will to live, resulting in their death. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, their deaths were horrendous murders committed by Ken'ichi's very own father Hiroshi in his quest for power. With Okami Shihoin missing and presumed dead, Ken'ichi's father was proclaimed head of the Shihoin Clan. A fateful decision that would ultimately prove the undoing of the Shihoin family, for unbeknownst to all, the seeds of his downfall had already sprouted deep within his heart. The full extent of his betrayal would not become apparent for quite some time to come (as revealed in Canon KE-2: Dark Two Ten Five, Canon KE-3: War of the Worst, and Canon KE-4: Fate of the King ), however none of this was known at the time, nor was Ken'ichi aware of these facts.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• SPARK OF REBELLION •〗⊱ Stepping lightly into his captains quarters and bowing respectfully as he entered, Ken'ichi silently glided forward and stood waiting until his Captain acknowledged his presence. Due to his skill with the blade and keen intellect, Ken'ichi had been recently transferred to the expedition squad, as it was believed by the Gotei 13 Captains that his abilities were being under utilized in Squad 2. All of this had occurred just prior to Jiro's sudden and immanent demise. To that end, Ken'ichi had been offered the position of third seat within the Expedition Force, a position he hoped to live up to.
"Ken'ichi", stated the Captain. "I have heard disturbing reports of unrest in the outer Rukongai district, and the appearance of an enemy utilizing unusual weapons which are not on record. Witness reports are conflicting, with claims that such weapons appear to grow and move as if alive, and contain eyes and tendrils of sick purple cords. These reports are most likely fanciful tales by wild imagination, but none the less I want you to lead a unit to investigate the 87th West Rukongai district and verify the reports for yourself. I need not remind you not to take anything for granted. We known not whether we face a new enemy at this time, or whether this is just wild fantasy and rumor sparked by trouble-makers in the area in an attempt to cover up more mundane crimes."
Shortly thereafter, Ken'ichi and a handpicked squad of low ranking seated and unseated officers was methodically investigating the fanciful rumors in the outer Rukongai district 87, when suddenly they are attacked by cloaked and obfuscated figures with strange, tendril like weapons. Three of Ken'ichis unseated officers are slain in the surprise attack before the party can properly react, leaving Ken'ichi with himself and four other men remaining in his small unit. Reacting swiftly to the attack, Ken'ichi rounded on one of the unknown assailants and, with a swift "click" of his blade, unsheathed his zanpakuto and with a single fluid slice sliced one of the assailants in half. Still mid swing, Ken'ichi followed through his original attack with a slight adjustment of his blades trajectory, slicing deep into a second nearby opponent, opening a wide gash in his abdomen, and eviscerating him in the process. His years of training in the art of iaijutsu allowing him to swiftly and decisively reduce the odds against them with a lightning fast, yet highly accurate strike at his opponents midsection.
Taking a half-second to note his incapacitated foe whose entrails were beginning to pool on the floor as two of his foes collapsed before him, Ken'ichi glanced to his left to see the rest of his squad already recovering to the initial assault and engaged with several of the unknown assailants. Trusting in his squad mates abilities, Ken'ichi returned his attention to the three foes before him, sizing them up and studying their battle stance, while swiftly analyzing their grip on the strange unusual weapons. These three were foes not to be trifled with, and appeared stronger and more skilled than the two he caught by surprise with his initial retaliatory strike. Adopting a defensive ready stance, Ken'ichi took in the pale, glistening orb which blinked from the central mass of the lead opponents weapon, as three tentacles wrapped around a broad, double-edged blade and wound up the arm of his assailant. The other two assailants facing off against Ken'ichi bore similar tentacled weapons, a wicked trident and a pair of fang-filled chakrum connected to each other by a pulsing, green tendril which spiraled up each of his opponent's arms, and knotting around his upper torso.
"I do not know what manner of weapon you employ, but you should not underestimate my resolve. I, Ken'ichi Shihoin, son of Hiroshi Shihoin, heir to the Shihoin clan, third seat of the Expedition force for the Gotei 13 will see you arrested for your crimes against citizens of the Rukongai district. Lay down your weapons, and come peacefully and no more of your comrades needs to die." Glancing swiftly about him, Ken'ichi counted 7 additional assailants converging on the area, in addition to those both he and his squad were already facing. Knowing he needed to end the conflict swiftly, Ken'ichi unleashed several rapid fire kidou to distract his opponents before unleashing his zanpakuto and engaging them directly. Sliding his hand along the blade of his his beautiful stylized zanpakutou, Ken'ichi called out the command words to release his shikai "Ooze and flow forth, Suigin Kawa!" while mentally activating his ittou suigin technique a mere half-second after releaing his blade. So swiftly did he activate both effects, that the combined effect gave the impression that his zanpakutou release transformed his weapon into a long three-section staff with blades at either end of the flail.
With the two ends of his three section staff in both hands, while the middle section crossed his mid-section diagonally, Ken'ichi turned side on to his would-be attackers, reducing his profile while lashing out with the leading edge of his zanpakutou at the closest attacker combined with a quick shunpo to close the distance. Were his opponent not expecting such a maneuver, the move would have cut deep into the mans throat, ending his life. As it was, the man feebly blocked Ken'ichi's attack with his bakkoto, deflecting it just enough so that it only left a slight crimson line across the left side of his neck. Following through with the attack, Ken'ichi pivoted to the left, lashing out with the reverse section of his weapon at the next opponent burying his weapon several inches into the mans side before withdrawing it in a spray of vitae. "Fool!" screamed the first assailant.
"Did you really think such a feeble attack as that would kill us so quickly? We Kasumi'oji are not some bottom-feeding clan that you uppity nobles can just kick around and use as you see fit. We have our own family honor, and these bakkoto that we have developed will help us turn the tide. It is our time to rise, and you're time to fall!"
Gloating as he revealed his plans to the enemy, the foolish mans eyes widened as he coughed up blood from his lungs as a swiftly spreading bruise began to cover his throat, neck, upper chest, and the right side of his face. Simultaneously, his strange, unusual weapon became rubbery, and small rivulets of silvery-white metal ran along its length, dropping to the floor and forming a small pool of glistening liquid metal. His friend too fell to his knees as the flesh of his torso turned an ugly shade of purple before becoming translucent and gelatinous. Blood poured freely from the wound in his side, refusing to congeal, while plasma began leaking through the skin of his chest. Groaning in pain as he fell, Ken'ichi nodded as he took note of the mans bones, lungs, and beating heart visible beneath his semi-transparent torso.
"You may not realize this, but this fight is already over. You may notice the incredible pain in your face, and the increased difficulty of breathing you might be experiencing at this time. Your friend too, is done for, and is in no condition to fight. Such is the power of Suigin Kawa, that I have the ability to liquefy anything my weapon touches. Your strange weapon too does not seem immune to my powers effects. Bakkoto was it? Look at how it is starting to lose cohesion, even from the glancing blow it received while deflecting my lethal strike."
Turning to the third figure, Ken'ichi addressed him directly. "Your friends lives may be spared with swift application of the healing arts, but only should you lay down your weapon and surrender." Grunting in defiance, the third figure raised his twin chakrum and spinning them on the sickly green tendrils, lashed out furiously at he skilled shinigami. "You're funeral." Ken'ichi warned. Blocking two of the blows with the wooden edge of his zanpakutou, Ken'ichi ducked under a third blow and using shunpo karin, enhanced the speed of his strike so that it blurred, striking his opponent three times across the chest with the blunt edge of his three-section staff. Almost instantly, the man liquefied and dissolved into a puddle of liquid metal, his weapons falling into the pool as he did so.
Turning to face the remaining assailant who was recovering his composure while glancing at the incapacitated foe bleeding out on the ground, Ken'ichi was momentarily shocked to see the putrescent blinking orb swell in size as it absorbed its owners reiatsu.
"It appears your unsual weapon is feeding on your life force. That does not bode well for your longevity," he exclaimed, having quickly surmised what it was doing to him based on the beads of perspiration forming on his opponents face, the swift reduction in his opponents spiritual pressure, and the sunken, hollowing of his face, as the weapon grew in power, its blade lengthening and becoming wicked and jagged, while the tendrils climbed further up his opponents arm. Roaring with renewed power, Ken'ichi's remaining assailant slashed furiously, forcing Ken'ichi to use shunpo to avoid the swift, deadly assault.
"Impressive. It appears that this weapon has increased your speed despite feeding on your lifeforce. I look forward to studying it upon conclusion of this battle."
Within moments it was over however, as the poor man could not contain the hunger of his newfound weapon, which quickly consumed him from within, hollowing out his body and eventually consuming his entire essence. As it clattered to the floor, the remaining kasumi'oji rebels broke off their fight and fled. Retrieving the weapon, as well as the trident and chakrum of his three assailants, Ken'ichi returned to make his report. Within hours of returning, the rebellion broke out in full force, and the entire Gotei 13 learned of these strange, unusual weapons employed by the kasumi'oji rebels.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• DIVIDED LOYALTIES •〗⊱ Shortly after coming to power, Hiroshi Shihoin instiled his brother Tetsuo as the head of the Onmitsukido. While traditionally held by the clan head, Hiroshi claimed the decision was to strengthen the Shihoin leadership, so that in the event of an attack by the rising Kawada clan, it would be that much harder to defeat the Shihoin family, as the clan would remain strong should the Shihoin family, or the Onmitsukido come under attack. Acting on hidden information by Saeki Kuchiki, this decision was a calculated maneuver on his part, as he knew full well that it would ultimately result in a fracturing of the Shihoin power base, and divided loyalties within the clan. However, with the limited information available to the rest of the Shihoin clan (Ken'ichi included), this decision was believed to have been a fateful error on his part, culminating in his failure in the upcoming coup.
Several years after dividing the Shihoin leadership between himself and his brother Tetsuo, the Kasumi'oji rebellion and the rise of the rogue shinigami faction created a power vacuum within Soul Society. Moving swiftly, within months of the rebellions conclusion, Hiroshi launched a pre-emptive strike against the Kawada and Kuchiki households, in an attempt to overthrow his rivals under the false claim that the Kawada was a threat to Shihoin sovereignty, and that the Kuchiki clan would allow the Shihoin to be absorbed by the fast-growing Kawadas. Acting on intelligence granted to him about his brothers forces, Hiroshi planted the seeds of doubt in Tetsuo, leading to the Shihoin clan roughly splitting down the middle, with half of the clan siding with Hiroshi, and the other half siding with Tetsuo. Ken'ichi himself opposed his fathers shortsighted actions, and having seen changes in his fathers personality since coming to power, Ken'ichi was of the belief that his father was suffering from a sickness of the mind, and that his shortsightedness was due to having fallen victim to the corruption of power.
At the midpoint of the Shihoin-Kawada conflict, having exhausted all other options available to him, Ken'ichi sought out his father in a desperate attempt to force him to see reason. Knowing his fathers coup must be stopped at all costs, Ken'ichi resolved himself to the fact that he may be forced to draw his blade against his father, and use it with lethal force if necessary.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• TWILIGHT OF THE FATHER •〗⊱ With a heavy heart, Ken'ichi walked purposefully toward his father as he leaned over his battle map spread out on the table before him. One hand grasping firm the sheath of his upturned zanpakutou, the other with thumb pressed firmly against the stylized spiral feather pattern of his weapons tsuba. "Father. You must put an end to this madness, and step down as head of the clan. Your actions have put the entire Shihoin family in peril, and all of us at risk of being branded traitors to Soul Society. As a member of the Gotei 13 it is my - ";
Turning to face his son, fury in his gaze yet never shifting his hands from the table, Hiroshi interrupted Ken'ichis plea mid sentence. "YOUR WHAT? DUTY? DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH. YOU BETRAYED YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOU JOINED THAT WRETCHED ORDER, AND YOU BETRAY ME STILL BY HIDING BEHIND THE WET SKIRTS OF YOUR COWARDLY UNCLE." Standing full at attention, Hiroshi turned toward Ken'ichi and, in a wide stance, put both hands impatiently on his hips. "You think that by abstaining from this conflict, Sozen and his ilk will spare Tetsuo and those that follow him? Hardly. They are waiting for an opportunity to seize our lands and force the Shihoin under their booted heel. The Kawada are a threat to our existence, and must be defeated." Spying Ken'ichi's thumb poised over the tsuba of his weapon, and instantly recognizing its importance, Hiroshi's eyes narrowed in renewed fury. "YOU THINK TO STRIKE ME? YOU'RE OWN FATHER? FINE! DRAW YOUR BLADE BOY. LET US SETTLE THIS AGE-OLD DISPUTE ONCE AND FOR ALL."
"Father please - I don't want to do this. I don't want it to be this way between us."
"YOU MADE YOUR CHOICE. LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES". Moving swiftly, Hiroshi drew his zanpakutou with one swift movement, slashing down with a lethal blow aimed at Ken'ichi's throat. Reacting swiftly, Ken'ichi unsheathed his own weapon, and with a rising slash, met his fathers blow with a resounding clash of steel against steel. Trading blows several more times, the ring of metal echoed across Hiroshi's study before the two combatants disengaged to size each other up. Circling warily, Ken'ichi took one last attempt to force his father to see reason.
"Father, you are sick. Power has addled your mind and filled your head with lustful thoughts of even greater power. This is not like you". Blocking yet another blow, Ken'ichi lowered his gaze for a moment as tears welled in his eyes as he knew what he must do next. Glancing about to see if any spiders were in the area, Ken'ichi steeled himself, gritting his nerves, and through clenched teeth, cried out his release command. "Ooze and flow forth, Suigin Kawa!"
In the place of his katana, Ken'ichi now held a beautiful gilded rapier in his left hand, while a matching bladed gauntlet adorned the right. Not wasting any time with how beautiful his weapon is, Ken'ichi raised the needle-point of his weapon aiming it directly at Hiroshi's throat. "Father, you leave me no choice" he declared, emotion welling in his voice. With a swift slash of his rapier, Ken'ichi unleashed a volley of razor sharp metallic feathers hurtling toward his fathers unprotected flank.
"Utsusemi." Dodging swiftly with the help of the most powerful stepping technique known to exist, Hiroshi gave a full-throated chuckle as he appeared behind his wayward son. Expecting such a maneuver, Ken'ichi pirouetted to meet Hiroshi's blade, steel clashing once again against steel. The force of the blow reverberated through Ken'ichi's arm, as he watched with horror as his father's zanpakutou weakened, and became pliable before his strike. Knowing full well the strength of his son's zanpakutou however, Hiroshi was not at all surprised at this result.
"Rikujokoro!" Point blank beams of light slammed into the space where Ken'ichi was standing only to pass harmlessly through his body...
"Shinkirou!" Following up the powerful stepping technique, Ken'ichi pressed his advantage while his father was still recovering from his spell. "Shunpo Karin!" Crying out the name of the partial step technique, Ken'ichi channeled his reiatsu into increasing the speed of his arm as he lashed out with a furious blow at his fathers exposed arm, hoping to weaken his ability to cast spells by weakening, if not liquefying his fathers outstretched hand. Unfortunately for him, his fathers superior speed got the better of him, and with a swift blurring motion, his father stepped to the far side of the room.
"Enough of these games. I tire of your antics. Let me show you why I am the only one fit to lead the Shihoin clan and why you, your cousins, and my brothers will never be fit to lead our proud family to glory! Weave, spin, and ensnare, Kurogokegumo!" With his zanpakutou dissolving away, Hiroshi was momentarily left defenseless, or so it seemed at first. Ken'ichi was not fooled however, for he knew full well the deadly effect of his fathers Kurogokegumo, known as the "Black widow Spider". Scanning his eyes about the room, Ken'ichi spied a half-dozen likely candidates which his father would likely turn his powers on. Sure enough, each of the small common spiders began to grow in size rapidly, first as big as a mouse, then a house cat, to the size of a dog, and finally until each of them was the size of a horse. All of this took but seconds of time, and each of the now glowing rainbow colored spiders flanked Hiroshi defensively, while their dagger-long fangs dripped potent venom as they glared at Ken'ichi in expectation.
Hiroshi's zanpakutou was the envy of the Shihoin clan. A true wonder worthy of any assassin within the Onmitsukidou. Capable of asserting complete and total domination of any spiders within its aura, while empowering them with a variety of lethal venoms, Hiroshi was well known to have used his zanpakutou to assist in the near perfect assassination of many targets throughout the centuries, for none would suspect a simple spider as being the tool of an assassin.
Clicking their mandibles in agitation, Hiroshi directed two of the beasts to advance toward Ken'ichi. Scuttling toward him with surprising speed, Ken'ichi dashed forward, and ducking low, slashed one of the creatures across its right side, severing three of its legs and causing the creature to fall to the floor, writhing in agony as its internal organs liquefied into silvery, metallic ooze. Turning swiftly, Ken'ichi pivoted on one knee, slashing upward with his zanpakutou to deflect a lethal bite from the second creature, liquefying the creatures fang as it retreated to safety.
"Hainawa!" yelled Hiroshi as the third creature bore down on Ken'ichi battling for his life. Yellow ribbons of reiatsu snaked toward his son, wrapping themselves tightly about his weapon limb and binding it to his side while the third spider lept atop the near helpless shinigami, splashing him with a drop of venom, as it swiftly rolled him tightly in a cocoon of spiritually hardened webbing, as hard as high-tensile cable.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• THE TOXIC DREAM BEGINS •〗⊱ That single splash of venom was all it took to cloud Ken'ichi's mind for but a single moment, long enough to sink its fangs deep within his exposed body and inject him with paralyzing venom laced with mind-altering illusions. These illusions weaved into reality, filling Ken'ichi's head with visions of the continuing battle, and his inevitable defeat. While Ken'ichi believed he struggled and persevered against his father, the battle was already lost and the ongoing struggle continued only within his mind. Meanwhile, with his son defeated, Hiroshi stormed out of his office to continue his assault on the Kawada, and his fateful encounter with Jinbei Kawada. After all, he had to keep up appearances, and the conflict with his son, however brief, delayed him longer than planned.
From hereon out, Ken'ichi's history is but an illusion-induced dream. Paralyzed by his fathers venom, Ken'ichi was helpless as soldiers from the Gotei 13 found the comatose youth, and, believing him to be in league with his father, carried his near-dead body to the Kuchiki manor for sentencing. While unaware of what happened in the world around him, Ken'ichi was wrongfully imprisoned in the upper reaches of the Senzaikyu prison as a traitor to Soul Society in the hopes of being leverage to lure Hiroshi into making a fateful error by trying to rescue his son. Little did they know, Hiroshi fully planned to allow himself to become imprisoned within the Senzaikyu, nor did they know of the recent battle between Hiroshi and his son, or the fact Hiroshi held nothing but contempt for Ken'ichi and would sooner see him rot than rescue him.⊰〖• VENOMOUS DREAMS UNFOLD •〗⊱Release me now Ken'ichi. You have trained long and hard, and know that your father is too strong to defeat with just your shikai alone.
I cannot. I am not ready, I have only just learned how to release you Suigin, and I am nowhere near ready to use your true form in battle. I need decades more practice before I hope to ever use those powers effectively.
If you do not release me, your father will slay you here and now and you will never have the chance to perfect our powers.
Sorry Suigin. I know you mean well, but I think I have one last trick up my sleeve that might do the job. While I haven't mastered it yet, I am sure our new shikai technique is more than enough to get me out of this horrible bind we find ourselves in.
"Don't you see Son?" Hiroshi beemed triumphant. "You were never a match for me. My spiders could have slain you where you lay but I am willing to spare you this one last chance. Join with me and we can defeat the Kawada together."
While his body was immobilized by his fathers technique, Hainawa left Ken'ichi's mouth unaffected, allowing him to speak. Through muffled webbing, Ken'ichi's determined voice could be heard. "Sorry father, I decline. SUIGIN KEITAI!" Unlike most of Ken'ichi's techniques, this one did not liquefy his enemies or his environment, but rather liquefied himself. As Ken'ichi felt his zanpakutou melt into his restrained limbs, Ken'ichi's body took on a metallic hue beneath the steel-like webs. Closing his eyes and concentrating on his newly discovered powers, Ken'ichi willed his body to take on a liquid metallic form, losing physical cohesion, and melting into a silvery, protoplasmic blob not unlike a massive amoeba or slime mould. Sliding out from the bindings preventing him from moving, and squeezing his protoplasmic form through narrow gaps in the spiders webbing, Ken'ichi poured himself down the gullet of the third spider, liquefying it from the inside out. Dissolving into a shower of liquid metal, the poor creature died in agony leaving a large 5' circular pool on the floor which swiftly merged with the puddle left by the first spider.
Rising from the center of the silvery-white liquid mass, Ken'ichi formed a large pseudopod which swiftly took the shape of Ken'ichi himself. "Father, I am not as easily defeated as you would have believed". Concentrating yet further on his new technique, Ken'ichi willed his left hand to take on the appearance of a large, zweihander while his right took on the appearance of a large filigree kite shield, the outer edge of which formed an upswept razor-sharp feather pattern. Completing the transformation, Ken'ichi willed his limbs to solidify, at which point he pointed his zweihander arm at his father, the edge reflecting the light from the sun across its razor-thin blade.
"This doesn't have to be this way, but I will stop you Father"
[PTab=Fighting Style]
⊰〖• F I G H T I N G S T Y L E •〗⊱ Talented Deceptive ❀ Kenakki (Sword Demon)
As a member of Squad 12, Ken'ichi's opponents are prone to underestimating his combat prowess, falsely believing that because he is a scientist, he must also be a second-rate combatant as a result. While Ken'ichi's scientific expertise is more than sufficient to justify his lofty position, many opponents have discovered to their chagrin, that he is an equally gifted, and deadly swordsman. Despite his great skill, Ken'ichi seeks to lull his opponents into a false sense of superiority, often feigning weakness or inferiority, in order to manipulate or misdirect his opponent, and obfuscate his overall strategy whenever possible.
Unlike the majority of his opponents and contemporaries, Ken'ichi is a master of not one, but three separate schools (koryū) of combat, and spends a minimum of 4 hours practicing his katas each day. Initially a student of the ancient Nen-ryū school, founded in 1368, and later renamed Maniwa Nen-ryū in 1591. After having mastered his technique for over two centuries, he later broadened his knowledge to include the teachings of Jigen-ryū (revealed reality) and Suiō-ryū (water gull style), and even European fencing. Having trained in the sword arts for over 600 years, Ken'ichi is a peerless master of his technique, and blends techniques from all four of his known styles into a seamless, and deadly whole. His overall style is one of speed, agility, and conservation of energy. A shrewd tactician, Ken'ichi's fighting style employs a mixture of calculated feints, and counters, combined with an aggressive and highly technical array of offensive techniques.
When fighting, Ken'ichi favors fast, precision attacks that take advantage of any opening his opponent may grant him, or any which Ken'ichi created as a result of countering his opponents strike, and using their own momentum and inertia against them. When facing a ranged opponent, Ken'ichi prefers to bide his time, relying on defensive techniques, footwork, kidou, and liberal application of his Shikai or Bankai in order to strike his opponent from unexpected trajectories, while expertly closing the distance to his opponent. When fighting defensively, Ken'ichi relies heavily on his mastery of fencing and Kenpō, a highly defensive style Ken'ichi mastered while studying Suiō-ryū.
While a skilled Kidō practitioner, Ken'ichi prefers to fight up close and personal, and strongly favors the use of his zanpakutō and mastery of shunpō over his kidō arts. This is not to say that he is opposed to its use however - only that Ken'ichi prefers to keep his Reiatsu arts in reserve, for those times when his opponent is more formidable than usual.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• SHIKAI FIGHTING STYLE •〗⊱ Knowing is half the battle, and with that principle in mind, when releasing his zanpakutou Ken'ichi is careful to keep as much information about his zanpakutou secret as possible. This is done in an effort to keep his opponent guessing and off-balance, and to maintain the advantage of surprise over his opponent. To that end, Ken'ichi's fighting style when released is largely dependent upon the needs of the situation. Ideally, Ken'ichi would prefer to keep his zanpakutou techniques in reserve, engaging his opponent in melee in an effort to strike them with his weapon and begin the process of liquefaction. Upon contact with an opponent, or their weapon - Ken'ichi will attempt to convince his opponent that his zanpakutou contains a powerful acid-like effect, demonstrating it by striking the ground and generating pools of liquid-metal for later use. In addition, once Ken'ichi has drawn attention to his zanpakutou's "acidic" nature, he will then attempt to convince his opponent that the pools of liquefied matter are completely harmless.
Should the situation demand it however, Ken'ichi will instead launch his assault with his Hane Yaiba technique in an effort to score an early lead on his opponent. Succeed or fail, this attack will generate liquid-metal which can then be controlled mentally at any point thereafter. Then, if an opportunity presents itself, Ken'ichi will unveil another of his zanpakutou secrets, by attempting to strike or grapple them using a liquid-metal pseudo-pod. Once his ability to control the liquefied matter has been revealed however, Ken'ichi will quickly incorporate telekenetic assaults into his arsenal, seeking to keep his opponent at a disadvantage by striking them from multiple simultaneous directions.
As always, Ken'ichi attempts to lull his opponent into a false sense of security. As an alternative strategy, Ken'ichi may begin his assault by using Ittou Suigin in order to convince his opponent that his weapon is simply a harmless, shape-shifting zanpakutou, while concealing the truth about its abilities. When employing such tactics against his opponent, Ken'ichi will endeavor to close the distance between his opponent in order to make physical contact as above, surprising his opponent with his zanpakutou's deadly abilities in the process. Due to the painful drawbacks inherent in its use, Ken'ichi rarely utilizes his third and final technique unless pressed into a corner. Upon revelation however, Ken'ichi will make sparing, but calculated use of Suigin Keitai in addition to his other techniques, taking full advantage of its defensive capabilities in order to become that much more aggressive in his offense.
Regardless of which of his zanpakutou technique(s) and abilities Ken'ichi chooses to reveal to his opponent, Ken'ichi's shikai fighting style is largely unchanged from his usual style. When released, he continues to press any advantage presented to him by his opponent, while simultaneously making liberal use of his considerable combat expertise and hohou techniques. The blending of his zanpakutou techniques with his fighting prowess however, affords Ken'ichi the luxury of becoming more aggressive in his assault, yet at the same time, Ken'ichi continues to uphold the principle of conserving energy.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• BANKAI FIGHTING STYLE•〗⊱ Upon initial release, Ken'ichi's fighting style is determined largely upon whether he had previously activated his Shikai, or whether he was activating his Bankai from a sealed state. When releasing his Bankai from a sealed state against an opponent with no prior knowledge of his zanpakutou techniques, Ken'ichi will seek to lure his opponent into believing the dragon is the only real threat his opponent faces, and will endeavor to convince his opponent that the dragon is merely a physical fighting-type zanpakutou, whose only threat is its deadly fangs, claws, and razor-sharp metallic wings. Naturally, his opponent would most likely seek to fight toward the center or far-side of the deadly serpentine arena, hoping to stay out of reach of the dragons deadly fangs and claws. Such an action plays right into Ken'ichi's goals, as doing so will draw the opponent closer to Ken'ichi and his deadly zanpakutou and its horrifying liquefaction properties. Upon first learning of its deadly effects, Ken'ichi will likewise seek to convince his opponent that his zanpakutou is an acid-type zanpakutou as with Shikai above.
Against an opponent with prior knowledge of his zanpakutou capabilities however, or while activating his Bankai while already released, Ken'ichi's primary objective will be to press his opponent and wear down their defenses, relying on telepathically coordinated strikes from both Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu itself. Perfectly synchronized, the telepathic link between Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu goes beyond mere telepathic communication. In fact, such communication is completely unnecessary, as both act with a single shared consciousness, allowing them to react to each others actions with perfect synchronization, as if they were two parts of a single whole, rather than two separate entities. What the dragon perceives, so too does Ken'ichi, allowing him to react to threats he could not otherwise see with his own eyes. This makes it all but impossible to surprise Ken'ichi with attacks from a flanking position so long as it is something the dragon itself can observe.
Fighting seamlessly as a highly efficient, coordinated team, Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu almost always fight in a hyper-offensive way. Given the fact the dragon itself is almost impervious to injury, should Ken'ichi find himself in danger, he relies on his draconic companion to shield him from injury with its own body (typically its wings or massive serpentine body). This allows Ken'ichi to forego most of his defensive techniques, except in those rare situations where the dragon is unable to compensate for his opponents techniques.
Were that not enough, Ken'ichi's Bankai techniques afford him even greater control over the mercurial protoplasm created by his zanpakutou. This allows him to conjure mercurial warriors to fight alongside himself should he feel it necessary, or blast his opponents with a powerful breath weapon from his dragon in addition to enhanced (class 2) versions of his shikai techniques. While being a kidou-based metal-type zanpakutou, regardless of form, Ken'ichi prefers to use his zanpakutou as more of a fighting-style weapon, relying on its kidou-based techniques as infrequently as possible. To Ken'ichi, it is not enough to simply blast his opponent into oblivion, or melt them into protoplasm. He would much rather to impale his enemies upon the tip of his blade, or slice them down with one precise swing of his zanpakutou, or carefully timed bite of his dragon than to rely on his zanpakutou's unique abilities. This is not to say he won't take advantage of them, or put himself in unnecessary danger should its use be necessary. It only means he would much rather use physical force than rely on the immense power of his zanpakutou's liquefaction properties.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• ZANJUTSU MASTER •〗⊱ ❀ Kenjustu (剣術)
Of those who know of Ken'ichi's skill with the blade, most cannot understand why a scientist of Ken'ichi's caliber would dedicate himself so strongly to the fighting arts. While it is true that Ken'ichi began studying Kenjutsu many decades earlier, upon unlocking the mysteries of Science, Ken'ichi's eyes were opened to an elegant, yet deceptively simple truth of combat. In his eyes, each slice of the blade is little more than a precise movement of a Fulcrum, one which obeys the Physical Laws of Motion, and has calculable trajectory, momentum, and inertia.
While others see combat as an art, a way of life, or as a survival skill, Ken'ichi views it as a mathematically precise application of Physics, and views combat as a scientific experiment in precision. It is perhaps for this reason that Ken'ichi has come to be known among his peers as the Kenakki (Sword Demon), as his use of physics and mathematical calculations during combat make him a demon on the battle field. Seeing every movement through the eyes of a Physicist, Ken'ichi seeks to master his combat techniques to mathematical precision. It is not good enough for him to simply have his blade connect with his opponent. He must know the precise mathematical force of each and every sword strike, and is not satisfied unless his blows land with the precise expected results. Connecting with too great, or too little force implies an error in calculation, judgement, or a lack of facts on his part. None of which, Ken'ichi finds acceptable under any circumstances.
By paying such close attention to detail, Ken'ichi has long since mastered his sword techniques, and handles his zanpakutou as if it was not only second nature, but an extension of his arm. This statement is closer to the truth than many people realise, as in Ken'ichi's mind, the blade is but an extension of the fulcrum that is his arm, and one whose physical properties are known, and therefore have calculated results. Having mastered such techniques, Ken'ichi is an expert at controlling the "Gate" (space between himself and his opponent), and is able to effortlessly predict his opponents attacks, and counter them with mathematical precision. Having mastered three separate schools of Kenjutsu, his knowledge of controlling the gate is greater than that of many opponents, and incorporates a wider variety of strikes (waza) and counters (kage-waza). Blending techniques from three styles makes his overall combat style unorthodox and less predictable as a result.
While the vast majority of Kenjutsu techniques must be preceded by a feint, some strikes do not require a preceding subterfuge. Called Jinsoku Ouda (quick strikes), these attacks are performed by placing one hand at the base of the tsuka (to provide longer reach), and the other at the ridge of the blade to provide the initial force, the user seeks to flick the sword as quick as an arrow toward the target, and can be performed from any angle. While on the offensive, Ken'ichi favors the use of these swift, precision strikes against his opponent, in preference to more powerful (yet highly telegraphed) attacks. This is especially true, when one considers that the postures used in such techniques are hidden, and their ready positions are implemented while switching hands, or while changing steps.
❀ Kenpō (剣法)
Kenpō (剣法; lit. fencing) is a system of self-defense, whose Kanji translates to mean Fencing, or "Sword Law". It consists primarily of evasion, slashing, stabbing, blocking and countering techniques, and while it does not typically teach its students how to attack, individual techniques vary considerably from one school to the next. Ken'ichi's fighting style makes heavy use of both hand-to-hand, and sword-based Kenpō techniques. Favoring conservation of energy, and mathematical precision in his technique, Ken'ichi is well aware that it requires far less energy, and far more reliable, to counter an opponents blow and strike at them while they are vulnerable. While Ken'ichi studied this technique extensively during the century he mastered Suiō-ryū, Ken'ichi also makes use of unorthodox Kenpō techniques found in Kukishin-ryū Kenpō. In particular, Ken'ichi is known to make use of the upward slashing techniques made famous in that particular style, as few opponents expect attacks from such unexpected trajectories.
❀ Nitōjutsu (二刀術)
Nitōjutsu (二刀術; lit. two-sword method) is typically characterized by the use of a paired katana and wakizashi (known collectively as a daishō). While Ken'ichi prefers to fight with a single weapon, leaving one hand free to employ hakuda or kidō as needed, Ken'ichi will resort to this combat technique if the situation demands it, or an opportunity presents itself.
When using Nitōjutsu, Ken'ichi prefers to wield his katana in an atypical reverse-blade form, making it less easily predicted than the more traditional forward-blade style. When fighting in this way, Ken'ichi will more often default to reverse-blade Kenpō attacks with his katana, while keeping his wakizashi readied to parry an opponents attack. Rather than being predictable however, Ken'ichi will also suddenly switch styles to forward-blade katana and/or reverse-blade wakizashi even mid kata.
When using his Ittou Suigin technique to split his zanpakutou into two different weapons, Ken'ichi can apply his knowledge of Nitōjutsu to other types of paired weapons as well (such as paired axes, escrima, sais, and other such weapons). He is not however, proficient in the use of paired flails (such as paired nunchaku). This proficiency only applies in respect to using his Ittou Suigin technique.
❀ Iaijutsu (居合術)
Ken'ichi has extensively trained in the art of drawing his zanpakutō with lightning speed, and has gained unparalleled mastery of Iaijutsu over the past 400 years of practice. With this style, Ken'ichi can draw his zanpakutō with uncanny speed, and simultaneously strike his opponent with a single, fluid movement. More often than not, such a ferocious and sudden attack will catch all but the most careful of opponents unawares, with deadly consequences. This skill is reflected in Ken'ichi's knowledge of the Iaijutsu technique.
❀ Yadomejutsu (矢留術)
The art of arrow-deflection is a highly demanding form, and one which few schools of combat teach. Fortunately for Ken'ichi however, Maniwa Nen-ryu, his first and oldest school of combat is one that does. Through proper positioning (stance), and carefully timed maneuvers, users of Yadomejutsu can predict the path of an opponents arrow, and deflect it harmlessly away from their person. True masters of this style such as Ken'ichi himself have been known to deflect several arrows in rapid succession, but even they have their limits. Facing a full volley of spiritual arrows, even a master of yadomejutsu knows to employ other defenses. This technique came invaluable to Ken'ichi during the Quincy Extermination some 200 years ago, saving him from certain death on several occasions. While demand for such technique has been in great decline, the recent rise of the Vandenreich has prompted Ken'ichi to begin training others in its use.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• SHUNPO MASTER •〗⊱ Ken'ichi has spent the majority of his life practicing, and mastering the arts of Shunpō. Learned instinctively during early childhood in an attempt to keep up with his agile, and dextrous sister Tomoe, Ken'ichi spent the majority of his formative years seeking to emulate and catch up to his wayward sister, whom he idolized. Ken'ichi did not undergo formalized training in the stepping techniques until his tutelage under Master Hayato, at which time he was officially instructed in the correct footwork, and ready stances. Due to having learnt Shunpō instinctively as a child, Ken'ichi excelled at this training, and experienced accelerated growth and mastery of his techniques as a result.
Upon entering the Gotei 13, Ken'ichi quickly rose to being top in his class in Shunpō, and was given specialized training in more advanced stepping techniques even during his first year at the academy. During such time, Ken'ichi learned the arts of blending shunpō with combat techniques, and quickly mastered the use of shunpō karin. It was at this time that Ken'ichi was singled out by Squad 2 as a pupil to watch. Jiro Shihoin could not have been more proud of his nephew, yet kept his distance so as not to give the allusion of favortism. Upon graduating from the academy however, Ken'ichi had scored such high marks in his lessons (only coming second to Rillen Hakudo in his graduating class) that he was hand-picked to join his uncles squad as a low-ranked seated officer. During his time in the ranks of Squad 2, Ken'ichi was personally instructed in a variety of stepping techniques by the greatest masters within the squad, as well as being personally trained in the secret arts of the Shihoin clans most well kept techniques.
Ken'ichi excelled in all his studies, and quickly mastered many of the most powerful stepping techniques to the point where he developed his own unique variations and combinations of them. These techniques served him well as he ascended the ranks and was eventually transferred to the recon squad (Squad 3). A position he held until he was forced to go into voluntary exile at the end of the Shihoin-Kawada conflict. During his exile, Ken'ichi was pursued relentlessly by rogue kasumi'oji operatives for reasons unknown, and were it not for his mastery of Shunpō, and the various stealth arts he learnt as a member of squad 2, Ken'ichi would have surely been discovered, and captured.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• GENIUS INTELLECT •〗⊱ Ken'ichi is perhaps one of the most gifted and intelligent minds in all of the Gotei 13. Despite having been instructed by some of the most talented and prolific instructors in Soul Society, Ken'ichi's keen intellect, insight, and natural aptitude resulted in him mastering complex combat, and scientific techniques at a young age.
❀ Master Scientist and Researcher
Ken'ichi maintains an extensive library of scientific textbooks, journals, and research data compiled from the Human World and Soul Society, and whilst he has yet to read even a quarter of the documents in his collection, he spends vast amounts of his spare time engaged in research. While he has a good working knowledge of most scientific fields, his specialty lies in the realm of physics and engineering.
Ken'ichi has a doctorate level knowledge of both applied and theoretical physics and quantum mechanics, and has a keen understanding of the quantum nature of souls and the methods by which souls transition from Soul Society to the Human World, or be corroded to become Hollows as a result of radioactive decay. Most of this knowledge is theoretical, but it affords him a unique understanding of Hollow evolution, and the connection between Shinigami and Zanpakutou at a quantum level.
In addition, Ken'ichi is an expert at both electrical and mechanical engineering, and has studied human engineering techniques at length. While not a true master of such, he is keenly interested in the sub-fields of robotics and cybernetic engineering, although he has yet to devise any revolutionary breakthroughs in the field.
❀ Master Tactician
While Ken'ichi is usually excitable, overly enthusiastic, and hyeractive - his unorthodox and highly eccentric behavior hides a sharply cunning intellect capable of swiftly recognizing an incoming threat, analyzing it, and reacting with a methodically calculated reaction at rapid speed. Unfortunately, outside of release, Ken'ichi's hyperactivity and impulsivity gets the better of him, causing him to act rashly without fully thinking through the ramifications of his actions. During release however, his impulsivity is calmed and his mind sharpens to an almost cold, calculating, razor's edge.
Highly analytical, and with superior pattern recognition skills, Ken'ichi can deduce an opponents strengths and weaknesses after even the briefest observations and interactions. Not one to reveal the strength of his own hand so readily however, Ken'ichi is not above using cunning and deception to "play the fool" in order to catch his opponents off-guard. So great is Ken'ichi's ability to strategize, that he frequently spends his downtime formulating strategies and contingency plans for even the most unlikely of scenarios, if only for the enjoyment of keeping his prodigious intellect limber.
[PTab=Zanpakutō]
⊰〖• Z A N P A K U T Ō •〗⊱ Suigin Kawa ❀ The Shimmering Mercury Blade
❀ Shikai Release: Suigin Kawa ❀ Japanese: 水銀川 ❀ Translation: Mercury River ❀ Release Command: Ooze and flow forth. Suigin Kawa!
❀ Bankai Release: Suigin-shin Ryū ❀ Japanese: 水銀神 竜 ❀ Translation: Mercury God Dragon ❀ Release Command: Descend, and devour thine enemies. Bankai! Suigin-shin Ryū! {Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• ZANPAKUTŌ SPIRIT •〗⊱ Attachment Deleted❀ Appearance
Suigin has the appearance of a delicate, pre-pubescent girl made entirely out of a dull silvery-grey liquid. Her round, flawless face and youthful appearance is in stark contrast to her piercing, steely-grey eyes which give hint to the sharp, intelligent mind hidden within. Suigin wears her metallic, blue-grey hair in a simple shoulder-length style tied loosely with a yellow-gold ribbon. Her long, straight-edged fringe ends abruptly just above her eye line, while two locks of hair frame her face to either side, just in front of her ears.
Standing approximately 3' 11" tall, Suigin is dressed in a flowing, blue-grey kimono with exaggerated sleeves which trail gracefully to a point just above her knees and which are tied to the bodice by beautiful, cross-hatched threads, revealing a small hint of her upper arm beneath. Tied at the waist by a sash and accented with tasseled, yellow-gold cords, Suigin's kimono flares outward at a point just below the knee, revealing her bare, youthful legs. Preferring to go barefoot, Suigin lacks any kind of footwear, and walks with a solid step on her small, child-like feet. Suigin's entire appearance has a mercurial, amorphous quality, with parts of her clothing appearing made entirely of some gravity-defying liquid, which flows "upward" in a haphazard, asymmetrical way. Ethereal trails of silvery-grey liquid swirl gently about her entire person, while Suigin clutches an orb of condensed liquid-metal between her delicate, child-like hands. Small, glowing orbs of reiatsu dance gently about her person, completing her appearance.
When in Bankai, Suigin's appearance appears graceful, and mature. Long, silvery-white hair flows gracefully down her back, ending at a point below the waistline. Her youthful, child-like appearance is likewise replaced with that of a beautiful, full-grown woman in her early 20's. Her yellow-gold ribbon has been replaced with a delicate, silver-gold hair net. Made of finely woven chain links, and accented with a large oval sapphire which rests gently upon her forehead, the headpiece gives Suigin a regal, elfin quality. Wisps of silvery-white metal swirl gracefully about her elfin-like form, and encircle her wrists and forearms like ethereal bracelets. Her hands are encased in delicate, silver, scale-mesh gloves, accented with gold-leaf feathers. While still going barefoot, her shins are now adorned in delicate scale greaves fashioned in the same style as her gloves, accented with exquisite silver-gold feathers at the knee. Wrapped about her waist, and curling upward to her left shoulder, a delicate silver-scaled oriental dragon with piercing gold eyes and long chin whiskers perches, its platinum feathery wings folded neatly behind its body, or spread across both shoulders.
With sublime grace and poise, Suigin's every movement is fluid, giving her the appearance of flowing across the ground rather than walking. During Bankai, her metallic, steely-grey coloration takes on a silvery-white gleam, and appears to glow with faint luminescence, while the trails of silvery-grey liquid which swirl about her person take on an ethereal, almost transparent quality, yet at the same time appear to glow from within. Completing her appearance, a pair of ethereal feathered wings extends upwards from her waist. With each feather appearing to be made of delicate, silver-gold metal, each delicate wing rises several inches above he head, and grant her the ability to fly, or hover gracefully on currents of air.
❀ Personality
Suigin is playful and childlike in her Shikai form, and has a soft youthful outlook on life similar to that of a 5 or 6 year old. Despite her outward demeanor however, Suigin is highly intelligent and insightful, and will often point out flaws in Ken'ichi's strategy with the blunt truth of innocence. Somewhat shy, Suigin can be sometimes difficult to coax into "playing" with Ken'ichi when doing so is of a serious nature (such as training), however she can often be bribed into participating through the promise of candy or games.
In her adult form, Suigin is reserved and effeminate, and portrays herself with noble dignity. In this form she is soft-spoken and appears to have a forlorn sadness in her gaze as if she knows something Ken'ichi does not. This is not far from the truth actually, as Ken'ichi had suffered psychological trauma in the Human World so severe that he has repressed all memory of the incident. Despite this, the effects of this trauma, compounded with the betrayal of his father and long imprisonment in the Senzaikyu has left deep psychological wounds on Ken'ichi manifesting in his eccentric behavior and speech patterns. Suigin recalls the incident with perfect clarity, and has extreme sadness over the mental scars it has left upon her wielder, yet at the same time is patient and willing to wait until he recalls the incident himself rather than risk inflicting additional trauma by reminding him prematurely. Suigin is protective of Ken'ichi and loathe to trigger his memory prematurely.
In her adult form, Sugin also represents Ken'ichi's noble honor, and the noble duties which Ken'ichi is loathe to accept. In this respect, she is a constant reminder of his station and what is expected of him, and the future desire that he will eventually embrace his nobility with conviction.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• INNER WORLD •〗⊱ Ken'ichi's Inner World takes the form of a tranquil Japanese garden. In the nearby distance, a traditional Japanese Gazebo made of soft white bamboo decorated with deep, crimson edgework. The roof of the gazebo is lightly stained natural bamboo cut in half vertically and placed in slats, the ends of each accented with the same crimson paint, making them appear as if they were small arches when looking from beneath. Cross-hatched lattice work frames the gazebo, with two bamboo steps leading up to the entrance. The floor of the gazebo itself is made of straw tatami mats, upon which soft, plush cushions are arrayed haphazardly. The garden itself is masterfully landscaped with a variety of flowering plants of all shades and hues. To the right of the gazebo, a small manmade waterfall cascades gently into a nearby stream before crossing the path. Silver-gold koi fish swim lazily in the trickling stream, which flows beneath a small bamboo bridge.
The stream itself winds lazily through the garden, before ending in a small circular pond. Surrounding the pond are deliberately placed round stones upon which people can sit and watch the fish, while overhanging it are three willow trees whose branches reflect in the mirrored surface of the pond below. Cherry blossom petals float lazily through the air, while dozens of flowering cherry blossoms, jacaranda's, and hibiscus trees are scattered throughout the scene.
Overall it is one of beauty and tranquility, with the exception of a small locked metal shed, which appears out of place in the scene. The shed itself is weather-beaten and rusted, and appears made of haphazardly placed corrugated iron. Dark spiked chains encircle the shed and are padlocked with over 100 padlocks. Surrounding the shed, a pool of liquid mercury acts as a small, miniature moat. Looking upon the shed fills Ken'ichi with trepidation. So uncomfortable does the shed make him feel, that he is fortunate that it is usually hidden behind large flowering plants, blocking most of its view.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• SEALED APPEARANCE •〗⊱ While the unmatched beauty of his shikai cannot be understated, even in its sealed state, Suigin Kawa is beautiful to behold, yet despite its beauty, does not sacrifice any of its deadly function. In its sealed state, Suigin Kawa appears to be a straight-edged katana of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Gold-leaf filigree etchings adorn the rear edge of its silvery-white, reflective blade, while the weapons rounded Tsuba is decorated with intricately carved metallic feathers which spiral out from a central point in a multi-pronged shuriken-style pattern, and inlaid with gold-leaf etching. The black, cloth-wrapped tsuka (hilt) of this exquisite weapon is embroidered with eye-catching gold and silver thread, accenting each of its folds. In place of a traditional menuki, Suigin Kawa sports a large oval sapphire set in a gold-accented, silver setting. Three filigree silver and gold feathers flank this sapphire on either side, and gracefully radiate upward toward the tsuba. Finally, the kashira (pommel) of Suigin Kawa, is of comparatively simple design and made of gold-plated steel, accented with a smaller, more circular sapphire aligned with the one on the hilt.
⊰〖• Z A N P A K U T O U O V E R A L L •〗⊱ Suigin Ekika ❀ Mercury LiquefactionSuigin Kawa is a potent, metal-type zanpakutō whose primary ability is to duplicate itself, creating vast quantities of silvery-white, liquid metal in the process. This thick, viscous metal fluid is an excellent thermal and electrical conductor, and shares many properties in common with quicksilver (mercury). While suffering from long repressed trauma, Ken'ichi's zanpakutō suffered greatly, causing his powers to become corrupted, and malignant - consuming any organic or inorganic matter it came in contact with in order to fuel its abilities, and repair the disharmony that existed within Ken'ichi's soul.
While Ken'ichi initially believed that this liquid-metal was some form of liquefied matter, he has since realized that the liquid-metal itself is in fact, the true form of his zanpakutō, and that it can duplicate itself by absorbing nanoscale quantities of inorganic matter in order to replicate itself and increase its total volume. The amount of matter absorbed is negligible, and causes no visible effect to the object, save that it creates a spreading volume of silvery-white liquid in a thin film across any inorganic matter his blade makes contact with.
Ken'ichi has complete, telekinetic control over his zanpakutō at all times. This control is absolute, and cannot be overridden by any power or effect, allowing Ken'ichi to mentallly conjure a vast array of solid metallic-constructs from the silvery-white liquid that makes up the body of his zanpakutō, cause the liquid to move across solid surfaces, reshape its dimensions, or cause his weapon and/or any of its various clones to fly through the air at his mental command. He can solidify, or reliquify any portion of his zanpakutō he wishes, and can separate his zanpakutō into multiple liquid-volumes, in addition to any number of solid metal constructs. It's state of matter cannot be altered by any power or effect other than Ken'ichi's mental command.
Not even reducing the liquid-metal to absolute zero will cause his zanpakutō to freeze, or the hottest temperatures cause his weapon to melt (or vaporize), unless he wishes it. This does not prevent the liquid-metal from becoming deadly cold, or blisteringly hot however. It merely prevents it from changing phase-state.
⊰〖• S H I K A I •〗⊱ Suigin Kawa (水銀川) ❀ Mercury River{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• SHIKAI APPEARANCE •〗⊱ Said to be one of the most beautiful zanpakutō in all the Sereitei (if not the most beautiful), Suigin Kawa initially manifests as an exquisite, swept-hilt german rapier of sublime beauty and peerless quality. Delicate feathered etchings run the entire length of its polished, silvery-white blade, while the hand guard is carved to resemble five layered feathers sweeping back toward the rear of the hilt, each feather etched with masterful skill to the point that each quill and line seems represented. Like the rest of the weapon, the hilt itself is equally detailed, with filigree etchings and crown-shaped pommel. The crosspiece, feathered hand-guard, hilt, and pommel are all accented with gold-leaf etchings, adding to the weapons innate beauty. Finally, large ovoid sapphires are inlaid in the crosspiece and pommel.
However, as a shapeshifting zanpakutō whose true form is that of a near-limitless quantity of silvery-white liquid metal, the appearance of Suigin Kawa can be somewhat mercurial, shifting in form from one weapon to another, or becoming a torrent of silvery liquid as need dictates. Despite this however, a common thematic design is found in most of Suigin Kawa's many variable shapes. Regardless of form, Suigin Kawa always appears manufactured in the same elegant style, and by the same master artisan. Intricate filigree etchings and relief sculpture carved to resemble delicate silver feathers decorate each of its many forms, each inlaid with a variety of gold-leaf and round sapphire accents. In addition, regardless of its form - the entire weapon appears to be made of a single piece of highly polished, silvery-white metal. When taking the form of a hand-held shield, Suigin Kawa manifests in the appearance of an elven-styled filigree kite, round, or tower shield; the outer edge of which is always expertly crafted to appear as sweeping upturned feathers of a graceful, metallic bird. In its liquid-state, Suigin Kawa takes the form of a highly reflective, silvery-white liquid of variable viscosity, and is always cool (but not uncomfortable) to the touch.
In addition, an articulated, gothic-style plate gauntlet, carved in the same style materializes on Ken'ichi's left hand, and extends gracefully up his forearm. Identical feathered motifs, and gold-inlaid etching adorn this form-fitting protective armament. Running along the top edge of the gauntlet, three layers of razor-sharp, sculpted feathers sweep back from wrist to elbow, and outward. While capable of inflicting deadly slashing wounds in their own right, these expertly crafted feather-blades are so delicate in their appearance as to appear fragile, yet surprisingly, have the strength and resiliency of spiritually reinforced, carbon-steel.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• SHIKAI OVERALL ABILITY •〗⊱ While traumatized, Ken'ichi's zanpakutō behaved erratically, crying out as its power was corrupted through agony and disharmony. Having healed the deep psychological wounds that prevented Ken'ichi from accessing the full extent of his powers, Ken'ichi now has full control over its more destructive properties, and can choose when to liquefy matter on contact with his weapon, and when to abstain.
Liquid Metal Generation: The overall ability of Suigin Kawa is to generate vast quantities of Liquid Metal, that Ken'ichi can then use to create a variety of different effects. As stated above, this Liquid Metal is the true form of Ken'ichi's zanpakutō, and as such it gains all the benefits and properties of a release weapon.
Any time Ken'ichi's zanpakutō comes into physical contact with a person, object, or reiatsu construct (eg. barrier), his weapon generates [1] Stack of Liquid Metal, forming a small pool of viscous, silvery-white liquid in the process. In addition, at the end of each of Ken'ichi's turns, Ken'ichi's zanpakutō generates an additional [2] Stacks of Liquid Metal, providing he has at least [1] Stack available in liquid-metal form. Ken'ichi can have a maximum of [5] Stacks of Liquid Metal in Shikai, and [10] Stacks in Bankai, at any one time, with each stack representing a variable amount of Liquid metal.
Ken'ichi can go beyond this limit by spending 25 reiatsu/post for each additional stack he wishes to maintain. These additional stacks can only be Spent (and cannot be Burnt to pay the cost of any effect).
Ken'ichi's primary weapon does not count toward these limits but can be levitated, reshaped and/or, or transformed into a temporary stack of Liquid Metal as needed. Ken'ichi can spend this temporary stack only to generate a pseudopod, torrent of liquid metal, small metal construct, or transform itself into a different weapon via Ittō Suigin. Ken'ichi's primary weapon cannot be merged with other stacks of Liquid Metal for the purpose of forming larger constructs however, and retains the ability to generate Liquid metal regardless of form.
As stated above, this Liquid Metal is the true form of Ken'ichi's zanpakutō, and gains all the benefits and properties of being a release weapon as a result. Ken'ichi maintains absolute control over this Liquid Metal at all times which cannot be disrupted, impeded, or manipulated by any outside power or effect. He can divide his stacks of Liquid Metal into as many separate volumes as he desires (or merge one or more volumes into a single larger mass), so long as each volume of Liquid Metal contains at least [1] Stack each. Ken'ichi's mental control extends to maintaining its state of matter (Liquid or Solid) at any temperature, according to Ken'ichi's wishes. Not even the absolute extremes of temperature (such as the liquid being reduced to Absolute Zero, or it's temperature increased to 20,000K) will cause it to freeze solid, or vaporize into plasma.
Ken'ichi can Spend or Burn this Liquid Metal as a resource to power the various other properties of his zanpakutō. Liquid Metal that is spent is temporarily converted into another form (such as a weapon, pseudopod, or other effect). Liquid Metal that is Burnt however, is physically destroyed by whatever effect burns it. In both cases, Liquid Metal that has been either Spent or Burnt still counts toward the total volume of Liquid Metal.
The Liquid Metal generated by Ken'ichi's Zanpakutō can be used to pay for any of the following effects:{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• LIQUEFACTION •〗⊱ Ken'ichi can mentally liquefy any number of weapons, solid metal objects, or pseudopods created by his zanpakutō at will. Doing so reclaims the spent stacks of Liquid Metal, allowing him to reuse it for a different purpose. Transforming an object into a solid object has a transformation Speed of 400 (600 during Bankai). Should an enemy's attack be faster than this, it will pass through the still amorphous form of the object before it has time to fully solidify into its new shape. Returning an object to its true, liquid-state is nigh instantaneous however and occurs at a Speed of 2000.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• METAL CONSTRUCTS •〗⊱ Ken'ichi can Spend [1+] Stacks of Liquid Metal to form any kind of solid metal construct he can imagine, from a flexible wire rope, to a wall, barrier, bridge, etc. This ability is only limited by his imagination. Once created, the object remains in this form until Ken'ichi chooses to reclaim the Liquid Metal it contains (at no cost), however such objects lack the ability to generate additional stacks of Liquid Metal on contact with solid matter.
If an object needs to Clash for any reason (such as to determine the OS of a pair of giant scissors, or crowbar, or the durability of the object vs. an opponent's attack), the object uses Ken'ichi's OS to determine the result.
The cost for objects of various sizes are as follows:
- Small Objects: Objects no larger than a melee weapon (of any size) cost 25 Reiatsu plus [1] Stack of Liquid Metal.
- Large Objects: Objects up to the size of a horse, wagon, or similar size cost 75 Reiatsu plus [3] Stacks of Liquid Metal.
- Massive Objects: Objects up to the size of a house, elephant, or similar scale cost 150 Reiatsu plus [5] Stacks of Liquid Metal.
{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• PSEUDOPODS •〗⊱ Ken'ichi can Spend [1+] Stacks of Liquid Metal to form one (or more) large, amorphous pseudopods that Ken'ichi can use to bludgeon or grapple his enemies. Each Pseudopod created remains in a liquid-state, and has a Strength equal to 200 per Stack (300 per Stack in Bankai). Ken'ichi can telekinetically command his Pseudopods, which can ooze across solid physical objects at a Speed of 200. Each pseudopod has an Attack Speed of 400 (600 in Bankai). Creating (and maintaining) pseudopods costs no reiatsu, and is an effortless use of his zanpakutō abilities. During Shikai, Pseudopods lack the ability to generate additional stacks of Liquid Metal on contact with matter (but can do so during Bankai).{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• WEAPONS •〗⊱ By activating his Ittō Suigin technique, Ken'ichi can Spend [1+] Stacks of Liquid Metal to create an equal number of melee and/or projectile weapons of his choosing. Use of this technique grants Ken'ichi proficiency in the weapon(s) created with a rank almost equal to that of his Weapons (Sword) skill, as indicated in the technique's description. These weapons can generate additional stacks of Liquid Metal any time they come in contact with an object, or person - but only when actively wielded as a weapon or thrown as an improvised projectile.
Both Ken'ichi's primary weapon, and any weapons created by his Ittō Suigin (Mugen no Kensei) technique count as both Ken'ichi's zanpakutō, and extensions of his release. As a result, Ken'ichi uses his Offensive Stat to resolve his attack(s), and when clashing with an opponent's attack, effect, or technique.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• LEVITATION •〗⊱ As stated above, Suigin Kawa grants Ken'ichi the ability to levitate the Liquid Metal of his zanpakutō. This ability extends to Ken'ichi's primary weapon as well as any pseudopod, weapon, or construct created by spending one (or more) stacks of Liquid Metal. Ken'ichi can levitate a maximum of [3] Stacks (5 Stacks in Bankai) of Liquid Metal and/or objects in this way each post, at no cost.
While levitating, the object(s), weapon(s), and/or Liquid Metal has a Flight Speed of 400 (600 in Bankai), and can be hurled at a target as an Improvised Projectile. When used as an improvised projectile, the object uses Ken'ichi's OS for the purposes of clash. If the levitated object is a weapon, Ken'ichi can use it in combat with a -1 Penalty to its Weapon Skill due to the increased difficulty of wielding it telepathically.
This ability requires concentration on Ken'ichi's part. Such concentration can be disrupted via injury, distraction, or other methods causing the object to fall unless it is his primary weapon, a pseudopod, or otherwise in a liquid state. Mentally controlling an object via hand gestures increases his mental control over the object, giving him Battle Focus [2] (if he only controls one object in this way), or Battle Focus [1] if he controls one object with each hand, but only for the purpose of whether he can maintain concentration on the levitated object(s).
⊰〖• B A N K A I •〗⊱ Suigin-shin Ryū (水銀神 竜) ❀ Mercury God Dragon{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• BANKAI APPEARANCE •〗⊱ Suigin's liquid-gold body rises from beneath Ken'ichi's feet encasing him in a suit of ultralight dragon-scale armor made of silver-white scales as beautiful as they are durable. Layered over the polished silver-white scales, Ken'ichi wears a skin-tight bodysuit weaved from nanoscale filaments of liquid metal, that while appearing to be made of fabric, are every bit as durable as the armor itself.
Gold-accented pauldrons, and retrograde draconic greaves add to the beauty of the armor, while a pair of golden tiger claws affixed to his gauntlets grant Ken'ichi increased offensive capabilities. Articulated white-feathered wings armored with thick, golden plate armor rise from between Ken'ichi's shoulders. Elegant, and of peerless beauty, the soft white feathers appear deceptively delicate, but are just as durable and resilient as the metallic scales that grace Ken'ichi's armor. A double-row of golden scales ending in a wide, rudder-like tail, and a fully enclosed helm styled with long draconic horns and golden face-plate complete the armor.
The sword (or other weapon) held in Ken'ichi's hand undergoes its own transformation, lengthening at both ends to become a highly stylized two-bladed sword. Each of the weapon's two blades measures some 5 feet long, with the total weapon length measuring 11 feet (including the hilt). The same stylized feather motiff that graces his shikai is found on this mastercraft weapon as well. Were it not for his power armor, a weapon of such scale could only be wielded as a polearm, but Ken'ichi wields it lightly in his left hand as if it was but a common arming sword.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• BANKAI OVERALL ABILITY •〗⊱ The disharmony that existed within Ken'ichi previously prevented Suigin from being able to liquify, keeping it trapped within its initial draconic state. The rage he felt at his father's betrayal and murder of Ken'ichi's first true love - Hayate Takahata manifested itself deep within his weapon, causing it to overflow with deadly liquefaction properties as a result.
Having not only remembered the incident, but finding peace with the death of his lover - harmony has been restored once more between Ken'ichi and his zanpakutō, allowing it to manifest into it's true form - that of a mechanical suit of dragon-styled power armor. This power armor simultaneously affords Ken'ichi enhanced durability, and far greater control over the liquid-metal that makes up the bulk of his zanpakutō, as described below.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• POWER ARMOR •〗⊱ The Power Armor generated by Ken'ichi's Bankai takes the form of an upgraded version of his Ekitai-kō no Kishi technique. This grants Ken'ichi an enhanced Durability equal to his Offensive Stat (OS) as if he was using the aforementioned technique. While the armor lacks a shield per-se, the armored gauntlets, and wings of his Bankai can be used to deflect against an attack just as easily as the shield can in Shikai, and count as physical Reiatsu-based Barriers with a class and Durability equal to Ken'ichi's Bankai release. The armor itself is the ultimate form of his zanpakutō, and as such does not have a Class associated with it, and protects Ken'ichi against any attack of inferior OS.
As with the armor and shield generated by his Shikai Technique, Ken'ichi's Power Armor can be used to protect Ken'ichi from physical, projectile, and reiatsu-based attacks of all kinds. Unlike his Shikai Technique however, the power armor contains a power-assisted frame that each of its armored plates are attached. As a result, Ken'ichi not only suffers no reduction in Speed while wearing his Bankai, but the hydraulic servos within the armor grant him an enhanced Strength of 400. This Strength value is a property of the Power Armor itself, and cannot be increased by any power, or effect that would increase Ken'ichi's personal Strength.
The armor comes equipped with razor-sharp talons at the ends of all four limbs, allowing Ken'ichi to make deadly slashing and piercing attacks, and being an extension of his zanpakutō - can just as easily be used to bind an opponent's weapon. In addition, the armor sports a pair of equally sharp, feathered wings that grant Ken'ichi the ability to fly (and hover) at his normal Speed. Attacks made with the gauntlets and/or wings of his Power Armor are made using Ken'ichi's OS (instead of his Strength), and have a Weapon Skill equal to Ken'ichi's Sword Skill (max 3).{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• PLASMA CORE •〗⊱ Contained within the chest of Ken'ichi's power armor is a miniature Reiatsu-based reactor, that allows Ken'ichi to Burn [1+] Stacks of Liquid Metal, in order to transform it into a super-heated metallic plasma via his Ryū Taihо̄ technique. The temperature of this plasma is over 50,000C (90,032F), and is more than capable of inflicting devastating third, and fourth degree burns to anyone caught within its effect, if not incinerate a target outright. Ken'ichi can fire this plasma from the eyes, gauntlets, or chest-plate of his armor in powerful particle beams, or cause the plasma to explode violently in a powerful Area-of-Effect blast, incinerating nearby opponents.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• ENHANCED SHIKAI •〗⊱ During Bankai, all of Ken'ichi's Shikai powers and techniques are greatly enhanced, not just in class and potency, but also in the scope of their effect. When first activated, a flood of Liquid Metal pours from Ken'ichi's Zanpakutō, immediately granting Ken'ichi [3] Stacks of Liquid Metal (which are added to his existing total, if any). If Ken'ichi had previously Burnt [1+] Stacks of Liquid Metal through use of his Shikai techniques, those burnt stacks are refunded as part of this effect and are no longer considered Burnt. This effect only occurs upon initial activation, and does not occur when refreshing his Bankai.
During Bankai, each of Ken'ichi's shikai powers and techniques are greatly enhanced, allowing Ken'ichi to control up to [10] Stacks of Liquid Metal without penalty, and improving not only the Class of his Shikai techniques, but also the scope and magnitude of their effects. How each technique or ability is enhanced is defined within the techniques description.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• UNLIMITED BLADEWORKS •〗⊱ During Bankai, Ken'ichi's Ittо̄ Suigin technique is greatly enhanced, allowing him to create a near infinite number of weapons providing he has the reiatsu to pay for them. Upon first releasing his Bankai, all Stacks of Liquid Metal spent on Ken'ichi's Ittо̄ Suigin technique are immediately refunded, as the technique no longer expends the liquid metal used to create the weapons (as described below).
When activating this technique during Bankai, Ken'ichi selects [1+] Stacks of Liquid Metal as the focus of the technique, and can summon as many weapons (of the same or different types) from the chosen stack(s) as he desires, without Spending the chosen Stack(s). He must still pay the reiatsu cost as normal, however the Stack(s) of Liquid Metal used as the focus of the technique remain in their liquid state, while the conjured weapon(s) rise from the metallic ooze, and solidifies as per Ken'ichi's wishes.
Ken'ichi can create any number of weapons from a single stack of Liquid Metal in this way, and can telekinetically control and manipulate the weapons as easily as he could in Shikai, causing the weapon to levitate to his hand, fly toward an opponent as an Improvised Projectile, or thrust out of the ground blade-first in an attempt to impale his opponent. Levitating weapons in this way still counts toward the maximum number of simultaneous Weapons and/or Stacks that Ken'ichi can levitate simultaneously, however.
[PTab=Techniques]
⊰〖• Z A N P A K U T O U T E C H N I Q U E S •〗⊱ {Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• HANE YAIBA •〗⊱ Feather Arrows ❀ Release: Shikai
❀ Cost: 50 Reiatsu
❀ Element: Metal
❀ Effect: Slashing his blade, or gauntlet in a wide crescent arc, Ken'ichi fires a volley of 3-10 metallic, feather-like blades shooting toward his opponent (15-30 darts in Bankai). Regardless of how many darts are fired, these projectiles count as a single object/effect for the purpose of whether an opponent can defend against this attack, and has a radius of 1-foot (2-ft diameter) in Shikai, increasing to 3 feet (6-feet diameter) in Bankai. Alternately, Ken'ichi can create a thin line of darts about 3 feet across, and 1 inch wide (9 feet across in Bankai).
These razor-sharp projectiles have a base Speed of 800 (as per the new Speed rules), and are capable of causing severe injuries on impact. Each volley liquefies at the start of Ken'ichi's next post, generating [1] Stack of Liquid Metal in the process. Ken'ichi has mastered the use of this technique and can activate it without use of a command word, with no additional effect on his part. Ken'ichi can use this technique in a number of unorthodox ways as follows:
- Rapid-fire: Ken'ichi can unleash a rapid-fire burst of projectiles at a blistering Speed of 1600 (as per the new Speed rules), but have 75% of their normal OS. Ken'ichi can rapid-fire this technique no more than 3x (5x during Bankai).
- 360° Arc: Ken'ichi can spin his zanpakutou releasing a volley in a 360° arc around the blade, or release volleys in multiple directions simultaneously.
- Redirection: Ken'ichi can launch this attack in a curved path (allowing it to move around a barrier, wall, or corner), OR cause the projectiles to make one sharp turn (of up to 270°). This is not a homing attack. Use of this variant reduces the Speed of the projectiles to 600 (as per the new Speed rules).
- Ken'ichi can only use one of these [3] variations each post.
❀ Bankai: During Bankai, Ken'ichi can additionally fire this technique from the wings of his power armor, or use [1+] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal as the source of this attack. Using the liquid metal in this way does not Spend or Burn the stack, and merely provides Ken'ichi with an unorthodox angle of attack. Except for the unexpected trajectory of these projectiles, they are otherwise identical to those fired from Ken'ichi's zanpakutou.
When fired from his wings, Ken'ichi generates a powerful blast of gale-force wind with an impact strength of 800 as an additional side-effect. This powerful blast of concussive air is more than is more than sufficient to knock most opponents from their feet, and send them flying through the air. When activated by Ken'ichi in this way, this technique costs an additional 50 Reiatsu (for a total of 100 Reiatsu).
❀ Drawbacks: When not rapid-firing, Ken'ichi can use this technique once or twice per post with minimal effort. Rapid-firing this technique, or using this technique more than [2x] per post, will rapidly fatigue Ken'ichi with prolonged use. This technique has a maximum effective range of 100' (30m). At ranges beyond this distance, the Speed and OS of these projectiles are halved, to a maximum range of 200' (61m). The drawbacks are identical regardless of whether this technique is used in Shikai, or Bankai.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• ITTOU SUIGIN •〗⊱ Mercury Blade ❀ Release: Shikai
❀ Cost: 100 each; plus [1] Stack of Liquid Metal
❀ Element: Metal
❀ Effect: By Spending [1] Stack of Liquid Metal, Ken'ichi can reshape the liquid into a single melee, thrown, or projectile weapon of his choice, solidifying it into a functional weapon in the process. Through use of this technique, Ken'ichi can also liquefy his primary weapon for a brief instant, allowing him to reshape the weapon into one (or two) identical or different weapons before returning it to a solid metallic state.
When wielding a weapon created (or modified) by this technique (including, but not limited to his zanpakutou, but not including any other weapon Ken'ichi may be in possession of), Ken'ichi treats his Weapon Skill with that weapon(s) as being equal to [3] or Ken'ichi's Sword Skill (whichever is less).
Ken'ichi has fully mastered this technique, and can transform his zanpakutou (or any weapon conjured by this technique) even in the middle of an attack, or series of maneuvers, and can activate this technique with or without the use of a command word.
❀ Bankai: During Bankai, Ken'ichi can create a near infinite number of weapons from a single stack of Liquid Metal. As a deception, Ken'ichi refers to this technique as his Unlimited Bladeworks (Mugen no Kensei). While activating this technique during Bankai still requires at least [1] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal, Ken'ichi can generate as many weapons from the chosen Stack(s) as he desires. Ken'ichi must pay the cost of each weapon separately, but doing so does not Spend or Burn the chosen Stack(s).
Alternately, Ken'ichi can Spend [1+] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal to generate up to [15] Weapons/Stack simultaneously as an impromptu spike-trap. When used in this way, the weapons are created blade-first in an instant, with the goal of impaling Ken'ichi's enemy with a multitude of densely-packed weapons (much like a spike-trap). When used in this way, the weapons do not form completely (only the blade and/or shaft of the weapon forms), while the base of the stack solidifies into a solid metallic clump, potentially trapping his opponent upon the multitude of blades. This use costs 100 reiatsu per stack used in the attack. This version of the technique has a Transformation Speed of 1200 (instead of the usual 800).
❀ Drawbacks: There is a momentary delay when activating this technique, during which time the weapon liquefies, reshapes itself and re-solidifies. This delay is represented by this techniques Transformation Speed of 400 (800 during Bankai). While changing form, Suigin cannot be used to block, parry, defend, or attack until such time as its form solidifies. Should an enemy attack have equal or greater attack speed, Suigin will be in a liquid state at the time the attack occurs. As such, the enemy attack will pass through its liquid-metal form before his zanpakutou has time to fully solidify.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• EKITAI-KŌ NO KISHI •〗⊱ Knight of Liquid Steel ❀ Release: Shikai
❀ Cost: 100; plus [1+] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal
❀ Element: Metal
❀ Effect: By absorbing [1+] Stack(s) of nearby Liquid Metal, Ken'ichi can create a suit of filigree gothic breastplate armor, and/or a matching filigree kite shield. Creating the armor using this technique costs [2] Stacks of Liquid Metal, while the shield costs [1] Stack (creating both simultaneously with a single use of this technique costs [3] Stacks instead). The reiatsu cost is the same regardless of how many Stacks of Liquid Metal are spent to activate this technique.
Both shield and armor are highly decorated with stylized feather motifs and accented in gold, matching the design of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou. Should Ken'ichi be using a daishou at the time this ability is activated, he may transform the weapon into a shield instead of spending a Stack of Liquid Metal instead.
Both the armor and shield can be used to protect Ken'ichi against physical, projectile, or reiatsu-based techniques and act as physical reiatsu-based barriers with a class level and Offense Stat equal to Ken'ichi's current release. Finally, both the armor and shield act as an extension of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou, and have the same liquefaction properties as a result.
❀ Bankai: Ken'ichi can still use this technique to create a shield in Bankai, however the Power Armor generated as part of his Bankai Overall property supersedes (and replaces) the armor that can be generated with this technique, making it redundant.
❀ Drawbacks: While wearing the armor, Ken'ichi's Speed is reduced by [25%] as a result of the added weight of the metal. His agility however is unaffected as Ken'ichi has trained extensively in the use of this armor, and has become quite proficient in its use. Unfortunately for him, the armor does reduce the speed multiplier of all stepping techniques (excluding Shunpō Karin) by x3 Speed, to a minimum of x3 Speed or its normal multiplier, whichever is less. For example, Ken'ichi's Shunpō is a x7 multiplier when wearing this armor (instead of the usual x10 multiplier).
Finally, against attacks with the Fire, Heat, Ice, Cold, or Electric elements, the armor (but not shield) counts as [1] Class Level lower for the purpose of determining the effects of clash.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• SUIGIN KEITAI •〗⊱ Mercury Form ❀ Release: Shikai
❀ Cost: 300; plus [1+] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal
❀ Element: Metal
❀ Effect: Upon activation, Ken’ichi’s body takes on a silvery-white metallic hue, while assuming the form of a semi-solid, ooze like state. While transformed in this manner, Ken’ichi is impervious to all physical melee- and projectile-based attacks. Such attacks pass through his amorphous liquid body with little resistance. While such attacks may temporarily stun or disable Ken'ichi (depending on their severity), his liquid-metal body rapidly reforms without suffering injury.
As an added benefit, Ken’ichi’s semi-liquid form renders him immune to the effects of most binding spells or abilities. Attempts to restrain him with chains, ropes, or other such bindings are completely ineffective if they are of equal or lower class level. Such restraints pass harmlessly through his body without impeding his movement. This ability also allows Ken'ichi to pass harmlessly through metal bars, or transform himself into a puddle to slide underneath a door, or other obstacle. Binding spells and abilities that cause paralysis have their full effects however, as do binding spells or abilities of superior class level, or 50% OS Superiority over.
While this technique is active, Ken'ichi's limbs and body count as his zanpakutou for the purpose of activating his Ittō Suigin technique. Ken’ichi can maintain this effect for the duration of this technique, but may end it prematurely by using this technique again, or by returning his arm(s) back to a liquid metal state.
Finally, Ken'ichi retains the ability to mentally control liquefied matter, as well as full use of all zanpakutou techniques.
As one of his staple techniques, Ken'ichi has long since mastered its use, and can use it instinctively by omitting the command word.
When used reflexively, this technique Burns [1] Stack of nearby Liquid Metal, and lasts for the duration of [1] Post. By saying the command word and Spending [1+] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal, Ken'ichi can absorb the Liquid Metal, extending the effect's duration to an equal number of posts.
❀ Drawbacks: Assuming the command word is used, this technique Burns [1] Stack of absorbed liquid metal at the end of each post, swiftly depleting Ken'ichi's most precious resource if overused. Once activated, the maximum duration of this technique cannot be altered, however Ken'ichi can end the effect prematurely, at the start of his post by simply reclaiming the remaining Stack(s) of Liquid Metal. At the end of this duration, Ken'ichi is unable to activate this technique for a minimum of [2] posts, while his body recovers from the strain of his transformation.
In addition, while this technique affords Ken'ichi powerful defensive abilities, his liquid-metal body is unable to manipulate his environment or inflict harm. Only by transforming his arm(s) into weapons via his technique can this inability to cause harm be overcome, as stated above.
Transforming his body using this technique occurs at a Transformation Speed of 400 (800 while in Bankai), and as such suffers the same speed-related drawbacks as his Suigin Ittou technique.
As stated above, this technique makes Ken'ichi impervious to physical injury. While such attacks cause no actual damage to his body, they can temporarily deform his liquid-metal body, stunning him in the process. Attacks which would normally cause minor injuries repair themselves almost instantly, however more powerful attacks can punch "holes" in his body, split his body in twain, or even blast him apart. Such attacks are capable of temporarily disabling or crippling Ken'ichi who is left unable to fight effectively while his body recovers the apparent "damage".
Finally, as a result of Ken’ichi’s liquid-metal body, he is vulnerable to reiatsu-based techniques of the fire, heat, ice, cold, and electric elements. While using this technique, such effects are treated as [1] Class higher for the purpose of determining clash (to a maximum of Class 1).{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• EKIKA-SHI •〗⊱ Liquefied Death ❀ Release: Shikai
❀ Cost: 400; plus [1+] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal
❀ Element: Metal
❀ Passive Effect (No Cost): In addition to generating [1] Stack of Liquid Metal (as a result of his Shikai Overall Ability); any time Ken'ichi's zanpakutō comes into physical contact with an Opponent or their Release Weapon/Doll, his zanpakutō marks the target in the Hit Location (head, torso, limb, or other extremity) touched. As the Liquid Metal formed by Ken'ichi's release is the true form of his zanpakutō, this effect also Marks the target any time they are physically struck by a pseudopod, metallic construct, Hane Yaiba, or a weapon created by his Ittō Suigin technique. Contact with unspent Stack(s) of Liquid Metal does not have this property. This effect does not require injury in order to affect the opponent, and as such - defenses such as Hierro or Blute offer little protection from this effect.
At Ken'ichi's discretion: Physical/Spiritual objects, barriers, and manifestations are Marked on contact. Marked objects/effects lose Durability equal to Ken'ichi's OS when first affected, and at the start of the owner's post(s), liquefying instantly once their Durability reaches Zero (this does not generate stack(s) of Liquid Metal). Objects/effects which lack Durability (reiatsu barriers, kidō, etc) are treated as having a Durability equal to their user's OS for the purpose of this effect. (Except where noted, this works like an ordinary Clash of abilities).
❀ Active Effect: During any post that Ken'ichi Marks an opponent/doll/release weapon, he may trigger this active effect by paying the reiatsu cost, and Burning [1] Stack of Liquid Metal, for each of the targets Marked Hit Locations to a maximum of [3] Stacks. For each Marked Hit Location, consult the table below to determine the effect, which is applied immediately. Releases that conjure/manifest as some form of "living" creature are treated as Dolls/Characters for the purpose of this effect, and have Hit Locations as appropriate.
Release Weapons do not have hit locations. Instead, when activating this effect against a Release Weapon, the weapon is subject to an instant (and continuous) Weapon Break attempt (this is an OS Clash). For the purpose of resolving this effect, and any future Melee Clashes with the weapon, the weapon loses [50] OS for each time it was Marked, and an additional [50] OS at the start of the owner's posts. Upon "breaking", the weapon liquefies instantly, generating [1] Stack of Liquid Metal.
Marked HL
- [1x] - Pain [1]. Skin, and muscles become transparent, gelatinous, and begin seeping blood and clear fluids. Painful bruising spreads along the length of the extremity/region as it begins to breakdown. Head: Eyes become photosensitive, and the target experiences a worsening headache. Limbs/Extremities: This effect worsens by 1/stage at the start of each of the target's posts (this effect applies to all successive stages).
- [2x] - Pain [2]; Bleed [1]. Nerves and connective tissue begin to break down, and bones become gelatinous and rubbery. Movement of affected limbs/extremities become difficult. Head: Migraines and flashes of color flash across the user's vision, and talking becomes difficult. Senses are increased by [50%] for the purpose of determining sensory overload.
- [3x] - Pain [3]; Bleed [2]. Head: Increased audio-sensitivity/photosensitivity causes Senses to double for the purpose of determining sensory overload, but halved for all other purposes. Speech is restricted to a few words at most, and blood begins to flow down the victim's throat. Limb/extremity: The affected limb/extremity liquefies instantly, generating [1] Stack of Liquid Metal. No bleeding occurs from the stump (do not apply Pain/Bleed for this extremity). Torso: Bleeding from internal organs causes swelling of the abdominal cavity.
- [4x] - Pain [4]; Bleed [3]. Due to the effects described below - Loss of consciousness occurs in 3 posts followed by a swift death unless the victim receives immediate medical attention. Head: The tongue, eyes, and ear drums liquefy, rendering the opponent blind, deaf, and unable to speak. Blood flows freely down their throat causing them to begin drowning in their own fluids. Confusion sets in as their brain begins to liquefy reducing Instinct by [50%]. Torso: Internal organs begin to liquefy, causing sepsis and rapid blood loss. The target's lungs fill with blood making speech impossible.
- [5x] - The victim's head, or entire body liquefies, generating [1] Stack of Liquid Metal. This effect is fatal.
Pain [X]: Track pain for each Hit Location separately. 1- Minor; 2-Moderate; 3-Severe; 4-Crippling. Pain Tolerance reduces the effect of pain to all hit locations by it's rank.
Bleed [X]: Bleeding effects stack to determine a single value. 1-Minor; 2-Moderate; 3-Severe; 4-Critical; 5-Life-threatening; 6-Fatal. Bleeding Tolerance reduces this number by it's rank. Be mindful that liquefied extremities/limbs no longer cause bleeding and should have their Bleed value deducted from this total.{Spoiler}{}
⊰〖• RYŪ TAIHŌ •〗⊱ Dragon Cannon ❀ Release: Bankai
❀ Cost: 500 reiatsu; plus [1+] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal
❀ Element: Metal; Fire
❀ Effect: By Burning [1+] Stack(s) of Liquid Metal, Ken'ichi generates a powerful blast of super-heated, metallic plasma in a line. This technique inflicts serious third degree burns to anything it comes in contact with, and ignites hair, cloth, and other flammable objects that the beam passes within 2m (6 feet) of. If Ken'ichi has 50% OS Superiority, this attack can sever limbs, and inflict fourth-degree burns to the opponent (charring flesh right to the bone). If Ken'ichi has 2x OS Superiority, or 2+ Class Superiority, this attack incinerates the target completely, rendering it little more than ash.
The plasma generated by this technique cauterizes wounds on impact with its blistering 50,000C (90,000F) temperature. Clashes against this technique are resolved using the opponent's Reiatsu Strength (or Spiritual Pressure, if released). Strength offers no durability against such incredible temperature.
This is Ken'ichi's most powerful attack, and utterly destroys the Stack(s) of Liquid Metal used to generate the effect. The size and scale of this attack depends on how many Stacks of Liquid Metal are burnt to generate the effect.
- [1] Stack: This attack generates a 1-foot radius (2-foot diameter) line of plasma from the palm of Ken'ichi's hand, out to a distance of 200m. This attack functions similar to a Cero of equal Class to Ken'ichi's release, save that it inflicts burn damage on impact.
- [3] Stacks: This attack generates a 3-foot radius (6-foot diameter) line of plasma from the chest of Ken'ichi's power armor, and extends out to a distance of 300m. This version has 2x OS for the purpose of resolving Clash and all other effects, but is otherwise identical to the smaller blast above.
- [3+] Stacks: This attack generates a spherical blast of plasma surrounding Ken'ichi in all directions out to a range of 20 feet. Anyone caught within the blast suffers severe burns to 90% of their body. The radius increases by an additional 10 feet in all directions for every stack beyond the first [3] that are Burnt by this attack. This version of the technique poses no harm to Ken'ichi or his possessions, but is otherwise unfriendly to allied characters who are unlucky enough to be caught within the blast.
The OS of this AoE attack increases by 100% for each additional stack Burned as part of it's cost (to a maximum of 3x OS for an attack that Burns [5+] Stacks of Liquid Metal).
❀ Drawbacks: This technique swiftly consumes Ken'ichi's reserves of Liquid Metal, making it extremely cosly to use more than a couple times throughout the course of an extended battle. Characters with Fire Resistance [3+] treat the severity of any burns inflicted by this technique as being one step less severe, and treat the Class of this technique as being 1 class lower (2 Classes lower if they have Fire Resistance [4]).
As this attack is made of super-heated metallic plasma, immunity to fire does not provide immunity to this effect, but instead grants the character the equivalent of Fire Resistance [4] for the purpose of resisting this attack.
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⊰〖• A R T G A L L E R Y •〗⊱
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