Training the Mind and the Body (Closed JT; Benjiro & Akira)

[Benjiro Hiroto]

As Benjiro made his way into the courtyard of Squad 12, he felt a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbling up inside of him. The courtyard was like all of the other Gotei 13 courtyards, with its plain white walls and minimal decorations. The only adornment was the insignia of the 12th squad, which stood out against the stark background. Despite its simplicity, there was something elegant and serene about the space that made it feel like a sacred area, a place where knowledge and wisdom were revered above all else.

As an enthusiastic Unseated Officer, Benjiro often found himself with free time, and he had taken the opportunity to request an Inter-squad training session of his own with a member of Squad 12. He thought of how the 4th Squad requested two separate training sessions for their Unseated Officers to train and diversify their skillset with the 10th, and he thought that he could do the same. He had been surprised when his request was granted, considering that the 12th Squad was not known for their martial prowess like the 10th or the 11th, but he was determined to make the most of this opportunity. It was the first time he would be venturing out of his own squad's training grounds, and he couldn't wait to see how the other squads trained. He hoped to learn from their techniques and incorporate them into his own training to become a better Shinigami.

The 12th Squad was known for their expertise in research and development, and Benjiro was eager to tap into that knowledge. He had heard that they were a font of wisdom that was yet untapped, and he felt an urge to learn from them. For him, knowledge was a weapon just as powerful as his Zanpakuto, and he was always seeking to expand his mind and broaden his perspective. Another part that he longed to see was their expertise with Kido, as Kido users were few and far between in the 10th Squad. The only one that came to mind was Aya, the 15th Seat of his squad, and she only used it to further empower her physical skillset. Suffice to say, true wisdom was attained only through the combination of different perspectives, and Benjiro was a seeker of wisdom and knowledge. After all, it was the only true path to his enlightenment. 

"Your training partner will be here soon." That was all that Benjiro heard after voicing his request to the Shinigami manning the desk.  

"Of course, you have my gratitude." The towering man said humbly, bowing deeply, deep enough to make him seem small despite his seven foot frame. 

[Akira Hinosai]

"Do we look like the motherfucking kido corps?!?" Akira's voice was hushed but he was burning with rage. "I know, I know...but have you seen him? He's built like a...what's the term...a brick shit house?" Akira rolled his eyes at his fellow squad 12 grunt. Somehow Tenmei Takahashi was even more of a nerd than Akira initially thought.  "I wasn't about to risk my head getting smashed because I told him to look elsewhere!" Akira was unimpressed. As he turned to walk away from this sniveling excuse for an officer, Temei rushed to sweeten the pot. "Wait! Ok, um, well you can think of this as an opportunity to show your leadership potential! You want to be a seated officer one day, don't you? I could spread the word how much potential you demonstrated..."

Akira stopped. Is this little dweeb trying to manipulate me? "That's...that's true!" Tenmei's eyes lit up. "I'm doing it!" Akira announced. "Oh thank you I mean you're the best kido specialist in the squad, I-" Akira knew that was hollow praise. Odds were he was the first somewhat competent kido user Tenmei found who didn't have grounds to order him around. Akira made his way into the training room this supposedly intimidating dude was in. It was true, he did know more about kido than the average squad 12 recruit. That didn't mean he knew more than like 4 spells. Still, he was certain he could fake his way through this. I bullshitted my way through the academy. I can bullshit my way through this.

When Akira finally reached the room to see the supplicant, he was immediately pissed off. To his dismay, Tenmei wasn't exaggerating. This guy was huge, taller than Luca had ever been, and totally jacked besides. Whatever, he's probably some dumb brute. I could take this guy, easy. Akira may not have known much proper kido, but he understood the theory and practice of it better than most. After all, he was once a fullbringer. He had experience putting these things into practice, even if he couldn't do the things he once could. It would serve to convince this meat-head Akira knew what he was talking about.

Benjiro would see a short, lithe shinigami enter the room with messy blonde hair done up in a ponytail.  and violet eyes. He had a bored expression and an abundance of accessories to personalize what passed for his uniform.

SPOILER: Click to show

{akira ref}

"Greetings, supplicant. Welcome to Squad 12, etcetera, etcetera. Let's skip the pleasantries, because you're not here for those. I'm Akira Hinosai, and I know you're here to do some kickass magic! Fortunately for you, I was able to clear some time in my schedule! Now before we get to the good shit, let me go over the rules and conditions. Squad 12 is not responsible for any damages suffered while in or around their barracks, labs or similarly affiliated locations. Got it?" Akira would pause. "Good. So how much kido do you actually know?" To buy more time to come up with an actual lesson, Akira decided to start with a leading question so he could tailor his lesson to this guy's skill level.

[Benjiro Hiroto]

Benjiro's anticipation continued to build as he awaited the arrival of the 12th Squad's representative. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his mind racing with possibilities of what he might learn from this mysterious figure. Suddenly, a man appeared, smaller in stature than Benjiro had expected, but his aura was anything but small. He walked with a purpose, his steps echoing loudly on the pavement, and Benjiro couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and awe as he took command of the room. Benjiro found himself instinctively standing a little straighter in his presence, as if his towering height was still dwarfed by the strength of the man's personality.

Benjiro had always been taught that manners and politeness were essential, both in his life and his afterlife, but Akira's straightforwardness caught him off guard. It was refreshing, in a way, to hear someone speak their mind so candidly. Akira introduced himself with a confidence that Benjiro had not seen in a lifetime, and his words seemed to dance in the air like an electric current. Benjiro couldn't help but smile, intrigued by this man who seemed to embody everything that made the 12th Squad so unique. Unlike most squads who were dedicated to martial prowess or more defined responsibilities, the 12th Squad was the epitome of new ideas and impassioned members. In a way, this Akira reminded him of his closest friend in life, Kazuo Nakamura.

Akira's enthusiasm for teaching Benjiro magic was infectious, as if his energy was electric. The more he spoke about it, the more Benjiro's nerves began to fade away, replaced by an eagerness to learn. He couldn't wait to see the techniques that Akira was so proud of and learn from someone who was clearly an expert in their field. Of course, as Akira asked, he had to share what he knew so that no time was wasted. Benjiro gave Akira a curt nod and bow, which was already a stretch outside the norm for the respectful, gentle giant. "In all honesty, I have fallen into a bit of an obsession with Kido as of late, and I've memorized a little over twenty of them. I've only been able to practice three Bakudo in Squad 10 though." He admitted with a sincere smile. 

"Oh, and my name is Hiroto (Last name) Benjiro (First name), Unseated Officer of the 10th Squad. I hope that our training today will be fruitful to both of us, Namu Amida Butsu~." Benjiro raised a hand to his chest as he offered a short prayer to Buddha for guidance in their training for the day. It was at this point that Akira would get a better look at him, the giant of a man having quite a bit of personalization on his own uniform, with a green haori hanging loosely over his broad shoulders, with intricate Buddhist prayers inscribed upon them. Aside from that, he had his Zanpakuto sheathed at its side, but prayer beads extended from the hilt of the blade and intricately wrapped around his wrist. 

[Akira Hinosai]

20 spells? That seemed like a lot. Akira struggled to keep composure at the fact he'd now have to bullshit some kind of kido expert. Before he could freak out in earnest, the supplicant corrected himself. 3 spells proper. That was way more manageable. It meant Akira would have an easier time hustling this idiot into believing he knew what he was talking about. The giant whose name Akira didn't know continued his nauseatingly polite introduction, which included saying his name, so Akira thereafter knew his name. Benjiro Hiroto. Akira would have to remember that. I'll call on him if I ever need someone useless.

Now that Benny had made his intentions clear, it was on Akira to come up with something that resembled a lesson. "Most shinigami think they know what kido is, but few really do. The academy often times has to sacrifice depth for breadth in these matters. However, we in squad 12 make it our business to understand things beyond what they seem to be." Akira figured he was off to a good start. However, he figured he could probably relate this information to Benny in a better way than just telling him. "In matters of reiatsu, your eyes can deceive you. Don't trust them." Akira would close his eyes, the implication being that Benny should do the same.

"What do you see?" Akira would wait for his answer. If Akira had Benjiro figured right, he would close his eyes and keep them closed until Akira instructed otherwise. Akira opened his eyes and raised his hand with his finger outstretched. "Hado #4 Byakurai" Akira would fire a beam of pale lightning just past Benjiro's head, narrowly missing him. That was on purpose. He wasn't looking to kill the guy or aynthing. "What did you see then?" Akira would wait for Benjiro's answer. If Benjiro had any semblance of energy sensory abilities, he would have noticed the attack as it was charged up, and the general direction from where it was fired. The important thing was to notice the exact way it looked when someone charged their reiatsu.

If Benjiro's eyes were still closed, Akira would correct this. "You can open your eyes now." Whether Akira had to tell Benjiro or not, he'd continue with the lesson. "Spirit energy is something that extends beyond any one of us. It's an energy field created by all things, living and dead. Imagine awakening, and hearing the heartbeat of the world for the first time. It is the heat of the sun, the current of the universe. It is so many things, yet you know when you feel it, without question. If one is blind to that, how can they hope to master kido?"

"Inside of all spiritual races, there is a wellspring of such energy. They all have their ways to manipulate it, tailored to their physiology. Kido is but the finest level of control that we shinigami are capable of. That is the true nature of kido. That wellspring of energy inside you isn't a muscle you can forcibly exert, not without understanding it, without feeling it. Ease it through your body, your mind, your soul. Align yourself with the current of the world. That is what separates a squad 11 brute from a kido master." Akira wondered if this was actually going to work. He decided to shift the topic from such high concept stuff to something more practical, like with the byakurai thing. "So, what 3 spells do you know?"

[Benjiro Hiroto]

As Akira continued speaking, Benjiro couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence towards the man. It was as if he was in the presence of a master, and Benjiro was just a humble student. Akira's passion for Kido was infectious, and it was clear that he took great pride in his mastery of the art. Benjiro couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of learning from such an experienced and knowledgeable Shinigami. This was evident in how he criticized the Shino Academy, as if the institution took shortcuts in educating the students in the art of Kido.

The more he spoke, the more Benjiro realized just how much he had yet to learn. Akira seemed to know Kido to a deeper extent than most he met before, as if he knew the true nature of what Kido truly was. Benjiro felt lacking in that aspect, as if his foundation of understanding for Kido was flimsy at best, affecting his abilities from the most basic incantations to the most complex and powerful spells at his disposal. Benjiro was humbled by his own lack of knowledge, but at the same time, he was eager to learn from this expert of Kido. He couldn't wait to see what Akira had in store for him.

But seeing was the problem. Akira instructed him that the eyes deceived one's perception of reiatsu, of the soul itself. As he did, he closed his eyes, calling for Benjiro to close them as well. Without a moment of hesitation, Benjiro did as he was instructed. He was always an obedient student, his innate drive to better himself making him a bit of a teacher's pet. Akira had asked him to describe what he was seeing at this point, and Benjiro realized he what he was meant to be doing. He had to feel the world around him, not through the senses he was used to, but through his soul, to reach out to the reiatsu around him.

Taking in a deep breath as he usually did when he sensed for spiritual energy, he allowed his own soul to fill every fiber of his being, expanding his senses to their limits. Still, his capability to differentiate and distinguish spiritual energy was lacking at best. As such, he couldn't really feel much of anything. "Honestly, I don't fee-" Suddenly a spike of pain struck him in his senses as a surge of... something pricked against his skin, his eyes bursting open on instinct, just in time to see Akira's finger stretched towards him as Hado #4 Byakurai was cast against him. In response, Benjiro raised his forearm up against the pale lightning, reiatsu gathering quickly to form a buckler as he cast Seki, but the pale lightning shattered it instantly, causing the lightning to sting as it struck his arm. "I felt it, the surge of reiatsu! It was faint, but I felt it!" He exclaimed, his irisless eyes widening with the grin on his face. 

It was at that point that Akira continued the lesson, correcting his notion of what Spirit Energy truly was. It was more than an internal spring of power and will, it was a field of energy that both fills and extends beyond one's body, whether one was alive or dead. Even still, spiritual energy was more than that, it was the heartbeat of the world, the heat of the sun, and so much more. It was indescribable, but instantly knowable for those that could feel it. Those blind to it could never truly master Kido. Benjiro took those words to heart, as if he completely misunderstood the nature of the soul in its entirety. Akira seemed, to him, like an enlightened one already. He couldn't have been more grateful to have his guidance.

The Sage continued by explaining that within every being of every race existed a wellspring of energy, each with their own method of manipulating it that was tailored to their own unique physiologies. For Shinigami, that was Kido, as it was the finest method of controlling that energy. It was not as simple as flexing a muscle, not without understanding the intricacies of it, without feeling its nature. He had to connect, not just to his own wellspring of energy, but with that of the world. Immediately Benjiro recognized his mistakes, he had been too focused on his Buddhist philosophy, prioritizing his own soul as it underwent the path to Nirvana. He separated the One from All, and All from One, when true Oneness was found in uniting Oneself with All. 

Benjiro was shocked silent for a few moments, wanting to put these new ideas into practice. Had his journey towards enlightenment been too closed off? Too isolated? Was that his problem? It felt as if the limits of his mind and his spirit had suddenly been lifted. While this theoretically made sense, he needed time to incorporate it into his beliefs, time that he did not have as of this moment. It was only when Akira had asked him what three spells he knew that he blinked himself out of his head. "Oh um right! I've become quite proficient with Bakudo # 9, Horin, Bakudo # 11, Haihin, and Bakudo # 1, Sai."

[Akira Hinosai]

"Bang! You're dead! Trick question." for emphasis Akira shot a fingergun at Benjiro.  "Never answer someone who asks you that. It's better to keep your opponent guessing. That way they don't know what to expect. If you don't, you've left the door open and they can plan for every spell you have. So don't let your enemy get comfortable. Always make them think there's more hidden up your sleeve. Even when there really isn't. Especially when there really isn't." Akira was honestly amazed how well this was going. He knew he was a good liar, but still. It almost unnerved him how easily he was able to slip into this role at a moment's notice.

Akira figured he could show this Benjiro guy how to use byakurai, but the words stopped in his throat. The guy had this whole...gentle giant thing going on, and it was weird he'd never learned a single hado spell. There was that weird prayer thing with the beads, too. Akira had a gut feeling this was worth following up on. "Tell me, Benjiro, do you have some...ethical qualms against kido of a more offensive nature?" Akira was of course refering to spells classified as hado. He desperately hoped he wasn't going to have to train some "do-no-harm" type guy. That would seriously suck, considering Akira's fallback plan was to just have them spar with kido. Irrespective, this question would at least buy Akira some time.

In truth, Akira had neither the time nor the inclination to dissuade Benjiro of whatever philosophy he may or may not have gotten mixed up in that may or may not have forbidden him shooting lightning from his fingertips. "Running oppenents through with a concentrated beam of lightning isn't all there is to Hado. Some of it can be quite non-lethal. Sho, for instance is just a simple blast of kinetic energy. It can knock a man off his feet or get some distance between you and him. It won't kill someone unless you're trying to. It's the first hado spell." Akira knew of it, but considered it beneath him. Somehow it was less cool than electrokinesis in his mind.

"Even that technique I fired at your head has more applications than you'd think. Kido can be thought as interconnected. Not literally, but when learning new spells it can help to relate them to those you already know. A barrier is a barrier, and lightning is lightning. If the technique is of similar element to one you know, even a little bit, focus on that and ease it into your proverbial spellbook." Akira wondered if that made any sense at all. "Even so, theory and strategy will only take one so far. I think you're ready for some practical lessons." Akira decided it was way past time they fought already. "Show me your technique. Try and ensare me with your bakudo."

[Benjiro Hiroto]

After Benjiro finished listing off the Kido spells he knew, Akira immediately reacted by pointing his finger at Benjiro's head. This action caught Benjiro off guard and sent a shiver down his spine. Why..? That was strange. He felt a sense of unease as Akira informed him that he was as good as dead for revealing his full capabilities. Benjiro was startled and confused by this statement. He had always been honest and forthcoming, and the idea of hiding his strength went against everything he had learned up to this point. Was it truly the right thing to do, to hide away and hope for a difference? He was still unsure. 

Despite the initial shock, Benjiro couldn't help but be drawn to Akira's charm. There was something about him that was so captivating and magnetic that Benjiro couldn't look away. It was strange, he had never felt a kinship to anyone else like this before, the closest he could imagine being Kazuo, his closest confidante in his life. His cheeks flushed red, most likely out of embarrassment as he realized he had been tricked. He didn't feel bad though, as the strange allure that Akira possessed caused the gentle giant to hang on to his every word. Benjiro listened very carefully as he explained the importance of hiding his true abilities to prevent others from taking advantage of him. "Hmm... I see."

However, the former monk still had qualms about this deceptive tactic, wondering if doing so would be counterintuitive to his nature. Still, a part of him wanted to listen to what Akira was teaching him, after all, he was the one who asked in the first place. He was conflicted, internally lost as he struggled to find the best possible course of action he could take. His heart skipped a beat as Akira called him out on this, reading his intentions as if he was an open book. He asked a question that many in the Shino Academy had asked him as well, did he have any issues with casting more offensive Kido?

"I uh, well... in short, yes. As much as possible, I try to avoid causing harm to anyone. It is... not in my nature to hurt others, I would much rather be injured than to cause even the slightest amount of pain." He explained, running a heavy hand through his hair. Akira seemed... upset about this notion? Benjiro wasn't sure, but he could barely make eye contact at this point, as if his words were as grievous as a knife through the heart. Instead of being berated though, as the instructors often did, Akira continued his lesson. He explained that Hado was more than just destructive force, as non-lethal force fell within its domain as well, such as the most basic application of it, Hado # 1, Sho. 

Benjiro nodded, listening intently as he began to consider this alternative concept in Kido mastery, the use of Hado to inhibit as opposed to harm. It might have been difficult, and the line between necessary and unnecessary harm often blurred, but with enough practice, perhaps he could do it. Sho in particular seemed a good start, meant more to knock one of their feet or create needed distance. Still, a part of him was concerned about where he drew the line. That was when Akira said yet another enlightening phrase, explaining that the different subsets of Kido were all interconnected, and understanding each would benefit the other, especially with Kido of similar elements. 

It was at that point that Akira had asked him to restrain him with the Bakudo of his choice, and Benjiro smiled. This was his forte after all. "Then I shall give it my all." He said with a gentle smile, his cheeks still holding a hint of rose. He wondered if this was the time to try and impress him, or if he should keep it simple for this part of the demonstration. Considering that this was the reconstruction of his foundation of Kido, perhaps simplicity was key to his growth. With the decision made, he raised his finger and pointed at Akira. "Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini. Look upon yourself in horror and tear out your own throat. Bakudo # 9, Horin."

Benjiro had grown more accustomed and experienced with Horin through his repeated use and practice of the Bakudo. At first, he had imagined the energy that surged from his fingertips as lightning, but his understanding of it was shallow. No, he needed to focus, to change his foundation. He took in a deep breath, feeling the wellspring of his soul begin to circulate throughout his body, like a steady stream growing into a raging whirlpool. Had he always envisioned his soul like water? Perhaps that was the elemental inclination of his soul. As the waters settled throughout his entire body, becoming still like a pond, he realized that he was still limiting himself to the confines of his body, when Spiritual Energy expanded beyond it. 

This was new to him, but he needed to expand his energy outwards and connect it to the reiatsu around him. The water-like nature of his reiatsu began to shift and change as it reached outwards, splitting into fractals and branches, breaking into hundreds of little connections like the roots of a tree. As he did, he felt a surge growing within him, as if his energy was intermingling with that of the Soul Society, carried within and without his body, crashing and refining itself, building upon itself. Renewed with this breakthrough of understanding, his Horin launched out of his fingertips with sudden force.

At first, the orange energy shot outwards like water, a geyser of fluid energy that followed the natural current of the area around them. Benjiro was surprised, his Horin had traveled far faster than it used to when he had thought of it like lightning, which seemed counter to their actual natures. But then came the shift in nature, as the fluid energy suddenly became rigid, hardening and snapping like a great oak as it snaked around and constricted against Akira's body, provided he did nothing to escape it. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Techniques}

Strength: 55 (68)
Speed: 50 (35)
RS: 100 (150)
SPPR: 65
Instinct: 50
Senses: 50 (37)
ES: 50
HE: 0
LA: 75
DA: 25

---

Reiatsu: 650 - 25 = 625/650

---

Technique used:

Technique Name: Bakudo # 9: Horin (Proficient)

Technique Class: 7 - 10 TTP


Technique Type: Kidō - Bakudō.


Usable By: Kidō-users.


Technique Element: N/A.


Technique Cost: 25 Reiatsu.


Description: The second Bakudo of this number, Horin causes an orange tendril of condensed spiritual energy to spiral out of the caster's fingertips and attempt to enclose around and bind an enemy. These tendrils, once having bound a target, can merge to connect the targets.


How to Use: The caster needs to point at the victim, not unlike casting any regular Hado.


Incantation: If used, the incantation allows a 10% increase in reiatsu strength. (I.E. A reiatsu strength valued at 100 would instead be worth 110.) ("Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini! Look upon yourself with horror and tear out your own throat!")


Drawbacks: Reiatsu cost.

Made By: Unknown.

Reserved?: No.

[Akira Hinosai]

Akira tried to hold back a smirk. This was too easy. He knew the incantation, and the spell Benjiro claimed to know. All Akira had to do now was wait. A novice fighter would hear an incantation and run, but Akira was no novice. If he ran now, Benjiro would start casting again, and again, without losing any reiatsu. If Akira waited until the spell was cast, he could begin to wear his opponent out, and once the gentle giant had fainted, the lesson would be over. Akira dropped into an opening stance as he waited for Benny to say the incantation. As soon as he reached the spell's name, Akira would flash step behind him and tell him how wrong his technique was.

The noise that escaped Akira's lips sounded like a cat being sprayed with water as opposed to a kido master. What the fuck just happened? It wasn't supposed to go this way! When he had his old body, he could make these split second tactical decisions. It had never been this hard before!  Damn it damn it damn it damn it!!! Akira struggled against his bindings, only to find they were far stronger than he expected. Akira's cheeks flushed hot with shame as he was faced with how weak and pathetic this body was. A very weak, shameful part of him wanted to cry. He could have cried, or he could have taken a better approach, like killing the man who dared humiliate him. He didn't care about the wise kido master act anymore. He wanted to blow up this whole ass training room as well as all traces of his failings.

Akira struggled with everything he had, but all he did was wriggle around on the ground like an idiot. "I'm gonna give you 3 seconds to undo this." Akira said through clenched teeth. He knew he was in no position to take demands, but hopefully an idiot like Benny here would do as he was told. That was all people like him were good for. Doing what they were told. People like him had no balls. They were too weak to stomach real war, so they hid behind their codes of honor like a security blanket. How can someone like him be more special than me! He can't be better than me! When or if Akira was free, he would stand up, and rush to place his open hand on Benjiro's chest.

While struggling against his bindings, Akira worked up a sweat. His palms were damp which opened up a new avenue for attack. "Hado #11: Tsuzuri Raiden!" If Akira was able, he'd shoot lightning from his very fingertips. Unlike Byakurai, this was less focused on a single area, and therein lied its strength. Rather than shooting a hole through Benjiro, Tsuzuri Raiden would channel the electricity through his entire body, by interfacing Akira's reitsu with the conductive medium.  It was a shock not unlike a stun gun in the human world. The hope was that the shock would cause his muscles to contract, making him unable to move so long as the current flowed through him. Like when you grabbed an electric fence but found yourself unable to let go, despite the pain.

If Akira was successful, he would exert more reiatsu to extend the spell, letting Benjiro fry for even longer unless he had some way to escape. However, if Benjiro was able to escape the first time, Akira would try and recover by instead just punching him in the chest. Though with his lack of experience in hakuda, and middling strength combined with the weight class of his opponent, Akira would likely just succeed in hurting his hand more than his opponent. Either way, Akira, in his rage had completely dropped his facade and was seeking retribution at any cost.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Akiras Stats}Strength - 50
Speed - 80
Spiritual Pressure - 50 (62)
Reiatsu Strength - 50 (62)
Instinct - 50 Points (37)
Senses - 50 Points (37)
Energy sensory - 50
Healing Expertise - 0
Light Aura - 45
Dark Aura - 55
380 SP
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Analysis: 1
Strength of Will: 1
Weapon Skill (Prima Materia): 1
Mental Incantation: 1
Battle Analysis: 1
Acting: 1
Kido Mastery: 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Tsuzuri Raiden}Technique Name: Hado #11: Tsuzuri Raiden (Bound Lightning)

Class: 7

Technique Type: Kido

Technique Element: Thunder

Technique Description and Effects: Electric current flows through any object the user touches and is able to lead electricity, damaging any target that is in contact with the object the current runs through. This lasts for one post, but by paying the cost of the spell a second time, the duration is increased to two posts.

How to use technique: Speak the spell and touch an object, channeling electricity through it.

Incantation and Effect: Incantation unknown. When the incantation is spoken, the number of active posts this is used for is doubled. (With maximum cost, this can be up to four posts.)

Reiatsu: 545/620

-25 Byakurai (earlier post)
-50 Tsuzuri Raiden (extended)

[Benjiro Hiroto]

Benjiro felt a sense of clarity he had never experienced before, as if a fog had lifted from his mind. It was a subtle feeling, not the exuberance he had expected after discovering the true nature of his spirit. Yet, it was a peaceful feeling, one of acceptance and understanding. He could feel the elements that truly coincided with his strength now, as if they were an extension of his being as opposed to the ephemeral, formless nature of the energy he had once thought it was. The realization that he had been searching for something within himself, and had found it, brought a small but genuine smile to his face.

As he manifested his nature-enhanced Horin, he felt no hostility or anger at all, as if this was as simple as breathing. Perhaps this was how it was meant to be, an extension of himself as opposed to an expression of it. As he felt illuminated by his newfound understanding, Benjiro couldn't help but feel grateful for the guidance and teachings of his mentor, Akira, who he hadn't even realized was struggling against his restraints. He had shown him the way, helped him to uncover something he had never been aware of before, and the smile on his face was meant to show appreciation for his wise fellow Shinigami. 

Unfortunately, Akira didn't seem to appreciate what he had done. Was he meant to hold back? Perhaps he put too much power into the restraints? Akira gave him three seconds to undo his binding, seemingly angry and upset. Before he even finished speaking, Benjiro rushed forward with eyes dripping with concern and worry. He could feel the threads of his own reiatsu mixing with the general spiritual energy in the air as they intertwined and formed a weave of unbreakable energy, wrapping around Akira's body. Thankfully, all it took was a single tug in the right area and the entire weave would come undone. All it took was a simple mental command for the energy to unravel and dissipate. 

Benjiro fell to his knees, offering his hand to the smaller Shinigami. "I am so sorry, Akira. Did I hurt you? Were the restraints too ti-AIAGH!!" Benjiro's body contorted in agony as a sudden bolt of lightning surged through him, coursing through every fiber of his being. The pain was overwhelming, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. It felt like his body was being ripped apart, torn to shreds by the relentless assault of electricity. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, trying to endure the excruciating pain that writhed through him.

As the lightning continued to ravage his body, Benjiro felt a growing sense of fear and desperation. He could feel the storm surging, fraying at the edges of his senses as his thoughts returned to the night of his untimely death. He remembered how a bolt of lightning struck a tree. He remembered how the bark flayed apart, expanding and tearing itself apart, as if it couldn't bear to remain connected. Was that what his body was feeling now? Not just his body, but his soul. He felt the electricity shocking the reservoir of reiatsu circulating within him, disrupting the current within him and destabilizing his connection with the energy around them.

He wasn't sure how much more he could take. His vision blurred and his thoughts grew hazy as the searing pain reached a fever pitch. Despite his efforts to remain conscious, he felt his mind slipping away as his soul quivered in response to the surging electricity. It was a harrowing experience, one that he knew would haunt him for some time to come. Still, he wasn't the type to give up this easily, not this early. He could still feel where the lightning began, the origin of the energy creeping up right in front of his chest, coupled with the still warmth of a hand pressed against his chest. 

Despite the excruciating pain, Benjiro knew he had to push himself to the limit if he were to overcome this. He grit his teeth and focused all his willpower into lifting his arm, the effort seeming to take an eternity, but he refused to give up, even when his mind was screaming at him to stop. "GRRRRRGGHHH!" The veins in his head began to pop and bulge out his forehead, completely erasing any semblance of the gentle giant. What stared back at Akira was more akin to a monster than a man, with the electricity and his own force of will clashing for control of his body.

Finally, he managed to force his hand to reach out and try to grasp at Akira's hand. As soon as their skin touched, Benjiro felt a powerful surge of energy course through him. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before, the sheer force of it threatening to overwhelm him. But he refused to let it defeat him, pushing forward with all his strength and sending his own spirit surging forward to meet it. "SAI!" Benjiro's mind could only focus long enough to billow out the name of Bakudo # 1 Sai, abandoning the incantation with the use of Eishohaki. If he was successful, then the reservoir of energy within his soul would crash against the source of the electricity like waves crashed against the shore, disrupting the flow of reiatsu and causing Akira's arms to lock in place behind his back. 

"hahh..Stop...why..?"

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats/Skills/Reiatsu/Techniques}
Strength: 55 (68)

Speed: 50 (35)

RS: 100 (150)

SPPR: 65

Instinct: 50

Senses: 50 (37)

ES: 50

HE: 0

LA: 75

DA: 25

---

Learning - 1
Calm Mind - 1
Strength of Will - 1
Weapons: Swords - 1
Pain Tolerance - 1
Bleeding Tolerance - 1
Damage Recovery - 1
Mental Incantation - 1

---

Reiatsu: 625 - 25 = 600/650

---

Technique Name: Bakudō #1: Sai (Restrain)



Technique Class: 7 - 10 TTP



Technique Type: Kidō - Bakudō.



Usable By: Kidō-users.



Technique Element: N/A.



Technique Cost: 25 Reiatsu.



Description: Causes the target's arms to lock in place behind their back.



How to Use: Physical contact is required from the hand of the caster to any part of the body of the target.



Incantation: Incantation increases the strength behind the technique by 10%. (I.E. A reiatsu strength of 100 would instead be valued at 110 for this technique.) ("Man, shaped by Divine hands, revert to the form before limbs, clutch at your own throat and be afraid!")



Drawbacks: Reiatsu cost.



Made By: Unknown.



Reserved?: No.

[Akira Hinosai]

It was a rush unlike any other. This was the reason he was born, the reason he kept living beyond simple force of habit. It was the high he'd been chasing ever since he died and his powers were locked away. "AHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAA!!!" His laugh was a manic, frenzied thing. He didn't care. None of that mattered. All that mattered was righting the indignities he'd suffered, and making sure he never suffered like that again. Akira could amost taste the electricity, the raw unfettered power flowing through him. He was finally back. With his shinigami powers he would be the strongest being in any of the realms and he would destroy anyone who got in his way.

He hated Benjiro. It was his own fault he was even in this mess to begin with. If he hadn't been so stupid, if he hadn't insulted Akira by offering his hand...If he hadn't proved himself the superior fighter. No. None of that mattered. "Who's the kido master now?" Akira felt nothing but disgust and seething hatred for the man. How could he think to accomplish anything with his high ideals, like he was fucking better than everyone. Somehow, against all sense, HE GOT TO BE STRONGER THAN AKIRA?!? People like that really pissed Akira off. The fact he was seemingly more powerful was just icing on the cake. However, Benny wasn't more worthy than Akira. He was a well behaved pup who would take a beating.

Akira wondered if Benny was plotting to save his soul or something, like he was a jedi. Akira was so focused on the pain he was inflicting, the justice he was dishing out, that he never noticed Benjiro raise his arm until it was too late. Akira felt the power fizzle out as his arms were forced behind his back. He fell over again, breathing heavily. All that power, that brief window into what he once was...It was gone, and all he had was a caustic echo of who he used to be. His past seemed so far away, and his future so distant. Akira managed to fuck it all up again. He could blame his weak, disgusting body, but it was his soul where the weakness lied. It was his fault. He knew that. Oh, if Ailene could see me now. If Abaddon and Alastor could see just how far I've fallen. Raph too.  He imagined them all laughing at him. Even his closest friends would laugh too if they saw him in this pathetic state.

If this was all he could do, then he would keep trying until he was dead. He didn't need pity. He needed to fight until he had nothing left. Akira did his best to rise without the use of his arms. Try as he might to struggle against his bindings, it was pointless. Benjiro had power. Akira didn't. Still, so long as he had legs to stand, this fight didn't have to be over. In a last desperate attempt to hurt Benjiro, Akira flash-stepped behind him. However, rather than position himself to face Benjiro's back, he instead kept his back to Benjiro's. With his hands tied behind his back, all he could hope for was that a blind shot of hado would somehow even the odds.

"BYAKURAI!" Of course, with Akira's hands bound, and him facing away from his target, it was unlikely he'd hit, but he'd still try. "DAMN IT!" Unless restrained again Akira would try and kick Benjiro, but it was likely that wouldn't do much either. By the time his last resort came and went, He was left where he started. Helpless, on the ground, at Benjiro's mercy. He felt no catharsis, no pride in at least taking a shot at Benjiro before he went down. There was just this dark pit in his chest. "So that's it then, is it? Nothing more than a speed bump on your journey...Some villain for you to conquer" Akira felt his body betray him as his rage subsided. He just felt empty.

"I'm not some kido expert. Maybe you already picked up on that. Do you wanna know why that fucking loser outside picked me to train you? Because I was the first person he saw, and he was too scared to say no to you." Akira thought this would make his defeat sting less, but it didn't. "Do you wanna know what you were to me? Another thing to add to my resume when I put in the request for a promotion. I made up all that bullshit about kido philosophy." Only that wasn't true. Akira knew that. He had learned when he was still a human, but he wanted to hurt Benjiro more. He had no other choice but to. The only alternative was admitting he was wrong, and that was scarier than death.

"I used you. I lied to you, and I tried to fucking electrocute you. So go on, get even. Kick a man while he's down." Akira knew he was better than this, but it was too late to do anything else. Benjiro overcame him so easily that it was absurd he needed instruction from Akira in the first place. Someone like that is better than me... It was hell unlike any other to know you were capable of more, only to find your skills dampened. Maybe it wouldn't be temporary. Maybe this was his future. Mediocrity. He really wanted to cry. Only he couldn't. All he could do now was play the villain with grace and as much dignity as he could muster.

Reiatsu: 470/620

-50 flash step
- 25 Byakurai

[Benjiro Hiroto]

Benjiro's body convulsed with every jolt of electricity that surged through him. His senses were overwhelmed, his mind a chaotic storm of pain and confusion. But it was the pain beyond the physical, the pain that cut to his very soul, that truly troubled him. He could feel Akira's suffering from the edges of his spirit, an echo of pain that mirrored his own. The laughter that had once seemed mocking and triumphant now sounded hollow and pained, a desperate attempt to cover up the fear and insecurity that lurked beneath.

Benjiro knew that the source of Akira's pain was not born from mere malice or cruelty, but from a deep hurt that he couldn't fully understand. It was a pain that echoed through the room, a reminder of the complex and often tragic nature of human emotion. Despite the agony that wracked his body, Benjiro couldn't help but feel a deep sense of empathy for the one who had caused him such pain. That is why his actions held no malice, nor was it meant to cause any harm. With a single word, uttered out of shared agony, he had put an end to Akira's facade, and the look of desperation he had only confirmed what Benjiro had felt.

It was that desperation that forced Akira back onto his feet, that desperation that caused him to put everything on the line once more. It was that desperation that spelled his downfall. With Benjiro's spiritual energy surging around the area, learned from Akira himself, he could feel the restraints he had left behind on Akira's body. Those restraints were extensions of his own spirit as well, and he could feel the minute changes within Akira's, so when he Flash Stepped forward, Benjiro activated a Shunpo of his own, ending up on the other side of the room. Just in time for the Byakurai to streak past where he was.

This whole time, Benjiro's face had not held an ounce of anger, but even more infuriatingly, one of pity... or was it out of genuine concern? Benjiro truly cared for Akira's wellbeing, even if they had barely met and barely had a conversation. That was simply who Benjiro was. It was from that same concern that Benjiro approached Akira again, even as he cursed through the air, desperately attempting to kick him. All he got was air, followed by the cold floor.

Benjiro looked down at Akira, watching the pain etched on his face as he spoke of his shame, of his transgressions. The once proud and arrogant man now splayed out before him, admitting to the depth of his own lies and deception. Benjiro couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him. Akira had thought that he could use Benjiro to achieve his own ends, a promotion, but his own pride led to his downfall. He could not admit that Benjiro currently had more strength than him, and the rage that came only doomed himself

But what struck Benjiro the most was when Akira called himself the villain in Benjiro's story. Benjiro didn't see himself as a hero, nor did he see Akira as a villain. They were just two people, each with their own flaws and mistakes, trying to walk down their respective paths. Benjiro never wanted to hurt Akira, nor did he feel the need to kick him out of spite or a twisted sense of justive. Instead, all he felt was a deep sadness for Akira's torment.

There was no justice in causing someone more pain, no matter how justified it may seem. All Benjiro could do was try to find a way to move forward and heal the wounds that had been inflicted. His first step was to reach out once more. He bent down and offered Akira a hand, releasing the restraints he had left on his arms. "Take my hand and stand. We are not finished here." He spoke, in a way that hopefully did not cause Akira to feel any more shame.

"You are no Kido expert, but I never asked for one. I never asked for instruction, but for training. So let us train and improve together." Benjiro let out a sigh as he placed a hand on his Zanpakuto, feeling the prayer beads around his wrist constrict and tighten. In a practiced motion, he got into the traditional Zanjutsu stance taught in the Academy, with the blade held in front of him. "Show me who you are." With that, Benjiro rushed forward and took a wide swing of his blade down towards Akira. If he chose not to move, the blade would cut him in half, vertically bisecting him.

Reiatsu: 600-50=550/650

-50 flash step

[Akira Hinosai]

"Take my hand and stand. We are not finished here." Akira looked at Benjiro with confusion. By all rights, it didn't make any sense. Akira knew he didn't deserve that mercy. He should have slapped that hand away. His pride demanded it. Then again, it was his pride that got him handcuffed and on the floor.  He might not have liked it, but maybe this was the only way forward. Akira was a survivor first and foremost. Maybe it wasn't the worst thing in the world to cut his losses. He scoffed, and then took the hand Benjiro provided. "Ok, ok...Enough of the mushy shit, alright?" If Benjiro was looking for someone who would pour his heart out, then he had the wrong guy.

Benjiro was one of those people you almost couldn't hate. Only, that's what Akira hated about him in the first place. He had that sort of "nice guy" aura, but for some reason that deeply offended Akira. He didn't even know why. The idea that someone could just be so peaceful and happy and not be working some kind of angle...It was honestly inconceivable. He was the kind of person who would get mugged the second he set foot in an outer-rukongai district...Well, that would be the case if he wasn't so fucking big. He didn't know if this guy just watched too many movies or something to pick up this jedi act, but it seriously messed with Akira's whole vibe.

Maybe some part of Akira was hoping Benjiro would kick him while he was down. Akira certainly did a lot of that to his enemies. No one could say he didn't deserve it. Maybe he just wanted to see Benjiro brought down to the moral gutter Akira had firmly settled in. Whatever. This shit doesn't matter. Fuck it all. As Benjiro had said, they weren't done training. That meant victory wasn't out of Akira's reach just yet. Akira saw Benjiro take up an opening stance, and Akira returned the gesture. He may not have had the raw strength he did before, but he wasn't about to give up so easy.

"Show me who you are." 

If Akira wasn't busy dodging a massive sword threatening to slice him into Akira flavored mincemeat, he might have thought what a weird thing that was to say. Who I am? Akira pivoted to Benjiro's side and tried to land a quick slice on his thigh. In close quarters, Benjiro may have had the strength and range advantage, but Akira figured speed had to factor for something. Whether Akira's blow hit or not, he would try and run behind Benjiro before he recovered from his hay-maker of a strike. If allowed to get behind Benjiro, AKira would try and land another quick diagonal slice across the giant's back. If he could just stay quick on his feet, and land enough hits in rapid succession, this duel would be over before it even began...

[Benjiro Hiroto]

Benjiro looked at Akira with a mix of empathy and understanding in his eyes. He could see the pain and regret etched on Akira's face, the weight of his past actions heavy on his shoulders. But he also saw a glimmer of hope, a desire to change and make amends. After all, those that admit to their mistakes were the same as those who wished to be better. He had wanted to offer his support, to let him know that it was alright, that he had already forgiven him, but he knew that that wouldn't work. Not for Akira.

Benjiro knew that tough love was necessary in this situation, even though it pained him to be harsh with someone who reminded him so much of his lost friend Kazuo. They were both prideful, abhorring any signs of pity or empathy if it seemed unearned. That was why, instead, he offered Akira a chance to redeem himself, to train hard and fight with honor as he had requested, to earn his forgiveness and move past his deceit. The sincerity in his voice seemed to resonate with Akira, at least somewhat, who took Benjiro's hand, and with it, a chance at redemption.

Benjiro's heart was racing as he felt his Zanpakuto clash into the ground, leaving a dent from his immense strength. He knew he had to act fast, to change his strategy and find a way to gain the upper hand. Akira was a speedy opponent, and Benjiro couldn't afford to let his guard down. As Akira darted around him, Benjiro remained focused, his eyes following Akira's movement as best he could, attempting to anticipate his next attack. The sharp pain in his thigh and the stinging sensation on his back were reminders of his opponent's skill, but they only fueled his determination further.

Benjiro remembered what Akira had said about Squad 11, that they were brutes, and he compared that to the way he had been fighting. Akira seemed to be sly, cunning in the way that he fought, preferring not to take risks and maximize his chances of winning. He was darting around Benjiro, preferring to keep to his sides and back as opposed to the front, like how most of Squad 11 fought. Benjiro knew that he could use that to his advantage, that he could catch Akira off guard. As he recovered from his Zanpakuto swing, Benjiro swung to the side, but that was only a feint. With a single, swift movement, he jut his leg out, aiming to trip Akira. If he was successful, he would capitalize on the opportunity and take the chance to stab down at Akira's leg.

[Akira Hinosai]

Hot damn! Akira honestly didn't expect things to go as well as they were. Before Benjiro could even recover from his overhead strike, Akira had already landed two hits. He might pull through after all! When Benjiro was finally back in a position to counter, Akira was ready. A horizontal slash seemed prudent fora  fast opponent like Akira, but right as Akira prepared to dodge, he realized all too late that this was just a feint. He was quick to recover, but what came next didn't come from Benjiro's sword. Instead, somehow Akira lost his footing and the ground rose up to meet him. Before Akira could do anything to recover, he felt a white hot pain in his leg.

Akira howled in pain. He tripped me? "You motherfucker!" Akira did his best to fight through the pain and get in position to rise back up. Rolling over and bringing his legs around, he tried to spring back up, but before he was standing he would try and keep Benjiro on his feet with a parting shot. A low horizontal slice at Benjiro's leg to keep him from taking too much advantage of his crouching foe. If allowed to stand back up, Akira would come to a more defensive stance, turning his body so that Benjiro would have a smaller target to hit. If Benjiro pursued Akira he would try and use his small size and speed to slip past Benjiro's guard and deliver a blow to the man's sword arm.

Akira's leg was killing him, and that would no doubt be a hindrance to his mobility, bujt that left him with one leg and his entire upperbody still untouched. He could still leverage his speed against Benjiro, this time focusing more on his upper body and pivot-dodges on his good leg to win him the day. Akira had still taken only one hit. Benjiro was wounded before the fight even began. By Akira's estimations, that meant he had the advantage, if he could just keep dealing chip damage to the gentle giant. I can outlast him. I just can't fall for any of his tricks again. This time, Akira wouldn't be so hard to fool. He'd underestimated Benjiro's cunning, but if the gentle giant wanted to play that game, Akira would win.

[Benjiro Hiroto]

Benjiro's heart was pounding in his chest as he lunged towards Akira, his Zanpakuto aimed straight at his opponent's legs. With a quick trip, Akira fell to the ground, allowing Benjiro to strike. The blade of his Zanpakuto pierced through Akira's leg, drawing blood and causing him to cry out in pain. Benjiro hesitated for a moment, his hand recoiling at the sight of the blood. He knew he had to push through, however, and continue the fight.

As Akira rolled and got back onto his feet, Benjiro felt a pang of guilt. He was doing this for Akira, to help him become stronger, but it hurt to see him in pain. Akira retaliated quickly, slicing at Benjiro's leg and drawing a light cut on his thigh. Benjiro gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain, determined to continue the fight. He knew he couldn't last too much longer though, his body already seared and shocked from the earlier Tsuzuri Raiden.

With Akira in a defensive stance, Benjiro steeled his nerves and readied himself for the next attack. He knew he was slower than Akira, but he refused to let that stop him. He stood perfectly still, waiting for the right moment to strike, but he knew the faster warrior was not going to make the same mistake again. The benefit of speed was the ability to react, therefore waiting was just as valuable in battle as pursuing and pushing momentum. For as long as Benjiro remained still, so would Akira it seemed.

Fine then. If the difference came from speed, then Benjiro would close the gap. He needed to put an end to the fight without using his Bakudo, he wanted Akira to fight him on an even playing field. It was at this point that Benjiro switched his stance, studying and remembering Gestalt's from their training. He held his blade down to the side with one hand, and Benjiro had practiced both sides of their battle to better improve himself. His Zanpakuto extended out to the side, pointed to the ground as his left hand remained still at his side. Benjiro took in a deep breath, then, in the next moment, he vanished.

His reiatsu was similar to a still lake, but all it took was a single drop to send ripples all throughout, and that was exactly what he did as he activated his Shunpo once more, stopping right in front of Akira, dangerously close. Benjiro's attack came in like a pincer, striking from both sides so that whichever direction Akira dodged, he would still be hit. With his left hand, Benjiro swung a heavy fist for Akira's head, while his Zanpakuto slashed horizontally at Akira's legs. What would Akira do?

Reiatsu:
550-50=500/650

-50 Flash Step

Speed: 35 -> 350