Break the mask! [Aoshi vs Eshin | DP]

[Deleted]

Thread Title: Break the mask! [Aoshi vs Eshin | DP]
Participants: Aoshi Kuzan, Eshin Soto
World: Soul Society
Death Setting: Permanent Injuries Enabled
Rating: R
Location: Karakura Public School, which is in pretty bad shape after Colina Conejita's rampage.
Special Conditions: Aoshi will begin holding back at 200 Strength, so as to not trigger his ability Ruination that involves a personality change (since he hasn't reached the point where Kenpachi get tired or can 'hold back' mechanically).
Circumstances: Aoshi Kuzan, newest addition to the Tenth's ranks.
Eshin Soto, Stray Hollow.

[Deleted]

Not too long ago, Aoshi had been given a second chance at life by being enlisted as a Shinigami. Though he was never one to pay much attention to his teachers, Shinigami typically killed Hollows. It was not that surprising that he would be sent to the World of the Living with that purpose, right? His first 'solo' mission. The martial artist didn't know whether to feel proud or concerned, considering that he was still just as green as the other recruits that had graduated the Academy alongside him. Shit, he had already seen one or two kick the bucket, and while he held no sympathy for them, that feeling was far from wishing them any harm. The sudden decision to send him there meant that Celes had either loosened the reins on him a little too fast, or it had just slipped through her mind. Or maybe whoever had been pulling strings all along to see him crash and burn had gone over her head to put him in a compromised situation.

Anyway, he shouldn't expect backup at all, even when he was absolutely sure that someone, somewhere, would be watching regardless of the solitary status of his mission. Not to cheer him on or anything like that, Soul King forbid, but to keep tabs on him in case he even thought about running away or do anything stupid. He was pretty damn sure that, should he get into trouble, whoever was watching would simply wait and see if he kicked the bucket; according to many, many people in his squadron, it would definitely be one less problem for Soul Society that way.

Thanking whoever had come up with the idea of using Air Ground to move, the Kenpachi made his way towards Karakura's Public School. The place still remained closed, and still was under repairs. He doubted any responsible parent would ever send their children there again, though. After all, not too long ago, this had been ground zero of a Hollow attack. Reports talked about even Adjuchas-class going on a feeding rampage, but other than that Soul Society's response had been awfully slow. So much so that not a single unit had been dispatched. Maybe they just didn't give a damn in the first place about such a small scale attack? The universe was a large place, and they could not possibly protect anyone. Maybe in any other situation, Aoshi would've cracked a joke at them lazing out instead of doing their jobs, but he had seen the sorry state the Seireitei was in after the invasion--well, the Tenth's quarters, at least.

In any case, Aoshi was wearing a slightly modified Shihakusho to allow for better ranges of motion. No flowing, traditional stuff, no Hakama or anything of the sort. Just a sleeveless uniform, and a lower half that didn't lend itself to being grabbed or to get wrapped on anything by accident. Just how could anyone fight in those cumbersome rags was something he would never understand. His Zanpakuto, or rather his Asauchi, hung limply to the side, tied to the belt. Now, he was nothing to write home about when it came to the sword, but that was precisely why he wanted to use it. It was harder to lose yourself in battle when you feel like you can't go all out, something Aoshi was willing to leverage. Of course, all this may change based on the foe. It was rare to be alone, and maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't matter if he let go and...

No, no. Shut the fuck up, he reminded himself internally. It was never a good idea to go down that rabbit hole. He still wasn't sure what had happened the night he had killed those six people, but part of him did not want to find out. Aoshi descended onto the school. The sun was shining over the city, and yet there was still not a soul to be seen inside. Well, 'soul'; it would've been more accurate to say there were no humans. Perhaps some Pluses, though...? Perhaps those who had died, but hadn't been consumed? Maybe this would be a prime feeding spot for Hollows, and that was why he had been sent here. In any case, he ought to keep his eyes open.

The Shinigami would land on the roof, which was a bit unstable due to the hole Colina Conejita had torn when first entering the building. Nothing too shabby, though, since Aoshi still had Air Ground to stand on; he wasn't really touching the floor at that moment. Then, he breathed in and out, and began looking for any sign that Hollows may be near. His paltry abilities to sense energy would definitely not be of much help here, so he relied on his senses and his gut instinct, which were both average at best. An uneasy feeling crept up in his stomach as he glanced over the derelict state of the building.

One never knew what could be lurking out in the shadows wearing a friendly face. A mask of innocence, if you will.

[Eshin Sōtō]

The hollow, Eshin, returned to the desolate halls of Karakura Public School, a place where he had once indulged in his most fulfilling meal. Despite not being able to fully spoil himself on every craving, with the hollows far stronger than him taking the first pick of the meals, he had engorged himself quite a bit.Time had passed since that fateful day, but the repairs to the school had been agonizingly slow, leaving its corridors eerily empty, devoid of the laughter and footsteps of students. Why would a hollow haunt these halls? The answer was simple: lost souls thrived in the aftermath of a massacre. 

Eshin reveled in the dark allure of the school's labyrinthine layout, its countless corridors and hallways serving as his hunting ground. He would toy with his victims, relishing in their fear and desperation, before mercilessly devouring their souls. The school also acted as a lure for weaker hollows, who fell prey to his insatiable hunger. He had grown stronger over time, his power surging, but it was never enough. The hunger within him grew in tandem with his strength, an insidious void that demanded to be filled.

As he roamed the halls once more, Eshin could feel the weight of his power, an intoxicating force that coursed through his monstrous form. His wraith-like form felt lighter than air as he learned to move faster than any human could, though his strength left something to desire. His spirit however, had far surpassed his past life as a monk, even when he had become the Abbot of the Kiyomizudera temple. Yet, it was a bitter realization that despite his considerable growth, he remained at the lowest stage of a hollow's evolution. His frustration gnawed at him, a relentless reminder of his unfulfilled potential. Despite surpassing his past life in many ways, his hunger persisted, leaving him perpetually unsatisfied and his growth stunted.

In the depths of his being, a primal desperation simmered. Eshin knew it was time to leave this hunting ground behind, to seek out new locales where more appetizing sources of power awaited. He wondered if that would be enough to push him further down the path, to bring him forward to greater and greater heights. Or rather, perhaps it was more accurate to say deeper and deeper depths. Either way, before departing, he felt compelled to make one final sweep through the corridors of the school, ensuring that no straggling souls escaped his insatiable grasp.

Within the hollow's hollowed eyes burned a hunger that transcended mere sustenance. It was a ravenous greed for power, an unyielding craving that would consume him until he reached the pinnacle of his existence. And so, he ventured forth, navigating the darkened corridors like a phantom of the night, his hunger propelling him ever onward, his insatiable thirst for power driving him to feast upon all that crossed his path. Of course, it only made sense to start from the bottom and work his way up. It was much easier to catch souls that wanted to exit the school, after all. 

Little did he know that the monster that partook of the massacre was bound to meet with the massacre demon...

[Deleted]

While Aoshi was outside, he stretched a little and made a quick series of warmup exercises to ensure that all his joints would be perfectly ready. The last thing he wanted was to get a cramp or a sprain while in the middle of a death battle with a Hollow. Imagine how anticlimactic that would be. And then, those wonderful people he happened to have for companions would be laughing about it. Yeah, he was not giving them the pleasure. Once he was ready, he tried to think whether it would be best to draw the creature outside, or to venture in. The option to punch the structure was always there, but since he did not want to give in to his baser instincts, it was not in the cards... for now. Giving one final stretch of his shoulders and arms, and cracking his knuckles, the Kenpachi finally decided to drop into the building through the hole that a Hollow had left there. Ironic, I know.

"Oh boy, here I go killing again," Aoshi said out loud, as if to calm the few nerves he had. This was the first time Soul Society had taken the leash off of him since he had first been imprisoned. It was only natural that it would affect him, if only even a little. The moment the Shinigami dropped, he startled one or two lost souls that were still tethered to that part of reality, not wanting to go away, perhaps lamenting how quickly their terrenal existence had ended. As instructed in the Academy, Aoshi took out his still nameless Asauchi and performed Konso on them, not even giving them the chance to complain or ask about their fate. Any other time, he would've stayed for banter, but this place was potentially dangerous, so he could not risk it.

If they got caught in the crossfire, he would never hear the end of it, be it from his superiors, his teammates, or those who were pushing for a swift execution. Aoshi began wandering through the corridors in the school, performing Konso on the remaining souls that had been too angry at their deaths to let go and pass onto another existance. Not a better one, mind you; depending on the luck you had, you may end up living a luxurious life in the first districts, or struggling to even get scraps in the ones near the eighty. And those were far, far larger than the richer ones, of course. He himself came from the 45th in North Rukongai, not the worst, but definitely far from anything you could call a dream. He had been lucky enough to have had a warm futon and a roof over his head. Frankly, he had never needed much else than that. But reminiscing would only take you so far, he reminded himself.

Thus, while he was working the school from top to bottom, Eshin was doing so from the bottom and up, in opposite directions. It was only inevitable that the two of them would, eventually meet in the middle floor, provided they followed similar rhythms in their approach. With his approach to that same meetup point, Aoshi might probably hear the Pluses scream, unless Eshin hunted in silence and without his targets suspecting anything before they were slaughtered by him. In the end, regardless of however the hunt went, it was inevitable that the two would end up meeting at one point or another. The school was not precisely small, and many places were so empty that both Shinigami and Hollow had few places to check.

Then, finally, a scream. That only made Aoshi pick the pace up and head straight to the destination, where he would probably meet Eshin, perhaps even interrupt a meal. The first thing that he would notice was that Eshin Soto was absolutely huge... when it came to his height at least. Aoshi was about six feet, which was fairly tall, but this Hollow dwarfed him. Perhaps it was to be expected, as these monsters were far from human. The Kenpachi cracked a grin. A part of him larger than he cared to admit was dying to fight.

"Did nobody tell you that it's bad education to toy with your food? Why don't you put the hors d'oeuvres aside and focus on the main course?", he said, already getting on his fighting stance. He would not throw the first punch, as he was still afraid that something dark might come out of he let loose all of a sudden. "Let me warn you, though; I might be a bit too spicy for you, tall, dark and scary."

Stat	SP	Ken. SP	Type
Strength	140	190	332
Speed	55	105	183
Reiatsu Strength	25	25	25
Spiritual Pressure	25	75	112
Senses	50	50	50
Instinct	50	50	50
Energy Sensory	0	0	0
Healing Expertise	0	0	0
Light Aura	50 (0)
Dark Aura	50 (100)

• Massacre Demon: 1
• Strength of Will: 1
• Pain Tolerance: 1

[Eshin Sōtō]

The hollow Eshin prowled the desolate halls of the school, his presence shrouded in darkness as he moved with predatory grace. His form hovered above the ground, ethereal and silent, like a vengeful specter on the hunt. Hungry eyes scanned the surroundings, seeking the taste of power that would satiate his insatiable greed.

It was then that he sensed the presence of a human soul, lost and wandering on the first floor. The hapless student had sought refuge in a laboratory, only to succumb to his injuries, his lifeblood seeping away before the hollow could reach him. Eshin sneered with malevolence, ready to rectify that missed opportunity. With a swift and merciless stroke of his long claws, he severed the soul's head, preventing any outcry or resistance. The taste of the soul barely sated his hunger, a mere tease to his voracious appetite.

Ascending to the second floor, Eshin discovered the spirit of a woman, a teacher doomed to haunt the classroom where her life had been cut short. She caught sight of him, her eyes widening with terror, her attempts at evading his grasp futile. Despite managing to dodge him thrice on three different visits to the school, her luck had finally run out. The hollow relished the chase, closing the distance with alarming speed. For this victim, he eschewed his claws, opting instead to unhinge his jaw and sink his teeth into her vulnerable neck. As her life force drained away, he devoured the rest of her essence, savoring the morsel of power she offered. Yet, it was not enough. His hunger persisted, gnawing at him like an unrelenting beast.

Undeterred, Eshin ascended further to the third floor, where the ethereal form of a despondent and terrified boy awaited him. The hollow moved without hesitation, consuming the boy's soul with ease. There was an eerie silence surrounding the boy, as if he welcomed his own demise. Eshin dismissed it as folly, the feeble desires of a lost soul. It was a tasteless meal, a willing sacrifice was a hollow one ironically enough. He had wanted more of a struggle, relishing the battle, the hunt, the chase. He found none in this victim. 

However, his feast was interrupted by the sight of a girl, witnessing the gruesome display. Her scream pierced the air, igniting a primal thrill within the hollow.

Driven by sadistic pleasure, Eshin pursued the girl through the corridors, slicing at the lights to shroud their surroundings in darkness, amplifying her fear. The taste of her terror was intoxicating, fueling his ravenous appetite. Not to mention, he relished the revelry of darkness, the shadows a welcome embrace for the monstrous hollow. With a calculated strike, he severed the tendons behind her knees, causing her to collapse in despair. The hopelessness in her eyes only enhanced the flavor of her essence as he devoured her, relishing the desperate struggle against an inevitable fate.

Amidst the carnage, interrupting his meal, a voice echoed through the halls, cutting through Eshin's wicked revelry. It belonged to a black-robed figure, a Shinigami, who addressed him with disdain and warned of his own potency. He spoke with an arrogance and a twisted humor about him, calling for Eshin to focus on the main course, referring to himself as a spicy morsel to devour. The hollow's grin widened, his voice a grotesque rasp. "Careful indeed, for your arrogance shall be your undoing, Shinigami."

Eshin surged forward, his form gliding in an unnatural pattern, his speed defying comprehension. He surged left and right, altering his speed in an attempt to daze and confuse, using the disparate shadows to slink in and out of. His elongated claws aimed for the Shinigami's calves, seeking to rend flesh and bone. The hunger within him intensified, driving him to unleash his monstrous power upon this foolish interloper. At least, he hoped. This was the first battle he had with a Shinigami, the first proper battle anyway. Whether it was fortune or misfortune, he had evaded the ire of the Shinigami until now. It was time to put his power to the test. 

---

Consumed: 4 Class 8 Humans


Strength:100 (77)
Speed: 200 
Reiatsu Strength: 100 
Spiritual Pressure: 180 (270)
Senses: 100 
Instinct: 100 (77)
Energy Sensory: 50 (75)
Healing Expertise: 25 (8)
Light Aura: 0
Dark Aura: 100

[Deleted]

Fuck! For how fast he thought he was, Aoshi was way too late. By the time he had reached the source of the screams that echoed in the hallways of the school, signalling the carnage caused by a particular Hollow, he found Eshin already mutilating and devouring the last of his snacks. The twisted creature hadn't gone straight for a quick kill before eating her, no: Aoshi saw the wounds on her ankles, meaning he had deliberately removed her ability to walk or run. "Tch. You're one sick bastard, aren't you? Isn't it more fun if you let them run?", he said as he fell into his battle stance. While he felt nothing more than a little sympathy towards those Pluses, he still didn't desire to see any of them end up as Hollow fuel. That was the main reason why he drew the Hollow's attention to himself; that, and that he'd much rather be back in the Seireitei than have to pursue a monster all throughout Karakura Town.

Aoshi wasn't given much time to talk trash or give the Hollow some crap for his choice of location when looking for a snack. It seemed Eshin didn't take his 'threat', if one could call it such, lightly; the Hollow immediately began the battle by darting off towards Aoshi. The fact that the Shinigami was the attacked one instead of the attacker meant that Eshin needed to close the distance to strike. Furthermore, even though it was tough to follow Eshin, the creature's fluctuating speed and zigzagging meant that Aoshi had some more time to react than if it had shot towards him on a a straight line. That gave him precious spare time to react with his slightly slower top Speed. He may be a greenhorn, but he should be able to handle this level of Hollow, right? The Kenpachi was blissfully unaware that it was his nature that allowed him to fight somewhat on even terms with Eshin, as opposed to any of his fellow recruits who would've already perished against the beast.

Now, the best defense was a good offense. Ironically enough, Aoshi belonged to the Tenth, and yet espoused that philosophy which was more in line with the Eleventh. Furthermore, Eshin was aiming low, and Aoshi had noticed his latest snack having her ankles destroyed meant that the masked being would be aiming at about the same zone. Thus, instead of trying to protect himself, he did his best to try and strike at the Hollow with an attack of his own. Using his particular martial arts style, one that had yet to fully splinter from Hakuda, Aoshi dropped down with a single-leg entry in order to deliver a simple spinning, sweeping kick from left to right.

The purpose of the attack was twofold. First, the spin would alter his position to ensure that the claws would not be able to properly reach his calves--which were all but vital to his movement. If he wanted to last against this hollow, then he would have to protect them, and this creature seemed to have an inclination toward making sure fights didn't last as opposed to enjoying them. At the same time, the sweeping kick sought to punish Eshin's advance while covering the zig-zagging angles. However, the Kenpachi would not be using his full strength; as usual, his fear of his own power rendered him unable to do so without being pressed. As such, only 225 Strength would be used for that kick. Well, 'only' might have been an overstatement, as someone with that level of power would be monstrous by human standards--even by some seated officers.

Should the first attack connect, Aoshi would try to follow up with a quick uppercut, taking advantage of the momentum to plant his foot and make himself rise alongside his fist back into a standing position. He sought to deliver a good amount of damage to Eshin's body with that attack, as well as force him back to a standing position. The Hollow's big, lurching body meant that he had more reach than Aoshi, but it also meant his legs would be far more exposed; not to mention that a lower center of gravity was more stable, after all.

Perhaps that was one too many assumptions, given that Hollows were not normal creatures and should not be treated as such. It could sprout wings, or turn into a dragon, perhaps even be a 3ft tall monster with a black body and terrifying horns who hunted his own kin. With these things, nobody could truly know. Now, if any of the Kenpachi's attacks connected, both Eshin and Aoshi would be able to feel the difference between the two beings' physical strength. Whether that feedback would be used further in battle or not remained to be seen. The question now lie in whether Eshin preferred fighting close and personal, like Aoshi did... or, on the contrary, his expertise fell more on the spiritual side of things.

In which case, given Aoshi's dismal lack of proper techniques other than Shunpo, would leave him royally screwed. Parts of his body would've gotten some scratches due to spinning to protect his legs from the claws, but the injuries were far from debilitating yet, and with his pain tolerance, he could easily keep that mild burn in check.

"Okay... let's see what else we got here."




OOC: So as to not trigger Ruination, Aoshi is holding back at 225 Strength.
Also, gif of the spinning kick for clarity's sake!

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reference for spinning kick}

[Eshin Sōtō]

In the twisted dance of power and desperation, Eshin found himself locked in a deadly confrontation with the arrogant Shinigami. The mere sight of his voracious consumption had shattered the man's smug overconfidence, revealing the true monster that lurked within Eshin's despicable form. It was a sight that filled him with a perverse sense of pride, relishing in the crumbling facade of superiority.

As Eshin lunged at the Shinigami with unmatched speed, flying at odd angles like a deranged specter, he observed the man's calm patience. No sword was drawn, no incantation spoken. Instead, the Shinigami stood motionless, almost inviting Eshin's assault. It was a curious display, one that puzzled the hollow momentarily before he swung his clawed hand, aiming to slash at the Shinigami's vulnerable calves.

But then, in a startling display of raw power, the Shinigami dropped to one leg with a suddenness that caught Eshin off guard. In that split second, a devastating kick connected with his face, a force that exceeded anything he had ever experienced, surpassing even the pinnacle of his martial arts training in his past life. It should have shattered his skull, sent his head spiraling through the air in a grotesque spectacle of violence. Yet, it didn't.

In that moment of impact, Eshin felt something strange, an otherworldly presence that enveloped him. It was as if the souls he had devoured had forged a protective barrier around him, dampening the full force of the blow. Though the pain was still searing, a surge of malice and desperation surged forth from within, leaving cuts and bruises along the Shinigami's leg as a testament to the darkness that resided within Eshin.

The tremendous kick sent the hollow hurtling through the hall, crashing into the safety of the enveloping darkness. As he regained his bearings, Eshin realized that a change in tactics was necessary. Gathering his malevolent energy, he channeled it into nine orbs of crackling lightning that surrounded his claws, each pulsating with a wicked and vengeful power.

Sickening yellow bolts of lightning erupted from the orbs, a frenzy of electric malice unleashed upon the Shinigami. Three bolts shot straight at his opponent, guided by Eshin's monstrous will, while the remaining six found their mark on ceilings and walls, ricocheting back towards the Shinigami in a chaotic barrage. The very air crackled with raw power as the hollow sought to overpower his adversary from a distance, a storm of darkness converging upon the hapless Shinigami.

In this macabre clash of forces, the hunger for power and the desperation to consume clashed with the Shinigami's unwavering resolve. The school halls bore witness to this nightmarish encounter, each flicker of lightning illuminating the twisted visage of Eshin and the relentless determination etched upon the Shinigami's face. The outcome of their battle remained uncertain, shrouded in the darkness that enveloped them.

Reiatsu: 2650
-50 for Cero Lluvia

[Deleted]

When Aoshi punched or kicked something or someone, he was pretty much used to that something or someone being either knocked flat on their ass, or just take the hit and bow down. It was usually the way things went, and quite frankly, it was how he expected to hit EshinWhat he was not used to, however, was some sort of unnatural force lashing out at him the moment his strike connected! It was as if his blow, which would have caused blunt trauma due to the nature of his martial arts, had invited immediate retribution in some sort of fucked up karma. Aoshi's strength was turned against him, and it caused his leg to bruise minorly. Granted, it would not put him out of comission soon, but it was still an unwelcome surprise for the Shinigami, who upon getting back up, stepped on it just to see what happened. Yeah, he would be able to continue fighting, but it was as if he had gotten his shin rammed against the corner of a table.

All in all, a very unpleasant feeling.

"Well... fuck all kinds of duck", Aoshi said, refocusing on the Hollow. He still did not know whether his attack had been affected by the mysterious defense, or if it had been a fluke, or if it was due to the monster's ability. Hollows could have bizarre powers, he knew that much. But he didn't really have any other options in his arsenal rather than fistfighting, so he would need to evaluate and try to see if it happened again. Still, the Kenpachi didn't have too much time to ponder on things, because the monster--which he had sent flying through the hall thanks to his kick--recovered himself from the attack. Aoshi clicked his tongue in annoyance, but he would've been disappointed if things had ended so soon.

It seemed that the dark being realized that a change of tactics was necessary. While it may have been fast, it was clear that in terms of sheer physical strength, it could not rival Aoshi. And thank the Soul King, because once again, that was literally Aoshi's one talent. What this Hollow had over him, however, was speed... and versatility. A versatility that he could not hope to match, not yet at least, and Aoshi was about to find out how sucky it was to not have any other options. The Hollow quickly conjured some sort of spheres from his hands, which were fired into small projectile bolts. All were faster than Aoshi could react to, so he was too late to guard, and the weak projectiles born of Cero Lluvia quickly made impact... well, only three of them did. The rest had been fired haphazardly, and would not strike him!

The three that did connect still hurt, although it was not too bad. It was less powerful than Bala, and a Bala already had a power reduction compared to the normal Cero. While any other greenhorn might take some serious damage from this Cero Lluvia, he was pretty damn resilient. "You'd better try harder than that if you want to-" Damn him and his loud mouth. The Cero that seemed to have missed, something he had attributed to the Hollow's inexperience and lack of control over its own power, suddenly striked him in the back! This was enough to damage Aoshi, and even if his physical body could take punishment, these still hurt.

The Kenpachi felt the spiritual burns alongside his back shoulders. He stifled a gasp, and clenched his teeth. Now it hurt more, damn it. The surge of pain, which he could tolerate to some degree, made his self-imposed restraints over his own strength loosen up. That would be communicated by the change in his tone of voice: it sounded way more aggressive than before as he turned toward Eshin, who was still hanging out in the dark. The environment did give him a slight advantage, as the Hollow's senses were better than his own, though he had no way of knowing that. "Get over here, you lanky bastard!" he roared.

The Kenpachi quickly channeled his Reiatsu under his feet in order to use Shunpo, the only technique he'd ever been able to pick up from the Academy, as Kido was all beyond his abilities. The Shinigami cut the space between the two with that single step, at a speed of 1830 Speed. He aimed to stop half a step away from Eshin, at which point they'd cover that remaining distance with a normal step with his left leg, lowering his center of gravity and aiming a right straight punch toward where Eshin's ribs or stomach should have been. He was aiming for a more shattering blow than the spinning kick, and his torso and right leg rotated accordingly to put proper weight behind it. He didn't know much about Hollow physiology, but a humanoid body could roughly translate to similar weakpoints, right?

If his fist connected, he would be getting hit by the same cutback effect he had experienced before, at which point he would be able to realize that the first strike hadn't been a fluke or that Eshin had been able to damage his legs with his claws.


OOC: Aoshi's reaction to pain makes him hold back at 275 Strength instead.
Reiatsu: 1120 -50[Shunpo] = 1070

[Eshin Sōtō]

In the murky depths of the school's darkened halls, Eshin perched upon his vantage point, relishing in the carnage that unfolded before him. The Shinigami, battered and bruised, wore the marks of his relentless assault with grim pleasure. The surge of power that erupted from within, fueled by the souls he had devoured, had left the Shinigami reeling, while Eshin reveled in his own twisted fortune. Oh, how he delighted in the thought of consuming a soul imbued with such potent strength.

A wicked smile curled beneath his mask as Eshin's elongated claws twitched with insatiable anticipation. The hunger within him gnawed relentlessly, but it only served to fuel his monstrous desire for power. His bolts of lightning, each crackling with malevolent energy, found their intended targets with precision, illuminating the darkness with flashes of electric malice. It was a sight that brought him immense pleasure, a symphony of agony orchestrated by his own hand.

But amidst the chaos and the triumph of his strikes, Eshin's keen eyes spotted an opening—a moment of vulnerability in the Shinigami's enraged countenance. The realization amused him greatly. It seemed his prey could only attack from close range, devoid of any ability to strike from a distance. Eshin, drawing upon his years of battle-honed instincts, recognized the advantage bestowed upon him by this limitation. A flicker of curiosity danced within him—was the Shinigami truly incapable of harnessing his spiritual power?

In an instant, the Shinigami flashed forward, hurtling into the abyss of darkness to meet Eshin head-on. The wraith's reflexes were honed to perfection, a testament to his past life as a monk and the savagery he had endured as a hollow in the battlefields of Las Noches. He shifted his body ever so slightly, evading the full brunt of the Shinigami's straight punch. The blow intended for his ribs found purchase upon his shoulder instead.

Once again, the souls he had consumed surged forth, a dual manifestation of protection and aggression. They shielded Eshin from harm while simultaneously gnashing at the Shinigami, a wicked symbiosis of defense and offense. The impact left a throbbing bruise upon Eshin's shoulder, but he twisted his body, bending with inhuman flexibility as he reveled in the pain, his spine contorting with unnatural grace.

With a sinister embrace, all ten of Eshin's elongated claws crackled with malevolence, giving birth to orbs of lightning forged from the depths of his twisted soul. Like a relentless storm, they were unleashed upon the Shinigami in a barrage of torment. And as the initial onslaught subsided, ten more orbs followed, aimed directly at his opponent's vulnerable back.

An inhuman laughter erupted from deep within Eshin's being, a sound that resonated with sadistic glee. It echoed through the desolate corridors of the school, a chilling symphony of madness. His mind fixated on the grotesque pleasure that awaited him—the taste of the Shinigami's essence, the consumption of his power. The hunger within him grew insatiable, driving him to new heights of monstrous desperation. All-consuming and ravenous, Eshin savored the anticipation of the feast that lay before him.

Reiatsu: 2450
-200 for Finger Bullet x 20 made with 25 RS each

[Deleted]

Aoshi should've not been surprised when Eshin's body, once again, reacted against his strike. He felt the power of his own strike being reflected back at his arm, which just like his leg, would bruise. It would not be rendered unusable either for the time being, but he certainly could not afford to keep endangering his limbs like that. Plus, there was also a second issue: he had gotten Eshin on the shoulder instead of the ribcage. While the damage would pile on, he needed to get proper hits in to injure this monster, or else he would succumb to his own strength at first. Ironic, wasn't it? The only thing he was good at, and it was being turned against him.

He couldn't ponder on the battle anymore, because Eshin just pulled another trick out of his sleeve. Jolts of lightning crackled on his claws, and then all of a sudden, he shot them forth. "Oh you have got to be fucking kidding!" Aoshi yelled, not able to even cover himself against them due to how fast they were. The twenty shots impacted on his body. While individually they were pretty weak, the combination was like getting stung in 20 places at once. Aoshi could not continue to take punishment like that, or else he would lose the battle of attrition. "Come here and fight me like a... man... Hollow", he finished, losing some steam... and then he realized that he was not exactly dealing with someone who could be reasoned with.

That thought fanned that little spark within himself, turning it into a flame. Hypocritical as it may sounded, he had been apprehended for being a criminal, having murdered six people--and they were counting for seven, really--... but then, Soul Society expected him to get onto the battlefield and just kill Hollows. That was what they wanted. There was no other reason why he had been spared, other than his destructive capabilities, and while Aoshi knew this, he was not exactly happy about the role he was forced to play. This time, however, he was all alone, with nobody in sight save for the Pluses that, provided they had more than one functioning brain cell, should've already gotten out of the condemned school by now. He... he didn't have a reason to pull his punches anymore. If he did, he would probably die.

All of a sudden, he felt all restraints were no longer necessary, and thus chuckled.

"You know, Spaghetti Nero..." he had finally found the perfect nickname for Eshin. "I came here thinking that I should hold back, just in case. But now that I look around us, I think, 'just in case' what?" A huge, if slightly deranged grin was plastered onto his lips. Eshin would be able to fell how Aoshi's aura fell to the dark end of the spectrum, matching his own twisted presence in a way that was often not seen for a Shinigami. His hair would turn a hot, reddish pink; his murderer tattoos spread all over his body, and his skin turned deathly pale. Yellow eyes would look straight at the Hollow, relishing at the battle that had been presented to him.

"If I punch you, I get hurt, huh?"

That would not be the only change. If Eshin was observant, he would be able that the already derelict school around them began to suffer more, as if time was passing for it at rapid speeds. Broken drywall turned into debris, then began grinding itself to dust. Though it would not be debilitating for the time being, if Eshin had been hurt by Aoshi's previous strikes, those injuries would make themselves slightly more known. Pain would resonate just a bit more, and they would throb as if they were fresher. With his Ruination active, Aoshi had just become a conduit of entropy.

Now he just had to get his hands on that damned Hollow, and make sure it didn't want to get up. Ever again.

"Well then... LET'S SEE WHO BREAKS FIRST!"

Once again, Aoshi would use Shunpo, but instead of going right in front of Eshin, he went to the side. He was getting tired of fighting there, in the hallways where he was a sitting duck. So, just change the environment! And besides if he could not smack the Hollow himself... then all he needed was for something else to do the smacking for him. Thus, Aoshi would aim to grab him by the arm with his good hand, not the one that was bruised. If successful, he would pivot and use his Strength to deliver a rather haphazard, yet strong throw--all power with little technique. Even so, with how vast the difference between their strengths was, if Eshin was grabbed it would be hard for him to get out of there. With that throw, Aoshi aimed at the walls, hoping to get him out of the school and out on the field below where the children used to play. Given his full strength, and that the walls would be weakened by his ability, it should be fairly easy to break them using the Hollow as an improvised, thrown wrecking ball.

However, that was not just all that happened. In case his grab was successful, Eshin would also be afflicted by the same entropy Aoshi channeled. His physical constitution would be just a bit frailer, just a bit weaker, although only when defending against physical blows.

OOC:
Aoshi is no longer holding back, and is now fighting at 332 Strength. Ruination has activated.
If his grab is successful, Eshin will be afflicted by Ruination, with a 5% defensive Strength cut.

Reiatsu: 1070-50[Shunpo] = 1020

[Eshin Sōtō]

In the dark recesses of the school, Eshin reveled in the sadistic pleasure of battle, his monstrous laughter reverberating through the hallways. Twenty bolts of lightning, conjured from the depths of his twisted soul, pelted the Shinigami mercilessly. The wraith's claws, crackling with malevolence, unleashed a barrage of destruction upon his foe. The Shinigami cursed and yelled, his voice filled with defiance, demanding that Eshin fight like a man. But how foolish! Eshin had become a hollow to escape the limitations and futility of such human notions. The values and abilities of mortals were mere shackles that hindered his pursuit of true Enlightenment. He had no desire to fight like a man, to adhere to the constraints of fairness. He aspired to ascend beyond, to become something greater—a Buddha or an Asura.

As his opponent taunted and provoked him, Eshin gracefully glided backward into the encompassing darkness, preparing for his next devastating onslaught from a distance. He relished the sadistic pleasure of torturing this powerful Shinigami, intent on absorbing all that potent energy for himself. But then, in a sudden shift, he felt an unsettling change in his opponent's energy. Something had tainted the Shinigami, transforming him into a vessel of darkness and sadism. No longer did Eshin sense the presence of a mere Shinigami; this was a merciless killer, more vile than most Hollows, save for Eshin himself. The hollow, undeterred by fear, continued his deranged laughter, a chilling symphony in the face of this new adversary.

"Your soul is wasted on the Shinigami, young one," Eshin hissed, his voice dripping with venomous delight. "They keep you on a leash, instead of setting you free. It's not too late..." His words trailed off as the dark Shinigami interrupted, bestowing upon Eshin a ludicrous nickname and revealing his hidden strength. The challenge was laid bare—a war of attrition, a test to see who could endure the longest. Eshin's grin widened with sadistic excitement, relishing the prospect of devouring this malevolent spirit.

With his focus honed, Eshin delved into his knowledge of the Shinigami's tactics. He needed to stay close, to anticipate the moment of the flash step, the instant when the Shinigami would close the gap between them. He concentrated, attuning his senses to the faint vibrations of the Shinigami's spiritual energy, awaiting the perfect opportunity. And then, he felt it—the surge of power preceding the flash step. Eshin turned swiftly, his eyes locking onto the Shinigami's form as he materialized to his left.

In a fluid motion, the Shinigami seized Eshin's sinewy arm, employing immense strength to pivot and hurl him through the air. Eshin, lighter than anticipated, soared upward, but his claws remained outstretched, a storm of lightning bolts forming around him. Three powerful projectiles of crackling energy shot forth, aimed to explode into the Shinigami's eyes, before Eshin was propelled toward a nearby wall. But fate intervened, for before his body could splatter against the unforgiving surface, bolts of lightning surged from the bottom of the Shinigami's feet, arresting his momentum and guiding him safely to the ground. Eshin landed, taunting his adversary with sadistic glee.

"All that taunting, merely for show, Shinigami?" he cackled, his voice filled with twisted amusement. But beneath the facade of cruel delight, a subtle decay gnawed at Eshin's sinews. Yet, his sadistic nature refused to acknowledge the encroaching weakness, the subtle erosion of his power. The hunger for dominance, the insatiable greed for power, drove him forward, blinding him to the changes within. Not that it made much of a difference anyways. His physical might had dwindled severely since his transformation into a hollow, the musculature of the monk before was now just a distant memory. In its place was a monster who devoured souls and used their malice to fuel himself. 

---

Previously consumed: 4 Class 8 Humans

Reiatsu: 2300
-150 for 3 Balas at 75 RS
-50 for Luna Paso Cero 

[Deleted]

Aoshi, crazed and thirsty for high-quality battle, couldn't care less that Eshin had to say to him. He was well beyond paying attention to any sort of speech right now. What he wanted was a fight, a good fight... so what he did mind was the Bala that the bastard had managed to sneak by, striking his body three times at 75 Reiatsu strength. Those stung much more than the damned Cero Lluvia or Finger Bullet did, causing him to reel from the shock. His mouth tasted blood, and his body ached under the impact. Fuck! If only he had a ranged option, a means to attack Eshin without getting hit by that damned cutback effect! But alas, the only thing Aoshi could do was try to pull through. At the very least, throwing Eshin had not caused that nasty counterhit to strike at him, meaning that Aoshi at least had learned a viable option. If it was grabs, then he should be able to hit Eshin pretty good. Too bad that his particular form of martial arts did not focus on grabs, but on strikes...

Regardless, when he followed the beast outside, Eshin taunted him, saying if all his previous words were for show. He'd like to say it was not, but there simply was not much that he could do to slay the beast. Since Aoshi was unaware of the effects Ruination had on the enemy, he could not plan the strategy to simply weaken Eshin's body so much that it could no longer even support its own weight, which would give Aoshi the edge needed to finish the battle. No, this was the result of an inexperienced Shinigami, who had kept his power reined in and now had not an iota of practical experience to apply it. So far, Aoshi had been coasting on his superior physical prowess to get through the Academy and his initial missions, but this time, he'd need to get crafty... or even more brutish. Truth be told, provided he could get his hands on Eshin's neck, he might just be able to snap it, assuming his body worked the same as a human's, which he couldn't be too sure about.

Yes, that might be the way to go. Stepping on his bad leg made him wince a bit, although pain tolerance and strength of will combined made it so that he could ignore it just a little bit. No time to waste. He could not afford to get hit by more things, and he could not repeat the same strategies against this monster, given how intelligent it was. Instead, Aoshi ran at his usual speed, if slightly diminished by 10 due to the leg pain difficulting his movement. His goal was to get next to Eshin, but that was not just it. The moment the Hollow prepared an attack, he would do his best to try and use Shunpo to get right behind him and get his good arm around his neck for a rather haphazard chokehold. He lacked the martial arts technique, so he would once again rely on his strength to get him a good grip, upon which he would twist to try and make the Hollow submit. With his free arm, he would also try to hand-fight in case the monster tried to pry off the grip. If Eshin did not attack and just waited for the approach, he would just do the same thing.

Granted, whether Aoshi could react fast enough or tank another flurry of Bala was an entire thing altogether. Ah, if only he had spent more time trying to learn proper techniques... but jail time and a lack of willing teachers did not make for the best circumstances. Well, he'd made his damned bed. It was about time to rest on it, too.

OOC:
Aoshi will be using Shunpo, so 1020-50 = 970
If Eshin gets caught by the chokehold, another 5% Ruination will be added (10% total), making its defensive strength 69. Any further contact on Eshin's behalf (e.g. physically hitting Aoshi) will add 5% each.

[Eshin Sōtō]

In the dark and twisted realm of their battle, Eshin reveled in the sadistic enjoyment that surged through his veins. The orbs of lightning he had unleashed upon the Shinigami had pierced through the man's defenses, causing him to recoil in agony. The hunger within Eshin grew with each passing moment, fueled by the knowledge that his opponent was slowly losing ground in their merciless exchange. Despite the throbbing pain that coursed through his shoulder, wrist, and jaw, Eshin knew that he was inflicting far more damage than he was taking.

As he landed back in the desolate hallway, a wicked grin curled upon Eshin's monstrous visage. He taunted the Shinigami to come after him, relishing in the absence of any retort or threat from his wounded adversary. Had the Shinigami already exhausted his reservoir of bravado and resilience? Eshin's eyes, sharp and perceptive, scanned the battlefield, waiting for the Shinigami's calculated approach.

Suddenly, a realization struck Eshin. There was no discernible hint of spiritual energy or fluctuations emanating from the Shinigami. That meant there was no Flash Step incoming. An idea took hold in Eshin's mind, an idea that he hadn't dared to entertain since his days among the living. He began to meditate, if only for a few fleeting seconds, channeling his malevolence into a refined and dangerous force. Focusing and refining his energy was something he learned as a Buddhist, something he turned away from once he had awoken as a hollow. But why? Was it not the nature of the hollow to take and make it your own? He would devour the teachings of Buddhism just the same, and utilize it in his own manner. He would weaponize his insatiable hunger, turning it into a formidable power.

With focused determination, Eshin gathered the essence of his hunger, transforming it into two crackling spheres of red electricity that materialized within each of his palms. Each orb held more power than all of his attacks combined, with enough force to even destroy the classrooms in a single explosion, should he wish for it. He was almost ready to unleash it, but in that very moment, he sensed the telltale surge of spiritual energy emanating from the Shinigami's body. The man was preparing to unleash his flash step, a feeling that Eshin had analyzed earlier. 

Without hesitation, Eshin's body dissolved into nothingness, fading from the realm of perception with a cacophony of silenced screams. Hidden until now, Eshin had concealed his ability to enter the Valley of Screams, a haunting and macabre dimension. His wraith-like form had been able to glide freely and at a much greater speed in this realm as he created more distance between the two. As he materialized at the opposite end of the hallway, he unleashed the two orbs of red energy towards the Shinigami, a desperate hunger personified.

The orbs of red lightning held no malice or hatred, but a primal and insatiable craving. They crackled and writhed with a ravenous energy, their very essence yearning to devour their target whole. Eshin's dark laughter echoed through the halls, a symphony of madness and delight, as he watched with predatory anticipation to witness the fate that awaited the Shinigami at the hands of his hunger-infused attack. He could already taste the sweet and delectable flavor of the Shinigami's blood, of his soul. Its hidden malevolence would fuel him further.

---

Reiatsu: 2000/2700
-300 to convert 120 points of SPPR to RS

New Stats After Type:
150 SPPR, 220 RS

New Reiatsu after conversion: 1500

---

Reiatsu at the end of post: 1325

-75 for Ulcera
-100 for Bala x 2 at 165 RS

Skills Used in this post:
Battle Analysis 1
Battle Focus 1
Focused Eye 1

Previously Consumed: 4 Class 8 Humans

[Deleted]

As he ran towards Eshin, Aoshi saw the Hollow sit back and... meditate? It had to be taunting him, right? Well, in that case, he needn't use Shunpo to crush him, the battle-crazed Aoshi thought. Unfortunately, without the combat experience or the ability to sense energy, Aoshi was unable to tell that the monster had literally immobilized itself while converting its high spiritual pressure into increased firepower for the many ranged attacks it was already using. If he wanted any chance at changing the tides of battle, then that moment would've been it. He should've used his Shunpo right there, grab the Hollow, and break it in half with his bare hands. As such, he missed this golden window to get out of that situation, and by the time he wanted to use Shunpo, it was already too late. Eshin completed his transfer, completely unimpeded by Aoshi, and used Úlcera to put some distance between the two, effectively canceling his earlier approach. The damned bastard was not only strong, it was crafty, cunning, and prepared an attack that the Kenpachi could not see while hidden in the valley of screams.

By the time Eshin re-emerged, it had prepared a twin set of empowered Bala that it did not hesitate to fire against his body. Perhaps even faster than the damned Cero Lluvia that had gotten him earlier, Aoshi was unable to even see the attacks coming before they impacted against their body. Each of them felt like a damned concussive blast for Aoshi, who had already taken too much damage in that battle of attrition that was leaving them without the feel of a proper battle. It made him angry, it made him feel like he was being denying something that his very blood craved. Now more than ever, he wished to step closer toward Eshin... but alas, he could not.

Unfortunately, his legs gave out on him, making him literally bend the knee whilst attempting to recover from the two Bala. The arm and leg with which he had hit Eshin before hurt, and the more damage he kept accumulating, the more difficult it was for him to ignore it. He needed a moment to recover his breath, a moment that the beast would no doubt try to use to continue piling damage on top of him. Was this what he got for being so afraid of his own power? Hell, was there anything to be afraid of, even? Perhaps it would do him better to just let go more often, make use of the full extent of his strength to increase his chances at more difficult fights. One could only know their limits if they went to their limits, right?

Well, not that he would have a "more often", anyway. He lost here, he'd become Hollow food, as simple as that. But he'd be damned if he was just about to give up like that. While he couldn't move much more than his current position, he'd need to trust that this Hollow would be gluttonous enough to come closer and gloat a little bit before delivering the finishing blow. If that was the case, Aoshi might have a very small window to get to the monster and kill it. His Zanpakuto was still there, but beyond being able to cut instead of punch, there was not much sense in using that damned piece of metal. The young Kenpachi resigned himself to the only thing he could do, and waited to see what Eshin did next. He grit his teeth and tightened his fists. What sort of crappy battle was this, again? Why did he have to find the one being that preferred to fight at a range, instead of giving him the rush of a physical confrontation?

Was it a bit entitled? Maybe. But afflicted by Ruination, Aoshi didn't give a shit about it.

[Eshin Sōtō]

Eshin reveled in the success of his malevolent scheme. The crackling orbs of red lightning had pierced the Shinigami's defenses, reducing him to a pitiful, immobilized state. A sadistic smile played upon Eshin's lips as he approached the fallen warrior, relishing in his victory. The hunger for power surged through Eshin's veins, an insatiable craving that demanded satisfaction at any cost. He recalled the bravado this man once showed, as well as the sheer strength that undoubtedly filled him with pride. That same pride was broken as soon as he threw the first punch, and Eshin savored that feeling.

"What, no wise words or threats now, Shinigami?" With a taunting tone, Eshin mocked the helpless Shinigami, savoring the absence of the once-proud warrior's threats or defiance. The corridor echoed with Eshin's words, a chilling symphony of dominance. The hollow's presence exuded a twisted pleasure as he drew near, inching closer to his incapacitated prey. Once more he manifested his hunger into the palm of his hand, the empowered Bala threatening to be released once more. The crackling red energy in his palm pulsed with anticipation, ready to unleash its devastating power.

"Shinigami, such an odd title for one with such bloodlust," Eshin remarked, his voice laced with dark amusement. He leaned in close to the immobilized figure, his putrid breath wafting through the air. The hollow's ravenous hunger danced in his eyes as he whispered his thoughts, relishing in the captive Shinigami's helpless state. A soft cackle escaped Eshin's lips, a macabre chorus of his sadistic joy. Despite the perverse joy he felt, he also understood the need to be cautious. The Bala in his hand was a contingency, for he knew that a wounded and desperate beast was far deadlier than most would assume.

"We could have been on the same side," Eshin confessed, his voice dripping with malicious intent. "A force to be reckoned with, devouring all in our path. But alas, you bear the energy of a Shinigami, a power I can only harness through consumption." The words hung in the air, laced with the bitter irony of missed opportunity. The Shinigami's fate was sealed, his purpose reduced to nothing more than a meal for Eshin's insatiable hunger, and the only reason for that was the manner of his birth, or his death.

The Bala, a manifestation of Eshin's malevolent power, pressed gently against the Shinigami's shoulder, a chilling reminder of his dominance. Eshin reveled in the thrill of the moment, the twisted pleasure coursing through his veins. The Shinigami's immobility only fueled Eshin's sadistic delight, knowing that his prey was at his mercy, ripe for the devouring. He thought of where to start, if he should have erred on the side of caution and devoured the warrior's head first... but there was no satisfaction in that. Maybe instead he should feast on the limbs, but that would only leave him open to attacks. The torso then? Begin with his organs and work his way around? 

There were simply too many choices, leaving him both hesitant and stunned. In the heart of darkness, Eshin's hunger reigned supreme, an unquenchable thirst for power that knew no boundaries. That lack of limits was exactly what gave the Shinigami a chance to act, as his concentration waned for a moment. With calculated cruelty, he prepared to consume the fallen Shinigami, relishing in the thought of absorbing his strength and devouring his essence. However, the thought took far too long before the act. Would that lead to the hollow's downfall? 

---

Reiatsu: 1275
-50 for Bala though it wasnt fired yet

Previously Consumed: 4 Class 8 Humans