Sibling Rivalry

[Munemasa Iroka]

Thread Title: Sibling Rivalry [PG-13, NDE]
Participants: Munemasa Iroka, Satoshi Fuuko
World: Soul Society
Death Setting: Non Death Enabled
Rating: PG-13
Location: Training Field, Seireitei
Special Conditions: None
Circumstances: Iroka feels she might be eligible to apply for the position of Vice Captain of the Yonbantai. At the same time, though, as usual, she feels inadequate. As such, she proposes to test herself in battle against her closest friend and sworn sister, Satoshi Fuuko, whom she thinks would probably make a better Vice Captain than herself. Iroka either wants to prove to both Fuuko and herself that she is worthy of the seat, or persuade Fuuko to take it, if Iroka does not prove herself enough.

[Munemasa Iroka]

It was a cold evening, with the wind having a slight chilling effect on the skin. This was a perfect time for fighting. Well, for Iroka, that was. As far as she was concerned, there was no perfect day for fighting, but a cool day was much more preferable to a sweltering one. And for that reason, early mornings or evenings were the best times of activity, as the sun wasn't out to broil the participants in their skins. Of course, night was even better, but Iroka did not wish to prevent her opponent from having a good night's rest, something fighting at night might interfere with.

If left to her devices, night was the best time for fighting. Most of Iroka's combat training she did at night, because of the absence of the sun, and also because there were less people to watch her whilst she trained. Today, however, was not training time. It was, more or less, a scuffle between sisters. Iroka needed to challenge Fuuko to a fight, something she had never attempted before for two reasons: first, she had had no reason to want to fight Fuuko, and second, she was sure that the blonde Shinigami would beat her to a pulp if they fought.

And yet, that was why Iroka had to fight Fuuko. Because if she was going to attempt to claim the position she was currently eying, she needed to be sure she could do it with respect, both from her division mates and of herself. If Iroka became Vice Captain, Fuuko would be her subordinate. That felt awkward, especially as Fuuko currently outranked her. They had always been equals (though Iroka felt that Fuuko was superior to herself). She had decided to fight Fuuko to prove to herself (and maybe Fuuko) that she was capable enough to take the position that had been fallow for such a long time now.

But did Fuuko really need convincing? Iroka was sure that if she had told Fuuko that she wanted to apply for the second highest position in the Division, her friend would tell her to go for it. But Iroka could not help but keep feeling that in Fuuko's eyes she was a delicate, dainty thing that needed care all the time. Fuuko was rather over-protective of her, and while Iroka appreciated the fact that someone cared about her that much, she felt that Fuuko might be worried that she would be exposed to more threats with the new responsibility. She needed to let Fuuko know that she could take care of herself.

And so, a Jigokuchou had been sent to find the Fourth Seat of the Fourth Division. Yes, a Hell Butterfly, with a simple message: Please come to training field so-and-so. Iroka knew that Fuuko would be slightly annoyed abut being 'pinged' by such an archaic communication device; Fuuko had complained about it before. But Iroka didn't have a choice. She had lost her Soul Phone. Again. And she did not want to see Fuuko face to face unless they were both on the battlefield (read: training ground), as the orange-haired Shinigami worried that she might lack the confidence to challenge her closest friend to a battle to her face. Baby steps, in any case, were better than no steps.

As Iroka waited, she wondered what Fuuko's response would be. Sure, she knew Fuuko enjoyed fighting. But was this a relevant reason to be fighting? Iroka had never been fully able to understand the motivations of people, and most thing she felt were trivial seemed to be held in great esteem by others, and vice versa. But this was important to her; hopefully Fuuko would understand and fight her at full strength. Even though she didn't think she would win this bout. As she waited, Iroka idly drew patterns in the sand at her feet with the toe of her sandal.

Satoshi Fuuko

[Satoshi Fuuko]

Whenever Fuuko received a Hell butterfly, it usually meant one of two things: Either Iroka had lost  her Soul Phone or she wanted something important. Sometimed both were true, usually it was the former. Fuuko liked  to hang out. She liked  to spend her off duty time socializing when she wasn't sleeping. Maybe it was difficult to drag Iroka off to a bar, but Fuuko could honestly spend a lazy day at Iroka's place smopking a pipe while Iroka worked on whatever projects she worked on. Breaking things (Usually her Soul Phone) and sometimes putting them back together. (Usually not her Soul Phone), but Iroka could also get a bit fussy. Like there was always something that NEEDED to be done. Fuuko was hardly an idle person herself, but she could shut herself off. She worked and trained so hard that she could just sleep and be in a coma until her alarm woke her up the next day. 

So, when this particular Hell Butterfly message came, Fuuko was surprised. Iroka wanted to meet her at the sparring grounds? Sure, Fuuko had tried to get Iroka to spar and it was fine for them to clash blades, but Iroka never seemed to want or need to cross swords beyond what was necessary to keep her from getting rusty. Clashing blades was not  Iroka's forte. She was, in a lot  of ways Fuuko's opposite which is why they worked so well together, why they were sworn sisters. The red and blue oni. 

But Fuuko had certainly thought about what it would be like to fight Iroka. She thought about that with everyone, though. Her Sensei, Kimiko, and the gentle Captain of the Nibantai, even Kaen and his terrifying Bankai. The only fight that was fuzzy in her mind was with Kazuhiko. She would not fight him and didn't want to think about it. She swore to protect him at all costs, but Iroka,even as her sister was as much a sister in battle as in anything else. Of course  Fuuko wondered. As strong as Fuuko was, Iroka was crafty. She was smart, way smarter than Fuuko. She certainly wondered if Fuuko was too much of a bull for Iroka and if the orangette would just wave a flag at her and deftly dance around the Blonde as she snorted and stomped around. 

"Heh." 

Fuuko arrived early, curious to see just what Iroka had in mind. She was ready for action, though. A training ground really  could only mean one  thing to Fuuko. The weather did not go unnoticed to Fuuko either. The chilly breeze of a night with precious few rays of the sun left streaking into the sky. An interesting choice. It certainly gave Iroka, who Fuuko knew favored cold over hot an advantage. Or, would. Fuuko's blood ran hot. This wasn't Scandanavia, a little breeze wouldn't even be noticeable once the two started clashing swords. 

When she saw Iroka, Fuuko raised her hand. "Oi, Sis!" She called out and then hopped over to Iroka to clear the distance. "Strange place for a date, ya know?" Fuuko said, being cheeky. "Then again, if it's forbidden love, no one would think to look here, huh?" Fuuko teased Iroka. She was sure that it might confuse the orangette, but, sometimes, saying weird things to get a weird response back was part of the fun of being friends. Besides, Fuuko wanted to begin whatever was coming, especially if it was important, with some levity. 

Munemasa Iroka

[Munemasa Iroka]

Iroka did not have long to wait. Shortly after she had sent the Jigokuchou, Fuuko had arrived. The orange-haired girl's face brightened when she saw her friend, but then she remembered why it was that she had summoned Fuuko, and the expression dimmed. She was about to say something, when Fuuko beat her to the punch, talking about the weirdness of this place for a date. Had she said anything about dating? Iroka frowned slightly, trying to run the cogs of her mind to remember whether she had mentioned anything about setting up a date with Fuuko. That was very unlikely, but maybe she had worded the message wrong.

"Forbidden love?" Iroka asked, her yellow-green eyes widening slightly, as the thought of something colored her cheeks. "Em-- I-- no," she sputtered, "but yes. I-- I mean, yes, no one would think to look here, which is why I chose this place, but no, it's not forbidden love. I'm not interested in you." There was a pause. That hadn't come out right. "I-- I mean as a love interest!" Iroka said in growing alarm, as she seemed to be realizing that she was digging herself into a hole from which she wasn't sure she could climb out of.

"Because you're very attractive, Fuuko-chan. I mean like smoking hot! That's the term, right? You're probably even hotter than me. But I-- I don't think I'm attracted to everyone... or something like that... even though attraction is supposed to be a series of physiological responses to chemical signaling mediated by external sensory apprehension, and mental states and preferences, which could be affected by experiences and reactions to...." It was clear that her brain had derailed and she was beginning to ramble, her mind running off on its own down some convoluted rabbit track of thought, as her brow furrowed and she placed a hand on her chin, in deep speculation.

But then in response to some external stimulus that sharply reminded her where she was, the carrot-top yelped as she suddenly returned to the present. "Sorry about that, Oni-chan," she said, her cheeks reddening. "If I wanted a date, I'd have invited you to one of those crazy shops on Earth where they sell all sorts of human technological devices." A radiant expression of almost undiluted longing registered on her face. "That would be such a romantic place to go. My date and I would sneak into one of the unoccupied storerooms...."

She gave a prolonged sigh and clapped her hands together, a dreamy look in her eyes. "My date and I... alone together... in such a place. The scent, the sight, the sounds. It's immoral, yes it's shameless I know, but I can't help thinking about it. Think of all the gadgets we would steal! I'm sure smuggling them back to Seireitei would be a bit difficult, but it's something I'm willing to do for the sake of love. A lot of planning and resources will have to go into it, though. And I'd definitely have to find a way to eventually reimburse the poor owner of the shop in which we would have so shamefully expended our desires, stealing their goods."

Some clarity came back into her eyes, and Iroka focused on Fuuko. "I did not call you here for matters of love, though, my dearest sister. I called you her because I-- I need..." As she spoke the sentence, her voice lowered in tone until it was an indecipherable mutter. She seemed to fidget for a bit, before seemingly managing to grab her resolve out of whatever corner of her mind it had gone to hide. "I need you to fight me!" She clasped her hands together before her and bowed deeply. "I apologize for such a rude request. But will you please fight me, Fuuko-chan?"

Satoshi Fuuko

[Satoshi Fuuko]

Fuuko could almost set a watch to Iroka's thought process. She was hit, initially, with a pretty hard bit of reality from Iroka, though, as she took it, she only raised an eyebrow. It was blunt, that was for sure, but Fuuko knew it wasn't the whole truth. Maybe  Iroka wasn't attracted to Fuuko physically, and wasn't interested in her romantically, but Fuuko had mostly  joked about it with Iroka. Obviously, Iroka was quite  the catch in the looks department, and Iroka was saying as much as she continued, even as she sorted out her own thoughts, but Fuuko only had passing thoughts of what the two might be capable in a relationship. Frankly, as Iroka tried to backpedal a little, Fuuko was pretty satisfied that any relationship they might  have that was different, couldn't be any better. Only sins of the flesh could add to it and as permiscuous as Fuuko was, she didn't need Iroka's body to quench those desires and everything else was already in place. 

"I'd say we're on even footin, at least as far as looks go." Fuuko admitted. Their bodies were similar, curvaceous and buxom. Fuuko was a little more exotic and muscular while Iroka was a bit softer and more inviting. That evened things out as far as Fuuko was concerned. She only commented to keep Iroka moving along, and she did just that. Fuuko listened as Iroka explained what her perfect date was and she grinned. It was adorable and absolutely Iroka. "Maybe we could try that sometime. Sounds fun, actually." Fuuko suggested. "But, it doesn't got to be a date." Fuuko wasn't too technologically minded, but ransacking the human world with Iroka seemed kinda fun. Just putting it in the air felt... nostalgic. 

Eventually, Iroka got through her thought and told Fuuko why she really brought her out to the training ground. At first, when Iroka said she needed to fight, Fuuko raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? Ok..." She said with a shrug. "But we spar all the time. Is there any reason you want to do that now?" Fuuko looked around. She was never going to turn down any kind of fight, but this premise still seemed unusual, even for Iroka. Fuuko repeated Iroka's words in her head one more time. Then, she started laughing. 

"Rude?!" She exclaimed. "Sis..." She said with a shake of her head. "You of all  people know one of my favorite things to do in this world is fight! Isn't askin me ta do that kinda the opposite of rude?! It'd be like if I asked you ta take apart my soul phone!" Fuuko chuckled and then exhaled. "Is there a technique ya wanna try or somethin?" Fuuko asked as she turned to walk to the center of the practice ring. 

Munemasa Iroka

[Munemasa Iroka]

Iroka looked delighted when Fuuko stated that going on a raiding mission to Earth sounded like a fun thing to do. "Then we shall do it!" she said eagerly, before pausing. She could not think too much about the fun to be had raiding shops, as something unpleasant was in the offing. Unpleasant, at least, as far as Iroka was concerned. Sparring was all well and good, but this time was different. This time, Iroka knew, would be more intense.

As expected, Fuuko didn't seem to understand why Iroka was trying to make a big deal out of today's fight. An explanation was in order, it seemed. But before she could give her explanation, Fuuko cracked up. As the blonde explained why she laughed, Iroka nodded in understanding. But she was sure that when putting things in context, it might be considered unpleasant, and that was therefore why she had associated this with rudeness. Well, maybe Fuuko would be fine with it, either way.

"Well, you see, Oni-chan," Iroka began, "I know you love fighting, but do you actually love every kind of fight? When we spar, it's simply to keep ourselves sharp. It's nothing too serious, and even though we trade blows, the goal is not really to hurt each other. But today, I want you to come at me with all you've got. We can't necessarily use our releases, as there isn't any wartime situation presently, but still, I need you to fight me like you're one step short of wanting to kill me."

Iroka knew that Fuuko was much faster than she was, much stronger as well. Fuuko deserved the Yonbantai Fukutaichou position. But as Fuuko had made no attempt to seize the vacant position, Iroka needed to make her, by reason of combat, be alright with the desire of the carrot-top to take the position for her own. "I want to be the Vice Captain of the Yonbantai. We've needed that spot occupied for a long time now, but so far, no one seems to have stepped up to it. You, Oni-chan, seem to be the best fit for the position, but you haven't claimed it. Why?

Anyway, I've decided that if no one will claim it, then I shall. But most people don't think I'm capable of holding my own. I know I'm not cut out for combat, but as things stand, people need to know that I'm no wuss either. So I must test myself against you, Oni-chan. Forget that I'm delicate! Forget that I'm soft! Come at me with everything you've got! Whip me hard! Drive me up the wall! Don't hold anything back! And I shall honor you by doing the same."Iroka bent her knees slightly, slowly swinging her arms as she took a Shintenken fighting stance. "Will you fight me?"

Satoshi Fuuko

[Satoshi Fuuko]

When Iroka began to clarify, Fuuko raised an eyebrow. She listened carefully, giving Iroka's case the full attention it deserved. That Iroka wanted to feel nearly all of Fuuko's power wasn't something out of the realm of possibility. If Fuuko was fighting Fuuko, she would want to test herself against... herself. Despite not being a full on combatant, it made sense that Iroka wanted to see where she stood.

However, what came out of Iroka's mouth afterward, made Fuuko flinch. It wasn't Iroka's intent, but Fuuko's brow knit. "Have you been fuckin talkin to Kaen!?" She barked. Obviously Iroka hadn't, or if she had, it wasn't for what Fuuko thought. She leered at Iroka. "Or were ya listenin in!?" Fuuko shook her head and crossed her arms under her chest. "Yeah, obviously that spot needs ta be filled! And I think yer the best candidate for the job... that's why I was gonna appoint ya to that position when I became captain." Fuuko said. "It ain't that I wasn't gunnin for the Vice-Captain spot! There's just been a lot goin on and I gotta think about more than just myself when it comes ta promotions!" Fuuko insisted. 

"Tch." Fuuko turned her head. "You know I don't do well takin orders. So, what? You think that's gonna change if you suddenly out rank me? Sorry, Sis, I don't think it's gonna work for me." Fuuko held up a hand. "And not because I don't think you can lead, but tellin someone ta go on a mission is one thing, but in the heat of the moment, in battle, there's more to it than all that." Fuuko motioned to Iroka. "And why is this the first time yer bringin it up? Ta fight? What if I was thinkin about the position and was waitin fer the right time to tell ya? Then what? I mean, maybe it should  be me, like ya said. I don't think I'm that  far off from Bankai... what about you?" Fuuko raised an eyebrow. Fuuko knew. If she was walking down that path, then Iroka was there too, or at least working on it. It was probably why she wanted to fight. 

"Are you really ready for this, though? Yer sendin me mixed signals, Sis. Ya say ya want me ta come at ya with everything I got, short a killin ya, but ya don't want me ta release either? That ain't very nice, gettin Shukketsubuki worked up and then cockblockin her." Fuuko took a step to widen her stance and then tilted her head to look at Iroka. "You want me to beat you up? To see if you can take  it? Because you think that's the only way anyone can respect ya? Anyone who knows ya, knows yer way more valuable in a fight than some meathead like me. And if they don't, they can say it to my face and see where it gets em. I don't think you need ta prove yerself ta anyone, but... I also don't think you should be Vice-Captain yet either..."

Fuuko cracked her knuckles. "Just tell me what the safeword is, Sis." Fuuko barked. "I wanna know when I don't have ta kick yer ass anymore. settin all that aside, though, ya insulted Shukketsubuki... and as big of a crybaby as she is and, as much as I love ya, well... I gotta protect her honor. You wanna fight me properly? You wanna see what I can do when I ain't holdin back? Nah." Fuuko shook her head. "You want my blade? Make me draw it. You want my full power? squeeze  it outta me. You wanna be Vice-Captain?" Fuuko hissed. 

"Earn it." 

Munemasa Iroka

[Munemasa Iroka]

Iroka visibly shrank back when Fuuko aggressively asked if she had been talking to Kaen. Although Iroka appeared to be a rather scatterbrained person, she was able to surmise that the 'listening in' Fuuko was referring to was probably back when they had been convalescing in the 4th, after their run in with the Flamingo Pervert. But she said nothing and waited for the blonde Shinigami to finish her piece.

It seemed as though Fuuko was also gunning for the position of Vice Captain, although the plan was to become Captain and then appoint Iroka to the position. That was expected, actually. It had been part of the reason Iroka had come to fight with her, as opposed to just filing an application to fill the position. Doing such a thing without settling it out with Fuuko felt a bit underhanded, in Iroka's opinion. At earlier times, Iroka would have simply backed out and allowed her best friend to take the position, but things were different now. If she just kept allowing people to step over her, how would she be able to accomplish her own goals?

When Fuuko mentioned that she was probably not too far from attaining Bankai, Iroka remained silent. She was sure she had grown considerably since the attainment of her initial release, but it seemed her zanpakutou spirit was probably afraid of moving further. Not so different from herself. Perhaps one of the reasons Iroka had come here to challenge Fuuko was because she wanted to show her zanpakutou spirit that even if she was scared of the changes the future would bring, she was willing to face her fears. The zanpakutou spirit would thus have to get the message and take dressing.

The carrot-top remained silent as Fuuko spoke about how she wasn't yet ready to be Vice Captain, and that she had offended the latter's zanpakutou spirit. And told her to earn the right to take that position. "I'm sorry..." Iroka said quietly. "Please tell Shukketsubuki that it wasn't my intention to offend her. And maybe you're right... but then again, you probably are. I've always been... disconnected from things, in a way. If you think I shouldn't yet be Vice Captain, you're probably right." She smiled apologetically at the blonde Shinigami.

"But you see, that's what it is: probability. On the off chance that you're wrong, if I just accepted that I wasn't ready to take on such a responsibility, how would I know I was right? Which is why, no matter what you think, I have to fight you. If you want me to make you draw your blade, then I will." Her face took on a determined expression "And the safeword is when I'm so battered that I can neither move nor speak. If I must earn the right to be the Vice Captain of the Yonbantai, I shall give myself neither excuse nor motivation to give up. I intend to keep fighting till I can't fight anymore. That's my safeword."

She took a Shintenken fighting stance. "And please, by all means, use your zanpakutou. As a matter of fact, now I really want you to use it. I want to pit myself against Shukketsubuki. But as you've said, I must earn the privilege of doing so. And I shall. I will make you draw your blade, Satoshi Fuuko. And even if I don't win this fight, I will somehow make you change your mind. I will make you acknowledge that I can hold the position of Vice Captain. Because... because I can't just keep stepping back and watching as others chase their dreams. Let's go, Oni-chan!"

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Battle Stats}
STATS:
Strength: 70 (-50%): 35
Speed: 200
Reiatsu Strength: 110 (+50%): 165
Spiritual Pressure: 270 (+50%): 405 [Reiatsu: 4050]
Instinct: 50
Senses: 100 (-50%): 50
Energy Sensory: 00
Healing Expertise: 400

Light Aura: 100
Dark Aura: 0


SKILLS: 17/18

Mental:
Analyzing: 2
Strength of Will: 3

Battle:
Hakuda- Shintenken: 2
Battle Analysis: 2
Kidō Mastery: 2

Body:
Mental Incantation: 1
Cold Tolerance: 1
Damage Recovery: 2

Utility:
Crafting/Forging: 2

TECHS:
Shunpo (Free tech; Mastered)
1. Bakudō #9: Horin (Mastered)
2. Hadō #4: Byakurai (Mastered)
3. Kaidō #1: Shindan Suru (Mastered)
4. Hadō #33: Sōkatsui (Mastered)
5. Bakudō #60: Pliobond (Mastered)
6. Hadō #63: Raikōhō (Mastered)
7. Bakudō #61: Rikujokoro (Mastered)
8. Bakudō #65: Shinkaku Kaisan (Mastered)
9. Shintenken: Tansashō (Mastered)
10. Shintenken: Aorenge (Mastered)

Someone is fired up...
Satoshi Fuuko

[Satoshi Fuuko]

"She knows, don't worry." Fuuko said and shook her head as Iroka finished up. While Iroka had been talking, Fuuko pulled out a cigarette and a match and lit the cigarette and took a drag. She let the smoke shoot out into the air in a straight line that puffed out into the air. She shook out the match and inhaled the acrid scent of sulfur and then flicked the match away. Once she was finished, she looked at Iroka, with the cigarette hanging between her lips. 

"There's a little more to it than that, though, ain't there, Sis?." Fuuko said finally. "And, maybe ya thought about it and maybe ya haven't. Yer right about proven whether I'm wrong, but, no matter what I feel on the subject, really, I ain't got no interest in fightin you for real. So, fer me ta do that, might require you  ta do somethin you  don't want ta do. I almost never  fight anyone fer real. I only extend that courtesy to those who make me." Fuuko tapped her sword's handle. "Shukketsubuki... she doesn't ever  want a fight to end. Personally, I mostly  agree with that, even if she cries about it more than I'd like. If you get her excited, if ya put her in a good mood, she ain't gonna want ta fight fer real cause she ain't gonna want the fight ta end." 

Fuuko took a drag from her cigarette. "So, yer gonna have ta do somethin ta make me try and end it. And if the fight  ends because of somethin you did, because this is what you wanted... well, I don't want our bond ta break." Fuuko held out her pinky and wiggled it. "Are ya prepared ta destroy our bond for the sake of your  ambition?" Fuuko asked. "Maybe that's why I didn't push for the Vice-Captaincy, because I didn't wanna go through my best friend and sworn sister." 
Fuuko shook her head. "Or maybe I ain't got a problem with it at all? Maybe you don't either. Maybe this whole thing is a fuckin charade!" 

"Heh." She smiled. "I guess we'll see. Why don't we start easy?" Fuuko said and began to bounce on her heels. "Let's just see if ya can get me ta fight serious enough ta put out the cigarette?" Fuuko sucked in some smore and blew it through her nostrils without touching it with her hands and then dashed at Iroka. She pulled her fists up and moved at about IRoka's speed and threw a light combination of rights and lefts at the orangette. 

Munemasa Iroka

[Munemasa Iroka]

This would be problematic. Fuuko did not seem inclined to get serious fighting Iroka. But there were some confusing things being said. "But Shukketsubuki likes fighting, ne?" Iroka asked. "If yes, she still doesn't like fighting for real, because she doesn't want the fight to end. Remind me why you aren't in the 11th Division again?" She knew the answer, though. Fuuko was in the Fourth, because the blonde wished to take care of her younger brother. But wasn't this a bit stifling? At least as far as Kazuhiko was concerned? Iroka shrugged. It wasn't exactly her business.

But then Fuuko asked whether Iroka was willing to sacrifice her bond with her best friend for the sake of her ambitions. The carrot-top's face fell. "I knew it. A part of me said all this nonsense was just me being selfish. But everyone seems to want me to be more assertive. If being assertive means I would have to trample on other people's dreams or desires or plans, maybe I don't really want to be the Vice Captain anymore." But she was mostly muttering to herself, and Fuuko would have to listen closely to hear what she was saying. Why did decision making have to be this hard?

In any case, it seemed Fuuko was alright with starting the fight, though she stated that they would start slow. The idea was to get Fuuko to be serious about the fight that she would have to put out her cigarette. Well, such a stipulation seemed rather straightforward. As a matter of fact, that was probably something Iroka could do. But she still had some questions that needed sorting out. "Hold up, Oni-chan," she began, "I haven't yet--"

The first blow zipped at her face, causing the ginger-haired Shinigami to yelp and duck beneath the punch. Although she hadn't the physical strength to make herself a worthy melee fighter, Iroka had the training and conditioning to know about the moves and how to respond to them. "Wait, wait, Oni-chan!" she exclaimed, pulling out of the way of another punch. "Shouldn't there be a written agreement or something that even after this, we'll still be best friends? Or stipulations about putting out the cigarette! Like, if I put it out, would that count as well?"

A blow landed, even though Iroka successfully parried it. Despite having successfully blocked it, she careened away from the blow, as though she had actually taken full damage from the punch. "Itai!" she exclaimed, before dodging another blow. As the next came in, she ducked under it, and aimed a blow at Fuuko's thigh, just above the blonde's knee. While it seemed a simple attack, Iroka's knowledge of the human body meant she could target places to hobble. While the physical damage wouldn't be great, the idea was to hit Fuuko's muscles in such a way as to cause a temporary inflammation of the tissues, which would affect the blonde's nerves and thus her ability to move.

Fighting Fuuko when the latter was moving at top speed did not seem like something Iroka wanted to do.

Satoshi Fuuko

[Satoshi Fuuko]

Fuuko had to hold in a smile as Iroka stuttered from her sudden attack. There was a lot that Fuuko had to say about this whole ordeal. Even she wasn't sure exactly  what her feelings ont he matter were. She had many and some of them conflicting. She didn't want  to do this, but if the situations were reversed, she'd be demanding the same things Iroka was. She just had to hope she could do as Iroka asked. She just hoped the two of them had the bond they thought  the did to be able to get through this. 

"It ain't a massage, Sis." Fuuko said, her lips holding the bouncing cigarette in her mouth, which forced her tone to sound even harsher than normal. She sucked in a breath as Iroka threw her own punch and this time she used her speed to grab Iroka's wrist and whip her as hard as she could away from Fuuko. "Nah." She barked and followed through, skipping towards Iroka to try and clear the distance again. This time, instead of throwing punches, Fuuko tried to body  Iroka and slam her chest into Iroka's so that she could hide an incoming knee to the orangette's gut. 

Maybe she could have put herself on cruise control a bit  more than she was, but she was already coasting. She knew what Iroka's strengths and weaknesses in a fight were and trading punches with someone like Fuuko was not Iroka's wheelhouse. If she kept trying to be something she wasn't around Fuuko, she might get to that point of being unconscious and incapacitated sooner rather than later. Smoke hissed through Fuuko's nose as she kept here eyes focused on Iroka and what she might do next. 

"You gonna punch a Hollow in its thigh? Some quality Vice-Captainin, Sis." 

Munemasa Iroka

[Munemasa Iroka]

When Fuuko stated that this contest was not a massage session, Iroka frowned slightly. "I'm not sure I mistook it for one. However, I would very much like a massage." Sadly, it seemed Iroka's attack was not to hit, as Fuuko simply grabbed her wrist and swung her away. The force of the blonde's motion took Iroka's entire body along, sending the carrot-top flying, although she performed a graceful flip mid-air, and landed on her own two feet, sliding a bit before coming to a stop, otherwise relatively unharmed from the throw.

There was too little time to rally herself, as Iroka saw Fuuko come rushing in. She prepared to receive a punch or kick, but none came; Fuuko simply ran into her. "Isn't that a naughty way to be fighting, Fuuko-cha--?" she was unable to finish, as the knee sank into Iroka's stomach, causing her to double over on Fuuko's leg, before falling to her hands and knees as the blonde put her foot down. Getting hit by a powerhouse such as Fuuko was no fun at all. Iroka wasn't sure she could avoid getting hit, but she had a plan. She wasn't invulnerable, though, this showing as she wheezed painfully while trying to draw air into her lungs.

Still, Fuuko had asked a question that needed answering. "Of course!" the ginger-haired girl said with unfeigned sincerity. "A Hollow getting punched in its thigh can provide me with a lot of advantages in the fight, going forward, so I don't see why punching a Hollow would be surprising." Even though she often took things personally, it seemed Iroka managed to discern the sarcasm in Fuuko's voice. "I'm not impressing you much, Oni-chan, ne?" she said, her voice carrying a tone of sadness as she rose to her feet.

"Don't worry, I'll make a good Vice Captain, I promise!" As she said so, Iroka aimed a slap at Fuuko's face. Yes, a slap. Of all things, of all attacks to make, a slap. But Fuuko would soon realize that Iroka's second hand followed quickly after, resulting in not a slap, but a clap, and if the blonde did not move, Iroka would be clapping just in front of her nose. "Shintenken: Tansashō- Tsurigane!" The result was an explosion of reiatsu, taking the form of a large bell of rippling air, that pulsated outwards from the carrot-top.

It would be difficult for Fuuko to dodge, though Iroka was certain that Fuuko would not find it impossible, being a very fast fighter. But what Iroka was depending on was the element of surprise. If it worked, she hoped her follow-up would be just as effective.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Battle Stats}Tech used: Shintenken: Tansashō

Technique Name: Tansashō [Cinnabar Palm]
Technique Class: 4 - 40 TTP
Technique Type: Hakuda (Shintenken)
Usable By: Shinigami
Technique Element: N/A
Technique Cost: 150 Reiatsu
Description: Thrusting out a palm, the practitioner projects reiatsu from their hand to deal damage at a range of up to 10 meters. The beauty of this technique is its versatility, as the user can mold the reiatsu being projected in order to produce different results. As this technique utilizes reiatsu to attack, it does not require strength to deal damage, as is expected of a Shintenken technique. The varying styles with which reiatsu may be projected to perform Tansashō are as follows:
Nejire (Warp): The most basic form of the Cinnabar Palm. The user projects a pulse of reiatsu on impact with a target to deal bludgeoning damage and push the target backwards
Kū (Void): This is simply Nejire, but with the pulse of reiatsu projected so that it strikes at range, as opposed to a close-quarter strike. Effect is the same as Nejire.
Tsurigane (Battle Gong): User performs Tansashō with both hands, while clapping them together. The resultant effect is a visible shockwave of rippling air which explodes outward from the user for up to ten meters. Anyone hit by the shockwave is sent flying, though it cannot be used as a shield. The shockwave has a characteristic Buddhist bell shape, hence its name.
Each form is learned with increase in proficiency. At Learned, user can use Nejire. Kū is usable at Proficient, and Tsurigane is usable at Mastered.
How to Use: User gathers reiatsu into their open palm and strikes a target, releasing the reiatsu on impact, or releasing the reiatsu before impact, to deliver a ranged attack.
Drawbacks: The major drawback of this technique is its range, which is a maximum of 10 meters. Also can only be used by Shintenken practitioners (must have at least 1 SkP devoted to Hakuda: Shintenken as a skill).
Incantation: N/A
Made By: The Shintenken Grand Master
Reserved?: No

Reiatsu: 3900/4050

Satoshi Fuuko
Edited to add Battle Stats

[Satoshi Fuuko]

"What can I say? I'm a bit naughty." Fuuko muttered as she waited for Iroka to make her move. She cracked her neck and smiled. Even though she was sandbagging Iroka and being cheeky, she was  having a bit  of fun. Though, she hoped that Iroka wasn't too upset she was doing those things. "I'm still a little skeptical about that, Sis. And, no, not really." Fuuko said and, without using her hand, inhaled and blew a puff of smoke into the air. 

"I hope so. I want the best Vice-Captain there is when I am the Yonbontaitaichou-" *crack* Fuuko blinked as her head was snapped to the side. She had not been expecting that, but her lips, if barely, were still firmly pressed against the cigarette, even if they were crushing the butt of it pretty hard. "I like the balls, but ya-" Fuuko heard Iroka's follow up and her lips pursed. "Shit!" She hissed as she spat the cigarette out. 

It, along with Fuuko, was flung backwards. Fuuko's arms were thrown out to try and create enough resistance to stop herself as she bicyled her legs until she got some traction against the ground and tried to stop herself as she skidded to a halt much farther away from Iroka than she had began. She had also felt like she had been slapped twice, thanks to the burst of energy that radiated from the shintenken. Needless to say, she did not have her full  attention on Iroka. 

Munemasa Iroka

[Munemasa Iroka]

Iroka's stratagem seemed to get Fuuko off guard, most likely because the blonde was not being serious. Iroka knew she was much slower than Fuuko, and that Fuuko was a better fighter, especially when it came to up-close-and-personal encounters, so being able to slap the smoking Shinigami was something that would not have normally happened unless Fuuko wasn't paying attention. The follow-up had of course been successful as well, and had sent Fuuko flying, although the blonde managed to right herself and land on her own two feet. Even though Fuuko was no longer talking, Iroka wasn't sure the blonde had been damaged much.

Iroka did notice that Fuuko had spat out the cigarette just before getting hit. Seemed like she was still trying to keep from having the thing extinguished. Whether due to a catty sense of petty vindictiveness, or something else, Iroka did not know, but even as she charged towards Fuuko to keep the attacks coming, something mean inside of her prompted her to step on the cigarette which had, just seconds ago, been in Fuuko's mouth. If Fuuko wasn't going to put it out, maybe Iroka would do it for her. Perhaps that would count as having to put out the cigarette, and as such, Fuuko would get more serious with the fight.

Even as her foot came down on the cigarette, Iroka pivoted, so that her heel ground the smoldering thing into the ground, even as she spun. And that was when she executed her next attack. Pushing reiatsu into her feet, Iroka launched herself into the air towards Fuuko, although the blonde Shinigami would notice that she had been backing Fuuko when she had launched herself off from the ground. The result would be Iroka swiftly closing the distance between herself and Fuuko, and if the latter did not attempt to respond to this unorthodox attack, she would be getting a high-velocity plumpy rump in her face. And it would hurt much more than would be imagined.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Battle Stats}
Tech used: Shintenken: Aorenge (Hōdan)

Technique Name: Aorenge [Blue Lotus]
Technique Class: 4 - 40 TTP
Technique Type: Hakuda (Shintenken)
Usable By: Shinigami
Technique Element: N/A
Technique Cost: 150 Reiatsu
Description: Considered the twin of Tansashō, but differing in that a palm is not used, the practitioner projects reiatsu from a limb to deal damage or enhance motion up to range of up to 10 meters. It is more versatile than Tansashō in the ways it can be used. As this technique utilizes reiatsu to attack, it does not require strength to deal damage, as is expected of a Shintenken technique. The varying styles with which reiatsu may be projected to perform are as follows:
Mekajiki (Swordfish): This is done with the hand in a "leopard fist". The pulse of reiatsu is pointed like a spear, allowing it to punch through an opponent, instead of sending them flying
Fuetsu (Axe): This is executed as a chop, and may even be utilized using the leg, with the reiatsu forming a blade-like projection to cause slashing/chopping damage
Hōdan (Cannon shell): Reiatsu is suddenly expelled from both feet which are planted on the ground, resulting in the user being launched at an opponent. Very useful for closing distance and making unexpected attacks. Does not increase speed, but can facilitate an attack when one isn't expected e.g. when the user is seemingly off-balance.
Each form is learned with increase in proficiency. At Learned, user can use Mekajiki. Fuetsu is usable at Proficient, and Hōdan is usable at Mastered.
How to Use: User gathers reiatsu and expels it from a body part.
Drawbacks: The major drawback of this technique is its range, which is a maximum of 10 meters. Also can only be used by Shintenken practitioners (must have at least 1 SkP devoted to Hakuda: Shintenken as a skill). Hōdan does not make its user invulnerable, and they will be hurt if a counterattack is made against them.
Incantation: N/A
Made By: The Shintenken Grand Master
Reserved?: No

Reiatsu: 3750/4050

Satoshi Fuuko

[Satoshi Fuuko]

Fuuko's body snapped forward and she pushed her fingers into the ground to bring her to a halt. Crouched over as she was, she watched Iroka angrily stomp on the lightly smoking cigarette. Fuuko straightened up and rolled her neck, along with rolling her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I get it." She said, waving a dismissive hand at the orangette. "Even that might have been a little disrespectful-" 

As Fuuko looked up, she was confronted by two blistering peaches hurling at her. Her eyes widened and she was struck. At first, by two soft, lovely, cheeks. Unfortunately, velocity was a terrible dance partner and the rest of Iroka's weight crashed into Fuuko, the two going cheek to cheek as Fuuko was once again thrown off her feet. This time she clapped her hands onto Iroka's hips so that she fell backwards. A mistake on her part as the orangette, and her plumpy rump, came crashing down onto Fuuko's face, driving her into the ground with Iroka on top of her. 

"Mphnnn......" 

There was a moan from underneath Iroka as Fuuko fought off unconsciousness and humiliation. "Ughhhuh..." Fuuko groaned as she turned her head underneath Iroka. "Am I... dreaming?" She muttered. "Such pillowy...ngh?" Fuuko's eyes widened and she stared up at Iroka's rump. 'Did... did you just fuckin hit me with YOUR ASS!?" Fuuko screamed. 

Her fingers dug into Iroka's hips and Fuuko pushed her head against Iroka's butt and tried to use her strength to roll Iroka onto her stomach while trying to move so that she was stradling Iroka's legs or, at the very  least, on her knees with Iroka off her and her back facing Fuuko. There was a twitching of her eyebrow and a vein throbbing on her forehead. "HOW COULD YOU TAKE SOMETHING SO PRECIOUS, YET FORBIDDEN AND TURN IT AGAINST ME LIKE THAT!?" Fuuko barked harshly at Iroka while trying to keep her grip as tight on Iroka's hips as possible.  

Munemasa Iroka