Training in Isolation? - [Joint Trianing-CTP: Shibo/Takashi]

[Takashi Kuchiki]

Takashi Kuchiki will be training for CTP in this R rated thread (just to be safe). Others are free to join in if they so please, making this a joint thread (if that is allowed). Please feel free to simply post in here if you wish to join. If not, this will serve as a simple solo training thread.

Character: Takashi Kuchiki
Type: Training Thread (joint now: Takashi + Shibo)
Rating: R
Requesting: CTP
Location: This thread is taking place in the middle of the wilderness. Most shinigami don't dare wander here but its for Takashi to increase his class. Instead of training for strength or speed, Takashi is training to study and excel in his combat. He is training finesse in various areas to become better at what he knows essentially; the basics. He is learning and studying up on more techniques, people etc. The reason he is aloof is because: 1.  He enjoys isolation and 2. He doesn't mind the occasional hollow or interruption. This is his own way of going into his 'inner world' for now.

[Deleted]

He was awakened by screaming. Who was that? Someone fooling around this late? "I don't think so."  he laughed to himself. It was too late at night for that. It was in fact him, himself. Another bad dream, a nightmare. They were plaguing him often. The nightmare was usually about him. Not Shibō, no but his brother. Jacob... he had also died. Drenched in sweat, he groggily sat up. It was the only thing he could recall from human life. Why not go for a jog? The fresh air will clear you mind. With that he got out of bed, and snuck out of the barracks quietly.

As he ran for the forest he looked up. There they were... Twinkling so brightly, so beautifully! "It would be nice to be one with them."  His comment pertained to the stars. One of the very few things he loves. Love... it was very seldom with him. He wouldn't let anybody get close to him. Losing loved ones, or friends was very difficult. By now he was at the woods. He unsheathed his Katana. Then he started.


Training, at midnight, in the wilderness. Not exactly the best idea, but according to Shibō, it was. He ran through the woods jumping to the side, when a tree crossed his path. Then swinging out his arm with the Katana. Either left or right, he swung. Not always did he hit his target. Once he even missed, lost balance, tripped, and knocked his head on a tree. That had hurt, but he kept going, it was only a birch. No super tough bark on it. "Shit, why my head!"   He cursed, at his own clumsiness.

That impact could have knocked me unconscious. Luckily it didn't, because I have a hard head. It may have alerted somebody too. Or maybe something. Something like a hollow, he thought to himself. But he wouldn't let one of them, get the best of him. Never, his death would not be like that.

He continued training in the dark. This time it was hand to hand combat. He practiced kicking. Punching, sliding, tripping, jumping, and plenty others. What he had done, was found a heavy sac. Then he tied it up with vines. It worked perfectly! Except a few times it had come loose. Because he had punched it too hard.

One of the times he punched it harder than supposed to. He excepted it to fall off. It didn't, in fact it did just the opposite. It came right back to him. Right back to his head! The "punching bag" had hit the side of his head where the tree did. At first he thought it was fine. But he soon realized it was not. The bag had knocked open a wound.

[Takashi Kuchiki]

The strange dull blue overcast atmosphere gave the colors of the forest rather dull looking colors. From the leaves to the trees, the contrast had been toned down. It felt murky and damp, the gargantuan tree branches shading most everything with their leaves. On the leaf infested ground, there was nothing to be seen; not even an insect. The forest itself was rather dull and quiet, but far from uneventful. There was something happening in the midst of the quietness. As the area was so quiet and without a single sound...there was indeed something going on. The soon quiet forest would begin to hear something quite loud.

A loud thud emitted from an area not too far from the middle of the forest. In the clearing, a small section of leaves could be seen crashing down. Upon further inspection, it became relevant that these were in fact from a large tree. The stump had been cut straight off and the only thing that remained was a jagged slice. Standing over it however, there was someone dressed in all white shinigami academy attire; something quite unexpected for this forest. The shinigami's snow white and his eyes of diamonds, those eyes...they were gazing upon something so intently that it seemed they could burn holes through them.

Standing over the tree, the snow haired shinigami was holding out his Asuchi to the right. With both hands, he gripped the sword tightly, his left foot leading. With his right foot staggered, Takashi's upper body had swung counter clockwise in a ferocious swing. The wooden stump in front of him wasn't too large, enough for someone at his level to be easily able to take out. However, for Takashi, this was more than just training his strength it was more about finesse.  His training would begin with him training things that he would find rather amazing. Takashi had acquired something he hadn't before and it would make his training so much greater than it was before.

Taking a deep breath, he let out of his sword with his left hand, slashing forward to get the wooden dust off of it. From there, he would slowly place it back within it sheath, exhaling as he did. He could feel a distinct pain emitting from his leg and his back, almost like constant tension. Putting it to the back of his mind, he shook his head lightly and turned back. The man began walking over to something that looked like a small hut. There was something of twigs in the front too, a kindled fire that was set around the area as well. Takashi didn't want to invite unwanted guests, but he needed a fire to slow cook his food.

With a variety of sticks, there was something sort of a small hut that was built. It seemed to be made up of twigs and such. Takashi entered the small hut which he had built. There was a small desk he too had built of the required wood. Sitting down, Takashi began to read about the ethics of battle. He began to see how to formulate good strategy. His blue diamond like eyes scanned the pages as he noticed finally arrived to the area he needed...mental training. The man had discipline but he wanted to further his mind as much as his body. Many times, people would neglect this training and end up dead in battle. Now in front of him was the answer to his troubles and a way to get better. Takashi's eyes narrowed as he read what it was.

Carefully, he began reading it aloud and imagining it in his mind.The way of mental training is to visualize a fight between yourself. This fight can be anything you wish but its imperative that it be something that centers around you. Image yourself standing in a black area along with another one of you, it should be time for you to begin. Imagine yourself in a different clothing or attire. Make sure you can tell the difference between yourselves. If you win, you are far too difficult on yourself, if you lose, you're far too easy on yourself. These seem like no win situations, but think carefully upon it. Find out your own weaknesses this way...find a way to defeat yourself!

Takashi breathed out as he closed his eyes while in his chair. Luckily, he had set up some minor traps in case people were to come in. In his mind, he visualized himself standing with a katanna. He held it out with both of his hands, standing with his feet apart and the sword facing his opponent. Oddly, looking across the room, the same gem-like eyes started back, emotionless. They both took a deep breath at the same time. Takashi focused his mental energy into his imagination. The man hoped that he would be able to imagine this. He actually imagined quite a bit as a child, most of the time lacking any friends. It was about this time that he was able to see ghosts, the more he imagined the more they began to show up.

Takashi analyzed his other self, which seemed to have a black robe in contrast to his white one. The man was holding his katana in his left hand while holding his sheath in the right. Narrowing his eyes, Takashi dashed forward towards the black robed man. As he arrived, he stepped out with his left foot and swung his sword in a horizontal motion, intending to cut the man into two pieces. His eyes looked as cold as ever, looking back into his same stare was beyond eerie. The two men stared at one another, their strange eyes looking emotionless and bored towards one another...it was rather...strange to say the least. Truthfully, it freaked Takashi out a bit but he didn't say nor did he think anything.

This is insane..am I really going to be facing myself? It shouldn't make a different if i face myself or not! I will know what he is thinking and he will know what I am thinking. I'm controlling this entire situation so I suppose I'll 'move for him' and then 'move for myself'. I'll think of it like playing chess with myself. The best thing to do would be to make each move individually. Unlike chess though, I'll only think of counters to moves that I will do. I won't use my ability to think ahead and see what "i will" do next. Man..this is so confusing but I suppose I can't complain. The book did say this training would be among the most difficult.

The black robed copy of himself seemed to react quickly, taking the white haired man off guard. Takashi didn't expect this copy of himself to be so good. It was like he knew everything that he was going to do. Though obvious, it was a lot more intimidating to see when he detached himself from that 'other half'. As he rushed forward, the copy slashed out with his left hand, meeting the sword with a clang. Takashi was obviously stronger holding the blade with two hands. However, the other one stepped out and slashed towards his katana, at least throwing it off a bit. With his right hand, the man brought it towards Takashi's left side. The intent was to hit him in the temple with the bud of the sheath.

Takashi quickly reacting to this. the man knew that he couldn't defeat himself if he stayed the same. He had to react and not think, perhaps relying on pure instinct to defeat him would help. Takashi however, would have great muscle memory that would instantly kick in. He felt his sword throwing to the side, but only slightly. However, he continued the motion that was given to him by the opposing figure. As the figure hit his sword. It caused him to spin his sword in the counter clockwise manner. He rose his sword up, allowing his bicep to come up to the side of his face. As the sheath hit his left side, it was easily blocked by the arm without consequence. Raising his sword up however, Takashi brought it down vertically down towards the copy man, the intent to slice him in half.

The copy of the man in his mind had to react quickly as well. It was funny, he began to think the same thing that the 'real' Takashi was thinking. However, it was only known to the Takashi that was controlling the entire scenario. It was rather annoying to think about but it was fun to play out. Using his left hand, he swung his katana upwards in a diagonal motion, forming a circle. Simultaneously, he made moved his left hand holding the sheath out in the opposite counter clockwise motion. This motion caused him to direct the motion of the sword in a circular way away from him. He didn't go all the way around however, only stopping when his sword was at a 45 degree angle and the bud was pointing towards the ground to make it harder to move. With his right foot, he stepped in and brought down his sheath in a vertical manner to slam it across Takashi's head.

The "real" Takashi took note of this very quickly. The man needed to figure out what to do and began using his keen senses. Takashi's love of battle had caused him to be in so many before. With that, he was able to analyze and look to things he didn't before. He could tell when things were going unfavorably. In this situation, it was going particularly unfavorable for him. He noted that his sword was being redirected in a way that was unfavorable. Takashi continued the motion of the redirection, flowing in the same clockwise motion. However, he didn't stop with the other Takashi but instead rose it to hit the sheath above him to move it away from him.

The real Takashi made another move, after swatting the sheath away. Next, he would bring his sword down to a horizontal and jerk counter clockwise, the intent to slice the man in the neck. This move would hopefully kill the other Takashi. The cold gem eyes looked towards one another as both the Takashi's faced eye to eye. The both of them were very intent on killing one another and this attack seemed to seal it. He took a deep breath and focused himself as much as he could, only doing it very quickly and without any real quick motion. Takashi loved to take his time with breaths, it aided him in calming down and he would do it sometimes in battle as well when he felt overwhelmed.

The black robed shinigami now would also twist his body in the opposite clock motion. He smashed against the katana with his sheath. In addition, he used his sword and pressed it against the shinigami's right abdomen. With a quick counter clockwise motion and pull with his hand, he aimed to cut the man's abdomen open if he could. He looked towards Takashi with his cold and judging eyes as he did so. He knew full well the weaknesses of this man. It semed as though the man had figured out something. How was Takashi able to find a weak point even within himself? This hit was brutally difficult to guard against and it somehow made it to where he had defeated himself in sword play. He was baffled that he was able to do this.

Just at that moment, Takashi opened his eyes. The man felt his heart beating out of his chest, it was rather strange. Takashi could feel the exhilarating excitement. It was as though he was in the moment, he nearly reached for his sword if  he hadn't noticed the twigs and sticks around him. Takashi gave a long sigh after taking a deep breath and rubbing his temple. It seemed he had defeated himself but as his opponent rather than himself. It was odd how he felt but as he looked out he saw it began to rain. With a heavy sigh, he looked down at the book and flipped the page. He would go to the new chapter and figure out what was next. There was so much for him to work on, it was a good thing he loved what he did. The chapter read part 2 and he was ready to continue the mental exercises before more training that he would have to do.

[Deleted]

Now he had a MASSIVE headache! His head was bleeding too. "Owwwww." he groaned. He slowly walked over to a tree, then sat down. Leaning his back against the tree. He bent his knee, sliding his foot closer. Then he ripped part of the cuffs on his jeans off. He would use it to clean off the blood. Once the bleeding had stopped, he tossed the piece of cloth away. Then he laid out his Katana horizontally in front of him. "Do you really have a name?" he urged. No answer. I didn't think so. He chuckled to himself.

A noise sounded off, it was all too familiar. Shibō had been sleeping against a tree. For about, three hours. It was still dark, but there was a noise. A noise, that he heard every morning when he was awoken by his alarm clock. It's one of those disgusting creatures. He immediately retrieved his Katana, and stood. There it was once more. It came from the west. Shibō knew this because, he always waited outside for the sun to set searching for the stars. The sun set in the west.

Running, he seemed to be repeating the action for eternity. Then.... he stopped. He was at a clearing in the forest. And there it was. It was then that he saw it. This hollow was very strange. It was completed with green on every part of it's body. The green of a green bean. It might be able to pass as a chopped up cucumber when I'm done with it! It looked very much like a dragon. Maybe like Quetzalcoatlus the Indian god. Except this one didn't have wings. It had feathers. 8 feet tall, seven feet long, and five feet wide. Quite a large hollow. It had two six foot long wings. Four massive legs that could easily crush a human. A muzzle with a nose related to that of a dog. Red eyes, like the eyes of an albino animal. Inside the muzzle were teeth that were as long as a sickle, and curved like one two. A tail that was only a foot long was at the end.

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength-50
Speed-50
SpPr-30
Reiatsu Strength-40
Instinct-50
Senses-50
Energy Sensory-0
Healing Expertise-0

The hollow must have heard Shibō coming. Because just as he had leaped and was in midair, it tried to take flight. Too late, much too late. He had his Katana out and slash at the wing on the right. The hollow roared and shook wildly. It tried to get Shibō off but failed miserably. As Shibō fell he twisted his right hand counterclockwise. Then he put his other hand on the hilt and raised it above him. His Katana was now at a diagonal angle and he thrust it forward. As he continued. His descent he raked the Katana across it's body. More blood... Shibō laughed, as he saw it in pain. The creature deserved this. He landed on his feet, only to be smacked in the ribcage by a tail! Shibō went flying to the side.

Again, he ran into a tree. This time it wasn't his head though. It was his left arm. That made for a big problem. He was evicted from consciousness. For about one minute, he was unconscious. He was awaken by thundering footsteps. Followed by a huge roar. "Ehhh?... Morning already?..." He thought it had been his alarm clock. Then he opened his eyes and saw the inside of a.... mouth! He picked up his Katana and slashed upwards with his right arm. Another roar. Then he did it again and again and again. Until the hollow fell.

Shibō weakly stood up. He was ready to go. The sun was rising now. But first.... he limped towards the hollow. Just to make sure it was dead he slit open the neck. He would go to squad four now, and get fixed up. Then, train some more!

[Deleted]

The sky was a baby blue color, at least where it showed. There were Alto-Cumululo stratus clouds covering the sky in layers. It was a bit dark because of the clouds. We might have a little rain today Shibō would always stay out in the rain. It was like it cleansed away his issues. All his problems... Nothing to worry about. No death, no hollows, no fighting. Just the peaceful and calming sound of raindrops.


Squad four had fixed him up. He was good as new now. He had a good feeling, a feeling that today would be a good day. Right now, he was hacking and slashing at wooden hollows. Every day he would do the same thing. A bunch of exercises. This kept his Stamina and strength up. Just like earlier, he had almost finished that hollow without any pain. But he made a foolish mistake. Leaping at the hollow... A bad move.

It had started to rain, thankfully. Ironically this put Shibō in a pretty good mood. His Katana was unsheathed. "DIE, MONSTER!!!" He was still training. Just now he had split through the mask of the wooden hollow. Previously, he had sliced it's head off. Two simple moves. He needed to improve, learn better ways to move. This time, he ran at the hollow, twisted to the side, made a fist in front of him, and slashed. His fist was clenched to prevent an opening. The fist, was guarding his chest. While his elbow blocked his lower body. His feet were set at an angle so he couldn't be tripped. Great move, Taitan! He thought delightfully to himself.

Since he thought his move was so good he decided to ask a Shinigami if he could test it. He succeeded in that. Too easy, not difficult enough. I need to be prepared to make a successful attack, on any opponent. Even... the captain. Right, he needed to try harder. He went back to the training field. This time he tried something else. He did a backhand spring, as if to dodge a slash. Then he unsheathed his Katana and swung broadly, but also keeping it close to his body. Another one he tried didn't work out so well. He tried doing a front flip. A front flip to dodge a widely ranged horizontal attack. Instead he jumped, turned 180° and nearly broke his spine! "Might wanna try that some time when I want to be paralyzed." He mumbled half with humor half with seriousness.

After he had finished his.training. He went back into the forest. It was almost sunset now. Shibō layed out in a hammock. It was made with natural materials. But he had found some vines and tied it up. He was staring up at the clouds while eating. He was eating some fruit. Fruit, was a delicious food in his opinion. Strawberries are awesome. Why can't I be more like them? Deciding he had enough rest he sat up. It had only been about twenty minutes. But it was good enough for him
He leaped out of the hammock and walked back, leaving it behind.

Once more, he returned to the barracks. This time he was still looking for a good source of training. There was one certain man he wanted to train with. He just couldn't remember who. He did remember something of his appearance though. Grey hair. But how could he find a man with just knowing "Grey hair"? He just couldn't. So he walked around in pursuit. Stopping, occasionally to ask somebody if they had seen him. All that they said was. "How am I supposed to help you if you can't be specific?" Damn it all.

Suddenly, something clicked. His name was Takashi! There was one step. Remembering, but he wasn't done. Nope, he still had to find him. This time when he asked for help, they gave the answer he was looking for immediately! "Yes, he's in the forest training." Once more he had to go into the forest.

"Takashi? Takashiiiiii! Where are you at?! I'd lime to train with you! It's me Shibō, we had a spar before. Remember that? He kept on calling out to the white?grey haired Shinigami. Where could he be? "This might take longer than I thought." He sighed.

[Takashi Kuchiki]

It was happening again. Takashi was looking down at the book as the pages were flying by. his mind began to focus on the physical attributes he hadn't had. Takashi hoped he could get stronger by learning various techniques from this book. Even though basic, he felt that the fundamentals were the most important thing you could have. As such, he began reading about a tech called Sakugen. It was a very interesting technique indeed. Takashi would read about what this technique would do. With a nod, he made up his mind that he wished to learn this technique. He let out a sigh of relief.

The book detailed a technique that was called Sakugen. Takashi took in a deep breath, looking at the technique and its execution. This book from the Kuchiki noble library was definitely well worth it. Sakugen was the extension of a shockwave like attack made of reaitsu that would cut the user, much like a projectile. Takashi had great use for this technique and knew it would help him in battle. With that, he focused himself ready to train for it. There was a guide to help him out anyway.

With this, Takashi grasped his Asuchi and made his way outside once more. It seemed the last time he practiced this he had cut down the tree. He took his time to focus and muster his reiatsu into the sword as the book stated. The sword began to glow a feint yet beautiful shade of ocean blue which resonated in the blade. Takashi let out a small sigh as it collected. He stood in front of a rather large tree that was in front of him.

Slowly, Takashi's body began to glow the same strange ocean blue color as his sword. He opened his eyes, his blue diamond like eyes began glowing as well; adding to their beauty. He stepped forward with his left foot and and swung from right to left; hacking at the tree. There was a slight bust but it was more a blast that pushed his sword back. Takashi stepped back to get his footing. There was indeed a small crevice cut into the tree. Takashi's eyes narrowed as he looked at its depth. It wasn't good enough yet, there was still too much gap.

The basis of the technique would be to control your reaitsu. The reason Takashi knew it wasn't complete was because if it had been, the cut left by the sword in the tree would be equal to the length of his sword, perhaps a bit wider. However, this was far too wide and it left too much of a gap. Not to mention, it pushed Takashi's sword back. This wasn't apart of the technique. It seemed to him he had released the reaitsu at the wrong time. That, or his slash attacks augmented with Reaitsu weren't as strong as he'd hope they'd be. In any case, he would have to keep practicing the attack.

With a soft sigh, he continued on his way. Takashi continually slashed and hacked at the tree, attempting to focus his reaitsu. Finally, the tree fell onto the side. When it did, Takashi wouldn't let it go to waste. Instead, he continued chopping, using the same tree to cut it into different pieces. He would later use these as fire wood if he could and perhaps to build other said things like a table or a chair. They wouldn't be very good but at least they were enough to keep him busy as well during the periods in between his training.

This routine of slashing went on for hours until Takashi was breathing heavily. To the right, there were circular pieces of chopped wood that were all stacked. His sword was now smoking and so was the tree. A deep cut in the indentation of his sword length or nearly at it was cut, bisecting the last piece of the tree into two. There were lines all throughout the ground of where Takashi had cut the area, he was proud of himself, but didn't show it. Clearing his throat he allowed himself to fall back on to the tree that was behind him. Stretching out, he felt his back cracking a bit from his work.

Takashi looked down towards his wrists which held the strange limiters that he wore, restricting his movements. It was mainly the reason that he was fatigued now was he couldn't output as much energy as he liked. He grasped the strange metallic bands around his wrists and felt them around his ankles as well. He closed his eyes momentarily until he began hearing a voice that was calling out to him. Takashi raised an eyebrow and looked upwards. Someone was calling to him? That was indeed strange.

He closed his eyes attempting to sense someone, there was something feint that he felt, the signature was something he had felt before he'd imagine. Opening his eyes once more he lifted himself up and sheathed his Asuchi. From there, he would sheath his Katana and put it into his waist band. Looking up he began to walk towards the source of the cry.

Takashi had an idea of whom it was from the voice and obviously from what the man was saying. However, the voice seemed feint and as though it was coming from a distance. Takashi didn't wish to exert himself so he simply walked to the area, not using his reaitsu which he had drained out. He simply made his way towards where the voice was. If this man wanted to train with him, he would have to make sure he was ready for anything.

Still...I've mastered the Sakugen or at least have gotten closer to being able to control it. Before, it was just some energy that came out but now it seems a lot more refined. That should be good though, I'll be able to attack more effectively. The technique itself is rather useful in battle. I hope that it'll be useful in combat to me one day. It seems the battles I've had are quite difficult for me to continue to maintain myself. In any case i'll deal with this first..., he thought to himself.

"Taitan...Shibo. I see you have come once again to find me. If I may ask, what do you require of me? I hear you wish to train. However, what is it that you would exactly like to do? I heard hollow activity from here as well. I assume you were the one to have taken care of them. If you so wish to train, It will not bother me if you will train alongside me. However, I assume our goals are quite different as they stand. Do as you please however, I will not stop you in any case". The snow haired shinigami said to the man. From there, he would turn around and make his way back to his camp site.

[Deleted]

The rain had stopped. Sunlight covered the ground now. The grass was still wet, and moist. Crickets, they were playing music in unison. Birds, were happily chirping their songs. He was still searching. His Katana was drawn, and he was randomly hacking at trees. A cool breeze made his hair flail wildly. His jacket kept him warm. Still searching, searching for his "rival".

Kuchki Takashi, are you out here?" I'm probably making myself sound like a loser.I must be be more formal. "Kuchki Takashi, I wish to train with you. If that is fine by yourself. Just as he was about to give up, he heard footsteps. Must be,Kuchki Takashi. He probably heard me calling.

The footsteps continued to be heard. He waited in suspense. Maybe I can learn some fighting styles from him. Or maybe even techniques! I hope Kuchki-sama will train with me. I heard he's already acquired Shikai! I hope he will demonstrate it. Then, I'll know firsthand what the encounter is like.

"Taitan...Shibo. I see you have come once again to find me. If I may ask, what do you require of me? I hear you wish to train. However, what is it that you would exactly like to do? I heard hollow activity from here as well. I assume you were the one to have taken care of them. If you so wish to train, It will not bother me if you will train alongside me. However, I assume our goals are quite different as they stand. Do as you please however, I will not stop you in any case".

"Kuchki Takashi, it has been quite some time. Yes, it is true I have sought you out to train. During our first encounter, I analyzed your way of fighting. I wish to learn it, and use it. However, your presence, and guidance will be needed. I can not complete this task alone. You of all people, must understand Kyo intentions? Yes, indeed it was me who rid this land of the beast. Who else would have ventured all the way out here to destroy it?"

Shibō answered all of the questions Takashi had asked. He had also asked for a favor to be accepted. They would go back to the barracks to complete this task. He followed Takashi back to camp. Each step he took, made him even more anxious, and nervous. The truth was, he had grown to envy the white haired man in a way.

"Kuchki-Sama, have you really achieved Shikai? I ask because I have never seen it. If you have gained it, would you be so kind as to show it to me?" He questioned Takashi. They were back at the training area now. I'm excited more than I have been in the afterlife. Maybe there had been other times in the past. My brain will not process such a memory. Sadly, nobody has ever experienced one. Hopefully, I will be the first.

It was time to begin training now. First Shibō would show Takashi how well he could slash. First, he tried a horizontal slash. He raised the Asuchi about neck level and swung. It missed and cut half if the head off. Damnit, bad first impression. I must attempt to prove myself. Then maybe Kuchki-sama will teach me Shikai.

Next he tried a vertical slash. He put both hands on the hilt and raised the Katana above his head. He would yell and release all his anger and hatred for hollows out. Then he would bring the Asuchi down upon the head. It would go through the head of the wooden hollow, like butter. It spilt right in half with a crackkkkk noise. The wonderful sound of a baseball hitting a baseball bat.

"So... Kuchki.. He stopped himself. Then he started again. So, Kuchki Senpai how was that? Would you be so kind, as to tell me what I need to improve? If so, and I become as successful as you.... I would so express my gratitude through a spar. What do you say to that? I really need your help, Kuchki-Sama. I must join the ranks of my squad. Then I will get to know my Zanpaktuto. And finally, I will become a captain."

[Takashi Kuchiki]

The snow haired Shinigami looked towards the boy who had previously challenged him. He looked a bit emotionless as he saw the man hacking down a variety of trees. It confused him as to why the man would waste trees by simply cutting them down; had he no value for life? In any case, it seemed as though he required something of him. He blinked a few times as he looked out towards the Shibo. He listened to the man ask him for training despite having analyzed his movement. He wished to use his fighting style did he? Perhaps he could, but he had to realize it wasn't the style what made him achieve this level..no...not at all; it was something entirely different.

"You wish to learn my style of combat? I must warn you, the difficulty that lies ahead, learning how one can fight as I do is quite difficult. Physically, it is not as intensive as you would think. However, mentally...that is the true key to my skills. One must realize their own faults and have a thirst for combat. Many fail at this point and as such, are not able to continue fighting with myself. If you wish to defeat me, you either require proficient skill or a significant advantage.

Takashi looked towards the younger shinigami. His next sentence would cause Takashi to give him his full attention; his eyes narrowing. He kept up his usual bored and nearly expressionless face, but now, his eyes narrowed upon the man. It seemed Takashi was wholeheartedly serious and if he hadn't controlled himself, he may have unconsciously leaked out reaitsu; overpowering Shibo. However, Takashi was a master at holding his emotions inside...mainly because of his past. In any case, the man would look towards Shibo with nearly a glare like stare.

"Whom did you hear from that I attained such a thing? I would not listen to rumor. In any case, even if I had attained such a thing, the shear force of my spiritual pressure would crush you. However, to answer your question in full....no, Shikai is far beyond my grasp". Takashi said in a rather calm way. It wasn't apparent but Takashi was indeed lying to Shibo. There would only be two people on this earth currently who knew that he had shikai. The first of which would be Lax whom had seen it. Secondly, would be Sozen Taichou, whom he had trained it with to further his skill.

In truth, Takashi didn't want anyone knowing that he possessed such a skill. There was many things about his abilities that he did not want anyone to know of. Due to this, he would deny any usage of it, he always wanted to keep what he was doing a secret from others. As far as everyone knew, Takashi was just another unseated class 8 shinigami who belonged to the Kuchiki. He didn't explain anything, nor of the strange fashion wear on his ankles and wrist.

Sorry Shibo, Takashi thought.But I won't let anyone know what I have achieved nor how strong I am. You won't know it but I'm constantly only a half or a third as strong as I appear to be. This is how I wish to keep it so no one will know my true intentions. Sozen Taichou entrusted me with this task, for now, I will continue my role as the assassin of the Kuchiki-Clan. Secrets are a necessary if I wish to carry this out. In truth, we will see where life will take me. I know I will only carry this position for experience.

As they finally arrived at the training camp, Takashi saw Shibo beginning to slash out. He seemed to be slashing out at the wooden replica of a hollow Takashi had made as a craft project. It pained him to see that get cut in half. However, he kept his cool and didn't say anything against the man. Instead, he cleared his throat. It seemed as though the man was not done speaking yet. As such, Takashi listened to what he had to say.

The first thing Takashi would notice was that Shibo's compliments were getting more and more flattering as they continued. He asked him how his cut was and asking him what he needed to improve. Takashi let out a soft sigh as he looked towards the man. It seemed he didn't fully understand the implications of training. Perhaps he would have to show him exactly the way to do this. But first, Shibo had to learn what was past the slash.

"I will indeed aid you in your training Shibo. Perhaps though there is someone else who would better aid both of us for this type of training. My methods will perhaps not work well for what you intend. Let us go see Takehiko Fukutaichou, I would trust him to be a more competent teacher than myself. I believe we all could benefit from this. I would also keep in mind that the more battles you are in, the better you will become."

In truth there was one more secret that Taakshi didn't explain to the boy. It was that he had to use his mind in battle. He had to think through each strategy and think to deduce things himself. It was about how sharp he was mentally as well as how sharp his blade was. If Shibo mastered this, he could be on par with Takashi. As he was now though, it wouldn't do. Perhaps Takehiko could teach him this better than Takashi could.

"Come with me if you would please." Takashi said as he turned back towards Shibo. He quickly kicked the wet earth onto the fire which was caused it to dowse. From there, he walked into his camp and picked up the book off of the table and then walked out. "We will go to where Takehiko-Fukutaichou is currently. If I am correct, he will be able to aid in us a variety of ways, including teaching you. Though...before we depart I must ask you one simple thing..."

Takashi stood as he looked towards the man. "Why is it that you wish to become stronger and become a captain? For what reason do you wish to grow stronger? You tell me you wish to become strong...become a captain...for what purpose? If there is no motive behind your sword...no goal, it will never cut as sharp as mine. the intention behind my sword is to become the strongest for my own ambitions and own reasons."

Takashi paused as he looked towards the boy for a brief moment more, scanning to see exactly why he was the way he was. He wanted Shibo to really think about himself and become introspective. There should be a reason right? Why did he wish for all of this power and all of this strength? A normal shinigami...to them, things like skill and others didn't matter. One was able to live comfortably in Sereitei and have a peaceful life. Then why was it that Shibo wanted more than this? Was this life not enough for him.

"I am asking you because I wish to know your true intentions. If you will grow stronger for the wrong reasons you will easily be cut down by another. There should be good intention behind your actions. I have read your spirit is an extension of yourself, a drive...a passion one could say. Why would it aid you aside from the fact that you believe that you own its power?"

After shibo would talk, Takashi would give the same reaction regardless of what he said. He would give him the same bored yet nearly unemotional look for a few moments before turning around. He didn't say any words aside from: "I see, so that is it. In any case, we should make haste if we wish to see Takehiko-san, it should be the time of day where he is training. It is fortunate that he accepts people to train with him. Let us depart". With that, the two would be off.

[Azumi Kasumi'Oji]

280 TP to each of you