Before the Kawada... JT, PG

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Training For 125 SP (250 TP), Excess is for CTP

Shōkan was sitting in the study he had taken for himself. It was practical rather than lavish, with a sturdy wooden desk, a stone fireplace, several sitting chairs, and filled bookshelves lining the walls. It should be noted that while it wasn't oppulent or lavish, everything was of a very high quality; The desk was aged mahogany, the books lining the walls were all rare and expensive, the stone fireplace as fine as it was practical. This room fit Shōkan's personal tastes perfectly, he disliked lavish distributions of wealth, instead prefering practicality, while still maintaining an elegance in its simplicity and high quality.

Finishing up an entry into his personal journal, Shōkan heard a knock at the door. Looking to his manservant, Joff, he nodded. The trusted servant opened the door. In walked Tsukiyomi, Shōkan rose to his feet to greet him. "Cousin! I'm glad you could make it," Shōkan greeted his family member with a warm smile. "I asked you to drop by today for a very specific reason," He gestured for Tsukiyomi to take a seat, and sat down himself. "Firstly, as you know, I am setting myself up to take the mantle of Clan Head."

This was fairly common knowledge at this point, so it shouldn't surprise Tsukiyomi. Shōkan was quite literally the only viable candidate based on ability, as well as his current claim being the strongest. "As a point of this, I am learning about the skills, abilities, and overall personalities... I am very interested in you Tsukiyomi, you seem to have a trait many of our brethren are lacking... Determination, perserverance, and will to succeed and thrive. In order to better test this, I'd like to train with you."

"How's about it? What would you rather work on? Swordplay? Hakuda? I can aid you in your release, by having a light spar if need be." At this point Shōkan had risen and began walking towards the door, gesturing for Tsukiyomi to follow him. Shōkan was actually excited, he was a natural leader, and had plenty of experience being one, and potential such as Tsukiyomi's was quite rare. He was looking forward to finding out its limits.

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

(Training for 325 SP the rest goes into TTP.)

Moving through the new official home that was none to Tsukuyomi. He had been accepted into the noble family of the Kawada roughly two months ago. In that same time though Tsukuyomi had been moving up in the rankings of the seventh division. Training as hard as he could to continue on the path to claim further power. Along with all of that he had finally become the fourth seat of the division that he hailed. The thing was though that Tsukuyomi hadn't really gotten to know any of the other Kawada.

His noble family was one that at the current moment as far as he could tell lacking. The power that they once held was now gone. As far as he could tell at one point they had been feared almost as much as the Kuchiki from what he had been told. Now though the other nobles didn't truly feel anything about them other than just laughter. He had learned this from one of the lesser nobles insulting his family. Tsukuyomi being the person that he was though didn't in truth care.

He fought for nature and his friends. His family as of this moment was nothing more than people that decided to take him in after finding out who his mother had been due to his potential. All it was to him was a last name and a place to sleep. He spent more time with his Captain and fellow division members then any of them. Which is why it was so strange when the individual by the name of Shokan asked for him to come to his office.

Moving throughout the halls of the manor to that office he was at this moment. He didn't really know what Shokan wished to speak to him about. He hadn't done anything wrong so the chances of being dismissed from the family were low. He went in not expecting anything for there was nothing that he could guess. When he opened the door though the large white haired man greeted him with booming excitement. Tsukuyomi starred at the man for just a moment only to then bow his head in greeting.

He knew that Shokan was going to try and be the Head of the noble family. After being taught under by Lady Kimiko he had learned that showing respect to nobles was pretty much essential. So after that he moved over to the seat opposite Shokan and sat down. It was at this point that Shokan told Tsukuyomi why he had been asked to come to the office. It seemed that Shokan was going to be reviewing the members of the family as far as all of their skills and abilities went.

After reviewing the members that were active as Shinigami it seemed that he had taken an interest in Tsukuyomi and wished to train with him personality to get a better gauge of his power. Everything that he said Tsukuyomi could understand for Lady Kimiko had been doing the same thing for the seventh division since she had become the Captain. It was then that Shokan stood from his seat and Tsukuyomi did the same as they both started to leave the office no doubt going to the garden or somewhere else in the manor for them to spar.

"With all due respect Shokan at the moment I don't know much about you. While you'll be testing my skills I'll be testing yours as well. I have no drive to be the Head of this family so don't think of me as a potential threat in that regard. I do warn you now though that holding back isn't something that I believe in. Treat this as a battle of life and death or else you'll have no chance of becoming the Head when you won't have one." Tsukuyomi spoke completely blunt. He didn't have a filter as an individual at least when that individual hadn't earned his respect. So it'd be interesting to see how Shokan took everything as they made their way to the area that they'd be sparring in.

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

As Shōkan led Tsukiyomi down to his favored training field, he thought on what he knew of the young shinigami. He was distant, aloof even, very much that of a lone wolf. He also seemed to have a lot of emotion pent up inside, Shōkan was willing to bet that if were able to become closer to him, Tsukuyomi would be far more than what meets the eye. Shōkan was veryily much looking forward to see just what Tsukuyomi could give him. Not only was he family, he seemed like family in need of friends, even if he himself didn't realize it.

Shōkan decided to make small talk, as was common among the nobility. Politely asking after his health, his squad, his advancement in aforementioned squad. Finally, they reached the training grounds, and outdoor glade, surrounded by trees. Turning towards Tsukiyomi, he gave him a smile. "Truthfully I'm looking forward to this, it's been a while since I've had a good bout. Since there's no current clan head, someone has to take up the slack in paperwork, and that someone is usually me, so I don't get much time to train. Thank you for the opportunity" He gave Tsukiyomi an eye smile.

Backing away, he got his distance, and thentook a ready stance in his own (Now unique) hakuda style. The style was the ancestor of modern Hakuda, ancient, it was actually the original style first created by the shihouin clan, which was then distributed to the rest of the soul society. "Let's start with a little warm up of hand to hand, don't you agree?" With that, Shōkan blurred into motion, at a furious speed.

He toned down his speed to merely that of 300, and his strength down to 150, this was merely a test of skill on both parties, he didn't intend to hurt him, even on accident. Shōkan would throw out a variety of strikes, the standard that filled the beginning of all battles between skilled martial artists, getting a read on your opponent, their timing, their style. This was pure hand to hand, nothing more, nothing less.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}
Strength - 235 [285] > [411.25]
Speed - 240 [290] > [420]
Spiritual Pressure – 100
Reiatsu Strength – 50 [100] > [150]
Light Aura - [100]
Dark Aura - [0]
Instinct - 125
Senses - 75
Energy sensory - 0
Healing Expertise - 0

SPOILER: Click to show

{Skills}
Swordsmanship: 2
Hakuda: 2
Strength of Will: 2
Battle Analysis: 2
Analysis: 2
Charisma: 1

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Continuing to go throughout the halls of the Kawada manor was something that was starting to get annoying. Tsukuyomi had a more difficult life than anyone in this family that he could tell. All of these people based on what he was seeing right now had lived a life that was filled with luxury and overwhelming ease. He had been born as the spawn of a demon without a place to call his home. The result of a horrific incident that had changed the life of his mother forever.

She had told him her story only after learning and accepting that death was something that she couldn't avoid. Tsukuyomi as a young blind boy had been forced to take care of her. To live his life looking out not for himself, but for the one person that actually cared for him. Only to then learn that his father had forced himself on a young Shinigami that had only just realized her power. Stripping her of the pride of being a Shinigami. Cursing her with a child that she hadn't wished for.

So as he saw everything that these people got to call their own it was rather annoying and disheartening of his family. His mother had lost all of this and had been forced to live in nothingness. Finally they reached the training grounds that Tsukuyomi felt they would be sparring in. He could see the glade of grass surrounded by trees like it was an arena. Shokan was speaking in a friendly manner and seemed to be excited that he was actually going to get a fight.

That was when Shokan moved backwards away from Tsukuyomi and got himself into a stance that Tsukuyomi could remark was similar to what was displayed a lot throughout the division of the seventh. Many of his fellow division members preferred Hakuda to anything else including the Vice Captain and Captain respectively. It was different somehow though. Tsukuyomi wasn't one to partake in the use of his hands for combat. He preferred the use of his zanpakuto and the pride that he got when using it as an extension of his body.

That was when Shokan said that they should start by a little warm up of hand to hand combat and asked if Tsukuyomi was in agreement with him the young black haired Kawada starred at the man in almost complete apathy. Shokan than moved towards him and from what Tsukuyomi could tell he was actually faster then himself. It wasn't by an immense margin though. Tsukuyomi had been being trained by Kimiko Shihoin. So what he was seeing right now wasn't anything to be surprised about. AS long as he could see his foe he felt confident that there would always be something for him to do about it.

That's why when Shokan actually reached him Tsukuyomi already had his long zanpakuto drawn from the sheath. He had taken a quick step backwards increasing the distance that Shokan had to travel to actually get to him and start his assault. Tsukuyomi wasn't going to hold back though that wasn't something that he ever got the hang of doing. Advancing by fire is what he believed in so in that moment he stepped forward and his speed accelerated to 648 becoming a blur to Shokan. In that moment he slashed upwards in an attempt to cut Shokan from his left hip to his right shoulder. The fists that had been thrown were evaded slightly by swaying to the opposite sides.

Remaining Reiatsu: 2135/2160
Movement: {-25}

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}
Strength: 75 (56)
Speed: 160 (216)
Spiritual Pressure: 160 (216)
Reiatsu Strength: 80(60)
Light Aura: 50 Points
Dark Aura: 50 Points
Instinct: 200
Senses: 150
Energy Sensory: 0
Healing Expertise: 0

Movement: {2}
Calm Mind: {2}
Weapon*Swords: {2}
Weapon*Chains: {2}
Battle Analysis: {2}
Battle Focus: {2}
Acrobatics: {2}

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

As Tsukiyomi advanced forward in his slash, Shōkan couldn't help but he impressed. The boy's use of Hoho, was quite skilled for his age, and he wasn't one to back down, striking first in the stead of being on the defensive. Shōkan liked that. That was what being a Kawada was all about, not the money, or the luxury, but taking the world by storm, even if it's only one battle, one move, one step at a time. It seemed that this was a fact many of his clan members had forgotten. Back in his time... 'Kami, I sound like Jinbei'.

Regardless, back in the times when the clan head had been chosen through a trial by fire, when the Kawada stood strong, they had all known this. Now, they were but a shadow of their former selves. It was time Shōkan took it upon himself to change that, even if it was one clan, one member, one battle at a time. He was sure Tsukiyomi already knew this. It was this reason that he was the first Shōkan decided to get to know, it was for this reason, that Shōkan desired Tsukiyom to be at his side as the Kawada rose once more.

'I will only have solace once my clan has been avenged. Only find redemtion once they've risen from the ashes...' Those were the words he spoke to himself the day he returned to find his clan broken and in ruins. Those were the words he spoke to himself every morning as he broke his body training to regain any modicum of strength this body still possessed. He would gain this boys respect... Even if he had to break him to do it. With these thoughts in mind, Shōkan launched his counter offensive.

Instead of backing off an inch, Shōkan continued with his offensive, using Shunpo Karin, he instead struck at Tsukiyomi's wrist, attempting to disarm the fellow shinigami at best, and force him to abort his attack at worst. It should be noted that Shōkan continued to keep his speed at 300 and his strength at 150, even for Shunpo Karin. He wasn't sure if Tsukiyomi would notice if he increased it further, he wanted his true abilities to be a surpise...

After his strike landed, Shōkan would continue his offensive, with a barrage of blows, aiming for the joints and weak areas, attempting to overwhelm Tsukiyomi with his superior speed, and vastly superior Hakuda skills. If Tsukiyomi wasn't in fact overwhelmed, Shōkan would then proceed to break off his offensive, and draw his zanpakuto at the ready. If he couldn't defeat his opponent in hakuda, he would defeat his with his own impressive kenjutsu skill.

-100 Shunpo Karin 900/1000 ~ remaining

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Stepping into the assault of the constant barrage of fists that Shokan was executing in an attempt to try and strike Tsukuyomi the young Kawada raised his zanpakuto and attempted to slash the white haired man across his chest. However, it seemed that Shokan was able to see what was happening and counter him fast enough that he didn't get touched by the edge of his zanpakuto. Instead Shokan's arm moved at an accelerated pace to the point that Tsukuyomi couldn't really see what had happened one second everything had been going according to plan and the next his zanpakuto was out of his hand.

A fraction of the next moment went by and Tsukuyomi could feel the pain in his wrist transfer up into his brain allowing him to know what had actually happened. Shokan had executed Shunpo Karin more than likely and had used the technique to strike at his wrist knocking away his zanpakuto so to keep himself from being injured. Tsukuyomi's zanpakuto flew through the air and struck the ground the blade embedding itself a few inches. The thing was though that there was all those bandages wrapped around Tsukuyomi connected to the hilt of his zanpakuto.

Shokan's arms started to move again Tsukuyomi could tell as much based on what he was seeing from his muscle movement at his shoulders. If there was still one thing that Tsukuyomi normally had against his foes including this small skirmish of a bount between the two Kawada was that Tsukuyomi's brain possessed things faster and his senses were more fine tuned then the majority of other Shinigami. That's what allowed him to perceive the attacks coming at him even if he wasn't fast enough to continue dodging. He knew that eventually he'd be hit and with enough force he wouldn't get back up.

So as Shokan threw his first punch forwards after knocking Tsukuyomi's zanpakuto out of his hand the black ponytailed Shinigami vanished from sight. Executing not Shunpo no it was something different. Shokan might not realize it, but Tsukuyomi had just executed the Quincy step technique known as Hirenkyaku. Moving at the same speed as a normal shunpo Tsukuyomi would appear five feet behind Shokan. As he did his arm was pulled back with both his arms strength. Grabbing ahold of the bandages that connected his right arm to his zanpakuto. Now his zanpakuto was pulled from the ground and moved through the air about to stab into the chest of Shokan.

Remaining Reiatsu: 2085/2160
Hirenkyaku: {-50}

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Shōkan wasn't unprepared when Tsukiyomi sped away yet again... There was something off about it, the more he looked at what his cousin was doing, the less he thought that it was Hoho. It was almost like it was some other form of step technique, but that should be impossible... Regardless, he would continue to pay close attention to his opponent. As Tsukiyomi dissappeared, Shōkan was aguely aware that he had appeared some distance behind him.Shōkan however, had more pressing matters to attend to.

It appeared that Shōkan had used the bandaged connected to his blade to pull it towards Shōkan, almost like a manual Shouwakusei. What he hadn't counted on was how slow it would move. It seemed Tsukiyomi didn't have much in the way of physical strength, so it wasn't moving with that much force. Because of this, it was with apparent ease that Shōkan moved just out of the way of Tsukiyomi's blade. The fun part came next. Shōkan, timing it perfectly, reached out and grasped Tsukiyomi's blade around he handle, stoppong it's momentum.

Holding it, he decided to take it a step further, and pulled at Tsukiyomi. The strength with which he pulled him, even though reduced, would be impossible for Tsukiyomi to resist, like that of a normal human fighting against a grizzly bear. Releasing one hand from the weapon, Shōkan moved forward to intercept hi cousin, attempting to plow his face in with his fist. The last bit wasn't so much finesse as brute force.Regardless of whether the blow actually hit Tsukiyomi, or he dodged somehow, Shōkan would push harder, keeping closely right in his chest.

That was Shōkan's style of fighting, pressuring his opponent, with overwhelming force and skill. More and more, until they eventually broke. Before he really pushed however, Shōkan wanted to test Tsukiyomi's abilities one more time. After this... He hoped his cousin would be ready, he would see how he faired against Shōkan at full strength. Many underestimated Shōkan because he was unseated, this was a mistake. In all honesty, he could be a thrid seat if he so chose.

But he didn't. Shōkan didn't want a lesser position, for him, it was captain or nothing. This was the depth of his motivation, this was the power of his will. He would reclaim Squad 13 for the Kawada. No longer would they be looked down upon by the other noble families. No longer would they be the sad pitied clan of the once powerful. Shōkan would rise, bringing the Kawada Clan with him, even if he had to drag them up himself. There was no turning back, there was no hesitation.

Looking at Tsukiyomi more intensly, he grasped his attention. "Tsukiyomi, you may think this clan has been steeped in decadence... I have read your file, I know something of your childhood, and to tell you the truth... You are right. The once proud men and women of the Kawada have become complacent. I remember the times when it was different, when every member had to prove themselves capable top bear the crest of the phoenix... In all honesty, of all of the members I have met since I have returned, you are the only one that seems to have any knowledge of the meaning of the word..."

"Hardship, of the strength required to drag yourself up from the bottom. That is where the kawada are right now... The bottom of a pit. I want to bring about their rise once again, to fly out of the ashes as the powerful phoenix once more, and bring fire and vengeance upon all who would stand in our way... And for that, I would like you, to stand by my side. I see the fire that burns within you..." At this point he had stopped and backed off a bit, whatever kind of fighting they had been doing.

"I think it's time I show you the truth... I apologize Tsukiyomi, I have been holding back a great deal" With this, Shōkan gave Tsukiyomi a smile, as pure white flames came into existence around him, wings of fire, and a halo of flame, he almost looked like an angel. This was the reason he was called, The Archangel of the Kawada. Tsukiyomi would feel intense and and powerful, scorching heat. Shōkan had lowered the power of it to only around 80 RS, enough so that Tsukiyomi wouldn't beincinerated by the flames, but enough that he should feel their heat, and get burned if he got too close.

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Being five feet behind Shokan gave Tsukuyomi the view point that he needed to see every action that the white haired Kawada was making against the action that Tsukuyomi had just taken against him. He could see that Shokan wasn't surprised and was moving his hand towards his zanpakuto. Tsukuyomi had an idea of what was going to happen now due to the difference between the physical strength of himself and Shokan. This man was physically capable much the same way that Ruko Shihoin and his Captain are scary.

So as Shokan managed to grab ahold of his zanpakuto before the long blade would pierce into his body Tsukuyomi knew that he'd no longer be able to hold back. His true strength was much more than he was letting on. Tsukuyomi had been told by his Captain many times over that as a Shinigami he was one that had to rely on his zanpakuto for power. He didn't have the raw power of some Shinigami to fight outside of his release against anyone of even moderate power. So this was no surprise right now. Tsukuyomi could then see Shokan's arm start to move again and when he did the young Shinigami stepped backwards.

As that happened and Shokan pulled on his zanpakuto in an attempt to pull Tsukuyomi closer to him so that he would be able to punch him in the face resulting in a large amount of damage and pain which would surely gain him the advantage. Tsukuyomi knew this tactic for it was one that most would assume to use against what had just happened against them. So as he stepped backwards he also loosened the bandages that wrapped around his arm. This resulted in Shokan only pulling more of the bandages off of his arm without actually pulling him closer to him.

That was when Shokan felt that it was best to start speaking once again. Tsukuyomi couldn't feel any sort of threat emanating from the man at the moment so there was no reason to attack him. This wasn't a battle of life and death or else he would have struck out again. Shokan had been the one that asked him here so if right now he had something to say then he would listen as he would if his Captain did the same thing. It seemed that Shokan had read up on Tsukuyomi and wanted him to help pull the Kawada back from the decrepit state that they were in now so that they could reclaim their former status.

In truth Tsukuyomi didn't much care about the status of the family. He wasn't getting strong for the others he was getting strong for himself. That was when Shokan revealed that he too had been holding back against Tsukuyomi. In that moment his reiatsu was flexed from what Tsukuyomi could tell without any ability to sense reiatsu. Heat started to emanate off of his body and then white fire made itself visible. Tsukuyomi's eyes widened for a moment at what he was seeing. For what was in front of him seemed to be the opposite of himself.

Tsukuyomi though didn't have it in him to lose without giving it his all without endangering himself. So in that moment he started to be serious. "Set Loose The Weight of Eternity, Tsukuyomi-No-Mikoto." he spoke softly and in that moment the zanpakuto that Shokan was holding and the bandages that connected it to Tsukuyomi's arm all changed. The bandages becoming a silver chain while the zanpakuto itself became a crescent blade of silver. There was something else though three white orbs as large as basketballs circled around Shokan due to him holding onto the zanpakuto as it released.

Almost as swiftly as they had appeared one of them turned green. It was in front of Shokan and as it turned green the reiatsu that formed it started to cut the air that surrounded it. Shokan if he didn't move would start to feel it as the numberless blades of air started to cut into his chest from the green orb in front of him. However, that was only one of them. Tsukuyomi wasn't holding back and this was now a battle to see just how strong he was compared to others. So the other two moons that were formed when his shikai was released had been positioned behind Shokan's shoulders in a spot that he wouldn't have seen them.

Those two also turned a beautiful green color and started to emit a aura of cutting off of them. The area of cutting from all three green moons was five feet and they surrounded Shokan almost right next to his body. They would all start to shred into his body from all around him as if he was put into a blender. The cutting power was limited at the moment to the power of Tsukuyomi offensive stat which would still be enough unless Shokan did something to end this right away. Not only that, but hitting the moons would prove to be difficult as they started to circle around him at a speed of 450 while constantly cutting into his flesh. This was over just as swiftly as it had started.

Tsukuyomi-No-Mikoto: 7/7

Remaining Reiatsu: 1185/2160
Shikai: {-300}
Bokujō Monogatari: (3x) {-600}

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

'Well this is a predicament...' Shōkan thought to himself. The spheres that surrounded him when Tsukiyomi released were beginning to, well, hurt. A sharp cutting feeling was beginning to penetrate him, and it was only with a strength of will that Shōkan kept himself from grimacing. Quickly, he came up with a plan to get out of there. Firstly, he flexed his muscles to help mitigate the cuts, so they only turned out to be shallow gashes on his back and chest.

Then, Shōkan used his immense strength to hurl himself straight up into the air, the cutting aura was still there, but lessened, and after he reached a certain distance, it disappeared entirely. In all, he gained a few cuts on his chest, and shoulders. They were superficial, but if left alone for too long might become a problem. 'Excellent' Shōkan thought to himself, 'This is exactly what I'm looking for from you Tsukiyomi' Now all that was left was for Shōkan to come up with his plan of attack.

First, Shōkan seperated Tsukiyomi's zanpakutou from it's bandages. Then, Shōkan lifted it up, and threw it at Tsukiyomi. This wasn't a normal throw hoever, this is Suisei the Kawada sword technique. It would be flying towards Tsukiyomi at over 800 speed and force. This should heavily surprise Tsukiyomi, as he shouldn't have seen Shōkan move any faster than 300 up to this point, not exhibit more than 150 strength. At this point, Shōkan was left in midair.

He had aimed his jump so that he would fall around the area of the tree line, his plan was to land against one fo the trees and immediately leave it. The moment his foot touched it, Shōkan used Senka to propel himself at Tsukiyomi's back at his maximum speed, around 4600. He wouldn't destroy his cousins soul chain, instead, he would strike at his chest and back normally, with a slash of his own zanpakutou. Hopefully this was damage and slow him down at least a significatn bit, so as to give Shōkan the upper hand.

Additionally, Shōkan had increased the output of Honō-Haraikiyome to its maximum, so this would severely burn and hurt his cousin unless he did something to stop him. Shōkan knew firsthand the effect his ability would have on people at close range. Intense 5th degree burns to the bone. They really might need a Squad 4 member after this. Shōkan really hadn't intended to take it this far, but he knew he couldn't hold back against his cousin. Firstly out of respect, and secondly out of the challenge he presented.

After the effects of his last attack, Shōkan would disengage, regardless of what had happened, and speak again. "I've always been very good at reading people... You can tell an awful lot about someone by fighting them. When I look at you, I see a lot of pain... A lot of lonelyness. But i also see an intense thirst for power. You don't care much about this clan do you? TO be truthful, you didn't grow up amongst the Kawada, so you shouldn't..." He turned and looked at the new Kawada Manor in the distance.

"But we are your family. Something about the Kawada you should know... We never give up on family. You don't have to be lonely when you have me, us around." He gave Tsukiyomi another look, " And if it's power you want... While we might have declined, we were once the equal of the Kuchiki, if not their better, and that power still lies here. I promise you, I'll give you that power you desire. All you have to do is give me everythign you've got to give, your blood, your sweat, your tears. I was once th emost powerful captain in the soul society... I'm sure I can show you a trick or two." He winked at Tsukiyomi.

-100 reitsu (Senka) 800/1000

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Tsukuyomi stood there now his right hand holding onto the silver chain that was apart of his zanpakuto. The green moons that surrounded Shokan at the moment were slashing into him. Tsukuyomi could see the fabric of his clothing being torn apart by the aura of each moon. The clothing on his front, back, legs and arms were all being cut apart as cuts were being inflicted on his body as well. Tsukuyomi had relatively good senses so he could actually see some of the blood from his cousin falling off his body onto the grass at his feet.

Tsukuyomi had to be careful though for it seemed that Shokan wasn't giving up even though he was suffering a large array of slashes all over his body at this point. Each moon had a reach almost as tall as the Shinigami himself and they were positioned basically at his waist. This meant that in truth only his throat and up was safe from the cutting effects of the green moons. Shokan flexed his muscles trying to fight off the cutting effects yet it would do little to stop them. All it would do would cause him further heightened pain and more blood lose as he forced his body to work in areas that were suffering wounds.

He managed to jump up above the moons though and when he did Tsukuyomi's eyes widened as he saw the position of his arm. Shokan then threw his zanpakuto at him using Suisei to send it flying towards him at incredible speed. Tsukuyomi knew the technique himself so he knew what to expect from what he saw. The young Kawada was an acrobat though being trained by one of the most acrobatic and physically flexible Shinigami to have ever been born. So executing a sideways hand stand to evade the attack was easy enough.

Now though as he got back onto his feet he looked to the right seeing his zanpakuto in the ground where he had been a moment ago with the grass torn up and a small crater there. He grabbed ahold of the hilt to his zanpakuto and then put his plan into motion. He spun the crescent blade around vertically for some strange unexplainable reason. When he did it though the green moons actually started to separate from one another backing away from each other at a speed of 450. When that happened Tsukuyomi vanished just as Shokan had leaped off the tree in an attempt to attack him.

Tsukuyomi didn't have the ability to sense reiatsu. He had to be on the defensive right now until he could dish out some more damage against Shokan. He didn't want to lose to another man that he had only just met. That had happened to many times at this point. So he executed Hirenkyaku once again. He'd moved from the location that Shokan would have seen him in so whether or not he proceeded with his usage of Senka was unknown at the moment. Tsukuyomi however had his plan prepared now.

He was standing in the center of the green moons with all three of them circling around him at a distance of seven feet each so that he wouldn't suffer the cutting effect that they held. Anything that tried to get near him would have a difficult time of doing so without being cut apart. It'd be interesting to see how Shokan more than anything planned on attacking him now that he would know in order to get to him he'd have to risk hurting himself further. Shokan seemed to take the time to speak once more though something that Tsukuyomi still couldn't understand.

This was a battle between two Shinigami so why was he so talkative. Tsukuyomi wasn't much of a people person or even a talker to begin with at all. So having so much conversation was virtually one sided in all of this. What he said though brought up a series of thoughts in the long haired Kawada's mind. He was part Shinigami that much was true and part demon. He couldn't allow anyone else to know of that fact. Shokan was saying that he was safe with the Kawada and safe with him. He wanted to believe him, but there was a warning he had been given one that he couldn't overlook.

His Captain had told him to keep his demonic heritage a secret for the higher ups in Soul Society were bigoted and wouldn't accept him as one of their own even after all his training. All he'd be seen as would be a monster and one that would meet execution. So keeping his secret safe she had so far and with that she had earned his loyalty. Shokan was now asking for that same loyalty and he didn't know if he could honestly give it. Some times he still struggled to ally himself with his Captain someone that had been training him for months now.

"Shokan. This family needs to change. Do what you must in order to change it to be strong so that no one will suffer again. However, you will have to earn my loyalty. I warn you though that someone else already has my loyalty. You wish to be stronger once again and to sit above the Kuchiki. Then you should speak to my Captain. If anyone can help you it'd be her. Now lets see if you can truly stand above the moon."

Tsukuyomi spoke as he threw his zanpakuto at Shokan using Suisei so that it moved at 272 speed. As it reached Shokan though a new white moon would suddenly appear on the crescent section of the blade that then turned green. It would pass by Shokan's face making it look as if Tsukuyomi hadn't yet mastered Suisei and simply missed. That was wrong though this moon was meant to finish it by cutting into the left side of Shokan's upper body including his face.

Tsukuyomi-No-Mikoto: 6/7

Remaining Reiatsu: 935/2160
Hirenkyaku: {-50}
Bokujō Monogatari: {-200}

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Seeing that Tsukiyomi had disappeared, Shōkan forwent his use of Senka, instead he stayed on top of a tree branch, looking for his opponent's location. Tsukiyomi was quite the wily fighter, he fought smarter, not harder. A good trait to have. Much unlike the last fight Shōkan had, with the young shinigami Arantima, whom was so inexperienced. It would seem that Tsukiyomi was earning that 4th seat status. He had rather easily dodged Shōkan's Suisei and had even turned the attack against him.

Seeing the blade come towards him, Shōkan was met with a number conclusions. Firstly, it was rather sluggish, at least compared to Shōkan it was. Secondly, he narowed his eyes, as the blade flew towards him, he thought he saw a flicker of changing color. And lastly, like he thought earlier, Tsukiyomi was a wily fighter, not one to throw away his weapon without good cause, and someone as intelligent as him couldn't honestly think that a blade thrown that slowly would effect someone with Shōkan's speed.

Instead of messing with the weapon, Shōkan decided to do something else. He easily dodged it by pushing off of the branch he was currently standing on, then, he jumped off of the Trunk he landed on with a quick shunpo, in order to reach his opponent. He followed the trajectory he saw the blade come from and saw Tsukiyomi standing there, with his arm stretched out from throwing his weapon. All of this happened in but a few moments, so it wasn't until this moment that Shōkan registered Tsukiyomi's words.

He had to admit the words had wisdom. He had actually already been planning something very similar. He knew that at this current time, the Kawada were very vulnerable, so seeking an alliance with a strong clan was a definite need. For the protection of the clan as a whole. And on the note of repect... "Who said anything about not earning your respect?" He chuckled to himself, "I plan on doing that right now, by defeating you, cousin!" This happened while Shōkan was dodging the Zanpakuto.

In the next moment, Shōkan would be standing directly in front of Tsukiyomi, white flames dripping off of him like some god from the heavens. At this distance, the heat and pain would be unbearable, as even a few moments of it would cause moderate burns to begin appearing all over his body. Shōkan expected Tsukiyomi to attempt to get away from him... He couldn't allow that, he was going to defeat the boy, and show him the strength of the Kawada, the strength he could achieve by embracing his heritage.

He was still a few yards away, wary of those blasted orbs of his. Shōkan's next actions depended on what Tsukiyomi did. If he stayed in place, or backed off only slightly, Shōkan would activate a certain technique, if he dashed off, he would dog him, not letting him get away. 'I won't let you win this, I'll show you your heritage Tsukiyomi!' As soon as he was sure it would work, Shōkan would use it... 'Honō-Haraikiyome!' Blinding white flames flooded from Shōkan's body, incinerating everythign they touched. They reached out a large distance from Shōkan.

Tsukiyomi wouldn't be able to react, shouldn't be able to react, and even if he stepped away, odds were that he would still be caught, as the radius for the technique was rather large. This was how Shōkan dealt with slippery fighters such as Tsukiyomi. The flames had the same intensity as touching his skin in this state did, horrifying burns all over the body, beyond 5th degree. 'This is the end, I hoped I've gained something of your respect, young phoenix, even if it's only for my power...'

-50 reitsu Shunpo
-500 reitsu Honō-Haraikiyome

450/900 remaining

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Tsukuyomi stood there now as the green harvest moons spun around him at the speed of 450 appearing even to him as slightly blurred The air itself was being cut to ribbons all around him due to the close proximity to him Tsukuyomi could actually hear it all happening. It was something new that he hadn't experienced prior to this moment. In all truth he hadn't done this tactic in the past and had only thought of it just now. Using it against Ruko or his Captain would help him in the future, but he knew that it wouldn't be anything that could stop either of those two. Against Shokan it would help aid him to prevail the stronger of the two Kawada.

Standing there he watched as his silver crescent zanpakuto soared through the space that was between himself and Shokan. Even he thought the very same thing that Shokan did. His throw was vastly slower than how Shokan had been able to use Suisei. So as the zanpakuto got neared to Shokan Tsukuyomi anticipated that something was going to be done. Sure enough just like he anticipated Shokan suddenly vanished once again executing Shunpo in order to get clear out of the war from the zanpakuto. Tsukuyomi at this point kept himself from creating another moon like his plan had originally been. Instead the moment that Shokan vanished he pulled back on the silver chain along with pulling his entire arm backwards.

In that next instant Shokan appeared in front of Tsukuyomi the white fire that was being emitted off of his body was hot and within an instant made it vastly more difficult to face forwards. It was like he was standing in front of a massive blaze. His skin and instincts were screaming at him to back away to put distance between himself and whatever was the source of the heat for fear of death. Tsukuyomi had an incredibly calm attitude along with control when it came to battle. Along with practiced focus that allowed him to flick his right arm while holding the silver chain. It turned out that developing his skills in the art of using the crude distance weapon paid off.

For in that moment as he flicked the chain his zanpakuto had the force transfer to it and the blade angled downwards just a tiny bit. However, that was what was needed for Tsukuyomi had just set up the stage to finish this battle. The green moons were constantly moving around Tsukuyomi just far enough away that the cutting ability that they gave off wouldn't effect him. Well Shokan whether he had planned it or not wasn't in the exact spot as Tsukuyomi. He was in front of him and since he had been standing there he had been receiving further cuts on the back of his legs, arms and actual back. The damage to his body would surely be starting to weigh on him.

All Tsukuyomi had to keep doing was keep himself safe. However, right now he was in a bad position. While Shokan had sacrificed a good portion of his own body by getting so close to him Tsukuyomi could feel the heat coming off of the white haired Kawada. In fact even now after only a fraction of a moment had passed while Shokan was receiving cuts Tsukuyomi's hands and the front of his body was starting to blister from the heat and burning effects. It'd only take another few moments until his skin was burnt red or worse and he'd be unable to continue. Whatever ability this white fire was there was only one thing that Tsukuyomi had by comparison and he wouldn't resort to using that form ever again.

So that had been why he flicked his zanpakuto. Now the green moon that was passing by Shokan suddenly changed color. The green that the moon had been turned shimmering gold. As that happened the white fire that was spreading from Shokan and getting ever closer to Tsukuyomi burning his skin actually started to move backwards towards Shokan. No wait that wasn't right the fire was moving into the moon! It was much slower than the green moons had been moving at only 250 speed, but this golden moon was absorbing the white fire of Shokan. It was keeping it from burning Tsukuyomi and Shokan from victory.

The moon would only now be moving into the view of Shokan from his right side it had been behind him while it changed and started to absorb his reiatsu. The white fire all of it that he had expelled from his body as an attack was absorbed. Tsukuyomi now stood his zanpakuto getting ever closer as Shokan would look almost certainly shocked. In that moment though the golden moon also started to grow in size almost double what it had been. It was the normal size of a basketball being two and a half feet in size while now it was pushing four and a half feet.

"Who said that you'd have the chance to win cousin? I don't remember ever saying that my power is from this family. If you're truly a phoenix then rise from this!" Tsukuyomi's zanpakuto finally managed to get back in his right hand just as he finished speaking and when it did it was swung upwards as fast as Tsukuyomi could possibly manage. He couldn't slash aiming from the left hip to the right shoulder any faster as he executed Bringer Flash a small amount of silver reiatsu burst around his wrist. His zanpakuto would slash upwards at 5x his normal speed with all his strength truly trying to overcome his cousin in this match of power.

SPOILER: Click to show

Technique Name: Tentai Musaboru Hito (Celestial Devourer)
Effects: When this technique is activated, Tsukiyomi selects a moon that he currently controls. The surface of the moon shimmers, turning gold, and any damage that the moon has suffered is instantly repaired. This moon becomes a Hungry Moon, and remains that way until another technique changes it. Hungry Moons have a speed of 250.

Hungry Moons possess the normal properties of a moon, albeit somewhat modified. They attract reiatsu techniques, but they do so much more effectively. Techniques require 50% superiority to Tsukiyomi’s offensive stat, or double the speed compared to his offensive strength, in order to escape the attraction. If they don’t possess that, they’re dragged into the moon. What makes the moon special however, is that it devours reiatsu. Reiatsu that touches the Hungry Moon that doesn’t possess at least 50% superior offensive strength is devoured by the Hungry Moon. And when the Hungry Moon devours reiatsu, it grows. Moons start out as big as a basketball, 2.5 feet in circumference, and every time the moon devours reiatsu, it increases in size by 1.75x size. This can spiral out of control incredibly quickly, and thus people have to avoid feeding the Moon.

Tsukuyomi-No-Mikoto: 5/7

Remaining Reiatsu: 485/2160
Bringer Flash: {-50}
Tentai Musaboru Hito: {-400}

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Tsukiyomi was strong, Shōkan acknowledged this. Very strong. That release of his was quite troublesome, and his abilities and skills were top notch for his level. He hadn't even scrathced his ful potential yet. Shōkan knew that Tsukiyomi could, and would be an invaluable member of the Kawada Clan... If Shōkan had anything to say about the matter that is. Here, he would defeat his cousin, and show him the true path he should take. 'Lead by example.'

Tsukiyomi heavily surprised Shōkan when he essentially negated his trump card. It appeared he had the baility to change those moons of his at will to whatsoever type he chose, not only the ones that omitted a cutting aura. It appeared that this new, golden moon would absorb reitsu based offenses, given that he no longer felt the mild cutting aura from that direction. Speaking of the cutting aura, Shōkan was beginning to feel the effects of it. While thus far he had recieved mostly superficial wounds from it, they were beginning to add up and take their toll.

'It's now or never.' Shōkan couldn't lose this. This battle had evolved into more than just a spar, it had evolved into a battle of wills, of ideology. This was necessary for Shōkan to make Tsukiyomi realize the untapped potential he could achieve, if he only recognized his heritage. He had to learn, that all of his power was only his, because of his anscestors before him. Shōkan may have been weak, a mere fraction of a shadow of his former self, but he had put himself through backbreaking training every single day since his return, training his body to the limits.

He was faster than Tsukiyomi. He was stronger than Tsukiyomi. And so was his will, so was HIS philosophy, the ideology handed down to him from his father, and he from his father, for thousands of years! Not only that, but Shōkan had far more experience in combat than Tsukiyomi did, and he recognized the moment in every battle that decided the victor. This was that moment. If he couldn't earn Tsukiyomi's respect here... He never would. Taking in all of this in but a few brief moments, Shōkan had his plan in place.

Tsukiyomi was slashing at him, fast, very fast, over twice as fast as Shōkan could achieve normally. Fortunately for Shōkan, he could achieve much faster than Tsukiyomi was currently moving. With that green orb out of the way, Shōkan finally had a direct line to Tsukiyomi, furthermore, he was close, far closer than he had ever been since he began getting serious. With all of this in mind, Shōkan finally made his move. Even as Tsukiyomi was swinging at him, attempting to defeat him head to head... 'That was your mistake, Tsukiyomi' Shōkan utilized Senka.

Moving so fast (4620), and being so near, that Tsukiyomi wouldn't even have time to register that Shōkan had moved before two holes would appear in his chest. With Shōkan's mastery of Senka, he would be able to aim his strikes, so that he missed the soul chains, and any vital organs. Still two holes in the middle of a man's chest is life threatening, organs or not. Shōkan would do his best to carry Tsukiyomi back to the manor and medical attention, but damn, his cousin sure cut him up badly.

-100 reitsu ~ Senka
350/900 remaining

[Zeich Yajuu]

This... was a rather sudden ending. While I'm sure that you got Asmo's permission to simply claim the fight was over at that point, in the future it would be best to let a decisive blow's description fall on the one taking it. That way it doesn't look like a godmod and such, and in the case of a joint training, will earn you all a bit more TP. Just a suggestion in the future.

84 Paragraphs = 420 TP each.
Shokan: 250 TP converted; final rewards: 125 SP, 170 CTP.
Tsukiyomi: 420 TP converted; final rewards: 210 SP.