Canon KE-4: Fate Of The King

[Kento Waffles]

Name: [Canon KE-4: Fate Of The King]

Participants: [Anyone who was previously in one of the KEs, plus one new RPC]

Location: [Karakura Town]

Difficulty Level: [Medium-Extreme]

Setting: [DE]

Plotline: [Saeki Kuchiki promised two more battles between her forces and Soul Society before Soul Society fell. The first of those battles is an appearance in Karakura Town, the town in the human world with the highest concentration of spiritual particles. She has thrown up invisible pillars surrounding the town in preparation for vaporizing it to create a King's Key, which would allow her access to the Spirit King himself. A plan not dissimilar from the first war against the Espada of Las Noches. But Saeki doesn't just have her forces waiting for battle. They're scattered throughout the town, setting up more pillars as contingency in case some of the others are destroyed. They need to be FOUND. And, separately, Saeki Kuchiki too must be found...

Major NPCs who will be present: Petrov, Ryunosuke Hamada, Steve Lee, Hiroshi Shihoin]

Estimated Enemy Strength: [4-1]

Estimated Time Until Completion: [3-4 pages]

Starts: [Now]

Special Conditions: [3 participants maximum. Participants can use more than one of their RPCs at once, but must consolidate posts. The difficulty varies. It is medium by default, but depending on what you choose to do, it can go all the way up to Extreme. It depends on how bold you are.]

[Kimiko Shihoin]

Joining 

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

Squad Captain Harle descending upon this thread.

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

OOC: Well, Squad 3 has a stake here, so he is here... I went ahead, so here is an intro.

It was a grim day. It was sunny, and it was slightly windy over Karakura Town. By standards of Human World, this was merely any other day. For Humans, this was merely Tuesday. But for Soul Society, this was a grim day. A day of battle. Of war. Saeki Kuchiki escaped her imprisonment, and in doing so not only declared war on Seireitei, but has also damaged forces of Gotei 13 significantly. But, that was not the only thing. No. Brave, bold, foolish, or stupid perhaps, that was she. For who would even dare to not suggest, but claim with certainty that it would take only two more battles to crush and defeat Soul Society? Not even the Vandenreich ever managed to do so, and Vandenreich was entire Quincy empire, mustering an army that included over four fifths of all battle capable Quincy. And Gotei 13 won that war. So it was foolish, no, blasphemous, to believe that Gotei 13 would fall to one of its traitors. There were many throughout its 33,000 years of history, and they were all defeated one way or another, and Saeki Kuchiki would be no difference. At least, those were the thoughts of one man. Thoughts of one important man. It was Captain of Squad 3, Alexander Kuma-Hebi, that believed so. To him, this would be merely another day at the office, slaughtering enemies of Gotei 13 and all Soul Society, putting them to justice by his sword.

And he was thinking about this as he was rushing over the roofs at high speed, rushing to get to Senkaimon. Human World Monitoring Center, run by his squad, Squad 3, has finally picked something up. Unusual spiritual activity in Karakura Town, and presence of high-profile criminals that took part in staging the escape of Saeki Kuchiki. It was some fifteen minutes ago. As soon as he had data, he sent it to Squads 1 and 12, and was quickly given response via Hell Butterfly. Message he received was short, but he understood it well. "Emulating Azeru-Cho. Depart immediately. Team being sent in." Alexander immediately rushed towards Senkaimon following those orders. It was extreme emergency by itself, presence of Saeki Kuchiki's cronies, but this message was making it even more dire. Alexander knew what Azeru-Cho attempted to do at Karakura Town. He tried to forge a King's Key, and it took lives of entire Captain line-up of that time to stop him, as well as many more lower ranked officers. And orders were telling him that whomever exactly was there, as readings were not exact enough, was trying to repeat that. Alexander remembered what Azeru-Cho tried, it was well documented at least. And Alexander was first line of defense that Gotei 13 was sending in.

It was expected, after all, he was Captain of Squad 3, and he was not going to sit idly while maniacs and criminals were attempting to kill his King. Well, while they were trying to get their ugly traitor hands on the means to do so. As he arrived at Senkaimon gate, it was already being prepared for his departure, all emergency mechanisms were in place, and Squad 13 has been alarmed. But still, he had some seconds to wait. However, he suddenly heard a voice in his head, he recognized it. It was Bakudo that was used for long-range communication, Tenteikura. It was not Alexander's first time to receive messages through it, so he focused on the voice. Voice, that, turns out, belonged to Sqad 1 Vice Captain, Amagai Kuchiki. "Captain Kuma-Hebi, please listen before you head in. This is extremely dangerous mission. According to Squad 12, they are attempting to use machines to vaporize Karakura Town to forge King's Key. We couldn't pinpoint their location, so your task is to find them and destroy them, all of them. Lethal force is authorized as well, if you meet any enemies, there is no need to drag them back here for trial. Task force is being assembled as we speak, most likely they will be there a few minutes after you. That is all." With that, voice inside Alexander's head faded. Alexander himself grinned. "Understood.", he said, despite knowing Amagai could not hear him, it was customary for him to do so despite one-way nature of Tenteikura. Lethal force was allowed, and Alexander was confident. He knew he was going forward, perhaps to his own death. But, for Soul Society, and Gotei 13, he was going to at least take all of those criminal, traitorous degenerates with him.

With Senkaimon opened, he took a deep breath, and stepped forward, into that fine day in Human World, and into a grim battle of war against the foes of Soul Society.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}
Strength - [(400+100)*2.75=1375] Points
Speed - [(300+100)*2.75=1100] Points
Spiritual Pressure - [300] Points
Reiatsu Strength - [(300+100)*2=800] Points
Light Aura - [50] Points
Dark Aura - [50] Points
Instinct - [150] Points
Senses - [150] Points
Energy sensory - [0] Points
Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: [1600] Points


[Weapons: Swords] {4}
[Hakuda] {3}
[Battle Analysis] {3}
[Strength of Will] {3}
[Damage Recovery] {1}

[Kento Waffles]

Sasuke's theme?!

Karakura Town was a ghost town. Arriving there, Kimiko, Alexander, and Harle would see deserted streets. Not a soul on them. Not a whisper of the lives that had lived. They'd be able to sense people, but none of the people were in the streets. All of them were in their homes. Checking the homes out, they'd find people that were in comas, unable to be woken up. There wasn't even a presence for Hollows in Karakura at this moment. Karakura, which normally had many Hollows, had been systematically cleared of them. With the Hollows gone and the people dormant, the reiatsu signatures of all of Saeki's followers were extremely easy to detect. Tracking them wouldn't be a problem.

Elsewhere, another huge reiatsu materialized. It was on the other side of town, far enough away that weak sensors wouldn't be able to detect it. Those who could, however, would recognize the appearance of Squad 6's Captain, Sozen Kuchiki. Atop a large flagpole, gazing around himself at the deserted city, Sozen's scarlet eyes flicked back and forth, keeping a careful gaze out, looking for enemies. There were none in his vicinity. Thus, headed off to find his sister Saeki, Sozen vanished immediately with a flash step, going toward wherever she was most likely to be. Of course, he knew her just as she knew him. He would know where she'd locate herself.

For the three Captains that had presently arrived, there would be only this quiet setting. The hot afternoon sun burned down overhead. It was certainly dry here, and they would be able to feel the hydration leaving their bodies. The temperatures were close to one hundred and ten degrees farenheit. This was not a pleasant place to be right now. A day in the spring which felt more like summer than anything else, this town was quiet. The sound of bugs in the air was proliferant, with only the most modest of other creatures around. Even the little critters had vacated the place. This town now belonged to the flies and the mosquitoes. And, it also belonged to the Captains and to Saeki Kuchiki.

With three gathered Captains, one might expect enemies to greet them, yet none did. No, instead, they were just left there. If they went off to signatures of reiatsu, they'd find people. Otherwise, they could do other things. To the South, one could detect Hiroshi Shihoin. To the North, one could detect the Bount Petrov and the Mod Soul Steve Lee. To the West, one could detect the traitorous Jinbei Kawada. And to the East... a foreign reiatsu that none of them had detected before. Suddenly, a flicker, like a small candle being illuminated. Then, it was gone again. Then, back again. Wandering into view, there was a man with sandy straw hair and a kimono for relaxing.

He was holding what was clearly a Zanpakuto, but it was chipped and cracked and ruined. His body was covered in scars and cuts, and he was bleeding profusely. One of his eyes had even been torn clean out of its socket, and was hanging out of his face along with blood pouring down. The man with the sandy hair collapsed to his knees before the Captains, and stared at them, mouthing the words, Save...us... before at last collapsing onto the hot pavement, which began to burn his skin. Just what kind of Hell had they all walked into now? There was no telling. Still, they would easily be able to find and engage with their enemies... But there were also other options now.

---

The high rise buildings all around made for a fitting surrounding in this setting of deserted street. Here now one could see that there were two whose fates had been linked since the day they were born. One was a man who from being a boy had been told that he needed to be strong, ruthless, and sometimes even cruel. He had wanted to do things in a kind fashion--without killing, but it had been impossible. Years of being made to torture people, of realizing how corrupt and brutal the world was... All of it had led to this man today. The man they called 29th Head of the Kuchiki Family, Sozen Kuchiki. Yet, in his youth, even he had been unable to take the life of his beloved younger sister. So now, centuries later, he faced her instead.

Standing opposite him was a young girl who from the day she was born had possessed the inherent ability to read the souls of others in a way unlike any before her. She knew everything. The ugliness of all people. The corruption. And this had driven her, even at a tender adolescence, to attempt to stage a revolution. Being born into the greatest of all nobility, with the power level that she possessed, success was only a matter of course for a woman as clever as Saeki Kuchiki. Had her opponent not been Sozen Kuchiki, it was practically guaranteed that her original revolution would have succeeded. But... her larger overall plan? This one very well might succeed.

"Saeki..." Sozen said by way of greeting. Scarlet eyes met with sapphire, and they regarded each other with utmost ferocity. Sozen's disdain was palpable, as was Saeki's smug amusement. "You can kill me now, can't you?" Saeki asked rhetorically. She wasn't puzzled or curious. No, she knew. She knew the answer, and exactly what it was that Sozen could do now. After she had given him darkness in his heart. "I can sense it. You've changed. You've embraced the darkness, haven't you?" Sozen remained unamused, watching Saeki now. How could he be amused after all she had done? All the trouble that she had given him. Now was the time to end all of that.

"There won't be any escaping, Saeki," Sozen said. "Oh I know!" Saeki, without missing a beat, replied as if she had known what he was going to say... Which, technically, she did. "My goal wasn't to escape. It was to crush you. You think that you TOOK power from me? I knew your plan and I let it happen. I planned for it to happen. So that the darkness in your heart would overcome and destroy you." Sozen looked rather irritated at that point. And he was. "You'll regret giving me that power," he challenged. And suddenly, with a destructive, malevolent grin, the Kuchiki Head's reiatsu flared around him, and Sozen clapped his hands together.

Music more

A green circle of light exploded out from around his body, tinged with his dark red reiatsu, and encased both Sozen and Saeki. Within, green light created a six point star in the interior, and the glow of the thing bathed them in ominous emerald light. Sozen's eyes took on a slight green tinge, and he glared at Saeki coldly, though she didn't look surprise. "After having used it even once, replicating it for my own use was child's play," Sozen explained. "Now you can't escape from me." Saeki, however, only laughed and laughed and laughed. "Me? Escape?" she asked incredulously. "SOZEN, YOU'VE FALLEN INTO MY TRAP! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Then, her face grew serious, and she held her Zanpakuto out in front of her.

"Bankai...."

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

Alright. Karakura Town. A place where people lived. Where greatest spiritual population in Human World existed. Bustling, living, breathing town. Alexander Has been before, yes. But now. Place was dead. There was no one in the streets. It was a ghost town. It was enough to make Alexander smile. Because he like it this way. To him, it was simple. No one around equaled more freedom for destruction. It was not like he even bothered caring about people. But he wouldn't want to hurt his fellow Captains. Because a few moments after him, they arrived. Kaijin Quinn, Captain of Squad 2. Kimiko Shihoin, Captain of Squad 7. As far as Alexander was concerned, they were yet to prove their worth as leaders and warriors, as he has been a Captain way longer than them. But still, it was good having some aid with him, and not having to fight this war alone. Having allies meant no ambushes or attacks from the back while he fought his opponent of choice. He could simply enjoy the fight. But, well, could he? In reality, he was not here to fight. He was here to perform a duty, and a duty he intended to perform. Stop traitors. Take them to Soul Society... in body bags. Alexander chuckled a bit. They better sent out somebody with a mop and a bucket. Because after him, only thing remaining of those traitors will be blood stains and brain pieces all over the place. But, Alexander noticed important thing. Karakura was usually not this hot. As if someone turned on the heat. Maybe traitors did it, to even the playing field. Regardless, Alexander did not care. They were traitors, and only traitors deaths awaited them.

Instead of worrying, he addressed his fellow Captains. "Well, welcome to Sahara desert ladies. Today it's all about destroying mechanical contraptions, slaughtering traitors and of course, main event of the day, sunbathing. We need to put on some proper tan, don't we?" Yes, that was Alexander. He was relaxed, as he was always. But why would he be worried. It was merely another day at the office, and despite harsh situation that they were in, with prospects of not having to attend their own military funerals in little stone urns slim, and prospects of getting killed high, he was even cracking jokes. It was just who he was, but did he bother to take this seriously? It was simple. Either he came out on top and won, or someone else came out on top, above him, and he died. Alexander well knew what separated men like that, what decided these confrontations. But he was not going to reveal it to his fellow Captains. But he relaxed, for he knew. And that knowledge gave him comfort.

However, what caught his attention were scents. He picked up multiple scents from various directions. He started sniffing the air vigorously, trying to identify the smells. he couldn't do it precisely, but he could generally guess directions they came from and to what they belonged if not to who. "Well, well. We have company. Let me see. A Shinigami to the south, as well as to the west. To the north, smell is mixed up, but it's kinda like a Mod Soul smell and Bount smell, so it's probably a Bount and Mod Soul there. And to the east... well, fuck me if I ever smelled fucker like this. I want to know what that fucker is. So, Should we split or what? If we are splitting, I go east. If not, I still suggest we go east. So?" However, before any answer came from his fellow Captains, a Shinigami approached the group. He was injured, broken, half dead. After he pleaded with Captains to "save them all", eh dropped dead. Alexander sighed. A Shinigami life wasted. What a shame. Regardless, as group made the decision, Alexander jumped onto the roofs, it was easier route for him, and started jogging towards east. He wanted to get there and see what the strange smell was. And he was smiling... for battle awaited him.

[Kento Waffles]

First song!

Whatever the other two decided, Alexander was fast and had also left first, spontaneously blasting toward the East. Thus, he would be the first to arrive. He would be the first to see... The enormous crystal, sapphire in color, and standing three times his height and six times his width. It glowed more and more brightly with each passing second, pulsating as it illuminated itself, like a blinding blue star. This foreign object also carried with it a reiatsu of incredible fortitude. The pressure it exerted was unimaginable, something which only the likes of a Captain or stronger could stand up to. Were it anyone other than Alexander Kuma-Hebi, they may very well have been crushed by the weight of that crystal.

The majesty of the gem was unparalleled, but so too was the power. ...And worst of all, there was a timer on it. It was counting down. Quickly. From 14 seconds the moment that Alexander had arrived. 13... 12... It shouldn't take much of a mental leap to figure out what that thing was. Any Captain who was studied up on human world files knew what the Lacrima crystals were. They were a technological innovation highly compatible with reiatsu and spiritual power. Alexander, who led Squad 3, which was essentially a vanguard for human world exploration, should already know exactly what that thing was... And to see the signs of what it could do. 11... 10... 9...

A Lacrima that big, glowing like that, with unstable reiatsu flowing visibly out of it? Plus there was a timer on it counting down? It was an explosive Lacrima. A bomb. And anyone looking at it would be able to figure out that it was that sort of weaponized device. Yes, Alexander was looking at one of the biggest Lacrima imaginable, and he was looking at one which just so happened to be a bomb. An explosive of tremendous power. Something as big as that and as powerful? It could probably level the entire town. It could probably kill Alexander and his other two allies, and obliterate every soul in this city. And maybe that was the goal. But it could do that, without a doubt. 8... 7... 6...

It could do that unless Alexander, upon arriving and looking at it, decided to stop it. It was plausible that it might be destructible. This wasn't one of those movies where just destroying it would detonate it, after all. It wasn't as convenient a technology as that. If the core components were destroyed, perhaps it would stop functioning. Then again, that was just a "perhaps." Because the Lacrima was still a crystal used to store power. Destroy it, and that power might come flooding out. So then, what if he used his physical strength to carry it and leave it somewhere quickly using flash steps? It was a possibility of several. But he had to decide quickly what he wanted to do, or it would blow. 5... 4... 3...

---

More music!

Meanwhile, there stood Saeki, unfettered by Sozen Kuchiki. Between them had erected a huge, white barrier of reiatsu. Surrounding Saeki now also existed six huge, glowing swords from reiatsu. They floated around her, revolving constantly as she gazed upon her brother, he who was filled with the rage of the Circle of Evil. And yet, Sozen did not seem terribly intimidated either. He had his gaze focused intently on her, as if he knew that his victory was assured already. The glowing green star on his forehead glowed ever brightly, an emerald hue which must surely be the most intimidating. Were it anyone but Saeki Kuchiki, this battle would already have been decided.

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

Previous Day...[/color]

"Captain, we are ready to mobilize upon your command. A man shrouded in black knelt before French woman as she peered out into the vast wilderness of shadows. Only the moon light kept them company as a small garrison of those who refer to themselves as Tsunami stood at the ready. A flick of the wrist as her arm shot out to her side gave them her response. As such, just as they were never there did the members of Black Ops organization vanished into the night. Everything was going according to plan.

Harle stood at the highest point of the dead tree when her assassins dove into the shadows beneath them. Their orders were simple; maintain surveillance on Sozen Kuichiki, infiltrate the teams that were venturing out into the World of the Living the following day, and seek out the Prime targets in which that will provide further aid in the future. Yes, she was referring to the events that took place several months back at the prison. Such a tragedy that befell onto Soul Society. Criminals and traitors that were granted the highest marks in their criminal judicial system were now free and about in the world of the living. But that wasn't what caught the Captain's attention to the ruckus.

Saeki Kuichiki, and Jinbei Kawada. Two individuals that the woman sat her sights on when the reports flooded into her office after the incident took place. Although they were mentioned as rumors Harle was no fool to dismiss such things merely as "rumors." With activity heightening in every corner of the Seireitei the most noticeable actions were taken by the nobles, who definitely had a stake in this matter. Among the convicts the name Shihion was brought up. With so many familiar household names now running amok the families had no choice but to seek them out and destroy them.

Little did it matter what went on with their personal affairs, what Harle saw as a tragedy was also seen as an opportunity. Both convicts that bore the names Kuichiki and Kawada played a pivotal role in what was to come. As such it was imperative that Harle joined the coming operation that was to take place the next day. Fortunately, Squad 2 had already began preparations for another operation, but with the breakout the Captain decided to make better use of the soldiers and assassins she has under her disposal. With such juicy information Harle brought it upon herself to make the first move and embedded her Tsunami into the active forces that were being deployed into the mission area, Karakura Town.

Regardless of their ties to the families, both Saeki and Junbei both had their uses to the French woman, and she sought to use them to their up most.

Operation Day...

"Once we enterz ze gate, prepare yourzelfz and enitiate ze plan." The Captain cried out to the three dozen Shinigami that were armed and ready. Three separate divisions made up her offensive team, with a dozen in each group. They were to follow the Captain through the Senkaimon into the operation area. For their duties, Squad 2 was to provide recon as well as support when engaging the enemies. Aside from that they were to deal with the lesser of the enemy ranks before they can finish with their evil plans. As for Harle, she was going to be paying a visit to two individuals.

The gates opened and the small horde sprang forth into the light. "Squad 2, move out." She ordered as she took the lead into the light. And from there the open skies of Karakura Town met them. The operations group of Squad 2 fell from the sky as they parted ways from their Captain to deal with their own matters. That was when Harle met with the two other Captains, from Squad 3 Alexander Hebi, and Squad 7 Kimiko Shihoin. Just as she had previously thought that one other Noble would have participated with their operation since she did have reason for coming. But among the trio what did surprise her was the presence of the Squad 3 Captain.

A veteran of sorts among the group he is perceived to be one of the strongest on record with his natural abilities. However, would that have been enough? Harle didn't care as reinforcements came, and with them her Tsunami. Immediately did their groups scatter to handle their respected duties while the trio were left with the higher ranking opponents. But before they moved about themselves did Alex spoke. "Well, welcome to Sahara desert ladies. Today it's all about destroying mechanical contraptions, slaughtering traitors and of course, main event of the day, sunbathing. We need to put on some proper tan, don't we? Well, well. We have company. Let me see. A Shinigami to the south, as well as to the west. To the north, smell is mixed up, but it's kinda like a Mod Soul smell and Bount smell, so it's probably a Bount and Mod Soul there. And to the east... well, fuck me if I ever smelled fucker like this. I want to know what that fucker is. So, Should we split or what? If we are splitting, I go east. If not, I still suggest we go east. So?"

Of course his analysis was correct as never before did the city of Karakura was plagued by such heat. Beyond the usual activity that ran about in the city Harle hadn't experienced such a drought on the land before. A bit unusual to say the least, including the lack of Hollow activity as well. That was another concern that riddled the woman's mind as they ventured into the city. From what the Squad 3 Captain mentioned earlier was the signs of four individuals, each one occupying a different vicinity. One to the East, South, and West. All of the them unique and strong in their sense, but Harle didn't waiver. If anything she was motivated, even further when they were approached by one of their own.

A single Shinigami carved from head to toe, leaving a stained path of blood soiled garments. His words mourned at their loss and reported to them what the Shinigami feared most. The words "save them all" brought such a weight onto the woman's heart as he gave his last breath for aid. And damn well will they receive that aid. But before such thing could take place did a single Hell Butterfly made port on the Jester's shoulder. The pale white face turned to meet with the messenger and simply answered the silent message with a nod. Like her sensory skills alerted the woman that her targets took over the West and Southern regions of the city. So naturally, that was were her presence was most needed.

Not only for her own personal mission, but the mission that the Seireitei called upon her for. Even with Alex's suggestion, the best option was to split from the group and cover more ground as their individual forces cleared out the lesser opponents. While Alex took to the East, Harle took to the West. While not as fast as Alex, the Captain of Squad 2 can surely retreat if need be with her speed if the situation proved to be unfavorable. Harle knew all too well that she wasn't able to fight for prolonged periods of time, so as such, she had to end her fights quickly before she ran out of energy and time. But first things first, Jinbei Kawada.

At this time both Harle and the few members of Tsunami should have already been on scene as per their mission directives. However, a fraction of those few were to maintain a visual on the other Prime Target, Saeki. Little did Harle know that Sozen would be there as well to face off against her. She had to finish quickly while obtaining what was needed. That time was against her as she took to the roof tops before nearing her target area. Shortly after did the woman took to the shadows of the buildings with her spirit being concealed as she moved about.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}

[Overall Points - 1600]

Type: ( Shadow - Level 3 )

Strength - [100] (/2) = 50 Points

Speed - [300] Points + (150%) = [750]

Spiritual Pressure - [400] - (40%) = [240]

Reiatsu Strength - [400] Points + (60%) = [640]

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [175] Points (-25%) = [131]

Senses [125] Points (-25%) = [93]

Energy sensory - [100] Points + (50%) = 150

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


1. Stealth - [2]

2. Acrobatics - [2]

3. Special Skill: Hoho - [2]

4. Weapon: Throwing Knives - [2]

5. Martial Arts - Taekwondo - [2]

6. Special Skill: Reiatsu Manipulation - [3]

7. Strength of Will - [2]

[Kimiko Shihoin]

Arriving through the other side of the Senkaimon gate with her arms crossed over her chest the Captain of the Police Division out to the surroundings. She at the moment was standing on a street that had no active movement. It was the middle of the day and by the same merit she couldn't hear any kind of movement nor activity from the citizens of Karakura. This wasn't her first time here. Kimiko knew how loud the people of this town normally were even without the unexplained accidents to scare them.

That meant that there had to be some sort of reason for why she wasn't picking up anything at the moment. Squatting down and taking her hands apart from one another only to have them both hang flexed at her sides. In the next instant the Captain jumped from the street causing a large shockwave that crushed the ground causing a crater to form from her strength as she was propelled upwards into the sky. Higher and higher she went until everything in the town was small and she could see everything.

Reaching maximum altitude Kimiko focused her reiatsu creating an air ground beneath her feet. It was so much easier to manipulate the reiatsu of the human world as opposed to Soul Society making things like this so much easier. Now standing full height roughly eight hundred feet off the ground Kimiko looked out across Karakura Town. She had the vantage point that would take either of the other Captains a tad bit longer to achieve. She had more than one reason to be here and failure towards anything was unacceptable.

There were towers already in place that would need to be destroyed which Kimiko knew the Captain Commander would take care of more than likely by sending in other Captains or capable Vice Captains or Third Seats. If need be than Kimiko would take care of the main towers that surrounded the town right now. She was here for something else though. The Captain Commander had been very specific regarding what he wanted her to handle. It was believed that Seaki's forces were putting other towers in place in the town in case the main were destroyed.

So it was simple keep her forces from placing more of the towers and destroy the ones that were already up before she could vaporize Karakura. The reiatsu of everyone else in the town was easy enough for Kimiko to sense. There was Harle, Alexander and now Sozen made his appearance as well. It seemed that someone had found the other two Captains and warned them along with begged them to save them. Kimiko could sense the location of all of the enemies and didn't feel like leaving anything to chance.

She was the Captain of the Police and while this wasn't in Soul Society Seaki and the majority of her allies were prisoners that had broken out. It was her job not only to prevent them from success, but to lock them back up. Bringing her zanpakuto off her back and holding it out in front of her she knew what she had to do. "Reveal Thee Self, Haunzu." In the next moment shadows of darkness enveloped the zanpakuto only to then shatter a few moments later. Kimiko was holding one of the small black and grey wolf pups of her zanpakuto. "I'm going to need you to do your best Haunzu make sure you get everything." With a small nod of its head the wolf pledged his loyalty.

Kimiko suddenly began to rip the wolf apart with her bare hands ripping his legs off from his body only to then throw them across the town. Wait that wasn't quite right she was throwing them to specific spots in the town. One to the West. Kimiko could sense the Kawada there that she had interest in facing in hand to hand combat. Another leg was thrown done below her to the dead corpse of the man that had pleaded for help. Then finishing off the remaining two legs, his head and tail were all thrown to the four towers at the edges of the town.

Her plan was set in motion and in the next instant the original Haunzu that had arrived from activing Shikai had already regenerated his missing body parts completely. Holding onto him with her right arm Kimiko squatted down once again and then shot off causing another shockwave in the sky as she propelled herself across the town in an instant to the South. Hiroshi Shihoin would have to answer for his actions against Okami by facing her this time. Kimiko would let go of Haunzu a few blocks away from his location having him fall down onto the top of a building where he'd be able to look over the exchange from a distance.

Kimiko would crash onto the ground causing another massive crater to form as she reached his location. She'd been able to watch over the entire battle between Hiroshi and her cousin when they had all escaped. She knew some of his techniques and abilities and that damned technique known as the Circle of Evil. He had seen her there as well however he had seen her the same way that she was right now. With slanted eyes and no wolf. Hiroshi would be able to sense that her zanpakuto was released, but would have no idea what it actually was meaning that she had the advantage for the moment. "It's time that we have a talk Hiroshi-Senpai."

Remaining Reiatsu: 1000/1000
Shiaki (Class 7): {-0}

[Kento Waffles]

Harle's arrival before her enemy would involve surprise. More accurately, there should be complete shock. All of the Tsunami agents that had been sent to this area in advance lay ruined on the ground, their blood excreted from their bodies like oily urine. They were left dead, in pieces even. Yet, they had been left recognizable, specifically for Harle. Their shocked eyes were clearly visible, gazing out and begging for hope--for mercy even. Yet there would be none. They had been released to the next world. Their lives had been forfeit. And now, as they lay there and Harle gazed upon them, she would see their culprit, the old man with the rippling arms, the bald head, and the huge fists.

The old man whose veins stuck out of his body like an ungodly cartoon. He was huge... Towering over Harle with a massive shadow in the blazing sun. He was more than a man. He was a legend. Jinbei Kawada had been the man who had propelled the Kawada to their peak. He was also the reason the Shihoin had been willing to risk everything in war. And he was among the most feared warriors ever to come from the Soul Society. In the history known of him, he had been bested only once... And it had been by Sozen Kuchiki, utilizing an evil magic stolen from Saeki. Jinbei Kawada was not someone to be taken lightly... Even if he was reported by Sozen to have been stripped of his powers.

His fists covered in dripping blood, Jinbei noted Harle as she approached. How he detected her before she came into visual was a mystery she could puzzle or forget. But as it was, he knew that she was there, evidenced by his speaking. "Tsunami was an organization created by my grandson..." Jinbei spoke bitterly. "It was for the glory of the Kawada Family... Our iron fist." His fists clenched more tightly, knuckles white, blood rushing to the hand, ready to be spilled. And Jinbei's eyes filled with unholy rage. "That they serve you now, an outsider, is betrayal. And traitors deserve only death... And soon you can join them if you'll only step forward..."

---

"...Step forward, and I can educate you," came the words of Hiroshi Shihoin. The other side of the coin from Jinbei Kawada was Hiroshi, who had so feared the Kawada Family beneath Jinbei and later Kochikochi that he had revolted and cost the Shihoin Family everything. Yet because of that fear of what could happen, he had been willing to risk everything. He had committed horrible crimes, paid a horrible gamble, and lost. And he had paid dearly. But now, here he was, having taken yet another gamble in the name of his family--siding with Saeki Kuchiki. He had overcome Okami, and now here he was to face yet another Shihoin Captain, Kimiko.

"Kimiko is your name, right? It's clear by how you talk to Okami that you think you can lead better than he does. That's also clear by how you've come here without allies, despite what happened to Okami. I might think you arrogant. Or I might think you stupid. But it doesn't matter what I think. You're a Captain. You have both Bankai and physical ability that's denied to commoners. If you weren't a Shihoin, you'd be heralded as a genius. So why not make better use of that? Why follow a family with a Head that lacks conviction? You could join with me instead. Join us. When Saeki Kuchiki leads Soul Society, the Shihoin will be stronger than ever before, an indomitable force."

Hiroshi was someone who did things that were morally condemned. But he was also someone who loved and cared for his family. It was a duplicitous role. Two men had betrayed Soul Society to protect their families. Jinbei Kawada and Hiroshi Shihoin had gone to extreme measures for supremacy. Kimiko didn't have the age or experience to know just how terrifying Saeki Kuchiki could be, but surely she had to have amazing power to have convinced both Jinbei and Hiroshi that to join her would be a superior arrangement. To betray their positions, they had to have been absolutely sure of her victory. So, what was it that Kimiko didn't know that made Saeki so absolute?

---

A huge blast of fire erupted forth, crashing through and obliterating Saeki's barrier immediately. Following it was a spear fashioned from black reiatsu--a technique stolen from Jinbei Kawada, courtesy of the Circle of Evil that even Sozen now employed. Saeki's eyes went wide. The swords circled around her, forming a quick line of defense. Yet it was useless. The fire whipped around her, burning and hot, and the spear exploded into black flames against the swords of light. These shattered as the hot blazes everywhere began to stain Saeki with burns. In that instant, Sozen appeared before her, sword crashing down.

Of course, using her sensory abilities, Saeki was able to side step long before he arrived. However, the black flames that had been the exploded spear suddenly reformed into the spear. Saeki sensed that, too, and took another step just as it came for her. She even flipped over it as it exploded again. Still, even with sensory, she had limitations. Blades flew through the air, extending out of Sozen's now red Zanpakuto. In the midst of it all, he had entered a Shikai state. Two blades crashed past her, slashing across her stomach and causing her to hit the ground and roll across it, gasping. Saeki was also quick to struggle to her feet, and Sozen, marching on her, was grinning.

His power was the highest it had ever been. That dark, twisted reiatsu danced around him as he grabbed Saeki by the hair, hoisting her up. "Didn't I tell you?! You can't beat me, Saeki... I overcame Kuroi and Adalo and even the Vandenreich. While you were locked in your prison, I became powerful. Too powerful... even for you." Saeki started muttering to herself, preparing her own spell. Sozen threw her away, and rushed at her. A quick slash as she spun in mid air found her back, and blood sprayed out. From that blood, more blades rained down toward her from many angles. Saeki, struggling against Sozen, looked doomed if things went on as they did.

[Kimiko Shihoin]

Making her way out of the crater that she had just caused to form upon landing back on the ground the Captain of the Seven Division listened to Hiroshi as he spoke. It seemed even though that they were family he didn't wish to great her with any pleasant remarks. Immediately he tried to take on the tone of someone that stood higher than her. Kimiko had a strange history being taught by others. Hiroshi had been a Captain and at one point the Head of the Shihoin Family. She knew he was powerful and what he could do, but he wasn't the strongest person she'd fought and even then he wouldn't be the strongest teacher of hers if she was willing to listen.

"Well Hiroshi-senpai you have a few things mistaken. First and foremost whether or not I believe that I can lead our family better than Okami doesn't matter. Right now he is the one that overlooks our family. It falls on him to make sure that we are kept safe. Just as it was your role in the past to do the same. Just like it will be my role in the future. Unlike Okami who harbors hatred towards you for betraying Soul Society I don't. You were the Head trying to do the best that you could to protect your family. In a world where doing the worst is so much easier. As for me being here by myself that's simply because I don't wish to put others in harms way. I'm very different than Harle of Division Two."

Kimiko was now out of the crate and starring down Hiroshi with her slanted pupils as she saw through the eyes of all her wolves. A view on virtually everything that was happening in Karakura Town. She could see the countless fallen Shinigami of what was called the Tsunami. Jinbei angry with Harle giving her fare warning that if she planned to fight him he'd kill her. She could see herself standing a roughly ten feet from Hiroshi through the eyes of Haunzu at the top of a building a few blocks away. Just as she could now see all four of the major towers that had been put in place already. Finally the body of the man with the straw hat was so metallic.

Haunzu sniffed the air and began to trace back the path that the fallen individual had walked during his final moments. He would make no noise as he walked throughout the streets of Karakura until he found the source of where the man had originally been when he started to bleed. As for the main four towers right now they were under surveillance. If need be all of them could be destroyed within a few moments. At the moment though Kimiko needed to make sure that no one find out she already had a massive advantage on the battle field.

"I have to refuse your offer to join Senpai. I don't plan on following someone that needs to gain control through war. My turn to be the Head of the Shihoin family will come. It's my job as the future successor to learn from everything that occurred in the past and make sure to set us forward. That includes what happened with you and Jinbei. You're not the only one that feels as if they're set to face off against someone so powerful that our family might one day become slaves. The Kuchiki hold more power now than any of you realize. Sensei Kenryoku is gone now as is Master Enma which leaves only myself in the near future."

"I'm ready to clash off against you Senpai in order to prove to you that there is still a chance for our family to survive without selling ourselves to someone else. I'm sorry that it's come to this though. I wish that I could just give you enough hope that you would redeem your name. The name that at one point brought pride and strength to our family." Kimiko was finished she was done saying what needed to be said to Hiroshi. She didn't want to clash off against him for he was family, but he was also a criminal and one that it seemed only she would be facing here which meant everything was on her now.

Shikai: 2/7

[Kento Waffles]

MUSIC!

"For a moment, I really thought that you understood..." Hiroshi admitted sadly. "You can acknowledge that I did the best that I could, but you can't acknowledge what I do now. You just don't understand the depth of the treachery around you." This was a different Hiroshi Shihoin than had been viewed by Okami. Hiroshi, in Okami's story, was a man that had hated his brother--Okami's father, for not acknowledging what had been perceived by many an imminent, inevitable threat. And so for the murder of his father and the difficulties faced by the Shihoin after their failed rebellion, Okami hated and despised Hiroshi. To him, Hiroshi was no longer family. He was an enemy.

"If you're afraid slavery or demise like I am, then why are you against me?! If you're facing threats like that, why won't you join us? Together, we can KILL THEM ALL!" In Kimiko's story, Hiroshi Shihoin was a lonely man and a former Head of the Shihoin Family. He had reigned during a time of political strife, when the machinations of Ginrei Kuchiki and Jinbei Kawada threatened the balance of power. Quick expansion of the Kawada power and aggressive policies by a Kuchiki family that did not want anyone growing against them had established a dynamic of obedience and subservience for the families weaker than them. The Shihoin had been among those families.

"You know that the Kuchikis are strong... You just said it yourself. I know Sozen Kuchiki, too... I watched him grow up. I was there the day he was born, and I knew him when he was a Lieutenant in your squad. Do you know what they called him and Azumi Kasumi'Oji? 'Blood bonded,' because they built their friendship on how many people they slaughtered together on their missions. I saw Sozen Kuchiki mediate a struggle between two minor noble families by systematically killing every single one of their top brass and inserting his agents from within both families into the head positions. And he did that as a fucking CHILD. Now that he's a man, and a veteran with experience at that, he's more dangerous than Jinbei was! AND YOU WON'T SIDE WITH ME TO KILL HIM?!"

It was well known that Sozen was ruthless. That was how he had managed to install so many Kuchiki Captains. Kyomei, Hokori, Hotaru... And they weren't even the only ones of that generation. A time ago, there had also been Ryuu, Botan, and Iro. One of those had become a member of Central 46, another had rebuilt Seireitei's walls and ascended to Zero Division. The influence that the Kuchiki family had was vast. Their power was immeasurable. Kimiko might one day find herself in a very similar situation to what Hiroshi had found himself in when he'd stepped into the role of Head. Here was Hiroshi, a lonely man, deserted in love by his whole family because he had tried to stop them from being enslaved and slaughtered.

"I'm not wrong, Kimiko..." Hiroshi implored her to hear. "Okami thinks that I'm wrong, and you think that I'm disgraced, but I'm not. If you don't act soon, then the Shihoin Family...our family... Then they're going to be destroyed, Kimiko. All of them. There's only one salvation. We need to kill ALL of our fucking enemies. We need to destroy the Kuchikis, bury the Kasumi'Ojis..." It seemed as if Hiroshi was close to tears, just thinking about what might happen. Yes, though he had done horrible things, it had not been in the name of power, but survival. It was done out of love for his family. And now, he was a bitter old man from a dead generation.

Reiatsu started to pour off of his body. It was noticeable that since Kimiko had seen him last, he had regained some of the weight that he'd lost, and his skin had regained some color. He had rejuvenated a bit, though his hair had still turned gray and his eyes remained sunken. So Hiroshi pulled forth his blade and held it toward Kimiko. Its glean could be seen with the hot sun around them. All at once, all of the wolves watching Kimiko and Hiroshi would find fangs dig into their backs as they were set upon by horrid, huge, vicious looking spiders. "Well, fine, then..." Hiroshi said. "If you want to fight, then let's fucking do it. If I have to kill you for the sake of our family's survival, then I can easily...."

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

She knew what was to come by taking on the man known as one of the strongest ever produced my the Soul Society. The name known as Jinbei Kawada. The man who was also Captain Kenryoku's grandfather, who elevated the Noble House of Kawada to its pinnacle. He who encouraged a rebellion that ensnared the Shihoin family in their uprising. He who IS considered the most powerful Kawada to have lived, as it said in records. But to face the man himself was entirely different story of itself. The Captain knew what was to come, but such foresight could never prepare her for what she was to face. Traces of carnage and bodies that littered her approach made waves as to what lied ahead of her.

Agents of the Tsunami that were dispatched ahead of the group were found and slaughtered like cattle. Bits and pieces literally littered the pavement of Karakura. Their scattered remains spread across the streets and walls as the heat brought their aroma to boil, stinking the air with death. Even as the woman clung to the shadows with her presence concealed she had been found. Jinbei Kawada found her. Her level of stealth did not faze what would have probably been a higher sense of Energy Sensory. For the man to call out to her in such a manner and with specific words made it knowingly clear he knew who she was. And as she knew him.

After their initial escape Harle did some research before partaking of the mission. To best ready oneself one must know their enemy. Captain Kenryoku taught Harle the meaning of patience, understanding, and planning. Each one must be properly understood when learning about the enemy, before initiating a mission. From her discovers the man had only been defeated once, and that was by Sozen Kuichiki. By what means did he achieve such a feat had not been known, and was due to that defeat that the Kawada lost his powers. This meant that he would only rely on his own abilities as well his skill. However, despite knowing these things Jinbei Kawada was still one not be underestimated. Harle was still in danger even without his Zanpakuto.

A quick glance from around the corner did Harle spot her target. Quite a large man indeed that completely trumped her own stature, and casting a shadow that would consume her very being. Large fists that could insinuate that he was still physically fit despite being imprisoned. Should have known really. From what was seen in times visiting the Maggots Nest prisoners and criminals often fought against one another to train or simply conquer their enemies. They were capable of fighting and keeping their skills in check, so close engagements were going to be tricky, especially if he was faster than her. Thanks to Souza Kuichiki, Harle wouldn't make the same mistake again in underestimating her opponent.

She stepped from the shadows to meet his challenge. "Zis outzider will zave ze Kawada Family. Captain Kenryoku iz dead and Harle zhall avenege him. Soul Society iz being corrupted and Harle zhall bringz it to ze light. By ze honor of Captain Kenryoku, Harle zhall finish whaz he started." Harle answered to the challenge, not only as the Captain of Squad 2, but as Kenryoku's successor. Soul Society had been entering a time of great darkness and wasn't going to allow that to happen. Shadows crept into their home and light must be shined upon it. Though, there are times that shadows could not be blotted out. So instead, they must be dragged out by that very same darkness, by the very same shadows that they use to protect themselves with. Harle was going to beat Jinbei Kawada, and force him to cooperate for the greater good.

The Captain chose to approach the man, watching carefully. "Oh heavens hear my prayers. Shine your light from above and blind my foes with your eternal love. Subjugate, Tsukuyomi." Her phrase for release, for Shikai. She was going to face the man with nearly everything she had from the get go. She didn't have much information to go on to face him, as such she was going to approach the situation in the best way possible, while at the same time lowering her odds of failure. The unsheathed dagger split into ribbons as it was thrust into the palm of her hand. Both strands of light coiled around the length of the woman's forearms before manifesting themselves into the stainless steel claws that she was known to have.

Miniature chains chimed with the small bells attached to her Jester's cap. Their lengths connected from the talon nail tips to the exoskeleton layout around her hands. The pair of transparent ribbons wrapped around her biceps reflecting the little light from the sun as she drew closer in her slow march. Her eyes never waivered with her approach, "Harle iz not strong enough yet, but, Harle will ztill fight. Captain Kenryoku gave Harle strength, and now, Harle zhall uze it." That white masked face smiled, only reflecting a gaze of determination through it, as the woman charged at the rate of 300 speed in a zig zag pattern toward her target. It was now or never did their encounter begin, and Harle's test. With Hanzu watching, and with the Captain's knowledge, she was going to prove who was stronger.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Harle Stats/Skills}

[Overall Points - 1600]

Type: ( Shadow - Level 3 )

Strength - [100] (/2) = 50 Points

Speed - [300] Points + (150%) = [750]

Spiritual Pressure - [400] - (40%) = [240]

Reiatsu Strength - [400] Points + (60%) = [640]

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [175] Points (-25%) = [131]

Senses [125] Points (-25%) = [93]

Energy sensory - [100] Points + (50%) = 150

Healing Expertise - [0] Points



1. Stealth - [2]

2. Acrobatics - [2]

3. Special Skill: Hoho - [2]

4. Weapon: Throwing Knives - [2]

5. Martial Arts - Taekwondo - [2]

6. Special Skill: Reiatsu Manipulation - [3]

7. Strength of Will - [2]

Reiatsu Count: 2250/2400 : -150 Shikai

Shikai: 1/7

Combat Posts: 1/8

[Kento Waffles]

Music courtesy of Royce

"Without the blood, you're nothing..." Jinbei said. "The Kawada could never be led by an impure breed like you, even if my grandson stupidly favored you..." Harle charging forward would arrive before Jinbei. However, Jinbei did not screw around. He had ignored her zig zagging. He had not tried to stop her until she was very close. Then, he struck. In an instant, Harle would suddenly see a flash of light, and a sonic boom-like sound would follow it. As if a bullet had driven past her. Something had flown right past the side of her head, bringing such a loud sound that it would completely offbalance her and destabilize her, stopping not only her approach, but giving just enough moment's hesitation to stop her movements for a second due to the sheer shock of that sound.

And when she saw it withdraw again, she'd know. It hadn't just been some object. That had been Jinbei's fist. Unlike Harle, who had moved at 300 speed trying to test it out, Jinbei had been willing to go full speed then, and his jabbing hand, meaning his left arm, shot forward with a full 1200 speed. It was so fast! Impossibly fast. And, for that moment when Harle was immobilized by the sound and the shock of his speed, his right hand would suddenly launch forward into a devastating cross to her face. It was also fast. Too fast. While she was distracted from the original punch, whose purpose had been to surprise and momentarily still her movement, she would be an easy target for a punch.

Not even Harle's maximum speed was anywhere near a match for Jinbei's. Given that, and her moment of complete shock, it was highly unlikely that she would be able to counter and avoid being punched in the face. However, she was in luck. Unlike Kenryoku Kawada, Jinbei was quite old, and his punch did not pack the same physical strength that it once had. With a mere strength of 100, it would only be the equivalent of being hit by an ordinary pro level athlete. It would hurt terribly, of course. Harle would be totally stunned, and her nose would be broken and bloodied. Given how fast the hit was, it would probably be stunning to her, and she'd likely stumble back in shock. However, it wasn't like Kenryoku's punch, which would have killed her had it landed.

Jinbei, however, was indeed clearly Kenryoku's mentor. Harle, having been so close to her former Captain, would have become intimately familiar with his boxing style, seeing it in action so often. It was clear now where he'd learned it. Jinbei's stance was not only similar, but identical. Furthermore, his looked far cleaner, more efficient. He was clearly the teacher. Yet, his punches took a different trajectory from Kenryoku's, making it so that Harle's knowledge of her Captain was less capable of predicting Jinbei. Perhaps he punched differently on purpose so as to achieve that. Kenryoku had practiced a two hit kill combo - Ni Higyou. Jinbei's style was far more orthodox, but it made him all the deadlier. It meant his fundamentals were probably better than Kenryoku's.

"Corruption in Soul Society? Avenging my grandson? All of that is meaningless..." Jinbei said. "What truly matters is the Kawada family's return to full power. Reviving the Kawada family is everything and failure is nothing." It was the same as Kenryoku's motto. To him, the Kawada family had been everything. He had done a very good job as its Head, though having Shade in place had been better, given it had been an age where the Kawada Family possessed two Captains. At the time, of course, the Kuchikis had possessed six, leaving the Kawadas forever in the shadow of the Kuchiki family. Still, it was clear where Kenryoku's mindset had come from.

---

As Saeki was falling back, Sozen extended a hand. Blood exploded out of his hand as sacrifice, his hand being opened up to make way for an attack. Black tendrils latched onto Saeki, and started draining some of her reiatsu. That was one of Sozen's twisted Yamihara techniques, Ryuujin. And when it happened, Saeki gasped as they stabbed into her and started draining her. She was naturally quick to produce reiatsu on her hand with some sort of technique, and slash them off of her body, severing the connection. She fell back, exhausted, and struggling away from her older brother. Still, Sozen did not relent. Did not let up. This was the most powerful he had ever been.

As Saeki escaped, a spell went up to create a shield for her. Sozen, however, blade in hand, approached. Red blades shot out of his own blade, stabbing into Saeki's shield and shattering it immediately, scraping against her chest. With her sensory, she evaded at just the last second. "You don't get it, do you...?" Sozen asked with a grin more cruel than the devil. "I'm unbeatable. As long as I have my powers and Jinbei's, I can do everything you know... And I can't be guarded against. Because of Jinbei's Zanpakuto, all of my attacks are indefensible." Yes, it was true. As long as faith in one's infallible nature was maintained, they could not be blocked. And Sozen had even more confidence than Jinbei.

"Body of Heaven and Death," Sozen said. "Black Gate, open and spill unto the world all of your misfortune. Pandora's box is nothing before you, and yours is what will drain the blood from all who defy misery. Hado #C90: Kurohitsugi Kai." A black reiatsu formed above Saeki, but it wasn't creating a coffin. It dissipated into a mist surrounding her, and though she used a flash step to escape it, it suddenly teleported to match her location! There was no escaping. Saeki's eyes went wide as blades of black reiatsu emerged forth to destroy her. Her body was stabbed repeatedly, nearly shredded, and it wasn't even done. Suddenly, Sozen was near her again, finger pointed.

"Bakudo #C1: Sai No Kaze." Another one of Jinbei Kawada's stolen techniques. Suddenly, Saeki's arms were bound behind her back, and some sort of globe appeared around her head. She began to gasp as it drained away her oxygen, trying to asphyxiate her as Sozen's previous technique stabbed her body. This was what appeared to be the end for Saeki. At this moment, she might very well die. And it had been so one sided. So easy. At just the last second, the mist vanished and so too did the bubble. Saeki, who for that moment had surely been doomed, was allowed to collapse with a gasp. And Sozen stood over her, smirking. His eyes seemed to glow a harsh, demonic red. The battle was over. Saeki had miscalculated, and was unable to fight the Crimson King...

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

His words. Kenryoku's words. She found the source, the point of origin in which all that the late Captain's ideals came from. Those ideas that were partially instilled into the young jester when she became a part of the Gotei 13, when she became part of Squad 2. She knew so little during that time. Although her skills were beyond those of the average cadet the amount of knowledge she mustered up during her time in the academy never did prepare her for what was to come during her service. Not the killings or the acts as a saboteur, but how operations ran under the ideals of Captain Kenryoku Kawada. From the first moment they met Harle knew well how the man was. Steeled and honed by his predecessors the Captain was found to have no fault in his demeanor nor ability as a Captain.

The man demonstrated his skills and talents which he procured during his own life time of harsh experiences. She could only imagine what he had gone through in order to shape him into such a person. That effort and dedication was an ideal to aspire to, a role model to match herself to when growing as the current Captain of Squad 2. After his passing Harle dedicated herself to rise up to meet the expectations that were set for a Captain of her squad. Yet, her vision and reality didn't really see eye to eye. Harle struggled to reach the level that the late Captain Kawada was at. Again and again did the French woman pushed herself to reach that level. With each mission she insured that her abilities grew and were honed to perfection. To find faults that could be improved upon. To grow.

Her foes were strong. Were they either terrorists, Arrancars, Quincy, or fellow Shinigami, Harle always aspired to learn from her past experiences to develop her mind and body to near perfection. She wasn't perfect. Not by a long shot. However, she managed to pick up on the lessons that were meant to be learned. Her sparring match with Kimiko Shihoin, Kagami Murai, and Souza Kuichiki, the Squad 2 Captain became more and more capable. Her foes were low in ranks or as equal to her own, each one had her learn what her own capabilities were, and thus enabling her to push herself even further. She had been thankful for all those experiences. But were they enough to match up to Kenryoku?

The man that stood before her, Jinbei Kawada, the one who only knew defeat once, and the man who personally trained Kenryoku. He who instilled her Captain with the knowledge and skills that he revealed to her during her time of service along side him. Jinbei Kawada who aided in her Captain to rise up and meet the challenges that he was capable of overcoming. Did she have the strength to rise up and meet that same expectation? His words only made the woman doubt herself. "Without the blood, you're nothing..." Jinbei said. "The Kawada could never be led by an impure breed like you, even if my grandson stupidly favored you..."

A flash of light obscured her vision for the briefest of moments. It's illumination filled her irises with a blinding flash before she realized what had happened. The burst of air that swung past her face shot out when she came close the old Kawada. An intense boom in the air that pounded against her ear drum sent a shockwave to disrupt her actions. Both brain and reflexes were out of sync with each other. Her footing was forcibly unbalanced when the next step was taken. Even though her mind had wandered her eyes saw it, Jinbei simply threw a punch her way, and at a near blinding speed. Much more like a running car Harle came to a grinding halt with that step.

Not before long a secondary punch came, this one making contact with her face. It went numb, but she could still hear something breaking in the process when that single punch made contact. She felt her nose give in to result in a numbing sensation followed by a stream of blood that she knew leaked from the injury. Wouldn't take long before she realized that Jinbei performed the exact style of fighting that the Kawada's were known for. Their particular form of boxing that they created and the same one that Harle witness Kenryoku performed numerous times. She was careful to watch Kenryoku as he fought. Each sparring session and mission with the man she watched him, studied him. Kenryoku was a man of pure talent and strength, how was Harle going to match that when she was born into a dissimilar fashion.

The man's punch was indeed weaker than what she'd expect, but perhaps that was method that preferred to use. Perhaps using rapid pace blows made up for weaker blows. She didn't know, but she knew that Kenryoku's style of fighting came from Jinbei, and that his style of fighting was more orthodox compared to her Captain. Still, it didn't mean that it hurt any less than it did. Could Harle really expect herself to face against someone who trained a man as strong as Kenryoku, no, even greater? Could hard work and effort truly triumph over natural skill and a strong blood bond.

Her face remained in contact with the man's fist when he spoke. His words driving the nail deeper into her spirit, "Corruption in Soul Society? Avenging my grandson? All of that is meaningless..." Jinbei said. "What truly matters is the Kawada family's return to full power. Reviving the Kawada family is everything and failure is nothing." Jinbei was definitely the man who Kenryoku aspired to become. Harle had little hope to defeat someone who was like Kenryoku, a man she respected and admire to beckon. Could she truly win? Could she truly save those she sought to protect? To protect her home, her family.... Yes you can. the voice said. She was surprised. He allowed you to follow him for a reason. To be better, to aspire to something more. That's right.

From the man's stand point his gaze would have been locked and more than likely smug to some extent. A noble belittling an individual who was that of a lesser class. Someone who is believe to be worthless, or even incapable of upholding her role as the new reigning Captain of his grandson's squad, let alone the Commander of Tsunami. Natural skill and a powerful lineage of blood is something that didn't make a person great or powerful. No. It was the desire to perform and aspire to greater heights, to push beyond what reality had placed before her. In his perspective his fist was still making contact with Harle's face as her body was pushed back. True, and false.

When making contact Harle conducted her own little act. A duet to be precise. Firstly, her lips tore past her average speed to initialize her full speed. That same moment after contact did the sparks cried out from her body to engulf around the man's arm. Bolts of electricity surging from the woman through the length of the man's arm as her face was being smashed into. Harle's reiatsu coursed through the entirety of her body along with the thunder element. This was a technique in which truly no other had seen before aside from two individuals, Kisala Shihoin and Souza Kuichiki. This technique was known as Heaven's Wrath. It's electrical surge that would course through the man's body had potential to interfere with neural responses between the brain and reflexes, much similar to Jinbei's sonic boom.

This was only a means to inhibit the man's ability to response of course. But there was more to it than that. When facing against Souza Kuichiki, Harle had to become more of a critical thinker. But no just a critical thinker, but a quick thinker. Without the use of analytical skills Harle had to respond immediately to the situation given to her. And so she did. She wasn't as quick as Jinbei, but she wasn't as arrogant. Secondly, the Harle that was struck was both Harle, and not. Jinbei's punch made contact with her face, shattering her nose to leave behind a bloody trail, however, she wasn't one to stand in a single place for a second either. After Heaven's Wrath was set off another phrase was spoken, or rather technique. Kyoka Suigetsu.

She made sure that the Kawada heard it, they were in close proximity of each other after all. Her call out phrase alone allowed for her double to take her place whilst she made her move. The woman rolled her face out of his punch rather than giving ground to him, instead, she entered even further. In less than a second would Jinbei feel his Achilles Heel rupture by the edges of several talons, and with a bloodied Captain five foot behind him. Harle's double, of illusion, produced by Kyoka Suigetsu continued to enact Harle's pain and withdraw whilst Harle herself entered into a slip stream through the Kawada's side in a single step, a rate of 7500 speed. Shunpo. Her talent in Hoho was more than Proficient to realize her own footing. Much more when using a stepping technique.

Her memory derived from facing Souza, how he utilized his stepping technique to strike while moving. The young Kuichiki heir initiated a two step method, so the timing did allow him to respond in many more ways than just one. For Harle's single step, she could only initiate one. Heaven's Wrath acted as a guard while temporarily stunning the man for a brief moment, Suigetsu covered her presence by subjecting the man with false information about Harle's location and presence, and Shunpo to not only position herself back into action range but to land a blow on the large man. Each one initiated less than a second after the other.

Obviously each of her techniques would only last for a moment as she didn't wish to strain herself just yet. However, she pushed herself by will alone along with her own abilities as an acrobat to maneuver around the Kawada. She could only remain battle ready as both red and white dripped from her face onto the ground.

Remaining Reiatsu: 1800/2400 : -250 Heaven's Wrath, -150 Kyoka Suigetsu, -50 Shunpo.

Shikai: 2/7

Combat Posts: 2/8