Why am I here? (JT July, Himitsu, Senshi)

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Odayakama Senshi was far from being done despite having used so much reiatsu and so fast. It was indeed a gamble, but she would make the most out of it. Normally she wouldn't do this unless she had no other option, but she assumed that with the cousin to the captain assisting her, she would be perfectly fine. The strength of the Shinigami as individuals were decent, but together was their true strength came from. It was from the teamwork that they had that so called squads were even formed. So...when Himitsu looked to her with a look that said, “Excuse me...are you stupid?” that Senshi was not surprised.

As he spoke...he gave her advice that one would to an amateur, and despite the fact that it...slightly hurt her feelings, she remained silent. She knew the consequences to using Shonin Joka, and she knew that the price of failure in a battle was death. Even the captain had in a way reprimanded her as he said he was disappointed and said that if she was going to take a gamble that she should continue. Senshi lowered her head as the shadow hid her eyes. She stood dramatically that way as the ladybug and the water had been sent. Then...the knife was thrown at her.

Senshi had barely stepped to the right to dodge the thrown dagger. She was used to fighting people at 400 or even more speed. Shizuyoko, Tsukuyomi, and several other figures moved fast and that dagger paled in comparison. With her varying skills of analysis, she had already been well aware of the movement of the dagger. Now she was left with a choice. To assist the ladybug Volucris, to attack the other marionette, and or to go for the cage? Senshi would then have a sudden curl of her lips as she decided...all of the above. Senshi had wordlessly expended some of her more precious reiatsu as within a moment...the three foot tanto was no more. Instead, connected at the hilt were six long and thin blades that quickly made their moves. As the dagger had passed Senshi, one of the blades had grabbed the dagger quickly before throwing it straight at the dagger headed for the ladybug Volucris to alter its path of trajectory to avoid harming the ladybug. Himitsu could easily take care of himself. Senshi had then at that moment rushed forwards as two blades would quickly fly into and impale the incapacitated marionette only to see it had already vanished beneath the waves. She had made sure all eyes were on Senshi’s bladed abominations and that was exactly what she wanted. Senshi had not wanted to waste any movements and so she had to act quickly.

The marionette remaining still had to deal with the Volucris heading for it, and so she had decided to be bold. She had run straight for the marionette it seemed, but had kicked the fallen dagger from the floor, the one she threw at the other to divert the path at that moment causing it to flip into the air as one of her bladed branches would grasp the knife and then throw the blade again to its torso. Based on what she knew from July, he was an acrobatic capable of complex movements and the doll would move in a similar intricate manner, and assumably with his terrifying speed. It would most certainly not attack her with her blades protecting her as a defense and offensive. It would most likely dodge to preserve it's existence. She would take advantage of every moment. Thus, she had to think outside of the box.

Assuming the marionette as she predicted would move to dodge, her blades had suddenly moved to grab the slow moving Volucris as she ran for the cage of July whilst her bladed tails would quite literally hurl Volucris at the marionette. At that moment, she had aimed a finger and fired a Byakurai from her index finger at the second marionette before she had finally reached her destination...the cage. In a swift movement...the Shikai blades had aimed to slice the cage open with one single slice. The strings would from Senshi's sheer offensive force fall like butter onto the ground. Her Zanpakutou was not only her blade but her shield. The unused blades the whole time had guarded around Senshi making her very difficult to strike, and with a force of 1400 it would be a powerful shield and blade indeed. Assuming all of her actions had been successful, she had looked to the captain with a quiet look. “I'm reckless perhaps...but I only gamble my life and more when it counts.” Anyone analyzing her odd blade transformation would see that the blades had seemed as if they were alive and at maximum length were 7 feet long. What an interesting sight it was.

SPOILER: Click to show

275/2800 Reiatsu Remaining
-150 Split Ability (Aka Blades)
-25 Byakurai Attempt

OOC:I know a lot happened in this post. Hope the post is alright.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

OOC: Sorry for the long way. This post is way overdue.

Yes, a dagger was flying toward Himitsu, but his eyes weren’t too concerned with the bladed projectile. The moment it came within a foot of his body, his silent use of Hado #1: Sho would send it flying toward the rooftop, where its point would dive into the concrete ceiling. The Lieutenant would be safe. July was sure of that fact as well. Both were sure the same could be said about Senshi. After all, if she couldn’t handle a simple kunai, there was no way she would be alive after all she’s been through.

So Himitsu’s eyes watched Senshi not to see if she could evade the blade but to see how she evaded the blade. Now, July’s marionettes were certainly strong, but their low speed allowed Senshi to already begin dodging before the kunai left the marionettes. She moved minimally, only stepping a little to the side. Senshi might not know this, but Kuroi fights the same way. He does not do any more than he has to in order to deal with his enemies. Himitsu had been studying the former Segunda for quite some time, so that parallel caught his attention.

But that’s where the similarities ended, for Senshi began to employ her release in a way that was unique to her alone. Her mastery over the sword allowed it to split and even move according to her will. She was able to catch the kunai between the blades, which was a remarkable feat. However, her plan would not exactly go as she anticipated. The force behind the kunai was so great that it would actually yank her arm and body back a few feet, maybe forcing her to lose her balance if she wasn’t careful. For that reason, Volucris had to rely on itself to narrowly spin and swerve away from the marionette’s slash before swerving back and tackling it from the side. The ladybug was certainly slow at its speed of 100, but it’s 300 strength would be felt by the marionette.

By the time Senshi recovered, she’d be able to continue her plan against July’s string minions. If Volucris’s tackle was successful, Senshi’s attack on the marionette was more likely to succeed. However, July would likely just let the marionette melt back into strings again, so Himitsu yelled out to her. “Don't get too close to those strings!” Even unanimated strings seemed to have some function considering that July attempted to get them near Himitsu in their battle with each other. Hopefully, Senshi wouldn’t have to find out what they can do. But otherwise, she was on her own for the time being. The advice was all the help Himitsu decided to offer while she carried out her offensive.

Volucris complied when her blades wrapped around him, at the mental request of Himitsu. While he did not like being thrown like a ball, he would be happy tackle the marionette once more on Senshi’s behalf while she moved toward the cage to cut it open. She was ambitious in this maneuver, and there was no telling how much of it would succeed. However, Himitsu knew that July didn’t like his games to end so quickly and so… boringly. He’d need more of a show if Senshi was going to win his favor. And so, he wanted to give Senshi a final tip.

“Don’t forget, Senshi. This is a game. Let’s make it as fun as possible or somebody might lose interest.” If Senshi didn’t entertain July a little more, then it wouldn’t matter if she succeeded or not. Hopefully, she’d get the message.

Reiatsu Remaining: 5875/6000

[July Kasumi'Oji]

July watched with slight - what a wonderful word - amazement as Senshi continued her offensive. She expended more of her precious Reiatsu, sending both incredible attacks of varying magnitudes in various directions and dealing expertly in her own defence. It was, truly, a remarkable display. Brava, brava.. July was impressed, truly. But still, he was not one to let himself be outdone by someone training to be a Vice-Captain. He had a few tricks up his sleeve that would make things a little more interesting. But, there were some flaws with Sensei’s strategy - as remarkable as it was. Firstly, she was overestimating July’s strength. By quite a considerable margin. And in doing so, she had spread herself too thin.

The marionette that had faced Himitsu’s Volucris was formed from Single Strings - July’s lightest and least durable kind of string. So, while Himitsu’s technique had the superior strength - July’s marionette outstripped it by far in terms of speed. Raw power, evidently, wasn’t everything. By the time Volucris had swung out of the way of the marionette’s first swing, it was already half-way through its second. The little bug just didn’t have the speed to keep up with the marionette - which was, in turn, powered by July’s superior analysis and instincts. July made sure that Volucris was struck by the flat of the blade - sending the disoriented bug flying away instead of slicing through it. July smiled at his own kindness.

But wait! There was a dagger - one of his own - flying through the air right at that same marionette! The one who was mid-swing, unable to block or deflect the dagger that would surely pierce its torso and destroy it entirely. How tragic - yet fortunate! One of the captors dead, because of a clever trick by the noble, gallant heroes! Well done, Himitsu! Well done, Senshi! How fantastic! Of course, that was what would have been written - if the dagger had any effect on the marionette at all. This was where Senshi had overestimated July’s power. The dagger had been created by the Plasmatio technique of the Kasumi’Oji - and so its durability scaled off July’s pitiful Reiatsu Strength. The marionette, on the other hand, was a product of July’s Bankai - and was more than capable of surviving the attack. In fact, the dagger just broke into several small fragments against its silvery torso - no damage had been inflicted at all.

”They just don’t make those like they used to, eh?”

July couldn’t resist the quip. And now, there was a Byakurai! Lightning, how fun. unfortunately for Senshi. She’d have to learn that an attack like that wouldn’t do much good. Not here. She couldn’t expect to throw out attacks for free. Not here! This was a trial for the Vice-Captain of Squad 8! The squad led by the “Fool”, July Kasumi’Oji! And he was only taking the strongest! Senshi had proven she was willing to bet everything on this battle - but how far would that resolve take her? Resolve wouldn’t prevent the fate of her Byakkurai, however. As the yellow lightning coursed across the courtyard - those with sharper senses would realise it wasn’t travelling as fast as it once was, and that it had started to take on a silvery hue.

Before the Byakruai had made it half way to the marionette, it had stopped completely - and fell to the ground. For it was no longer lightning. It was… in fact… more string. “Tokimasu”, July’s ability that even Himitsu hadn’t seen. The Byakkurai had literally been unravelled, and the two silvery strings on the ground were testament to that fact. Of course, the cool down meant that July couldn’t use the technique again for a while - but it sure made a statement, right? How fun, how fun. Senshi would have to do a little more to take out the other marionette. In fact, it was making its way towards Himitsu as they spoke. July was confident in Himitsu’s ability to deal with the marionette, but he didn’t quite want him to.

”Oh, Himitsu-kun - that sprained ankle looks very sore. Seeing as you’re in all that pain, you might not be able to deal with that awful jailor attacking you! Whatever will you do?! What a travesty! If only someone could save him!

Senshi was proceeding with her attack, but she might have to reconsider now that her ally was in danger - assuming Himitsu would play along (and he’d better - this was July’s game after all, there’d be no more sweets for Himitsu if he gave up now). How sad. Still though, this was a test - July needed to see how Senshi would react to the rules changing before her. Would she lose sight of her objective to save her ally? Or would she sacrifice it all for the mission? Such a difficult, difficult choice. But a moment’s hesitation would be fatal - the strings that July had kept from earlier were darting among the cracks of the pavement, making their way towards Senshi - if she stayed in one place for too long she might find herself not totally in control for the rest of the fight…

(OOC: Himitsu should post next, followed by Senshi)

Reiatsu: 4790/6400: -150 for Marionette maintenance cost
Bankai: 3/10

Active Strings:

8 Single Strings (1 in Birdcage Marionette, 5 in Animated Combat Class Marionette, 2 created from Senshi’s Byakurai)
7 Triple Strings (5 in pavement grooves, 2 in July’s Sleeves)

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Ow? The question came from Volucris, who had just been hit by the marrionette. Hey, feel free to stay down a bit, like you’re actually hurt. You’re lucky that puppet didn’t cut you in two. July just did you a favor, bud. The ladybug complied, tanking toward the ground like a plane with failing engines. But Himitsu’s attention would shift from Volucris to Senshi’s byakurai. Well, it was a byakurai at one point. Somehow… July had turned it into more of his own strings, and it seemed like he did so with just a look. Wow… that’s cool. Good thing he didn’t use that against me in our fight, ha ha. Poor Senshi’s gotta deal with that strong ability now, though.

Senshi rushed toward July’s cage as the last marionette began to run toward Himitsu himself. Himitsu was unarmed and wouldn’t have time to prep a defense, so he rose his hands in preparation to cast a spell. Just before he did, though, July’s voice rang through the sound of combat. “Oh, Himitsu-kun - that sprained ankle looks very sore. Seeing as you’re in all that pain, you might not be able to deal with that awful jailor attacking you! Whatever will you do?! What a travesty! If only someone could save him!” The lieutenant was a little confused. Huh? I have a sprained ankle…? OH!

”OW, MY SPRAINED ANKLE!!!" he yelled, falling back onto his butt. From his seat on the ground, he watched the situation play out while gripping his ‘injured’ ankle. Himitsu was really hoping Senshi liked playing the hero as much as he did, or his fate was up to July. All the while, Himitsu watched the Squad 8 Captain suck on some apple drops from inside his cage. That jar was running out pretty fast. Save some for me, July… he thought meekly.

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Senshi had first of all had underestimated July’s strength as the knife had indeed caused her to reel back a bit, but thankfully her foreign blades would support her from falling over. However, the rest of the plan was in motion. Although Volucris had been swatted away well...like a bug, the female Shinigami had succeeded in throwing the dagger she had caught straight towards the Marionette as it swung its blade. What she saw though, was that the dagger which she hoped would pierce the marionette body, had simply cracked and shattered against the humanoid string man. ”They just don’t make those like they used to, eh?” She in her desperate act, had fired a Byakurai in an attempt to finish the puppet off, only to find out that her spell turned quite literally into strings. Himitsu had then at that moment warned her not to go close to any of the strings. She was aware of that fact already. She was making for a rush to the cage when suddenly,

”Oh, Himitsu-kun - that sprained ankle looks very sore. Seeing as you’re in all that pain, you might not be able to deal with that awful jailor attacking you! Whatever will you do?! What a travesty! If only someone could save him!" It was then that she took in Himitsu’s other word, that this was meant to entertain July above all things. Senshi had realized this was a theoretical situation of what was more important, the mission she was assigned or her comrade. The marionette had decided to attack Himitsu, whom was acting all in good fun while she had an opening to complete her task. She decided in this tough position, she would do both. Quickly, Senshi had spun before throwing her blade as hard as she could while the blades had spun and rearranged themselves to turn into a rapidly spinning shuriken of sorts, spinning horizontally. With no hole in the center however, and most if not all of July’s techniques including his bankai not being strong enough to stop the spinning blade, the cage would be cut. However, as for what would happen next would appear tragic.

As Himitsu would see the marionette raise it’s blade, Senshi had blurred appearing unarmed to her opponent with her left hand raised. She would feel a blade sink into the right side of her chest before she would blast off a single invisible blast at the marionette to send it skidding backwards. “Hado#1:Sho.” What with that being the last marionette July controlled, as well as the strings he was manipulating most likely not being able to move through the earth very easily, she perhaps had succeeded. However, blood dripped from a wound that had pierced deeply into Senshi’s chest cavity and the pain on her face would be evident as her face scrunched up into one of agony. “Shi-...bata.” She had gasped as she grabbed at the blade lodged in her, ripping it out. Throwing it to the floor, she almost felt as if she were back in the battle with Kuroi. Those cold eyes with a burning background of corpses.

She never wanted to let another comrade die in front of her eyes, so she decided the logical decision would be to sacrifice herself to complete the mission and to save another. It seemed almost theatrical as Senshi’s eyes looked glassy and glossy for a moment, almost as if she were a doll or puppet. However, in her mind she found herself back in that moment with hundreds upon hundreds of dead Shinigami as the mod soul army had marched in Seireitei. How she was unable to do anything while they were slaughtered like dogs. She could feel herself unable to breath, because in reality Senshi had fallen backwards with blood filling her lungs and with it dripping out of her small body. She twitched as she had gasped with blood exiting her mouth. A medic was needed right away as it seemed Senshi had taken the “game” too far again...just like the first time she met July.

[July Kasumi'Oji]

OOC: Sorry that this post took so long - it took me a while to decide what to do here.

July saw the attack for the cage coming before Senshi had even started to move. He had expected it - obvious, really. An elementary deduction. It had been the right thing to do, of course. She had decided to make an attempt at doing both. A fairly decent attempt at doing both, it had to be said. But July couldn’t let their fight end here. It would be too easy. Senshi needed to learn to work for her victories. Of course, July wouldn’t make it overly difficult - but he couldn’t allow everything to go so smoothly.

He let the mannequin attacking Himitsu disperse into its component strings just as Sensei’s Sho was about to strike it. The result was that the strings weren’t flung nearly as far, and instead flopped lazily to the ground. Himitsu was no longer in danger. But July was! How troubling, how troubling. The large, shuriken-like object was a little terrifying, he had to admit. He didn’t really have any way to block it. Still though, he had methods for dodging it. Many methods. But which to use? So many options, so little time…

As the shrunken came spinning towards the bars of the cage, July sidestepped. Of course, this wouldn’t do much on its own. In fact, it would have been a rather foolish manoeuvre - no attempt to protect the cage, and the sweets may have fallen off his head! It would have been a travesty if something had gone wrong. Fortunately, though, nothing had gone wrong. Well, almost nothing. Practically nothing. Because, as July sidestepped, the cage moved with him - allowing the shrunken to sail past without damaging the bars of the cage at all. Of course, it had required a Shunpo, and July was carrying the cage but still. It was quite bizarre to watch.

July spun out of his dodge, and turned to Senshi - only to watch the young girl fall to the ground, lying back in a pool of her own blood. What had hit her? Did Himitsu stab her in the back…? July felt almost guilty for jumping to that conclusion, it shouldn’t have even been an option. But still, what had happened? Almost immediately, July’s mind wandered back to the time they had played Ninja in these very same barracks. Senshi had attempted self-injury there too - what was she hoping to achieve?! How frustrating. How disappointing. Did she think this was the kind of behaviour he enjoyed watching?!

Get up, Odayakama-chan. You haven’t won this game yet.

July had no time for those who gave up. It was the lowest a man could sink, to devolve himself to the point where he felt not playing at all was the only option. And that’s what July saw this as. A cop-out. If you don’t enjoy a game, you must play harder to end the game earlier. Not give up so that the fun is spoiled for everyone. He thought Senshi, of all people, would understand how much July would detest this kind of behaviour. Himitsu certainly knew. This act wouldn’t win Senshi any point from July.

”Get up. Or leave. I don’t have any time for those who don’t want to win.”

July’s words were cold. If Senshi were conscious enough to see him, she’d see that he was the angriest he’d ever been. His emerald eyes were glinting with anger, and his anxious quivering was causing his hair to dance like wildfire. Of course, he’d now have to provide a crutch to the “gracious loser”. Fortunately, he had the means to enable a continued, if temporary survival. The strings which had originally been a trap for her beneath her feet instead climbed up her body to the wound. A single string made its way inside the self-inflicted injury, weaving the damage caused together. Soon, Senshi would find herself with a metallic patch on her chest and lung, a temporary prosthetic.

”Don’t try to do that again, Odayakama-chan. Now, make your decision. Stay and win, or leave.”

It was an ultimatum of sorts. This was the last time July would help his opponent, no matter how precious he thought they were. It just wasn’t in July’s nature to go against the absolute laws of a game. And if Senshi dared to mess with the order of things again, on her own head be it.

Reiatsu: 4590/6400: -200 for Stitches maintenance cost
Bankai: 4/10

Active Strings:

8 Single Strings (1 in Birdcage Marionette, 5 in Animated Combat Class Marionette, 2 created from Sensei’s Byakurai)
7 Triple Strings (4 in pavement grooves, 2 in July’s Sleeves, 1 Prosthetic Lung for Senshi)

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Odayakama Senshi had released another clout of blood from her mouth as she lay there on the floor. Not only had her plan on attacking the cage fail, but also her attempt at destroying the marionette. The shuriken blade had missed it’s mark true as it simply sliced the ground it embedded into deeply. However, the most terrifying thing that July would see was that Senshi’s Shikai seemed to move on its own. Unfurling from it’s shuriken form the blade had stood on its six bladed legs before staring...well it would be if it had eyes. Whether it was staring at July or Himitsu was unknown, but the sudden movements of the blade would make it clear. Shonin Joka had walked its way to the crimson woman before lowering its handle to her left hand. Then the blades had menacingly jabbed at any of July’s strings that dare attempt to near its master. It was an interesting phenomenon of sorts as it seemed Shonin Joka dared not to accept assistance from a foreign party. It had then pushed several of its blades off of the ground forcing the woman to stand despite her serious wound. Senshi was still unconscious during this endeavor entirely as she bled.

Inside Senshi’s unconscious mind, there was a burning of corpses as the fearsome apparition of Kuroi Naito had been around her. She was petrified as slowly the corpses of Shinigami began to morph into the masked abominations that were Hollow. She was missing something...the very tool that was to defend herself. One of the hungry masks had dashed forward to devour her with a loud howl resonating through her mind. In the next moment, the mask had been slashed in half by a man with short red hair with the appearance of a monk. He began to speak in a gibberish she could not discern as the masks around her began to sink into the surroundings slowly showing a world of trees adorned with masks on the branches. “S-Shonin Joka?” The man had turned to her grinning with shining pearly whites. “Hello there Crimson. You need to wake up.” The Shinigami looked meek and terrified for a moment before she replied to the man. “I’ve lost my blade. I can’t win anymore. He’s watching me.”

The Zanpakutou Spirit laughed before waving his hand to show they were within the inner world. The Kuroi apparition faded as he walked forward...holding her right hand within both his palms. “What do you mean you lost your blade. I’m right here. I believe you can do it redhead. Let me help you.” Suddenly Senshi’s blue eyes began to glow as she regained her consciousness. Suddenly, the spiritual power that she had would begin to burst and grow stronger...more powerful still as the blood spilling from her wound would begin to float upwards. Her Reiatsu aura swallowed her in blue particles as she clenched her blade. Looking to July Kasumi’Oji, she spoke with utter confidence and strength behind her words. “I’ll win.” She spoke with conviction as at a fast speed her blades had stabbed into the floor rushing herself to the cage prepared to be her defense and offense. She would prepare for an attack from the strings of July, and would then prepare a Shunpo to have her flying high into the air. “This is it! July Taicho! I’ll show you just what I can do!” Her bladed appendages would then aim to slice the cage wide open with four out of the six blades...the two protecting her flank.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

A sinking feeling in Himitsu’s stomach was accompanied by the splatter of crimson blood across his face and body. His silly attitude evaporated like water on a hot skillet. As Senshi lost her balance and tumbled backward, Himitsu scooted forward so that his legs could cushion her fall, but that was all the help he’d provide. Senshi cashed in all her chips, and when someone goes all in and loses, it wouldn’t be right to just bail them out like that. Not yet. She needed to bring herself back to the table. Himitsu was sympathetic, but he disagreed with her action. She should’ve found another way. Stupid kid… her life’s worth more than that.

”Get up. Or leave. I don’t have any time for those who don’t want to win.” July was right. Senshi hadn’t secured anything. Her sacrifice was in vain, so she had to press forward or lose. ”Don’t try to do that again, Odayakama-chan. Now, make your decision. Stay and win, or leave.” Himitsu hadn’t ever seen July this serious before. At least not this direct with his seriousness. Maybe Senshi would be good for him too. That is, if she passed his exam. But she hadn’t given him a reason to give her the position. Not yet.

But perhaps that was changing. Even with his very limited energy sensory, Himitsu could feel the young woman exert as much spiritual force as she possibly could to power through the injury. She pulled herself back up to her feet, her muscles tense and her body language aggressive. She was going to attack again. “I’ll win.” she claimed. Not like that you won’t. But before Senshi could initiate her assault, Himitsu decided to intervene.

“Bankai. Tengoku no Tenshi.”

The grass in July’s garden turned a shade of green that seemed to only exist in paintings or movies or that Windows loading screen with the green hill and blue cloudy sky. The walls of the room would turn to ragged stone slopes like those found on mountain tops. At the far corner of the room, a thick tree trunk would extend from the ground and – seemingly – past the ceiling up to the heavens. More flowers and bushes sprouted around the garden in lovely patterns as though a florist had arranged the decorations. It was a beautiful sight.

But while Senshi could look all she wanted, the poor girl wouldn’t be able to move. She was stuck in place, as was July. Himitsu on the other hand was free to move as he desired, but only because he paid the reiatsu cost for doing so. July could do the same if he wanted, but Senshi didn’t have enough reiatsu to negate Himitsu’s bankai. She was frozen in place as the Lieutenant used his glaive – the physical form of his bankai – as support to get onto his feet. He walked from Senshi’s back to her front, meeting her eyes with his noble gaze. She rose on her own. She deserved a second chance in his eyes.

And with that, Himitsu expertly spun his glaive like a staff so that the blunt end hit Senshi’s empty left palm. Immediately, a blast of water shot out of her hand like it was a fire hydrant. That water had a force equal to Himitsu’s reiatus strength behind it. He provided her with the weapon to give her more options that simple swordsmanship might, and because of his release, the water would never run out. If the battle continued for too long, they would even flood the room. Hopefully that happened before the candies ran out.

But Himitsu had one more gift for Senshi. His glaive returned to a horizontal position, and like a spearmen, the large Shinigami put the blade of his weapon through Senshi’s chest. It followed the same path as the marionette’s knife, but when Himitsu pulled it out, the injury was gone. Senshi’s pain would disappear as well, for just as Himitsu stabbed the woman, the Stop Zone of his bankai was replaced with Life Zone which healed her injury. With that, Himitsu stepped out of his way, leaving Heal Zone active. It was Senshi’s turn once more.

“Go get me some apple drops.”

Reiatsu Remaining: /6000 (-300 for bankai, -400 to nullify Stop Zone, -100 for Gouzen Demizu)

Bankai: 1/10

[July Kasumi'Oji]

”Mmmm… You still have a lot to learn, Odayakama-chan… But I’ll be willing to over look this mistake once. Don’t try anything like that again, alright?’

It wouldn’t do to be so serious, right? That would be awful, tragic even. He had made it clear that he didn’t enjoy or approve of the actions Senshi had taken - and that rebuke would be enough. He wouldn’t hammer the point home. It was something Senshi would have to bear in mind. Creating drama was all well and good… But to endanger your chances of victory in the process were entirely unnecessary. And if she had truly intended to quit through injuring herself… Well, July would have taken that as a personal insult. No Lieutenant of his would be so weak-willed. July might look like a fool, but his resolve was iron-clad. Few things would distract him when he didn’t want to be distracted.

”Come now, Himitsu-kun… This is a test. It wouldn’t do to go giving her too much of an advantage, would it?”

But July’s rebuke was accompanied by a playful smile. He didn’t really mind - he had designated them a team after all. It would be remiss of Himitsu not to utilise the techniques at his disposal to help Senshi out in her task. Had July made it too difficult for her? Perhaps, perhaps not. She was strong - stronger than him in some respects - but her decision making and overall capabilities were still in their fledgling stages… But now, that could change!

The stage had been set!

The actors were ready!

The show would go on!

”Let’s help you find those wings, Odayakama-chan!”

July raised his hand and clicked his fingers - and immediately the cage spun out of existence - avoiding Sensei’s strike by rapidly devolving back into the small string that July had created it from. It coiled around his raised finger like a pet snake, before returning to its brothers in July’s sleeves. What tricks would he show Odayakama-chan next? Himitsu had set such a beautiful stage for them… It would be a shame to see it go to waste now… Of course, he would need to have someone look after the apple-drops that he had been munching through. Then he wouldn’t have to worry about damaging the goods…

The single string which had formed the cage dropped from July’s arm, and fell to the ground. There it writhed, as if it were in pain… But it felt no such stimuli. The string was instead contorting itself, twisting and developing into the shape July required his puppet to take. What came from the string was a beautifully dressed woman - her skin and attire all formed from the metallic strings which July wielded with expertise. With a small bow, he handed the apple-drops over to the marionette.

”I entrust these to you, milady.”

But with a spin, he immediately returned to face Senshi. She would barely have time to react to the sudden movement when July executed Shunpo - moving with incredible speed to the other side of the garden Himitsu had created. But, he would to leave himself uncovered - not a master Shinigami like himself. No - if Senshi chose to chase him blindly, she would find herself intercepted by a small creation of July’s - namely a small kunai. While July preferred daggers himself, his mastery of the dagger allowed him to apply the principles to the kunai as well. Of course, there was a perfectly good reason for the slight change in weapon.

Senshi would have to do more than just avoid the dagger - because contained within the dagger was a strong electrical pulse, capable of shocking her quite considerably - not least because of the fact that July’s strings had raised the potency of the technique to Class 2. It would be… quite the shock. And the strings on the ground would ensure that the pulse would travel a considerably larger distance too. How fun! This would truly be a test of Senshi’s ability to analyse and understand a foreign technique. Not may bothered with the old techniques of the Ninja, so it was unlikely Senshi had seen them before. How would she react to this?

Reiatsu: 4340/6400: -50 for Triple String Kunai, -400 for Ninja Art: Electric Impulse
Bankai: 4/10

Active Strings:

8 Single Strings (1 in Birdcage Marionette, 5 on ground (from dissolved combat marionette), 2 created from Senshi’s Byakurai)
7 Triple Strings (5 in pavement grooves, 2 electric kana)

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

As Odayakama Senshi fell, she did not feel Himitsu’s legs catch her at first. She however when standing with her spiritual power, did find something absolutely interesting. Himitsu himself also had a Bankai but this was like none she has ever seen. This was the second time she has ever seen a Bankai, and first time she's seen two in one day. This was certainly a treat but it made her falter. Was she truly ready to become a vice captain? She did not boast the mighty power that was known as Bankai and she lacked the strength and skills. Hopefully by gaining the position, she could quickly adjust to it. However, she needed to pass the test here in order for her to reach that level. Suddenly, the scenery would begin to change in the training area where the Shinigami were occupied in. Suddenly, Senshi the redheaded reaper found herself unable to move from her position. “Bankai. Tengoku no Tenshi.” That was a name she would have to remember seeing it was rather important. When Shinigami reveal a Bankai to one another, they should always hold that information and keep it close.

One thing that Senshi noticed was that many Shinigami lacked a sense of camaraderie with one another. She knew that seeing she had sparred and met many Shinigami that were rude and or perhaps just a bit too eccentric. However, she's never met Shinigami like July and Himitsu that were so casual with one another. As she was frozen, she watched the scenery change to a plethora of different colors as it seemed nature itself began to warp and change in front of Senshi. How beautiful it all was and majestic. She never imagined Himitsu would have a release as beautiful as this. Senshi’s own Shonin Joka paled in comparison to this wonder that only the most skilled of artists could capture, not that she'd ever say that to her close partner of course. She would push herself regardless if she won or lost this little game of theirs to become someone greater. She would become a name that was recognized in Soul Society. She refused to lose and be forgotten or known as a failure.

It was then that Himitsu the Vice Captain had spun his glaive before tapping Senshi’s left palm with a glaive blunt end. Suddenly, water began to burst from her hand much like a spout but far stronger than that. She saw the water would freely coat the area as she looked confused in those cerulean eyes. However, she was even more confused as the glaive was stabbed into her wound before it was healed completely. What was this power that Himitsu just used? His Bankai was a bit confusing seeing she had no idea what Himitsu’s Bankai was capable of. She took in a deep breath of the spiritually rich air before she heard a call. “Go get me some apple drops.” Senshi widened those blue orbs further as she realized that there was someone who actually believed in her. Himitsu helped her because he thought she had a chance to do well. It was a heartfelt sentiment and so she responded. “I will Himitsu-San. I'll do my best anyways.” She flashed him a warm smile as she then immediately heard July as well.

She still had a lot to learn was what she was told. She acknowledged that as the truth, but she was willing to work hard in order to learn more. She would become strong enough to get past this test so she hoped. She would be forgiven she was told and so she nodded. She realized that July was a man who liked having fun more than anything else and wasn't a serious man of drama. She wouldn't put her life in danger like that again unless she truly had to. She found that with support of these two Shinigami, she had more self confidence and wasn't so depressed as before. Senshi continued on her assault only to find that the cage that July had made quickly twisted to avoid being sliced and then went back to July. All of this was incredibly fascinating and she quickly used Shonin Joka to retreat. She looked much line Doctor Octopus at the moment with her odd metal arms moving her back and forth. She had to be careful or else this test would be over in a matter of minutes. July quickly used the Shunpo to escape Senshi with his string entering his sleeve, she took note of this.

She technically succeeded in the goal of getting July out of the cage, but it seemed that the apple drops were the prize she had to reach. Now there was no need for Shonin Joka’s incredibly high reiatsu drainage. She could afford herself more reiatsu. Shonin Joka would suddenly lose the large attack point boost it had to give Senshi back a quarter of the 2000 reiatsu she spent to make it this powerful. Now with 500 more reiatsu, she felt far better as she quickly turned to see July appear and then throw a fast moving projectile towards her. Senshi would not have a lot of time to analyze, but she already noticed some things. The knife was not made from the same substance as the Plasmatio knife and so assumed immediately it was made from strings of July’s Bankai. She found it would be logical to try to use the new trick that Himitsu used earlier in the battle but with a twist. Immediately Senshi spoke as loud as she could, “Hado#58:Tenran!” Immediately, a swirling twister of wind would shoot from her left palm therefore also combining it with the water of Himitsu’s technique.

The Kunai was small and so it's flight path could easily be diverted by something such as wind. Using Tenran, she had combined it with the water to make a swirling water twister to catch the Kunai to further slow it's speed and momentum to a complete stop in the water. However, Tenran was rather large with Senshi’s reiatsu strength. The technique would blow forwards to reach July and also wrap him in this attack if he could not react. The Kunai would release an electrical charge through the water but thankfully on the outer edges of the water as the wind cut off clear connections. In her mind, July would be forced to dodge using his incredible skill of acrobatics or incredible speed. That would be the time to head for the marionette. She assumed the marionettes needed to be concentrated on by July to be controlled and while he was dodging he would surely have a harder time. Pointing her hand out, she quickly decided to be clever. “Bakudo#4:Hainawa!” She would attempt to use her golden rope to wrap around the glass swan to bring her candies back and win this

SPOILER: Click to show

600/2800
-25 Hainawa
-150 Tenran.

Gained 500 from taking back all of Shonin Joka's stored reiatsu=600 offensive stat again.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

(( Skip me this round, Himitsu's just watching the fight for now ))

[July Kasumi'Oji]

My, my, how quick she was! Capable of spotting not only the material that formed July’s new dagger - but also coming up with a way of dealing with the attack that even nullified the extra little surprise he had! It was almost… too good. What was the fun if attacks would never go through? July stuck his tongue out at the thought. A flawless riposte was never very entertaining. But still, he could appreciate the scale of the wind and water - the raw elemental power was quite exciting, after all.

Fortunately, he didn’t have to discharge the electrical pulse from within the dagger. Yes, the charge was wasted, but it did stop him from receiving a rather… shocking surprise from his own dagger. Instead, he would just have to run. The small ornate dagger dissolved into its component strings within the twister of wind and water - making it a completely harmless weapon against July. He had to smile at the thought - this was not the first time Senshi had tried to redirect one of his own attacks back at him - but unfortunately for her, July was equipped for such events. All his weapons were - how to put this - more like his puppets than his equipment.

”What fancy Kido you have, Odayakama-chan! I wish I had some of that talent!”

July was only half-joking. He did have a healthy appreciation for the spell-slingers of the Seireitei - but he viewed Kido as something which was best left to Himitsu. It just wasn’t his thing. Yes, it could be flashy. Yes, it could be dramatic. But still, it was just a little too… mainstream for him. Everyone and their mother could cast Byakurai - but how many people could claim to have mastered some of the Ninja Arts?! Now those were exciting techniques. And, July had never really gotten the hang of mental incantations (he had no excuse - words just seemed to flow from brain to mouth for the Squad 8 Captain) so his Kido lacked the surprise factor it would otherwise have.

But that was beside the point! July had ways of dealing with this - and it would, in a way, be Senshi’s final test. For as she raised her arm to cast Hainawa - she would feel something constrict around her leg. For as she had used her Kido to repel July’s attacks and in her attempts to retrieve the glass swan, the strings which July had hidden had made their move. Senshi did not have the senses to be easily able to hear or detect them - especially given that there were two Captain-Level Bankai active at the same time. The string would have snuck up on her entirely unnoticed…

The silver marionette, to whom July had entrusted the apple drops, turned to Senshi - its featureless silver face glinting in the light of the Garden of Eden. From within its throat, a metallic voice emanated.

”Drop the sweets, Odaya - I mean, you Shingami-filth. Or are you willing to pay for these confections with your life?”

July’s mastery of his strings was absolute. Creating voices from the vibrations of his marionettes was child play. But Senshi wouldn’t have time to marvel at his versatility. She would have to make her choice. July had given her a mission - retrieve the apple drops. But! What was the mission worth to Senshi? Would she give her life to complete it? Or would she accept that this mission was a lost cause and retreat to fight another day? How would she respond? What would she do??!!

Oh my… I should have really asked Himitsu to bring popcorn.”

Reiatsu: 4340/6400
Bankai: 5/10

Active Strings:

8 Single Strings (6 on ground (wrapped around Senshi’s legs), 2 created from Senshi’s Byakurai)
7 Triple Strings (5 in pavement grooves (wrapped around Sensei’s legs), 2 from kunai)

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

After ridding herself of the threat that was July’s Kunai, Senshi had found herself listening to a comment stating that July would love some of that talent in Kido. If she weren’t fighting very seriously at the moment, she would have appreciated and replied with a happier tone. However, right now she was taking a test...or rather playing July’s games. She had trained long and hard in the arts of Kido in order to reach the level of strength she had. However, she was far from becoming a powerful Shinigami. She lacked many things...and she was trying to reach that next level of power. ‘Think...don’t let your guard down. You haven’t won yet.’ Senshi had then attempted to use her Hainawa in an attempt to grasp the jar of confectionaries, however...as the rope wrapped around, she felt something constrict around her right leg.

Looking down, she had looked at the strings that were binding her right leg...making it unable to move. They were binding her in place and now she was unable to act. The silver light in the beautiful garden that was Himitsu’s garden was absolutely beautiful. It was almost hypnotic on how well their powers went together. They were truly close it seemed as their powers complemented each other aesthetically. The doll had turned to look at her, and surprisingly it had made a vibration through it’s body in order to speak and have voice. It gave her the ultimatum that it chose. Senshi’s eyes would widen as the sweat that had gathered on her body would soak into her robes. She was forced to make a choice...just like before.

Would she throw away her life symbolically in an attempt to get the sweets? Or would she surrender to live for another day. The jar of candy was so close within grasp. However, there would be no way to get it without losing her leg. This was the final turning point and test to see if she was suitable to becoming a Vice Captain. She felt pain within her heart as she thought back to all of those failures deep inside. She thought back to everything she had learned from this day, and she had to consider what July wanted. She would be no use if she was eager to throw away her life without considering her own existence. Her life according to him had more worth than that.

However, on the other hand she had felt her body screaming to finish the goal. If she finished her goal that she was assigned, if she died then it would be worth it. The sense of being useful was more important than her own existence. It was then that...she realized how low she had fallen. They say it is a warrior’s virtue to understand when it is time to give up and surrender. Yet, they say that victory and honor is attained through victory. Whatever Senshi decided to do would end the result of this test. She was not expected to win, but she was expected to choose wisely on what she was going to do. Taking a deep breath, she thought deeply on what she was going to do. Was she willing to sacrifice her life for a cause? Or was she going to accept she was still human and couldn’t do everything. Senshi shook her head and then turned to look at Himitsu behind her. Those empty eyes were contemplating before they seemed to lighten slightly.

Turning to July, she had observed his facial expression before the golden rope of yellow would break into nothingness. Senshi’s shoulders had shook before she stabbed her blade into the ground. “I concede Kasumi’Oji Taicho. I’ve learned my lesson. I know now that I can’t do everything. I have realized that if I throw my life away, I won’t be useful to anyone. Although I can’t say that I value myself anymore. I know that the only way I can be of worth to others is if I exist and improve on my mistakes.” The Shikai at that moment had glowed a crimson red yet again before standing tall again as a Katana. Senshi had taken a deep breath before speaking again. “I may have lost now. But on my life, I swear that I will become stronger as to prevent my failure. This I swear.”

Now that the battle was over, she had felt weak and fatigued from all the physical and spiritual stress she had felt. She would wait for the strings around her right leg to be released before taking her blade and sheathing it within her scabbard. Had she perfomed on par of what was expected? Should she have been more flashy? Should she have given more effort? Many questions would ring through her mind, but externally she looked calm. She felt at peace finally realizing that she had not failed for no reason. She would use that failure as a drive to get stronger. Taking her blade, she would sheath it before turning to July, waiting for the results. “Taicho...may I hear what you think of me? Whatever the result, I respect your decision.”

[July Kasumi'Oji]

”That’s it, Odayakama-chan, that’s it!”

July beamed ecstatically, bouncing on the balls of his feet like an excited child come Christmas morning. She understood - she had reached the pinnacle of understanding! Had his philosophy made it’s way into her head? Or had she arrived at the same conclusion by a different way? No matter! If the actions were the same, July could agree with her. His entertainment did not hinge on what she thought, but rather what she did - and if the latter was up to snuff, she’d find herself doing extremely well in Squad 8. Tres Bien, tres bien!

”Weeeeeeeeelllll Himitsu-kun, whaddya think?”

July slunk up behind his cousin, and wrapped his arms around him - pulling him into a close embrace. Himitsu would know by now, though, that it was just an affectation - nothing sinister or anything deeper than a bit of fun. People really could read too much into things these days. As if July would stoop to something as boring as love! There was nothing romantic about the concept - it was all a bit sloppy and boring and predictable. Keep things cool, alright? Things were much more fun that way.

July waited a little while for Himitsu to start giving his opinion - but pulled away a fraction too early - Himitsu would likely be mid-sentence when July released him. He bounced over to the young Shinigami whose test had been… interesting. Her leg was, of course, still caught in the wire - he hadn’t released her just yet - all in the name of drama. There she stood, unsure as to whether she had passed or not. He could see the anticipation in her frame! The struggle between wanting to be hopeful and the battle to keep her expectations low.

C’est Magnifique!

”Well, well Odayakama-chan. This was a bit of fun, wasn’t it?”

The question was rhetorical, intoned in a sing-song and carried the same amount of sincerity as July always had. Which was a lot! He swore. He was almost always sincere most of the time! Right? No-one could doubt eyes like his! The audacity of people to call him flippant! This was a serious situation with serious question to be answered. Was Senshi to become his Vice-Captain, his Lieutenant, his Second-in-command, the slightly smaller cheese?!

”Find out next time on Dragonball -“

July realised that Himitsu and Senshi probably hadn’t followed the exact same train of thought as he had. Maybe they were confused, or maybe they had come to accept it by now. Either way, it was there fault for not keeping up! It was perfectly clear what he meant! Now, if they continued to extrapolate his thought process, they’d know exactly what he was going to say next. He paused dramatically, waiting for someone to fill the gap. Nobody? Anybody? Oh well. They’d catch on eventually. Maybe. Though, Senshi would have to now, right?

”Welcome to the 8th Squad, Senshi Odayakama-chan. There’s no backing out now.”

The glint in July’s eye would be more of a warning than a reassurance - Senshi was going to have to work on her gameplans. For all of the games.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

”Weeeeeeeeelllll Himitsu-kun, whaddya think?”

What do I think…? There were a lot of things Himitsu was thinking. First and foremost, he was disappointed in the affair. He hadn’t expected Senshi to win or even come close to winning. Not against July’s bankai. But still, he had hoped for more. Senshi was proficient with her release and could cast kido proficiently, but she hadn’t done anything to impress Himitsu. He didn’t seen any creativity or impressive skillfulness. She hadn’t even taken advantage of the water geyser he provided her with either. She was unrefined and immature.

You have to give her more credit than that, Himitsu, chimed in the deep, masculine voice of Himitsu’s zanpakuto spirit. She’s only an unseated officer, and a very young one at that. She’s likely more powerful than you were as a 4th seat. She needs training and guidance. Kazuko and Sozen were your mentors, and without them, you wouldn’t be as strong as you are today. Who’s her mentor?

It’s not just about strength, Flex. You saw it too. She’s losing it. Something’s wrong in her head. She instinctively used her body to protect me rather than relying on kido or her zanpakuto, and thens he stood right back up to continue the fight. Sure, her determination is admirable, but it’s illogical. It’s like she wants to die fighting. She doesn’t value her own life enough.

Well, that’s not true. She forfeited the fight to save herse-

Haha, only because July told her not to pull another suicidal stunt. That’s not the same having a will to live.

Himitsu could hear his zanpakuto sighing. You can’t talk. Remember your fight against Kuroi? Or Kohai’s right hand? Or Douma? Or Anarchy and that group of-

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I see your point. But-

Exactly. You two are not so different. She’s as depressing as you used to be.

I was only like that because I was alone. It was me versus the world, Flex, and I kept losing.

Now you know exactly what she’s going through.

Flex’s words struck a chord with Himitsu. He was right. Senshi was as isolated as Himitsu once was, and she kept fighting those losing battles without anyone to support her. That was a mistake that she wouldn’t be able to fix alone. As July’s cuddled with Himitsu from behind -- the lieutenant was unphased, as he was quite used to July’s shenanigans – Himitsu’s eyes studied Senshi. He didn’t see a mighty Vice Captain. He saw a lost girl who needed help.

I’m gonna help her.

You’d better. That girl’s more man than you ever were. See how she fights with her hands instead of your lame magic and pathetic sp-

Okay, okay, let me handle this...

“I think that-“

The momentum Himitsu began to speak, July cut him off and withdrew from the awkward embrace. Sighing, Himitsu chuckled. July did plenty of strange things, but they never ceased to amuse Himitsu. Even when he wanted to address such a serious issue, July successfully lightened his grave mood. He balanced him out. They made a good pair.

And speaking of unexpected things July did…

”Welcome to the 8th Squad, Senshi Odayakama-chan. There’s no backing out now.”

Himitsu was surprised with July’s decision to accept Senshi as his lieutenant, but he wasn’t upset at all. She needed a teacher. Perhaps July could help shape her into a more mature, powerful soul reaper. Still, that wouldn’t resolve Senshi’s depression and loneliness. Those need to be addressed or Senshi will never truly cover.

“Congratulations, Senshi,” Himitsu told her, extending his hand for a formal handshake. “Go out tonight and celebrate. Do you have any family around to visit and spend time with? Or maybe some friends to enjoy yourself with before you have to deal with the stress and responsibilities of your new job?” Himitsu wasn’t being quite as subtle as he’d like, but he had to find out exactly how alone Senshi was. He hoped she at least had a friend or two, maybe a family member. Anyone for her to fall back on. Hopefully she wasn’t as bad off as he once was.