Kaen You hear me Now? (Social between Kaen and Senshi)

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Senshi had just been released from her mental therapy yet again. They had dictated that she was stable enough to get back on duty as a Shinigami. She had immediately upon seeing her sword, her partner had tried contacting him...only for silence. She was saddened as her partner didn't seem to respond...until she heard one word. "Senshi." Her cerulean blue eyes widened wanting again to hear her partner, but no calls came. Of course. Walking off down the street in her black robes, she could hear whispers. Slanders came as she had been called a loose cannon, a traitor, a psychopath. She didn't really know how to feel about hearing such things. They all never noticed her before. However, it took just one moment of attacking Yetsuna...the Vice Captain for the word to spread even though she felt as if she was attacked and provoked first. She was the one sought out.


She was once a shy young girl that nobody really seemed to notice, but to be gaining this infamy among her peers made her feel even greater discouragement. She felt as if nobody really understood her and felt there was no chance at redemption. Leaving the gates of the Seireitei, and then later to Rukongai, she had walked into the great mysterious forestry of the land. Every Shinigami on the way out had spoke about her in many different ways. Some people had said curses about her. Some had called her a weakling. Some had felt pity but did not want to be outcasted as she had. She understood all of this, as it was simply human nature. In her short life, she had always walked a lonely road...until she met those two. Kenji Fujitora and Shikadai no last name had been her friends until their deaths.

The woman had been wearing a Shinigami uniform that seemed two sizes too large for her and she was only 5,4. She was rather short and could possibly be mistaken for a young teenager. However, the woman was in all actuality in her twenties in terms of appearance and was around a century year old...maybe a bit beyond that. She had thought about the path she walked, and found that it was not worth going through any longer. She had looked to the sky, before she had heard the cry of a hollow in the near distance. "Extend above the Heavens and fly Shonin Joka." Thus her blade had released turning into a three foot Tanto held in her left hand. She had blurred from sight as she appeared deeper into the forestry where she had somehow found herself quickly surrounded on all sides by the wild beasts.

After slaughtering ten with her swordsmanship skills, the beasts had aimed to surround her all at once in a circular formation. "Extend." The blade had suddenly burst from the sudden intake of reiatsu of the previous hollow...becoming thirty feet long and killing twelve hollow with ease before her blade had been sheathed. The Hollow dissipated into black particles, and she stared at them contemplating their existence. She had slowly sat down in the calm location...against the trunk of a tree with her head lowered into her knees. Was she a monster? If so, was she truly deserving of life? Was she ungrateful for the goodness she already had? She didn't know. She decided at this point she didn't want to kill herself...yet. It was still a thought that crossed her mind often. 

She reflected on her former self wondering how it all came down to this. She would find herself imagining her younger self within the Shino Academy training hard in the art of the Shinigami. She had recalled her first missions in the real world and the odd adventures she had...how odd she was. She had then began to cry. For the first time in a long time, she had openly cried into her knees. It was not a silent sob, but a loud bawl as her heart ached. Why had she fallen down as she progressed? Why had this paradox come into existence? Senshi had only wished to build bonds that others had, but she lacked the bravery or the courage to seek them out. She hated the world because she hated herself. Her heart pounded in her chest...until at some point her tears had stopped and she felt empty. 

[Kaen Youji]

What was a truly harrowing experience for Senshi was another day for Kaen, who was heading out of Seireitei to begin another one of his hellish training sessions. The shinigami was running hard through the woods, and had been running all the way from the Squad 7 barracks. Yes. Yes that was a good marathon in and of itself just to get there. That was the sort of training Kaen Youji pushed himself to. On some occasions he'd be out of the office for days or even weeks on wilderness excursions to train himself in private. It helped him to get away from Soul Society too, which was good for him in recent times. Even so long after it happened, he still felt out of place as Squad 7's Vice Captain. Like a placeholder, for the squad's true Vice Captain. Someone Kaen knew would never return. Still, it felt at times as though he was still just a third seat to the old Vice Captain. And Kaen would gladly have passed up the perks of his position to do exactly that. Turn back the clock awhile, so that he could fight alongside Squad 7 in its prime. But... that was a pipe dream. A fantasy. Enma had resurfaced in Squad 5, and Kaen even heard that he had been grievously wounded in some shady business. Rin was dead. Brock had disappeared ages ago. Now there was only Kaen. If the squad was to return to its former glory... He would have to light the way, though he did not know how. Enma had been a figure of indomitable might. Kaen was never sure if he could ever match that kind of stature. That power. That was one of the things that drove him to train so very hard every day.

But today was different. As Kaen ran through the woods he heard the sound of someone crying. This brought the Vice Captain to a skidding stop. "Hello?" He asked into the woods. For all his training, Kaen's senses were fairly limited, and it took him a few moments to work his way through the woods until he came upon a crying young woman. She was outfitted like a shinigami though, and so Kaen presumed she was probably older than she looked in any case. "Hey, what's up?" He asked, taking note of the visceral scene around them. "Eesh.... what happened here? Did you.... do this?" He asked, noticing the Zanpakuto at her belt. He bit his lip looking at the remains of the beasts. "That's a hell of a thorough job." He muttered, before bringing his attention back to Senshi. "What's going on? What are you doing all the way out here, alone and crying?" He asked in a concerned tone.

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Senshi hadn't noticed the man Kaen until he was almost directly in front of her. "Hey, what's up?" The man had looked at her, and she had looked into his eyes. It was when he saw the bits of Hollow meat left around the forestry, he asked if she had slaughtered the Hollow. Before she had spoke, she had been asked why she was alone and crying. How was she going to reply to the man? How should she explain her situation of despair. Her sadness was currently defining her, as she had yet to find something to get her out of that slump. "I'm just thinking is all...s-sir. Also...I didn't kill them. My partner Shonin Joka did."

She had looked to her Zanpakutou heavily hinting that she had a release. She had looked rather...saddened despite her trying not to expose her feeling to the man. He seemed concerned about her which was a first. She decided to introduce herself before speaking any further to the man as it is simple manners. "My name is Odayakama Senshi. Unseated Officer of Squad 9." She had looked to the man wondering if perhaps his facial expression had changed. A lot of word had been going around lately about her, and she wondered if he was going to look at her like the others. The cold faces that stared at her with disdain. 

She had looked to the man carefully and could sense he was stronger than she was leaps and bounds. He looked physically powerful as well. She wondered why he was interested in her somewhat. "What is your name sir? Why are you out here in the wilderness? I know it's none of my business, but I am interested in hearing." She wanted to change the subject from her as talking about herself as it made her nervous...uncomfortable. Senshi was never used to talking to people as she was socially awkward. Another thing...

She worried this Shinigami was going to be like some of the others she met. She could honestly say that some of her fellow Shinigami were worse than her actual enemies. The Arrancar Col was honestly more polite and kind...possible even more patient than some of her fellow Shinigami despite the fact he was trying to kill her. She only had two friends in this career, and they both passed on leaving her alone. What was this man wanting to know about her for she thought. Was he genuinely concerned? Or was he simply curious? She didn't know, and she shyly looked at her feet not knowing how to proceed and speak about her problem. However, even a dense person could see Senshi was saddened...perhaps even greater than that from her aura.

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen was surprised that this girl's Zanpakuto had so much agency. "Oh? That's surprising." He stated. "That's a lot of agency for a Zanpakuto." He noted. At least for one without Bankai. Did she maybe possess Bankai herself? Or perhaps she had only just unlocked her shikai and her power had run rampant? The latter seemed more likely to Kaen, given the general rarity of Bankai-capable shinigami. He wasn't sure if that was why she was crying though, or if it was for another reason. She introduced herself as Odayakama Senshi of Squad 9. The name rang a bell for Kaen-- as well it should. Squad 7 was Soul Society's internal affairs bureau. The equivalent of the FBI in the Seireitei. In all likelihood it had probably been Squad 7 that had apprehended and arrested Senshi in the first place. With that said.... Kaen had to think for a moment on the name. While he was one of the strongest fighters in Soul Society and an excellent field officer, paperwork had NEVER been Kaen's thing. He was better than the Empress, to be fair, but... that really. REALLY was not saying much. So in short, while Kaen was indeed familiar with Senshi's name, it took him several moments of sifting through his memory to recognize the significance of it. "Ahh... I see." He said, looking at her. "Are you crying about that?" He asked. His tone wasn't demeaning though. It was a legitimate question. Kaen took a moment to sit by Senshi, placing a small pack on the ground beside him.

"Kaen Youji." He said. He did not state his rank, but it was possible Senshi would recognize his name alone. Though nowhere near the prominence of any of the major noble families; Shihoin, Kawada, Kuchiki or Kasumi'Oji, the Youji family was still a noble house in Soul Society. So by either family name or by name alone (as it generally behooved the shinigami of Seireitei to know the Vice Captains and Captains), it was likely Senshi would have some idea of who she was talking to. "And while you're not in my division, I'm not the kind of person who can just ignore someone who's clearly upset, you know?" He told her. "If you want to tell me about your problems, I've an ear to listen." This attitude might be surprising to Senshi for the lieutenant of the division that had been in charge of her incarceration, as well as the lieutenant of the division that dealt with incidents like the one she caused. But that was how Kaen was. As Senshi would learn, if she let him stick around. A bleeding heart and someone who couldn't stay out of other people's business if he thought he could help.

"As for what I'm doing here? Well. I was going for a workout and some training in the woods. But don't mind that." He said. "I'm more interested in what you have to say. If things are good, I can go out and train after this. If they're not? It's a better use of my time to help out another shinigami in need of a hand, right?" He told her with a wide, friendly grin. "Besides. I got plenty of time, and Soul Society isn't gonna crumble if I'm out for a few." Much as Kaen disdained Kimiko Shihoin for trying to hold onto the seat of Captain (indeed this was the ONLY reason for his disdain of the woman. He expected he would get along with Kimiko quite well if she hadn't tried to take a position that in Kaen's mind was only worthy of being held by two specific individuals), Kaen also knew that she would at least attempt to do her job, and was strong enough to handle things in his absence. So as far as Kaen was concerned he could be out for weeks without any serious problems cropping up. He had all the time in the world to hear Senshi out.

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Senshi had been praised or at least her Zanpakutou for the power that had been displayed in the death of the Hollows that surrounded the areas. As she introduced herself, he seemed...as if he recognized it but had to think for a bit to pinpoint what significance that name had to him. In an empathetic tone, he asked if she was crying because of "that." Senshi had thought about what to say as a new line of tears filled her eyes. "Just...t-too much to talk about in all honesty. I'm sad about so many things...too many." Senshi had remained quiet for a moment until she heard the man introduce himself.

Kaen Youji. That was a name she recognized as he was the Fukutaicho of Squad 7. It was a powerful and strong squad to say the least. She was awfully nervous that a vice captain was here. She had no ill grudges against the man or his squad for her incarceration. She simply deserved it...for everything she's done. However, the negative feeling she felt was growing more and more each day...especially with the slanders of her fellow Shinigami. It was painful to watch and painful to hear. It was then, Kaen sat and said he was willing to hear Senshi and her reason for her sadness.

Senshi felt much better with him already...but she spoke releasing her sorrows and agonies one by one. "Well. When I first joined the Gotei, everything wasn't that bad I guess. I was training hard and trying to be the best I can be so I could save people...and survive more of. Eventually, my two friends...the only two I had got killed in duty and I couldn't do anything about it. I was useless in the end. I-I tried hard to get stronger...but I kept getting beaten...and beaten...and beaten. I've been called pathetic and useless. I've lost everything and I don't know why I bother living. I feel like I should kill myself Youji-San."

She had tears dripping from her teeth as it was more than that...but hard to explain. "I watched my comrades die...and I couldn't do anything. That man...Kuroi killed them all and threw me like a piece of trash. Col an Arrancar killed my comrades also...and they too died with me not being able to do anything. I'm tired of failing...and losing. You understand me don't you? It hurts to be a failure. It hurts to feel like you're not growing and ever going to progress. It hurts...to know my dreams will never come true." Senshi had coughed and gagged on her tears as they rolled down her cheeks. It hurt so bad as she felt as if there was no reason for her to continue living. She was alone on the lonely road...until Kaen showed up. He was a rock in that road stopping her from progressing. Senshi had wiped her eyes as she then spoke...yet again.

"Now that I've tried to hurt the Fukutaicho...and that I've been arrested, everyone hates me now. I don't want to be alone any longer! I've thought of killing myself so many times, I don't know why I don't!" The young woman had cried shaking hard as she bawled. Sadness was everywhere in her heart, and what she needed more than anything...was a hug. Senshi had revealed the skeletons in her closet. She had felt so empty in her little world of sorrow. It was almost as if she didn't even recognize Kaen was there any longer. Did it even matter anymore? Did her life matter? He may see she suddenly stopped her tears...before she began to raise her middle and index finger to her forehead as she took deep breaths in and out.

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen gave a slow nod as Senshi said that she was sad about many things. "Go ahead then." He encouraged her, and listened to her story. She told him about joining the Gotei for a very understandable goal. For Kaen his own purposes and objectives were much the same. To protect those he cared about. For that, he needed strength. To attain strength he needed to train. As he continued listening, Senshi told him of the death of her two friends. Deaths she could not prevent. Her frustrations battling to grow stronger in such a vicious world, and being beaten down each time she tried. Finally declaring that she'd be better off dead. Kaen reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, in an attempt to reassure her, but she continued to speak to him. Oh dear gods, she'd crossed blades with Kuroi Naito. Kaen bit his lip at that. "Kuroi...." He murmured. That would have been a harrowing experience for any shinigami, let alone an unseated officer. Kuroi's cruelty was well known in Soul Society, as was his perchance of leaving his victims alive to suffer. The other name, Col, rang no bells for Kaen, but he let it pass without comment.

Kaen did understand. Not quite in the way Senshi meant it. But he knew what it was like, to feel like a failure. Kaen could defeat as many people as he liked, it would not bring back Squad 7's glory days. He too, was not strong enough. His hand tightened on her shoulder slightly, rubbing it back and forth in an attempt at a comforting motion. When Senshi spoke of her dreams never coming true, Kaen wanted to speak up, but let Senshi finish. She now spoke of her most recent crime. The one that had gotten her arrested. Ah. That was right. Now Kaen was remembering some of the hazier details. She'd fought a sparring match with Vice Captain Yetsuna, and had threatened her mid-battle. While professionally, Kaen could not condone that behavior, off the record.... he'd seen worse. Shinigami like Shade Kawada who had fought with killing intent in every blow, whether sparring with an ally or striking an enemy. Senshi bemoaned her shame and ostracization by her fellow shinigami, and reiterated her thoughts of killing herself. But as she lifted up her hand to her weeping face, Kaen's other hand moved out, quickly but lightly, and he gently pushed her hand away from Senshi's face. Despite the softness of Kaen's movement, Senshi would find that her hand was being moved with such strength that it may as well have been of her own volition, for all the ease with which Kaen moved it back. "That bites." Kaen told her. "That really bites. Small wonder you're in this state after getting hit by all of that." One hand still on her shoulder, the other still holding down her arm, not forcefully or aggressively, but firmly nonetheless. "Painful too, to see your comrades die before you." He told her. "Fighting someone like Kuroi is a horrible thing to have happened to you." Some more reassurance. "After all that, your arrest must have been a breaking point." He told her. Then he looked straight towards Senshi's eyes, whether she was looking at him or not.

"But you've been released." He said. "Whatever crimes you've committed, you've paid the consequences." He stated. "It's water under the bridge. Anyone who says otherwise doesn't deserve your attention." Kaen kept watching Senshi's face. "There's no need to kill yourself, Senshi. Doesn't matter what Squad you're from, or what you've done. I can see the regret on your face. You feel shame for attacking Yetsuna-fukutaichou. You didn't enjoy it. I can't suggest your motives, but you didn't do it because you wanted to hurt her. For me, that's enough that I can still call you comrade." In the light of Senshi's still sobbing features, the sound of her crying, Kaen's arm slipped off her shoulders, to pull Senshi into a tight, one armed hug. "Understand me? No comrade of mine is ever going to be truly alone, so long as I have something to say about it, and you are no exception." He informed her, in a matter-of-fact tone.

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Kaen had listened intently to everything she had to say, and it felt good to let it all out on someone. Kaen had comforted her rubbing his hand along her shoulder as she felt as if she were ranting. She probably was. She was most certainly surprised however, to see her hand pushed away with a strength unbeknownst to her as Kaen had spoke to her; reassured her. Her eyes widened as they were teary, and her heart felt fluttery. Did he know what she was about to do? She had felt him pinning her hand very lightly as he looked to her with deep eyes. He told her what he felt honestly and she did not see disdain but empathy.

It was then he talked to her understanding that she's been through a lot. He had told her that despite her arrest and her deed, the action was forgivable. He said that he still considered her a comrade, and his words of kindness had helped Senshi tremendously. What had happened in her past suddenly felt as if it didn't matter when she was with Kaen. She felt one arm wrap around her and hug her close, and Senshi choked for a moment...before returning the hug wrapping both arms around the man's neck if she could move her limbs. Words weren't needed to display her thoughts, but she had decided to say a few.

"T-Thank you. T-T-That makes me feel happy! To not be alone in the world. I don't want to feel the burden of loneliness." She had wiped her eyes as tears of newfound happiness had escaped her face, rolling off of her cheeks. She had never thought she could meet anyone like Kaen. The one whom arrested her was at the same time the one who showed the most empathy and understanding to her. She had made a new friend in the most unusual of ways. She had then slowly broken the hug as she would wipe her eyes. She had took a few more deep breaths before she slowly regained her composure. "T-Thank you so much. I-Is there anyway I can repay you? Y-You made me feel...better; alive even."

Senshi had looked to the man with her cerulean blue eyes taking in his features as he did look powerful. Just moving her hand the way he did with minimal effort showed her that he was a testament of strength. Senshi had wondered if she even could so anything to help the man or repay him. He was a higher rank, stronger, and most likely earning a higher salary than she was, so she thought about what she could give him but was coming up with blanks. In her time of contemplation, it would give Kaen the time to think of something himself. Senshi felt she was indebted to the man and that since he helped her, she needed to so the same.

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen gave a warm smile at Senshi's acceptance of his help. "Don't mention it." He said in answer to her gratitude. "The strength of the shinigami is in our unity. I'm not going to let something hinder that." It was true, in Kaen's mind. The arrancar were individualistic. They were an anarchist reign where might made right, and half the members wanted to kill the other half. Arrancar worked poorly together in groups. This was the shinigami's advantage over them. They could put aside their differences, to unite their forces toward a common goal. Teamwork. And to facilitate that? Kaen was more than happy to keep someone from enduring the burden of loneliness. He could see the joy flushing back into Senshi's face, and he gave her a quick pat on the back as she broke off the hug. "I'm glad you're feeling better." He said with a smile.

When asked how to repay him, Kaen seemed to think for a moment while Senshi studied him. Contrary to his training, Kaen was deceptively slim. Athletically built, certainly, but to describe him as a hulking wall of muscles would be completely inaccurate. Kaen was built like an athlete. Toned muscle was evident in his exposed, bare arms, but they weren't bulky or anything like that. Efficient muscle training was what Kaen focused on. As far as focusing on a way for her to repay him? Kaen didn't have anything off the top of his head. He didn't help Senshi because he'd expected payment, he'd helped her because he believed it to be the right thing to do. And for Kaen that was the only thing that mattered. That it was right to do. Kaen had strong ideals and fought to protect those ideals, and helping out others was part of it. "I have an idea!" "Oh. Yeah. I bet you do, but we're not taking your advice." Kaen snapped in response to his Zanpakuto's lewd suggestion.

"No need for repayment. I'm doing the right thing is all. If you really need to do something, just have my back in the future, and try to keep smiling." He told her. "And maybe share this with me." He said, reaching into his bag and procuring a pair of bento boxes, and passing one to Senshi. Kaen had packed them for his forest trip, but it seemed like he was going to put that on hold for now. Or just go back a day early? Who knew. He'd play it as it came. His Bento boxes were pretty basic, mind. Onigiri rice balls, soba noodles and of course, takoyaki. Takoyaki was a favorite of Kaen's. Within the last few years he'd also started added Spicy Tuna sushi to his bento boxes in memory of the Empress. He also procured a pair of chopsticks to pass those to Senshi as well. "No tea or sake I'm afraid. I typically just find a stream when I'm out here." He admitted. His parents would die of shame if they knew their son, a noble of Soul Society stooped to drinking from streams. Not that Kaen cared. He was his own person. He had advantages, he knew, but he hated exploiting them. "So who were these Shinigami who were giving you trouble?" He asked, picking out an onigiri and beginning to chow down on it. "I expect they'll be a lot less keen to do it again, if you come home with me at your back." He stated, talking with his mouth full.

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

The warm smile...before he said don't mention it. He claimed the strength of the Shinigami was in their unity, and that was definitely an interesting thought. It would change her way of thinking for sure as she had never thought of it that way before. It made her realize that she wasn't alone in a battle and even if she was, others would come. The man had made her feel better than any ice cream for sure. He had given her a pat on the back as he was glad Senshi was feeling better. How else could she react to him other than a small smile.

Kaen seemed to think for a while...and she looked at him until she heard a small voice. "Oh Crimson-Chan. I can think of a few ways you can make it up to him with interest~" Senshi really should be used to Shonin Joka's comments, but she blushed a bright crimson as she turned around hiding her face. Senshi wasn't even sure if she could repay Kaen that way. It would be extremely awkward as she's never so much as kissed a man. Besides, she was one of those girls that wanted to find "the one" and get married before doing anything drastic.

Senshi didn't look bad really. It's just compared to a lot of other girls, she was...mediocre perhaps. Her skin was fair although there had been a scar across her wrist which is odd seeing most Shinigami can get those healed with ease. Senshi had a decent appearence she'd like to think, but perhaps she was wrong. She didn't reveal many features as even her outfit dictated that. Wearing an outfit two sizes too large and tying the waist with a sash. Senshi was getting distracted perhaps though. She hadn't noticed Kaen was speaking to her again.

He had mentioned he was simply doing the right thing, and that the way to pay him back was to have his back in the future. The other way to pay him back was to share...a bento with him? She was surprised at his kindness and his generosity. She was dumbfounded for a second before she broke into a wide grin. Taking the lunch box, she had thanked him. The chopsticks were welcomed as she had opened her lunchbox beginning to welcome the meal into her mouth chewing silently. It was quiet for a second until Kaen had asked who the Shinigami were that happened to pick on her.

"There's been a wide variety from several squads to be honest. Even the medics had some grudges against me. After I was healed and then taken to my cell though, the guard responsible for watching me took my lunch ration and threatened I would get put in the darkest room if I complained. His name was Rizu Metsune. I figured I deserved that...so I didn't but, I don't know if he had the authority or right to do so. It's all water under the bridge I suppose isn't it?" She had continued to eat as she didn't mind there was no tea or sake. She didn't drink, and tea was more for relaxation for Senshi anyways.

[Kaen Youji]

Senshi was hardly the only one present with a scar in any case. Perhaps it would help her feel at ease with her own mark of injury, with a simple look at Kaen's face. The Vice Captain bore a scar himself on his right cheek, in the shape of an "X". Kaen himself probably thought it made him look badass. Or at least that's what most people looking at it would think. Kaen kept them because they were reminders of how close he'd come to dying. A wound to the face was only a few inches away from losing an eye, losing your head or having one's brain punctured. Wounds to the face weren't showing how tough you were, they showed how lucky you were that the opponent hadn't aimed a few inches higher. But the scar was there, plain on his face, no matter what reason he had of keeping them. Maybe it would help Senshi feel more comfortable with her own scar if someone like Kaen, who commanded at least some respect in the Seireitei, had a much more prominent one on full display, for all the world to see.

In any case, Kaen was enjoying sharing a meal with someone. It had been a long time since he'd had a chance to do that. He'd had a snack with the then-Vice Captain, Hotaru Kuchiki (though she was a Captain now) awhile back, and had a meal with the Septima Espada, Myza before that (not that anyone but Kazuko Shiba knew about that....) Kaen paused as he enjoyed his onigiri. What had happened to Kazuko anyways? He'd just vanished one day. Kaen would have to ask Squad 9 about that when he had a chance. Kid had potential, it was a shame he'd disappeared. Though Kaen could say that about a lot of Soul Society, honestly. So many promising shinigami that just disappeared one day. He hoped that Senshi wouldn't be one of them. Kaen's cooking was nothing spectacular, but it was certainly edible. He polished off the onigiri quickly and looked over at Senshi as she ate, trying to pick up little details from her. Her oversized uniform and meek demeanor suggested someone without a lot of self confidence. A wallflower that stayed at the back of the crowd. At least that's what he gathered so far. He didn't catch the scar on her wrist though, as it was just a general overview. Finally Senshi began to tell him a little about the Shinigami that bothered her. It was surprising to Kaen that shinigami were holding grudges over the events. He could understand if the Vice Captain attacked or the division held a grudge. Maybe even Senshi's own division. For a prison guard to do that though? She told him that her guard took away her lunch rations and threatened her with solitary confinement. Kaen's expression darkened for a moment.

Squad 7 was the division in charge of interring other Shinigami. Squad 6 only came into matters if interrogations were in order, like with POW's. For shinigami, Squad 7 had priority access, and damned if Kaen wouldn't fight tooth and nail to keep it that way. And Kaen also pushed professionalism into his squad when on the job. Yes he himself was probably setting a TERRIBLE example (more than one of his subordinates had walked in on him sleeping on the couch in his office), but Kaen also set an example of leniency and decency. He did not allow personal feelings to influence his duty. Now the name Rizu Metsune did not immediately ring a bell (Even now, Squad 7 had enough officers that knowing all of them by name was quite a struggle for someone with as limited a work ethic as Kaen), but he would be taking the time to track the officer down later and have a one to one with him. And if what Senshi had told him was true, Rizu was in for an unpleasant day. Kaen didn't believe in corporal punishment, though suspension of duty was never completely off the table. But Kaen didn't need formal corporal punishment. Many of his division considered a mandatory training session with him far, far worse. Fighting an upset Kaen was not an option many of them relished, because he would be certain to beat them to within an inch of their life, before dragging their unconscious forms off to Squad 4, and be chipper and cheery with them the next day as if nothing had happened. After running them ragged through intense conditioning of course. Kaen's little marathon run out here was just a warm up for him, but for most of his subordinates, that alone would have left them exhausted, even before he got into the "hard part".

"Well. Tell you what. If something like that ever happens again, you be sure to request me personally. To the guard's face. Let them know that if your request gets denied, they'll have to answer to me for that sooner or later." That would likely get all but the boldest of Squad 7 to comply pretty much immediately. "Bullying prisoners is not tolerated in my squad, no matter what the prisoner has done. We're professionals. We don't let personal feelings get in the way of our duty, and certainly don't let them affect our duty." And yes, Kaen did use the term my squad. Kimiko may have officially held the title of Captain, but Kaen was prepared to go head to head with the Captain over any misdemeanor, and unlike many other Vice Captains in Soul Society, Kaen was strong enough to face his Captain if it came to it. As the entire squad had seen not so long ago. "You have my personal apology for how you were treated. If you want to do something to thank me for whatever help I gave you, calling us even for your treatment is all I'll need." He assured her. "I'll have a chat with Rizu when I get back. You can sit in on it if you want, or not. Up to you."

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Senshi had a habit of eating a little bit of everything together in the Bento at the same time. A small bit of the Takoyaki, followed by a bite of the soba noodles, and then a bit of the riceball at the end. She had taken a look at the scar adorned on the man's face. She didn't judge very much based off of appearances, but knew this man had been through a lot...possibly more than she has. The dark expression on Kaen's face was not quite noticed by the redheaded girl as she was contemplating something. She wanted to see how far she had to grow in order to face her inner demons. She wanted to know if Kaen would be willing to face her, and prepare her for battle.

Her eyes scanned the man more closely taking in every feature. It was then he spoke telling her essentially that he had her back in case she was bullied or effected by prejudice especially from anyone in his squad. He...apologized to her? He said that for her treatment, they were even. Senshi had remained blank for a moment before giggling into her sleeve with both eyes closed. This man truly was kind, and Senshi appreciated that. She had then looked to Kaen with a new sort of light in her eyes as she nodded. "Hai. Let's forget about that. Also...never said it, but Idatakimasu. Please forgive my lack of etiquette. Also, I don't think I'll be needing to be there for Rizu. The young woman had quickly swallowed the rest of her food down before she slowly stood up. Looking to Kaen, she had motioned to him to grab his attention. She decided she would be willing to be bold with her thoughts and act upon them instead of letting them rest in her head.

"S-Say. Would you umm...be willing to get some training done with me today? I promise I won't attack you like I did Fukutaicho Yshmir." The girl had sounded a little sarcastic or in a joking manner as she had a small shy grin on her face although she was fumbling with her words somewhat. If he were willing to accept this request, Odayakama Senshi would have slowly looked to him before wondering if she should go all out. She knew from a general experience that going all out was at times the only way to go. What would be the point of that however? She needed to know what her flaws were in fighting, and so she decided to stick with her weak spots. Hand to hand combat was an area of combat she rarely if ever utilized seeing not many would fight an Arrancar or Hollow in this method, and those were primarily her targets. She mostly fought with her Kido and her katana. It was a good thing to be practicing this skill as she would never know if someday her sword would be gone, or she was too wasted on energy to continue fighting with Kido. 

She would slip into a relatively loose stance as her feet would align straight with Kaen's own posture. Her dominant leg would depend on his own stance. Her hands would be raised and open palmed as the fingertips would remain at her eye level. Her right leg would be the one with the tip slightly outward as the tip and heel would form a triangle. This was the most basic of the Aikido martial art stances. She has been training this stance for nearly a century as the purpose of the stance was simple. It allows it so that there is little to attack, is easy for her to sidestep and or avoid blows, and allows the user to make bold movements to redirect an then counter attack. Senshi however uses it a bit oddly. She uses this stance to follow the movements of the enemy to avoid attacks and then launch a counter blow devastating to the enemy. 

Another oddity is that she tended to combine her Kido along with her martial arts to compliment and amplify her hand to hand fighting style. She wasn't physically strong as she had to work hard just to get to the basic human strength. However, for this martial art, it was not about strength. It was in fact about using the strength of the enemy against themselves. Senshi would take a few deep breaths to keep her breathing steady as her blue eyes would narrow like a tiger staring at it's prey. A cool breeze would blow through the forest as she kept both eyes on Kaen at all times. Her stance was loose, but tight as she tried her best not to leave any openings to Kaen. 

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen ate his meal in silence after that, letting Senshi think things over. It wasn't an angry silence on his part, there was no darkness in his face. His eyes seemed almost lazy as they looked over Senshi and the surrounding forest. The pieces of Hollow that Senshi had carved up, had already disintegrated into the aether, leaving the trees pristine and beautiful. Dappled sunlight streamed through the branches onto the ground, creating patches of light and shadow. Kaen took a moment to ponder the state of Squad 7, and wondered if Rizu's actions were a reflection of the squad, or of himself. While he was thinking, Senshi spoke up, apologizing for her lack of etiquette. Kaen glanced at her and his eyes came back into focus as she said this. A little surprised at that statement. Having been raised in a noble family, Kaen knew etiquette of course, but it was something he could turn on and off at will. He could be the proper and polite son of the Youji family, when it suited him or his family's needs, and then when the need expired, he would immediately revert back to his usual self. The kid that would sneak out at night to play in the Rukongai districts with the street rats and "common" children as his parents had called them. Children who'd never heard the word "etiquette" in their lives. So Senshi's lack of etiquette didn't bother Kaen at all, in fact it was refreshing, if anything else. But she was already moving on to the next subject.


Senshi was standing up. Was she heading out already? Her life, to do with as she willed, but it did surprise Kaen she was heading out so soon. Then she asked Kaen to train with her. Kaen read this less as "train" with her, however and more as to spar with her. Kaen raised an eyebrow at her request, which only quirked up a little higher as she promised him not to go overboard as she had with Yetsuna. Then he laughed a litte. An amused laugh, as he joined Senshi in standing up. He closed up his bento box and slipped it into his pack, taking the pack away and setting it down at a tree a fair distance away, before walking back to rejoin Senshi, still smiling. "I don't know if you have to worry about that. I haven't met Yetsuna-fukutaichou personally." He stated. "But I'm stronger than she is." He said decidedly. "I don't know if you can actually kill me." He told Senshi. "So if you want to go ahead and fight at full force, as though trying to kill me, that's fine with me. I can look after myself." He assured her. "Or if you want to keep it light and easy, I'm fine with that too. It's up to you." Kaen told her with shocking ease of tone for someone who more or less just told Senshi that she was welcome to try and kill him. A quick glance into the life Kaen led. Despite his youthful appearance, Kaen had already fought in so many life or death battles, that the idea of a blade cutting short his life was something he merely accepted as an obstacle now, rather than something to be feared. That he was so accustomed to facing foes trying to kill him, that it made little difference to him whether Senshi fought that way or not.

{From This Point Onwards This Thread Is a Joint Training}

"But yeah. I'll take you up on that if you're so interested." Kaen told her, but did not assume a fighting posture as Senshi did. Rather, he examined Senshi's fighting posture. Although Kaen specialized in Karate, Hakuda and Jiujitsu, he had a passing familiarity with many martial arts, having experimented with a great many in the past. He could not be called a practitioner of any but those three, but he knew enough to recognize other martial arts at a glance, and could at least discern what Senshi was intending based on looking at the stance she assumed. The balanced state could come from any but the most esoteric of martial arts, so Kaen immediately ruled out Capoeira or Pencak Silat. The open palms immediately closed out most conventional striking styles like boxing, Tae Kwon Do or Savate. The stance was similar to his own Jiujitsu stances, and the open palms suggested a grappling form. Combined with the Eastern leanings of the stance.... Kaen quickly concluded that Senshi was either a Jiujitsu or Aikido practitioner. He made this assessment in little more than a look at her stance, and immediately began putting that knowledge to use. Senshi's stance was defensive. Mobile, allowing her to evade or redirect attacks fairly easily and avoid being hurt but... Kaen's martial training and mastery of analysis allowed him to instantly read into the weakness of Senshi's stance.

"If you're going to do that...." Kaen told her, hands actually in his pockets he was addressing her so casually. "Let's try this then." Kaen lifted his arms into something resembling a boxing stance. This was a position Kaen often used to throw his opponents off as to his real fighting style. It was a loose and poor excuse for a boxing guard, but against someone not well versed in boxing, was passable. Then Kaen lunged forwards, with a low, stomping strike at Senshi's foot. Kaen was being very careful to restrict his strength and speed for the moment, which gave him the look of moving with utterly contemptible ease. His speed was moving barely above a stat speed of 250 (only about one third of his full speed), and his strength was being restricted to a level of only about 60-- one tenth of his full strength. He fought in this way, for the moment, so that Senshi could actually have a chance of applying some semblance of technique and defense against him, as if he fought with his full strength, Senshi would not be able to match him. The other important reason for restricting his strength was so that he did not shatter Senshi's bones or kill her with an errant punch or kick. Following up his stomping attack, Kaen's front leg snapped out to hit Senshi's thigh with a low roundhouse kick. His attacks were coming in low. Too low for Senshi to intercept with her hands without exposing herself to another attack. Forcing Senshi to either retreat or to try to counterattack.

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Youji Kaen was pleased with Senshi's little joke it seemed as he laughed and was interested in Senshi's proposition. Her bento was abandoned and sealed near the tree she leaned on of course. He told her essentially that Senshi didn't have to worry about going all out on him and that he was most certainly stronger than Yetsuna. He also gave Senshi the option to train light an easy which sounded pleasant at the moment. "Let's just ease into it Youji-Fukutaicho." Thus she had continued to slip into her stance after reaching a fair distance.

She had observed him closely and she saw he was observing her stance closely most likely determining which martial art she was a practitioner of. He himself then took an odd stance which wasn't very familiar with her. She tried to recognize it but for the most part it looked unrecognizable, loose, and a little bit sloppy. However, as she had seen the man dash at her current speed she had realized that itself could make up for the sloppy stance. She would just simply have to do her best to avoid any attacks launched at her and then launch counter attacks as necessary.

Senshi had analyzed his movements carefully, and so when the stomping strike had been delivered, she had quickly hopped off her left leg backwards narrowly avoiding the first strike. She had quickly analyzed the man's movement to swing his front leg into her thigh as she decided to be a bit clever in her movements. It was true that the low movements were difficult to block. Therefore, she decided to dodge by jumping as high as she could while curling her legs inward towards her chest. Assuming the man had missed his attack, Senshi had then quickly stood before spinning off of her right leg leaning forward to slam the back of her palm into the side of Kaen's neck. As she exited the spin, she at the same time had stepped forward aiming to interlock Kaen's and Senshi's left leg as hers would curl and wrap around his own in a lock as this battle was not just of strength, but also of balance.

Senshi hadn't had a battle of hand to hand in a long time. She's never found it particularly useful or occurring much ever in her life. She honestly had yet to know if the man was going to be impressed by the way she utilized her fighting skills. Senshi had a feeling she may have made a mistake wanting to engage Kaen in hand to hand combat, but she needed to get stronger especially physically seeing spiritually she had developed enough. Most of her enemies and foes all were physically stronger than her. Perhaps Kaen would help her grow in this area.

SPOILER: Click to show

Training for CTP

[Kaen Youji]

Kaen smiled cheerfully at Senshi's statement. "As you wish!" He said, before engaging his attack. Senshi managed to retreat away from him to avoid the stomp attack, and leaped up into the air to dodge his leg kick. Unfortunately for Senshi, that was where her attempts would have to end. Against a less skilled opponent this may have been effective, but Kaen was experienced, and went after openings the moment they appeared. Her backwards hop had been sufficient to avoid any punishment on Kaen's part for unnecessary motion. A full jump into the air, complete with tucking in her legs? That would not be so fortunate. While Senshi had successfully dodged Kaen's kicks, what she perhaps had neglected to consider was a further follow-up attack before she hit the ground. Due to how low Kaen's leg kick had come in, it was not difficult for Kaen to plant the foot following the kick and use it to press the attack further. Before Senshi's feet would have a chance to touch the ground Kaen's right arm struck out in a strong palm strike, his left arm still tucked in protectively. If Senshi was quick, she might be able to block the attack, but without any grounding, even blocked, she would still be hurled backwards a foot or two and out of counter-attack distance. If she attempted to counter at the same time, rather than block at all, Kaen's left arm was still ready and his guard was up to intercept Senshi's attack. This simple and quick blow would quickly prevent Senshi from launching her fierce combination of striking and grappling against Kaen.

"Be careful, Senshi-chan." Kaen warned her. He'd pulled a lot of his power so that it would at least be possible for Senshi to block his attack, but it was up to Senshi to both block the blow AND handle the landing with her motion thoroughly disrupted by the blow. "Jumping into the air carelessly like that is dangerous in close quarters. If you're not dodging away from your opponent or attacking them, avoid letting both your feet leave the ground." He stated, still using the same third rate boxing stance as before. Or... was he? If Senshi paid attention, while it was true that Kaen's guard looked.... rather amateurish, his body position and footwork was practically perfect. If she was able to take note of this, she'd probably be able to work out the rest from there-- that Kaen's boxing guard was a ruse. A trick to make her underestimate him. While Kaen didn't often employ much deception in his fighting style, this was one he would allow himself.

"Shall we resume?" He offered, as he stepped in, his left arm shooting forwards in a quick jab. A punch that would be in and out at high speed, giving Senshi very little time to grab hold of it for a grapple or throw, and would serve to keep the female shinigami at bay, preventing moving in carelessly. Kaen would test out Senshi's defenses, throwing several more jabs at her face. Though jabs were light blows, if Kaen scored enough hits with them, they would build up, and they would prevent Senshi from simply charging Kaen. However. Just as Senshi might begin to adjust to the rhythm of Kaen's jabs (assuming Kaen had not underestimated her own skills at adaption!) Kaen would suddenly close into Senshi and throw a hard right uppercut to the body, aiming below the ribs. It would hurt. Probably wind Senshi. But it was unlikely it would do more than that, and still allow Senshi room to fight back. This was a learning experience for both of them. Kaen intended to learn how Senshi fought, and Senshi could gain some coaching from one of Soul Society's best hand to hand fighters. Win-win for both of them. And who knows? If Kaen liked what he saw today, Senshi might even be able to look forward to future sparring sessions from the Vice Captain.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Abilities}
• [Martial Art- Karate] {4}
• [Pain Tolerance] {3}
• [Martial Art-Jiujitsu] {3}
• [Analyzing] {2}
• Hakuda {3}
• Zanjutsu {1}
• Iaido {1}
Total: 18

[[Strength - 300 Points (600)
Speed - 375 Points (750)
Spiritual Pressure - 200 Points (150)
Reiatsu Strength - 400 Points
Light Aura - 45 Points
Dark Aura - 55 Points
Instinct- 175 Points
Senses- 100 Points
Energy sensory - 50 Points
Healing Expertise - 0 Points
Total: 1600 SP]

NOTE: Kaen is presently fighting with an effective strength of only 60 and an effective speed of about 250. Assume this for future posts unless otherwise noted

[Senshi Odayakama (Crimson.)]

Senshi had successfully dodged each of the kicks aimed for her, but it seemed the Fukutaicho was not yet done with his assault. He had aimed a palm strike for her torso, and a result of this...Senshi acted fast. Suddenly, a orange brittle shield had formed along her right arm right before contact had been made with her body so that his open palm would instead collide with Bakudo#8:Seki. It was large enough to block her torso at least, and was cast without an incantation. So the shield had been broken with a mere attack such as the palm, but in return had paralyzed Kaen most certainly. Kaen upon hitting this shield would feel a static of electricity channel through his body locking him in place. However, seeing she was still in mid air, she had to recover and land.

As she was essentially pushed backwards, the girl had pushed her legs outward before skidding against the ground slightly. She had recovered, and now that Kaen was open to attack, she had acted with her counter attack. Using the Shunpo to appear before Kaen, she had with an open palm with her right hand, slammed it upwards to knock Kaen's head upwards before using her free hand to do a horizontal chop to Col's neck. Following this movement, she would then spin getting behind the man and sliding her leg, kicking his foot out from under him. Kaen had said that he would allow her to use full force to attack the man, and she honestly wasn't that physically strong to begin with anyways. Even if he WERE debilitated, she knew healing Kaido to aid him.

Then she would make it even more difficult for the fighter. "Man, shaped by Divine hands, revert to the form before limbs, clutch at your own throat and be afraid! Bakudo#1:Sai!" Thus the man would experience his arms by some odd invisible force locking behind his back as Odayakama Senshi had drawn Kanji within the air. The word "Lock" would be written on the back of his arms many times although they would disappear once the Bakudo would be broken. Senshi was no fool. Just from looking at the man, she could tell he was holding back leagues of his physical strength, but even he wouldn't be able to withhold his bodies natural durability. However, this just meant she had to fight in a different aspect in order to avoid taking damage and deliver damage in return.

Senshi had at that moment stepped backwards to gain distance as she was serious based on her face. It was steeled and eyes were focused on the Kaen in front of her. If she were physically more powerful, perhaps she may have been able to pose a thread to Kaen. That was a big maybe. Her strength lied in her spiritual abilities, and so she had been experimenting with how to make them assist in her physical encounters. She recalled her defeats by many of her foes had been due to her lack of strength, and so she wondered at those times if her spiritual abilities could have been used in more creative ways. Maybe so...maybe not.

SPOILER: Click to show

SPOILER: Click to show

Stats:

Strength:(70x.75)= 52

Speed:250

Spiritual Pressure:280

Reiatsu Strength:(400x1.5)=600

Light Aura:75

Dark Aura:25

Instinct:100

Senses:100

Energy Sensory:0

Healing Expertise:0



Total:1200









Skills:

Analyzing:1

Learning:1

Weapons*:1[Swords]

Martial Arts*:1[Aikido]

Battle Analysis:1

Mental Enchantation:1

Pain Tolerance:1

Kido:1

8/16 SKP

Reiatsu Remaining:2700/2800
-25 Seki
-25 Sai
-50 Shunpo
Strength of Kido
Seki=600
Sai=660