Ken'ichi Shihoin [Squad 12 Vice Captain]

[Deleted]

⊰〖• K E N ' I C H I

S H I H O I N •〗⊱

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⊰〖• ______________O P E N N I N G_______________ •〗⊱

❀    Password 1: Black Hole

❀    Password 2: Moon Pray

❀    Type:  Soul Specialist v1

❀    Squad: Squad 12

❀    Rank: Vice Captain (Class 1, Rank 2)

❀    Discord: Kalani (Kerrigan)

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⊰〖• ________B A S I C     I N F O R M A T I O N________ •〗⊱

❀    Name: Ken'ichi Shihoin

❀    Age of Death: Not Applicable (born in Soul Society)

❀    Real Age/Age of Appearance: 789 [29]

❀    Birthday (Month/Day): November 29, 1231

❀    Blood Type: AB-

❀    RP Sample (Optional):

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⊰〖• ______________A P P E A R A N C E______________ •〗⊱

❀    Height: 5'11"

❀    Weight: 152 lbs

❀    Eye Color: Hazel

❀    Hair Color: Lilac

❀    Complexion: Chocolate

⊰〖• PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION •〗⊱

While standing just shy of six feet, Ken'ichi has a slight, lanky build which gives him the overall appearance of having been stretched on a rack. With a warm chocolaty complexion, and an offbeat taste in fashion, Ken'ichi's overall appearance comes across as an awkward combination of geeky and sophisticated. His usual attire consists of an iridescent pinkish-yellow lab coat worn over the sleeveless black kosode and hakama traditionally worn by members of the Onmitsukidō, and accented by a dark green sash, and an elaborate, layered mantle colored a reflective orange. Tied about his neck, Ken'ichi wears two pieces of dark, red-brown fabric, worn as a tie, and which flare outward at the bottom, giving a sharp, angular effect.

The full-length lab coat itself is cinched up on the right to reveal his black hakama beneath. While appearing to be made of expensive satin or silk, Ken'ichi's outerwear is actually made from a durable, fire-retardant fabric of Ken'ichi's own design. Worn about his waist is a dark green and blue sash made of the same fire-retardant fabric. Decorated with hibiscus flowers, the sash is buckled on the right side by a wide metallic buckle made of some pinkish metal. Worn asymmetrically, the left side of his sash trails down his left thigh, while the right side ends just below the buttocks. Hanging from his right wrist, Ken'ichi sports a delicate, ovoid pendant. Decorated with a large oval turquoise set in a golden filigree clasp, the pendant itself is weighted at the bottom by a brass pointed pendulum, causing it to hang loosely against his arm.

Buttoned across his shoulders, Ken'ichi's mantle made of the same reflective material as his coat and sash. The orange-colored mantle itself covers Ken'ichi's shoulders and back, and is cut with sharp, angular points which end abruptly at a point above the elbow. The front of the garment is layered, with the outer layer arching high toward the neckline, where it is buttoned into a high, skin-tight collar. The inner layer drapes downward, ending in a rounded point, and is decorated with delicate, red embroidery. A small almond-shaped gap is created between the two layers, giving the appearance of an "eye" in the center of his chest. Accenting the mantle, small metallic buttons of a dark, muddy red run along the front of the garment, while the seams are accented with embroidered thread in the same color. Finally, two dark metallic bands are pinned diagonally to the right side of the garment. On the rear, the mantle comes to a triangular point just above the waistline, and is flanked by two smaller triangular points at the back of each shoulder.

For footwear, Ken'ichi wears the traditional japanese sandles and white socks worn by most of his shinigami brethren. Unlike them however, Ken'ichi's sandles are tied to his ankles by red-brown thread, which criss-crosses his legs, almost to the knee, and gives the appearance of a greek or roman soldier. Finishing off this flamboyant ensemble, Ken'ichi sports a pair of thin, wire-framed glasses which perch delicately upon his pale, angular face and enhance the allure of his piercing, hazel eyes.

While dressing in an extravagant, flamboyant style, Ken'ichi pays little attention to his disheveled rose-white hair, or at least - that's the impression he deliberately conveys. Kept in a short, but deliberately unkempt fashion, Ken'ichi's hair is parted on the left, with his long sweeping bangs partially covering his face on the right side. On the left side of his face, his pale tinted hair sweeps outward away from his face. Worn just above the shoulder, Ken'ichi's hair shines with a lustrous radiance, and smells faintly of lavender. To a perceptive individual, these details belie the seemingly unkempt appearance of his hair, and reveal that he wears his hair deliberately in this fashion, and takes great pride in deceiving people of this fact.

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⊰〖• _____________P E R S O N A L I T Y_____________ •〗⊱

⊰〖• DISLIKES ❀ HATES •〗⊱

❀ Rejection/Disappointment  
While Ken'ichi has felt the sting of rejection more times than he can count, each and every time one of his "special interests" rebuffs his advances wounds his self-worth and confidence. Not one to reveal how deeply being rejected hurts him, Ken'ichi masks his pain behind a show of mock indifference while moving onto the next person, ever seeking the special "One" who he can shower with his boundless love and affection. Ken'ichi's aversion to disappointment does not end solely with rejection however. Any kind of disappointment, no matter how small leaves Ken'ichi with a hollow, empty feeling deep in the pit of his stomach - one he most often tries to fill by consuming sweet, sugary foods and drink.

❀ Sour or Bitter Foods  
Ken'ichi cannot stand the taste of anything sour or bitter. Such foods leave him feeling nauseous with indigestion. This is a psycho-somatic response resulting from a long-forgotten negative reaction to a rotten lemon early in his childhood. Alcohol seems to be the only exception to this aversion and causes him no undue discomfort.

❀ Imposed Restrictions  
Ken'ichi cannot stand artificial restrictions placed upon his person. While he grudgingly acknowledges the need for "rules" and "regulations" in order to maintain peace, safety and order, he feels stifled by such restrictions. This has lead to him bending or breaking any rule he feels he can get away with, living by the motto of it being "better to ask forgiveness than permission". However, despite his rebellious nature, Ken'ichi will never break a rule if doing so would increase the chances of an ally or innocent coming to harm.

❀ Disorder  
While this may seem at odds with his rebellious disregard and contempt for "imposed restrictions", Ken'ichi cannot stand being in a disorderly environment, nor does he hold any love toward chaotic or haphazard situations. His love of combat seems to be an exception in this regard, as while combat is by its nature chaotic, Ken'ichi seeks to impose order on any battle he finds himself within through a process of careful observation, and calculated maneuvers orchestrated with mathematical precision. While Ken'ichi holds order, discipline, and organization in high regard, he is far from obssessive-compulsive when it comes to cleanliness or order. As such, while he expects his subordinates to keep their quarters clean, and relatively well-organized, he is quick to overlook inconsequential details, providing the overall standard is moderately high. Those who fall short of this standard however, do not often last long under his command. Those who show disrespect for basic "orderliness" can expect swift reprimand, and consequences for their disobedience. Given Ken'ichi's own disregard for rules and restrictions, expecting his subordinates to hold themselves to even this standard is more than a little hypocritical of him.

❀ Unnecessary Violence  
It is a shinigami's duty to slay Hollows and the enemies of the Sereitei. With this duty comes a certain degree of necessary violence. Likewise, Ken'ichi's love of combat results in him engaging in violent behavior with some degree of frequency. With that being said however, in Ken'ichi's mind there is a clear distinction between "necessary" violence in the pursuit of training, or fulfilling one's responsibility as a Shinigami, and excessive, "unnecessary" and over-the-top violence. It is Ken'ichi's belief that combatants must hold themselves with a level of self-restraint and discipline, and to only use as much force as necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Ken'ichi views unrestrained violence, violent displays of anger, wanton destruction, and attacks which harm the innocent are seen as abhorrent and disgusting, and cannot be tolerated. Ken'ichi holds nothing but contempt for those who engage in frequent and unnecessary violence. Such pathetic excuses for life are worth less than animals in his eyes, and their violence must be curtailed.

❀ Injustice  
Tying in with his hatred of unnecessary violence, one of Ken'ichi's core values is in "Justice for all". So strongly does he believe in the cause of "Justice" that witnessing an act of Injustice is one of the few things known to infuriate Ken'ichi. Depending on the severity of injustice, Ken'ichi's intolerance toward unjust action is so great as to frequently shatter his calm, disciplined demeanor, and make him visibly enraged. Learning of an act of injustice (even second or third-hand) presses all of Ken'ichi's buttons, making it extremely difficult for him to maintain his self-composure, and resist the urge to lash out and immediately take action to correct the perceived "wrong". In moments when he loses his composure in the face of injustice, Ken'ichi will later feel extreme guilt at his own actions, no matter how justified.

❀ Arrogance  
While insanely intelligent and a master of many fields, Ken'ichi does not lord his abilities over his peers. In fact, Ken'ichi feels great contempt toward braggarts, believing arrogance to be a sign of self-doubt and emotional weakness. In his eyes, if one is truly gifted in their art, there is little need to "show off", as the fruits of their efforts would be self-evident. From his point of view, if someone feels the need to draw attention to their work, it shows a lack of self-worth, or failing that - skills that do not measure up to their own inflated sense of self.

❀ Tsujigiri (Random Killing)  
Tying in with his strong moral code, Ken'ichi finds the practice of Tsujigiri abhorrent and contemptible. Those who would slay another innocent soul, simply for the purposes of practicing a new technique are in his eyes, among the worst of criminals. Utterly despicable, such individuals do not deserve the air they breathe, and must be brought to justice at any cost. While slaying an inferior foe in combat is detestable, those who would slay a weak and defenseless innocent simply for the purpose of testing a new technique are the lowest of the low.

❀ Rogue Shinigami  
While holding no love of authority himself, Ken'ichi has strong beliefs in the oaths sworn by shinigami upon entering the academy. Such oaths are few and offer shinigami great latitude in how they are followed. While normally tolerant toward other races, Ken'ichi lacks all compassion toward those of his own kind who would turn their back on their brethren, and would dare forsake the spiritual bond between Soul Reaper and Zanpakutou. Wielding the accursed Bakkōtō, such individuals are traitors, deserving of death, a punishment Ken'ichi is all to willing to carry out. This is not to say that Ken'ichi finds the Bakkōtō itself an abomination. The scientist within him respects the ingenuity that went into their creation, despite its flawed results. No, it is in the forsaking of One's duty as a shinigami, and the rejection of their zanpakutou that so enrages Ken'ichi. Despite his hatred toward rogue shinigami, Ken'ichi is extremely tolerant of rebel arrancar, quincy, and other such races; viewing such individuals as having discovered the error of their ways and having been redeemed.

❀ Kasumi'Oji  
Ken'ichi holds no love of the Kasumi'Oji clan, blaming them for the downfall of the once proud Shihoin Clan. Were it not for their rebellion in 1967, Ken'ichi believes that the head of the Shihoin clan would have never attempted his ill-conceived coup. As this was the event that triggered the Shihoin-Kawada conflict, of which his family ultimately lost, Ken'ichi believes that had the Kasumi'Oji never rebelled, the Shihoin clan would have never suffered disgrace, and eventual subjugation by the Kuchiki's.

❀ Being Heir  
As heir to the Shihoin clan, it will one day fall to Ken'ichi to govern his once great and noble family. In his youth, Ken'ichi had no desire to lead the Onmitsukidō as was the duty of the Shihoin Daimyo, nor did he hold much interest in the tedium of noble politics. Ken'ichi much preferred to practice his swordplay or bury his nose in the book of some scientific text than to engage in monotonous tea ceremonies, political discourse, or other courtly activities. Given the families disgrace and decline in recent decades, Ken'ichi finds the prospect of leading the family daunting. Where as he would have previously abdicated his position should the honor of Daimyo fall to him, in light of recent events he would feel obligated to assume the responsibilities awarded him, although finds the prospect unappealing, as it would undoubtably cut into his precious research time, training, and other pursuits. In this regard, Ken'ichi sincerely hopes that Okami gives birth to a suitable heir, and that "her" reign ushers in a revival for the Shihoin clan. The last thing Ken'ichi wishes, is for Okami to die without birthing an heir, or worse yet - being forced to challenge for leadership due to incompetence.

❀ Cowardice  
While Ken'ichi understands the value of a strategic withdrawal, he is disgusted by displays of abject cowardice. Fear is a natural reaction to danger, and should be viewed as a tool warning one of impending harm. He feels pity toward those who lack the courage to act in spite of fear, believing them to lack the necessary survival instinct that grants sentient species strength.

❀ Plagiarism  
Claiming credit for another person's hard work is a contemptible act and one that Ken'ichi frowns upon with disdain and obvious displeasure. Should Ken'ichi discover that an individual under his command be found guilty of plagiarism, he would expel them from the squad immediately, and without hesitation.

❀ Boredom  
While Ken'ichi rarely lacks for activities to fill his time, he dislikes the few times in which he has been bored. Should he be incapable of ending his boredom for any reason, he will quickly become frustrated and seek "creative" avenues to ease his boredom.

⊰〖• LIKES ❀ ENJOYS •〗⊱

❀ Romance  
Ken'ichi has an insatiable desire for beautiful people of all genders, and enjoys to spend his time in the company of said whenever possible. Ken'ichi showers his affections on anyone who catches his attention, seeking to woo them with extravagant displays of ultra-sappy romance.

❀ Sweetened Alcohol  
Ken'ichi has a fondness for good alcohol. Unlike most in Soul Society however, Ken'ichi has developed a preference for the sweet liquors, carbonated spirits, and mixed drinks from the human world, and prefers them to the more traditional sake available in Soul Society. Ken'ichi's fondness for human-world drinks is so great that he has designed and installed a carbonated softdrink machine inside the Soul Society Research Division, as well as an entire building devoted to the manufacture and storage of human world alcohol, the production of which Ken'ichi oversees personally.

❀ Confectionary  
Ken'ichi has a great love of chocolate, taffy, powdered, and hard candies from the human world, and takes great delight in acquiring and consuming these sweet delicacies, all but unknown in Soul Society. When he is unable to consume human-world candy, Ken'ichi will partake of a variety of sugared and honeyed cakes, and other pastry treats. It is rare to find Ken'ichi without some kind of sweet in his possession or another.

❀ Science Fiction  
Ken'ichi has a great love of Fantasy and Science Fiction television and movies, especially those relating to space exploration and interaction with alien species (hostile or otherwise). While he rarely has an opportunity to partake in this past time, while on deployment in the Human World, Ken'ichi will often steal a few moments to watch television through a Humans Window, at the cinema, or on a demo television at a supermarket; providing he feels he can get away with it. Back in Soul Society, Ken'ichi has yet to acquire a television, despite having requisitioned one for "research purposes" into Human entertainment and psychology.

❀ Auto-didactic Study  
Ken'ichi has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and spends vast quantities of time dedicated in scientific research, and self education. Ken'ichi's love of the sciences comes second only to his love of women, and only by a slight margin. There are few things in this life Ken'ichi enjoys more than to spend hours (and sometimes days), toiling away in his laboratory conducting experiments of one form or another, or locked away in his personal study absorbing information at a remarkable pace. So great is his passion, that Ken'ichi has become a self-trained polymath in a number of different scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, electro-mechanical engineering, and astronomy.

❀ Training/Practice  
Ken'ichi believes in the principle of keeping One's mind and body in perfect harmony. To that end, Ken'ichi spends several hours daily training his body, and practicing his combat kata's. To him, enrichment of the mind at the sacrifice of the body is detrimental to long term health. Likewise, as a shinigami, it is his duty to keep himself in physical fighting fitness. In addition to that, Ken'ichi finds the act of practicing his techniques meditative, allowing his mind the opportunity to wander while simultaneously allowing his subconscious mind to percolate. There is little Ken'ichi enjoys more than to honing his skills to sublime, mathematical precision.

❀ All things Furry, Chibi, and/or Cute  
Soft, fuzzy, and impossibly cute animals melt Ken'ichi's stoic exterior, causing him to explode in a cute-gasm of variable magnitude. With that being said however, Ken'ichi refuses to keep such adorable critters about his quarters, as he knows full well how quickly such beasties will distract him from his training and research. In a similar vein, Ken'ichi's heart melts at the sight of all manner of small, chibi, and/or cute things including babies, children, small adults, and anyone even remotely attractive.

❀ Intellectual Discussion  
As an intellectual himself, Ken'ichi loves debating the finer points of various sundry topics, even those outside his particular fields of interest. To that end, Ken'ichi would be more than willing to debate the philosophical differences between Shinigami and the outlook of various other races. Finding someone from another race willing to sit down and discuss such topics in a calm, collected manner is another story however.

❀ Aramis Tezuka  
Ken'ichi finds Aramis' off-beat and highly quizzical nature both delightful and refreshing. Ken'ichi considers Aramis a kindred spirit at heart, someone who shares his enthusiasm for knowledge, and his compassionate, merciful nature. While respectful of his privacy, Ken'ichi is curious as to the reasons behind his heavily shrouded left arm, believing him to have suffered serious deformity, or being embarrassed after suffering serious scarring and/or injury. Ken'ichi likewise finds Aramis attractive, in that school-boy bookish kind of way, and finds his olive green hair a refreshing departure from standard.

❀ Taien Hadohou  
Ken'ichi has a lot of respect for the vivacious, happy-go-lucky Vice Captain. This is largely due to his invention of the powerful "Kidou Fusion" technique, revealing a keen, unorthodox mind who does not fear thinking outside the box. While Ken'ichi has had few opportunities to get close to him as of yet, it is his goal to one day sit down and discuss the merits of Kidou fusion with him, preferably over a bottle of sparkling liqueur and a romantic, candle-light dinner. There is little doubt in his mind that beneath her sky-blue robes and shikakushou, is a firm, velvety body waiting to be unwrapped and sampled.

⊰〖• FLAWS ❀ DEFECTS •〗⊱

❀ Black Sheep  
Ken'ichi is the veritable "Black Sheep" of the noble, Shihoin Clan. While he is officially the heir apparent of the Shihoin Clan, Ken'ichi has expressed no desire to lead his family, and has stated that "if ever, the responsibility of governing this family were to fall to my shoulders, I would gladly abdicate in favor of someone more worthy of governing the role". Ken'ichi would much rather spend his time neck deep in women, research, or both and sincerely hopes that Okami lives long enough to give birth to an heir and take the weight off Ken'ichi's shoulders. Not only this, but Ken'ichi has shirked the Shihoin family tradition and has shown little interest in studying (let alone mastering) the ways of the Onmitsukido. The fact that Ken'ichi has shown little interest in one day leading the Shihoin comes to great relief to the rest of his family, as they find his hedonistic lifestyle and lack of tradition disgraceful and embarrassing, and are disturbed by his mild delusional psychosis. As a result, the Shihoin family believe Ken'ichi unfit to be the next leader of their prestigious and noble family, and are inwardly grateful he has shown no interest in pursuing his birthright.

❀ Lecherous (Pervert)  
Ken'ichi is flirtatious and perverted, and will make passes at anyone he finds attractive (which is most people). So great is his lecherous nature, that Ken'ichi has been known to make passes at his opponents while in the midst of battle.

❀ Poor Vision (Myopic)  
Ken'ichi is mildly shortsighted and wears eyeglasses to correct his limited vision. While his eyesight is sufficient to navigate his environment without need of corrective lenses, Ken'ichi finds objects and people outside of a short radius (15-20') to quickly lose focus. Loss of his eyeglasses during combat would make it difficult to observe facial features, and other fine details at a range beyond 10'. For an understanding of how his vision affects his day-to-day functioning, Ken'ichi's vision is rated at approximately 20/40, approximately halving the distance at which writing, people, and objects remain in focus.

❀ Sugar Cravings  
Ken'ichi has an insatiable fondness for human-world sweets, candy, and soft-drink; and takes every opportunity to acquire these most delectable of treats, which he consumes on a regular basis. Rare is it for Ken'ichi to be found without at least several pieces of chocolate, gum, or some other candy in his pockets, or sipping on a bottle of carbonated beverage from the human world. Several decades ago, he learned of the existence of sweet, flavored alcoholic drinks manufactured in the human world, and has taken it upon himself to learn the arts of bar tending. Fortunately, Ken'ichi's immense spiritual abilities place great demands upon his energy conserves, preventing him from gaining weight despite his excessive sugar consumption.

❀ Merciful  
While Ken'ichi views this trait as a positive quality, his compassionate and merciful nature can all to easily be taken advantage of by those who are cunning and deceitful. This has lead to several occasions wherein Ken'ichi has found himself in an extremely vulnerable situation, after having shown mercy to an enemy in combat.

⊰〖• HABITS ❀ MANNERISMS •〗⊱

❀ Inner Monologue (Romanticized)  
While hyper-intelligent, Ken'ichi is prone to flights of fantasy. These flights of fantasy take the form of frequent, internal monologues in which Ken'ichi fantasizes romantically about himself and those which he finds attractive.

❀ Unusual Speech (Third Person)  
Ken'ichi speaks in an unusual manner. Rather than using first-person pronouns, Ken'ichi refers to himself in a clinical, detached, third person frame of reference. Ken'ichi seems oblivious to the fact that he never refers to himself in the first person, and does not appear to be speaking in this manner consciously. When speaking of himself in the third person, Ken'ichi usually does so by referring to himself either by name, or by saying "This One". Those who are highly perceptive recognize that the reason behind his unusual use of third person pronouns is a result of his highly scientific, and rational and detached mind causing a small degree of self-disassociation.

❀ Self Neglect  
Ken'ichi will frequently neglect his health and well being when engrossed in research and other scientific endeavors. As a result, Ken'ichi will go long periods of time without rest, sustenance, and other basic necessities. While normally fastidious about his hygiene and appearance, Ken'ichi will also forego keeping up his appearance during such bouts of self neglect. Ken'ichi does not neglect his nutritional requirements and other necessities deliberately. Rather, he becomes so hyper-focused and tunnel-visioned on his work that he simply forgets, ignoring hunger and fatigue until such times as it becomes impossible.

❀ Kawaii-gasms (Cutegasms)  
Ken'ichi prides himself on self-restraint and maintains a deliberately aloof, yet friendly demeanor. Despite this however, Ken'ichi has an extreme soft-spot for the adorable, the fluffy, and chibi, and falls victim to the evil power of the "Cute". When faced with the impossibly cute, Ken'ichi's carefully constructed persona shatters (much like it does when he becomes smitten with a "beautiful" woman), and he fawns over the object of extreme cuteness with wild, enthusiastic enjoyment.

❀ Adjusting Glasses  
Ken'ichi has an unconscious habit of adjusting his glasses by pushing them upward at the bridge with one or two fingers. This most often occurs when deep in thought, or when pondering a course of action, but when done during battle or conversation - gives him the appearance of being a "Badass Bookworm". Given his expertise with a sword, this is not far from the truth.

❀ Hammer Space  
While this trait is typically reserved for women, Ken'ichi has an uncanny ability to seemingly pull flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, and other romantic gestures out of thin air. Ken'ichi is only able to display this ability when attempting to shower a prospective mate with his affections. Whether Ken'ichi truly manifests such items from "hammer space" or simply has them secreted about his person has yet to be revealed, however this ability has shocked his would-be date on many occasions.

⊰〖• FEARS ❀ CONCERNS •〗⊱

❀ Senility  
Ken'ichi fears going senile in his old age and losing his prodigious mental faculties. While Ken'ichi knows that old age means little to a Shinigami, in the deep recesses of his consciousness, he is well aware that one day he will become old and infirm, and hopes against hope that when he does, he does not succumb to dementia. Given shinigami longevity and their tendency to die in battle, this fear is a small aspect of his character, and surfaces rarely.

❀ Rabbits  
Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes in Ken'ichi's life was in watching Monty Python's "The Holy Grail". Since watching that movie, Ken'ichi has become increasingly leporiphobic. Convinced that the "Beast of Caerbannog" was inspired by a powerful, hollowfied rabbit, Ken'ichi is on a quest to uncover the whereabouts of this terrible beast, and end its reign of terror. It matters little that the "killer rabbit" in the movie was designed as a sight gag, and that it met its untimely end as a result of the "Holy Handgrenade of Antioch", Ken'ichi firmly believes that such creatures still exist, and must be hunted down and destroyed. Unknown to Ken'ichi himself however, the movie triggered a Post Traumatic Stress response, mirroring suppressed childhood fears as a result of having been savagely bitten by a rabbit in his formative years.

❀ Corruption  
Part of the reason Ken'ichi shirks his duties as heir to the Shihoin clan, is his fear of becoming corrupted should he attain such immeasurable power within Soul Society. This fear stems from witnessing the deep seated corruption and greed within the noble houses that sparked the Kasumi'Oji rebelion and the Shihoin-Kawada Conflicts some 45 years previous. In light of these tragic events that lead to the near-complete collapse of three noble families, Ken'ichi is ever mindful of his own ambitions, lest they consume him and lead to his downfall.

❀ Technological Collapse  
As a self-proclaimed technophile, Ken'ichi fears the day in which mankind's greed or a stray solar event leads to complete techological collapse. While the chaos following such an event would be catastrophic, it is the loss of such technology itself that Ken'ichi fears more so than the loss of life that would accompany it. Having lived through more than seven centuries, Ken'ichi knows all too well the value of modern technology, and the sundry ways in which it has improved the world. While he knows such knowledge is easily recoverable, and has taken steps to preserve as much knowledge as possible within the Squad 12 barracks as a precaution, he knows the loss of such technology would be a major setback to any future scientific advances.

⊰〖• GOALS ❀ DESIRES •〗⊱

❀ Rebuilding Squad 12  
In the wake of Sayuri's departure, Squad 12 has become a defunct and poorly represented squad. Ken'ichi has plans to rectify this situation, training up the unseated masses of his squad and rebuilding the squad once more into a powerful, fighting force. Concurrent with this goal, is the goal to modernize the Shinigami Research and Development Institute (SRDI), and fill its ranks with the brightest, most gifted, and most intelligent of his Squad. These talented individuals would also hold ranks of responsibility within Squad 12 itself, establishing a hierarchy of excellence which others may aspire. Of course, Ken'ichi would not act on such desires without permission from his Captain, but given leave to do so - he would revolutionize Squad 12.

❀ Meeting the "One"  
A hopeless romantic at heart, Ken'ichi desires to eventually meet the "one" true love of his life. That "one" special person that he may shower with his eternal love and admiration, and with whom he can share his deepest desires, secrets, and achievements.

❀ Develop the "Ultimate" confection  
As a connoisseur of sugary foods, Ken'ichi has dabbled in the manufacture of chocolate, and other candies. While lacking the time to pursue his interest in the culinary arts, it his his desire to one day develop the "ultimate" confection, to rival all others.

⊰〖• OVERALL PERSONALITY •〗⊱

Ken'ichi carries himself with an air of quiet sophistication. Despite his best efforts however, his outwardly calm demeanor is frequently interspersed with moments of extreme excitability and enthusiasm. Such episodes undermine his carefully constructed public image and make it difficult at times to take him seriously. While Ken'ichi maintains an aloof yet friendly professionalism with most people, his friends know him to be a deeply compassionate, and genuinely friendly individual. Despite being a high ranking member of the Shihoin family, Ken'ichi does not lord his nobility over those of lower social class. In fact he behaves quite the opposite, priding himself on being approachable to anyone, regardless of rank or social class. Ken'ichi even extends such courtesy to his enemies, and endeavors to remain civil regardless of how uncouth or hostile another person acts toward him.

Not one to judge people based solely on their race, class, or even species, Ken'ichi has been known to have engaged in civil and polite conversation with both Arrancar and Quincy alike, although such conversations are understandably rare. While his professional duty requires him to eventually eliminate both Hollow and Quincy alike, Ken'ichi harbors no deep-seated hatred toward them, nor does he derive personal satisfaction from their destruction. As a result, should Ken'ichi meet a member of an "enemy" race who is willing to set aside their differences, Ken'ichi is more than willing to interact with them on a social level. Ken'ichi rationalizes such encounters on the basis that while it is his duty to eliminate them, they are not posing an immediate threat and as such, he can ignore their continued existence while other "larger" threats still remain. Besides, despite being on opposing sides of the great conflict, Ken'ichi recognizes kindred spirits regardless of race, and is loathe to destroy a potential ally, comrade, or research subject, simply on the grounds that it is his job to do so. This is not to say that he is opposed to killing enemy races. When Ken'ichi feels it necessary, he will carry out his obligations swiftly and without hesitation.

Ken'ichi is a hopeless flirt and an unabashed romantic and will shamelessly throw himself at any (and all) people he finds even remotely attractive. While not in the least bit seductive, Ken'ichi's overly enthusiastic romantic gestures can be intimidating and overwhelming at times, leading to frequent rejection. Not one to manipulate others or force himself, Ken'ichi bounces back from such rejections quickly, moving onto the next person he might shower with his affection.

Highly intelligent, Ken'ichi is a deeply passionate and dedicated scientist. Largely self-taught, Ken'ichi's eclectic studies have resulted in him becoming knowledgeable in a wide array of different sciences and other intellectual pursuits. Suck knowledge includes expertise in the fields of electro-mechanical engineering, physics, cybernetics, bio-chemistry, and genetics - most of which he has acquired over the past one and a half centuries of human scientific advance. In addition to his fields of expertise, Ken'ichi has a passionate interest in the fields of archaeology, anthropology and paleontology. Ken'ichi maintains an extensive library of human-world textbooks, and research papers and takes every opportunity to personally attend the odd research symposium (or part there of). Failing that, Ken'ichi has acquired a portable computing device and has filled it full of research papers, textbooks, course materials (thanks largely to MIT), in addition to the odd video game or movie.

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⊰〖• __________F I G H T I N G S T Y L E__________ •〗⊱
Talented Deceptive ❀ Kenakki (Sword Demon)

As a member of Squad 12, Ken'ichi's opponents are prone to underestimating his combat prowess, falsely believing that because he is a scientist, he must also be a second-rate combatant as a result. While Ken'ichi's scientific expertise is more than sufficient to justify his lofty position, many opponents have discovered to their chagrin, that he is an equally gifted, and deadly swordsman. Despite his great skill, Ken'ichi seeks to lull his opponents into a false sense of superiority, often feigning weakness or inferiority, in order to manipulate or misdirect his opponent, and obfuscate his overall strategy whenever possible.

Unlike the majority of his opponents and contemporaries, Ken'ichi is a master of not one, but three separate schools (koryū) of combat, and spends a minimum of 4 hours practicing his katas each day. Initially a student of the ancient Nen-ryū school, founded in 1368, and later renamed Maniwa Nen-ryū in 1591. After having mastered his technique for over two centuries, he later broadened his knowledge to include the teachings of Jigen-ryū (revealed reality) and Suiō-ryū (water gull style), and even European fencing. Having trained in the sword arts for over 600 years, Ken'ichi is a peerless master of his technique, and blends techniques from all four of his known styles into a seamless, and deadly whole. His overall style is one of speed, agility, and conservation of energy. A shrewd tactician, Ken'ichi's fighting style employs a mixture of calculated feints, and counters, combined with an aggressive and highly technical array of offensive techniques.

When fighting, Ken'ichi favors fast, precision attacks that take advantage of any opening his opponent may grant him, or any which Ken'ichi created as a result of countering his opponents strike, and using their own momentum and inertia against them. When facing a ranged opponent, Ken'ichi prefers to bide his time, relying on defensive techniques, footwork, kidou, and liberal application of his Shikai or Bankai in order to strike his opponent from unexpected trajectories, while expertly closing the distance to his opponent. When fighting defensively, Ken'ichi relies heavily on his mastery of fencing and Kenpō, a highly defensive style Ken'ichi mastered while studying Suiō-ryū.

While a skilled Kidō practitioner, Ken'ichi prefers to fight up close and personal, and strongly favors the use of his zanpakutō and mastery of shunpō over his kidō arts. This is not to say that he is opposed to its use however - only that Ken'ichi prefers to keep his Reiatsu arts in reserve, for those times when his opponent is more formidable than usual.

⊰〖• SHIKAI FIGHTING STYLE •〗⊱

Knowing is half the battle, and with that principle in mind, when releasing his zanpakutou Ken'ichi is careful to keep as much information about his zanpakutou secret as possible. This is done in an effort to keep his opponent guessing and off-balance, and to maintain the advantage of surprise over his opponent. To that end, Ken'ichi's fighting style when released is largely dependent upon the needs of the situation. Ideally, Ken'ichi would prefer to keep his zanpakutou techniques in reserve, engaging his opponent in melee in an effort to strike them with his weapon and begin the process of liquefaction. Upon contact with an opponent, or their weapon - Ken'ichi will attempt to convince his opponent that his zanpakutou contains a powerful acid-like effect, demonstrating it by striking the ground and generating pools of liquid-metal for later use. In addition, once Ken'ichi has drawn attention to his zanpakutou's "acidic" nature, he will then attempt to convince his opponent that the pools of liquefied matter are completely harmless.

Should the situation demand it however, Ken'ichi will instead launch his assault with his Hane Yaiba technique in an effort to score an early lead on his opponent. Succeed or fail, this attack will generate liquid-metal which can then be controlled mentally at any point thereafter. Then, if an opportunity presents itself, Ken'ichi will unveil another of his zanpakutou secrets, by attempting to strike or grapple them using a liquid-metal pseudo-pod. Once his ability to control the liquefied matter has been revealed however, Ken'ichi will quickly incorporate telekenetic assaults into his arsenal, seeking to keep his opponent at a disadvantage by striking them from multiple simultaneous directions.

As always, Ken'ichi attempts to lull his opponent into a false sense of security. As an alternative strategy, Ken'ichi may begin his assault by using Ittou Suigin in order to convince his opponent that his weapon is simply a harmless, shape-shifting zanpakutou, while concealing the truth about its abilities. When employing such tactics against his opponent, Ken'ichi will endeavor to close the distance between his opponent in order to make physical contact as above, surprising his opponent with his zanpakutou's deadly abilities in the process. Due to the painful drawbacks inherent in its use, Ken'ichi rarely utilizes his third and final technique unless pressed into a corner. Upon revelation however, Ken'ichi will make sparing, but calculated use of Suigin Keitai in addition to his other techniques, taking full advantage of its defensive capabilities in order to become that much more aggressive in his offense.

Regardless of which of his zanpakutou technique(s) and abilities Ken'ichi chooses to reveal to his opponent, Ken'ichi's shikai fighting style is largely unchanged from his usual style. When released, he continues to press any advantage presented to him by his opponent, while simultaneously making liberal use of his considerable combat expertise and hohou techniques. The blending of his zanpakutou techniques with his fighting prowess however, affords Ken'ichi the luxury of becoming more aggressive in his assault, yet at the same time, Ken'ichi continues to uphold the principle of conserving energy.

⊰〖• BANKAI FIGHTING STYLE •〗⊱

Upon initial release, Ken'ichi's fighting style is determined largely upon whether he had previously activated his Shikai, or whether he was activating his Bankai from a sealed state. When releasing his Bankai from a sealed state against an opponent with no prior knowledge of his zanpakutou techniques, Ken'ichi will seek to lure his opponent into believing the dragon is the only real threat his opponent faces, and will endeavor to convince his opponent that the dragon is merely a physical fighting-type zanpakutou, whose only threat is its deadly fangs, claws, and razor-sharp metallic wings. Naturally, his opponent would most likely seek to fight toward the center or far-side of the deadly serpentine arena, hoping to stay out of reach of the dragons deadly fangs and claws. Such an action plays right into Ken'ichi's goals, as doing so will draw the opponent closer to Ken'ichi and his deadly zanpakutou and its horrifying liquefaction properties. Upon first learning of its deadly effects, Ken'ichi will likewise seek to convince his opponent that his zanpakutou is an acid-type zanpakutou as with Shikai above.

Against an opponent with prior knowledge of his zanpakutou capabilities however, or while activating his Bankai while already released, Ken'ichi's primary objective will be to press his opponent and wear down their defenses, relying on telepathically coordinated strikes from both Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu itself. Perfectly synchronized, the telepathic link between Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu goes beyond mere telepathic communication. In fact, such communication is completely unnecessary, as both act with a single shared consciousness, allowing them to react to each others actions with perfect synchronization, as if they were two parts of a single whole, rather than two separate entities. What the dragon perceives, so too does Ken'ichi, allowing him to react to threats he could not otherwise see with his own eyes. This makes it all but impossible to surprise Ken'ichi with attacks from a flanking position so long as it is something the dragon itself can observe.

Fighting seamlessly as a highly efficient, coordinated team, Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu almost always fight in a hyper-offensive way. Given the fact the dragon itself is almost impervious to injury, should Ken'ichi find himself in danger, he relies on his draconic companion to shield him from injury with its own body (typically its wings or massive serpentine body). This allows Ken'ichi to forego most of his defensive techniques, except in those rare situations where the dragon is unable to compensate for his opponents techniques. 

Were that not enough, Ken'ichi's Bankai techniques afford him even greater control over the mercurial protoplasm created by his zanpakutou. This allows him to conjure mercurial warriors to fight alongside himself should he feel it necessary, or blast his opponents with a powerful breath weapon from his dragon in addition to enhanced (class 2) versions of his shikai techniques. While being a kidou-based metal-type zanpakutou, regardless of form, Ken'ichi prefers to use his zanpakutou as more of a fighting-style weapon, relying on its kidou-based techniques as infrequently as possible. To Ken'ichi, it is not enough to simply blast his opponent into oblivion, or melt them into protoplasm. He would much rather to impale his enemies upon the tip of his blade, or slice them down with one precise swing of his zanpakutou, or carefully timed bite of his dragon than to rely on his zanpakutou's unique abilities. This is not to say he won't take advantage of them, or put himself in unnecessary danger should its use be necessary. It only means he would much rather use physical force than rely on the immense power of his zanpakutou's liquefaction properties.

⊰〖• ZANJUTSU MASTER •〗⊱

❀ Kenjustu (剣術)
Of those who know of Ken'ichi's skill with the blade, most cannot understand why a scientist of Ken'ichi's caliber would dedicate himself so strongly to the fighting arts. While it is true that Ken'ichi began studying Kenjutsu many decades earlier, upon unlocking the mysteries of Science, Ken'ichi's eyes were opened to an elegant, yet deceptively simple truth of combat. In his eyes, each slice of the blade is little more than a precise movement of a Fulcrum, one which obeys the Physical Laws of Motion, and has calculable trajectory, momentum, and inertia.

While others see combat as an art, a way of life, or as a survival skill, Ken'ichi views it as a mathematically precise application of Physics, and views combat as a scientific experiment in precision. It is perhaps for this reason that Ken'ichi has come to be known among his peers as the Kenakki (Sword Demon), as his use of physics and mathematical calculations during combat make him a demon on the battle field. Seeing every movement through the eyes of a Physicist, Ken'ichi seeks to master his combat techniques to mathematical precision. It is not good enough for him to simply have his blade connect with his opponent. He must know the precise mathematical force of each and every sword strike, and is not satisfied unless his blows land with the precise expected results. Connecting with too great, or too little force implies an error in calculation, judgement, or a lack of facts on his part. None of which, Ken'ichi finds acceptable under any circumstances.

By paying such close attention to detail, Ken'ichi has long since mastered his sword techniques, and handles his zanpakutou as if it was not only second nature, but an extension of his arm. This statement is closer to the truth than many people realise, as in Ken'ichi's mind, the blade is but an extension of the fulcrum that is his arm, and one whose physical properties are known, and therefore have calculated results. Having mastered such techniques, Ken'ichi is an expert at controlling the "Gate" (space between himself and his opponent), and is able to effortlessly predict his opponents attacks, and counter them with mathematical precision. Having mastered three separate schools of Kenjutsu, his knowledge of controlling the gate is greater than that of many opponents, and incorporates a wider variety of strikes (waza) and counters (kage-waza). Blending techniques from three styles makes his overall combat style unorthodox and less predictable as a result.

While the vast majority of Kenjutsu techniques must be preceded by a feint, some strikes do not require a preceding subterfuge. Called Jinsoku Ouda (quick strikes), these attacks are performed by placing one hand at the base of the tsuka (to provide longer reach), and the other at the ridge of the blade to provide the initial force, the user seeks to flick the sword as quick as an arrow toward the target, and can be performed from any angle. While on the offensive, Ken'ichi favors the use of these swift, precision strikes against his opponent, in preference to more powerful (yet highly telegraphed) attacks. This is especially true, when one considers that the postures used in such techniques are hidden, and their ready positions are implemented while switching hands, or while changing steps.

❀ Kenpō (剣法)
Kenpō (剣法; lit. fencing) is a system of self-defense, whose Kanji translates to mean Fencing, or "Sword Law". It consists primarily of evasion, slashing, stabbing, blocking and countering techniques, and while it does not typically teach its students how to attack, individual techniques vary considerably from one school to the next. Ken'ichi's fighting style makes heavy use of both hand-to-hand, and sword-based Kenpō techniques. Favoring conservation of energy, and mathematical precision in his technique, Ken'ichi is well aware that it requires far less energy, and far more reliable, to counter an opponents blow and strike at them while they are vulnerable. While Ken'ichi studied this technique extensively during the century he mastered Suiō-ryū, Ken'ichi also makes use of unorthodox Kenpō techniques found in Kukishin-ryū Kenpō. In particular, Ken'ichi is known to make use of the upward slashing techniques made famous in that particular style, as few opponents expect attacks from such unexpected trajectories.

❀ Nitōjutsu (二刀術)
Nitōjutsu (二刀術; lit. two-sword method) is typically characterized by the use of a paired katana and wakizashi (known collectively as a daishō). While Ken'ichi prefers to fight with a single weapon, leaving one hand free to employ hakuda or kidō as needed, Ken'ichi will resort to this combat technique if the situation demands it, or an opportunity presents itself.

When using Nitōjutsu, Ken'ichi prefers to wield his katana in an atypical reverse-blade form, making it less easily predicted than the more traditional forward-blade style. When fighting in this way, Ken'ichi will more often default to reverse-blade Kenpō attacks with his katana, while keeping his wakizashi readied to parry an opponents attack. Rather than being predictable however, Ken'ichi will also suddenly switch styles to forward-blade katana and/or reverse-blade wakizashi even mid kata.

When using his Ittou Suigin technique to split his zanpakutou into two different weapons, Ken'ichi can apply his knowledge of Nitōjutsu to other types of paired weapons as well (such as paired axes, escrima, sais, and other such weapons). He is not however, proficient in the use of paired flails  (such as paired nunchaku). This proficiency only applies in respect to using his Ittou Suigin technique.

❀ Iaijutsu (居合術)
Ken'ichi has extensively trained in the art of drawing his zanpakutō with lightning speed, and has gained unparalleled mastery of Iaijutsu over the past 400 years of practice. With this style, Ken'ichi can draw his zanpakutō with uncanny speed, and simultaneously strike his opponent with a single, fluid movement. More often than not, such a ferocious and sudden attack will catch all but the most careful of opponents unawares, with deadly consequences. This skill is reflected in Ken'ichi's knowledge of the Iaijutsu technique.

❀ Yadomejutsu (矢留術)
The art of arrow-deflection is a highly demanding form, and one which few schools of combat teach. Fortunately for Ken'ichi however, Maniwa Nen-ryu, his first and oldest school of combat is one that does. Through proper positioning (stance), and carefully timed maneuvers, users of Yadomejutsu can predict the path of an opponents arrow, and deflect it harmlessly away from their person. True masters of this style such as Ken'ichi himself have been known to deflect several arrows in rapid succession, but even they have their limits. Facing a full volley of spiritual arrows, even a master of yadomejutsu knows to employ other defenses. This technique came invaluable to Ken'ichi during the Quincy Extermination some 200 years ago, saving him from certain death on several occasions. While demand for such technique has been in great decline, the recent rise of the Vandenreich has prompted Ken'ichi to begin training others in its use.

⊰〖• SHUNPOU MASTER •〗⊱

Ken'ichi has spent the majority of his life practicing, and mastering the arts of Shunpō. Learned instinctively during early childhood in an attempt to keep up with his agile, and dextrous sister Tomoe, Ken'ichi spent the majority of his formative years seeking to emulate and catch up to his wayward sister, whom he idolized. Ken'ichi did not undergo formalized training in the stepping techniques until his tutelage under Master Hayato, at which time he was officially instructed in the correct footwork, and ready stances. Due to having learnt Shunpō instinctively as a child, Ken'ichi excelled at this training, and experienced accelerated growth and mastery of his techniques as a result.

Upon entering the Gotei 13, Ken'ichi quickly rose to being top in his class in Shunpō, and was given specialized training in more advanced stepping techniques even during his first year at the academy. During such time, Ken'ichi learned the arts of blending shunpō with combat techniques, and quickly mastered the use of shunpō karin. It was at this time that Ken'ichi was singled out by Squad 2 as a pupil to watch. Jiro Shihoin could not have been more proud of his nephew, yet kept his distance so as not to give the allusion of favortism. Upon graduating from the academy however, Ken'ichi had scored such high marks in his lessons (only coming second to Rillen Hakudo in his graduating class) that he was hand-picked to join his uncles squad as a low-ranked seated officer. During his time in the ranks of Squad 2, Ken'ichi was personally instructed in a variety of stepping techniques by the greatest masters within the squad, as well as being personally trained in the secret arts of the Shihoin clans most well kept techniques.

Ken'ichi excelled in all his studies, and quickly mastered many of the most powerful stepping techniques to the point where he developed his own unique variations and combinations of them. These techniques served him well as he ascended the ranks and was eventually transferred to the recon squad (Squad 3). A position he held until he was forced to go into voluntary exile at the end of the Shihoin-Kawada conflict. During his exile, Ken'ichi was pursued relentlessly by rogue kasumi'oji operatives for reasons unknown, and were it not for his mastery of Shunpō, and the various stealth arts he learnt as a member of squad 2, Ken'ichi would have surely been discovered, and captured.   

⊰〖• GENIUS INTELLECT •〗⊱

Ken'ichi is perhaps one of the most gifted and intelligent minds in all of the Gotei 13. Despite having been instructed by some of the most talented and prolific instructors in Soul Society, Ken'ichi's keen intellect, insight, and natural aptitude resulted in him mastering complex combat, and scientific techniques at a young age. 

❀ Master Scientist and Researcher 
Ken'ichi maintains an extensive library of scientific textbooks, journals, and research data compiled from the Human World and Soul Society, and whilst he has yet to read even a quarter of the documents in his collection, he spends vast amounts of his spare time engaged in research. While he has a good working knowledge of most scientific fields, his specialty lies in the realm of physics and engineering.

Ken'ichi has a doctorate level knowledge of both applied and theoretical physics and quantum mechanics, and has a keen understanding of the quantum nature of souls and the methods by which souls transition from Soul Society to the Human World, or be corroded to become Hollows as a result of radioactive decay. Most of this knowledge is theoretical, but it affords him a unique understanding of Hollow evolution, and the connection between Shinigami and Zanpakutou at a quantum level. 

In addition, Ken'ichi is an expert at both electrical and mechanical engineering, and has studied human engineering techniques at length. While not a true master of such, he is keenly interested in the sub-fields of robotics and cybernetic engineering, although he has yet to devise any revolutionary breakthroughs in the field. 


❀ Master Tactician 
While Ken'ichi is usually excitable, overly enthusiastic, and hyeractive - his unorthodox and highly eccentric behavior hides a sharply cunning intellect capable of swiftly recognizing an incoming threat, analyzing it, and reacting with a methodically calculated reaction at rapid speed. Unfortunately, outside of release, Ken'ichi's hyperactivity and impulsivity gets the better of him, causing him to act rashly without fully thinking through the ramifications of his actions. During release however, his impulsivity is calmed and his mind sharpens to an almost cold, calculating, razor's edge. 

Highly analytical, and with superior pattern recognition skills, Ken'ichi can deduce an opponents strengths and weaknesses after even the briefest observations and interactions. Not one to reveal the strength of his own hand so readily however, Ken'ichi is not above using cunning and deception to "play the fool" in order to catch his opponents off-guard. So great is Ken'ichi's ability to strategize, that he frequently spends his downtime formulating strategies and contingency plans for even the most unlikely of scenarios, if only for the enjoyment of keeping his prodigious intellect limber.

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[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font size="5" color="d6ca70"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓[/font][/font][/div]

[blockquote][a name="fightstyle"][/a][div align="center"][font size="3" color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• [u]__________F I G H T I N G S T Y L E__________[/u] •〗⊱[/b][/font]
[font color="bdcaca"][b]Talented Deceptive[/b] [/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [/font][font color="bdcaca"][b]Kenakki (Sword Demon)[/b][/font][/div]
[div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]As a member of Squad 12, Ken'ichi's opponents are prone to underestimating his combat prowess, falsely believing that because he is a scientist, he must also be a second-rate combatant as a result. While Ken'ichi's scientific expertise is more than sufficient to justify his lofty position, many opponents have discovered to their chagrin, that he is an equally gifted, and deadly swordsman. Despite his great skill, Ken'ichi seeks to lull his opponents into a false sense of superiority, often feigning weakness or inferiority, in order to manipulate or misdirect his opponent, and obfuscate his overall strategy whenever possible.

Unlike the majority of his opponents and contemporaries, Ken'ichi is a master of not one, but three separate schools (koryū) of combat, and spends a minimum of 4 hours practicing his katas each day. Initially a student of the ancient [a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nen-ry%C5%AB"][font color="d6ca70"]Nen-ryū[/font][/a] school, founded in 1368, and later renamed [a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maniwa_Nen-ry%C5%AB"][font color="d6ca70"]Maniwa Nen-ryū[/font][/a] in 1591. After having mastered his technique for over two centuries, he later broadened his knowledge to include the teachings of [a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jigen-ry%C5%AB"][font color="d6ca70"]Jigen-ryū[/font][/a] (revealed reality) and [a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sui%C5%8D-ry%C5%AB"][font color="d6ca70"]Suiō-ryū[/font][/a] (water gull style), and even European fencing. Having trained in the sword arts for over 600 years, Ken'ichi is a peerless master of his technique, and blends techniques from all four of his known styles into a seamless, and deadly whole. His overall style is one of speed, agility, and conservation of energy. A shrewd tactician, Ken'ichi's fighting style employs a mixture of calculated feints, and counters, combined with an aggressive and highly technical array of offensive techniques.

When fighting, Ken'ichi favors fast, precision attacks that take advantage of any opening his opponent may grant him, or any which Ken'ichi created as a result of countering his opponents strike, and using their own momentum and inertia against them. When facing a ranged opponent, Ken'ichi prefers to bide his time, relying on defensive techniques, footwork, kidou, and liberal application of his Shikai or Bankai in order to strike his opponent from unexpected trajectories, while expertly closing the distance to his opponent. When fighting defensively, Ken'ichi relies heavily on his mastery of fencing and [a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenp%C5%8D"][font color="d6ca70"]Kenpō[/font][/a], a highly defensive style Ken'ichi mastered while studying Suiō-ryū.

While a skilled Kidō practitioner, Ken'ichi prefers to fight up close and personal, and strongly favors the use of his zanpakutō and mastery of shunpō over his kidō arts. This is not to say that he is opposed to its use however - only that Ken'ichi prefers to keep his Reiatsu arts in reserve, for those times when his opponent is more formidable than usual.

[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• SHIKAI FIGHTING STYLE •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Knowing is half the battle, and with that principle in mind, when releasing his zanpakutou Ken'ichi is careful to keep as much information about his zanpakutou secret as possible. This is done in an effort to keep his opponent guessing and off-balance, and to maintain the advantage of surprise over his opponent. To that end, Ken'ichi's fighting style when released is largely dependent upon the needs of the situation. Ideally, Ken'ichi would prefer to keep his zanpakutou techniques in reserve, engaging his opponent in melee in an effort to strike them with his weapon and begin the process of liquefaction. Upon contact with an opponent, or their weapon - Ken'ichi will attempt to convince his opponent that his zanpakutou contains a powerful acid-like effect, demonstrating it by striking the ground and generating pools of liquid-metal for later use. In addition, once Ken'ichi has drawn attention to his zanpakutou's "acidic" nature, he will then attempt to convince his opponent that the pools of liquefied matter are completely harmless.

Should the situation demand it however, Ken'ichi will instead launch his assault with his [/font][font color="d6ca70"][i][u]Hane Yaiba[/u][/i][/font][font color="bdcaca"] technique in an effort to score an early lead on his opponent. Succeed or fail, this attack will generate liquid-metal which can then be controlled mentally at any point thereafter. Then, if an opportunity presents itself, Ken'ichi will unveil another of his zanpakutou secrets, by attempting to strike or grapple them using a liquid-metal pseudo-pod. Once his ability to control the liquefied matter has been revealed however, Ken'ichi will quickly incorporate telekenetic assaults into his arsenal, seeking to keep his opponent at a disadvantage by striking them from multiple simultaneous directions.

As always, Ken'ichi attempts to lull his opponent into a false sense of security. As an alternative strategy, Ken'ichi may begin his assault by using [/font][font color="d6ca70"][i][u]Ittou Suigin[/u][/i][/font][font color="bdcaca"] in order to convince his opponent that his weapon is simply a harmless, shape-shifting zanpakutou, while concealing the truth about its abilities. When employing such tactics against his opponent, Ken'ichi will endeavor to close the distance between his opponent in order to make physical contact as above, surprising his opponent with his zanpakutou's deadly abilities in the process. Due to the painful drawbacks inherent in its use, Ken'ichi rarely utilizes his third and final technique unless pressed into a corner. Upon revelation however, Ken'ichi will make sparing, but calculated use of [/font][font color="d6ca70"][i][u]Suigin Keitai[/u][/i][/font][font color="bdcaca"] in addition to his other techniques, taking full advantage of its defensive capabilities in order to become that much more aggressive in his offense.

Regardless of which of his zanpakutou technique(s) and abilities Ken'ichi chooses to reveal to his opponent, Ken'ichi's shikai fighting style is largely unchanged from his usual style. When released, he continues to press any advantage presented to him by his opponent, while simultaneously making liberal use of his considerable combat expertise and hohou techniques. The blending of his zanpakutou techniques with his fighting prowess however, affords Ken'ichi the luxury of becoming more aggressive in his assault, yet at the same time, Ken'ichi continues to uphold the principle of conserving energy.

[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• BANKAI FIGHTING STYLE •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Upon initial release, Ken'ichi's fighting style is determined largely upon whether he had previously activated his Shikai, or whether he was activating his Bankai from a sealed state. When releasing his Bankai from a sealed state against an opponent with no prior knowledge of his zanpakutou techniques, Ken'ichi will seek to lure his opponent into believing the dragon is the only real threat his opponent faces, and will endeavor to convince his opponent that the dragon is merely a physical fighting-type zanpakutou, whose only threat is its deadly fangs, claws, and razor-sharp metallic wings. Naturally, his opponent would most likely seek to fight toward the center or far-side of the deadly serpentine arena, hoping to stay out of reach of the dragons deadly fangs and claws. Such an action plays right into Ken'ichi's goals, as doing so will draw the opponent closer to Ken'ichi and his deadly zanpakutou and its horrifying liquefaction properties. Upon first learning of its deadly effects, Ken'ichi will likewise seek to convince his opponent that his zanpakutou is an acid-type zanpakutou as with Shikai above.

Against an opponent with prior knowledge of his zanpakutou capabilities however, or while activating his Bankai while already released, Ken'ichi's primary objective will be to press his opponent and wear down their defenses, relying on telepathically coordinated strikes from both Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu itself. Perfectly synchronized, the telepathic link between Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu goes beyond mere telepathic communication. In fact, such communication is completely unnecessary, as both act with a single shared consciousness, allowing them to react to each others actions with perfect synchronization, as if they were two parts of a single whole, rather than two separate entities. What the dragon perceives, so too does Ken'ichi, allowing him to react to threats he could not otherwise see with his own eyes. This makes it all but impossible to surprise Ken'ichi with attacks from a flanking position so long as it is something the dragon itself can observe.

Fighting seamlessly as a highly efficient, coordinated team, Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu almost always fight in a hyper-offensive way. Given the fact the dragon itself is almost impervious to injury, should Ken'ichi find himself in danger, he relies on his draconic companion to shield him from injury with its own body (typically its wings or massive serpentine body). This allows Ken'ichi to forego most of his defensive techniques, except in those rare situations where the dragon is unable to compensate for his opponents techniques. 

Were that not enough, Ken'ichi's Bankai techniques afford him even greater control over the mercurial protoplasm created by his zanpakutou. This allows him to conjure mercurial warriors to fight alongside himself should he feel it necessary, or blast his opponents with a powerful breath weapon from his dragon in addition to enhanced (class 2) versions of his shikai techniques. While being a kidou-based metal-type zanpakutou, regardless of form, Ken'ichi prefers to use his zanpakutou as more of a fighting-style weapon, relying on its kidou-based techniques as infrequently as possible. To Ken'ichi, it is not enough to simply blast his opponent into oblivion, or melt them into protoplasm. He would much rather to impale his enemies upon the tip of his blade, or slice them down with one precise swing of his zanpakutou, or carefully timed bite of his dragon than to rely on his zanpakutou's unique abilities. This is not to say he won't take advantage of them, or put himself in unnecessary danger should its use be necessary. It only means he would much rather use physical force than rely on the immense power of his zanpakutou's liquefaction properties.
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]
[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• ZANJUTSU MASTER •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Kenjustu (剣術)[/u][/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Of those who know of Ken'ichi's skill with the blade, most cannot understand why a scientist of Ken'ichi's caliber would dedicate himself so strongly to the fighting arts. While it is true that Ken'ichi began studying Kenjutsu many decades earlier, upon unlocking the mysteries of Science, Ken'ichi's eyes were opened to an elegant, yet deceptively simple truth of combat. In his eyes, each slice of the blade is little more than a precise movement of a Fulcrum, one which obeys the Physical Laws of Motion, and has calculable trajectory, momentum, and inertia.

While others see combat as an art, a way of life, or as a survival skill, Ken'ichi views it as a mathematically precise application of Physics, and views combat as a scientific experiment in precision. It is perhaps for this reason that Ken'ichi has come to be known among his peers as the Kenakki (Sword Demon), as his use of physics and mathematical calculations during combat make him a demon on the battle field. Seeing every movement through the eyes of a Physicist, Ken'ichi seeks to master his combat techniques to mathematical precision. It is not good enough for him to simply have his blade connect with his opponent. He must know the precise mathematical force of each and every sword strike, and is not satisfied unless his blows land with the precise expected results. Connecting with too great, or too little force implies an error in calculation, judgement, or a lack of facts on his part. None of which, Ken'ichi finds acceptable under any circumstances.

By paying such close attention to detail, Ken'ichi has long since mastered his sword techniques, and handles his zanpakutou as if it was not only second nature, but an extension of his arm. This statement is closer to the truth than many people realise, as in Ken'ichi's mind, the blade is but an extension of the fulcrum that is his arm, and one whose physical properties are known, and therefore have calculated results. Having mastered such techniques, Ken'ichi is an expert at controlling the "Gate" (space between himself and his opponent), and is able to effortlessly predict his opponents attacks, and counter them with mathematical precision. Having mastered three separate schools of Kenjutsu, his knowledge of controlling the gate is greater than that of many opponents, and incorporates a wider variety of strikes (waza) and counters (kage-waza). Blending techniques from three styles makes his overall combat style unorthodox and less predictable as a result.

While the vast majority of Kenjutsu techniques must be preceded by a feint, some strikes do not require a preceding subterfuge. Called Jinsoku Ouda (quick strikes), these attacks are performed by placing one hand at the base of the tsuka (to provide longer reach), and the other at the ridge of the blade to provide the initial force, the user seeks to flick the sword as quick as an arrow toward the target, and can be performed from any angle. While on the offensive, Ken'ichi favors the use of these swift, precision strikes against his opponent, in preference to more powerful (yet highly telegraphed) attacks. This is especially true, when one considers that the postures used in such techniques are hidden, and their ready positions are implemented while switching hands, or while changing steps.

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Kenpō (剣法)[/u][/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Kenpō (剣法; [i]lit.[/i] [i]fencing[/i]) is a system of self-defense, whose Kanji translates to mean Fencing, or "Sword Law". It consists primarily of evasion, slashing, stabbing, blocking and countering techniques, and while it does not typically teach its students how to attack, individual techniques vary considerably from one school to the next. Ken'ichi's fighting style makes heavy use of both hand-to-hand, and sword-based Kenpō techniques. Favoring conservation of energy, and mathematical precision in his technique, Ken'ichi is well aware that it requires far less energy, and far more reliable, to counter an opponents blow and strike at them while they are vulnerable. While Ken'ichi studied this technique extensively during the century he mastered Suiō-ryū, Ken'ichi also makes use of unorthodox Kenpō techniques found in [a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukishin-ry%C5%AB"][font color="d6ca70"]Kukishin-ryū[/font][/a] Kenpō. In particular, Ken'ichi is known to make use of the upward slashing techniques made famous in that particular style, as few opponents expect attacks from such unexpected trajectories.

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Nitōjutsu (二刀術)[/u][/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Nitōjutsu (二刀術; [i]lit. two-sword method[/i]) is typically characterized by the use of a paired katana and wakizashi (known collectively as a daishō). While Ken'ichi prefers to fight with a single weapon, leaving one hand free to employ hakuda or kidō as needed, Ken'ichi will resort to this combat technique if the situation demands it, or an opportunity presents itself.

When using Nitōjutsu, Ken'ichi prefers to wield his katana in an atypical reverse-blade form, making it less easily predicted than the more traditional forward-blade style. When fighting in this way, Ken'ichi will more often default to reverse-blade Kenpō attacks with his katana, while keeping his wakizashi readied to parry an opponents attack. Rather than being predictable however, Ken'ichi will also suddenly switch styles to forward-blade katana and/or reverse-blade wakizashi even mid kata.

When using his [font color="d6ca70"][i][u]Ittou Suigin[/u][/i][/font] technique to split his zanpakutou into two different weapons, Ken'ichi can apply his knowledge of Nitōjutsu to other types of paired weapons as well (such as paired axes, escrima, sais, and other such weapons). He is not however, proficient in the use of paired flails  (such as paired [i]nunchaku). [/i]This proficiency only applies in respect to using his [font color="d6ca70"][i][u]Ittou Suigin[/u][/i][/font] technique.

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Iaijutsu (居合術)[/u][/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Ken'ichi has extensively trained in the art of drawing his zanpakutō with lightning speed, and has gained unparalleled mastery of Iaijutsu over the past 400 years of practice. With this style, Ken'ichi can draw his zanpakutō with uncanny speed, and simultaneously strike his opponent with a single, fluid movement. More often than not, such a ferocious and sudden attack will catch all but the most careful of opponents unawares, with deadly consequences. This skill is reflected in Ken'ichi's knowledge of the [font color="d6ca70"][i][u]Iaijutsu[/u][/i][/font] technique.

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Yadomejutsu (矢留術)[/u][/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]The art of arrow-deflection is a highly demanding form, and one which few schools of combat teach. Fortunately for Ken'ichi however, Maniwa Nen-ryu, his first and oldest school of combat is one that does. Through proper positioning (stance), and carefully timed maneuvers, users of Yadomejutsu can predict the path of an opponents arrow, and deflect it harmlessly away from their person. True masters of this style such as Ken'ichi himself have been known to deflect several arrows in rapid succession, but even they have their limits. Facing a full volley of spiritual arrows, even a master of yadomejutsu knows to employ other defenses. This technique came invaluable to Ken'ichi during the Quincy Extermination some 200 years ago, saving him from certain death on several occasions. While demand for such technique has been in great decline, the recent rise of the Vandenreich has prompted Ken'ichi to begin training others in its use.

[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• SHUNPOU MASTER •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="#bdcaca"]Ken'ichi has spent the majority of his life practicing, and mastering the arts of Shunpō. Learned instinctively during early childhood in an attempt to keep up with his agile, and dextrous sister Tomoe, Ken'ichi spent the majority of his formative years seeking to emulate and catch up to his wayward sister, whom he idolized. Ken'ichi did not undergo formalized training in the stepping techniques until his tutelage under Master Hayato, at which time he was officially instructed in the correct footwork, and ready stances. Due to having learnt Shunpō instinctively as a child, Ken'ichi excelled at this training, and experienced accelerated growth and mastery of his techniques as a result.

Upon entering the Gotei 13, Ken'ichi quickly rose to being top in his class in Shunpō, and was given specialized training in more advanced stepping techniques even during his first year at the academy. During such time, Ken'ichi learned the arts of blending shunpō with combat techniques, and quickly mastered the use of shunpō karin. It was at this time that Ken'ichi was singled out by Squad 2 as a pupil to watch. Jiro Shihoin could not have been more proud of his nephew, yet kept his distance so as not to give the allusion of favortism. Upon graduating from the academy however, Ken'ichi had scored such high marks in his lessons (only coming second to Rillen Hakudo in his graduating class) that he was hand-picked to join his uncles squad as a low-ranked seated officer. During his time in the ranks of Squad 2, Ken'ichi was personally instructed in a variety of stepping techniques by the greatest masters within the squad, as well as being personally trained in the secret arts of the Shihoin clans most well kept techniques.

Ken'ichi excelled in all his studies, and quickly mastered many of the most powerful stepping techniques to the point where he developed his own unique variations and combinations of them. These techniques served him well as he ascended the ranks and was eventually transferred to the recon squad (Squad 3). A position he held until he was forced to go into voluntary exile at the end of the Shihoin-Kawada conflict. During his exile, Ken'ichi was pursued relentlessly by rogue kasumi'oji operatives for reasons unknown, and were it not for his mastery of Shunpō, and the various stealth arts he learnt as a member of squad 2, Ken'ichi would have surely been discovered, and captured. [b][u][/u]  [/b]

[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• GENIUS INTELLECT •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Ken'ichi is perhaps one of the most gifted and intelligent minds in all of the Gotei 13. Despite having been instructed by some of the most talented and prolific instructors in Soul Society, Ken'ichi's keen intellect, insight, and natural aptitude resulted in him mastering complex combat, and scientific techniques at a young age. 

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Master Scientist and Researcher[/u] [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"] Ken'ichi maintains an extensive library of scientific textbooks, journals, and research data compiled from the Human World and Soul Society, and whilst he has yet to read even a quarter of the documents in his collection, he spends vast amounts of his spare time engaged in research. While he has a good working knowledge of most scientific fields, his specialty lies in the realm of physics and engineering.

Ken'ichi has a doctorate level knowledge of both applied and theoretical physics and quantum mechanics, and has a keen understanding of the quantum nature of souls and the methods by which souls transition from Soul Society to the Human World, or be corroded to become Hollows as a result of radioactive decay. Most of this knowledge is theoretical, but it affords him a unique understanding of Hollow evolution, and the connection between Shinigami and Zanpakutou at a quantum level. 

In addition, Ken'ichi is an expert at both electrical and mechanical engineering, and has studied human engineering techniques at length. While not a true master of such, he is keenly interested in the sub-fields of robotics and cybernetic engineering, although he has yet to devise any revolutionary breakthroughs in the field. 
[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Master Tactician[/u] [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"] While Ken'ichi is usually excitable, overly enthusiastic, and hyeractive - his unorthodox and highly eccentric behavior hides a sharply cunning intellect capable of swiftly recognizing an incoming threat, analyzing it, and reacting with a methodically calculated reaction at rapid speed. Unfortunately, outside of release, Ken'ichi's hyperactivity and impulsivity gets the better of him, causing him to act rashly without fully thinking through the ramifications of his actions. During release however, his impulsivity is calmed and his mind sharpens to an almost cold, calculating, razor's edge. 

Highly analytical, and with superior pattern recognition skills, Ken'ichi can deduce an opponents strengths and weaknesses after even the briefest observations and interactions. Not one to reveal the strength of his own hand so readily however, Ken'ichi is not above using cunning and deception to "play the fool" in order to catch his opponents off-guard. So great is Ken'ichi's ability to strategize, that he frequently spends his downtime formulating strategies and contingency plans for even the most unlikely of scenarios, if only for the enjoyment of keeping his prodigious intellect limber.[/font][/font][/div][/blockquote]

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[div align="center"][font size="5" color="bdcaca"]⊰〖•  [/font][font size="5" color="d6ca70"]⊱❀⊰[/font][font size="5" color="bdcaca"] •〗⊱[/font] [/div]

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⊰〖• ____________Z A N P A K U T O U____________ •〗⊱
Suigin Kawa ❀ The Shimmering Mercury Blade

⊰〖• ZANPAKUTOU  SPIRIT •〗⊱

❀ Appearance
Suigin has the appearance of a delicate, pre-pubescent girl made entirely out of a dull silvery-grey liquid. Her round, flawless face and youthful appearance is in stark contrast to her piercing, steely-grey eyes which give hint to the sharp, intelligent mind hidden within. Suigin wears her metallic, blue-grey hair in a simple shoulder-length style tied loosely with a yellow-gold ribbon. Her long, straight-edged fringe ends abruptly just above her eye line, while two locks of hair frame her face to either side, just in front of her ears.

Standing approximately 3' 11" tall, Suigin is dressed in a flowing, blue-grey kimono with exaggerated sleeves which trail gracefully to a point just above her knees and which are tied to the bodice by beautiful, cross-hatched threads, revealing a small hint of her upper arm beneath. Tied at the waist by a sash and accented with tasseled, yellow-gold cords, Suigin's kimono flares outward at a point just below the knee, revealing her bare, youthful legs. Preferring to go barefoot, Suigin lacks any kind of footwear, and walks with a solid step on her small, child-like feet. Suigin's entire appearance has a mercurial, amorphous quality, with parts of her clothing appearing made entirely of some gravity-defying liquid, which flows "upward" in a haphazard, asymmetrical way. Ethereal trails of silvery-grey liquid swirl gently about her entire person, while Suigin clutches an orb of condensed liquid-metal between her delicate, child-like hands. Small, glowing orbs of reiatsu dance gently about her person, completing her appearance.

When in Bankai, Suigin's appearance appears graceful, and mature. Long, silvery-white hair flows gracefully down her back, ending at a point below the waistline. Her youthful, child-like appearance is likewise replaced with that of a beautiful, full-grown woman in her early 20's. Her yellow-gold ribbon has been replaced with a delicate, silver-gold hair net. Made of finely woven chain links, and accented with a large oval sapphire which rests gently upon her forehead, the headpiece gives Suigin a regal, elfin quality. Wisps of silvery-white metal swirl gracefully about her elfin-like form, and encircle her wrists and forearms like ethereal bracelets. Her hands are encased in delicate, silver, scale-mesh gloves, accented with gold-leaf feathers. While still going barefoot, her shins are now adorned in delicate scale greaves fashioned in the same style as her gloves, accented with exquisite silver-gold feathers at the knee. Wrapped about her waist, and curling upward to her left shoulder, a delicate silver-scaled oriental dragon with piercing gold eyes and long chin whiskers perches, its platinum feathery wings folded neatly behind its body, or spread across both shoulders.

With sublime grace and poise, Suigin's every movement is fluid, giving her the appearance of flowing across the ground rather than walking. During Bankai, her metallic, steely-grey coloration takes on a silvery-white gleam, and appears to glow with faint luminescence, while the trails of silvery-grey liquid which swirl about her person take on an ethereal, almost transparent quality, yet at the same time appear to glow from within. Completing her appearance, a pair of ethereal feathered wings extends upwards from her waist. With each feather appearing to be made of delicate, silver-gold metal, each delicate wing rises several inches above he head, and grant her the ability to fly, or hover gracefully on currents of air.

❀ Personality
Suigin is playful and childlike in her Shikai form, and has a soft youthful outlook on life similar to that of a 5 or 6 year old. Despite her outward demeanor however, Suigin is highly intelligent and insightful, and will often point out flaws in Ken'ichi's strategy with the blunt truth of innocence. Somewhat shy, Suigin can be sometimes difficult to coax into "playing" with Ken'ichi when doing so is of a serious nature (such as training), however she can often be bribed into participating through the promise of candy or games. 

In her adult form, Suigin is reserved and effeminate, and portrays herself with noble dignity. In this form she is soft-spoken and appears to have a forlorn sadness in her gaze as if she knows something Ken'ichi does not. This is not far from the truth actually, as Ken'ichi had suffered psychological trauma in the Human World so severe that he has repressed all memory of the incident. Despite this, the effects of this trauma, compounded with the betrayal of his father and long imprisonment in the Senzaikyu has left deep psychological wounds on Ken'ichi manifesting in his eccentric behavior and speech patterns. Suigin recalls the incident with perfect clarity, and has extreme sadness over the mental scars it has left upon her wielder, yet at the same time is patient and willing to wait until he recalls the incident himself rather than risk inflicting additional trauma by reminding him prematurely. Suigin is protective of Ken'ichi and loathe to trigger his memory prematurely.

In her adult form, Sugin also represents Ken'ichi's noble honor, and the noble duties which Ken'ichi is loathe to accept. In this respect, she is a constant reminder of his station and what is expected of him, and the future desire that he will eventually embrace his nobility with conviction.

❀ Inner World
Ken'ichi's Inner World takes the form of a tranquil Japanese garden. In the nearby distance, a traditional Japanese Gazebo made of soft white bamboo decorated with deep, crimson edgework. The roof of the gazebo is lightly stained natural bamboo cut in half vertically and placed in slats, the ends of each accented with the same crimson paint, making them appear as if they were small arches when looking from beneath. Cross-hatched lattice work frames the gazebo, with two bamboo steps leading up to the entrance. The floor of the gazebo itself is made of straw tatami mats, upon which soft, plush cushions are arrayed haphazardly. The garden itself is masterfully landscaped with a variety of flowering plants of all shades and hues. To the right of the gazebo, a small manmade waterfall cascades gently into a nearby stream before crossing the path. Silver-gold koi fish swim lazily in the trickling stream, which flows beneath a small bamboo bridge.

The stream itself winds lazily through the garden, before ending in a small circular pond. Surrounding the pond are deliberately placed round stones upon which people can sit and watch the fish, while overhanging it are three willow trees whose branches reflect in the mirrored surface of the pond below. Cherry blossom petals float lazily through the air, while dozens of flowering cherry blossoms, jacaranda's, and hibiscus trees are scattered throughout the scene.


Overall it is one of beauty and tranquility, with the exception of a small locked metal shed, which appears out of place in the scene. The shed itself is weather-beaten and rusted, and appears made of haphazardly placed corrugated iron. Dark spiked chains encircle the shed and are padlocked with over 100 padlocks. Surrounding the shed, a pool of liquid mercury acts as a small, miniature moat. Looking upon the shed fills Ken'ichi with trepidation. So uncomfortable does the shed make him feel, that he is fortunate that it is usually hidden behind large flowering plants, blocking most of its view.

⊰〖• APPEARANCE •〗⊱

❀ Sealed Appearance
While the unmatched beauty of his shikai cannot be understated, even in its sealed state, Suigin Kawa is beautiful to behold, yet despite its beauty, does not sacrifice any of its deadly function. In its sealed state, Suigin Kawa appears to be a straight-edged katana of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Gold-leaf filigree etchings adorn the rear edge of its silvery-white, reflective blade, while the weapons rounded Tsuba is decorated with intricately carved metallic feathers which spiral out from a central point in a multi-pronged shuriken-style pattern, and inlaid with gold-leaf etching. The black, cloth-wrapped tsuka (hilt) of this exquisite weapon is embroidered with eye-catching gold and silver thread, accenting each of its folds. In place of a traditional menuki, Suigin Kawa sports a large oval sapphire set in a gold-accented, silver setting. Three filigree silver and gold feathers flank this sapphire on either side, and gracefully radiate upward toward the tsuba. Finally, the kashira (pommel) of Suigin Kawa, is of comparatively simple design and made of gold-plated steel, accented with a smaller, more circular sapphire aligned with the one on the hilt.

❀ Shikai Appearance
Said to be one of the most beautiful zanpakutou in all the Sereitei (if not the most beautiful), Suigin Kawa initially manifests as an exquisite, swept-hilt german rapier of sublime beauty and peerless quality. Delicate feathered etchings run the entire length of its polished, silvery-white blade, while the hand guard is carved to resemble five layered feathers sweeping back toward the rear of the hilt, each feather etched with masterful skill to the point that each quill and line seems represented. Like the rest of the weapon, the hilt itself is equally detailed, with filigree etchings and crown-shaped pommel. The crosspiece, feathered hand-guard, hilt, and pommel are all accented with gold-leaf etchings, adding to the weapons innate beauty. Finally, large ovoid sapphires are inlaid in the crosspiece and pommel.

However, as a shapeshifting zanpakutou, the appearance of Suigin Kawa can be somewhat mercurial, shifting in form from one weapon to another, or becoming a torrent of silvery liquid as need dictates. Despite this however, a common thematic design is found in most of Suigin Kawa's many variable shapes. Regardless of form, Suigin Kawa always appears manufactured in the same elegant style, and by the same master artisan. Intricate filigree etchings and relief sculpture carved to resemble delicate silver feathers decorate each of its many forms, each inlaid with a variety of gold-leaf and round sapphire accents. In addition, regardless of its form - the entire weapon appears to be made of a single piece of highly polished, silvery-white metal. When taking the form of a hand-held shield, Suigin Kawa manifests in the appearance of an elven-styled filigree kite, round, or tower shield; the outer edge of which is always expertly crafted to appear as sweeping upturned feathers of a graceful, metallic bird. In its liquid-state, Suigin Kawa takes the form of a highly reflective, silvery-white liquid of variable viscosity, and is always cool (but not uncomfortable) to the touch.

In addition, an articulated, gothic-style plate gauntlet, carved in the same style materializes on Ken'ichi's left hand, and extends gracefully up his forearm. Identical feathered motifs, and gold-inlaid etching adorn this form-fitting protective armament. Running along the top edge of the gauntlet, three layers of razor-sharp, sculpted feathers sweep back from wrist to elbow, and outward. While capable of inflicting deadly slashing wounds in their own right, these expertly crafted feather-blades are so delicate in their appearance as to appear fragile, yet surprisingly, have the strength and resiliency of spiritually reinforced, carbon-steel.

❀ Bankai Appearance
Spinning his zanpakutou in a graceful spiral aimed toward the heavens as he calls out the release command, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou and clothing undergo the same metamorphosis as mentioned in his Shikai above (assuming Ken'ichi is activating his Bankai from a sealed state, otherwise its appearance is unchanged). Simultaneously, rolling storm clouds fill the sky, and amidst a flash of lightning, a majestic 40 foot long silver-gold oriental dragon descends from the storm-front and curls itself around Ken'ichi, encircling him defensively in its metallic, serpentine body. 

Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū stretches fully 40 feet long from nose to tail, and its coiled serpentine body is easily 5 feet across at its widest point. Its dog-like leonine head is fully 6 feet long, and just over half as wide, and its square muzzled jaw is filled with razor-sharp golden fangs, and a flicking dagger-like forked tongue. Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's amber-gold eyes shine with keen intelligence, as it studies the battlefield. While lacking a mane, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū possess four long tapering silver-gold moustaches which extend beneath its flared nostrils, two on each side. In addition, six wiry whiskers extend from her chin in a semblance of a beard. 

A double row of golden spines run down Suigin's back, ending in a metallic, feathery tail similar to that of a lions. Extending from her mid back, Suigin possesses three pairs of razor-sharp, silvery wings, each over 20 ft. long. Were that not enough, Suigin possesses two powerful, reptilian arms each ending in wicked, three-clawed hands, with which to menace her foes. While sprouting feathery metallic wings, her long serpentine body is covered from head to tail in thick silver-gold scales which reflect and refract any light which falls upon them, potentially blinding those who look upon her magnificence, especially in light of the fact that the storm clouds which herald her arrival, dissipate almost as swiftly as they formed.

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⊰〖• ___________R E L E A S E N A M E S___________ •〗⊱

⊰〖• SHIKAI •〗⊱

❀ Name: Suigin Kawa 

❀ Japanese: 水銀川

❀ Translation: Mercury River

❀ Release Command: Ooze and flow forth. Suigin Kawa!

⊰〖• BANKAI •〗⊱

❀ Name: Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū 

❀ Japanese: 天の水銀神龍

❀ Translation: Heavenly Mercury God Dragon

❀ Release Command: Descend, and devour thine enemies. Bankai! Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū!

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⊰〖•  ⊱❀⊰ •〗⊱ 

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⊰〖• _________O V E R A L L A B I L I T Y_________ •〗⊱
Suigin Ekika ❀ Mercury Liquefaction

Suigin Kawa is a potent, metal-type zanpakutō whose primary abilities are the liquefaction and transformation of solid matter and reiatsu into a silvery-white, liquid-metal state. Through application of this ability, Ken'ichi is granted the ability to liquefy solid materials of an almost limitless quantity, and then mold, stretch, shape, levitate and otherwise control the liquefied substance with a great deal of skill and finesse. When matter is liquefied by this effect, it takes on a silvery-white, metallic quality not unlike that of quicksilver (mercury). This thick, viscous mud-like material is an excellent thermal and electrical conductor, and remains in a liquid state between -250C and 5000C (-418 to 9032 F).

Ken'ichi has telekinetic control over this liquid, which is attuned to his reiatsu signature and responds readily to his wishes. Acting as an extension of his own body, this is no more fatiguing to him than moving his own limbs, but does require some measure of concentration on his part. This allows Ken'ichi to cause the liquid to move across solid surfaces, reshape its dimensions, or fly through the air at his mental command. Through use of this ability, Ken'ichi can mentally command the liquid to form one (or more) pseudo-pods with which to grapple and ensnare his opponents, or strike them with blunt force. Alternately, he can use this ability to generate a powerful suction effect similar to that of quicksand, ensnaring an opponents foot or ankle, and pulling them downward should they struggle against it. The pseudo-pods and suction effect have a Strength of 200 in Shikai, and 500 in Bankai respectively, regardless of its volume.

Should Ken'ichi find himself facing an opponent (or ally) with similar control over liquid and/or metal, those characters may collectively control up to half of any liquid created by this ability, but only if they have superior Class Level, or Reiatsu Strength. If such a character has 2+ Class Level Superiority, or 3x Reiatsu Strength superiority, they instead gain complete control over all liquid created by this ability instead. Once an ally (or enemy) gains control over a volume of liquid, that unit of liquid remains under their complete and exclusive control providing they continue to meet the above requirements. This allows such characters to manipulate the silvery protoplasm under their control to the full extent of their own unique abilities, but does not grant them any unique ability to utilize it in the same ways Ken'ichi himself can command the liquid. Likewise, gaining control over any portion of this liquid does not automatically imply the character gains the ability to manipulate it telepathically, or telekinetically (unless they normally possess such power over any liquid/metal under their control).

As stated previously, matter liquefied by this ability is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Powers and Techniques of the fire, heat, cold, ice, or electrical elements have their effective Class level increased by 1 (for the purposes of Clash only), should they target an opponent in contact with this material, or use this liquid as a conduit for their effect. This applies regardless of who is using such an effect (Ken'ichi, an ally, or his opponents). While instantaneous effects have no additional advantages (other than increased class level), should any RPC apply a continuous source of heat or cold to this liquid, its temperature will rise (or fall) as easily as water. Once a source of heat (or cold) has been removed from the liquid however, it will quickly cool, losing 1/2 its former temperature or 50 degrees (whichever is greater) each post until such time as the temperature reaches room temperature.

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⊰〖• __S H I K A I O V E R A L L A B I L I T Y__ •〗⊱
Suigin Kawa ❀ Mercury River

When released, the blade of Suigin Kawa gains the ability to liquefy both living and non-living matter on contact, causing anything touched to melt painlessly into a puddle of silver-white, metallic protoplasm. Despite its visual similarity to quicksilver, this silvery-white substance is not, in fact mercury. Not even Ken'ichi knows why matter liquefied by his zanpakutou takes on this silvery metallic quality, although he has tested the material in a laboratory, and found the material to be made up of a variety of inorganic (and sometimes organic) compounds suspended in a liquid reiatsu base. Ken'ichi suspects that the liquid gains its metallic properties as a result of his zanpakutou imparting its own molecular properties on the liquefied reiatsu itself, but has yet to confirm his hypothesis despite over a century of research.

When Ken'ichi strikes an inanimate object with his zanpakutou, this ability instantaneously liquefies the object, providing the size of that object can fit within a 10' cube. If the object's size is greater than this (such as by coming in contact with large inanimate objects such as a wall, gigantic statue, or the ground), this ability liquefies as much of the object as possible, leaving the remaining mass in a solid state. As stated above, Ken'ichi is capable of mentally controlling matter liquefied by this ability, and can telepathically command it to perform a variety of tasks (as outlined in his zanpakutou overall ability above). Opponents with similar abilities to control liquid or metallic objects can also control matter liquefied by this ability (also stated above).

Use of this ability requires deliberate (and usually hostile) intent. As such, Ken'ichi, his allies, and any objects or equipment Ken'ichi chooses are immune to these effects. Furthermore, upon returning to a sealed state (such as at the end of his release), any matter liquefied by this ability immediately solidifies into a solid, yet amorphous, metallic state and/or evaporates harmlessly into small droplets of pure reiatsu (Ken'ichi's choice). Objects, barriers, summoned creatures, and enemies which are partially liquefied remain in their current condition at the end of Ken'ichi's release, but maybe repaired, or healed normally.

⊰〖• SHIKAI OVERALL ❀ VS. SPIRITUAL OBJECTS & EFFECTS •〗⊱

Reiatsu barriers (eg. Bakudo #39: Enkosen or Bakudo #81: Danku), summoned creatures (including dolls), and spiritual objects can resist the effects of this ability. In all cases, spiritual creations are immune to the liquefaction effects of Suigin Kawa if the effect has 1+ Class Level superiority, was created by a higher stage release, or the opponent has 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority. Inversely, such creations are instantaneously liquefied if they have inferior Class Level, and inferior Reiatsu Strength. Spiritual objects, reiatsu barriers, and summoned creatures that fall between these extremes undergo a process of liquefaction that rapidly dissolves the creation into a pool of mercurial protoplasm. This effect only applies to spiritual creations and effects not specifically described below.

❀ Release Weapons
Contact with Ken'ichi's zanpakutou is treated as an automatic "weapon break" attempt, using Ken'ichi's Reiatsu Strength (instead of Spiritual Pressure) for the purpose of resolving the clash. If Ken'ichi successfully breaks their opponent's weapon with this effect, their weapon is instantaneously liquefied (assuming it isn't immune to this effect). Should the "weapon break" fail, the opponents weapon will begin to liquefy, suffering 1 post of liquefaction as a result. Unfortunately for Ken'ichi, the spiritual link between weapon and master disrupts this liquefaction process, halting it after a single post of liquefaction. As a result, release weapons must be exposed to this effect on 4 separate occasions in order to be fully liquefied by this effect (excluding weapons that are liquefied instantly due to being broken in the clash).

In addition to the above, release weapons are also immune to this effect if the opponent has 2+ Class Level superiority to Ken'ichi, or is Class 0 (while Ken'ichi is of a lower class). Release weapons of Rank 4 characters are likewise immune to this effect unless Ken'ichi is himself Rank 4.

❀ Dolls, and Summoned Creatures
The bond shared with an enemy and their Doll(s), constructs, and other creatures summoned as part of their release disrupts the liquefaction properties of Suigin Kawa every bit as much as the bond between an enemy and their release weapon. As a result, dolls and creatures summoned by an enemies release (that are not automatically immune) suffer 1 post of liquefaction each time they are exposed to this effect, after which the liquefying properties are prematurely halted. 

As with release weapons above; Dolls and creatures summoned by an enemies release are also immune to this effect if the opponent has 2+ Class Level superiority to Ken'ichi, or is Class 0 (while Ken'ichi is of a lower class). The dolls and summoned creatures of Rank 4 characters are likewise immune to this effect unless Ken'ichi is himself Rank 4. 

❀ Reiatsu Barriers, and other Spiritual Objects
The structural integrity of affected barriers and spiritual objects dissolves rapidly after coming in physical contact with Suigin Kawa, or Ken'ichi's zanpakutou techniques. Once initiated, this process cannot be halted by anything short of sealing Ken'ichi's release, although it can be delayed for a maximum of 1 post by spending 50 Reiatsu or 25% of the effects Reiatsu Cost (whichever is higher). The effect cannot be delayed however, if the object would be instantly liquefied, and only applies if the object would suffer 1+ levels of liquefaction.

❀ Effect: Upon initial exposure to this effect, the surface layers of the barrier, weapon, or object rapidly begins to lose structural integrity, liquefying and condensing into small droplets of silvery liquid which form rapidly on the surface of the object. After 2 posts, this effect has weakened the object to such a degree that it becomes pliable to any application of force, causing it to bend, buckle, and warp like a coat-hanger or tin-can on contact with sufficient force. Release weapons which have been exposed to this effect twice find their cutting edge dulled by this effect, and that the blade, or haft will bend and warp with any solid blow. Affected ranged weapons also lose structural integrity, reducing their normal range and projectile speed by half. 

After 3 posts of liquefaction, the object or barrier has liquefied to the point that it takes on a translucent quality, while small rivulets of liquefied matter flow freely from the object, collecting on the ground below. At this stage, the object becomes gelatinous and nonfunctional, as the molecular bonds that hold the object together rapidly dissolve and are transformed into liquid-metal. Finally, after 4 posts of liquefaction, the barrier or object loses all physical cohesion, and dissolves into a puddle of mercurial protoplasm.

Being affected by this ability multiple times stack, worsening the existing liquefaction effect by 1 additional post. This stacking effect can occur no more than once per post, resulting in the object or barrier suffering the effects of 2 posts of liquefaction during that post. 

Reiatsu-based Barriers and other Spiritual objects are immune to the liquefaction effects of Suigin Kawa if the effect has 1+ Class Level superiority, was created by a higher stage release, or the opponent has 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority (as described above).

⊰〖• SHIKAI OVERALL ❀ VS. LIVING CREATURES •〗⊱

Each time an opponent is struck by Ken'ichi's zanpakutou or zanpakutou technique, Suigin Kawa's powerful liquefaction properties begin to transform their flesh, blood, bone, and tissues into liquid-metal protoplasm. As this effect activates on contact, physical injury is not required in order to affect the opponent and as such, defenses such as Hierro or Blut offer little protection from this effect, however opponents who wear physical armor are protected until such times as the armor becomes gelatinous (see above), at which point it loses all defensive properties it once had. 

Upon contact with an enemy who is not immune to this effect, Suigin Kawa begins to rapidly liquefy the exposed area (such as a hand, foot, or arm). This effect takes a minimum of 5 posts to fully liquefy the affected area (including the post the character is first exposed), during which time the liquefying extremity or location undergoes rapid deterioration beginning with the surface layers of skin and muscle, and rapidly progressing to bone, connective tissues, and internal organs. If the affected area is the opponent's head or torso, there is a 2 post delay before the effects become noticeable as anything more than a silvery-white film of liquid, after which even these areas succumb quickly to the effect. 

❀ Effect: Unless the symptoms are delayed (see drawbacks below), the cellular membranes of the affected extremity or location begin to breakdown within seconds, causing fluid to seep into surrounding tissues and causing a rapidly spreading bruise to radiate outward from the site of injury or physical contact. If the affected area is the opponent's head, this bruising causes intense headaches to occur as a result of increased inter-cranial pressure. Simultaneously, beads of silvery fluid begin to accumulate across the skin of the affected area, with similar appearance to sweat save for its color and opacity. This bruising is painful, but not debilitating.

Should an opponent be struck by Ken'ichi's zanpakutou (or techniques) in an area already affected by this ability, the liquefaction effect doubles, causing the affected location to suffer 2 posts of liquefaction effect for every post that passes instead. This doubling effect can only occur once to any given hit location, and cannot occur to the opponent's head or torso. Instead, should an opponent's head or torso be affected multiple times by this ability, the opponent's post count for that area increases by +1 immediately. This additional effect can only occur once each to the opponent's head or torso (twice each during Bankai).  

One post after initial symptoms manifest, the characters bones in the affected area begin to soften and lose rigidity, making them brittle, and prone to breaking. Muscle and nerve tissue likewise begins to breakdown at the cellular level, causing numbness and tingling in the affected area, and causing the limb to become sluggish and making fine motor control difficult. If the affected area is the torso, this results in the target's internal organs and rib cage to be affected, making breathing labored, and causing their heart to struggle to pump blood effectively resulting in 1 post of stamina drain whenever the character performs any strenuous activity. If the affected area is the opponent's head, the targets Senses become dulled as their eyes and other sensory organs begin to liquefy and fill with fluid. Meanwhile, the target is wracked with mind-numbing migraines and increased audio-sensitivity (this does not heighten the character's Senses, only their pain response to sensory stimuli).

After three posts of liquefaction (including the post of initial exposure/symptoms), the opponent's tissues take on a semi-translucent, gelatinous quality. Clear fluid seeps through their slick, clammy skin, while the entire affected area becomes discolored with an angry purplish hew as their blood vessels in that area breakdown and lose cohesion. Blood accumulates in the extremities of the affected location, causing them to swell painfully. Deprived of oxygen, lactic acid builds up in the surrounding tissues, making it increasingly difficult to move the affected area. While continued oxygen deprivation would normally result in cell death and necrosis, the speed at which the affected area liquefies does not allow for such to occur, however should Ken'ichi's release end prematurely, the affected area will require immediate medical treatment or suffer necrosis within hours of exposure. If the affected area is the opponent's head, this has the added effect of making the opponent increasingly photosensitive, as additional light enters the eyes from the now translucent tissue. In all cases, the pain inflicted by this stage of liquefaction is excruciating. 

On the fourth post, blood and other fluids in the affected area loses the ability to coagulate, and begins to gush freely from the affected area. Without immediate medical attention (or the worsening of symptoms to the last and final stage), this rapid blood loss will result in confusion, loss of consciousness and death within minutes. This effect causes stamina drain for each post that the enemy has one or more areas suffering 4 posts of liquefaction. This stamina drain can be negated by bleeding tolerance 2 or higher (see drawbacks below). Worse yet, at this stage, the opponent's bones themselves lose structural integrity, and become gelatinous and rubbery. Amputation of an affected extremity will cause that extremity to instantaneously liquefy, but will not prevent blood loss from the stump. Despite this, it may be an option of last resort for many victims of this ability.

If the affected area is the opponent's head, blood flows freely from the opponent's head, blood pours freely from the opponent's eyes, face, mouth, and ears, blinding and deafening the opponent as their eyes and internal ear structures liquefy in the process. Should this occur, the opponent will begin to drown in their own blood as it pours freely down their throat from their liquefied blood vessels in the brain, head, and neck. If the affected location is the opponent's torso however, the opponent likewise begins to drown in their own blood as their lungs fill with fluid. Worse yet, their rib cage and diaphragm become gelatinous, making it impossible to inflate their lungs, causing them to asphyxiate. Meanwhile, their heart rhythm becomes increasingly erratic as the muscles and valves of their heart begin to liquefy. Finally, the opponent's liver, kidneys, and other vital organs all likewise stop functioning as they swiftly liquefy into mush within the enemies transparent flesh.

On the 5th and final post after symptoms first appear, the opponent's extremity completely liquefies into a puddle of silvery, metallic protoplasm. This effect is painless and results in no permanent injury at the stump site (unlike amputation, which requires immediate medical care to avoid further blood loss). No further blood loss occurs once an extremity has been liquefied in this way. Liquefaction of the head or torso however is lethal, resulting in the opponent's head (or entire body) liquefying into a puddle of goo, killing them instantly.

❀ Drawbacks: Characters who are Class 0 or Rank 4 are immune to the liquefaction properties of Suigin Kawa unless Ken'ichi is likewise Class 0 or Rank 4 respectively. Likewise, characters who have 2+ Class Level superiority, 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority, or who are using a higher class level release are similarly immune to this effect, however their equipment may not be (see above).

The liquefaction effect itself can also be delayed in a variety of ways. Defensive techniques like Hierro or Blut can delay the onset of liquefaction for 1 post, after which the affected area liquefies at the normal rate. High Speed Regeneration can also delay the onset of this liquefaction effect to any affected area by an additional 2 posts after which even this ability loses its ability to compensate. Characters with 600+ Healing Expertise can likewise delay onset of symptoms for 2 posts, however this does not stack with the benefit of HSR above. If the affected area is the opponent's head or torso, the liquefaction effect takes longer to manifest, delaying the liquefaction effect by an additional 2 posts which stacks with the other methods above.

Powerful healing techniques can also be used to reset the post count to an earlier level. During Shikai, Class 3 and 4 healing techniques can reduce the post count by 1 post each, class 2 healing techniques by 2 posts, and class 1 healing techniques by 3 posts of liquefaction respectively. During Bankai, class 3 and 4 healing techniques are no longer effective, while class 2 and class 1 healing techniques have their effectiveness reduced by 1 post each (1 post of reduction for class 2 techniques, and 2 posts for class 1). Class 0 healing techniques are so powerful, they can completely reverse the liquefaction effect of an affected area and prevent further liquefaction without re-exposure. 

Characters with Pain Tolerance (or similar abilities) can ignore the pain caused by this ability for a number of posts equal to their skill rank (eg. Pain Tolerance 2 grants resistance to this pain for 2 posts of liquefaction/affected area). Characters with Bleeding Tolerance of 2+ can likewise ignore the stamina drain for higher post counts.

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⊰〖• __B A N K A I O V E R A L L A B I L I T Y__ •〗⊱
Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū ❀ Heavenly Mercury God Dragon

When released, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū calls forth a powerful six-winged dragon from the heavens to strike terror into the heart of Ken'ichi's opponents. Possessing the same liquefaction properties as his zanpakutou, the claws, fangs, and razor-sharp wings of the massive wyrm are an immediate threat to any who dare venture too close. Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū is fully 40 feet long from nose to tip, and has a wingspan almost equal in length. Its serpentine body is surprisingly narrow, only five feet across at the shoulder and narrowing to as little as 3 feet for the majority of its length.

Despite this, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū is powerfully muscled and surprisingly fast and agile for a creature so large, boasting an impressive Strength of 800, and a respectable 600 Speed. With such incredible strength, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can easily crush bone, knock his opponents flying with its whip-like thrashing tail, or gouge deep gashes in stone with each of its three-taloned claws. Ten no Suigin Ryū‘s Spiritual and sensory stats are identical to Ken’ichi’s normal maximum (after type). Ten no Suigin Ryū does not make reiatsu based attacks except where noted in zanpakutou techniques below. She does not possess her own reiatsu pool, and draws on Ken’ichi’s reiatsu when using her reiatsu-based attacks (see below). As a spiritual construct and extension of Ken’ichi’s zanpakutou - Ten no Suigin Ryū does not experience fatigue herself, however Ken’ichi may experience a drain on his fatigue any time she expends a large amount of reiatsu in a short amount of time.

Upon being summoned, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū swiftly moves to protectively encircle Ken'ichi within its powerful coils, or alternately moving to strike at his opponents should an opening present itself. While protecting its master, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū will use its razor-sharp metallic wings and armored body to shield Ken'ichi from enemy attacks. With each wing fully 21 feet long, and easily 10 feet across, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can easily protect its master from all but the most powerful of attacks.

As stated above, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's deadly fangs, talons, and razor-sharp metallic feathers posses the same liquefaction property of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou, which is enhanced during Bankai due to its increased class. Her massive 3 1/2 foot-wide head boasts an arsenal of deadly, metallic fangs, each as long as daggers and boasting incredible bite force able to pin most opponents within a vice-like grip akin to that of a fully grown great white shark (approximately 4,000psi). Each of her two bird-like arms ends in a grasping, eagle-like claw, complete with three razor-sharp dagger-like talons capable of crushing a man with incredible ease, or slicing them to ribbons with little effort. Her six massive feathered wings are just as deadly, with each of her 2 - 8 foot-long metallic feathers bearing the cutting edge of a razor-sharp katana, wakizashi, or nodachi. Should Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū strike an opponent with her wings, the cutting force and impact strength of her wings would shred flesh and armor alike, while simultaneously knocking her opponents flying. Alternately, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can beat her powerful wings to unleash a volley of deadly metallic feathers at her opponents (as if she used Ken'ichi's Hane Yaiba technique). This costs Ken'ichi Reiatsu as normal, and simultaneously unleashes a gale-force blast of air toward the opponent with an impact force of 800 (equal to Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's Strength score), almost certainly knocking them flying in the process. 

Being an extension of his zanpakutou, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can also liquefy herself as if using Suigin Ketai (at no Reiatsu cost). While this does allow her to escape the effects of binding spells which would entrap her in ribbons, chains, or other similar effects, it does not heal her wounds.

If such a deadly array of natural weaponry were not threats enough, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū has one final trick up her draconic sleeve. By utilizing Ryū Ibuki at Ken'ichi's mental command, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can spit a deadly cone of mercurial protoplasm at her opponents. While this liquid possesses the same liquefying properties as Ken'ichi's other techniques, it is far more concentrated, and deadly as a result. As with all aspects of his zanpakutou, this effect is harmless to Ken'ichi and any allies he chooses, but will swiftly liquefy his enemies, while simultaneously creating a large volume of liquid-metal protoplasm. This spray of liquid superficially resembles a more powerful version of Ken'ichi's Hane Yaiba technique.

Being a construct of concentrated reiatsu condensed into a metallic, dragon-like form, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū fears little for her own safety, and will instinctively impose her wings, claws, head, or serpentine body betwen Ken'ichi and any attack he cannot defend himself. With her incredible speed and reflexes, there are few attacks she cannot shield Ken'ichi from should the situation demand her do so, and assuming she is close enough to Ken'ichi to reasonably impose her body against the attack. 

Not only that, but Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū possess a shared consciousness, allowing both of them to instantaneously perceive each other's thoughts, senses, and intentions, allowing both of them to coordinate their actions seamlessly, as if they were two parts of a single whole. This allows Ken'ichi and his dragon to perceive what each other see and hear, and react to threats beyond their line of sight (such as around corners), so long as at least one of them can clearly see an enemy. Not only this, but it allows Ken'ichi and his dragon to react instinctively to each others needs, without any need to communicate verbally or telepathically, although Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū may communicate telepathically with its master if desired.

Boasting equal intelligence to Ken'ichi, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can utilize any of his skills and zanpakutou techniques as if they were her own. This is not surprising as she is but an extension of his zanpakutou manifested as a separate entity. The shared consciousness that both have does however leave both Ken'ichi and his dragon somewhat vulnerable to telepathic assault, as any attack on the mind of either Ken'ichi or the dragon will affect both simultaneously.

While the dragon itself is a major threat to his enemies, Ken'ichi does not stand idly by, allowing his dragon to fight his battles for him. During Bankai, Ken'ichi remains armed with an enhanced Class 2 version of his Shikai weapon, and will swiftly dart about the battlefield, harrying his opponents, and striking them with a deadly array of melee and ranged attacks. Coordinating his attacks telepathically with Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū, the pair make a formidable team, striking rapidly from multiple simultaneous locations, and swiftly wearing down their opponents endurance.

Worse yet, the formerly harmless pools of silvery-liquid material created by Ken'ichi's zanpakutou gain additional properties. To begin with, Ken'ichi can reshape the pool(s) into deadly weapons with his Ittou Suigin technique, or unleash his Hane Yaiba attack, using one (or more) pools of liquid as the source of the attack. What’s worse, liquefied matter that is under Ken’ichi’s direct mental control gain the liquefaction properties of his zanpakutou, but only when reshaping it in some obvious manner. While benefiting from this ability, the liquefied matter glows faintly.

Finally, Ken’ichi gains the ability to reshape the silvery protoplasm into vaguely humanoid liquid-metal soldiers via his hagane no gun. Use of this ability is extremely taxing however, and Ken'ichi has yet to fully master this ability, but despite this, it affords Ken'ichi the ability to assault his enemies with a small army of dedicated soldiers whose very touch can liquefy his enemies into mercurial protoplasm. 

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⊰〖•  ⊱❀⊰ •〗⊱ 

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[a name="overall"][/a][blockquote][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70" size="3"][b]⊰〖• [u]_________O V E R A L L A B I L I T Y_________[/u] •〗⊱[/b][/font]
[font color="bdcaca"][b]Suigin Ekika[/b] [/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [/font][font color="bdcaca"][b]Mercury Liquefaction
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[/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Suigin Kawa is a potent, metal-type zanpakutō whose primary abilities are the liquefaction and transformation of solid matter and reiatsu into a silvery-white, liquid-metal state. Through application of this ability, Ken'ichi is granted the ability to liquefy solid materials of an almost limitless quantity, and then mold, stretch, shape, levitate and otherwise control the liquefied substance with a great deal of skill and finesse. When matter is liquefied by this effect, it takes on a silvery-white, metallic quality not unlike that of quicksilver (mercury). This thick, viscous mud-like material is an excellent thermal and electrical conductor, and remains in a liquid state between -250C and 5000C (-418 to 9032 F).

Ken'ichi has telekinetic control over this liquid, which is attuned to his reiatsu signature and responds readily to his wishes. Acting as an extension of his own body, this is no more fatiguing to him than moving his own limbs, but does require some measure of concentration on his part. This allows Ken'ichi to cause the liquid to move across solid surfaces, reshape its dimensions, or fly through the air at his mental command. Through use of this ability, Ken'ichi can mentally command the liquid to form one (or more) pseudo-pods with which to grapple and ensnare his opponents, or strike them with blunt force. Alternately, he can use this ability to generate a powerful suction effect similar to that of quicksand, ensnaring an opponents foot or ankle, and pulling them downward should they struggle against it. The pseudo-pods and suction effect have a Strength of 200 in Shikai, and 500 in Bankai respectively, regardless of its volume.

Should Ken'ichi find himself facing an opponent (or ally) with similar control over liquid and/or metal, those characters may collectively control up to half of any liquid created by this ability, but only if they have superior Class Level, or Reiatsu Strength. If such a character has 2+ Class Level Superiority, or 3x Reiatsu Strength superiority, they instead gain complete control over all liquid created by this ability instead. Once an ally (or enemy) gains control over a volume of liquid, that unit of liquid remains under their complete and exclusive control providing they continue to meet the above requirements. This allows such characters to manipulate the silvery protoplasm under their control to the full extent of their own unique abilities, but does not grant them any unique ability to utilize it in the same ways Ken'ichi himself can command the liquid. Likewise, gaining control over any portion of this liquid does not automatically imply the character gains the ability to manipulate it telepathically, or telekinetically (unless they normally possess such power over any liquid/metal under their control).

As stated previously, matter liquefied by this ability is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Powers and Techniques of the fire, heat, cold, ice, or electrical elements have their effective Class level increased by 1 (for the purposes of Clash only), should they target an opponent in contact with this material, or use this liquid as a conduit for their effect. This applies regardless of who is using such an effect (Ken'ichi, an ally, or his opponents). While instantaneous effects have no additional advantages (other than increased class level), should any RPC apply a continuous source of heat or cold to this liquid, its temperature will rise (or fall) as easily as water. Once a source of heat (or cold) has been removed from the liquid however, it will quickly cool, losing 1/2 its former temperature or 50 degrees (whichever is greater) each post until such time as the temperature reaches room temperature.

[/font][/div][/blockquote][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font size="5" color="d6ca70"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[/font][/font][/div]

[a name="shikai"][/a][blockquote][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70" size="3"][b]⊰〖• [u]__S H I K A I O V E R A L L A B I L I T Y__[/u] •〗⊱[/b][/font]
[font color="bdcaca"][b]Suigin Kawa[/b] [/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [/font][font color="bdcaca"][b]Mercury River
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[font color="#bdcaca"]When released, the blade of Suigin Kawa gains the ability to liquefy both living and non-living matter on contact, causing anything touched to melt painlessly into a puddle of silver-white, metallic protoplasm. Despite its visual similarity to quicksilver, this silvery-white substance is not, in fact mercury. Not even Ken'ichi knows why matter liquefied by his zanpakutou takes on this silvery metallic quality, although he has tested the material in a laboratory, and found the material to be made up of a variety of inorganic (and sometimes organic) compounds suspended in a liquid reiatsu base. Ken'ichi suspects that the liquid gains its metallic properties as a result of his zanpakutou imparting its own molecular properties on the liquefied reiatsu itself, but has yet to confirm his hypothesis despite over a century of research.[/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]When Ken'ichi strikes an inanimate object with his zanpakutou, this ability instantaneously liquefies the object, providing the size of that object can fit within a 10' cube. If the object's size is greater than this (such as by coming in contact with large inanimate objects such as a wall, gigantic statue, or the ground), this ability liquefies as much of the object as possible, leaving the remaining mass in a solid state. As stated above, Ken'ichi is capable of mentally controlling matter liquefied by this ability, and can telepathically command it to perform a variety of tasks (as outlined in his zanpakutou overall ability above). Opponents with similar abilities to control liquid or metallic objects can also control matter liquefied by this ability (also stated above).

Use of this ability requires deliberate (and usually hostile) intent. As such, Ken'ichi, his allies, and any objects or equipment Ken'ichi chooses are immune to these effects. Furthermore, upon returning to a sealed state (such as at the end of his release), any matter liquefied by this ability immediately solidifies into a solid, yet amorphous, metallic state and/or evaporates harmlessly into small droplets of pure reiatsu (Ken'ichi's choice). Objects, barriers, summoned creatures, and enemies which are partially liquefied remain in their current condition at the end of Ken'ichi's release, but maybe repaired, or healed normally.
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[div style="text-align:left;"][div style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);text-align:center;"][b style="color:rgb(214, 202, 112);font-size:10pt;"]⊰〖• SHIKAI OVERALL[/b][span style="color:rgb(214, 202, 112);font-size:10pt;"] ❀ [/span][b style="color:rgb(214, 202, 112);font-size:10pt;"]VS. SPIRITUAL OBJECTS & EFFECTS •〗⊱[/b][/div][div align="justify"][font color="#bdcaca"]Reiatsu barriers (eg. [/font][i style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"]Bakudo #39: Enkosen [/i][font color="#bdcaca"]or [/font][i style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"]Bakudo #81: Danku[/i][font color="#bdcaca"]), summoned creatures (including dolls), and spiritual objects can resist the effects of this ability. In all cases, spiritual creations are immune to the liquefaction effects of Suigin Kawa if the effect has 1+ Class Level superiority, was created by a higher stage release, or the opponent has 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority. Inversely, such creations are instantaneously liquefied if they have inferior Class Level, [i]and[/i] inferior Reiatsu Strength. Spiritual objects, reiatsu barriers, and summoned creatures that fall between these extremes undergo a process of liquefaction that rapidly dissolves the creation into a pool of mercurial protoplasm. This effect only applies to spiritual creations and effects not specifically described below.[/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Release Weapons[/u][/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"]Contact with Ken'ichi's zanpakutou is treated as an automatic "weapon break" attempt, using Ken'ichi's Reiatsu Strength (instead of Spiritual Pressure) for the purpose of resolving the clash. If Ken'ichi successfully breaks their opponent's weapon with this effect, their weapon is instantaneously liquefied (assuming it isn't immune to this effect). Should the "weapon break" fail, the opponents weapon will begin to liquefy, suffering 1 post of liquefaction as a result. Unfortunately for Ken'ichi, the spiritual link between weapon and master disrupts this liquefaction process, halting it after a single post of liquefaction. As a result, release weapons must be exposed to this effect on 4 separate occasions in order to be fully liquefied by this effect (excluding weapons that are liquefied instantly due to being broken in the clash).

In addition to the above, release weapons are also immune to this effect if the opponent has 2+ Class Level superiority to Ken'ichi, or is Class 0 (while Ken'ichi is of a lower class). Release weapons of Rank 4 characters are likewise immune to this effect unless Ken'ichi is himself Rank 4.

[/font][font][font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Dolls, and Summoned Creatures[/u][/b][/font]
[font color="#bdcaca"]The bond shared with an enemy and their Doll(s), constructs, and other creatures summoned as part of their release disrupts the liquefaction properties of Suigin Kawa every bit as much as the bond between an enemy and their release weapon. As a result, dolls and creatures summoned by an enemies release (that are not automatically immune) suffer 1 post of liquefaction each time they are exposed to this effect, after which the liquefying properties are prematurely halted. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]As with release weapons above; Dolls and creatures summoned by an enemies release are also immune to this effect if the opponent has 2+ Class Level superiority to Ken'ichi, or is Class 0 (while Ken'ichi is of a lower class). The dolls and summoned creatures of Rank 4 characters are likewise immune to this effect unless Ken'ichi is himself Rank 4. [/font]

[font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Reiatsu Barriers, and other Spiritual Objects[/u][/b][/font]
[font color="#bdcaca"]The structural integrity of affected barriers and spiritual objects dissolves rapidly after coming in physical contact with Suigin Kawa, or Ken'ichi's zanpakutou techniques. Once initiated, this process cannot be halted by anything short of sealing Ken'ichi's release, although it can be delayed for a maximum of 1 post by spending 50 Reiatsu or 25% of the effects Reiatsu Cost (whichever is higher). The effect cannot be delayed however, if the object would be instantly liquefied, and only applies if the object would suffer 1+ levels of liquefaction.
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[font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [u style="font-weight:bold;"]Effect:[/u] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Upon initial exposure to this effect, the surface layers of the barrier, weapon, or object rapidly begins to lose structural integrity, liquefying and condensing into small droplets of silvery liquid which form rapidly on the surface of the object. After 2 posts, this effect has weakened the object to such a degree that it becomes pliable to any application of force, causing it to bend, buckle, and warp like a coat-hanger or tin-can on contact with sufficient force. Release weapons which have been exposed to this effect twice find their cutting edge dulled by this effect, and that the blade, or haft will bend and warp with any solid blow. Affected ranged weapons also lose structural integrity, reducing their normal range and projectile speed by half. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]After 3 posts of liquefaction, the object or barrier has liquefied to the point that it takes on a translucent quality, while small rivulets of liquefied matter flow freely from the object, collecting on the ground below. At this stage, the object becomes gelatinous and nonfunctional, as the molecular bonds that hold the object together rapidly dissolve and are transformed into liquid-metal. Finally, after 4 posts of liquefaction, the barrier or object loses all physical cohesion, and dissolves into a puddle of mercurial protoplasm.

[/font][/font][span style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);font-size:10pt;"]Being affected by this ability multiple times stack, worsening the existing liquefaction effect by 1 additional post. This stacking effect can occur no more than once per post, resulting in the object or barrier suffering the effects of 2 posts of liquefaction during that post. 

Reiatsu-based Barriers and other Spiritual objects are immune to the liquefaction effects of Suigin Kawa if the effect has 1+ Class Level superiority, was created by a higher stage release, or the opponent has 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority (as described above).

[/span][div style="text-align:justify;"][div style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);text-align:center;"][span style="color:rgb(214, 202, 112);font-size:10pt;"][b]⊰〖• SHIKAI OVERALL[/b] ❀ [b]VS. LIVING CREATURES •〗⊱[/b][/span][/div][font][font color="#bdcaca"]Each time an opponent is struck by Ken'ichi's zanpakutou or zanpakutou technique, Suigin Kawa's powerful liquefaction properties begin to transform their flesh, blood, bone, and tissues into liquid-metal protoplasm. As this effect activates on contact, physical injury is not required in order to affect the opponent and as such, defenses such as [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Hierro[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] or [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Blut[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] offer little protection from this effect, however opponents who wear physical armor are protected until such times as the armor becomes gelatinous (see above), at which point it loses all defensive properties it once had. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Upon contact with an enemy who is not immune to this effect, Suigin Kawa begins to rapidly liquefy the exposed area (such as a hand, foot, or arm). This effect takes a minimum of 5 posts to fully liquefy the affected area (including the post the character is first exposed), during which time the liquefying extremity or location undergoes rapid deterioration beginning with the surface layers of skin and muscle, and rapidly progressing to bone, connective tissues, and internal organs. If the affected area is the opponent's head or torso, there is a 2 post delay before the effects become noticeable as anything more than a silvery-white film of liquid, after which even these areas succumb quickly to the effect. [/font]

[font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Unless the symptoms are delayed (see drawbacks below), the cellular membranes of the affected extremity or location begin to breakdown within seconds, causing fluid to seep into surrounding tissues and causing a rapidly spreading bruise to radiate outward from the site of injury or physical contact. If the affected area is the opponent's head, this bruising causes intense headaches to occur as a result of increased inter-cranial pressure. Simultaneously, beads of silvery fluid begin to accumulate across the skin of the affected area, with similar appearance to sweat save for its color and opacity. This bruising is painful, but not debilitating.

Should an opponent be struck by Ken'ichi's zanpakutou (or techniques) in an area already affected by this ability, the liquefaction effect doubles, causing the affected location to suffer 2 posts of liquefaction effect for every post that passes instead. This doubling effect can only occur once to any given hit location, and cannot occur to the opponent's head or torso. Instead, should an opponent's head or torso be affected multiple times by this ability, the opponent's post count for that area increases by +1 immediately. This additional effect can only occur once each to the opponent's head or torso (twice each during Bankai).  

One post after initial symptoms manifest, the characters bones in the affected area begin to soften and lose rigidity, making them brittle, and prone to breaking. Muscle and nerve tissue likewise begins to breakdown at the cellular level, causing numbness and tingling in the affected area, and causing the limb to become sluggish and making fine motor control difficult. If the affected area is the torso, this results in the target's internal organs and rib cage to be affected, making breathing labored, and causing their heart to struggle to pump blood effectively resulting in 1 post of stamina drain whenever the character performs any strenuous activity. If the affected area is the opponent's head, the targets Senses become dulled as their eyes and other sensory organs begin to liquefy and fill with fluid. Meanwhile, the target is wracked with mind-numbing migraines and increased audio-sensitivity (this does not heighten the character's Senses, only their pain response to sensory stimuli).

After three posts of liquefaction (including the post of initial exposure/symptoms), the opponent's tissues take on a semi-translucent, gelatinous quality. Clear fluid seeps through their slick, clammy skin, while the entire affected area becomes discolored with an angry purplish hew as their blood vessels in that area breakdown and lose cohesion. Blood accumulates in the extremities of the affected location, causing them to swell painfully. Deprived of oxygen, lactic acid builds up in the surrounding tissues, making it increasingly difficult to move the affected area. While continued oxygen deprivation would normally result in cell death and necrosis, the speed at which the affected area liquefies does not allow for such to occur, however should Ken'ichi's release end prematurely, the affected area will require immediate medical treatment or suffer necrosis within hours of exposure. If the affected area is the opponent's head, this has the added effect of making the opponent increasingly photosensitive, as additional light enters the eyes from the now translucent tissue. In all cases, the pain inflicted by this stage of liquefaction is excruciating. 

On the fourth post, blood and other fluids in the affected area loses the ability to coagulate, and begins to gush freely from the affected area. Without immediate medical attention (or the worsening of symptoms to the last and final stage), this rapid blood loss will result in confusion, loss of consciousness and death within minutes. This effect causes stamina drain for each post that the enemy has one or more areas suffering 4 posts of liquefaction. This stamina drain can be negated by bleeding tolerance 2 or higher (see drawbacks below). Worse yet, at this stage, the opponent's bones themselves lose structural integrity, and become gelatinous and rubbery. Amputation of an affected extremity will cause that extremity to instantaneously liquefy, but will not prevent blood loss from the stump. Despite this, it may be an option of last resort for many victims of this ability.

If the affected area is the opponent's head, blood flows freely from the opponent's head, blood pours freely from the opponent's eyes, face, mouth, and ears, blinding and deafening the opponent as their eyes and internal ear structures liquefy in the process. Should this occur, the opponent will begin to drown in their own blood as it pours freely down their throat from their liquefied blood vessels in the brain, head, and neck. If the affected location is the opponent's torso however, the opponent likewise begins to drown in their own blood as their lungs fill with fluid. Worse yet, their rib cage and diaphragm become gelatinous, making it impossible to inflate their lungs, causing them to asphyxiate. Meanwhile, their heart rhythm becomes increasingly erratic as the muscles and valves of their heart begin to liquefy. Finally, the opponent's liver, kidneys, and other vital organs all likewise stop functioning as they swiftly liquefy into mush within the enemies transparent flesh.

On the 5th and final post after symptoms first appear, the opponent's extremity completely liquefies into a puddle of silvery, metallic protoplasm. This effect is painless and results in no permanent injury at the stump site (unlike amputation, which requires immediate medical care to avoid further blood loss). No further blood loss occurs once an extremity has been liquefied in this way. Liquefaction of the head or torso however is lethal, resulting in the opponent's head (or entire body) liquefying into a puddle of goo, killing them instantly.

[/font][font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [/font][u style="font-weight:bold;color:rgb(214, 202, 112);"]Drawbacks:[/u][font color="#d6ca70" style="font-weight:bold;"] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Characters who are Class 0 or Rank 4 are immune to the liquefaction properties of Suigin Kawa unless Ken'ichi is likewise Class 0 or Rank 4 respectively. Likewise, characters who have 2+ Class Level superiority, 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority, or who are using a higher class level release are similarly immune to this effect, however their equipment may not be (see above).

The liquefaction effect itself can also be delayed in a variety of ways. Defensive techniques like [/font][i][u][font color="#d6ca70"]Hierro[/font][/u][/i][font color="#bdcaca"] or [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Blut[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] can delay the onset of liquefaction for 1 post, after which the affected area liquefies at the normal rate. [/font][i][u][font color="#d6ca70"]High Speed Regeneration[/font][/u][/i][font color="#bdcaca"] can also delay the onset of this liquefaction effect to any affected area by an additional 2 posts after which even this ability loses its ability to compensate. Characters with 600+ Healing Expertise can likewise delay onset of symptoms for 2 posts, however this does not stack with the benefit of HSR above. If the affected area is the opponent's head or torso, the liquefaction effect takes longer to manifest, delaying the liquefaction effect by an additional 2 posts which stacks with the other methods above.

Powerful healing techniques can also be used to reset the post count to an earlier level. During Shikai, Class 3 and 4 healing techniques can reduce the post count by 1 post each, class 2 healing techniques by 2 posts, and class 1 healing techniques by 3 posts of liquefaction respectively. During Bankai, class 3 and 4 healing techniques are no longer effective, while class 2 and class 1 healing techniques have their effectiveness reduced by 1 post each (1 post of reduction for class 2 techniques, and 2 posts for class 1). Class 0 healing techniques are so powerful, they can completely reverse the liquefaction effect of an affected area and prevent further liquefaction without re-exposure. 

Characters with Pain Tolerance (or similar abilities) can ignore the pain caused by this ability for a number of posts equal to their skill rank (eg. Pain Tolerance 2 grants resistance to this pain for 2 posts of liquefaction/affected area). Characters with Bleeding Tolerance of 2+ can likewise ignore the stamina drain for higher post counts.

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[a name="bankai"][/a][blockquote][div align="center"][font size="3" color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• [u]__B A N K A I O V E R A L L A B I L I T Y__[/u] •〗⊱[/b][/font]
[font color="bdcaca"][b]Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū[/b] [/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [/font][font color="bdcaca"][b]Heavenly Mercury God Dragon
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[font color="#bdcaca"]When released, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū calls forth a powerful six-winged dragon from the heavens to strike terror into the heart of Ken'ichi's opponents. Possessing the same liquefaction properties as his zanpakutou, the claws, fangs, and razor-sharp wings of the massive wyrm are an immediate threat to any who dare venture too close. Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū is fully 40 feet long from nose to tip, and has a wingspan almost equal in length. Its serpentine body is surprisingly narrow, only five feet across at the shoulder and narrowing to as little as 3 feet for the majority of its length.

Despite this, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū is powerfully muscled and surprisingly fast and agile for a creature so large, boasting an impressive Strength of 800, and a respectable 600 Speed. With such incredible strength, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can easily crush bone, knock his opponents flying with its whip-like thrashing tail, or gouge deep gashes in stone with each of its three-taloned claws. Ten no Suigin Ryū‘s Spiritual and sensory stats are identical to Ken’ichi’s normal maximum (after type). Ten no Suigin Ryū does not make reiatsu based attacks except where noted in zanpakutou techniques below. She does not possess her own reiatsu pool, and draws on Ken’ichi’s reiatsu when using her reiatsu-based attacks (see below). As a spiritual construct and extension of Ken’ichi’s zanpakutou - Ten no Suigin Ryū does not experience fatigue herself, however Ken’ichi may experience a drain on his fatigue any time she expends a large amount of reiatsu in a short amount of time. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Upon being summoned, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū swiftly moves to protectively encircle Ken'ichi within its powerful coils, or alternately moving to strike at his opponents should an opening present itself. While protecting its master, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū will use its razor-sharp metallic wings and armored body to shield Ken'ichi from enemy attacks. With each wing fully 21 feet long, and easily 10 feet across, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can easily protect its master from all but the most powerful of attacks.[/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]As stated above, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's deadly fangs, talons, and razor-sharp metallic feathers posses the same liquefaction property of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou, which is enhanced during Bankai due to its increased class. Her massive 3 1/2 foot-wide head boasts an arsenal of deadly, metallic fangs, each as long as daggers and boasting incredible bite force able to pin most opponents within a vice-like grip akin to that of a fully grown great white shark (approximately 4,000psi). Each of her two bird-like arms ends in a grasping, eagle-like claw, complete with three razor-sharp dagger-like talons capable of crushing a man with incredible ease, or slicing them to ribbons with little effort. Her six massive feathered wings are just as deadly, with each of her 2 - 8 foot-long metallic feathers bearing the cutting edge of a razor-sharp katana, wakizashi, or nodachi. Should Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū strike an opponent with her wings, the cutting force and impact strength of her wings would shred flesh and armor alike, while simultaneously knocking her opponents flying. Alternately, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can beat her powerful wings to unleash a volley of deadly metallic feathers at her opponents (as if she used Ken'ichi's [/font][i][u][font color="#d6ca70"]Hane Yaiba[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] [/font][/i][font color="#bdcaca"]technique). This costs Ken'ichi Reiatsu as normal, and simultaneously unleashes a gale-force blast of air toward the opponent with an impact force of 800 (equal to  Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's Strength score), almost certainly knocking them flying in the process. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Being an extension of his zanpakutou, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can also liquefy herself as if using [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Suigin Ketai[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] (at no Reiatsu cost). While this does allow her to escape the effects of binding spells which would entrap her in ribbons, chains, or other similar effects, it does not heal her wounds.[/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]If such a deadly array of natural weaponry were not threats enough, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū has one final trick up her draconic sleeve. By utilizing [/font][font color="#d6ca70" style="font-style:italic;text-decoration:underline;"]Ryū Ibuki[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] at Ken'ichi's mental command, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can spit a deadly cone of mercurial protoplasm at her opponents. While this liquid possesses the same liquefying properties as Ken'ichi's other techniques, it is far more concentrated, and deadly as a result. As with all aspects of his zanpakutou, this effect is harmless to Ken'ichi and any allies he chooses, but will swiftly liquefy his enemies, while simultaneously creating a large volume of liquid-metal protoplasm. This spray of liquid superficially resembles a more powerful version of Ken'ichi's [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Hane Yaiba[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] technique. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Being a construct of concentrated reiatsu condensed into a metallic, dragon-like form, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū fears little for her own safety, and will instinctively impose her wings, claws, head, or serpentine body betwen Ken'ichi and any attack he cannot defend himself. With her incredible speed and reflexes, there are few attacks she cannot shield Ken'ichi from should the situation demand her do so, and assuming she is close enough to Ken'ichi to reasonably impose her body against the attack. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Not only that, but Ken'ichi and Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū possess a shared consciousness, allowing both of them to instantaneously perceive each other's thoughts, senses, and intentions, allowing both of them to coordinate their actions seamlessly, as if they were two parts of a single whole. This allows Ken'ichi and his dragon to perceive what each other see and hear, and react to threats beyond their line of sight (such as around corners), so long as at least one of them can clearly see an enemy. Not only this, but it allows Ken'ichi and his dragon to react instinctively to each others needs, without any need to communicate verbally or telepathically, although Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū may communicate telepathically with its master if desired.

Boasting equal intelligence to Ken'ichi, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can utilize any of his skills and zanpakutou techniques as if they were her own. This is not surprising as she is but an extension of his zanpakutou manifested as a separate entity. The shared consciousness that both have does however leave both Ken'ichi and his dragon somewhat vulnerable to telepathic assault, as any attack on the mind of either Ken'ichi or the dragon will affect both simultaneously.[/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]While the dragon itself is a major threat to his enemies, Ken'ichi does not stand idly by, allowing his dragon to fight his battles for him. During Bankai, Ken'ichi remains armed with an enhanced Class 2 version of his Shikai weapon, and will swiftly dart about the battlefield, harrying his opponents, and striking them with a deadly array of melee and ranged attacks. Coordinating his attacks telepathically with Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū, the pair make a formidable team, striking rapidly from multiple simultaneous locations, and swiftly wearing down their opponents endurance.[/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Worse yet, the formerly harmless pools of silvery-liquid material created by Ken'ichi's zanpakutou gain additional properties. To begin with, Ken'ichi can reshape the pool(s) into deadly weapons with his [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Ittou Suigin[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] technique, or unleash his [/font][i][u][font color="#d6ca70"]Hane Yaiba[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] [/font][/i][font color="#bdcaca"]attack, using one (or more) pools of liquid as the source of the attack. What’s worse, liquefied matter that is under Ken’ichi’s direct mental control gain the liquefaction properties of his zanpakutou, but only when reshaping it in some obvious manner. While benefiting from this ability, the liquefied matter glows faintly.

Finally, Ken’ichi gains the ability to reshape the silvery protoplasm into vaguely humanoid liquid-metal soldiers via his [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]hagane no gun[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"]. Use of this ability is extremely taxing however, and Ken'ichi has yet to fully master this ability, but despite this, it affords Ken'ichi the ability to assault his enemies with a small army of dedicated soldiers whose very touch can liquefy his enemies into mercurial protoplasm. [/font][/div][/blockquote]


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[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" size="5"]⊰〖•  [/font][font color="d6ca70" size="5"]⊱❀⊰[/font][font size="5" color="bdcaca"] •〗⊱[/font] [/div]

[Deleted]

┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⊱❀⊰ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓

⊰〖• __Z A N P A K U T O U    T E C H N I Q U E S__ •〗⊱

⊰〖• HANE    YAIBA •〗⊱

 Feather Arrows

❀ Release: Shikai

❀ Cost: 50 Reiatsu

❀ Element: Metal

❀ Effect: Slashing his blade or gauntlet in a wide crescent arc, Ken'ichi fires a volley of metallic, feather-like blades shooting toward his opponent. While the exact number of projectiles varies with each attack, all of the projectiles count as a single object/effect for the purpose of whether the opponent can defend against this attack. In shikai, this attack releases between 3 and 10 darts with each attack and has a radius of approximately 1 foot (2 ft diameter), or roughly the size of a typical medieval shield. In Bankai, the radius increases to 3 feet (6 feet in diameter) and contains between 15 and 30 razor sharp feathers. Alternately, Ken'ichi can create a thin line of darts about 3 feet across and 1 inch wide (9 feet across in Bankai).

These razor-sharp projectiles have an attack speed of 400 (600 during Bankai) and are capable of causing severe injuries on impact. These darts liquefy 1 post after striking an opponent or other solid surface, generating a new pool of liquid-metal protoplasm in the process. Ken'ichi has mastered the used of this technique, and can activate it without use of a command word, with no additional effort on his part. Worse still, these dagger-like projectiles have the same liquefaction properties as Ken'ichi's shikai ability, allowing Ken'ichi to cripple his opponents swiftly, even if the darts themselves cause no physical injury.

Ken'ichi can use this technique in rapid succession. Doing so results in multiple volleys being released in rapid-fire succession, allowing Ken'ichi to cover a wider area of affect with his attack. During Shikai, Ken'ichi can fire a maximum of three volleys in rapid succession, making it extremely difficult for his opponent to dodge, or defend themselves from the sheer number of projectiles fired from this attack. During Bankai, Ken'ichi can fire up to five volleys in rapid succession instead.

Finally, Ken'ichi has recently learned how to use this technique in novel ways, such as by spinning his zanpakutou blade and releasing a volley in a 360 degree arc around the blade, or releasing volleys in multiple directions simultaneously, but he has yet to master these effects and doing so requires the use of the command word and is limited to once/post. Alternately, using the command word allows Ken'ichi to launch this attack in a curved path (allowing it to move around a barrier, wall or corner; or allow him to cause the projectiles to make one sharp turn (of up to 270 degrees). This is not a homing attack.

❀ Bankai: As stated above, during his Bankai release, the silvery-white pools of liquid-metal protoplasm act as an extension of his zanpakutou. As a result of this enhanced liquid, Ken'ichi gains the ability to fire these projectiles from any volume of protoplasm under his mental control, thereby allowing him to launch this attack from unexpected angles with the goal of catching his opponent off-guard. Except for the unexpected trajectory of these projectiles, they are otherwise identical to those fired from Ken'ichi's zanpakutou.

In addition, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can also fire these deadly projectiles by simply beating her powerful, metallic wings and dislodging a volley of razor-sharp feathers from her wings (which replenish themselves within 1 post of activation). When used by Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū, this attack has the additional effect of generating a powerful blast of gale-force wind with an impact strength of 800 (equal to Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's own Strength). This powerful blast of concussive air is more than sufficient to knock most opponents from their feet, and send them flying through the air. When activated by Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū in this way, this technique costs an additional 50 Reiatsu (for a total of 100 Reiatsu). 

❀ Drawbacks: When not rapid-firing, Ken'ichi can use this technique once or twice per post with minimal effort. Rapid-firing this technique, or using this technique more than twice per post, will rapidly fatigue Ken'ichi with prolonged use. During Bankai, any uses of this ability by Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū do not fatigue Ken'ichi, but instead fatigue the dragon at the same rate. This technique has a maximum effective range of 100' (30m). At ranges beyond this distance, the Speed and Reiatsu Strength of these projectiles are halved, to a maximum range of 200' (61m). The drawbacks are identical regardless of whether this technique is used in Shikai, or Bankai.

⊰〖• ITTOU SUIGIN •〗⊱

 Mercury Blade

❀ Release: Shikai

❀ Cost: 100 each

❀ Element: Metal

❀ Effect: This technique momentarily liquefies Ken'ichi's zanpakutou, allowing him to alter its shape an function before returning it to a solid metallic state. Through use of this ability, Ken'ichi can split his zanpakutou into two identical or different weapons, or alternately reshape one (or both) of his zanpakutou into any melee or thrown weapon of his choice. Regardless of the weapon(s) chosen, his zanpakutou retain their normal liquefaction properties, although their physical dimensions and attack methods may vary considerably.

Alternatively, Ken'ichi can transform his zanpakutou into a torrent of liquefied metal of variable length and anywhere from 2 - 5 feet in diameter. In this liquid-metal form, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou retains its liquefaction properties as normal and can be telekinetically controlled by Ken'ichi, following the movements of his hand. 

Regardless of the form his zanpakutou takes, Ken'ichi remains equally skilled in its use, treating his Sword skill as an appropriate skill (eg. Spears, Axes, etc) with a rank equal to his Sword Skill, or rank 3 (whichever is less). This does not extend to the use of weapons outside his zanpakutou however, and is a unique property of this technique.

Ken'ichi has fully mastered this technique and can transform his zanpakutou even in the middle of an attack, or series of maneuvers, and can activate this technique with or without the use of a command word. 

❀ Drawbacks: There is a momentary delay when activating this technique, during which time the weapon liquefies, reshapes itself and re-solidifies. This delay is represented by this techniques transformation speed of 400 (800 during Bankai). While changing form, Suigin cannot be used to block, parry, defend, or attack until such time as its form solidifies. Should an enemy attack have equal or greater attack speed, Suigin will be in a liquid state at the time the attack occurs. As such, the enemy attack will pass through its liquid-metal form before his zanpakutou has time to fully solidify. If this occurs, the enemy weapon, projectile, or attack is still affected by Suigin's liquefaction property, but is otherwise unimpeded. 

⊰〖• EKITAI-KŌ  NO  KISHI •〗⊱

 Knight of Liquid Steel

❀ Release: Shikai

❀ Cost: 100

❀ Element: Metal

❀ Effect: By using this ability Ken'ichi can absorb a nearby pool of liquefied matter and use it to create a suit of filigree gothic breastplate armor, complete with a matching filigree kite shield. Both shield and armor are highly decorated with stylized feather motifs and accented in gold, matching the design of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou. Should Ken'ichi be using a daishou at the time this ability is activated, his secondary zanpakutou transforms into the shield instead. 

Both the armor and shield can be used to protect Ken'ichi against physical, projectile, or reiatsu-based techniques and act as physical reiatsu-based barriers with a class level and Reiatsu Strength equal to Ken'ichi's current release. Finally, both the armor and shield act as an extension of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou, and have the same liquefaction properties as a result.

❀ Drawbacks: While wearing the armor, Ken'ichi's speed is reduced by 25% as a result of the added weight of the metal. His agility however is unaffected as Ken'ichi has trained extensively in the use of this armor, and has become quite proficient in its use. Unfortunately for him, the armor does reduce the speed multiplier of all stepping techniques (excluding Shunpō Karin) by x3 speed, to a minimum of x3 Speed or its normal multiplier, whichever is less. For example, Ken'ichi's Shunpō is a x7 multiplier when wearing this armor (instead of the usual x10 multiplier).

Finally, against attacks with the Fire, Heat, Ice, Cold, or Electric elements, the armor (but not shield) counts as 1 Class Level lower for the purpose of determining the effects of clash.

⊰〖• SUIGIN  KEITAI •〗⊱

 Mercury Form

❀ Release: Shikai

❀ Cost: 300

❀ Element: Metal

❀ Effect: Upon activation, Ken’ichi’s body takes on a silvery-white metallic hue, while assuming the form of a semi-solid, ooze like state. While transformed in this manner, Ken’ichi is impervious to all physical melee- and projectile-based attacks. Such attacks pass through his amorphous liquid body with little resistance. While such attacks may temporarily stun or disable Ken'ichi (depending on their severity), his liquid-metal body rapidly reforms without suffering injury. 

As an added benefit, Ken’ichi’s semi-liquid form renders him immune to the effects of most binding spells or abilities. Attempts to restrain him with chains, ropes, or other such bindings are completely ineffective if they are of equal or lower class level. Such restraints pass harmlessly through his body without impeding his movement. This ability also allows Ken'ichi to pass harmlessly through metal bars, or transform himself into a puddle to slide underneath a door, or other obstacle. Binding spells and abilities that cause paralysis have their full effects however, as do binding spells or abilities of superior class level, or 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority. 

While this technique is active, Ken'ichi's limbs and body count as his zanpakutou for the purpose of activating his Ittō Suigin technique (but not for any other purpose, such as being able to liquefy matter on contact). Ken’ichi can maintain this effect for the duration of this technique, but may end it prematurely by using this technique again, or by returning his arm(s) back to a liquid metal state.

Finally, Ken'ichi retains the ability to mentally control liquefied matter, as well as full use of all zanpakutou techniques. 

As one of his staple techniques, Ken'ichi has long since mastered its use, and can use it instinctively by omitting the command word. When used reflexively, the duration of this effect is 1 post. However, Ken'ichi can extend the duration of this technique to a maximum of 4 posts by using the command word at his discretion.

❀ Drawbacks: This technique costs an additional 100 reiatsu for each post beyond the first, to a maximum of 4 posts (assuming the command word is used). At the end of this duration, Ken'ichi is unable to activate this technique for a minimum of 2 posts, while his body recovers from the strain of his transformation. 

Upon activation, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou merges with his body upon activation, use of this ability prevents him from liquefying solid matter on contact with his zanpakutou. Ken'ichi does however, retain the ability to liquefy matter via his zanpakutou techniques, via the attacks of Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu, or upon contact with liquefied matter during Bankai. 

In addition, while this technique affords Ken'ichi powerful defensive abilities, his liquid-metal body is unable to manipulate his environment or inflict harm. Only by transforming his arm(s) into weapons via his technique can this inability to cause harm be overcome, as stated above.

Transforming his body using this technique occurs at a transformation speed of 400 (800 while in Bankai), and as such suffers the same speed-related drawbacks as his Suigin Ittou technique. 

As stated above, this technique makes Ken'ichi impervious to physical injury. While such attacks cause no actual damage to his body, they can temporarily deform his liquid-metal body, stunning him in the process. Attacks which would normally cause minor injuries repair themselves almost instantly, however more powerful attacks can punch "holes" in his body, split his body in twain, or even blast him apart. Such attacks are capable of temporarily disabling or crippling Ken'ichi who is left unable to fight effectively while his body recovers the apparent "damage".

Finally, as a result of Ken’ichi’s liquid-metal body, he is vulnerable to reiatsu-based techniques of the fire, heat, ice, cold, and electric elements. While using this technique, such effects are treated as 1 Class higher for the purpose of determining clash (to a maximum of Class 1).

⊰〖• RYŪ  IBUKI •〗⊱

Dragonbreath 

❀ Release: Bankai

❀ Cost: 600

❀ Element: Metal

❀ Effect: This technique is the ultimate expression of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou; an attack so powerful that it can instantaneously liquefy almost any matter it comes in contact with. Upon command, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū unleashes a torrent of liquefied metal spewing toward the opponent. This attack takes the form of a 30m (100 feet) long cone of liquefied metal, 1m (3 ft) in diameter at the near edge, and fully 15m (50 feet) in diameter at the far end and lasts a full 3 seconds before being expended. Everything within the path of this attack is completely saturated with the liquid over every part of its surface/body. The liquid itself carries an extremely potent and highly concentrated liquefaction property, far more powerful than anything else Ken'ichi's zanpakutou can generate. 

Spiritual objects, summoned creatures, reiatsu barriers, and any living creature drenched in this liquid suffers the same effect as being exposed to Ken'ichi's zanpakutou abilities, except with the following noticeable differences. Firstly, this attack drenches the target over every available surface, affecting the entire opponent simultaneously. In addition, High Speed Regeneration, defensive abilities like Hierro or Blut, or having 600+ Healing Expertise offer no resistance to this highly concentrated liquefaction effect. This effect stacks with any liquefaction the enemy has previously suffered, resulting in the equivalent of 2 posts of liquefaction to any spiritual object, summoned creature, or affected location on an enemy which is affected by two separate sources of liquefaction during a single post. 

This attack lasts for the duration of an entire post (at least 3 seconds), and as such allows Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū to alter the trajectory of this attack once. As a result, it can be incredibly difficult to dodge this attack, given Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's ability to alter her aim mid-stream. 

❀ Drawbacks: This attack is a highly potent and lethal attack, but even this attack has drawbacks. Rank 4 or Class 0 opponents are immune to the effects of this attack, unless Ken'ichi is likewise Rank 4 and/or Class 0 respectively. Enemies with 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority to this attack (1800 RS on average) are immune, as are their release weapons, dolls, or any creatures summoned by their release. Class 1 abilities and effects treat the Reiatsu Strength of this effect as 50% of its normal value (600 or 75% of Ken'ichi's Reiatsu Strength, whichever is higher) for the purpose of determining whether such effects are immune, or affected by the attacks liquefaction properties.

While the size, volume, and speed of this attack makes it incredibly difficult to dodge (especially in light of Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's ability to alter the trajectory mid-stream), an enemy could easily take cover behind an appropriately sized barrier or obstacle and shield themselves from the attack. Any solid obstacle that is at least 1m (3 feet) thick can completely shield an enemy from this attack, however the obstacle is completely liquefied in the process. Thinner obstacles offer no protection as they liquefy before the full 3-second stream of liquid has been expelled, leaving the opponent unprotected and exposed for the final second(s).

Alternately, an enemy can shield themselves by using any appropriate Class 2 (or higher) barrier or similar defense. While Class 0 barriers are automatically strong enough to withstand the full brunt of this attack, Class 1 and 2 barriers quickly buckle and liquefy under the assault, providing partial protection from the effect, drenching the opponent in a weakened stream of liquid metal that causes a single post of liquefaction to the opponent, after which it loses its effectiveness. Class 1 barriers which are immune to this effect however completely shield the enemy from this attack. 

Activating this technique exacts a price from Ken'ichi, causing his gauntlet to liquefy and evaporate, and causing Ken'ichi's left hand and lower arm to suffer 1 post of liquefaction each time this technique is used. Furthermore, it disrupts Ken'ichi's immunity to his zanpakutou techniques for the next 3 posts after activation.

As a result, Ken'ichi (but not his allies) becomes vulnerable to the liquefaction properties of his zanpakutou and techniques. While vulnerable, Ken'ichi must be cautious not to come in contact with the blade of his zanpakutou, or any pools of liquefied matter under his direct mental command, lest he liquefy himself. While vulnerable to his zanpakutou techniques, Ken'ichi is unable to use his Suigin Keitai technique. He can however, handle the shaft/hilt of his zanpakutou, as well as wear his armor and shield safely without risk of liquefying himself.

⊰〖• HAGANE  NO  GUN •〗⊱

 Army of Steel

❀ Release: Bankai

❀ Cost: 500 reiatsu

❀ Element: Metal

❀ Effect: While Ken'ichi can telekinetically manipulate single volumes of liquefied matter with little effort, this technique takes that to the next level - transforming a large volume of liquefied matter into a small army of 15 - 30 vaguely humanoid metallic soldiers, equipped with an assortment of katana, spears, and wearing ō-yoroi armor. The armor and weapons themselves are purely cosmetic and is actually part of each soldiers physical body. It takes 1 full post for the army of steel to form, after which they relentlessly pursue and attack Ken'ichi's enemies without any direct commands from their master, and in many respects are similar to the terracotta soldiers of Ancient China. Nearly mindless, the metallic soldiers are only capable of the most simple of tactics, relying on overwhelming numbers and mob tactics to wear down the enemy. Each soldier has both Strength and Speed of 200, and uses Ken'ichi's Reiatsu Strength for the purpose of defending themselves against Reiatsu-based techniques. 

While their combat skills are unimpressive, their greatest strength lies not in the lethality of their blades, but rather the fact that their weapons carry the same liquefaction properties as Ken'ichi's Bankai, resolving the effect using Ken'ichi's Reiatsu Strength as above. As a result of their potent liquefaction properties, Ken'ichi's enemies would be unwise to ignore these automatons, lest they find themselves grappled, or surrounded by a dozen or more slashing blades that liquefy matter on contact, regardless of any injury they may cause. Likewise, enemies who ignore Ken'ichi or Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu run the risk of falling victim to a well-timed flurry of highly lethal attacks timed to take advantage of the enemies momentary distraction. This is the true strength of this technique - to create a no-win scenario in which the enemies must divide their focus and attention between Ken'ichi, his dragon, and the small army of relentless metallic soldiers, where one misstep may have fatal results.

Formed of liquefied matter, Ken'ichi can take mental control over these constructs and command them to levitate, and awkwardly pursue flying enemies. In addition, while these constructs can be injured or destroyed relatively easily, these constructs will rapidly reform in as little as 1 post, to continue their inexorable pursuit of the enemy. As a result, any action taken to destroy these soldiers will have temporary results at best. Freezing, melting, or otherwise hampering them will only cause them to liquefy into pools of silvery-white liquid-metal, reform and continue mindlessly pursuing their target.  

❀ Drawbacks: Use of this technique costs an additional 200 reiatsu for each post beyond the first, which must be paid at the start of each post. Failure to pay this upkeep cost causes the metallic soldiers to instantaneously liquefy and melt into puddles of silvery-white protoplasm, which retains its normal liquefaction properties. If Ken'ichi is stunned, or otherwise unable to concentrate, he is unable to consciously maintain control over these constructs, and as such is unable to pay the reiatsu cost, causing them to liquefy as above.  

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⊰〖•  ⊱❀⊰ •〗⊱ 

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[blockquote][a name="zantechs"][/a][div align="center"][font size="3" color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• [u]__Z A N P A K U T O U    T E C H N I Q U E S__[/u] •〗⊱[/b][/font]

[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] HANE    YAIBA [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b]Feather Arrows[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Release:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shikai[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 50 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Metal[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Slashing his blade or gauntlet in a wide crescent arc, Ken'ichi fires a volley of metallic, feather-like blades shooting toward his opponent. While the exact number of projectiles varies with each attack, all of the projectiles count as a single object/effect for the purpose of whether the opponent can defend against this attack. In shikai, this attack releases between 3 and 10 darts with each attack and has a radius of approximately 1 foot (2 ft diameter), or roughly the size of a typical medieval shield. In Bankai, the radius increases to 3 feet (6 feet in diameter) and contains between 15 and 30 razor sharp feathers. Alternately, Ken'ichi can create a thin line of darts about 3 feet across and 1 inch wide (9 feet across in Bankai).

These razor-sharp projectiles have an attack speed of 400 (600 during Bankai) and are capable of causing severe injuries on impact. These darts liquefy 1 post after striking an opponent or other solid surface, generating a new pool of liquid-metal protoplasm in the process. Ken'ichi has mastered the used of this technique, and can activate it without use of a command word, with no additional effort on his part. Worse still, these dagger-like projectiles have the same liquefaction properties as Ken'ichi's shikai ability, allowing Ken'ichi to cripple his opponents swiftly, even if the darts themselves cause no physical injury.
[/font]
[font color="#bdcaca"]Ken'ichi can use this technique in rapid succession. Doing so results in multiple volleys being released in rapid-fire succession, allowing Ken'ichi to cover a wider area of affect with his attack. During Shikai, Ken'ichi can fire a maximum of three volleys in rapid succession, making it extremely difficult for his opponent to dodge, or defend themselves from the sheer number of projectiles fired from this attack. During Bankai, Ken'ichi can fire up to five volleys in rapid succession instead.[/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Finally, Ken'ichi has recently learned how to use this technique in novel ways, such as by spinning his zanpakutou blade and releasing a volley in a 360 degree arc around the blade, or releasing volleys in multiple directions simultaneously, but he has yet to master these effects and doing so requires the use of the command word and is limited to once/post. Alternately, using the command word allows Ken'ichi to launch this attack in a curved path (allowing it to move around a barrier, wall or corner; or allow him to cause the projectiles to make one sharp turn (of up to 270 degrees). This is not a homing attack.[/font]

[b][font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [u]Bankai:[/u][/font] [/b][font color="#bdcaca"]As stated above, during his Bankai release, the silvery-white pools of liquid-metal protoplasm act as an extension of his zanpakutou. As a result of this enhanced liquid, Ken'ichi gains the ability to fire these projectiles from any volume of protoplasm under his mental control, thereby allowing him to launch this attack from unexpected angles with the goal of catching his opponent off-guard. Except for the unexpected trajectory of these projectiles, they are otherwise identical to those fired from Ken'ichi's zanpakutou.

In addition, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū can also fire these deadly projectiles by simply beating her powerful, metallic wings and dislodging a volley of razor-sharp feathers from her wings (which replenish themselves within 1 post of activation). When used by Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū, this attack has the additional effect of generating a powerful blast of gale-force wind with an impact strength of 800 (equal to Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's own Strength). This powerful blast of concussive air is more than sufficient to knock most opponents from their feet, and send them flying through the air. When activated by Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū in this way, this technique costs an additional 50 Reiatsu (for a total of 100 Reiatsu). [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] When not rapid-firing, Ken'ichi can use this technique once or twice per post with minimal effort. Rapid-firing this technique, or using this technique more than twice per post, will rapidly fatigue Ken'ichi with prolonged use. During Bankai, any uses of this ability by Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū do not fatigue Ken'ichi, but instead fatigue the dragon at the same rate. This technique has a maximum effective range of 100' (30m). At ranges beyond this distance, the Speed and Reiatsu Strength of these projectiles are halved, to a maximum range of 200' (61m). The drawbacks are identical regardless of whether this technique is used in Shikai, or Bankai.

[/font]

[div style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);" align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] ITTOU SUIGIN [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"] [b]Mercury Blade[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Release:[/u][/b] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Shikai[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 100 each[/font]

[font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Metal[/font]
[font color="#d6ca70"]
❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] This technique momentarily liquefies Ken'ichi's zanpakutou, allowing him to alter its shape an function before returning it to a solid metallic state. Through use of this ability, Ken'ichi can split his zanpakutou into two identical or different weapons, or alternately reshape one (or both) of his zanpakutou into any melee or thrown weapon of his choice. [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Regardless of the weapon(s) chosen, his zanpakutou retain their normal liquefaction properties, although their physical dimensions and attack methods may vary considerably.

Alternatively, Ken'ichi can transform his zanpakutou into a torrent of liquefied metal of variable length and anywhere from 2 - 5 feet in diameter. In this liquid-metal form, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou retains its liquefaction properties as normal and can be telekinetically controlled by Ken'ichi, following the movements of his hand. 

Regardless of the form his zanpakutou takes, Ken'ichi remains equally skilled in its use, treating his Sword skill as an appropriate skill (eg. Spears, Axes, etc) with a rank equal to his Sword Skill, or rank 3 (whichever is less). This does not extend to the use of weapons outside his zanpakutou however, and is a unique property of this technique.
[/font]
[font color="#bdcaca"]Ken'ichi has fully mastered this technique and can transform his zanpakutou even in the middle of an attack, or series of maneuvers, and can activate this technique with or without the use of a command word. [/font]

[font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]There is a momentary delay when activating this technique, during which time the weapon liquefies, reshapes itself and re-solidifies. This delay is represented by this techniques transformation speed of 400 (800 during Bankai). While changing form, Suigin cannot be used to block, parry, defend, or attack until such time as its form solidifies. [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Should an enemy attack have equal or greater attack speed, Suigin will be in a liquid state at the time the attack occurs. As such, the enemy attack will pass through its liquid-metal form before his zanpakutou has time to fully solidify. If this occurs, the enemy weapon, projectile, or attack is still affected by Suigin's liquefaction property, but is otherwise unimpeded. [/font]



[div align="center" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] EKITAI-KŌ  NO  KISHI [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"] [b]Knight of Liquid Steel[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font][font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Release:[/u][/b] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Shikai[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 100[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Metal[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] By using this ability Ken'ichi can absorb a nearby pool of liquefied matter and use it to create a suit of filigree gothic breastplate armor, complete with a matching filigree kite shield. Both shield and armor are highly decorated with stylized feather motifs and accented in gold, matching the design of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou. [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Should Ken'ichi be using a daishou at the time this ability is activated, his secondary zanpakutou transforms into the shield instead. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Both the armor and shield can be used to protect Ken'ichi against physical, projectile, or reiatsu-based techniques and act as physical reiatsu-based barriers with a class level and Reiatsu Strength equal to Ken'ichi's current release. [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Finally, both the armor and shield act as an extension of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou, and have the same liquefaction properties as a result.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] While wearing the armor, Ken'ichi's speed is reduced by 25% as a result of the added weight of the metal. His agility however is unaffected as Ken'ichi has trained extensively in the use of this armor, and has become quite proficient in its use. [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Unfortunately for him, the armor does reduce the speed multiplier of all stepping techniques (excluding [/font][u][i][font color="#d6ca70"]Shunpō Karin[/font][/i][/u][font color="#bdcaca"]) by x3 speed, to a minimum of x3 Speed or its normal multiplier, whichever is less. For example, Ken'ichi's [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Shunpō[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] is a x7 multiplier when wearing this armor (instead of the usual x10 multiplier).

Finally, against attacks with the Fire, Heat, Ice, Cold, or Electric elements, the armor (but not shield) counts as 1 Class Level lower for the purpose of determining the effects of clash. [/font]



[div align="center" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• SUIGIN  KEITAI •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"] [b]Mercury Form[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Release:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shikai[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 300[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Metal[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Upon activation, Ken’ichi’s body takes on a silvery-white metallic hue, while assuming the form of a semi-solid, ooze like state. While transformed in this manner, Ken’ichi is impervious to all physical melee- and projectile-based attacks. Such attacks pass through his amorphous liquid body with little resistance. While such attacks may temporarily stun or disable Ken'ichi (depending on their severity), his liquid-metal body rapidly reforms without suffering injury. 

As an added benefit, Ken’ichi’s semi-liquid form renders him immune to the effects of most binding spells or abilities. [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Attempts to restrain him with chains, ropes, or other such bindings are completely ineffective if they are of equal or lower class level. Such restraints pass harmlessly through his body without impeding his movement. This ability also allows Ken'ichi to pass harmlessly through metal bars, or transform himself into a puddle to slide underneath a door, or other obstacle. Binding spells and abilities that cause paralysis have their full effects however, as do binding spells or abilities of superior class level, or 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]While this technique is active, Ken'ichi's limbs and body count as his zanpakutou for the purpose of activating his [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Ittō Suigin[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]technique (but not for any other purpose, such as being able to liquefy matter on contact). Ken’ichi can maintain this effect for the duration of this technique, but may end it prematurely by using this technique again, or by returning his arm(s) back to a liquid metal state.

Finally, Ken'ichi retains the ability to mentally control liquefied matter, as well as full use of all zanpakutou techniques. 

As one of his staple techniques, Ken'ichi has long since mastered its use, and can use it instinctively by omitting the command word. When used reflexively, the duration of this effect is 1 post. However, Ken'ichi can extend the duration of this technique to a maximum of 4 posts by using the command word at his discretion.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font] [font color="#bdcaca"]This technique costs an additional 100 reiatsu for each post beyond the first, to a maximum of 4 posts (assuming the command word is used). At the end of this duration, Ken'ichi is unable to activate this technique for a minimum of 2 posts, while his body recovers from the strain of his transformation. 

Upon activation, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou merges with his body upon activation, use of this ability prevents him from liquefying solid matter on contact with his zanpakutou. Ken'ichi does however, retain the ability to liquefy matter via his zanpakutou techniques, via the attacks of Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu, or upon contact with liquefied matter during Bankai. 

In addition, while this technique affords Ken'ichi powerful defensive abilities, his liquid-metal body is unable to manipulate his environment or inflict harm. Only by transforming his arm(s) into weapons via his technique can this inability to cause harm be overcome, as stated above.

Transforming his body using this technique occurs at a transformation speed of 400 (800 while in Bankai)[/font][font color="#bdcaca"], and as such suffers the same speed-related drawbacks as his [/font][u style="font-style:italic;"][font color="#d6ca70"]Suigin Ittou[/font][/u][font color="#bdcaca"] technique. [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]
[/font][font color="#bdcaca"]
As stated above, this technique makes Ken'ichi impervious to physical injury. While such attacks cause no actual damage to his body, they can temporarily deform his liquid-metal body, stunning him in the process. Attacks which would normally cause minor injuries repair themselves almost instantly, however more powerful attacks can punch "holes" in his body, split his body in twain, or even blast him apart. Such attacks are capable of temporarily disabling or crippling Ken'ichi who is left unable to fight effectively while his body recovers the apparent "damage".

Finally, as a result of Ken’ichi’s liquid-metal  body, he is vulnerable to reiatsu-based techniques of the fire, heat, ice, cold, and electric elements. While using this technique, such effects are treated as 1 Class higher for the purpose of determining clash (to a maximum of Class 1).[/font]


[div align="center" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] RYŪ  IBUKI [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][b style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"]Dragonbreath[/b][font color="#bdcaca"] [/font]

[div align="justify"][font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Release:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Bankai[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 600[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Metal[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] This technique is the ultimate expression of Ken'ichi's zanpakutou; an attack so powerful that it can instantaneously liquefy almost any matter it comes in contact with. Upon command, Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū unleashes a torrent of liquefied metal spewing toward the opponent. This attack takes the form of a 30m (100 feet) long cone of liquefied metal, 1m (3 ft) in diameter at the near edge, and fully 15m (50 feet) in diameter at the far end and lasts a full 3 seconds before being expended. Everything within the path of this attack is completely saturated with the liquid over every part of its surface/body. The liquid itself carries an extremely potent and highly concentrated liquefaction property, far more powerful than anything else Ken'ichi's zanpakutou can generate. 

Spiritual objects, summoned creatures, reiatsu barriers, and any living creature drenched in this liquid suffers the same effect as being exposed to Ken'ichi's zanpakutou abilities, except with the following noticeable differences. Firstly, this attack drenches the target over every available surface, affecting the entire opponent simultaneously. In addition,[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] [/font][i][u][font color="#d6ca70"]High Speed Regeneration[/font][/u][/i][font color="#bdcaca"], defensive abilities like [/font][i][u][font color="#d6ca70"]Hierro[/font][/u][/i][font color="#bdcaca"] or [/font][i][u][font color="#d6ca70"]Blut[/font][/u][/i][font color="#bdcaca"], or having 600+ Healing Expertise offer no resistance to this highly concentrated liquefaction effect. This effect stacks with any liquefaction the enemy has previously suffered, resulting in the equivalent of 2 posts of liquefaction to any spiritual object, summoned creature, or affected location on an enemy which is affected by two separate sources of liquefaction during a single post. 

This attack lasts for the duration of an entire post (at least 3 seconds), and as such allows Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū to alter the trajectory of this attack once. As a result, it can be incredibly difficult to dodge this attack, given Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's ability to alter her aim mid-stream. [/font]
[font color="#d6ca70"]
❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font] [font color="#bdcaca"]This attack is a highly potent and lethal attack, but even this attack has drawbacks. Rank 4 or Class 0 opponents are immune to the effects of this attack, unless Ken'ichi is likewise Rank 4 and/or Class 0 respectively. Enemies with 50% Reiatsu Strength superiority to this attack (1800 RS on average) are immune, as are their release weapons, dolls, or any creatures summoned by their release. Class 1 abilities and effects treat the Reiatsu Strength of this effect as 50% of its normal value (600 or 75% of Ken'ichi's Reiatsu Strength, whichever is higher) for the purpose of determining whether such effects are immune, or affected by the attacks liquefaction properties.

While the size, volume, and speed of this attack makes it incredibly difficult to dodge (especially in light of Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū's ability to alter the trajectory mid-stream), an enemy could easily take cover behind an appropriately sized barrier or obstacle and shield themselves from the attack. Any solid obstacle that is at least 1m (3 feet) thick can completely shield an enemy from this attack, however the obstacle is completely liquefied in the process. Thinner obstacles offer no protection as they liquefy before the full 3-second stream of liquid has been expelled, leaving the opponent unprotected and exposed for the final second(s).

Alternately, an enemy can shield themselves by using any appropriate Class 2 (or higher) barrier or similar defense. While Class 0 barriers are automatically strong enough to withstand the full brunt of this attack, Class 1 and 2 barriers quickly buckle and liquefy under the assault, providing partial protection from the effect, drenching the opponent in a weakened stream of liquid metal that causes a single post of liquefaction to the opponent, after which it loses its effectiveness. Class 1 barriers which are immune to this effect however completely shield the enemy from this attack. 

Activating this technique exacts a price from Ken'ichi, causing his gauntlet to liquefy and evaporate, and causing Ken'ichi's left hand and lower arm to suffer 1 post of liquefaction each time this technique is used. Furthermore, it disrupts Ken'ichi's immunity to his zanpakutou techniques for the next 3 posts after activation.

As a result, Ken'ichi (but not his allies) becomes vulnerable to the liquefaction properties of his zanpakutou and techniques. While vulnerable, Ken'ichi must be cautious not to come in contact with the blade of his zanpakutou, or any pools of liquefied matter under his direct mental command, lest he liquefy himself. While vulnerable to his zanpakutou techniques, Ken'ichi is unable to use his [u style="font-style:italic;"]Suigin Keitai[/u] technique. He can however, handle the shaft/hilt of his zanpakutou, as well as wear his armor and shield safely without risk of liquefying himself.[/font]



[div align="center" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] HAGANE  NO  GUN [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"] [b]Army of Steel[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Release:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Bankai[/font]
[font color="#d6ca70"]
❀ [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]500 reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Metal[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] While Ken'ichi can telekinetically manipulate single volumes of liquefied matter with little effort, this technique takes that to the next level - transforming a large volume of liquefied matter into a small army of 15 - 30 vaguely humanoid metallic soldiers, equipped with an assortment of katana, spears, and wearing ō-yoroi armor. The armor and weapons themselves are purely cosmetic and is actually part of each soldiers physical body. It takes 1 full post for the army of steel to form, after which they relentlessly pursue and attack Ken'ichi's enemies without any direct commands from their master, and in many respects are similar to the terracotta soldiers of Ancient China. Nearly mindless, the metallic soldiers are only capable of the most simple of tactics, relying on overwhelming numbers and mob tactics to wear down the enemy. Each soldier has both Strength and Speed of 200, and uses Ken'ichi's Reiatsu Strength for the purpose of defending themselves against Reiatsu-based techniques. 

While their combat skills are unimpressive, their greatest strength lies not in the lethality of their blades, but rather the fact that their weapons carry the same liquefaction properties as Ken'ichi's Bankai, resolving the effect using Ken'ichi's Reiatsu Strength as above. As a result of their potent liquefaction properties, Ken'ichi's enemies would be unwise to ignore these automatons, lest they find themselves grappled, or surrounded by a dozen or more slashing blades that liquefy matter on contact, regardless of any injury they may cause. Likewise, enemies who ignore Ken'ichi or Ten no Suigin Shin Ryu run the risk of falling victim to a well-timed flurry of highly lethal attacks timed to take advantage of the enemies momentary distraction. This is the true strength of this technique - to create a no-win scenario in which the enemies must divide their focus and attention between Ken'ichi, his dragon, and the small army of relentless metallic soldiers, where one misstep may have fatal results.

Formed of liquefied matter, Ken'ichi can take mental control over these constructs and command them to levitate, and awkwardly pursue flying enemies. In addition, while these constructs can be injured or destroyed relatively easily, these constructs will rapidly reform in as little as 1 post, to continue their inexorable pursuit of the enemy. As a result, any action taken to destroy these soldiers will have temporary results at best. Freezing, melting, or otherwise hampering them will only cause them to liquefy into pools of silvery-white liquid-metal, reform and continue mindlessly pursuing their target. [/font][font color="#bdcaca"] [/font]

[font color="#d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b] [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Use of this technique costs an additional 200 reiatsu for each post beyond the first, which must be paid at the start of each post. Failure to pay this upkeep cost causes the metallic soldiers to instantaneously liquefy and melt into puddles of silvery-white protoplasm, which retains its normal liquefaction properties. If Ken'ichi is stunned, or otherwise unable to concentrate, he is unable to consciously maintain control over these constructs, and as such is unable to pay the reiatsu cost, causing them to liquefy as above. [/font][font color="#d6ca70"] [/font]


[/div][/blockquote]

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[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" size="5"]⊰〖•  [/font][font color="d6ca70" size="5"]⊱❀⊰[/font][font size="5" color="bdcaca"] •〗⊱[/font] [/div]

[Deleted]

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⊰〖• __________O T H E R  T E C H N I Q U E S__________ •〗⊱
Hohou Hakuda ❀ Hadou Bakudou

⊰〖• HOHOU TECHNIQUES •〗⊱

⊰〖• SHUNPOU •〗⊱

Flash Steps 

❀ Class: 7

❀ Cost: 50 Reiatsu

❀ Element: None

❀ Effect: A movement technique that allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow. The focal point that determines the basis of this technique is speed. As speed is the main point of the technique, the method is best characterized by how fast one can get from point A to point B in the least amount of steps. Training and skill are what determines how fast a user of Shunpo can move; those of little skill in the technique, or those who haven't used it in an extended amount of time would obviously be out of practice, causing those individuals to be considerably slower, which requires the user of more steps to move the same distance and become winded far easier in a shorter amount of time. A single step magnifies speed for that step by 10 times. This one is automatically learned in the academy. ALL shinigami know this when created.

❀ How to use Technique: A focus of reishi around the feet area, and then launching off into a single step which blurs, not unlike teleportation in appearance, except it is simply extremely fast movement. Often used to gain an edge in a single moment of combat, or to dodge incoming attacks.

❀ Mastery: Mastered

⊰〖• SHUNPOU KARIN•〗⊱

Partial Shunpou 

❀ Class: 5

❀ Cost: 100 Reiatsu

❀ Element: None

❀ Effect: The famous "partial Shunpo" technique. This allows the user to intiate a single movement at Shunpo speed with one limb. This cannot be used without initiating the forward momentum. The user will need to move their arm the way they normally would before this technique can be activated. Momentum for this technique cannot be controlled. This means once the user initiates this technique, they cannot stop their limb from movement.

❀ Drawbacks: Higher reiatsu cost than normal Shunpo. Limit is once per post. More stamina taxing than regular Shunpo.

❀ Mastery: Mastered

⊰〖• KOUDONA KUUKI JIMEN •〗⊱

Adv. Air Ground 

❀ Class: 7

❀ Cost: 25 Reiatsu

❀ Element: None

❀ Creator: S. Kanzaki

❀ Effect:This is a technique designed especially for breakdancing and parkour, utilizing a more advanced version of air ground. While in a terrain where air ground exists, the user can create more complex surfaces like air walls, air ceilings, air ledges and even an air push. This allows the user to perform handstands and windmills on air as if it were normal ground or even stand upside-down on air as if gravity was reversed. The air push makes the air ground very elastic so that the user can jump higher and allows for slight movement even when restrained by a bakudou.

For a reiatsu cost of 25, the user will be able to momentarily cast an "air ground" on areas such as soul society and heuco mundo, allowing the user to "double jump" or cast shunpo in midair. If this technique is mastered, the user will be able to create air grounds that last for as long as a post. This can be used in creative ways to improve acrobatics and visual impressiveness.

❀ Mastery: Mastered

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⊱❀⊰ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

⊰〖• HAKUDA TECHNIQUES •〗⊱

⊰〖• HAKUDA DEFENSE: DO•〗⊱

 

❀ Class: 3

❀ Cost: None

❀ Creator: Sozen

❀ Effect: t directly applies a palm to the perfectly correct spot in an incoming melee attack. This can be on an underside or at the very edge of a weapon, but it must hit the spot where the force is most vulnerable. The force immediately ceases, and the attack stops moving. It's good for making openings.

❀ How to Use Technique: Stated above.

❀ Drawbacks: It's a physical attack. No drawback

❀ Mastery: Mastered

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⊱❀⊰ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

⊰〖• HADOU TECHNIQUES •〗⊱

⊰〖• SHŌ •〗⊱

  Thrust

❀ Hadou: #01

❀ Class: 7

❀ Cost: 25 Reiatsu

❀ Element: None

❀ Effect: This technique creates a simple burst of force that pushes at the opponent backwards. The force is equal to the user's Reiatsu Strength.

❀ How to Use Technique: Speak the spell and point hand at the target.

❀ Drawbacks: When the incantation is spoken, the Reiatsu Strength used to determine the power of Shō is increased by 10%. (i.e. 100 Reiatsu Strength is treated as 110).

❀ Mastery: Mastered

⊰〖• BYAKURAI•〗⊱

 Pale Lightning

❀ Hadou: #04

❀ Class: 7

❀ Cost: 25 Reiatsu

❀ Element: Thunder

❀ Effect:The user fires a concentrated, powerful lightning bolt from their finger that pierces a target.

❀ How to Use Technique: Speak the spell and point hand at the target

❀ Incantation: When the incantation is spoken, the Reiatsu Strength used to determine the power of Byakurai is increased by 10%. (I.e 100 Reiatsu Strength is treated as 110).

"Arise, god of thunder! Awake mother of storms! Unleash the lightning on the sinners!"

❀ Mastery: Mastered

⊰〖• SOUKATSUI•〗⊱

 Blue Fire, Crash Down

❀ Hadou: #33

❀ Class: 5

❀ Cost: 100 Reiatsu

❀ Element: Fire

❀ Effect: This technique is a more powerful version of Hado #31, releasing a fireball of blue flames that's about half as large as an average person in size. The impact of this fireball leaves first-degree burns upon impact, and has more impact force than Hado #31.

❀ How to Use Technique: Speak the spell and point hand toward the target.

❀ Incantation: With the incantation, this spell gets a 20% increase in Reiatsu Strength (i.e if Reiatsu Strength is 100, this is treated as 120 with incantation).

"Ye Lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws!"

❀ Mastery: Mastered

⊰〖• SOUKAHOU•〗⊱

 Blue Fire Cannon

❀ Hadou: #86

❀ Class: 2

❀ Cost: 600 Reiatsu

❀ Element: Fire

❀ Creator: Shiki Kanzaki

❀ Effect: Sōkahō (蒼火砲, Blue Fire Cannon) is an advanced hadō based of of Sōkatsui that requires a blood sacrifice to activate. Just like how the Kuchiki is well versed in Sōkatsui, the Kanzaki specializes in this kidō. Instead of firing one single burst of blue fire at the opponent, it creates a concentrated mass of blue flames around the user's hand that can burn or incinerate anything that fire touches. This can be used for enhanced melee as a flaming fist but that is not its main function. The main ability of this hadō is automatic firing of blue flares, similar to a blue fire machine gun.

Once activated, the user can fire blasts of Sōkatsui out of the hand engulfed in blue flames as many times as the user wishes. In other words, infinite ammunition. The fastest firing rate of this technique is about 600 blasts per minute. When this technique is mastered, the user can use this in many creative ways such as applying the concentration of blue flames to a weapon, fire multiple blasts simultaneously like a shotgun, creating explosive blasts out of the user's hand, or even change the color of the flames to the user's preference. Once this technique is activated, it doesn't end until the user dies or wills it to end.

❀ How to Use Technique: Activate the technique. From there, aiming and firing is all that is required.

❀ Drawbacks: 400 Reiatsu is consumed upon activation. The blue flames are extremely hot and it will cause slight burns to the user's hand for every post this is active. Generally, the user will have first degree burns by the first 5 posts. If the arm is severed, the blue flames will go out of control and will engulf the user whole if the one fails to defend against it.

❀ Incantation: Reiatsu strength increases by 35% for use of the incantation (i.e. Reiatsu strength of 100 is worth 135 instead).

"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Evil to fight evil. Fire to fight fire. I hereby offer my blood in an indestructible contract with the flame of atonement."

❀ Mastery: Learned

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⊰〖• SHIHOIN TECHNIQUES •〗⊱

⊰〖• HYUNNARDA•〗⊱

 

❀ Type: Hakuda

❀ Class: 5

❀ Cost: 100, 200 Reiatsu

❀ Creator: Shihoin

❀ Reserved: Shihoin

❀ Effect: This technique is a rarity and possess multiple levels of use that branch off from the previous.

Class 5: At this class, the technique has only just blossomed into a lethal flower. At this point, once the user has flowed reiatsu into their hands they have gained the ability to transfer the force of any strike that inflect through the outer layer of an object/target. An example of this is that it allows the user to strike the inside of a tree while the bark takes no damage whatsoever. The purpose of this technique is to maneuver around defensive abilities that make assassination extremely difficult. Each strike requires the user to spend 100 Reiatsu. Another trick that this class has is that for an additional tax of 200 Reiatsu, the user is able to transfer the damage they inflict to a location they wish as long as it's connected to the striking point. An example is that the user can strike an arm and transfer the damage to the lungs or stomach.

Class 3: Ken'ichi does not know this version.

Class 2: Ken'ichi does not know this version.

❀ How to Use Technique: Flow reiatsu throughout the arm intended to be used. At the desired time, release the reiatsu from the hand in the direction desired.

❀ Drawbacks: This technique has the drawback of muscle stress through all of the classes, while the stress increases as the class does. At class 5, the stress is only present for a short amount of time after use in the hands. When used more than four times between two posts, the muscles of the hands will begin to tire, causing incredible pain. The additional ability of the class 5 variation can only be used once every other post, or else the muscles tire.

The variations all place stress on the muscles due to the fact that the variations can lead to the drawbacks if used between the time the muscles need to relax, and become usable again.

This technique requires 1 in Hakuda, rising in requirement as the variations do. (Class 5 - 1 Hakuda).

❀ Mastery: Mastered

⊰〖• SAIRENTO SATSUGAI •〗⊱

 Silent Killing

❀ Type: Other

❀ Class: 4

❀ Cost: 100, 150 Reiatsu

❀ Element: None

❀ Creator: Shihoin

❀ Reserved: Shihoin

❀ Effect: Class 5: By releasing reiatsu all across the body, one can dull the sound of their movements. The reiatsu surrounding them acts like a silencer on a gun, except it acts on the whole body. When in effect, which is for a duration of 10 posts, one's movements become completely silent, so much so that one would need a Sensory of 250 or more in order to hear the user. This is the class 5 version of the technique.

Class 4: This version can be activated at any time whenever the user wishes. By giving up 150 reiatsu when using a technique, the reiatsu flare from that technique can be "silenced". This basically adds a silencer to techniques just like one would add a silencer to a gun to reduce noise and muzzle flash. When this is done, only those with Energy Sensory of 300 and above can tell when a technique is being used. By silencing the reiatsu flare, the charging technique is even able to evade Pesquis.

❀ How to Use Technique: Release reiatsu across the body and activate.

❀ Drawbacks: No drawback other than reiatsu cost.

❀ Mastery: Mastered

⊰〖• KAGE NO KUROUKU•〗⊱

 Shadow Cloak

❀ Type: Kidou

❀ Class: 4

❀ Cost: 150 Reiatsu

❀ Element: None

❀ Creator: Shihoin

❀ Reserved: Shihoin

❀ Effect: By releasing reiatsu across the body, the user can summon a thin veil of shadows to surround the body. The veil of shadows resembles the dark mist that surrounds Berserker from Fate/Zero. When summoned, the veil of shadows makes the user appear as a blur when moving. It becomes harder to distinguish the user and their movements, especially in an environment with any type of shadows. When shadows are around, the user is also able to blend with them completely, especially if the shadow is large enough to cover the user. To any onlookers, it appears as though the user simply turns invisible. One would need a Sensory of 200 or greater in order to keep up with the blurring movements or to see the user when they meld into the shadows. The veil lasts for 7 posts.

❀ How to Use Technique: Release reiatsu across teh body and activate the technique.

❀ Drawbacks: No drawback other than reiatsu cost.

❀ Mastery: Mastered

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⊱❀⊰ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

⊰〖• GENERAL TECHNIQUES •〗⊱

⊰〖• IAIJUTSU•〗⊱

 Quick Draw Style 

❀ Class: 4

❀ Cost: None

❀ Element: None

❀ Creator: Ken'ichi

❀ Reserved: No

❀ Effect: The user of this technique draws their sword and strikes with one fluid, lightning-fast motion. This technique can easily catch an unprepared opponent off-guard. This attack is made at 2x the user's Speed, or at a speed of 600 (whichever is faster). Due to the sudden nature of this attack, characters with less than 200 Instinct are caught completely flat-footed and unable to react to this attack, unless they meet one of the alternative requirements (see drawbacks below).

Except where noted, this is otherwise an ordinary melee strike and has no reiatsu cost. Proficiency with this technique allows the user to immediately sheathe their weapon after making their attack.

Mastery of this technique allows for it to be combined with Shunpo to draw, strike, and sheathe the weapon in the blink of an eye. This variant costs 50 reiatsu to perform, and gains the benefits of a 3x Speed Boost (instead of the usual 2x). This variant is imperceptible to characters with less than 200 Senses. Characters with 200+ Senses detect a blur of movement from the user but may not be able to react to the attack unless they have 200+ Instinct and/or one of the benefits listed in drawbacks below.

❀ How to Use Technique: Simply draw your weapon and strike in a single fluid motion.

❀ Drawbacks: This technique rarely works more than once per thread, as any opponent who witnesses this technique being used can react to it normally (regardless of Instinct). Even against aware opponents, this attack retains its speed however and should not be underestimated.

In addition, characters who know this technique or have Battle Analysis of 2 (or above) can easily identify the ready stances used in this technique and predict the user's intent. Such characters are never caught off-guard by this attack but will still need to react to its incredible speed.

This technique can only be used with a sheathed sword. In order to use this technique more than once during a single thread, the user must sheathe their weapon prior to using this technique again. This technique requires 2 SKP in Weapons (Sword) in order to be used, and 3 SKP to be mastered.

❀ Mastery: Mastered

⊰〖• NI •〗⊱

 Two / Divide

❀ Class: 3

❀ Cost: 400 Reiatsu

❀ Element: None

❀ Creator: T. Hadohou

❀ Effect: Ni, also known as "Divide", is a technique that pools together the Zanpakutō Spirit's Reiatsu, as well as the Shinigami's Reiatsu, to form a powerful counter to Reiatsu based attacks. From within the user's Zanpakutō, Reiatsu wells up and coats the blade. This forms the "first" coat. The Reiatsu from the user then pools around this first layer, forming a second layer over the blade, which takes the form of whatever the user's flexed Reiatsu looks like, creating a dual-color Reiatsu over the Zanpakutō.

Upon contact with a Reiatsu based attack, the first layer activates, cutting into and repelling the technique in half, depending on the size. The second layer closely follows the first behind, a sharpened blade of reiatsu that travels in the direction of the person who used the first technique. This blade will continue to cut through the opposing Reiatsu based technique if it isn't cut apart by the first layer, and has limited seeking properties to track the individual who used the opposing technique. This works best on beam-type attacks, such as Cero, and could be thought of as a counter to cero-type techniques.

Due to the nature of this technique, the user's Offensive Stat, instead of simply Reiatsu Strength, is used to determine the power of this technique. This power can be utilized on techniques up to 1.5x the user's Offensive Stat.

❀ How to Use Technique: Communicate with Spirit, work in tandem with it, use Reiatsu.

❀ Drawbacks: Class 3 Reiatsu cost. Depending on the Spirit, the relationship they have with their wielder, and their nature, the spirit in question may not choose to lend aid to the wielder. Physical and spiritual fatigue if they do help. This technique tires out the Spirit, increasing the cost of releasing by 50% the next time the user releases. Increases the cost of non-release techniques by 25% for the next three posts. Despite being able to be used on stronger techniques, this technique does not prevent the Zanpakutō from taking damage from these techniques, and will damage the Zanpakutō each time it is used. If the Zanpakutō is broken during usage, this technique does not work.

❀ Mastery: Mastered

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⊰〖•  ⊱❀⊰ •〗⊱ 

[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font color="d6ca70" size="5"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓[/font][/font][/div]
[a name="techs"][/a][blockquote][div align="center"][font size="3" color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• [u]__________O T H E R  T E C H N I Q U E S__________[/u] •〗⊱[/b][/font]
[font color="bdcaca"][b]Hohou Hakuda[/b] [/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [/font][font color="bdcaca"][b]Hadou Bakudou[/b][/font][/div]

[a name="hohou"][/a][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• HOHOU TECHNIQUES •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div]

[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] SHUNPOU [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] Flash Steps [b][/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 7 [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 50 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] A movement technique that allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow. The focal point that determines the basis of this technique is speed. As speed is the main point of the technique, the method is best characterized by how fast one can get from point A to point B in the least amount of steps. Training and skill are what determines how fast a user of Shunpo can move; those of little skill in the technique, or those who haven't used it in an extended amount of time would obviously be out of practice, causing those individuals to be considerably slower, which requires the user of more steps to move the same distance and become winded far easier in a shorter amount of time. A single step magnifies speed for that step by 10 times. This one is automatically learned in the academy. ALL shinigami know this when created. [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] A focus of reishi around the feet area, and then launching off into a single step which blurs, not unlike teleportation in appearance, except it is simply extremely fast movement. Often used to gain an edge in a single moment of combat, or to dodge incoming attacks.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]


[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] SHUNPOU KARIN[/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] Partial Shunpou [b][/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 5 [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 100 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] The famous "partial Shunpo" technique. This allows the user to intiate a single movement at Shunpo speed with one limb. This cannot be used without initiating the forward momentum. The user will need to move their arm the way they normally would before this technique can be activated. Momentum for this technique cannot be controlled. This means once the user initiates this technique, they cannot stop their limb from movement. [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Higher reiatsu cost than normal Shunpo. Limit is once per post. More stamina taxing than regular Shunpo.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]


[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] KOUDONA KUUKI JIMEN [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] Adv. Air Ground [b][/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 7 [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 25 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Creator:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] S. Kanzaki[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"]This is a technique designed especially for breakdancing and parkour, utilizing a more advanced version of air ground. While in a terrain where air ground exists, the user can create more complex surfaces like air walls, air ceilings, air ledges and even an air push. This allows the user to perform handstands and windmills on air as if it were normal ground or even stand upside-down on air as if gravity was reversed. The air push makes the air ground very elastic so that the user can jump higher and allows for slight movement even when restrained by a bakudou.

For a reiatsu cost of 25, the user will be able to momentarily cast an "air ground" on areas such as soul society and heuco mundo, allowing the user to "double jump" or cast shunpo in midair. If this technique is mastered, the user will be able to create air grounds that last for as long as a post. This can be used in creative ways to improve acrobatics and visual impressiveness.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered [/font][/div]


[/div][/div][/div][/blockquote][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font size="5" color="d6ca70"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[/font][/font][/div][blockquote][a name="hakuda"][/a][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• HAKUDA TECHNIQUES •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div]

[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] HAKUDA DEFENSE: DO[/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b][/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 3[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Creator:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Sozen[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] t directly applies a palm to the perfectly correct spot in an incoming melee attack. This can be on an underside or at the very edge of a weapon, but it must hit the spot where the force is most vulnerable. The force immediately ceases, and the attack stops moving. It's good for making openings. [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Stated above.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] It's a physical attack. No drawback[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]


[/div][/blockquote][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font size="5" color="d6ca70"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[/font][/font][/div][blockquote][a name="hadou"][/a][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• HADOU TECHNIQUES •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div]

[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] SHŌ [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b] Thrust[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Hadou:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] #01[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 7[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 25 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] This technique creates a simple burst of force that pushes at the opponent backwards. The force is equal to the user's Reiatsu Strength.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Speak the spell and point hand at the target.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] When the incantation is spoken, the Reiatsu Strength used to determine the power of Shō is increased by 10%. (i.e. 100 Reiatsu Strength is treated as 110).[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]


[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] BYAKURAI[/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b]Pale Lightning[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Hadou:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] #04[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 7[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 25 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Thunder[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"]The user fires a concentrated, powerful lightning bolt from their finger that pierces a target. [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Speak the spell and point hand at the target[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Incantation:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] When the incantation is spoken, the Reiatsu Strength used to determine the power of Byakurai is increased by 10%. (I.e 100 Reiatsu Strength is treated as 110). [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"][i]"Arise, god of thunder! Awake mother of storms! Unleash the lightning on the sinners!"[/i][/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]


[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] SOUKATSUI[/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b]Blue Fire, Crash Down[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Hadou:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] #33[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 5[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 100 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Fire[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] This technique is a more powerful version of Hado #31, releasing a fireball of blue flames that's about half as large as an average person in size. The impact of this fireball leaves first-degree burns upon impact, and has more impact force than Hado #31.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Speak the spell and point hand toward the target.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Incantation:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] With the incantation, this spell gets a 20% increase in Reiatsu Strength (i.e if Reiatsu Strength is 100, this is treated as 120 with incantation). [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"][i]"Ye Lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws!"[/i][/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]


[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] SOUKAHOU[/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b]Blue Fire Cannon[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Hadou:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] #86[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 2[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 600 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Fire[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Creator:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shiki Kanzaki[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Sōkahō (蒼火砲, Blue Fire Cannon) is an advanced hadō based of of Sōkatsui that requires a blood sacrifice to activate. Just like how the Kuchiki is well versed in Sōkatsui, the Kanzaki specializes in this kidō. Instead of firing one single burst of blue fire at the opponent, it creates a concentrated mass of blue flames around the user's hand that can burn or incinerate anything that fire touches. This can be used for enhanced melee as a flaming fist but that is not its main function. The main ability of this hadō is automatic firing of blue flares, similar to a blue fire machine gun.

Once activated, the user can fire blasts of Sōkatsui out of the hand engulfed in blue flames as many times as the user wishes. In other words, infinite ammunition. The fastest firing rate of this technique is about 600 blasts per minute. When this technique is mastered, the user can use this in many creative ways such as applying the concentration of blue flames to a weapon, fire multiple blasts simultaneously like a shotgun, creating explosive blasts out of the user's hand, or even change the color of the flames to the user's preference. Once this technique is activated, it doesn't end until the user dies or wills it to end.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Activate the technique. From there, aiming and firing is all that is required.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 400 Reiatsu is consumed upon activation. The blue flames are extremely hot and it will cause slight burns to the user's hand for every post this is active. Generally, the user will have first degree burns by the first 5 posts. If the arm is severed, the blue flames will go out of control and will engulf the user whole if the one fails to defend against it.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Incantation:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Reiatsu strength increases by 35% for use of the incantation (i.e. Reiatsu strength of 100 is worth 135 instead). [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"][i]"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Evil to fight evil. Fire to fight fire. I hereby offer my blood in an indestructible contract with the flame of atonement."[/i][/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Learned[/font][/div]


[/div][/blockquote][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font color="d6ca70" size="5"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[/font][/font][/div][blockquote][a name="shihoin"][/a][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• SHIHOIN TECHNIQUES •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div]

[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] HYUNNARDA[/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b][/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Type:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Hakuda[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 5[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 100, 200 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Creator:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shihoin[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Reserved:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shihoin[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] This technique is a rarity and possess multiple levels of use that branch off from the previous.

[b][u][i]Class 5:[/i][/u][/b] At this class, the technique has only just blossomed into a lethal flower. At this point, once the user has flowed reiatsu into their hands they have gained the ability to transfer the force of any strike that inflect through the outer layer of an object/target. An example of this is that it allows the user to strike the inside of a tree while the bark takes no damage whatsoever. The purpose of this technique is to maneuver around defensive abilities that make assassination extremely difficult. Each strike requires the user to spend 100 Reiatsu. Another trick that this class has is that for an additional tax of 200 Reiatsu, the user is able to transfer the damage they inflict to a location they wish as long as it's connected to the striking point. An example is that the user can strike an arm and transfer the damage to the lungs or stomach.

[b][u][i]Class 3:[/i][/u][/b] Ken'ichi does not know this version.

[b][u][i]Class 2:[/i][/u][/b] Ken'ichi does not know this version.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Flow reiatsu throughout the arm intended to be used. At the desired time, release the reiatsu from the hand in the direction desired.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] This technique has the drawback of muscle stress through all of the classes, while the stress increases as the class does. At class 5, the stress is only present for a short amount of time after use in the hands. When used more than four times between two posts, the muscles of the hands will begin to tire, causing incredible pain. The additional ability of the class 5 variation can only be used once every other post, or else the muscles tire.

The variations all place stress on the muscles due to the fact that the variations can lead to the drawbacks if used between the time the muscles need to relax, and become usable again.

This technique requires 1 in Hakuda, rising in requirement as the variations do. (Class 5 - 1 Hakuda).[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]



[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] SAIRENTO SATSUGAI [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b]Silent Killing[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Type:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Other[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 4[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 100, 150 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Creator:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shihoin[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Reserved:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shihoin[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] [b][u][i]Class 5:[/i][/u][/b] By releasing reiatsu all across the body, one can dull the sound of their movements. The reiatsu surrounding them acts like a silencer on a gun, except it acts on the whole body. When in effect, which is for a duration of 10 posts, one's movements become completely silent, so much so that one would need a Sensory of 250 or more in order to hear the user. This is the class 5 version of the technique.

[b][u][i]Class 4:[/i][/u][/b] This version can be activated at any time whenever the user wishes. By giving up 150 reiatsu when using a technique, the reiatsu flare from that technique can be "silenced". This basically adds a silencer to techniques just like one would add a silencer to a gun to reduce noise and muzzle flash. When this is done, only those with Energy Sensory of 300 and above can tell when a technique is being used. By silencing the reiatsu flare, the charging technique is even able to evade Pesquis.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Release reiatsu across the body and activate.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] No drawback other than reiatsu cost.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered [/font][/div]



[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] KAGE NO KUROUKU[/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b]Shadow Cloak[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Type:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Kidou [/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 4[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 150 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Creator:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shihoin[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Reserved:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Shihoin[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] By releasing reiatsu across the body, the user can summon a thin veil of shadows to surround the body. The veil of shadows resembles the dark mist that surrounds Berserker from Fate/Zero. When summoned, the veil of shadows makes the user appear as a blur when moving. It becomes harder to distinguish the user and their movements, especially in an environment with any type of shadows. When shadows are around, the user is also able to blend with them completely, especially if the shadow is large enough to cover the user. To any onlookers, it appears as though the user simply turns invisible. One would need a Sensory of 200 or greater in order to keep up with the blurring movements or to see the user when they meld into the shadows. The veil lasts for 7 posts.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Release reiatsu across teh body and activate the technique.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] No drawback other than reiatsu cost.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]


[/div][/div][/div][/blockquote][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font color="d6ca70" size="5"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[/font][/font][/div][blockquote][a name="general"][/a][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• GENERAL TECHNIQUES •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div]

[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] IAIJUTSU[/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] Quick Draw Style[/font] 

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 4[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Creator:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Ken'ichi

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Reserved:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] No

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] The user of this technique draws their sword and strikes with one fluid, lightning-fast motion. This technique can easily catch an unprepared opponent off-guard. This attack is made at 2x the user's Speed, or at a speed of 600 (whichever is faster). Due to the sudden nature of this attack, characters with less than 200 Instinct are caught completely flat-footed and unable to react to this attack, unless they meet one of the alternative requirements (see drawbacks below).

Except where noted, this is otherwise an ordinary melee strike and has no reiatsu cost. Proficiency with this technique allows the user to immediately sheathe their weapon after making their attack.

Mastery of this technique allows for it to be combined with Shunpo to draw, strike, and sheathe the weapon in the blink of an eye. This variant costs 50 reiatsu to perform, and gains the benefits of a 3x Speed Boost (instead of the usual 2x). This variant is imperceptible to characters with less than 200 Senses. Characters with 200+ Senses detect a blur of movement from the user but may not be able to react to the attack unless they have 200+ Instinct and/or one of the benefits listed in drawbacks below.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Simply draw your weapon and strike in a single fluid motion.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] This technique rarely works more than once per thread, as any opponent who witnesses this technique being used can react to it normally (regardless of Instinct). Even against aware opponents, this attack retains its speed however and should not be underestimated.

In addition, characters who know this technique or have Battle Analysis of 2 (or above) can easily identify the ready stances used in this technique and predict the user's intent. Such characters are never caught off-guard by this attack but will still need to react to its incredible speed.

This technique can only be used with a sheathed sword. In order to use this technique more than once during a single thread, the user must sheathe their weapon prior to using this technique again. This technique requires 2 SKP in Weapons (Sword) in order to be used, and 3 SKP to be mastered.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/font][/font][/div]


[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖•[u] NI [/u]•〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"] [b]Two / Divide[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Class:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 3[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀[/font][font color="d6ca70"] [b][u]Cost:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] 400 Reiatsu[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Element:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] None[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Creator:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] T. Hadohou[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Effect:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Ni, also known as "Divide", is a technique that pools together the Zanpakutō Spirit's Reiatsu, as well as the Shinigami's Reiatsu, to form a powerful counter to Reiatsu based attacks. From within the user's Zanpakutō, Reiatsu wells up and coats the blade. This forms the "first" coat. The Reiatsu from the user then pools around this first layer, forming a second layer over the blade, which takes the form of whatever the user's flexed Reiatsu looks like, creating a dual-color Reiatsu over the Zanpakutō.

Upon contact with a Reiatsu based attack, the first layer activates, cutting into and repelling the technique in half, depending on the size. The second layer closely follows the first behind, a sharpened blade of reiatsu that travels in the direction of the person who used the first technique. This blade will continue to cut through the opposing Reiatsu based technique if it isn't cut apart by the first layer, and has limited seeking properties to track the individual who used the opposing technique. This works best on beam-type attacks, such as Cero, and could be thought of as a counter to cero-type techniques.

Due to the nature of this technique, the user's Offensive Stat, instead of simply Reiatsu Strength, is used to determine the power of this technique. This power can be utilized on techniques up to 1.5x the user's Offensive Stat.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]How to Use Technique:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Communicate with Spirit, work in tandem with it, use Reiatsu.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Drawbacks:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Class 3 Reiatsu cost. Depending on the Spirit, the relationship they have with their wielder, and their nature, the spirit in question may not choose to lend aid to the wielder. Physical and spiritual fatigue if they do help. This technique tires out the Spirit, increasing the cost of releasing by 50% the next time the user releases. Increases the cost of non-release techniques by 25% for the next three posts. Despite being able to be used on stronger techniques, this technique does not prevent the Zanpakutō from taking damage from these techniques, and will damage the Zanpakutō each time it is used. If the Zanpakutō is broken during usage, this technique does not work.[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Mastery:[/u][/b][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Mastered[/font][/div]

[/div][/div][/blockquote]

[font color="bdcaca"]┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛[/font]
[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" size="5"]⊰〖•  [/font][font size="5" color="d6ca70"]⊱❀⊰[/font][font color="bdcaca" size="5"] •〗⊱[/font] [/div]

[Deleted]

┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⊱❀⊰ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓

⊰〖• _______________H I S T O R Y______________ •〗⊱

❀    Birthplace: Shihoin Estate

❀    Current Residence: Squad 12 Barracks

⊰〖• MEMORABLE FIGURES •〗⊱

❀ Shihoin Hiroshi  
Perhaps the single most influential person in Ken'ichi's life is his own father. Brother of Jiro and Tetsuo Shihoin, Ken'ichi's father lived a life of prosperity and privilege. Raised in the shadow of his elder brother Jiro, Hiroshi fueled his efforts into attaining excellence in the Onmitsukido, rising swiftly through the ranks to become head of the Assassination force. It was Ken'ichi's father who sought out the finest instructors so that he may one day rise to become Kensei. When his aptitude in the scientific arts was discovered, his father spared no expense in his education. Sadly, living in his brothers shadow would come at great cost, for shortly after attaining leadership of the Shihoin clan, Hiroshi succumbed to corruption, leading not only to his own death but the downfall of the Shihoin clan itself. In this regard, Hiroshi has become known as the most infamous Shihoin in history, and brought great shame on his once proud and noble family.

❀ Shihoin Akane  
As a young soul, Ken'ichi spent a considerable amount of time with his soft-spoken, dignified mother. Ill of health even then, Akane rarely ventured outside the family residence at the Shihoin Estate, and spent the majority of her time wandering the private gardens reserved for the Hiroshi side of the family. Unbeknownst to Ken'ichi, Suigin's adult appearance and personality is an idealized memory reflection of his deceased mother Akane, and represents all that is good and kind in Ken'ichi's world. Sadly, Akane died during the birth of Ken'ichi's younger twin sisters while Ken'ichi was very young (at an apparent age of 6). 

❀ Shihoin Tomoe  
Former Vice Captain of Squad 2, the eldest child of Hiroshi and Akane was a free spirited, rebellious youth. Even as a child, she was a gifted sneak and had natural stealth, and speed and was being groomed for acceptance in the Onmitsukidou. Growing into a talented shinigami in her own right, Tomoe rose through the ranks of her uncles squad to the eventual position of Vice Captain, a position she would hold until her death at the hands of mini-gillian. Ken'ichi idolized his elder sister, despite her teasing. In fact, it was his desire to live up to his sister, and follow in her footsteps that prompted him to join the Gotei 13 and challenge himself to excellence. Ken'ichi still harbors the feeling of loss at his sisters death.

Unbeknown to Ken'ichi however, his elder sister was secretly adopted by his parents. This secret was only known by a select few within the Shihoin clan. Outside of his parents, only Jiro knew the true identity of Tomoe, and the reasons why she was adopted into the Shihoin clan. With the death of Jiro and Akane both, Hiroshi remains the only person aware this secret ever existed, and with his rivalry and rebellion within Soul Society, he is unlikely to reveal this fact any time soon. This secret is also the reason why Hiroshi considers Ken'ichi his heir, rather than Tomoe as would normally be her "birthright". Despite the atypical beliefs of his father, it was within Hiroshi's right to skip over members of his family if he deemed them unfit for any reason, even if the decision was frowned upon by other members of the Shihoin family. Whatever reasons may exist, Jiro allowed Hiroshi the unusual privilege of overlooking Tomoe as the heir to the Hiroshi line of the Shihoin clan. This in and of itself would be unusual, but has never been questioned, at least openly. With Tomoe's death, it is unlikely that anyone will ever learn the true reasons behind the secret adoption, or the great lengths that Jiro and Hiroshi went to keep her identity secret.

❀ Shihoin Jiro  
Deceased. Uncle and former head of Shihoin, and Squad 2

❀ Shihoin Okami  
Active. Current head of Shihoin, son of Jiro; cousin. 118 years older.

❀ Francis Grin  
Active. Husband of Emiko, cousin in law. Married into family during Ken'ichi's absence

❀ Hayate Takahata  
Takahata was an instrumental figure during Ken'ichi's youth. A master swordsman, he was originally hired by Ken'ichi's father to instruct his son in the ways of swordcraft. For the better part of a century, Takahata worked diligently in that task and over time, both he and Ken'ichi formed a strong friendship over their mutual respect and skill as swordsmen. True to character, Hiroshi dismissed Hayate from his service once he found his tutelage no longer necessary, and unbeknownst to his son - banished him from returning to the Shihoin Estate on pain of death. While Takahata was Ken'ichi's first and most memorable instructor, the greatest lessons he taught him were not ones of the blade, but ones of the heart. Courage, honor, respect, and above all - friendship.

❀ Twin Sisters
Ken'ichi has two younger sisters, which he dotes on. These characters are available as RPCs. I will edit this section in a CiU should anyone create one of his siblings.

⊰〖• BIRTH OF A SON •〗⊱

A wailing cry rang out through the Shihoin Estate proclaiming the birth of Hiroshi Shihoin's second child, and firstborn son. Pacing anxiously outside the birthing chamber, relief flooded his face when the screen partition slid back and he was ushered within. Wrapping the new baby in swaddling as he entered, the midwife who assisted with the delivery handed the small bundle to his radiant wife Akane. Glancing up at her caramel skin and smiling as he gazed into her lavender eyes, he could not help but notice the beads of perspiration that ran in rivulets down her forehead, or the flushed look of her cheeks. The birthing had been laborous and difficult for her, having begun in the morning of the previous day and extending well into the night. Dawn would soon be upon them and for a time Hiroshi was not certain whether the baby would come, or whether he would end up burying his wife and unborn child. Glancing down from his wife's peaked face, he looked lovingly into the violet eyes of his newborn son.

"And what name will the heir of Hiroshi Shihoin be known as?", he announced after several moments. Looking long into his eyes, Akane brushed a lock of moist white hair out of his eyes before proclaiming that he would be known as Ken'ichi. "That is a good name, for one as strong and feisty as him", Hiroshi beamed proudly. True enough words could not have been spoken, for the infant began squirming in his mothers arms, turning its head from side to side seeking a breast with which to latch. Strong healthy lungs bellowed in frustration, his wail heard clear across the estate. "Suzunami, please go fetch my daughter so that she may pay homage to her brother, and heir to my line". Dismissing one of his servants, it was not long until his daughter was soon escorted into the birthing chamber. "Tomoe, this is your new brother Ken'ichi. Watch over him and help him to grow strong and wise, for one day he will be heir to the Shihoin, Hiroshi line".

Several years later, a young woman darted swiftly down the concealed path beneath the cherryblossoms that flourished within the high stone walls of the Shihoin estate. Trailing behind her, Ken'ichi strived to catch up to his swift and graceful sister. "Tomoe! Tomoe! Wait up", he panted. "You know I am not as fast as you, and my legs are much shorter. Tomoe, no fair where did you go?"Having lost sight of his elder sister by several decades, Ken'ichi searched the gardens fruitlessly for his wayward sister. Hearing a giggle from somewhere above him, Ken'ichi had but seconds to glance upward before his agile sister dropped lightly from the branches above. Almost a woman grown, Tomoe had flowered into a beautiful and radiant youth. Long violet hair whipping gently in the slight breeze, and falling across her chest. Catching his gaze with her striking, but mischievous magenta eyes, she spun gracefully on one foot to show off her attire.

No longer was she wearing the delicate rose and lavender yukata she had been wearing moments before. In place of delicate long-sleeved silk, Tomoe was robed in a white kosode accented with red stripes and matching red hakama. Beneath her kosode, Tomoe wore a red shitagai, while a striking red obi was tied about her waist. Emblazoned upon each breast in fine embroidery was the symbol of the Shin'ou Academy. "What do you think of my new digs little brother? Isn't it exciting! I am going to be a shinigami like cousin Okami and Uncle Jiro". Stunned at the revelation, Ken'ichi stood open-mouthed and speechless while his sister twirled with the grace of a dancer in her student's uniform. "Don't stand their like a gob-fished karp. Say something Ken-chan. Aren't you happy for your big sis?" Eyes narrowing in mischievous humor, she lept swiftly toward him, tackling him and playfully rubbed him across the head with the knuckles of one fist while clutching him about the neck with the other."I know...You're jealous! Big sis gets to go to the Academy while little Ken-chan gets to stay home and play with his toys like a baby". Poking her tongue out in a childish manner, Tomoe threw her younger brother lightly to the ground, bursting into laughter as she did.

⊰〖• A MOTHERS FAREWELL •〗⊱

"Excuse the interruption Hiroshi-dono, but there has been a turn for the worse. You must come quickly, for the midwife does not think Akane-dono will survive much longer". Looking up from his work, no hint of the anxiety and worry that had been plaguing him could be seen in the stoney expression across his face. Moving swiftly with the grace of a trained Onmitsukido assassin, Hiroshi Shihoin beckoned quickly for the young boy to follow at his side. Hopping down from the stool he was sitting on, the young Ken'ichi placed the Kendama he had been playing with carefully on the cushion before him and followed after his father, in a state of heightened fear and confusion. Upon reaching the birthing chambers, Hiroshi barely had time to knock upon the partition before it was slid aside to allow them entry. "How is she? How is my wife?" Hiroshi demanded, the wavering in his voice betraying the fear he truly felt.

Shaking her head sadly, the midwife stood up from her kneeling position and wiped blood from her hands."My apologies Hiroshi-dono. Your wife began bleeding an hour ago, yet no sign of the child has issued. We fear the loss of both mother and child if something is not done soon". Visible distress crossed his stoney gaze, and he looked in alarm at his nearly unconscious wife. Face softening, Hiroshi knelt at his wife's side while Ken'ichi stood near the entryway, uncertain what to do. "Akane dearest, the midwife says you are not long for this world. I feel at a loss how to proceed. Advise me as you always have done, and be the strength I myself lack at this time." Raising her head weakly from the pillow beneath her, Akane gazed deeply into her husbands eyes with a glazed, faraway expression. "Husband. You must be your own strength now. Look after Ken'ichi and the child. Don't let this babe die with me. Do what you must so that it may live as my legacy..."

Breath rattling in her chest, Akane's voice failed her for a few moments, before she continued. "Ken'ichi. Where is Ken'ichi? I cannot see him...." "I am here Mother. What's wrong? You're bleeding? Are you alright Mamma?" "No son. I am not.....I am dying" Seeing the tears well within her young child's eyes, she smiled gently and brushed them away with an ashen hand. "Fear not my brave little Ken-chan. You must be strong and help your father. Be a good big brother to your new brother or sister.......I will always Lo....." Her voice trailing away, the dying woman collapsed on the mattress, words of bittersweet parting left hanging mid sentence. Stepping quickly, Hiroshi turned to one of his servants and began issuing orders. "You. Take Ken'ichi somewhere safe. He should not be here for what I must do next". As Ken'ichi was quickly escorted away from the birthing chamber, he turned to see his father removing a tanto from within the folds of his obi and kneel before his stricken wife, tears streaming down his face as he prepared to make the incision within his dead wifes abdomen, that would extricate the unborn child and hopefully save its life.

Many hours later, his father knocked quietly on Ken'ichi's door. Sliding it open, he entered quietly to see Ken'ichi sprawled asleep on his mattress, signs of fresh tears making his face puffy, while coating his pillow in damp, wet circles that had yet to dry. Kneeling before him, Hiroshi shook his son gently. "Ken'ichi. Ken'ichi son. Wake up. There's a good lad now.... I have someone for you to meet. Two someone's in fact. Ken'ichi, say hello to your new twin siblings...."

⊰〖• GILDED CAGE •〗⊱

"But Father, why can't I join the Academy? Tomoe graduated years ago, and was even granted a seated position within Uncle Jiro's squad. I wish to follow in our family tradition and become Shinigami, so that I may do the Shihoin clan honor like those who came before me." Pleading uselessly with his father, Ken'ichi tried everything in his ability to persuade him to grant his request."Absolutely not! Under no circumstances will my son and heir step foot within the walls of the Gotei 13. I have raised you to be a proper noble. To answer to no-one beneath your station. Those of the Gotei 13 exist solely at our bequest, and in service to us as members of the great houses. They exist to serve and protect. Would you have a son of mine grovel in service beneath the booted foot of another?"

"That makes no sense at all. Uncle Jiro recently became Captain of Squad 2, and he is the head of Clan. Cousin Okami serves under him, and then there is Tomoe. You-" "Enough. My reasons for allowing your sister to join the Gotei 13 were mine and mine alone. I do not answer to you and will not have my wishes questioned by an upstart brat who thinks too highly of himself. Serve your family and clan the way you have been instructed. Family honor before personal. What your uncle chooses is best for his family is his choice. But as your father, you will do as I say"

Seeing the look of utter rejection and defeat within his son's eyes, Hiroshi's stern countenance melted."Fear not Son. I am not without compassion. While I do not wish you to belittle yourself by training alongside those of lesser birth, I will seek out the greatest instructors of both worlds, so that you may rise as the finest swordsman to ever walk Soul Society. I wish nothing but the best for you, my only Son. One day you will lead this proud and noble clan, as the greatest ruler of the Shihoin, and Executive Commander of the Onmitsukido. Let us not speak of associating with the rabble that fills the ranks of the Gotei 13 again"

And so began Ken'ichi's tutelage beneath many great kensei. Trained personally by Hiroshi in the secret arts of the Shihoin, the young, intelligent Ken'ichi excelled in his studies, eager to please his stern, yet instructive father. Several years into his studies, Hirosho introduced Ken'ichi to Master Hayato, a renown kensei and vassal of the Shihoin. Under the intensive tutelage of Master Hayato, Ken'ichi grew to be an accomplished swordsman, skilled in the arts of Kenjutsu....

"Good, good. Use your rear foot as counterbalance as you strike through the gate". Steel rang against steel as Ken'ichi swung his razor-edged blade again and again at his instructor, each blow deflected seemingly without effort by his skilled and talented instructor. Spinning to his right to dodge a blow aimed at his mid-section while simultaneously repositioning himself, the young swordsman slashed upwards with skill and precision, only to have his blow met by his opponents. "Excellent. Strike with the grace of a swan as it steps lightly upon the water. Move as the reed as it sways gently in the breeze."

Dodging yet another strike, Ken'ichi feinted to his left while pivoting past his sensei's guard. Moments later, a thin trickle of blood flowed from the thin slash on his master's left cheek. Wiping blood lightly from the cut, Master Hayato beemed at his student for having successfully bypassed his defenses. "Marvelous. Your speed is impressive. I was forced to use Shunpo in order to avoid the worst of that attack, and yet you still managed to draw blood." "Thank you Hayato-sensei. Your praise is most appreciated. I didn't think that would actually work". Mused Ken'ichi. Wiping sweat from his brow, Ken'ichi inquired whether they might take a break and have repast before continuing. Glancing in the direction of the manor house, Master Hayato spied the stern expression of Hiroshi as he studied his son's progress intently. Shaking his head sadly, Master Hayato responded. "Not as yet, my pupil. I fear your father would not take kindly to a break at this time". Reading himself in a wide defensive stance, Hayato beckoned for his pupil to continue with his free hand. "Again! Let us see you repeat your new technique until you have mastered it. It shall not strike me twice.

As the years progressed into decades, Ken'ichi's mastery of the sword came to rival that even of his master. A man now grown, Ken'ichi and Hayato trained day and night together. No longer a student in the eyes of his master, Hayato saw within Ken'ichi a kindred spirit, and an equal, and together the two practiced and developed many new fighting techniques. All the while, Ken'ichi longed for companionship and would wisftully gaze out through the bars of the Shihoin estate to see the other youths playing or seeking romance beneath the cherry blossoms. Outside of his friend and mentor, his only companionship being that of his father, and younger siblings. The rare times that his elder sister Tomoe was able to steal away to visit were the highlights of his youth.

One fateful day, Ken'ichi went in search of his longtime friend and former master in vain. Approaching his father with the humility expected of him, Ken'ichi inquired as to Hayatos absence only to be quickly rebuffed. "Master Hayato has been dismissed from the task of instructing you, and has been reassigned new duties befitting his station. You will have a new instructor within the week. "But father, why would you send Hayato away? He was my friend, and comrade?" "Precisely. You had surpassed his capability to instruct. It is time you had a new teacher. One who can instruct you in a new, different style of Kenjutsu." With anger and sadness in his eyes, Ken'ichi learned a harsh, yet valuable lesson that day - that his father cared little for his son's emotional well-being, and only cared about the image he would present to the world.

⊰〖• DISCOVERING SCIENCE •〗⊱

⊰〖• A FATHER BETRAYED •〗⊱

"HOW DARE YOU BETRAY YOU FATHERS TRUST!" screamed Hiroshi. "AFTER ALL I HAVE DONE FOR YOU TO RAISE YOU TO BE A TRUE SHIHOIN, AND ALL OF THE INSTRUCTORS I HAVE HIRED, AT NO INCONSIDERABLE EXPENSE, YOU DARE BETRAY ME BY JOINING THE GOTEI 13?" Kneeling before his father in his academy uniform with head bowed in humility, Ken'ichi tolerated the rage directed toward him, awaiting his father to finish his rant so that he may explain his position. After what seemed an eternity, his father's fury seemed to abate, and raising his head slightly, Ken'ichi attempted to explain his reasons for joining the Gotei 13. "Father I -" "Leave me. You have made your choice, and sworn your vows. There is little I can do at this point. Leave an old man to his worries, and attend your new masters with all the noble bearing you have. You know not how disappointed I am in your choices. Leave me." Reaching a hand toward his father but thinking better of it upon seeing the look of complete rejection and disappointment in his eyes, Ken'ichi stood quickly and quietly left his fathers presence. Gathering a small satchel of belongings, Ken'ichi made his way swiftly to the Shino Academy to begin his studies in the ways of the Shinigami...

⊰〖• ASCENDING THE RANKS •〗⊱

Gazing out across the garden, Jiro Shihoin admired the sunlight as it filtered gently through the leaves and played upon the flowerbeds beneath. "Tomoe has performed her duties admirably Hiro. She has a keen mind, and a grace about her not often seen in one so young. Despite her youth, she routinely outperforms her senior officers out on patrol." Looking askew toward his brother Hiroshi, the head of the Shihoin clan raised his cup to his mouth and drank deeply of his steaming hot sake. Looking away and closing his eyes, Jiro continued. "It is my intention to ask Tomoe to become my new Vice Captain. She has more than earned the position. Studying his brother intently through half-shuttered eyes, Jiro could not help but notice the manner in which Hiroshi's body trembled with barely suppressed rage. Regaining his composure, Hiroshi thought long and hard for several moments before responding to his brothers sudden revelation. "As you wish, Jiro-dono. It is your right as Captain and head of the Shihoin clan to make any request of my daughter that you feel necessary..." His voice breaking, Hiroshi looked quickly away to hide the tears that welled in his eyes, fearful of what the future held for his children.

Meanwhile, behind the walls of the Shino Academy, Ken'ichi Shihoin stood at attention with his fellow graduating class. Thanks to his long decades studying science and swordcraft under his father's watchful eye, Ken'ichi had graduated among the top of his class. Despite the few short years he spent studying at the academy, Ken'ichi had surprised his teachers at the speed with which he mastered Shunpo. So great was his skill in the arts of hohou, that Ken'ichi's stepping skills were considered equal to many seated officers. At his side, Ken'ichi wore his Asauchi proudly. Gazing up at the stage where his class mate and close friend Rillen Hakudo gave his valedictorian speech, Ken'ichi thought back to their short years together in the academy. Close friends, and fierce rivals - Ken'ichi and Rillen competed endlessly at every task. Equally skilled in almost every way, the friendly, yet competitive rivalry between the two spurred both of them to test their limits at every turn. Were it not for Rillens exceptional talents in the arts of Kidou, it may very well have been Ken'ichi himself who was up on stage at this moment.

⊰〖• SUIGIN AWAKENS •〗⊱

Decades later, Ken'ichi had proven his worth time and again on the battlefield, and had swiftly ascended the ranks of his uncles squad. Recently promoted to 7th seat, Ken'ichi found himself frequently on missions alongside his uncle, cousin, and sister. Despite the frequency with which Ken'ichi found himself working alongside his sister, his training and duties as a low rank seated officer left him little time to socialize. As the months turned into years, Ken'ichi worked diligently at his duties until one fateful day during the month of September, which would change his life forever.

"It has been a rather uneventful month, has it not Ken-chan?" Leaping gracefully across the fields of ankle-high grass like an antelope, Tomoe smiled cheerfully up at her younger, but much taller brother. "I expect it was because of the lull in hollow activity that Uncle Jiro allowed us to patrol together today, rather than have you working tirelessly at some menial task or another." Keeping up with his sister easily, Ken'ichi raced across the endless fields that encircled the outer edge of the Rukongai district, and which marked the borders of the wilderness. "You're telling me Sis. I almost never get to see you any more, except when we are on patrol like this. Have you heard any word from Father? Is he still mad at for joining the Gotei 13 after all these years?" Opening her mouth as if about to speak, Tomoe shook her head sadly and avoided her younger brothers question. Noting the unspoken truth in her silence, Ken'ichi continued. "I don't understand Father's double standards. He never showed any issue with you joining the Gotei 13, yet he has all but disowned me for having done so." "Father doesn't hate you Ken-chan. He's just..... hurt is all. He loves you deeply and still asks about you during the rare times I am given leave to visit him." "If so, he has a funny way of showing it."

Caught completely off-guard, neither Tomoe nor Ken'ichi were aware of the Adjuchas' presence until it suddenly attacked from behind a copse of trees. Smaller than the more common gillian-class menos, but far more deadly, the feline shape clawed savagely at the space where Tomoe was standing but moments before. Materializing some distance away, a small rivulet of red swelled in three parallel lines on her right arm. "Ken'ichi. Get away from here. Run! Go get help from Captain Jiro and the others. I will hold it off as long as I can". Drawing her zanpakutou, Tomoe held her blade low, and sliding her left hand along the rear edge of her blade, cried out its release command. "Whisper. Kagebara (Shadow Rose)" Black smoke trailed along her blade as her hand passed along its length. When the smoke cleared, Tomoe held a pitch black naginata. Shadows gathering about her feet, Tomoe slashed upwards with the blade of her weapon releasing a wave of shadowy-black energy which blocked out the light, obscuring the two shinigami from view.

While the powers of her zanpakutou obscured them from their opponents view, the lightless shadows did not hinder the shinigami's vision in any manner. In fact, the power of her zanpakutou illuminated the outline of the Adjuchas in stark relief against the night-black surroundings. Knowing that the effects of her technique would wear off momentarily, Tomoe silently urged her brother into action, after which she dashed off quickly toward the beast. Fearful, and uncertain - Ken'ichi found himself paralyzed with indecision, yet knowing that precious seconds were being lost. Watching on in horror, Ken'ichi saw the Adjuchas turn and stare directly at his sister. There is no way it can see her? Kagebara should have blinded the creature completely. Springing into action, Ken'ichi shunpo'ed beside his sister and, without a moment to spare raised his zanpakutou to deflect the creatures strike that would have surely slain his sibling. Springing backward lightly at this unexpected turn of events, Tomoe glanced about to see the shadows retreating. It would not be long now before the effects of her zanpakutou wore off completely. Grabbing her brothers wrist, Tomoe sprang away and took off at lightning pace, each step empowered by shunpo as she fled the monster behind them.

"That was no normal Hollow. That was an Adjuchas! There hasn't been one of those seen in Soul Society in many centuries. We must make haste and report this to Captain Jiro!" Racing forward with the blade of her zanpakutou held behind her, Tomoe hoped the shadowy light which billowed from her blade would obscure their presence long enough for the two to make their escape. Fortune did not smile on the two shinigami officers however, for as they came in sight of the outermost buildings of the Rukongai, the impossibly fast feline landed gracefully in front of them denying their retreat. Hissing with menace, the creature paced quietly backward and forward as it sized up its prey. "FOOLISH MORTALS. DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD ESCAPE ME SO LIGHTLY?" Laughing maniacally, the red-furred Adjuchas growled with pleasure as it anticipated its meal.

"You must act quickly. Call out my name, else both you and your sister will be slain!" Without knowing from whence the voice came, but sensing a familiarity to it, Ken'ichi reacted with pure instinct, his training as a shinigami causing him to instinctively mesh his thoughts with that of his zanpakutou. "Ooze and flow forth. SUIGIN KAWA!" In place of the seemingly unremarkable katana he held mere moments before, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou had transformed itself into a work of exquisite craftsmanship. Taking the form of a swept-hilt german rapier, the silver-edged blade shone with a polished, mirror-finish. Gold-leaf feathered etchings swept back from the crosspiece, forming a handguard which protected his hand, the hilt itself ending in a gold-leaf, crown-shaped pommel. Without warning, the felinid Adjuchas rushed toward the new threat. As the beast pounced toward Ken'ichi, his sister cried out in anguish fearing the worst only to see Ken'ichi duck swiftly, causing the beast to sail overhead. Pivoting on the ball of his foot, Ken'ichi slashed upwards with his zanpakutou, striking the beasts tender underside, drawing blood.

Rounding on the shinigami yet again, Tomoe sprung into action, positioning herself defensively between the beast and her brother, warding it off with a wide, sweeping arc of her naginata. Pointing the blade toward the creature, she spun the blade in swift, circular motions creating a whirlwind of black shadows to encircle the blade. "Kage no ha!" (blades of shadow)Lashing toward the beast with an upward stroke, the shadows sliced through the beasts red, armored hide causing minor yet painful injuries. Taking cue from his sister, Ken'ichi lept high into the air, momentum taking him above the creatures position. As he descended, Ken'ichi spun lightly, generating centrifugal force, striking downward across the beasts shoulder in a sweeping arc. As he landed, Ken'ichi stepped backward with a shunpo assisted movement to land gracefully beside his sister.

Looking at the beast to see the damage inflicted by his blow, Ken'ichi was surprised to see a dark, purple discoloration extending across its shoulder, and down its forelimb. A similar discoloration was rapidly spreading from the wound across its stomach. As he looked on, the creatures forelimb became transparent and gelatenous, causing it to stumble as it attempted to rush toward its aggravating meal. "HOW DARE YOU INJURE ME! I WILL CRUNCH YOUR BONES TO POWDER" Inhaling deeply, black purple energy gathered within the beasts mouth. Reacting swiftly to the increasing threat, Tomoe thrust the blade of her naginata deep within the beasts throat, causing it to gag on its own attack. Not yet defeated, the creature lept high into the air in an effort to leap past his sister and strike at the seemingly weaker target. Raising his blade defensively before him, Ken'ichi aimed his blow at the creatures already-injured forelimb, severing it and causing it to dissolve harmlessly into a silvery-grey liquid. Crashing down on the shinigami and knocking him to the ground, the creature readied itself to bite his head off.

Without a second left to spare, a powerful arc of electricity blasted the creature off Ken'ichi's prone form. Two additional blasts slammed into its body as Captain Jiro and several officers from Squad 3. "It looks like we arrived not a moment too soon. We detected a powerful reiatsu baring down on the outer edges of Rukongai. Squad 3 was dispatched to investigate. Naturally, I requested to join them, knowing you two were out here." As Ken'ichi faded into unconsciousness, he heard the muffled voice of his Uncle remark at the beauty of his Shikai release.

⊰〖• QUINCY EXTERMINATION •〗⊱

"Stay on your toes, and keep to the shadows. This is an assassination assignment. As you are all aware, the Quincy have been hunting hollows with increasing frequency. Despite many attempts to negotiate with them, they continue to upset the balance of souls by unrelenting use of their power. As such, while the bulk of our forces will launch a frontal assault, the Onmitsukidou and Squad 2 have been tasked with infiltration of their headquarters and assassination of their command structure. You all have your assignments. That is all." Having addressed the assembled shinigami, Jiro Shihoin turned to speak briefly with his son, third seat Okami Shihoin. Shortly thereafter, he summoned his officers, to go over the finer points of their assignments before dismissing them.

Assigned to the Onmitsukidou forces to help coordinate their efforts with the Shinigami, Ken'ichi waited patiently for the command to infiltrate the Quincy stronghold to begin. After what seemed like a considerable wait but was most likely less than 15 minutes the order was given. Silent, and stealthy, the Onmitsukidou strike force approached the complex undetected. Launching grapples, they quickly scaled the walls to an open window on the third floor and silently infiltrated the complex. Two guards positioned nearby were felled before any alarm could be raised, allowing the contingent to proceed swiftly and methodically throughout the upper floors. As liaison between the Shinigami and Onmitsukidou forces, Ken'ichi found himself operating near the center-back of the strike force, and as such had yet to engage any hostile forces directly but marvelled at the efficiency of the Assassination squad.

Once all visible guards had been eliminated, the squad proceeded toward their final objective. According to intelligence, the command room was located toward the rear of the complex on the fourth floor. Approaching their destination, one of the Onmitsukidou forces withdrew a small hand-drill and with considerable speed and expertise drilled a viewing hole into an easily overlooked corner of the target room. From another pocket, he then retrieved a folded instrument which appeared to be several mirrors attached by a series of thin metal wires. The officer carefully fed the device through the hole created by his drill, and once fully inserted, pulled on a small wire attached at the base of the unit, unfolding the mirrors to act as a periscope. Studying the room for several minutes, the officer nodded to three of his fellow assassins and, after exchanging several lightning-quick hand gestures, five members of the strike force peeled off, and headed into adjoining rooms.

Moments later, a dull explosion was heard, as smoke began filling up the corridor and adjoining rooms. With the signal to advance given, Ken'ichi and his unit assaulted the room from the main entry. With zanpakutou drawn and readied, Ken'ichi quickly followed another Onmitsukidou assassin through the doorway, only to be shocked by the unexpected sight before them. Expecting to see high ranking Quincy engaged in strategic deployment movements, the Onmitsukidou were instead greeted by a room filled with children of all ages. Looking across the room, Ken'ichi spied several other Onmitsukidou entering from the adjoining room and from the external window.

Withdrawing his communicator from an internal pocket of his kosode, Ken'ichi sought clarification of their objective in light of this new information. "7th Seat Ken'ichi reporting. Intelligence was incorrect. Target was not the enemy command structure, but rather a training hall for children. Requesting new orders." Moments later, the voice of his uncle, Captain Jiro Shihoin crackled across the receiver. "We have our orders. Proceed as directed, and eliminate all targets in strike zone." Stunned by this information, silence was heard on the line for several moments before Ken'ichi responded. "But Uncle.....Shihoin-taichou, these are children. We...." "I realize that Ken'ichi, but the orders from Central 46 are very clear in this instance. Eliminate all Quincy, without exception. I'm sorry that you have to be the one to carry out such a despicable act, but it cannot be helped. Proceed as ordered."

Ken'ichi heard a click on the line as Captain Shihoin disconnected the channel. Turning to face the Onmitsukidou squad leader, Ken'ichi nodded with a heavy heart, as he approached the closest child. With tears glistening in his eyes, Ken'ichi prepared to eliminate the enemy target before him, as did each of the Onmitsukidou units attached to his squad. As one, twelve blades pierced their targets, ending a generation of quincy in one fell blow. Turning to leave the room, tears fell freely from Ken'ichi's eyes at the loss of innocent life. Why did it have to come to such barbarism? Ken'ichi thought heavily.

⊰〖• TRAGEDY STRIKES •〗⊱

".....And so you see, we have a new enemy in our midst. Whomever this purple-masked individual is, and whether he serves a higher power has yet to be determined. All that is known is that this individual presents a serious, and unknown threat to Soul Society.

Worse yet, as I indicated at the emergency captains meeting, this individual controls deadly new enemies which he refers to as "Mini-Gillian". While small, the power of these creatures should not be underestimated, as they wiped out an entire unit of highly trained Onmitsukidou with little effort. Furthermore, I report with a heavy heart that Vice Captain Tomoe Shihoin was slain in the confrontation. To that end, I feel compelled to promote Third Seat Okami Shihoin to replace her as the new Squad 2 Vice Captain. That is all."

As instructed by the Captain Commander, Jiro Shihoin withheld information regarding the unknown faction responsible for supplying disgraced shinigami, Takeshi Kurosawa with a deadly new weapon known as a bakkoto. Until more intelligence had been gained, it was deemed in the best interests of Soul Society to keep knowledge of such weapons secret, in the hope that the individuals involved would slip, and reveal their knowledge.

Kneeling in the first row with several other seated officers, tears fell freely from Ken'ichi's eyes at the revelation of his sisters death. In an effort to regain his composure, Ken'ichi stiffled his emotions and burried them deep within his core. With deep shuddering breaths, Ken'ichi stood slowly and requested the manner in which squad 2 planned to avenge their fallen comrade. Suppressing his own pain, Jiro looked at Ken'ichi with great sympathy, and slowly shook his head.

"At this time, we are ordered to standby and await further instructions. Until more information is known about this unknown enemy, Squad 2 has been specifically ordered to stand down, in order to prevent additional loss of life. It is believed the enemy deliberately provoked Squad 2 in an effort to draw us out and decimate our forces, on account of our familial ties. I repeat, we are ordered to stand down and not engage in acts of vengeance at this time."

Cries of outrage echoed throughout the assembled squad 2 forces at the revelation of this fact. Meanwhile, in an unknown location, a purple masked figure watched the meeting through his hidden surveillance equipment with great interest. "It will not be long now Takeshi. Soon you will have your revenge....."

⊰〖• A COUSIN HONORED •〗⊱

".....And so, I officially abdicate my position as Captain of Squad 2 and hereby promote Vice Captain Okami Shihoin to succeed me as your Captain. Okami's performance on the Captaincy exam was exemplary, as befiting the heir of the Shihoin clan. While I am retiring as Captain of Squad 2, I will remain Chief Executive Officer of the Onmitsukidou, and look forward to continued joint operations with all of you."

Looking out with pride at the assembled squad, Jiro Shihoin stepped aside and gestured for Okami to step forward and address his squad for the first time, as Captain. While Ken'ichi could not be more proud of his cousin in that moment, he could not help but think that, were it not for her untimely death, it might be his sister standing before them in that moment instead. A single tear rolled down his cheek at the thought, as he awaited his cousins first Captain's Address.

⊰〖• AS MENOS RISE.... •〗⊱

Genocide. While the untold casualties of the Great War was horrendous, such loss of life paled when compared against the holocaust that would follow. As the world recovered in the wake of the first Great War, they were unprepared for the vicious and carefully orchestrated genocide that occurred a mere two decades later. While the death toll from the holocaust itself was incalculable, little did the human world know that such tragedy gave rise to the greatest hollow uprising ever recorded in Soul Society.

Within the concentration camps, the Gotei 13 was sorely pressed to perform konso on the recently departed. Given how sudden and horrific their deaths, fully 90% of those slain had become pluses, and were unable to cross over to Soul Society naturally. This in turn saw a massive upswing in Hollow populations as the Shinigami struggled to keep up with the demand. Worse still, the massive upswing in human death attracted the attention of hollows which dwelt within Hueco Mundo, resulting in many gargantua opening within the camps each day.

At the request of Squad 3 Captain, Ken'ichi Shihoin had been transferred to Squad 3, and promoted to Third Seat once the severity of this war had been ascertained. This was in light of his expertise and unparalleled skill with the blade which was felt wasted within Squad 2. As Third Seat of the Expedition Forces, Ken'ichi spent a large portion of his time deployed in the Human World on the front lines of the Hollow Uprising. At the height of the Second world war, a massive invasion of Gillian-class Menos descended upon the Human World. While some of these Gillian had been drawn to the Human World by the banquet of new souls, many more had formed as a result of newly formed Hollows feeding upon each other within the camps themselves.

"Stand alive men. Who knows what might come out of that thing." Standing shoulder to shoulder with a unit of Squad 3 unseated officers and two lower-ranking seated officers, Ken'ichi gazed up at the dark tear that stretched several miles across the skyline. Never had he witnessed such a massive Gargantua and feared the worst. "Quickly. Send word to the Captain. Appraise him of the situation and request reinforcements." Dismissing the scout, Ken'ichi gathered reiatsu and prepared to release his zanpakutou.

Moments later, the head of a Gillian-class Menos became visible within the dark aperture. Roaring in defiance, the menos took one ponderous step into the world of the living and gazed at the assembled shinigami in disinterest. To its left, another Menos stepped out from the gargantua, flanked by yet a third of the towering monstrosities. "My word! Three Gillian-class Menos! That has to be a new record. Gritting his teeth at the seemingly insurmountable odds, Ken'ichi ordered his men to keep their distance, and only engage if doing so was advantageous.

As one, the three Menos turned to stare at the 13 shinigami which blocked their path, and roaring yet again in defiance, each of the creatures opened their cavernous mouths and inhaled. Red orbs of scintillating reiatsu began accumulating within their maw, intensifying rapidly. "Scatter! Those bastards are about to incinerate us with their Cero!" Scattering as ordered, Ken'ichi's quick thinking spared the lives of his comrades as three scarlet beams of energy lanced the ground where they had been previously standing.

Circling about the megalithic hollows, Ken'ichi ordered his men to keep the beasts distracted yet focus their efforts on the left-most Gillian. Such efforts proved widely successful. By the time reinforcements had arrived, Ken'ichi and his unit had managed to down two of the behemoths, with only three casualties, none of them serious. With the aide of a second unit, the shinigami made short work of the third and final Menos. Turning to survey the damage wrought by their battle, Ken'ichi saw the partially melted form of the Menos he had personally slain, as its fractured mask rose up from a massive pool of silvery-white liquid.

Looking skyward, Ken'ichi was puzzled to discover that the Gargantua which had birthed these creatures had yet to close. "Don't those things usually close once the hollows appear?" He inquired. Studying the event horizon closely, Ken'ichi thought he spied a small pair of glowing red eyes from somewhere just beyond the opening. "BACK! This isn't over. Another hollow approaches!" Ken'ichi's warning came but a moment too late, for three rays of pulsing purple light shot out from the opening of the gargantua, piercing through the ranks of the shinigami, felling any in its path.

Moments later, a purple hollow some twelve feet in height launched itself from the aperture, landing effortlessly within their ranks. Before they could react, the beast tore the head off one of the stunned shinigami with a single bite of its massive jaws before impaling yet another on its two wickedly curved horns. "Damn! Its a bloody Adjuchas!" Spinning his zanpakutou in a wide arc, Ken'ichi launched a spray of metallic feathers shooting toward the creature. While several of the darts struck the creature directly, they appeared to prove ineffective before melting into small puddles of silvery-white liquid. Little did his comrades know, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou had a special ability which would aide them in this battle. Already, the effect of his attack could be seen, as blood began to pool beneath the creatures repulsive purple skin, resulting in a rapidly spreading bruise at the site of each impact.

Without waiting, Ken'ichi lept high into the air, his blade transforming into a multi-pronged scourge which he raked across the beasts hindquarters, causing its flesh to become partially transparent, and gelatenous. As he landed, many of the shinigami had recovered from their initial shock and began launching attacks of their own against the powerful beast. "Careful men. That's no ordinary Adjuchas. Look at its mask. It's partially broken." True enough, a long black crevasse could be seen running the length of its mask down the left side, indicating that this particular hollow was on the verge of transforming into an Arrancar.

Whipping about in agony, multiple tentacles shot from the beasts body to impale several more of his fellow shinigami. Caught off-guard by the unexpected assault, Ken'ichi himself was thrown violently to the ground by one of the wild, whipping tentacles, striking his head forcefully in the process. Dazed, and confused, Ken'ichi raised his hand to the back of his head to assess the damage, only for his hand to come away drenched in blood. Vision clouding, Ken'ichi tried to raise himself to his feet to no avail. As he lay helpless, Ken'ichi watched the beast tear his comrades apart, yet not in vain for their various kidou, and zanpakutou strikes had worn down the creatures defenses, leaving it battered and bloody. When it had finally defeated the last of the reinforcements, the hollow turned its attention to feeding off the wounded, starting with Ken'ichi himself.

Having recovered his senses, Ken'ichi feigned weakness until the last moment before launching a surprise attack on the wounded hollow. As the creature pounced on the seemingly helpless shinigami, Ken'ichi cried out the name of his technique, transforming himself into a being of living liquid-metal. Roaring in frustration as its claws passed harmlessly through his form, Ken'ichi whipped to his feet and launched a volley of metallic silver darts at the creatures back point blank. Slumping as its lifeblood flowed freely from the injuries, the creature fell to the ground helpless as Ken'ichi launched a final volley into the crippled creature. On impact, the creature liquefied instantly, melting into a puddle of silvery-white liquid which pooled at his feet. Gasping with breath, Ken'ichi allowed his body to return to normal, pleased to see that the gargantua which had spawned these beasts had closed some time during their battle.

⊰〖• A CAPTAIN FALLS •〗⊱

In the aftermath of the battle, as Ken'ichi recuperated within Squad 4 barracks, his father approached him baring grave news. For reasons unknown, Ken'ichi's cousin Okami Shihoin, Captain of Squad 2 had been reported missing during the conflict, and is presumed dead. "Nobody knows what happened to him but we all fear the worst. The family is gathering as we speak to launch a search and rescue mission to ascertain his whereabouts. Your Uncle Jiro is taking the news hard, and has retreated within his private study, admitting no-one, not even his wife. I just thought you should know." Ken'ichi was at a loss. Why was his father delivering this report and not a member of the Gotei 13? And, why of all times was he choosing this moment to make amends. It was not as if the two of them had spoken much since he had joined the Gotei 13 all those many decades ago......

⊰〖• A TRAITOR ASCENDS •〗⊱

Some time later, Jiro Shihoin passed away, followed shortly thereafter by his wife Ayame. Both of these events were believed to have been due to grief at the loss of their son Okami causing them to lose the will to live, resulting in their death. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, their deaths were horrendous murders committed by Ken'ichi's very own father Hiroshi in his quest for power. With Okami Shihoin missing and presumed dead, Ken'ichi's father was proclaimed head of the Shihoin Clan. A fateful decision that would ultimately prove the undoing of the Shihoin family, for unbeknownst to all, the seeds of his downfall had already sprouted deep within his heart. The full extent of his betrayal would not become apparent for quite some time to come (as revealed in  Canon KE-2: Dark Two Ten Five, Canon KE-3: War of the Worst, and Canon KE-4: Fate of the King ), however none of this was known at the time, nor was Ken'ichi aware of these facts.

⊰〖• SPARK OF REBELLION •〗⊱

Stepping lightly into his captains quarters and bowing respectfully as he entered, Ken'ichi silently glided forward and stood waiting until his Captain acknowledged his presence. Due to his skill with the blade and keen intellect, Ken'ichi had been recently transferred to the expedition squad, as it was believed by the Gotei 13 Captains that his abilities were being under utilized in Squad 2. All of this had occurred just prior to Jiro's sudden and immanent demise. To that end, Ken'ichi had been offered the position of third seat within the Expedition Force, a position he hoped to live up to.

"Ken'ichi", stated the Captain. "I have heard disturbing reports of unrest in the outer Rukongai district, and the appearance of an enemy utilizing unusual weapons which are not on record. Witness reports are conflicting, with claims that such weapons appear to grow and move as if alive, and contain eyes and tendrils of sick purple cords. These reports are most likely fanciful tales by wild imagination, but none the less I want you to lead a unit to investigate the 87th West Rukongai district and verify the reports for yourself. I need not remind you not to take anything for granted. We known not whether we face a new enemy at this time, or whether this is just wild fantasy and rumor sparked by trouble-makers in the area in an attempt to cover up more mundane crimes."

Shortly thereafter, Ken'ichi and a handpicked squad of low ranking seated and unseated officers was methodically investigating the fanciful rumors in the outer Rukongai district 87, when suddenly they are attacked by cloaked and obfuscated figures with strange, tendril like weapons. Three of Ken'ichis unseated officers are slain in the surprise attack before the party can properly react, leaving Ken'ichi with himself and four other men remaining in his small unit. Reacting swiftly to the attack, Ken'ichi rounded on one of the unknown assailants and, with a swift "click" of his blade, unsheathed his zanpakuto and with a single fluid slice sliced one of the assailants in half. Still mid swing, Ken'ichi followed through his original attack with a slight adjustment of his blades trajectory, slicing deep into a second nearby opponent, opening a wide gash in his abdomen, and eviscerating him in the process. His years of training in the art of iaijutsu allowing him to swiftly and decisively reduce the odds against them with a lightning fast, yet highly accurate strike at his opponents midsection.

Taking a half-second to note his incapacitated foe whose entrails were beginning to pool on the floor as two of his foes collapsed before him, Ken'ichi glanced to his left to see the rest of his squad already recovering to the initial assault and engaged with several of the unknown assailants. Trusting in his squad mates abilities, Ken'ichi returned his attention to the three foes before him, sizing them up and studying their battle stance, while swiftly analyzing their grip on the strange unusual weapons. These three were foes not to be trifled with, and appeared stronger and more skilled than the two he caught by surprise with his initial retaliatory strike. Adopting a defensive ready stance, Ken'ichi took in the pale, glistening orb which blinked from the central mass of the lead opponents weapon, as three tentacles wrapped around a broad, double-edged blade and wound up the arm of his assailant. The other two assailants facing off against Ken'ichi bore similar tentacled weapons, a wicked trident and a pair of fang-filled chakrum connected to each other by a pulsing, green tendril which spiraled up each of his opponent's arms, and knotting around his upper torso. 

"I do not know what manner of weapon you employ, but you should not underestimate my resolve. I, Ken'ichi Shihoin, son of Hiroshi Shihoin, heir to the Shihoin clan, third seat of the Expedition force for the Gotei 13 will see you arrested for your crimes against citizens of the Rukongai district. Lay down your weapons, and come peacefully and no more of your comrades needs to die." Glancing swiftly about him, Ken'ichi counted 7 additional assailants converging on the area, in addition to those both he and his squad were already facing. Knowing he needed to end the conflict swiftly, Ken'ichi unleashed several rapid fire kidou to distract his opponents before unleashing his zanpakuto and engaging them directly. Sliding his hand along the blade of his his beautiful stylized zanpakutou, Ken'ichi called out the command words to release his shikai "Ooze and flow forth, Suigin Kawa!" while mentally activating his ittou suigin technique a mere half-second after releaing his blade. So swiftly did he activate both effects, that the combined effect gave the impression that his zanpakutou release transformed his weapon into a long three-section staff with blades at either end of the flail. 

With the two ends of his three section staff in both hands, while the middle section crossed his mid-section diagonally, Ken'ichi turned side on to his would-be attackers, reducing his profile while lashing out with the leading edge of his zanpakutou at the closest attacker combined with a quick shunpo to close the distance. Were his opponent not expecting such a maneuver, the move would have cut deep into the mans throat, ending his life. As it was, the man feebly blocked Ken'ichi's attack with his bakkoto, deflecting it just enough so that it only left a slight crimson line across the left side of his neck. Following through with the attack, Ken'ichi pivoted to the left, lashing out with the reverse section of his weapon at the next opponent burying his weapon several inches into the mans side before withdrawing it in a spray of vitae. "Fool!" screamed the first assailant.

"Did you really think such a feeble attack as that would kill us so quickly? We Kasumi'oji are not some bottom-feeding clan that you uppity nobles can just kick around and use as you see fit. We have our own family honor, and these bakkoto that we have developed will help us turn the tide. It is our time to rise, and you're time to fall!"

Gloating as he revealed his plans to the enemy, the foolish mans eyes widened as he coughed up blood from his lungs as a swiftly spreading bruise began to cover his throat, neck, upper chest, and the right side of his face. Simultaneously, his strange, unusual weapon became rubbery, and small rivulets of silvery-white metal ran along its length, dropping to the floor and forming a small pool of glistening liquid metal. His friend too fell to his knees as the flesh of his torso turned an ugly shade of purple before becoming translucent and gelatinous. Blood poured freely from the wound in his side, refusing to congeal, while plasma began leaking through the skin of his chest. Groaning in pain as he fell, Ken'ichi nodded as he took note of the mans bones, lungs, and beating heart visible beneath his semi-transparent torso.

"You may not realize this, but this fight is already over. You may notice the incredible pain in your face, and the increased difficulty of breathing you might be experiencing at this time. Your friend too, is done for, and is in no condition to fight. Such is the power of Suigin Kawa, that I have the ability to liquefy anything my weapon touches. Your strange weapon too does not seem immune to my powers effects. Bakkoto was it? Look at how it is starting to lose cohesion, even from the glancing blow it received while deflecting my lethal strike."

Turning to the third figure, Ken'ichi addressed him directly. "Your friends lives may be spared with swift application of the healing arts, but only should you lay down your weapon and surrender." Grunting in defiance, the third figure raised his twin chakrum and spinning them on the sickly green tendrils, lashed out furiously at he skilled shinigami. "You're funeral." Ken'ichi warned. Blocking two of the blows with the wooden edge of his zanpakutou, Ken'ichi ducked under a third blow and using shunpo karin, enhanced the speed of his strike so that it blurred, striking his opponent three times across the chest with the blunt edge of his three-section staff. Almost instantly, the man liquefied and dissolved into a puddle of liquid metal, his weapons falling into the pool as he did so. 

Turning to face the remaining assailant who was recovering his composure while glancing at the incapacitated foe bleeding out on the ground, Ken'ichi was momentarily shocked to see the putrescent blinking orb swell in size as it absorbed its owners reiatsu.

"It appears your unsual weapon is feeding on your life force. That does not bode well for your longevity," he exclaimed, having quickly surmised what it was doing to him based on the beads of perspiration forming on his opponents face, the swift reduction in his opponents spiritual pressure, and the sunken, hollowing of his face, as the weapon grew in power, its blade lengthening and becoming wicked and jagged, while the tendrils climbed further up his opponents arm. Roaring with renewed power, Ken'ichi's remaining assailant slashed furiously, forcing Ken'ichi to use shunpo to avoid the swift, deadly assault.

"Impressive. It appears that this weapon has increased your speed despite feeding on your lifeforce. I look forward to studying it upon conclusion of this battle."

Within moments it was over however, as the poor man could not contain the hunger of his newfound weapon, which quickly consumed him from within, hollowing out his body and eventually consuming his entire essence. As it clattered to the floor, the remaining kasumi'oji rebels broke off their fight and fled. Retrieving the weapon, as well as the trident and chakrum of his three assailants, Ken'ichi returned to make his report. Within hours of returning, the rebellion broke out in full force, and the entire Gotei 13 learned of these strange, unusual weapons employed by the kasumi'oji rebels.

⊰〖• DIVIDED LOYALTIES •〗⊱

Shortly after coming to power, Hiroshi Shihoin instiled his brother Tetsuo as the head of the Onmitsukido. While traditionally held by the clan head, Hiroshi claimed the decision was to strengthen the Shihoin leadership, so that in the event of an attack by the rising Kawada clan, it would be that much harder to defeat the Shihoin family, as the clan would remain strong should the Shihoin family, or the Onmitsukido come under attack. Acting on hidden information by Saeki Kuchiki, this decision was a calculated maneuver on his part, as he knew full well that it would ultimately result in a fracturing of the Shihoin power base, and divided loyalties within the clan. However, with the limited information available to the rest of the Shihoin clan (Ken'ichi included), this decision was believed to have been a fateful error on his part, culminating in his failure in the upcoming coup. 

Several years after dividing the Shihoin leadership between himself and his brother Tetsuo, the Kasumi'oji rebellion and the rise of the rogue shinigami faction created a power vacuum within Soul Society. Moving swiftly, within months of the rebellions conclusion, Hiroshi launched a pre-emptive strike against the Kawada and Kuchiki households, in an attempt to overthrow his rivals under the false claim that the Kawada was a threat to Shihoin sovereignty, and that the Kuchiki clan would allow the Shihoin to be absorbed by the fast-growing Kawadas. Acting on intelligence granted to him about his brothers forces, Hiroshi planted the seeds of doubt in Tetsuo, leading to the Shihoin clan roughly splitting down the middle, with half of the clan siding with Hiroshi, and the other half siding with Tetsuo. Ken'ichi himself opposed his fathers shortsighted actions, and having seen changes in his fathers personality since coming to power, Ken'ichi was of the belief that his father was suffering from a sickness of the mind, and that his shortsightedness was due to having fallen victim to the corruption of power. 

At the midpoint of the Shihoin-Kawada conflict, having exhausted all other options available to him, Ken'ichi sought out his father in a desperate attempt to force him to see reason. Knowing his fathers coup must be stopped at all costs, Ken'ichi resolved himself to the fact that he may be forced to draw his blade against his father, and use it with lethal force if necessary.

⊰〖• TWILIGHT OF THE FATHER •〗⊱

With a heavy heart, Ken'ichi walked purposefully toward his father as he leaned over his battle map spread out on the table before him. One hand grasping firm the sheath of his upturned zanpakutou, the other with thumb pressed firmly against the stylized spiral feather pattern of his weapons tsuba. "Father. You must put an end to this madness, and step down as head of the clan. Your actions have put the entire Shihoin family in peril, and all of us at risk of being branded traitors to Soul Society. As a member of the Gotei 13 it is my - "; 

Turning to face his son, fury in his gaze yet never shifting his hands from the table, Hiroshi interrupted Ken'ichis plea mid sentence. "YOUR WHAT? DUTY? DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH. YOU BETRAYED YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOU JOINED THAT WRETCHED ORDER, AND YOU BETRAY ME STILL BY HIDING BEHIND THE WET SKIRTS OF YOUR COWARDLY UNCLE." Standing full at attention, Hiroshi turned toward Ken'ichi and, in a wide stance, put both hands impatiently on his hips. "You think that by abstaining from this conflict, Sozen and his ilk will spare Tetsuo and those that follow him? Hardly. They are waiting for an opportunity to seize our lands and force the Shihoin under their booted heel. The Kawada are a threat to our existence, and must be defeated." Spying Ken'ichi's thumb poised over the tsuba of his weapon, and instantly recognizing its importance, Hiroshi's eyes narrowed in renewed fury. "YOU THINK TO STRIKE ME? YOU'RE OWN FATHER? FINE! DRAW YOUR BLADE BOY. LET US SETTLE THIS AGE-OLD DISPUTE ONCE AND FOR ALL."

"Father please - I don't want to do this. I don't want it to be this way between us."

"YOU MADE YOUR CHOICE. LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES". Moving swiftly, Hiroshi drew his zanpakutou with one swift movement, slashing down with a lethal blow aimed at Ken'ichi's throat. Reacting swiftly, Ken'ichi unsheathed his own weapon, and with a rising slash, met his fathers blow with a resounding clash of steel against steel. Trading blows several more times, the ring of metal echoed across Hiroshi's study before the two combatants disengaged to size each other up. Circling warily, Ken'ichi took one last attempt to force his father to see reason.

"Father, you are sick. Power has addled your mind and filled your head with lustful thoughts of even greater power. This is not like you". Blocking yet another blow, Ken'ichi lowered his gaze for a moment as tears welled in his eyes as he knew what he must do next. Glancing about to see if any spiders were in the area, Ken'ichi steeled himself, gritting his nerves, and through clenched teeth, cried out his release command. "Ooze and flow forth, Suigin Kawa!"

In the place of his katana, Ken'ichi now held a beautiful gilded rapier in his left hand, while a matching bladed gauntlet adorned the right. Not wasting any time with how beautiful his weapon is, Ken'ichi raised the needle-point of his weapon aiming it directly at Hiroshi's throat. "Father, you leave me no choice" he declared, emotion welling in his voice. With a swift slash of his rapier, Ken'ichi unleashed a volley of razor sharp metallic feathers hurtling toward his fathers unprotected flank.

"Utsusemi." Dodging swiftly with the help of the most powerful stepping technique known to exist, Hiroshi gave a full-throated chuckle as he appeared behind his wayward son. Expecting such a maneuver, Ken'ichi pirouetted to meet Hiroshi's blade, steel clashing once again against steel. The force of the blow reverberated through Ken'ichi's arm, as he watched with horror as his father's zanpakutou weakened, and became pliable before his strike. Knowing full well the strength of his son's zanpakutou however, Hiroshi was not at all surprised at this result.

"Rikujokoro!" Point blank beams of light slammed into the space where Ken'ichi was standing only to pass harmlessly through his body...

"Shinkirou!" Following up the powerful stepping technique, Ken'ichi pressed his advantage while his father was still recovering from his spell. "Shunpo Karin!" Crying out the name of the partial step technique, Ken'ichi channeled his reiatsu into increasing the speed of his arm as he lashed out with a furious blow at his fathers exposed arm, hoping to weaken his ability to cast spells by weakening, if not liquefying his fathers outstretched hand. Unfortunately for him, his fathers superior speed got the better of him, and with a swift blurring motion, his father stepped to the far side of the room.

"Enough of these games. I tire of your antics. Let me show you why I am the only one fit to lead the Shihoin clan and why you, your cousins, and my brothers will never be fit to lead our proud family to glory! Weave, spin, and ensnare, Kurogokegumo!" With his zanpakutou dissolving away, Hiroshi was momentarily left defenseless, or so it seemed at first. Ken'ichi was not fooled however, for he knew full well the deadly effect of his fathers Kurogokegumo, known as the "Black widow Spider". Scanning his eyes about the room, Ken'ichi spied a half-dozen likely candidates which his father would likely turn his powers on. Sure enough, each of the small common spiders began to grow in size rapidly, first as big as a mouse, then a house cat, to the size of a dog, and finally until each of them was the size of a horse. All of this took but seconds of time, and each of the now glowing rainbow colored spiders flanked Hiroshi defensively, while their dagger-long fangs dripped potent venom as they glared at Ken'ichi in expectation. 

Hiroshi's zanpakutou was the envy of the Shihoin clan. A true wonder worthy of any assassin within the Onmitsukidou. Capable of asserting complete and total domination of any spiders within its aura, while empowering them with a variety of lethal venoms, Hiroshi was well known to have used his zanpakutou to assist in the near perfect assassination of many targets throughout the centuries, for none would suspect a simple spider as being the tool of an assassin.

Clicking their mandibles in agitation, Hiroshi directed two of the beasts to advance toward Ken'ichi. Scuttling toward him with surprising speed, Ken'ichi dashed forward, and ducking low, slashed one of the creatures across its right side, severing three of its legs and causing the creature to fall to the floor, writhing in agony as its internal organs liquefied into silvery, metallic ooze. Turning swiftly, Ken'ichi pivoted on one knee, slashing upward with his zanpakutou to deflect a lethal bite from the second creature, liquefying the creatures fang as it retreated to safety.

"Hainawa!" yelled Hiroshi as the third creature bore down on Ken'ichi battling for his life. Yellow ribbons of reiatsu snaked toward his son, wrapping themselves tightly about his weapon limb and binding it to his side while the third spider lept atop the near helpless shinigami, splashing him with a drop of venom, as it swiftly rolled him tightly in a cocoon of spiritually hardened webbing, as hard as high-tensile cable. 

⊰〖• THE TOXIC DREAM BEGINS •〗⊱

That single splash of venom was all it took to cloud Ken'ichi's mind for but a single moment, long enough to sink its fangs deep within his exposed body and inject him with paralyzing venom laced with mind-altering illusions. These illusions weaved into reality, filling Ken'ichi's head with visions of the continuing battle, and his inevitable defeat. While Ken'ichi believed he struggled and persevered against his father, the battle was already lost and the ongoing struggle continued only within his mind. Meanwhile, with his son defeated, Hiroshi stormed out of his office to continue his assault on the Kawada, and his fateful encounter with Jinbei Kawada. After all, he had to keep up appearances, and the conflict with his son, however brief, delayed him longer than planned. 

From hereon out, Ken'ichi's history is but an illusion-induced dream. Paralyzed by his fathers venom, Ken'ichi was helpless as soldiers from the Gotei 13 found the comatose youth, and, believing him to be in league with his father, carried his near-dead body to the Kuchiki manor for sentencing. While unaware of what happened in the world around him, Ken'ichi was wrongfully imprisoned in the upper reaches of the Senzaikyu prison as a traitor to Soul Society in the hopes of being leverage to lure Hiroshi into making a fateful error by trying to rescue his son. Little did they know, Hiroshi fully planned to allow himself to become imprisoned within the Senzaikyu, nor did they know of the recent battle between Hiroshi and his son, or the fact Hiroshi held nothing but contempt for Ken'ichi and would sooner see him rot than rescue him.

⊰〖• VENOMOUS DREAMS UNFOLD •〗⊱

Release me now Ken'ichi. You have trained long and hard, and know that your father is too strong to defeat with just your shikai alone. 

I cannot. I am not ready, I have only just learned how to release you Suigin, and I am nowhere near ready to use your true form in battle. I need decades more practice before I hope to ever use those powers effectively.  

If you do not release me, your father will slay you here and now and you will never have the chance to perfect our powers. 

Sorry Suigin. I know you mean well, but I think I have one last trick up my sleeve that might do the job. While I haven't mastered it yet, I am sure our new shikai technique is more than enough to get me out of this horrible bind we find ourselves in.

"Don't you see Son?" Hiroshi beemed triumphant. "You were never a match for me. My spiders could have slain you where you lay but I am willing to spare you this one last chance. Join with me and we can defeat the Kawada together." 

While his body was immobilized by his fathers technique, Hainawa left Ken'ichi's mouth unaffected, allowing him to speak. Through muffled webbing, Ken'ichi's determined voice could be heard. "Sorry father, I decline. SUIGIN KEITAI!" Unlike most of Ken'ichi's techniques, this one did not liquefy his enemies or his environment, but rather liquefied himself. As Ken'ichi felt his zanpakutou melt into his restrained limbs, Ken'ichi's body took on a metallic hue beneath the steel-like webs. Closing his eyes and concentrating on his newly discovered powers, Ken'ichi willed his body to take on a liquid metallic form, losing physical cohesion, and melting into a silvery, protoplasmic blob not unlike a massive amoeba or slime mould. Sliding out from the bindings preventing him from moving, and squeezing his protoplasmic form through narrow gaps in the spiders webbing, Ken'ichi poured himself down the gullet of the third spider, liquefying it from the inside out. Dissolving into a shower of liquid metal, the poor creature died in agony leaving a large 5' circular pool on the floor which swiftly merged with the puddle left by the first spider.

Rising from the center of the silvery-white liquid mass, Ken'ichi formed a large pseudopod which swiftly took the shape of Ken'ichi himself. "Father, I am not as easily defeated as you would have believed". Concentrating yet further on his new technique, Ken'ichi willed his left hand to take on the appearance of a large, zweihander while his right took on the appearance of a large filigree kite shield, the outer edge of which formed an upswept razor-sharp feather pattern. Completing the transformation, Ken'ichi willed his limbs to solidify, at which point he pointed his zweihander arm at his father, the edge reflecting the light from the sun across its razor-thin blade.

"This doesn't have to be this way, but I will stop you Father" 

┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛

⊰〖•  ⊱❀⊰ •〗⊱ 

[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font size="5" color="d6ca70"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓[/font][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70" size="3"][b]⊰〖• [u]_______________H I S T O R Y______________[/u] •〗⊱[/b][/font]
[blockquote][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]
[font color="d6ca70"]❀    [u][b]Birthplace:[/b][/u][/font] Shihoin Estate

[font color="d6ca70"]❀    [u][b]Current Residence:[/b][/u][/font] Squad 12 Barracks

[div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• MEMORABLE FIGURES •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Shihoin Hiroshi[/u]  [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Perhaps the single most influential person in Ken'ichi's life is his own father. Brother of Jiro and Tetsuo Shihoin, Ken'ichi's father lived a life of prosperity and privilege. Raised in the shadow of his elder brother Jiro, Hiroshi fueled his efforts into attaining excellence in the Onmitsukido, rising swiftly through the ranks to become head of the Assassination force. It was Ken'ichi's father who sought out the finest instructors so that he may one day rise to become Kensei. When his aptitude in the scientific arts was discovered, his father spared no expense in his education. Sadly, living in his brothers shadow would come at great cost, for shortly after attaining leadership of the Shihoin clan, Hiroshi succumbed to corruption, leading not only to his own death but the downfall of the Shihoin clan itself. In this regard, Hiroshi has become known as the most infamous Shihoin in history, and brought great shame on his once proud and noble family.

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Shihoin Akane[/u]  [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]As a young soul, Ken'ichi spent a considerable amount of time with his soft-spoken, dignified mother. Ill of health even then, Akane rarely ventured outside the family residence at the Shihoin Estate, and spent the majority of her time wandering the private gardens reserved for the Hiroshi side of the family. Unbeknownst to Ken'ichi, Suigin's adult appearance and personality is an idealized memory reflection of his deceased mother Akane, and represents all that is good and kind in Ken'ichi's world. Sadly, Akane died during the birth of Ken'ichi's younger twin sisters while Ken'ichi was very young (at an apparent age of 6). 

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Shihoin Tomoe[/u]  [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Former Vice Captain of Squad 2, the eldest child of Hiroshi and Akane was a free spirited, rebellious youth. Even as a child, she was a gifted sneak and had natural stealth, and speed and was being groomed for acceptance in the Onmitsukidou. Growing into a talented shinigami in her own right, Tomoe rose through the ranks of her uncles squad to the eventual position of Vice Captain, a position she would hold until her death at the hands of mini-gillian. Ken'ichi idolized his elder sister, despite her teasing. In fact, it was his desire to live up to his sister, and follow in her footsteps that prompted him to join the Gotei 13 and challenge himself to excellence. Ken'ichi still harbors the feeling of loss at his sisters death.

Unbeknown to Ken'ichi however, his elder sister was secretly adopted by his parents. This secret was only known by a select few within the Shihoin clan. Outside of his parents, only Jiro knew the true identity of Tomoe, and the reasons why she was adopted into the Shihoin clan. With the death of Jiro and Akane both, Hiroshi remains the only person aware this secret ever existed, and with his rivalry and rebellion within Soul Society, he is unlikely to reveal this fact any time soon. This secret is also the reason why Hiroshi considers Ken'ichi his heir, rather than Tomoe as would normally be her "birthright". Despite the atypical beliefs of his father, it was within Hiroshi's right to skip over members of his family if he deemed them unfit for any reason, even if the decision was frowned upon by other members of the Shihoin family. Whatever reasons may exist, Jiro allowed Hiroshi the unusual privilege of overlooking Tomoe as the heir to the Hiroshi line of the Shihoin clan. This in and of itself would be unusual, but has never been questioned, at least openly. With Tomoe's death, it is unlikely that anyone will ever learn the true reasons behind the secret adoption, or the great lengths that Jiro and Hiroshi went to keep her identity secret.

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Shihoin Jiro[/u]  [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Deceased. Uncle and former head of Shihoin, and Squad 2

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Shihoin Okami[/u]  [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Active. Current head of Shihoin, son of Jiro; cousin. 118 years older.

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Francis Grin[/u]  [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Active. Husband of Emiko, cousin in law. Married into family during Ken'ichi's absence

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [b][u]Hayate Takahata[/u]  [/b]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Takahata was an instrumental figure during Ken'ichi's youth. A master swordsman, he was originally hired by Ken'ichi's father to instruct his son in the ways of swordcraft. For the better part of a century, Takahata worked diligently in that task and over time, both he and Ken'ichi formed a strong friendship over their mutual respect and skill as swordsmen. True to character, Hiroshi dismissed Hayate from his service once he found his tutelage no longer necessary, and unbeknownst to his son - banished him from returning to the Shihoin Estate on pain of death. While Takahata was Ken'ichi's first and most memorable instructor, the greatest lessons he taught him were not ones of the blade, but ones of the heart. Courage, honor, respect, and above all - friendship.

[/font][font color="d6ca70"]❀ [u][b]Twin Sisters[/b][/u]
[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Ken'ichi has two younger sisters, which he dotes on. These characters are available as RPCs. I will edit this section in a CiU should anyone create one of his siblings.


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• BIRTH OF A SON •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]A wailing cry rang out through the Shihoin Estate proclaiming the birth of Hiroshi Shihoin's second child, and firstborn son. Pacing anxiously outside the birthing chamber, relief flooded his face when the screen partition slid back and he was ushered within. Wrapping the new baby in swaddling as he entered, the midwife who assisted with the delivery handed the small bundle to his radiant wife Akane. Glancing up at her caramel skin and smiling as he gazed into her lavender eyes, he could not help but notice the beads of perspiration that ran in rivulets down her forehead, or the flushed look of her cheeks. The birthing had been laborous and difficult for her, having begun in the morning of the previous day and extending well into the night. Dawn would soon be upon them and for a time Hiroshi was not certain whether the baby would come, or whether he would end up burying his wife and unborn child. Glancing down from his wife's peaked face, he looked lovingly into the violet eyes of his newborn son.

[/font][font color="#c519e6"]"[/font][font color="#c519e6"]And what name will the heir of Hiroshi Shihoin be known as?"[/font][font color="bdcaca"], he announced after several moments. Looking long into his eyes, Akane brushed a lock of moist white hair out of his eyes before proclaiming that he would be known as Ken'ichi. [/font][font color="#c519e6"]"That is a good name, for one as strong and feisty as him"[/font][font color="bdcaca"], Hiroshi beamed proudly. True enough words could not have been spoken, for the infant began squirming in his mothers arms, turning its head from side to side seeking a breast with which to latch. Strong healthy lungs bellowed in frustration, his wail heard clear across the estate. [/font][font color="#c519e6"]"Suzunami, please go fetch my daughter so that she may pay homage to her brother, and heir to my line"[/font][font color="ca5733"].[/font][font color="bdcaca"] Dismissing one of his servants, it was not long until his daughter was soon escorted into the birthing chamber. [/font][font color="#c519e6"]"Tomoe, this is your new brother Ken'ichi. Watch over him and help him to grow strong and wise, for one day he will be heir to the Shihoin, Hiroshi line"[/font][font color="bdcaca"].

Several years later, a young woman darted swiftly down the concealed path beneath the cherryblossoms that flourished within the high stone walls of the Shihoin estate. Trailing behind her, Ken'ichi strived to catch up to his swift and graceful sister. [/font][font color="d6ca70"]"Tomoe! Tomoe! Wait up"[/font][font color="bdcaca"], he panted. [/font][font color="d6ca70"]"You know I am not as fast as you, and my legs are much shorter. Tomoe, no fair where did you go?"[/font][font color="bdcaca"]Having lost sight of his elder sister by several decades, Ken'ichi searched the gardens fruitlessly for his wayward sister. Hearing a giggle from somewhere above him, Ken'ichi had but seconds to glance upward before his agile sister dropped lightly from the branches above. Almost a woman grown, Tomoe had flowered into a beautiful and radiant youth. Long violet hair whipping gently in the slight breeze, and falling across her chest. Catching his gaze with her striking, but mischievous magenta eyes, she spun gracefully on one foot to show off her attire.

No longer was she wearing the delicate rose and lavender yukata she had been wearing moments before. In place of delicate long-sleeved silk, Tomoe was robed in a white kosode accented with red stripes and matching red hakama. Beneath her kosode, Tomoe wore a red shitagai, while a striking red obi was tied about her waist. Emblazoned upon each breast in fine embroidery was the symbol of the Shin'ou Academy. [font color="forestgreen"]"What do you think of my new digs little brother? Isn't it exciting! I am going to be a shinigami like cousin Okami and Uncle Jiro".[/font] Stunned at the revelation, Ken'ichi stood open-mouthed and speechless while his sister twirled with the grace of a dancer in her student's uniform. [font color="forestgreen"]"Don't stand their like a gob-fished karp. Say something Ken-chan. Aren't you happy for your big sis?" [/font]Eyes narrowing in mischievous humor, she lept swiftly toward him, tackling him and playfully rubbed him across the head with the knuckles of one fist while clutching him about the neck with the other.[font color="de91e9" style="color:forestgreen;"]"I know...You're jealous! Big sis gets to go to the Academy while little Ken-chan gets to stay home and play with his toys like a baby".[/font][font color="#228b22"] [/font]Poking her tongue out in a childish manner, Tomoe threw her younger brother lightly to the ground, bursting into laughter as she did.


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• A MOTHERS FAREWELL •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="63ee95"]"Excuse the interruption Hiroshi-dono, but there has been a turn for the worse. You must come quickly, for the midwife does not think Akane-dono will survive much longer".[/font] [font color="#bdcaca"]Looking up from his work, no hint of the anxiety and worry that had been plaguing him could be seen in the stoney expression across his face. Moving swiftly with the grace of a trained Onmitsukido assassin, Hiroshi Shihoin beckoned quickly for the young boy to follow at his side. Hopping down from the stool he was sitting on, the young Ken'ichi placed the Kendama he had been playing with carefully on the cushion before him and followed after his father, in a state of heightened fear and confusion. Upon reaching the birthing chambers, Hiroshi barely had time to knock upon the partition before it was slid aside to allow them entry. [/font][font color="#c519e6"]"How is she? How is my wife?"[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Hiroshi demanded, the wavering in his voice betraying the fear he truly felt. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Shaking her head sadly, the midwife stood up from her kneeling position and wiped blood from her hands.[/font][font color="19ce9b"]"My apologies Hiroshi-dono. Your wife began bleeding an hour ago, yet no sign of the child has issued. We fear the loss of both mother and child if something is not done soon".[/font] [font color="#bdcaca"]Visible distress crossed his stoney gaze, and he looked in alarm at his nearly unconscious wife. Face softening, Hiroshi knelt at his wife's side while Ken'ichi stood near the entryway, uncertain what to do.[/font] [font color="#c519e6"]"Akane dearest, the midwife says you are not long for this world. I feel at a loss how to proceed. Advise me as you always have done, and be the strength I myself lack at this time."[/font] [font color="#bdcaca"]Raising her head weakly from the pillow beneath her, Akane gazed deeply into her husbands eyes with a glazed, faraway expression.[/font] [font color="#f0a188"]"Husband. You must be your own strength now. Look after Ken'ichi and the child. Don't let this babe die with me. Do what you must so that it may live as my legacy..." [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Breath rattling in her chest, Akane's voice failed her for a few moments, before she continued.[/font] [font color="#f0a188"]"Ken'ichi. Where is Ken'ichi? I cannot see him...."[/font] [font color="d6ca70"]"I am here Mother. What's wrong? You're bleeding? Are you alright Mamma?"[/font] [font color="#f0a188"]"No son. I am not.....I am dying"[/font] [font color="#bdcaca"]Seeing the tears well within her young child's eyes, she smiled gently and brushed them away with an ashen hand. [/font][font color="#f0a188"]"Fear not my brave little Ken-chan. You must be strong and help your father. Be a good big brother to your new brother or sister.......I will always Lo....."[/font] [font color="#bdcaca"]Her voice trailing away, the dying woman collapsed on the mattress, words of bittersweet parting left hanging mid sentence. Stepping quickly, Hiroshi turned to one of his servants and began issuing orders.[/font] [font color="#c519e6"]"You. Take Ken'ichi somewhere safe. He should not be here for what I must do next".[/font] [font color="#bdcaca"]As Ken'ichi was quickly escorted away from the birthing chamber, he turned to see his father removing a tanto from within the folds of his obi and kneel before his stricken wife, tears streaming down his face as he prepared to make the incision within his dead wifes abdomen, that would extricate the unborn child and hopefully save its life.

Many hours later, his father knocked quietly on Ken'ichi's door. Sliding it open, he entered quietly to see Ken'ichi sprawled asleep on his mattress, signs of fresh tears making his face puffy, while coating his pillow in damp, wet circles that had yet to dry. Kneeling before him, Hiroshi shook his son gently.[/font] [font color="#c519e6"]"Ken'ichi. Ken'ichi son. Wake up. There's a good lad now.... I have someone for you to meet. Two someone's in fact. Ken'ichi, say hello to your new twin siblings...."[/font]


[/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• GILDED CAGE •〗⊱[/b][/font][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"][font color="d6ca70"]"But Father, why can't I join the Academy? Tomoe graduated years ago, and was even granted a seated position within Uncle Jiro's squad. I wish to follow in our family tradition and become Shinigami, so that I may do the Shihoin clan honor like those who came before me."[/font] Pleading uselessly with his father, Ken'ichi tried everything in his ability to persuade him to grant his request.[font color="c519e6"]"Absolutely not! Under no circumstances will my son and heir step foot within the walls of the Gotei 13. I have raised you to be a proper noble. To answer to no-one beneath your station. Those of the Gotei 13 exist solely at our bequest, and in service to us as members of the great houses. They exist to serve and protect. Would you have a son of mine grovel in service beneath the booted foot of another?"[/font]

[font color="d6ca70"]"That makes no sense at all. Uncle Jiro recently became Captain of Squad 2, and he is the head of Clan. Cousin Okami serves under him, and then there is Tomoe. You-"[/font] [font color="c519e6"]"Enough. My reasons for allowing your sister to join the Gotei 13 were mine and mine alone. I do not answer to you and will not have my wishes questioned by an upstart brat who thinks too highly of himself. Serve your family and clan the way you have been instructed. Family honor before personal. What your uncle chooses is best for his family is his choice. But as your father, you will do as I say"[/font]

Seeing the look of utter rejection and defeat within his son's eyes, Hiroshi's stern countenance melted.[font color="c519e6"]"Fear not Son. I am not without compassion. While I do not wish you to belittle yourself by training alongside those of lesser birth, I will seek out the greatest instructors of both worlds, so that you may rise as the finest swordsman to ever walk Soul Society. I wish nothing but the best for you, my only Son. One day you will lead this proud and noble clan, as the greatest ruler of the Shihoin, and Executive Commander of the Onmitsukido. Let us not speak of associating with the rabble that fills the ranks of the Gotei 13 again"[/font]

And so began Ken'ichi's tutelage beneath many great kensei. Trained personally by Hiroshi in the secret arts of the Shihoin, the young, intelligent Ken'ichi excelled in his studies, eager to please his stern, yet instructive father. Several years into his studies, Hirosho introduced Ken'ichi to Master Hayato, a renown kensei and vassal of the Shihoin. Under the intensive tutelage of Master Hayato, Ken'ichi grew to be an accomplished swordsman, skilled in the arts of Kenjutsu....

[font color="cyan"]"Good, good. Use your rear foot as counterbalance as you strike through the gate".[/font] Steel rang against steel as Ken'ichi swung his razor-edged blade again and again at his instructor, each blow deflected seemingly without effort by his skilled and talented instructor. Spinning to his right to dodge a blow aimed at his mid-section while simultaneously repositioning himself, the young swordsman slashed upwards with skill and precision, only to have his blow met by his opponents. [font color="cyan"]"Excellent. Strike with the grace of a swan as it steps lightly upon the water. Move as the reed as it sways gently in the breeze."[/font]

Dodging yet another strike, Ken'ichi feinted to his left while pivoting past his sensei's guard. Moments later, a thin trickle of blood flowed from the thin slash on his master's left cheek. Wiping blood lightly from the cut, Master Hayato beemed at his student for having successfully bypassed his defenses. [font color="cyan"]"Marvelous. Your speed is impressive. I was forced to use Shunpo in order to avoid the worst of that attack, and yet you still managed to draw blood."[/font] [font color="d6ca70"]"Thank you Hayato-sensei. Your praise is most appreciated. I didn't think that would actually work".[/font] Mused Ken'ichi. Wiping sweat from his brow, Ken'ichi inquired whether they might take a break and have repast before continuing. Glancing in the direction of the manor house, Master Hayato spied the stern expression of Hiroshi as he studied his son's progress intently. Shaking his head sadly, Master Hayato responded. [font color="cyan"]"Not as yet, my pupil. I fear your father would not take kindly to a break at this time".[/font] Reading himself in a wide defensive stance, Hayato beckoned for his pupil to continue with his free hand. [font color="cyan"]"Again! Let us see you repeat your new technique until you have mastered it. It shall not strike me twice.[/font]

As the years progressed into decades, Ken'ichi's mastery of the sword came to rival that even of his master. A man now grown, Ken'ichi and Hayato trained day and night together. No longer a student in the eyes of his master, Hayato saw within Ken'ichi a kindred spirit, and an equal, and together the two practiced and developed many new fighting techniques. All the while, Ken'ichi longed for companionship and would wisftully gaze out through the bars of the Shihoin estate to see the other youths playing or seeking romance beneath the cherry blossoms. Outside of his friend and mentor, his only companionship being that of his father, and younger siblings. The rare times that his elder sister Tomoe was able to steal away to visit were the highlights of his youth.

One fateful day, Ken'ichi went in search of his longtime friend and former master in vain. Approaching his father with the humility expected of him, Ken'ichi inquired as to Hayatos absence only to be quickly rebuffed. [font color="c519e6"]"Master Hayato has been dismissed from the task of instructing you, and has been reassigned new duties befitting his station. You will have a new instructor within the week.[/font] [font color="d6ca70"]"But father, why would you send Hayato away? He was my friend, and comrade?"[/font] [font color="c519e6"]"Precisely. You had surpassed his capability to instruct. It is time you had a new teacher. One who can instruct you in a new, different style of Kenjutsu."[/font] With anger and sadness in his eyes, Ken'ichi learned a harsh, yet valuable lesson that day - that his father cared little for his son's emotional well-being, and only cared about the image he would present to the world.



[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• DISCOVERING SCIENCE •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]



[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• A FATHER BETRAYED •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"][font color="c519e6"]"HOW DARE YOU BETRAY YOU FATHERS TRUST!"[/font] screamed Hiroshi. [font color="c519e6"]"AFTER ALL I HAVE DONE FOR YOU TO RAISE YOU TO BE A TRUE SHIHOIN, AND ALL OF THE INSTRUCTORS I HAVE HIRED, AT NO INCONSIDERABLE EXPENSE, YOU DARE BETRAY ME BY JOINING THE GOTEI 13?"[/font] Kneeling before his father in his academy uniform with head bowed in humility, Ken'ichi tolerated the rage directed toward him, awaiting his father to finish his rant so that he may explain his position. After what seemed an eternity, his father's fury seemed to abate, and raising his head slightly, Ken'ichi attempted to explain his reasons for joining the Gotei 13. [font color="d6ca70"]"Father I -"[/font] [font color="c519e6"]"Leave me. You have made your choice, and sworn your vows. There is little I can do at this point. Leave an old man to his worries, and attend your new masters with all the noble bearing you have. You know not how disappointed I am in your choices. Leave me."[/font] Reaching a hand toward his father but thinking better of it upon seeing the look of complete rejection and disappointment in his eyes, Ken'ichi stood quickly and quietly left his fathers presence. Gathering a small satchel of belongings, Ken'ichi made his way swiftly to the Shino Academy to begin his studies in the ways of the Shinigami...


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• ASCENDING THE RANKS •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Gazing out across the garden, Jiro Shihoin admired the sunlight as it filtered gently through the leaves and played upon the flowerbeds beneath. [font color="blue"]"Tomoe has performed her duties admirably Hiro. She has a keen mind, and a grace about her not often seen in one so young. Despite her youth, she routinely outperforms her senior officers out on patrol."[/font] Looking askew toward his brother Hiroshi, the head of the Shihoin clan raised his cup to his mouth and drank deeply of his steaming hot sake. Looking away and closing his eyes, Jiro continued. [font color="blue"]"It is my intention to ask Tomoe to become my new Vice Captain. She has more than earned the position.[/font] Studying his brother intently through half-shuttered eyes, Jiro could not help but notice the manner in which Hiroshi's body trembled with barely suppressed rage. Regaining his composure, Hiroshi thought long and hard for several moments before responding to his brothers sudden revelation. [font color="c519e6"]"As you wish, Jiro-dono. It is your right as Captain and head of the Shihoin clan to make any request of my daughter that you feel necessary..."[/font] His voice breaking, Hiroshi looked quickly away to hide the tears that welled in his eyes, fearful of what the future held for his children.

Meanwhile, behind the walls of the Shino Academy, Ken'ichi Shihoin stood at attention with his fellow graduating class. Thanks to his long decades studying science and swordcraft under his father's watchful eye, Ken'ichi had graduated among the top of his class. Despite the few short years he spent studying at the academy, Ken'ichi had surprised his teachers at the speed with which he mastered Shunpo. So great was his skill in the arts of hohou, that Ken'ichi's stepping skills were considered equal to many seated officers. At his side, Ken'ichi wore his Asauchi proudly. Gazing up at the stage where his class mate and close friend Rillen Hakudo gave his valedictorian speech, Ken'ichi thought back to their short years together in the academy. Close friends, and fierce rivals - Ken'ichi and Rillen competed endlessly at every task. Equally skilled in almost every way, the friendly, yet competitive rivalry between the two spurred both of them to test their limits at every turn. Were it not for Rillens exceptional talents in the arts of Kidou, it may very well have been Ken'ichi himself who was up on stage at this moment.


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• SUIGIN AWAKENS •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Decades later, Ken'ichi had proven his worth time and again on the battlefield, and had swiftly ascended the ranks of his uncles squad. Recently promoted to 7th seat, Ken'ichi found himself frequently on missions alongside his uncle, cousin, and sister. Despite the frequency with which Ken'ichi found himself working alongside his sister, his training and duties as a low rank seated officer left him little time to socialize. As the months turned into years, Ken'ichi worked diligently at his duties until one fateful day during the month of September, which would change his life forever.

[font color="forestgreen"]"It has been a rather uneventful month, has it not Ken-chan?"[/font] Leaping gracefully across the fields of ankle-high grass like an antelope, Tomoe smiled cheerfully up at her younger, but much taller brother. [font color="forestgreen"]"I expect it was because of the lull in hollow activity that Uncle Jiro allowed us to patrol together today, rather than have you working tirelessly at some menial task or another."[/font] Keeping up with his sister easily, Ken'ichi raced across the endless fields that encircled the outer edge of the Rukongai district, and which marked the borders of the wilderness. [font color="d6ca70"]"You're telling me Sis. I almost never get to see you any more, except when we are on patrol like this. Have you heard any word from Father? Is he still mad at for joining the Gotei 13 after all these years?"[/font] Opening her mouth as if about to speak, Tomoe shook her head sadly and avoided her younger brothers question. Noting the unspoken truth in her silence, Ken'ichi continued. [font color="d6ca70"]"I don't understand Father's double standards. He never showed any issue with you joining the Gotei 13, yet he has all but disowned me for having done so."[/font] [font color="forestgreen"]"Father doesn't hate you Ken-chan. He's just..... hurt is all. He loves you deeply and still asks about you during the rare times I am given leave to visit him."[/font] [font color="d6ca70"]"If so, he has a funny way of showing it."[/font]

Caught completely off-guard, neither Tomoe nor Ken'ichi were aware of the Adjuchas' presence until it suddenly attacked from behind a copse of trees. Smaller than the more common gillian-class menos, but far more deadly, the feline shape clawed savagely at the space where Tomoe was standing but moments before. Materializing some distance away, a small rivulet of red swelled in three parallel lines on her right arm. [font color="forestgreen"]"Ken'ichi. Get away from here. Run! Go get help from Captain Jiro and the others. I will hold it off as long as I can"[/font]. Drawing her zanpakutou, Tomoe held her blade low, and sliding her left hand along the rear edge of her blade, cried out its release command. [font color="forestgreen"]"Whisper. Kagebara (Shadow Rose)"[/font] Black smoke trailed along her blade as her hand passed along its length. When the smoke cleared, Tomoe held a pitch black naginata. Shadows gathering about her feet, Tomoe slashed upwards with the blade of her weapon releasing a wave of shadowy-black energy which blocked out the light, obscuring the two shinigami from view.

While the powers of her zanpakutou obscured them from their opponents view, the lightless shadows did not hinder the shinigami's vision in any manner. In fact, the power of her zanpakutou illuminated the outline of the Adjuchas in stark relief against the night-black surroundings. Knowing that the effects of her technique would wear off momentarily, Tomoe silently urged her brother into action, after which she dashed off quickly toward the beast. Fearful, and uncertain - Ken'ichi found himself paralyzed with indecision, yet knowing that precious seconds were being lost. Watching on in horror, Ken'ichi saw the Adjuchas turn and stare directly at his sister. [font color="d6ca70"][i]There is no way it can see her? Kagebara should have blinded the creature completely.[/i][/font] Springing into action, Ken'ichi shunpo'ed beside his sister and, without a moment to spare raised his zanpakutou to deflect the creatures strike that would have surely slain his sibling. Springing backward lightly at this unexpected turn of events, Tomoe glanced about to see the shadows retreating. It would not be long now before the effects of her zanpakutou wore off completely. Grabbing her brothers wrist, Tomoe sprang away and took off at lightning pace, each step empowered by shunpo as she fled the monster behind them.

[font color="forestgreen"]"That was no normal Hollow. That was an Adjuchas! There hasn't been one of those seen in Soul Society in many centuries. We must make haste and report this to Captain Jiro!"[/font] Racing forward with the blade of her zanpakutou held behind her, Tomoe hoped the shadowy light which billowed from her blade would obscure their presence long enough for the two to make their escape. Fortune did not smile on the two shinigami officers however, for as they came in sight of the outermost buildings of the Rukongai, the impossibly fast feline landed gracefully in front of them denying their retreat. Hissing with menace, the creature paced quietly backward and forward as it sized up its prey. [font color="e61919"]"FOOLISH MORTALS. DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD ESCAPE ME SO LIGHTLY?"[/font] Laughing maniacally, the red-furred Adjuchas growled with pleasure as it anticipated its meal.

[font color="aed1f8"][i][b]"You must act quickly. Call out my name, else both you and your sister will be slain!"[/b][/i][/font] Without knowing from whence the voice came, but sensing a familiarity to it, Ken'ichi reacted with pure instinct, his training as a shinigami causing him to instinctively mesh his thoughts with that of his zanpakutou. [font color="d6ca70"]"Ooze and flow forth. [i]SUIGIN KAWA![/i]"[/font] In place of the seemingly unremarkable katana he held mere moments before, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou had transformed itself into a work of exquisite craftsmanship. Taking the form of a swept-hilt german rapier, the silver-edged blade shone with a polished, mirror-finish. Gold-leaf feathered etchings swept back from the crosspiece, forming a handguard which protected his hand, the hilt itself ending in a gold-leaf, crown-shaped pommel. Without warning, the felinid Adjuchas rushed toward the new threat. As the beast pounced toward Ken'ichi, his sister cried out in anguish fearing the worst only to see Ken'ichi duck swiftly, causing the beast to sail overhead. Pivoting on the ball of his foot, Ken'ichi slashed upwards with his zanpakutou, striking the beasts tender underside, drawing blood.

Rounding on the shinigami yet again, Tomoe sprung into action, positioning herself defensively between the beast and her brother, warding it off with a wide, sweeping arc of her naginata. Pointing the blade toward the creature, she spun the blade in swift, circular motions creating a whirlwind of black shadows to encircle the blade. [font color="forestgreen"]"Kage no ha!" (blades of shadow)[/font]Lashing toward the beast with an upward stroke, the shadows sliced through the beasts red, armored hide causing minor yet painful injuries. Taking cue from his sister, Ken'ichi lept high into the air, momentum taking him above the creatures position. As he descended, Ken'ichi spun lightly, generating centrifugal force, striking downward across the beasts shoulder in a sweeping arc. As he landed, Ken'ichi stepped backward with a shunpo assisted movement to land gracefully beside his sister.

Looking at the beast to see the damage inflicted by his blow, Ken'ichi was surprised to see a dark, purple discoloration extending across its shoulder, and down its forelimb. A similar discoloration was rapidly spreading from the wound across its stomach. As he looked on, the creatures forelimb became transparent and gelatenous, causing it to stumble as it attempted to rush toward its aggravating meal. [font color="e61919"]"HOW DARE YOU INJURE ME! I WILL CRUNCH YOUR BONES TO POWDER"[/font] Inhaling deeply, black purple energy gathered within the beasts mouth. Reacting swiftly to the increasing threat, Tomoe thrust the blade of her naginata deep within the beasts throat, causing it to gag on its own attack. Not yet defeated, the creature lept high into the air in an effort to leap past his sister and strike at the seemingly weaker target. Raising his blade defensively before him, Ken'ichi aimed his blow at the creatures already-injured forelimb, severing it and causing it to dissolve harmlessly into a silvery-grey liquid. Crashing down on the shinigami and knocking him to the ground, the creature readied itself to bite his head off.

Without a second left to spare, a powerful arc of electricity blasted the creature off Ken'ichi's prone form. Two additional blasts slammed into its body as Captain Jiro and several officers from Squad 3. [font color="blue"]"It looks like we arrived not a moment too soon. We detected a powerful reiatsu baring down on the outer edges of Rukongai. Squad 3 was dispatched to investigate. Naturally, I requested to join them, knowing you two were out here."[/font] As Ken'ichi faded into unconsciousness, he heard the muffled voice of his Uncle remark at the beauty of his Shikai release.


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• QUINCY EXTERMINATION •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"][font color="blue"]"Stay on your toes, and keep to the shadows. This is an assassination assignment. As you are all aware, the Quincy have been hunting hollows with increasing frequency. Despite many attempts to negotiate with them, they continue to upset the balance of souls by unrelenting use of their power. As such, while the bulk of our forces will launch a frontal assault, the Onmitsukidou and Squad 2 have been tasked with infiltration of their headquarters and assassination of their command structure. You all have your assignments. That is all."[/font] Having addressed the assembled shinigami, Jiro Shihoin turned to speak briefly with his son, third seat Okami Shihoin. Shortly thereafter, he summoned his officers, to go over the finer points of their assignments before dismissing them.

Assigned to the Onmitsukidou forces to help coordinate their efforts with the Shinigami, Ken'ichi waited patiently for the command to infiltrate the Quincy stronghold to begin. After what seemed like a considerable wait but was most likely less than 15 minutes the order was given. Silent, and stealthy, the Onmitsukidou strike force approached the complex undetected. Launching grapples, they quickly scaled the walls to an open window on the third floor and silently infiltrated the complex. Two guards positioned nearby were felled before any alarm could be raised, allowing the contingent to proceed swiftly and methodically throughout the upper floors. As liaison between the Shinigami and Onmitsukidou forces, Ken'ichi found himself operating near the center-back of the strike force, and as such had yet to engage any hostile forces directly but marvelled at the efficiency of the Assassination squad.

Once all visible guards had been eliminated, the squad proceeded toward their final objective. According to intelligence, the command room was located toward the rear of the complex on the fourth floor. Approaching their destination, one of the Onmitsukidou forces withdrew a small hand-drill and with considerable speed and expertise drilled a viewing hole into an easily overlooked corner of the target room. From another pocket, he then retrieved a folded instrument which appeared to be several mirrors attached by a series of thin metal wires. The officer carefully fed the device through the hole created by his drill, and once fully inserted, pulled on a small wire attached at the base of the unit, unfolding the mirrors to act as a periscope. Studying the room for several minutes, the officer nodded to three of his fellow assassins and, after exchanging several lightning-quick hand gestures, five members of the strike force peeled off, and headed into adjoining rooms.

Moments later, a dull explosion was heard, as smoke began filling up the corridor and adjoining rooms. With the signal to advance given, Ken'ichi and his unit assaulted the room from the main entry. With zanpakutou drawn and readied, Ken'ichi quickly followed another Onmitsukidou assassin through the doorway, only to be shocked by the unexpected sight before them. Expecting to see high ranking Quincy engaged in strategic deployment movements, the Onmitsukidou were instead greeted by a room filled with children of all ages. Looking across the room, Ken'ichi spied several other Onmitsukidou entering from the adjoining room and from the external window.

Withdrawing his communicator from an internal pocket of his kosode, Ken'ichi sought clarification of their objective in light of this new information. [font color="d6ca70"]"7th Seat Ken'ichi reporting. Intelligence was incorrect. Target was not the enemy command structure, but rather a training hall for children. Requesting new orders."[/font] Moments later, the voice of his uncle, Captain Jiro Shihoin crackled across the receiver. [font color="blue"]"We have our orders. Proceed as directed, and eliminate all targets in strike zone."[/font] Stunned by this information, silence was heard on the line for several moments before Ken'ichi responded. [font color="d6ca70"]"But Uncle.....Shihoin-taichou, these are children. We...."[/font] [font color="blue"]"I realize that Ken'ichi, but the orders from Central 46 are very clear in this instance. Eliminate all Quincy, without exception. I'm sorry that you have to be the one to carry out such a despicable act, but it cannot be helped. Proceed as ordered."[/font]

Ken'ichi heard a click on the line as Captain Shihoin disconnected the channel. Turning to face the Onmitsukidou squad leader, Ken'ichi nodded with a heavy heart, as he approached the closest child. With tears glistening in his eyes, Ken'ichi prepared to eliminate the enemy target before him, as did each of the Onmitsukidou units attached to his squad. As one, twelve blades pierced their targets, ending a generation of quincy in one fell blow. Turning to leave the room, tears fell freely from Ken'ichi's eyes at the loss of innocent life. [font color="d6ca70"][i]Why did it have to come to such barbarism?[/i][/font] Ken'ichi thought heavily.


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• TRAGEDY STRIKES •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"][font color="blue"]".....And so you see, we have a new enemy in our midst. Whomever this purple-masked individual is, and whether he serves a higher power has yet to be determined. All that is known is that this individual presents a serious, and unknown threat to Soul Society.

Worse yet, as I indicated at the emergency captains meeting, this individual controls deadly new enemies which he refers to as "Mini-Gillian". While small, the power of these creatures should not be underestimated, as they wiped out an entire unit of highly trained Onmitsukidou with little effort. Furthermore, I report with a heavy heart that Vice Captain Tomoe Shihoin was slain in the confrontation. To that end, I feel compelled to promote Third Seat Okami Shihoin to replace her as the new Squad 2 Vice Captain. That is all."[/font]

As instructed by the Captain Commander, Jiro Shihoin withheld information regarding the unknown faction responsible for supplying disgraced shinigami, Takeshi Kurosawa with a deadly new weapon known as a bakkoto. Until more intelligence had been gained, it was deemed in the best interests of Soul Society to keep knowledge of such weapons secret, in the hope that the individuals involved would slip, and reveal their knowledge.

Kneeling in the first row with several other seated officers, tears fell freely from Ken'ichi's eyes at the revelation of his sisters death. In an effort to regain his composure, Ken'ichi stiffled his emotions and burried them deep within his core. With deep shuddering breaths, Ken'ichi stood slowly and requested the manner in which squad 2 planned to avenge their fallen comrade. Suppressing his own pain, Jiro looked at Ken'ichi with great sympathy, and slowly shook his head.

[font color="blue"]"At this time, we are ordered to standby and await further instructions. Until more information is known about this unknown enemy, Squad 2 has been specifically ordered to stand down, in order to prevent additional loss of life. It is believed the enemy deliberately provoked Squad 2 in an effort to draw us out and decimate our forces, on account of our familial ties. I repeat, we are ordered to stand down and not engage in acts of vengeance at this time."[/font]

Cries of outrage echoed throughout the assembled squad 2 forces at the revelation of this fact. Meanwhile, in an unknown location, a purple masked figure watched the meeting through his hidden surveillance equipment with great interest. [font color="darkorchid"]"It will not be long now Takeshi. Soon you will have your revenge....."[/font]


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• A COUSIN HONORED •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"][font color="blue"]".....And so, I officially abdicate my position as Captain of Squad 2 and hereby promote Vice Captain Okami Shihoin to succeed me as your Captain. Okami's performance on the Captaincy exam was exemplary, as befiting the heir of the Shihoin clan. While I am retiring as Captain of Squad 2, I will remain Chief Executive Officer of the Onmitsukidou, and look forward to continued joint operations with all of you."[/font]

Looking out with pride at the assembled squad, Jiro Shihoin stepped aside and gestured for Okami to step forward and address his squad for the first time, as Captain. While Ken'ichi could not be more proud of his cousin in that moment, he could not help but think that, were it not for her untimely death, it might be his sister standing before them in that moment instead. A single tear rolled down his cheek at the thought, as he awaited his cousins first Captain's Address.


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• AS MENOS RISE.... •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Genocide. While the untold casualties of the Great War was horrendous, such loss of life paled when compared against the holocaust that would follow. As the world recovered in the wake of the first Great War, they were unprepared for the vicious and carefully orchestrated genocide that occurred a mere two decades later. While the death toll from the holocaust itself was incalculable, little did the human world know that such tragedy gave rise to the greatest hollow uprising ever recorded in Soul Society.

Within the concentration camps, the Gotei 13 was sorely pressed to perform konso on the recently departed. Given how sudden and horrific their deaths, fully 90% of those slain had become pluses, and were unable to cross over to Soul Society naturally. This in turn saw a massive upswing in Hollow populations as the Shinigami struggled to keep up with the demand. Worse still, the massive upswing in human death attracted the attention of hollows which dwelt within Hueco Mundo, resulting in many gargantua opening within the camps each day.

At the request of Squad 3 Captain, Ken'ichi Shihoin had been transferred to Squad 3, and promoted to Third Seat once the severity of this war had been ascertained. This was in light of his expertise and unparalleled skill with the blade which was felt wasted within Squad 2. As Third Seat of the Expedition Forces, Ken'ichi spent a large portion of his time deployed in the Human World on the front lines of the Hollow Uprising. At the height of the Second world war, a massive invasion of Gillian-class Menos descended upon the Human World. While some of these Gillian had been drawn to the Human World by the banquet of new souls, many more had formed as a result of newly formed Hollows feeding upon each other within the camps themselves.

[font color="d6ca70"]"Stand alive men. Who knows what might come out of that thing."[/font] Standing shoulder to shoulder with a unit of Squad 3 unseated officers and two lower-ranking seated officers, Ken'ichi gazed up at the dark tear that stretched several miles across the skyline. Never had he witnessed such a massive Gargantua and feared the worst. [font color="d6ca70"]"Quickly. Send word to the Captain. Appraise him of the situation and request reinforcements."[/font] Dismissing the scout, Ken'ichi gathered reiatsu and prepared to release his zanpakutou.

Moments later, the head of a Gillian-class Menos became visible within the dark aperture. Roaring in defiance, the menos took one ponderous step into the world of the living and gazed at the assembled shinigami in disinterest. To its left, another Menos stepped out from the gargantua, flanked by yet a third of the towering monstrosities. [font color="d6ca70"]"My word! Three Gillian-class Menos! That has to be a new record.[/font] Gritting his teeth at the seemingly insurmountable odds, Ken'ichi ordered his men to keep their distance, and only engage if doing so was advantageous.

As one, the three Menos turned to stare at the 13 shinigami which blocked their path, and roaring yet again in defiance, each of the creatures opened their cavernous mouths and inhaled. Red orbs of scintillating reiatsu began accumulating within their maw, intensifying rapidly. [font color="d6ca70"]"Scatter! Those bastards are about to incinerate us with their Cero!"[/font] Scattering as ordered, Ken'ichi's quick thinking spared the lives of his comrades as three scarlet beams of energy lanced the ground where they had been previously standing.

Circling about the megalithic hollows, Ken'ichi ordered his men to keep the beasts distracted yet focus their efforts on the left-most Gillian. Such efforts proved widely successful. By the time reinforcements had arrived, Ken'ichi and his unit had managed to down two of the behemoths, with only three casualties, none of them serious. With the aide of a second unit, the shinigami made short work of the third and final Menos. Turning to survey the damage wrought by their battle, Ken'ichi saw the partially melted form of the Menos he had personally slain, as its fractured mask rose up from a massive pool of silvery-white liquid.

Looking skyward, Ken'ichi was puzzled to discover that the Gargantua which had birthed these creatures had yet to close. [font color="d6ca70"]"Don't those things usually close once the hollows appear?"[/font] He inquired. Studying the event horizon closely, Ken'ichi thought he spied a small pair of glowing red eyes from somewhere just beyond the opening. [font color="d6ca70"]"BACK! This isn't over. Another hollow approaches!"[/font] Ken'ichi's warning came but a moment too late, for three rays of pulsing purple light shot out from the opening of the gargantua, piercing through the ranks of the shinigami, felling any in its path.

Moments later, a purple hollow some twelve feet in height launched itself from the aperture, landing effortlessly within their ranks. Before they could react, the beast tore the head off one of the stunned shinigami with a single bite of its massive jaws before impaling yet another on its two wickedly curved horns. [font color="d6ca70"]"Damn! Its a bloody Adjuchas!"[/font] Spinning his zanpakutou in a wide arc, Ken'ichi launched a spray of metallic feathers shooting toward the creature. While several of the darts struck the creature directly, they appeared to prove ineffective before melting into small puddles of silvery-white liquid. Little did his comrades know, Ken'ichi's zanpakutou had a special ability which would aide them in this battle. Already, the effect of his attack could be seen, as blood began to pool beneath the creatures repulsive purple skin, resulting in a rapidly spreading bruise at the site of each impact.

Without waiting, Ken'ichi lept high into the air, his blade transforming into a multi-pronged scourge which he raked across the beasts hindquarters, causing its flesh to become partially transparent, and gelatenous. As he landed, many of the shinigami had recovered from their initial shock and began launching attacks of their own against the powerful beast. [font color="d6ca70"]"Careful men. That's no ordinary Adjuchas. Look at its mask. It's partially broken."[/font] True enough, a long black crevasse could be seen running the length of its mask down the left side, indicating that this particular hollow was on the verge of transforming into an Arrancar.

Whipping about in agony, multiple tentacles shot from the beasts body to impale several more of his fellow shinigami. Caught off-guard by the unexpected assault, Ken'ichi himself was thrown violently to the ground by one of the wild, whipping tentacles, striking his head forcefully in the process. Dazed, and confused, Ken'ichi raised his hand to the back of his head to assess the damage, only for his hand to come away drenched in blood. Vision clouding, Ken'ichi tried to raise himself to his feet to no avail. As he lay helpless, Ken'ichi watched the beast tear his comrades apart, yet not in vain for their various kidou, and zanpakutou strikes had worn down the creatures defenses, leaving it battered and bloody. When it had finally defeated the last of the reinforcements, the hollow turned its attention to feeding off the wounded, starting with Ken'ichi himself.

Having recovered his senses, Ken'ichi feigned weakness until the last moment before launching a surprise attack on the wounded hollow. As the creature pounced on the seemingly helpless shinigami, Ken'ichi cried out the name of his technique, transforming himself into a being of living liquid-metal. Roaring in frustration as its claws passed harmlessly through his form, Ken'ichi whipped to his feet and launched a volley of metallic silver darts at the creatures back point blank. Slumping as its lifeblood flowed freely from the injuries, the creature fell to the ground helpless as Ken'ichi launched a final volley into the crippled creature. On impact, the creature liquefied instantly, melting into a puddle of silvery-white liquid which pooled at his feet. Gasping with breath, Ken'ichi allowed his body to return to normal, pleased to see that the gargantua which had spawned these beasts had closed some time during their battle.
 

[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• A CAPTAIN FALLS •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]In the aftermath of the battle, as Ken'ichi recuperated within Squad 4 barracks, his father approached him baring grave news. For reasons unknown, Ken'ichi's cousin Okami Shihoin, Captain of Squad 2 had been reported missing during the conflict, and is presumed dead. [font color="c519e6"]"Nobody knows what happened to him but we all fear the worst. The family is gathering as we speak to launch a search and rescue mission to ascertain his whereabouts. Your Uncle Jiro is taking the news hard, and has retreated within his private study, admitting no-one, not even his wife. I just thought you should know."[/font] Ken'ichi was at a loss. Why was his father delivering this report and not a member of the Gotei 13? And, why of all times was he choosing this moment to make amends. It was not as if the two of them had spoken much since he had joined the Gotei 13 all those many decades ago......


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• A TRAITOR ASCENDS •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Some time later, Jiro Shihoin passed away, followed shortly thereafter by his wife Ayame. Both of these events were believed to have been due to grief at the loss of their son Okami causing them to lose the will to live, resulting in their death. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, their deaths were horrendous murders committed by Ken'ichi's very own father Hiroshi in his quest for power. With Okami Shihoin missing and presumed dead, Ken'ichi's father was proclaimed head of the Shihoin Clan. A fateful decision that would ultimately prove the undoing of the Shihoin family, for unbeknownst to all, the seeds of his downfall had already sprouted deep within his heart. The full extent of his betrayal would not become apparent for quite some time to come (as revealed in  [a href="http://rpforumbleach.proboards.com/thread/7580/canon-ke-2-dark"][font color="d6ca70"]Canon KE-2: Dark Two Ten Five[/font][/a], [a href="http://rpforumbleach.proboards.com/thread/7769/canon-ke-3-war-worst"][font color="d6ca70"]Canon KE-3: War of the Worst[/font][/a], and [a href="http://rpforumbleach.proboards.com/thread/8085/canon-ke-4-fate-king"][font color="d6ca70"]Canon KE-4: Fate of the King[/font][/a] ), however none of this was known at the time, nor was Ken'ichi aware of these facts.


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• SPARK OF REBELLION •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="#bdcaca"]Stepping lightly into his captains quarters and bowing respectfully as he entered, Ken'ichi silently glided forward and stood waiting until his Captain acknowledged his presence. Due to his skill with the blade and keen intellect, Ken'ichi had been recently transferred to the expedition squad, as it was believed by the Gotei 13 Captains that his abilities were being under utilized in Squad 2. All of this had occurred just prior to Jiro's sudden and immanent demise. To that end, Ken'ichi had been offered the position of third seat within the Expedition Force, a position he hoped to live up to.[/font]

[font color="#e66319"]"Ken'ichi"[/font][font color="#bdcaca"], stated the Captain. [/font][font color="#e66319"]"I have heard disturbing reports of unrest in the outer Rukongai district, and the appearance of an enemy utilizing unusual weapons which are not on record. Witness reports are conflicting, with claims that such weapons appear to grow and move as if alive, and contain eyes and tendrils of sick purple cords. These reports are most likely fanciful tales by wild imagination, but none the less I want you to lead a unit to investigate the 87th West Rukongai district and verify the reports for yourself. I need not remind you not to take anything for granted. We known not whether we face a new enemy at this time, or whether this is just wild fantasy and rumor sparked by trouble-makers in the area in an attempt to cover up more mundane crimes."

[/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Shortly thereafter, Ken'ichi and a handpicked squad of low ranking seated and unseated officers was methodically investigating the fanciful rumors in the outer Rukongai district 87, when suddenly they are attacked by cloaked and obfuscated figures with strange, tendril like weapons. Three of Ken'ichis unseated officers are slain in the surprise attack before the party can properly react, leaving Ken'ichi with himself and four other men remaining in his small unit. Reacting swiftly to the attack, Ken'ichi rounded on one of the unknown assailants and, with a swift "click" of his blade, unsheathed his zanpakuto and with a single fluid slice sliced one of the assailants in half. Still mid swing, Ken'ichi followed through his original attack with a slight adjustment of his blades trajectory, slicing deep into a second nearby opponent, opening a wide gash in his abdomen, and eviscerating him in the process. His years of training in the art of iaijutsu allowing him to swiftly and decisively reduce the odds against them with a lightning fast, yet highly accurate strike at his opponents midsection.

Taking a half-second to note his incapacitated foe whose entrails were beginning to pool on the floor as two of his foes collapsed before him, Ken'ichi glanced to his left to see the rest of his squad already recovering to the initial assault and engaged with several of the unknown assailants. Trusting in his squad mates abilities, Ken'ichi returned his attention to the three foes before him, sizing them up and studying their battle stance, while swiftly analyzing their grip on the strange unusual weapons. These three were foes not to be trifled with, and appeared stronger and more skilled than the two he caught by surprise with his initial retaliatory strike. Adopting a defensive ready stance, Ken'ichi took in the pale, glistening orb which blinked from the central mass of the lead opponents weapon, as three tentacles wrapped around a broad, double-edged blade and wound up the arm of his assailant. The other two assailants facing off against Ken'ichi bore similar tentacled weapons, a wicked trident and a pair of fang-filled chakrum connected to each other by a pulsing, green tendril which spiraled up each of his opponent's arms, and knotting around his upper torso. 

[/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"I do not know what manner of weapon you employ, but you should not underestimate my resolve. I, Ken'ichi Shihoin, son of Hiroshi Shihoin, heir to the Shihoin clan, third seat of the Expedition force for the Gotei 13 will see you arrested for your crimes against citizens of the Rukongai district. Lay down your weapons, and come peacefully and no more of your comrades needs to die." [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Glancing swiftly about him, Ken'ichi counted 7 additional assailants converging on the area, in addition to those both he and his squad were already facing. Knowing he needed to end the conflict swiftly, Ken'ichi unleashed several rapid fire kidou to distract his opponents before unleashing his zanpakuto and engaging them directly. Sliding his hand along the blade of his his beautiful stylized zanpakutou, Ken'ichi called out the command words to release his shikai [/font][i][font color="#d6ca70"]"Ooze and flow forth, Suigin Kawa!"[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] [/font][/i][font color="#bdcaca"]while mentally activating his [/font][i style="color:rgb(214, 202, 112);"]ittou suigin [/i][font color="#bdcaca"]technique a mere half-second after releaing his blade. So swiftly did he activate both effects, that the combined effect gave the impression that his zanpakutou release transformed his weapon into a long three-section staff with blades at either end of the flail. 

With the two ends of his three section staff in both hands, while the middle section crossed his mid-section diagonally, Ken'ichi turned side on to his would-be attackers, reducing his profile while lashing out with the leading edge of his zanpakutou at the closest attacker combined with a quick shunpo to close the distance. Were his opponent not expecting such a maneuver, the move would have cut deep into the mans throat, ending his life. As it was, the man feebly blocked Ken'ichi's attack with his bakkoto, deflecting it just enough so that it only left a slight crimson line across the left side of his neck. Following through with the attack, Ken'ichi pivoted to the left, lashing out with the reverse section of his weapon at the next opponent burying his weapon several inches into the mans side before withdrawing it in a spray of vitae. [/font][font color="#1fce26"]"Fool!" [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]screamed the first assailant.[/font][font color="#1fce26"]

"Did you really think such a feeble attack as that would kill us so quickly? We Kasumi'oji are not some bottom-feeding clan that you uppity nobles can just kick around and use as you see fit. We have our own family honor, and these [i]bakkoto[/i] that we have developed will help us turn the tide. It is our time to rise, and you're time to fall!"

[/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Gloating as he revealed his plans to the enemy, the foolish mans eyes widened as he coughed up blood from his lungs as a swiftly spreading bruise began to cover his throat, neck, upper chest, and the right side of his face. Simultaneously, his strange, unusual weapon became rubbery, and small rivulets of silvery-white metal ran along its length, dropping to the floor and forming a small pool of glistening liquid metal. His friend too fell to his knees as the flesh of his torso turned an ugly shade of purple before becoming translucent and gelatinous. Blood poured freely from the wound in his side, refusing to congeal, while plasma began leaking through the skin of his chest. Groaning in pain as he fell, Ken'ichi nodded as he took note of the mans bones, lungs, and beating heart visible beneath his semi-transparent torso.

[/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"You may not realize this, but this fight is already over. You may notice the incredible pain in your face, and the increased difficulty of breathing you might be experiencing at this time. Your friend too, is done for, and is in no condition to fight. Such is the power of Suigin Kawa, that I have the ability to liquefy anything my weapon touches. Your strange weapon too does not seem immune to my powers effects. [i]Bakkoto[/i] was it? Look at how it is starting to lose cohesion, even from the glancing blow it received while deflecting my lethal strike."

[/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Turning to the third figure, Ken'ichi addressed him directly.[/font][font color="#d6ca70"] "Your friends lives may be spared with swift application of the healing arts, but only should you lay down your weapon and surrender."[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Grunting in defiance, the third figure raised his twin chakrum and spinning them on the sickly green tendrils, lashed out furiously at he skilled shinigami. [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"You're funeral."[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Ken'ichi warned. Blocking two of the blows with the wooden edge of his zanpakutou, Ken'ichi ducked under a third blow and using [i]shunpo karin[/i], enhanced the speed of his strike so that it blurred, striking his opponent three times across the chest with the blunt edge of his three-section staff. Almost instantly, the man liquefied and dissolved into a puddle of liquid metal, his weapons falling into the pool as he did so. 

Turning to face the remaining assailant who was recovering his composure while glancing at the incapacitated foe bleeding out on the ground, Ken'ichi was momentarily shocked to see the putrescent blinking orb swell in size as it absorbed its owners reiatsu.

[/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"It appears your unsual weapon is feeding on your life force. That does not bode well for your longevity,"[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] he exclaimed, having quickly surmised what it was doing to him based on the beads of perspiration forming on his opponents face, the swift reduction in his opponents spiritual pressure, and the sunken, hollowing of his face, as the weapon grew in power, its blade lengthening and becoming wicked and jagged, while the tendrils climbed further up his opponents arm. Roaring with renewed power, Ken'ichi's remaining assailant slashed furiously, forcing Ken'ichi to use shunpo to avoid the swift, deadly assault.

[/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"Impressive. It appears that this weapon has increased your speed despite feeding on your lifeforce. I look forward to studying it upon conclusion of this battle."[/font][font color="#bdcaca"]

Within moments it was over however, as the poor man could not contain the hunger of his newfound weapon, which quickly consumed him from within, hollowing out his body and eventually consuming his entire essence. As it clattered to the floor, the remaining kasumi'oji rebels broke off their fight and fled. Retrieving the weapon, as well as the trident and chakrum of his three assailants, Ken'ichi returned to make his report. Within hours of returning, the rebellion broke out in full force, and the entire Gotei 13 learned of these strange, unusual weapons employed by the kasumi'oji rebels.[/font]

[/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]
[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• DIVIDED LOYALTIES •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="bdcaca"]Shortly after coming to power, Hiroshi Shihoin instiled his brother Tetsuo as the head of the Onmitsukido. While traditionally held by the clan head, Hiroshi claimed the decision was to strengthen the Shihoin leadership, so that in the event of an attack by the rising Kawada clan, it would be that much harder to defeat the Shihoin family, as the clan would remain strong should the Shihoin family, or the Onmitsukido come under attack. Acting on hidden information by Saeki Kuchiki, this decision was a calculated maneuver on his part, as he knew full well that it would ultimately result in a fracturing of the Shihoin power base, and divided loyalties within the clan. However, with the limited information available to the rest of the Shihoin clan (Ken'ichi included), this decision was believed to have been a fateful error on his part, culminating in his failure in the upcoming coup. 

Several years after dividing the Shihoin leadership between himself and his brother Tetsuo, the Kasumi'oji rebellion and the rise of the rogue shinigami faction created a power vacuum within Soul Society. Moving swiftly, within months of the rebellions conclusion, Hiroshi launched a pre-emptive strike against the Kawada and Kuchiki households, in an attempt to overthrow his rivals under the false claim that the Kawada was a threat to Shihoin sovereignty, and that the Kuchiki clan would allow the Shihoin to be absorbed by the fast-growing Kawadas. Acting on intelligence granted to him about his brothers forces, Hiroshi planted the seeds of doubt in Tetsuo, leading to the Shihoin clan roughly splitting down the middle, with half of the clan siding with Hiroshi, and the other half siding with Tetsuo. Ken'ichi himself opposed his fathers shortsighted actions, and having seen changes in his fathers personality since coming to power, Ken'ichi was of the belief that his father was suffering from a sickness of the mind, and that his shortsightedness was due to having fallen victim to the corruption of power. 

At the midpoint of the Shihoin-Kawada conflict, having exhausted all other options available to him, Ken'ichi sought out his father in a desperate attempt to force him to see reason. Knowing his fathers coup must be stopped at all costs, Ken'ichi resolved himself to the fact that he may be forced to draw his blade against his father, and use it with lethal force if necessary.


[/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• TWILIGHT OF THE FATHER •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="#bdcaca"]With a heavy heart, Ken'ichi walked purposefully toward his father as he leaned over his battle map spread out on the table before him. One hand grasping firm the sheath of his upturned zanpakutou, the other with thumb pressed firmly against the stylized spiral feather pattern of his weapons tsuba. [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"Father. You must put an end to this madness, and step down as head of the clan. Your actions have put the entire Shihoin family in peril, and all of us at risk of being branded traitors to Soul Society. As a member of the Gotei 13 it is my - ";[/font][font color="bdcaca"] 

Turning to face his son, fury in his gaze yet never shifting his hands from the table, Hiroshi interrupted Ken'ichis plea mid sentence. [/font][font color="#c519e6"]"YOUR WHAT? DUTY? DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH. YOU BETRAYED YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOU JOINED THAT WRETCHED ORDER, AND YOU BETRAY ME STILL BY HIDING BEHIND THE WET SKIRTS OF YOUR COWARDLY UNCLE."[/font][font color="bdcaca"] Standing full at attention, Hiroshi turned toward Ken'ichi and, in a wide stance, put both hands impatiently on his hips.[/font][font color="#c519e6"] "You think that by abstaining from this conflict, Sozen and his ilk will spare Tetsuo and those that follow him? Hardly. They are waiting for an opportunity to seize our lands and force the Shihoin under their booted heel. The Kawada are a threat to our existence, and must be defeated."[/font][font color="bdcaca"] Spying Ken'ichi's thumb poised over the tsuba of his weapon, and instantly recognizing its importance, Hiroshi's eyes narrowed in renewed fury. [/font][font color="#c519e6"]"YOU THINK TO STRIKE ME? YOU'RE OWN FATHER? FINE! DRAW YOUR BLADE BOY. LET US SETTLE THIS AGE-OLD DISPUTE ONCE AND FOR ALL." [/font]

[font color="#d6ca70"]"Father please - I don't want to do this. I don't want it to be this way between us."[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] [/font]

[font color="#c519e6"]"YOU MADE YOUR CHOICE. LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES". [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Moving swiftly, Hiroshi drew his zanpakutou with one swift movement, slashing down with a lethal blow aimed at Ken'ichi's throat. Reacting swiftly, Ken'ichi unsheathed his own weapon, and with a rising slash, met his fathers blow with a resounding clash of steel against steel. Trading blows several more times, the ring of metal echoed across Hiroshi's study before the two combatants disengaged to size each other up. Circling warily, Ken'ichi took one last attempt to force his father to see reason. [/font]

[font color="#d6ca70"]"Father, you are sick. Power has addled your mind and filled your head with lustful thoughts of even greater power. This is not like you".[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Blocking yet another blow, Ken'ichi lowered his gaze for a moment as tears welled in his eyes as he knew what he must do next. Glancing about to see if any spiders were in the area, Ken'ichi steeled himself, gritting his nerves, and through clenched teeth, cried out his release command. [/font][font color="#d6ca70"][i]"Ooze and flow forth, Suigin Kawa!"[/i][/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]In the place of his katana, Ken'ichi now held a beautiful gilded rapier in his left hand, while a matching bladed gauntlet adorned the right. Not wasting any time with how beautiful his weapon is, Ken'ichi raised the needle-point of his weapon aiming it directly at Hiroshi's throat. [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"Father, you leave me no choice"[/font][font color="#bdcaca"] he declared, emotion welling in his voice. With a swift slash of his rapier, Ken'ichi unleashed a volley of razor sharp metallic feathers hurtling toward his fathers unprotected flank.[/font]

[font color="#c519e6"][i]"Utsusemi."[/i][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Dodging swiftly with the help of the most powerful stepping technique known to exist, Hiroshi gave a full-throated chuckle as he appeared behind his wayward son. Expecting such a maneuver, Ken'ichi pirouetted to meet Hiroshi's blade, steel clashing once again against steel. The force of the blow reverberated through Ken'ichi's arm, as he watched with horror as his father's zanpakutou weakened, and became pliable before his strike. Knowing full well the strength of his son's zanpakutou however, Hiroshi was not at all surprised at this result. [/font]

[font color="#c519e6"][i]"Rikujokoro!"[/i][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Point blank beams of light slammed into the space where Ken'ichi was standing only to pass harmlessly through his body... [/font]

[font color="#d6ca70"][i]"Shinkirou!" [/i][/font][font color="#bdcaca"]Following up the powerful stepping technique, Ken'ichi pressed his advantage while his father was still recovering from his spell. [/font][font color="#d6ca70"][i]"Shunpo Karin!"[/i][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] Crying out the name of the partial step technique, Ken'ichi channeled his reiatsu into increasing the speed of his arm as he lashed out with a furious blow at his fathers exposed arm, hoping to weaken his ability to cast spells by weakening, if not liquefying his fathers outstretched hand. Unfortunately for him, his fathers superior speed got the better of him, and with a swift blurring motion, his father stepped to the far side of the room.[/font]

[font color="#c519e6"]"Enough of these games. I tire of your antics. Let me show you why I am the only one fit to lead the Shihoin clan and why you, your cousins, and my brothers will never be fit to lead our proud family to glory! [i]Weave, spin, and ensnare, Kurogokegumo![/i]" [/font][font color="#bdcaca"]With his zanpakutou dissolving away, Hiroshi was momentarily left defenseless, or so it seemed at first. Ken'ichi was not fooled however, for he knew full well the deadly effect of his fathers Kurogokegumo, known as the "Black widow Spider". Scanning his eyes about the room, Ken'ichi spied a half-dozen likely candidates which his father would likely turn his powers on. Sure enough, each of the small common spiders began to grow in size rapidly, first as big as a mouse, then a house cat, to the size of a dog, and finally until each of them was the size of a horse. All of this took but seconds of time, and each of the now glowing rainbow colored spiders flanked Hiroshi defensively, while their dagger-long fangs dripped potent venom as they glared at Ken'ichi in expectation. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Hiroshi's zanpakutou was the envy of the Shihoin clan. A true wonder worthy of any assassin within the Onmitsukidou. Capable of asserting complete and total domination of any spiders within its aura, while empowering them with a variety of lethal venoms, Hiroshi was well known to have used his zanpakutou to assist in the near perfect assassination of many targets throughout the centuries, for none would suspect a simple spider as being the tool of an assassin. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]Clicking their mandibles in agitation, Hiroshi directed two of the beasts to advance toward Ken'ichi. Scuttling toward him with surprising speed, Ken'ichi dashed forward, and ducking low, slashed one of the creatures across its right side, severing three of its legs and causing the creature to fall to the floor, writhing in agony as its internal organs liquefied into silvery, metallic ooze. Turning swiftly, Ken'ichi pivoted on one knee, slashing upward with his zanpakutou to deflect a lethal bite from the second creature, liquefying the creatures fang as it retreated to safety. [/font]

[font color="#c519e6"][i]"Hainawa!"[/i][/font][font color="#bdcaca"] yelled Hiroshi as the third creature bore down on Ken'ichi battling for his life. Yellow ribbons of reiatsu snaked toward his son, wrapping themselves tightly about his weapon limb and binding it to his side while the third spider lept atop the near helpless shinigami, splashing him with a drop of venom, as it swiftly rolled him tightly in a cocoon of spiritually hardened webbing, as hard as high-tensile cable. [/font]

[/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70"][b]⊰〖• THE TOXIC DREAM BEGINS •〗⊱[/b][/font][/div][div align="justify"][font color="#bdcaca"]That single splash of venom was all it took to cloud Ken'ichi's mind for but a single moment, long enough to sink its fangs deep within his exposed body and inject him with paralyzing venom laced with mind-altering illusions. These illusions weaved into reality, filling Ken'ichi's head with visions of the continuing battle, and his inevitable defeat. While Ken'ichi believed he struggled and persevered against his father, the battle was already lost and the ongoing struggle continued only within his mind. Meanwhile, with his son defeated, Hiroshi stormed out of his office to continue his assault on the Kawada, and his fateful encounter with Jinbei Kawada. After all, he had to keep up appearances, and the conflict with his son, however brief, delayed him longer than planned. [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca"]From hereon out, Ken'ichi's history is but an illusion-induced dream. Paralyzed by his fathers venom, Ken'ichi was helpless as soldiers from the Gotei 13 found the comatose youth, and, believing him to be in league with his father, carried his near-dead body to the Kuchiki manor for sentencing. While unaware of what happened in the world around him, Ken'ichi was wrongfully imprisoned in the upper reaches of the Senzaikyu prison as a traitor to Soul Society in the hopes of being leverage to lure Hiroshi into making a fateful error by trying to rescue his son. Little did they know, Hiroshi fully planned to allow himself to become imprisoned within the Senzaikyu, nor did they know of the recent battle between Hiroshi and his son, or the fact Hiroshi held nothing but contempt for Ken'ichi and would sooner see him rot than rescue him.[/font]

[div style="text-align:center;"][b style="font-size:10pt;"][font color="#d6ca70"]⊰〖• VENOMOUS DREAMS UNFOLD •〗⊱[/font][/b][/div][i style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"][b style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"]Release me now Ken'ichi. You have trained long and hard, and know that your father is too strong to defeat with just your shikai alone.[/b][font color="#bdcaca"] 

[/font][font color="#d6ca70"]I cannot. I am not ready, I have only just learned how to release you Suigin, and I am nowhere near ready to use your true form in battle. I need decades more practice before I hope to ever use those powers effectively.[/font][/i][i style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"] [/i][font style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);" color="#bdcaca"] [/font]

[i style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);font-weight:bold;"]If you do not release me, your father will slay you here and now and you will never have the chance to perfect our powers. [/i]

[i style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"][font color="#d6ca70"]Sorry Suigin. I know you mean well, but I think I have one last trick up my sleeve that might do the job. While I haven't mastered it yet, I am sure our new shikai technique is more than enough to get me out of this horrible bind we find ourselves in.[/font][/i]

[font color="#c159e6"]"Don't you see Son?" Hiroshi beemed triumphant. "You were never a match for me. My spiders could have slain you where you lay but I am willing to spare you this one last chance. Join with me and we can defeat the Kawada together." [/font]

[font color="#bdcaca" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"]While his body was immobilized by his fathers technique, Hainawa left Ken'ichi's mouth unaffected, allowing him to speak. Through muffled webbing, Ken'ichi's determined voice could be heard. [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"Sorry father, I decline. [b][i]SUIGIN KEITAI![/i][/b]"[/font][font style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);" color="#d6ca70"] [/font][font color="#bdcaca" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"]Unlike most of Ken'ichi's techniques, this one did not liquefy his enemies or his environment, but rather liquefied himself. As Ken'ichi felt his zanpakutou melt into his restrained limbs, Ken'ichi's body took on a metallic hue beneath the steel-like webs. Closing his eyes and concentrating on his newly discovered powers, Ken'ichi willed his body to take on a liquid metallic form, losing physical cohesion, and melting into a silvery, protoplasmic blob not unlike a massive amoeba or slime mould. Sliding out from the bindings preventing him from moving, and squeezing his protoplasmic form through narrow gaps in the spiders webbing, Ken'ichi poured himself down the gullet of the third spider, liquefying it from the inside out. Dissolving into a shower of liquid metal, the poor creature died in agony leaving a large 5' circular pool on the floor which swiftly merged with the puddle left by the first spider.[/font]

[font style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);" color="#bdcaca"]Rising from the center of the silvery-white liquid mass, Ken'ichi formed a large pseudopod which swiftly took the shape of Ken'ichi himself.[/font][font color="#d6ca70"][font] [/font]"Father, I am not as easily defeated as you would have believed".[/font][font color="#bdcaca" style="color:rgb(189, 202, 202);"] Concentrating yet further on his new technique, Ken'ichi willed his left hand to take on the appearance of a large, zweihander while his right took on the appearance of a large filigree kite shield, the outer edge of which formed an upswept razor-sharp feather pattern. Completing the transformation, Ken'ichi willed his limbs to solidify, at which point he pointed his zweihander arm at his father, the edge reflecting the light from the sun across its razor-thin blade.

[/font][font color="#d6ca70"]"This doesn't have to be this way, but I will stop you Father" [/font]

[/div][/font][/div][/blockquote][font color="bdcaca"]┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛[/font]
[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" size="5"]⊰〖•  [/font][font color="d6ca70" size="5"]⊱❀⊰[/font][font color="bdcaca" size="5"] •〗⊱[/font] [/div][/div]

[Deleted]

┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⊱❀⊰ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓

⊰〖• ____________S T A T I S T I C S___________ •〗⊱

⊰〖• ATTRIBUTES •〗⊱ Strength 100 Speed 400 Reiatsu Strength 400 (1000) Spiritual Pressure 250 (625) Instinct 300 (450) Senses 125 Energy Sensory 25 Healing Expertise 0 Light Aura 55 Dark Aura 45 SP 1600 Reiatsu 6250 Modifiers +150% RS; +150% SpPr; +50% Instinct ⊰〖• SKILLS •〗⊱ Mental Analyzing Calm Mind 2 2 Battle Weapons: Sword Battle Analysis Hakuda 3 3 1 Body None - Utility Science (Physics) 3 ❀    Science: You are gifted in the sciences. A 1 indicates you have the scientific knowledge of someone with a Bachelors in Science. A 2 indicates someone with a Masters degree. A 3 indicates you have a Doctorate in Science. A 4 indicates someone whose contributions to science have earned them a Nobel Prize nomination or Laureate. As a general rule, your general scientific knowledge is 1 step lower than your specialty (i.e a 3 would be treated as a 2).

┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛

⊰〖•  ⊱❀⊰ •〗⊱

[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca"]┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━[font size="5" color="d6ca70"] ⊱❀⊰ [/font][font]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓[/font][/font][/div][div align="center"][font color="d6ca70" size="3"][b]⊰〖• [u]____________S T A T I S T I C S___________[/u] •〗⊱[/b][/font]

[div align="justify"]
[table style="width: 50%; text-align: justify; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"]
[tr][td style="padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 45px;"][table style="float: left; width: 100%;"]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Section (Attributes): Strength, Speed, RS, SpPr, Instinct, Senses, Energy Sensory, L.Aura, D.Aura, HE,
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[tr style="border-bottom: 1px solid #d6ca70;"][td colspan="8" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; color: #d6ca70;"]⊰〖• ATTRIBUTES •〗⊱[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Strength[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Strength): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca"]50 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td]

[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Speed[/td]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Speed): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px; "][font color="#bdcaca"]400 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Reiatsu Strength[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Reiatsu Strength): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca"]400 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"](1000)
[/td]

[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Spiritual Pressure[/td]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Spiritual Pressure): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px; "][font color="#bdcaca"]250 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"](625)
[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70;"][font size="1"]Instinct[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Instinct): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca"]300 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"](450)
[/td]

[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Senses[/td]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Senses): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px; "][font color="#bdcaca"]150 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Energy Sensory[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Energy Sensory): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca"]50 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td]

[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Healing Expertise[/td]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Healing Expertise): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px; "][font color="#bdcaca"]0 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Light Aura[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Light Aura): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca"]55 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td]

[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Dark Aura[/td]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Dark Aura): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px; "][font color="#bdcaca"]45 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; border-bottom: 1px solid #d6ca70;"][font size="1"]SP[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Stat Points): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca"]1600 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td]

[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; "][font size="1"]Reiatsu[/td]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Reiatsu): When updating, only change the number at the end of the line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: left; padding: 5px; "][font color="#bdcaca"]6250 [/font][font color="#d6ca70"]
[/td][/tr]


[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td colspan="2" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70;"][font size="1"]Modifiers[/td]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attribute (Stat Adjustments): A brief description of all stat adjustments from type, and position.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: justify; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"][font color="#bdcaca" size="1"]+150% RS; [/td]
[td colspan="2" style="text-align: justify; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"][font color="#bdcaca" size="1"]+150% SpPr; [/td]

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: right; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"][font color="#bdcaca" size="1"]+50% Instinct[/td][/tr]

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Section (Skills): Mental, Battle, Body, Utility
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[tr][td colspan="8"]
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr][td colspan="8" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #d6ca70; padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; color: #d6ca70;"]⊰〖• SKILLS •〗⊱[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr style="border-bottom: 1px sold #d6ca70;"][td colspan="3" style="padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #d6ca70; vertical-align: top;"][font size="1"]Mental[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mental Skills: List each skill on a separate line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="3" style="padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca" size="1"]Analyzing
Calm Mind
[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Mental Skills (Rank): List each skill # on a separate line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: right; vertical-align: top; padding: 5px;"][font color="#d6ca70" size="1"]2
2
[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr style="border-bottom: 1px sold #d6ca70;"][td colspan="3" style="color: #d6ca70; padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"][font size="1"]Battle[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Battle SKills: List each skill on a separate line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="3" style="padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca" size="1"]Weapons: Sword
Battle Analysis
Hakuda
[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Battle Skills (Rank): List each skill # on a separate line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="text-align: right; vertical-align: top; padding: 5px;"][font color="#d6ca70" size="1"]3
3
1
[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr style="border-bottom: 1px sold #d6ca70;"][td colspan="3" style="color: #d6ca70; padding: 5px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"][font size="1"]Body[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Body Skills: List each skill on a separate line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="3" style="padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca" size="1"]None
[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Body Skills (Rank): List each skill # on a separate line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right; padding: 5px;"][font color="#d6ca70" size="1"]-
[/td][/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr style="border-bottom: 1px solid #d6ca70;"][td colspan="3" style="color: #d6ca70; padding: 5px; font-weight: bold;"][font size="1"]Utility[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Utility Skills: List each skill on a separate line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="3" style="padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top; font-weight: bold;  padding: 5px;"][font color="#bdcaca" size="1"]Science (Physics)
[/td]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Utility Skills (Rank): List each skill # on a separate line.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[td colspan="2" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;  padding: 5px;"][font color="#d6ca70" size="1"]3
[/td]
[/tr]

[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr][td colspan="8"][/td][/tr]
[tr][td colspan="8"][font color="d6ca70"]❀    [u][b]Science:[/b][/u][/font][font color="bdcaca"] You are gifted in the sciences. A 1 indicates you have the scientific knowledge of someone with a Bachelors in Science. A 2 indicates someone with a Masters degree. A 3 indicates you have a Doctorate in Science. A 4 indicates someone whose contributions to science have earned them a Nobel Prize nomination or Laureate. As a general rule, your general scientific knowledge is 1 step lower than your specialty (i.e a 3 would be treated as a 2).

[/td][/tr][/table]
[/div]

[font color="bdcaca"]┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛[/font]
[div align="center"][font color="bdcaca" size="5"]⊰〖•  [/font][font color="d6ca70" size="5"]⊱❀⊰[/font][font color="bdcaca" size="5"] •〗⊱[/font][/div][/div]

[Col Arana]

Alright. Sorry for the delay. Took.... Took a bit to get through this. Well done on the profile.

As you are applying for a high rank position, I will be grading as such.

Fighting Style

[/b]

My only note for this section is that you have listed a number of fighting styles and techniques, and you may need to allocate Skill Points to many of these. For example, this section:

"Ken'ichi is not only skilled in the use of a daishō, but is also proficient in the use of other paired weapons as well (such as paired axes, escrima, sais, and other such weapons). He is not however trained in the use of paired flails (such as paired nunchaku), however he is somewhat proficient in the use of mismatched weapons (such as a sword and axe), although his proficiency drops to a mere Weapon Skill of 1."

Would require Skillpoints to be added to these particular weapon sets to ensure you are indeed skilled in their use. Certainly you could theoretically use alternative skills to get by with these weapons (such as Swords), but it would be more akin to an improvised weapon utilizing sword techniques, rather than actually being skilled with the weapon in question.

"So honed his his use of Iaijutsu, that an opponent requires at least 250 Senses, and an Instinct equal to his Speed in order to react to it effectively. Once Ken'ichi has used this technique once in a thread, opponents can more easily predict his use, even if they lack sufficient Senses to see the strike itself."

Unfortunately this kind of idea would require a specific Technique, and is not the sort of thing that can be added in one's Fighting Style.

"⊰〖• GENIUS INTELLECT •〗⊱
❀   "

Just making sure you are aware but there is nothing else written here. I'm uncertain if this was meant to be an extra section to your Fighting Style, or just the capstone. Not that your Fighting Style needs any additions, it's incredibly detailed, and by far the most in-depth and impressive one I've read so far, but I just thought it might be good to bring this to your attention.

In all cases, spiritual creations are immune to the liquefaction effects of Suigin Kawa if the effect has 2+ Class Level superiority, was created by a higher stage release, or the opponent has 50%

I advise dropping this to 1+ Class level superiority, otherwise this is fine.

Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū is fully 50 feet long from nose to tip, and has a wingspan almost equal in length.

Minor detail but this will need to be reduced to forty feet, as per size limitation rules.

Worse yet, the formerly harmless pools of liquefied material created by Ken'ichi's zanpakutou techniques and shikai abilities now gain the same liquefaction property as his zanpakutou itself. While previously, contact with such liquid was harmless, upon entering Bankai, any such matter becomes yet another extension of his zanpakutou and is treated as such for all purposes.

I recommend a brief "start-up" period for this part of your Overall. Otherwise, given your ability to liquefy individuals as mentioned in your Shikai, this could get out of hand extremely quickly, with a single finger scratch extending across the entire rest of a character's body relatively quickly. Taking one or two posts before this ability comes into effect with newly created liquid-metal seems reasonable.

Mercury Blade

Recommend raising the reiatsu cost on this technique up to 50, mainly for the ability to treat your Sword Skill as other weapons, as that is a pretty potent ability even if it only relates to your Zanpakuto.

While this technique is active, Ken'ichi's limbs and body count as his zanpakutou for the purpose of activating his Ittō Suigin and Ekitai-kō no kishi techniques

Just for the sake of clarification, does this technique indicate that Ken'ichi is able to basically give his body Class 4 (or 2) Offensive-Strength level durability via the hardening function? Something like that may be a bit on the strong side and may need a few more checks and balances, though on the whole, if this is not the case, then this technique is actually pretty balanced.

Dragonbreath

A technique that boosts your Reiatsu Strength and requires a 50% superiority to adequately defend against it, is a little too much. I would remove one or the other, even accounting for the limitation that Class 1 techniques are super effective as defenses.


------

Overall, it's VERY apparent that you've put a lot of work into this, and have generally paid pretty close attention to site balance. Most of your techniques are powerful, but not in a ridiculously imbalanced way.

I cannot quite give it my stamp of approval just yet, due to some of the smaller issues I have above, but on the whole, this is an exceptionally put together application. Well done.

[Deleted]

Fighting Style

My only note for this section is that you have listed a number of fighting styles and techniques, and you may need to allocate Skill Points to many of these. For example, this section:

"Ken'ichi is not only skilled in the use of a daishō, but is also proficient in the use of other paired weapons as well (such as paired axes, escrima, sais, and other such weapons). He is not however trained in the use of paired flails (such as paired nunchaku), however he is somewhat proficient in the use of mismatched weapons (such as a sword and axe), although his proficiency drops to a mere Weapon Skill of 1."

Would require Skillpoints to be added to these particular weapon sets to ensure you are indeed skilled in their use. Certainly you could theoretically use alternative skills to get by with these weapons (such as Swords), but it would be more akin to an improvised weapon utilizing sword techniques, rather than actually being skilled with the weapon in question.

This passage was a holdover from an earlier draft and was missed in editing.

I have rewritten this passage to clarify that it only applies in respect to the use of Ken'ichi's Ittou Suigin technique. See Nitojutsu (above) for the rewritten passage.

"So honed his his use of Iaijutsu, that an opponent requires at least 250 Senses, and an Instinct equal to his Speed in order to react to it effectively. Once Ken'ichi has used this technique once in a thread, opponents can more easily predict his use, even if they lack sufficient Senses to see the strike itself."

Unfortunately this kind of idea would require a specific Technique, and is not the sort of thing that can be added in one's Fighting Style.

I intended to write a custom non-release technique reflecting this ability but was uncertain whether I was allowed to include it in my app prior to the technique being approved.

I have added a placeholder technique (in my non-release section), and have revised the wording of this section, including most of this information in a temporary quote block so that I remember what I wanted the technique to achieve. See revised wording in Iaijutsu above.

"⊰〖• GENIUS INTELLECT •〗⊱
❀   "

Just making sure you are aware but there is nothing else written here. I'm uncertain if this was meant to be an extra section to your Fighting Style, or just the capstone. Not that your Fighting Style needs any additions, it's incredibly detailed, and by far the most in-depth and impressive one I've read so far, but I just thought it might be good to bring this to your attention.

Weird. That used to be there. It must have been accidentally deleted. I will rewrite it.

In all cases, spiritual creations are immune to the liquefaction effects of Suigin Kawa if the effect has 2+ Class Level superiority, was created by a higher stage release, or the opponent has 50%

I advise dropping this to 1+ Class level superiority, otherwise this is fine.

Done.

Ten no Suigin Shin Ryū is fully 50 feet long from nose to tip, and has a wingspan almost equal in length.

Minor detail but this will need to be reduced to forty feet, as per size limitation rules.

Done.

Worse yet, the formerly harmless pools of liquefied material created by Ken'ichi's zanpakutou techniques and shikai abilities now gain the same liquefaction property as his zanpakutou itself. While previously, contact with such liquid was harmless, upon entering Bankai, any such matter becomes yet another extension of his zanpakutou and is treated as such for all purposes.

I recommend a brief "start-up" period for this part of your Overall. Otherwise, given your ability to liquefy individuals as mentioned in your Shikai, this could get out of hand extremely quickly, with a single finger scratch extending across the entire rest of a character's body relatively quickly. Taking one or two posts before this ability comes into effect with newly created liquid-metal seems reasonable.

That's not exactly how it works. The liquefaction property does not spread to other hit locations. If someone stepped in a puddle, only that foot/leg would be affected (as I kept the hit locations to the torso + 5 extremities for simplicity). If that is still too powerful would it make more sense to make this feature a zan technique instead? Alternately, I could give it a 2 post delay while this effect charges.

Mercury Blade

Recommend raising the reiatsu cost on this technique up to 50, mainly for the ability to treat your Sword Skill as other weapons, as that is a pretty potent ability even if it only relates to your Zanpakuto.

Done.

While this technique is active, Ken'ichi's limbs and body count as his zanpakutou for the purpose of activating his Ittō Suigin and Ekitai-kō no kishi techniques

Just for the sake of clarification, does this technique indicate that Ken'ichi is able to basically give his body Class 4 (or 2) Offensive-Strength level durability via the hardening function? Something like that may be a bit on the strong side and may need a few more checks and balances, though on the whole, if this is not the case, then this technique is actually pretty balanced.

I don't understand what you mean by hardening function and would require more explanation before I can address this concern.

Dragonbreath

A technique that boosts your Reiatsu Strength and requires a 50% superiority to adequately defend against it, is a little too much. I would remove one or the other, even accounting for the limitation that Class 1 techniques are super effective as defenses.

Done. Reiatsu boost removed.

[Col Arana]

I intended to write a custom non-release technique reflecting this ability but was uncertain whether I was allowed to include it in my app prior to the technique being approved.

I have added a placeholder technique (in my non-release section), and have revised the wording of this section, including most of this information in a temporary quote block so that I remember what I wanted the technique to achieve. See revised wording in Iaijutsu above.

Yeah, this is something you'll have to add after you're approved.

That's not exactly how it works. The liquefaction property does not spread to other hit locations. If someone stepped in a puddle, only that foot/leg would be affected (as I kept the hit locations to the torso + 5 extremities for simplicity). If that is still too powerful would it make more sense to make this feature a zan technique instead? Alternately, I could give it a 2 post delay while this effect charges.

Aye, but let's just use an example and say you manage to liquefy someone's hand. Well... the moment the hand liquefies, the liquid that used to be the hand is now in contact with the subject's wrist/arm, which means that will now start to liquefy. And once that's finished liquefying, the next part of the body is now in contact with the liquid that used to be the arm, and so on and so-forth.

This is why I recommend a short delay before this new liquid can be used in this manner.

I don't understand what you mean by hardening function and would require more explanation before I can address this concern.

"Ken'ichi can overcome this drawback by temporarily solidifying parts of his body, transforming the chosen limb(s), torso, and/or head into a solid-metal surface. Body parts which have been solidified in this manner can be injured (as if they were metallic spiritual objects), restrained or impeded by anything such objects would be normally unable to pass through."

My question is, if Ken'ichi hardens himself in such a manner, does that mean his body has the same durability that his Zanpakuto would normally have? Similarly, you state that he can use his body for the purposes of Ekitai-kō no kishi, does that mean he can essentially give his very body the durability of the technique?

[Deleted]

Addressed all outstanding concerns. Let me know if these changes are sufficient.

- Added genius intellect section back

- Reworded problematic section of bankai overall

- Removed Suigin Ketai’s ability to use Ekitai-kō no kishi; clarified the limitations of the ability and largely removed the problematic section in drawbacks. Instead, only the hands/arms can become weapons (but can’t liquefy matter while doing so). This would let me make physical attacks only but otherwise grant no other features (excluding the stated Defenses).

- I also made sure to mention his vulnerability to electric, fire, and cold attacks during the form (a drawback which I noticed was accidentally deleted from the technique)

[Col Arana]

Alright. Well, to be fair, the Fighting Style was fine before, and you didn't add anything objectionable to it so that's still more than okay.


One last thing, that I missed on my first read-through. Please clarify how many darts are launched during any individual use of Hane Yaiba. Your base use specifies firing a "volley" of darts, and that's fine, but it will be good to know how many projectiles constitute a volley.

Other than that, I think I'm fine with your fixes!

[Deleted]

Added the following section to Hane Yaiba to clarify the size of the effect.

While the exact number of projectiles varies with each attack, all of the projectiles count as a single object/effect for the purpose of whether the opponent can defend against this attack. In shikai, this attack releases between 3 and 10 darts with each attack and has a radius of approximately 1 foot (2 ft diameter), or roughly the size of a typical medieval shield. In Bankai, the radius increases to 3 feet (6 feet in diameter) and contains between 15 and 30 razor sharp feathers. Alternately, Ken'ichi can create a thin line of darts about 3 feet across and 1 inch wide (9 feet across in Bankai).

[Col Arana]

Alright, then this looks good to me. Nice job.

You have my 1/2.