Hollowhunting (Joint Training (Valetin, Adolf, Kazuna), R)

[Deleted]

Taken by surprise by Kazuna's speed, Adolf had very little time to protect himself against any form of attack. As soon as he saw the Espada make his way up the tree, Adolf readied his sheathed blade, holding it above his head, acting as some form of thin, improvised shield. Though, Adolf hadn't planned to use it as a shield. Instead, he took a step back after realizing Kazuna was about to strike, and released a hand on his weapon. He quickly wove the katana underneath of the blade of Kazuna's scythe, resting tightly against both the bottom of the blade, and the staff itself.

Adolf's plan was to pull back Desamor, hopefully either disarming Kazuna, or taking him along with the weapon, though the main problem was that Adolf might not have been strong enough to actually be able to pull that off. Thankfully, and in surprise to Adolf, Kazuna had launched a Bala in his direction. Though completely unplanned, Adolf had decided to use this to his advantage against Kazuna. He held on tight to his weapon, and braced for impact.

Being a Bala, it wasn't exactly the most pleasant feeling to have to deal with, but it was something he had decided to put up with for the sake of a possible advantage in combat. From where this was currently headed, Adolf had had a few plans. If Kazuna were to have allowed himself to be pulled with his scythe, Adolf'd attempt to twist his body while still holding onto the scythe, as to possibly have Kazuna take any of the impact from having hit another tree, or something of the like, which could've potentially led into an attack for either one of them to make.

If Kazuna had released the scythe, Adolf was planning to do something similar, though halfway through the rotation, he'd release one hand from desamor; specifically, the hand opposite of the direction he was rotating. This would've potentially sent Kazuna's scythe flying in a different direction, giving Adolf the chance to strike, or take the time to think of another strategy. Either way, he'd still be suffering from the Bala, which most certainly wouldn't be fun.

[Ailene Haschiro]

Being blocked by Desamor admittedly had Kazuna intrigued. His stance on defensive fighting was admirable even in this case although it may have been the best option considering that Kazuna had only fired off a bala, not something extreme such as a cero. Kazuna for a split second shifted his gaze over Valentin, noting the hollow's desire to spectate instead of truly get involved. In fact, Kazuna saw Valentin as more of a referee in this case than someone that he would have to contend with although Kazuna had a strange feeling that if he were to get involved, it would be a difficult fight even if Adolf and Kazuna teamed up.

With this, Kazuna looked back at Adolf who had at this point, blocked the scythe with what felt like equal strength. Kazuna thought about the bala and how Adolf may feel after it. At this point, Kazuna was without any options and as such he decided to see how the situation with the Bala would "play out" since he was practically lodged in place and wasn't looking to let go of Kurakusabyou and be disarmed. It was with this that Kazuna gripped his weapon as strongly as he could to see how this would go. He would hope to use Adolf's next move as a way to retaliate if possible.

[Deleted]

Adolf followed Kazuna's actions, and gripped Desamor tighter. Though, unlike Kazuna, he pulled his weapon closer to him, trying to take Kazuna with him. The plan was to surprise Kazuna with an offensive maneuver, as opposed to what was happening for most of the "fight" so far, if it could even be called that. It was more Adolf running from any attack, than a fight. Though, that was planned to change here. Adolf pulled his weapon from behind his opponent's and stepped to Kazuna's side as best as he could, while still being somewhat in front of him. Adolf was positioned at what could be compared to a forty degree angle compared to where he last was, if that spot would've been zero. 

Adolf jumped from the tree branch, while also changing his grip on Desamor, to hold it like a normal sword would be held. While he was still fairly level with Kazuna, he attempted to swing at his target's head with full force. Though that didn't mean much with Adolf's current strength, he was still physically exerting himself to strike his target. If he had missed somehow, the fall down would've been his cover, and he would try to slide down by holding Desamor against the stump of the tree to slow his fall. If he had ended up hitting, Adolf was planning to grab on to the branch before passing, and pull himself back up onto it. If he had hit, that's exactly what he would do.

[Valentin Acciai]

Admittedly spectating the fight between the youngling Arrancar was a bit dull, when stripped of their Resurreccion they were less of a threat than lesser Adjuchas with their limited selection of abilities. Their fight should have been spirited enough to entertain Valentin but they were just too far below Valentin to ever amaze him, the battle being something he could see regular non spiritually aware humans capable of if you ignored the balas flying about, an amazing feat if it were indeed regular humans pulling it off. But these were not humans, they were Arrancar who dared name themselves as Espada so it made their battle pitiable in his eyes. 

Letting it continue just a little more Valentin pushed his back away from the tree and stood on top of the root, his jaw unhinging as a sword pommel of bone extended out from his mouth among the many teeth. Grabbing on to it he pulled it out as a handle soon appeared followed by a cross guard and lastly, a long double edged blade of jagged bone spines. In it's full form the blade had roughly the shape of a longsword although much more wicked looking now that the whole thing was out and Valentin closed his jaws once more. But not for long did they stay closed as with sword in hand he had become far too restless to just keep watching.

''Alright kiddos, that's enough. New target is me, we're going to be raising the difficulty a little but not to worry i'll be playing around on easy mode.'' the Adjuchas stated confidently as he looked down on the two and rested his sword atop his carapace protected shoulder. ''Now then, entertain me!'' he demanded of them, together they should be able to provide a challenge if they were able to cooperate well enough. To be honest Valentin doubted they would be able to make such a joint effort against him but the Adjuchas would try to stay positive on their chances as he remained still on the root with sword in hand awaiting their approach.

SPOILER: Click to show

{La Mia Spada}Technique Name: La mia spada

Class: [4]

Technique Type: [Hollow]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [Hollow]

Technique Element: [Organic]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): [This technique allows Valentin to forge swords from his very own bone, the weapon has no decided length or form and is generated according to his desires at the time. Spending a large amount of Reiatsu the blade is infused with his Spiritual energy and as such can compete and hold it's own against things such as Zanpakuto using whatever is his dominant offensive stat to determine durability and cutting power. The sword once finished is a permanent object in the world although the spiritual energy of it will fade within an hour and reduce it to no more than an ornament. 100 Reiatsu Cost.]

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [Standing straight and opening his jaw the hilt will extend outwards from his mouth for his hand to then grab onto and pull out from his body. Ready to be wielded.]

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) (Insert Below)

It takes a few second for the blade to come out, creating an opening.

Incantation and Effect:

Made By: Valentin Acciai

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): [Yes]

-100 La Mia Spada

1500/2000 Reiatsu

[Ailene Haschiro]

Kazuna was incredibly surprised by this maneuver. This entire time, Adolf had barely executed any form of offensive maneuver, but this time he was using his blade to his advantage. As Kazuna grabbed Kurakusabyou and watched Adolf jump into the air, preparing to execute his strike, Kazuna heard the voice of Valentin call out to them both. With a swift motion, Kazuna jumped back to create noticeable distance between both himself and Adolf. He kept a close eye on Adolf in case he tried anything, but at the same time he was eyeing Valentin with curiosity.

He watched as Valentin crafted a sword that sprouted from his mouth. As he took his blade in hand, Kazuna looked with utmost interest. He looked at Adolf who was hopefully not wanting to attack him. "Adolf...It may be in our best interest to tackle this foe in a pair. As much as I hate to say it, that bala from earlier packed a punch so I do believe he can back up his words.", he spoke softly. His gaze turning apathetic and his voice cold, he added, "Let's back up our title of Espada." Despite being a paradigm of nihilism, Kazuna felt deep care towards his title. It gave him a sense of standing in the world. He looked at Valentin, Kurakusabyou gripped tightly, waiting for Adolf's response so that they may tackle Valentin together.

[Deleted]

Adolf smiled. "I've got your back if you've got mine," he said, holding up his blade towards the hollow. Adolf mentally thanked Valentin for doing this, as it would give him and Kazuna some time to fight together, and possibly bond through it, as well as making up for the past. Though it wasn't a lot of time, their first impressions on each other weren't exactly the strongest, and it wouldn't hurt to fix those by any means. "So what's the plan?" Adolf asked, "He's clearly stronger than us. There's no doubting that, and no point in doubting that. Our chance of beating him offensively is also fairly limited, as shown from what he can already do, he's got a form of regeneration. Most attacks that we could try to do will be rendered pointless. Defensively, we also have a problem there. You said yourself that the bala could back up his words. That being said, we're going to have a rather rough time trying to do that defensively."

Adolf jumped over towards Kazuna, doing everything he could to make it apparent that he wasn't looking to fight anymore. He forced himself to make eye contact with the Espada. "Our chances of winning this aren't as bad as one may originally think," Adolf said somewhat quietly, "As long as we're smart about how we do this, our chance at victory does nothing but increase. For that, though, we need to play to each other's strengths. I myself am more of a defensive fighter. I prefer to protect, rather than attack. Not to brag or anything, but I do believe I do a fairly good job at that. From what I've observed from you, you don't particularly care for waiting around. You seem to be more of an offensive fighter, correct me if I'm wrong. If we fight by going on the defensive, and punishing mistakes, we could potentially have this fight in the bag."

[Valentin Acciai]

Well wasn't this positively adorable, the two could cooperate when faced with a superior foe. Valentin had to admit it felt a little strange to fight Arrancars which he didn't intend to eat but having eaten a handful of their kin just a little while ago corpses provided by Adolf his ever lingering hunger was more than manageable for holding back. But as for their way of cooperating Valentin felt it was a too much talking and too little fighting! ''You two want to wait? i told you to entertain me you know...'' the Adjuchas said as he crackled the finger joints in his free hand impatiently as he raised his head to look down on them from atop the roots, an intimidation tactic to be sure but the would be Espada would come to face far worse than Valentin's half arsed attempt.

''If you're not going to come first, i guess i'll just have to come to you instead!'' the Adjuchas stated and as such temporarily vanished from Hueco Mundo, disappearing into the depths of an Ulcera and traveling through the featureless dimension known as the valley of screams as he in the next moment reappeared a mere couple of feet behind where Kazuna stood and swung his longsword with both hands on the handle downwards in a direct and heavy blow, aiming to cleave his left arm from the shoulder to sever it, intending to let the kid keep his primary arm out of generosity. Valentin wanted to see how the much more aggressive of the two would deal with being forced on the defensive and if he could coax Adolf into becoming the counter attacker.

Of course Valentin had no intention to deal just one blow, a single blow could be parried and prevented so after having begun with a strong attack regardless if it was a success or not Valentin would attempt to dodge whatever blow came to retaliate and unleash a barrage of blows from his quick swordsmanship, familiar enough with the medieval weapon to treat it not as a clumsy forceful thing but instead a versatile serpent which would send out a myriad of jabs and slices towards the Arrancar to force him on the retreat as Valentin's goal from this point on wasn't to deal critical damage but instead force his opponent to parry only for Valentin's blade to instead redirect it's trajectory to aim for superficial or light wounds to any openings made as he forces the Arrancar to adapt his stance. Granted if he tried to make distance Valentin would of course follow and launch his attacks from there.

As for Adolf, he was expecting the man to launch a counterattack but as for what shape it would take there was no way to know just yet. For the moment Valentin would take no action against him if only to see what reaction he would face from the would be Espada number eight. Well, except for treating the green haired kid to a barrage of around 5 spikes fired off from Valentin's tail, flying at a speed of 600 towards him whenever he made his move. This was Valentin's version of taking it easy but as a hollow it was mighty similar to how he would play with his food, he had promised they weren't on the menu though so the only thing he demanded of the two Espada was that they don't accidentally die.


-50 Ulcera

1450/2000 Reiatsu

SPOILER: Click to show

{Ulcera}
Technique Name: Ulcera (Ulcer)

Class: 7

Technique Type: Stepping

Usable By: Hollows (Not Arrancar)

Technique Description and Effects: This technique is a basic stale for a Hollow's ability to slide in and out of the valley of screams at will when it is hunting or stalking prey. By gliding in and out of the space used by techniques like garganta or descorrer, a hollow can get around quickly. This technique operates similarly to a stepping technique, but only moves at 5x the user's speed. However, the user weaves through rips in the fabric of whatever world they are in, and as such the hollows exits, and then re-enters at the destination, Hollows do not lose awareness of the world as they move through an Ulcera, and can return to the material world mid-step in response to a threat or opportunity. This technique does not take up a Technique slot.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): See Above

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) Costs 75 reiatsu per step.

Made By: Ajora

Reserved?: No

[Ailene Haschiro]

Kazuna heard all that Adolf had to say and was lost in thought about how they could ever hope to beat Valentin. No doubt, it would be a difficult fight and the threat of consumption was not upon them, but Valentin still had a feeling of malevolence around him. After all, he was a hollow and Kazuna remembered those dreadful days as the mindless beast. Thankfully, however, Valentin had a sense of empathy and even humor which Kazuna found relieving in regards to their situation. This was all washed away as soon as Valentin finished his statement and quite literally disappeared leaving no energy trace behind.

Now paranoid, Kazuna was frantically looking around himself to try and track own Valentin, although this was ultimately not needed when Valentin appeared behind him. Despite catching Kazuna off guard as Valentin appeared to be deceiving, he moderately sensed the presence of someone pop up behind him. With a quick motion, Kazuna turned around and kicked back almost immediately. While traveling backward, Kazuna fired a bala at Valentin hoping to at least get him to back off. The strength of his reaitsu was not substantial by any means, but it could at least sting a tad.

As soon as Kazuna released the bala, he stood his ground now standing a good 20 ft away from Valentin. Along with his Bala, Kazuna believed that if he went after Adolf, Kazuna could lead in with a strike as Adolf was extremely defensive. He knew one thing for sure, he had to make use of the range of his scythe. On top of all of this, he would most likely have to make it up to Adolf for simply backing off, but Kazuna was in no mood to have any part of him sliced off despite the fact that Valentin could, in fact, regenerate limbs. For now, he was going to reserve his strength and play this slowly and methodically. Adolf keyed into his lack of patience, but that was simply for the fact that Adolf was well...easy to steamroll. He was defensive and Kazuna took advantage of that. He had to be careful with Valentin, however. Kazuna stood there, his feet buried in the ground, ready to close in quickly in case Valentin attacked Adolf.

[Valentin Acciai]

He had managed to get a good reaction out of Kazuna who indeed in the hollows eyes was much more promising in combat though still insufferable in personality, the Espada pretender had barely avoided him and even hurled a counterattack Valentin's way. A bala stereotypical as they were was often a good enough tool to remain useful no matter if you stood at the bottom or the top of the ladder of power, but against Valentin it was predictable, he was quite guilty of often relying on bala whenever he needed a distraction or some space to breathe so recognizing the telltale signs of the technique Valentin disappeared for a second time though an Ulcera to dodge the blow.

But he didn't appear anywhere near Kazuna no, the hollow was a bit peeved when it came to Adolf's unresponsiveness and as such reappeared behind the green haired boy and with the blunt side of his longsword slammed it against the side of his head, knocking the arrancar out cold in an instant as his head collided with the dirt. ''Now then, you get to have all of my attention instead. Don't die okay?'' the Adjuchas said with what would have been a devious grin but with his mask in the way of course it couldn't be seen but aiming his blade at the remaining arrancar the gesture should have come across fine regardless to the issues of communicating via facial expressions.

Soon after Valentin made a quick sprint for the remaining arrancar instead of of utilizing another Ulcera, he wanted to prove to the boy the difference of strength between them and thus proceeded towards his target in a straight line, teasing Kazuna to do the obvious and hurl bala or kido at him. Should it occur then Valentin would make use of an interesting technique in his arsenal, Redirection, an ability which he would use to simply eat any bala or cero sent hurling at him and then spit it back at his opponent, stronger than it was before. Should such have occurred it would provide the Adjuchas with an ample opening to swing his blade at full force to knock away the arrancar's weapon temporarily as with his agile frame his true attack would come from a speeding high kick aimed for his head and should it fail his tail would follow for a second hit with all the thorns aimed away from the boy as to not skewer him.

if Kazuna proved able to find Valentin off however then the hollow would play even more unfairly and jump back two hurl three balas at his foe in quick succession after each other only with enough spacing to confirm his hits as to not waste precious Reiatsu. The bala wouldn't be sent at full force, that might kill the boy, but they would be far stronger than the blow that had previously knocked him off his feet. The aim of these bala being to pummel Kazuna either to unconsciousness or to a state that would see him unfit to fight any further. Luckily for them even if he did manage to knock the both of them out he had given them his promise that he would not consume them even if arrancar were without doubt his favourite food. Valentin was weird like that, being a hollow that actually keeps his promises.


-75 Ulcera

1375/2000 Reiatsu

SPOILER: Click to show

{Redirection}
Technique Name: [Doping in Style]

Class: [3]

Technique Type: [Hollow]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [Hollow]

Technique Element: [Organic]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): [Generating and overlapping strands of muscle tissue Valentin condenses layer after layer to create densely woven muscles that might look normal enough but contains far more power than they did in their normal state. Using this ability Valentin can spend his Healing Expertise prior to type to increase another's or his own physical attributes by the same amount prior to type by also paying a Reiatsu cost every turn equal to the amount of Stat Points moved around. This of course means that the rest of abilities in possession by Valentin that require Healing Expertise will weaken by the same amount and might cause him to regenerate slower than usual and such. For example this means Valentin could sacrifice all 400 of his healing expertise for a turn to increase his or another's base strength by 200 points and his base speed by 200 or however he wishes to spread it.]

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [It is willed into effect using his own tissue, be it within his own body or the body of another that has part of his flesh in them.]

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) If physical stats are increased by 200 or lower in total there is no drawback for the person the technique is used on, if stats are increased by 201-400 total a low amount of fatigue begins to build and becomes moderate fatigue after 3 turns and severe fatigue after 8.

low fatigue is little more than building up a sweat and doesn't affect the host much, moderate fatigue lactic acid is beginning to form and breath might become unsteady as oxygen intake struggles to be enough. Severe fatigue leads to exhaustion, inability to keep up with an opponent they otherwise should be able to due to the protests of their body demanding rest. They're panting deeply for breath as the lactic acid leaves them feeling weak and exposed with muscles refusing to move as they should. Target will need 2 turns of inaction to drop from each and every stage of fatigue.

Incantation and Effect:

Made By:
Valentin Acciai

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): [Yes]

[Ailene Haschiro]

Kazuna cursed under his breath as the Hollow smugly dodged the incoming strike of his bala. This had not been the first time he encountered use of the Ulcera, but that does not mean that the instance itself was any less annoying. To this end, Kazuna kept on this guard, hoping to avoid a surprise attack. This left Kazuna sighing with relief as he saw the Hollow reappear quite a distance away. The only problem was his close proximity to the Octava, Adolf. No sense of emotion stained his face as he watched Valetin slam the poor Espada's head into the ground. As Valetin now face Kazuna, he would try to be careful in his approach. 

Kazuna thought that the distance would prove too obvious to utilize a bala or even a cero. As Valetin closed in, the opportunity seemed far too tempting. In the fray of his approach, Kazuna himself began to accelerate towards Valetin. Using his current speed, Kazuna smirked as he stopped himself, swinging his scythe trying to illicit a response. Whether that occured or not as irrelevant because mid-swing, Kazuna utilized a Sonido to appear behind Valetin in a flash. Using that as diversion, he quickly kicked off from the ground, accelerating quickly towards the Hollow. Swinging his scythe in a crescent moon shape to try and atleast harm the Hollow, this being his true attack. 

Sonido (1 Step) - 100
Remaining: 550/1000

[Valentin Acciai]

a pity his attempt to goad the arrancar to shoot him as he had hoped had failed but no matter, Valentin didn't really need that anyhow. But what impressed him was that rather than being spooked by Valentin knocking Adolf out and now heading for him the youngling was actually counter charging the Adjuchas and just as their blades were expected to meet the arrancar vanished. But with so much experience of the disappearance trick Valentin really didn't need much time to consider where his opponent was, no instead of wasting his limited time turning around to look for his foe Valentin merely shot out the spikes on his tail large as daggers in a scattershot in a static speed of 600, mimicking a shotgun in order to maximize their probability of penetrating the younglings defenses.

Being behind Valentin was a poor decision and one Kazuna was unlikely to be able to react to in time considering their close proximity. But the hollow had more up his sleeve, he could still be struck by the arrancar if they were determined enough so running ahead as he were he attempted to vanish into another Ulcera with the plan to reappear in a much similar fashion to Kazuna behind his opponent where, if provided the opportunity he would attempt to hurl a bala at his back. And if Kazuna dodged with the help of a step technique? then simple enough Valentin being quite adept at battles of speed would utilize yet another Ulcera.

Of course as to not be predictable he'd reappear this time if it should occur right in front of the boy and gut punch him with a close range bala and being ready to use Redirection if the boy tried to do the same in order to absorb the technique and then thrust it back at Kazuna before attempting to grapple his opponent so that they could not escape again. At that point Valentin would try to disarm Kazura who would already be at a disadvantage with a scythe at such close range, cutting his wrists open if that is what it took as Valentin had access to both claws, teeth and sword whichever would be most effective for the situation. And lastly, he would if successful to at least make his foe unable to escape him hold the edge of his sword to the younglings throat and, oddly enough for the situation compliment him ''Didn't think you had it in you to be honest, pleasantly surprised i am. Expected you to be shaking in your boots but no, counter charge! good onya.''

-150 Ulcera x2
-100 Bala x2
-25 Redirection

1100/2000

SPOILER: Click to show

{Living Spike Shots}Technique Name: [Living Spike Shots]

Class: [4]

Technique Type: [Hollow]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [Hollow]

Technique Element: [Organic]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): [This technique allows Valentin to fire off spikes that can be grown from any part of his body in front of wherever he's aiming the spikes to a penetrating power equal to his Reiatsu Strength and a Static Speed of 600. The spikes on average are the size of a short punching dagger or 5 inches long and 1 inch wide so they can do moderate harm however there is a limited number of them. On his tail he has 10 spikes usable for that purpose and regenerates them naturally by 1 spike per 50 healing expertise a turn when it comes to those on his tail. Expending Reiatsu he can generate these same spikes from any part of his body with a cost of 25 Reiatsu for two spikes.

This technique acts as a stepping stone for further abilities as the spikes fired from his body are still alive and connected to him for a time, his Reiatsu visibly still present in them. They are made from an outer layer of bone structure with a fleshy inside akin to an organ though initially inert and malleable until another ability makes use of them and gives them purpose. Should there be no resistance from the body it hits for example a friendly and aware target then the spikes will upon penetration sacrifice their bone exterior to heal the wound made upon entry after the organic part has gone inside. Even if they do not strike a target they will still become a beacon for his spiritual energy and just as capable to transform to suit his purposes. this flesh eventually dissolves within twenty minutes whether or not having a host to sustain itself from and would have to be replaced to continue it's duties.]

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [By aiming the concerned body part in a chosen direction and simply forcing them out by contracting his muscles, in short flexing them out.]

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) (Insert Below)

Supply of fired spikes must be regenerated.

Always go straight so they can be easy to predict.

If the relevant muscle structure is notably injured this technique cannot be used from there until healed.

Incantation and Effect:

Made By: Valentin Acciai

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): [Yes]

[Ailene Haschiro]

Kazuna began to chuckle to himself quietly as he was about to finish the execution of his maneuver. If anything he was sure to catch Valetin by surprise. He was not going to let himself be defeated so easily like Adolf. Kazuna felt that he had more ability to do what he needed. That was to get stronger. Going pale and freezing would be a testament to his own weakness and this is by far the last thing Kazuna wanted. The issue would prove to be Valetin's response to Kazuna's attack which left Kazuna dazzled.

The expulsion of the Living Spikes left Kazuna's mind wandering as he saw the attack coming as it commenced, but his body could not move at the speed required to dodge. Moving his arm up quick enough to atleast possibly lessen the blow, Kazuna was left in some degree of shock as one of the spikes dug itself into his arm with such speed and ferocity that he did not even really feel it enter. The pain was present and it bearable, but definitely more than say a papercut or a stubbing his toe. Kazuna quickly began to motion backwards, planning his next strike, but it seemed Valetin's experience would get the better of him.

Caught off guard by this, he did not see the Ulcera coming and as such took a harsh blow to the back in the form of bala. Kazuna gasped painfully from the blow, beginning to cough up very little blood. The fight was beginning to take its toll on him. Kazuna did not want to throw in the towel and he was not going to. He thought that this was the end of the Hollow's little onslaught, but Kazuna was up for a rude awakening. The close range bala from the front, admittedly knocked Kazuna backward a bit as it stung.

Now breathing very heavily from withstanding two balas head-on, Kazuna chuckled to himself. Gripping his weapon extremely tightly, Kazuna believed that dropping his weapon would be the point of defeat. Even if he would lose the fight, his held weapon was a symbol that he would never throw the towel. In Valetin's swift motion, Kazuna now had a blade to his neck which was basically checkmate and Kazuna realized this. He was in no position to boast given the circumstances. He began to smile wryly, actually listening to the Hollow's compliment. He spoke softly, "I may still be holding my weapon..., but I see when I am outmatched and this is the case. Especially without Adolf, I will not be able to take another one of those onslaught's head on." taking this as a first step to acknowledging his underestimating of the Hollow.

[Valentin Acciai]

An amused snicker escaped the hollow, he was quite satisfied whenever he got to prove his superiority to arrancar as they were quite prone to only measure worth in evolutionary progress and if you weren't an arrancar like them you'd either be mocked, disregarded or insulted and looked down upon as an inferior lifeform. It wasn't quite untrue, hollow were unpleasant beings most of the time but most arrancar were no improvement with their high and mighty attitudes. But nevermind the racial tension Valentin was just in a rather good mood after a victory even if it was a victory he would gain regardless.

Releasing the boy and removing his sword from his throat Valentin took a few steps back as he pushed the tip of the weapon to the ground and rested his right hand on it, ''Humility is an admirable trait when it comes to Arrancar, never get overconfident and you'll never die a stupid death like so many others of your kin. As for Adolf...'' he looked over at the green haired arrancar he had recently slam dunked into the ground ''If he's supposed to be your superior then it is clearly experience he lacks rather than ability. Do make sure to bring him somewhere safe until he wakes up rather than gut him to take his spot, hear that's a popular strategy if you're really supposed to be Espada as you claim'' he stated as Kazuna would begin to feel that the injuries sustained both on him and Adolf were beginning to heal, the burn wounds of the bala clearing to show naked and unscarred skin.

''Now off with ya, our little fun is sure to have attracted some scavengers looking for an easy meal and i don't want to babysit an unconscious arrancar when they arrive, you sort of translate to pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries to the tastebuds of a hollow.'' the Adjuchas exaggerated to make a point, Arrancar were certainly tasty but they still tasted like meat, although that meat was like a juicy steak with melted garlic butter on top. He'd wait a few moments for Kazuna to begin to make distance with Adolf before shouting one last thing to the youngling ''IF YOU WANT A REMATCH MY FAVOURITE TOWN IS KARAKURA JAPAN!!!''

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Kazuna had in a sense tossed the duel out of both lack of experience and ability, he was left with a frowning sense of disappointment. He may not have defied his basic rule and dropped his weapon, but his pride, whatever was still left of it despite his nihilistic thoughts began to waver and crumble. An Espada, Noveno or not, should be able to stand up to a Hollow. It was admittedly a wakeup call for Kazuna and while he was bitter about the result, it gave him a goal to strive for. This Hollow could make a potentially lucrative ally in the right situations. One thing was clear. If any of the others heard about this, they would have Adolf's and Kazuna's heads.

As he listened to Valentin talk, he looked suspicious of the Hollow. It was almost as if Valetin saw the two Espada as students. Being the "teacher" and all he spouted about humility. Humility, however, was a social trait almost impossible of the spectre of nihilism. That is after all what Kazuna was, an ancient of nihilism. This left much food for thought for Kazuna as he pondered on whether to just agree with the Hollow to avoid any other strife or make a potential ally. One thing was sure. Their scuffle really was sure to attract Hollows of all sorts and Kazuna had no interest in such.

He looked at Valetin apathetically and spoke calmly, "I may be a cold heartless bastard, but the least I can do is guarantee a safe trip for Adolf. He may be my superior in title, but I do not acknowledge it so. As you yourself said. Rank in the Espada can be usurped. Nonetheless I value the lesson I learnt here today. I do not know whether you still refuse to believe us as Espada nor does it really matter. This did show me how much I have to...grow." his voice showing a bit of regret at the end of having to show improvement.

With that, Kazuna tilted his head in acknowledgment of the Hollow. With a swift movement, he slumped Adolf over his shoulder as he ran away from Valetin in return to Las Noches. The Menos Forest was a welcome place to train, but training was over at this point. He had to make sure to get Adolf to safety as there would surely be raised eyebrows of their whereabouts if Adolf was not to return. Kazuna was left with little choice and with haste left the Menos Forest with great ease. Before beginning his strides back to Las Noches, Kazuna looked back at the entrance one more time to reflect on what happened. Turning his back, he began his return trip with a new sense of purpose.

[Zeich Yajuu]

Remember that slaying as an Arrancar doesn't grant bonus CTP or anything; only consumption as a Hollow does, so there's no need to list it for anyone but Valentin. Also since Kazuna didn't specify a type of TP to train for (general TP doesn't work, it has to be CTP, TTP, or SP), it's treated as CTP.

Total Paragraphs: 116
Adolf: +290 SP
Valentin: +580 TTP and 600 CTP from consumption
Kazuna: +580 CTP