And suddenly he heard it, like a thunderclap inches from his ears. The roar came from hundreds of yards away, but its shockwaves threatened to sink the very ruins Kaisho stood within. The Shinigami’s eyes shot wide and he leaped from the support beam, staring avidly at the source of the sound. A mass of spiritual pressure, heavy and carrying an unsurmiseable degree of killing intent, erupted from the source, while the white garbs gave Kaisho the impression that he was looking at an Arrancar. There had been two occasions prior to this where Kaisho had been close to fully engaging one, and both times he certainly escaped an early demise for his lack of thought, thanks to interventions and other altercations. This time, Kaisho was unlucky to pick his day to wander alone, unlucky to not take his gigai with him. His only fortune was that of his greater prowess, vastly improved insight and access to his Zanpakuto’s initial release.
It was futile to form a façade for such a character as this. He looked temperamental, violent, reckless, blood-lusting and utterly terrifying. A cold sweat made his skin tingle, the hairs on his arms and the back of his neck rose, almost tearing themselves out of their very folicles, as a degree of fright and despair enthralled his mind and body like a tempest. Even now, with his power much greater than that of his former self, Kaisho began to think of the true danger he was in. There were no comrades to aid him, no Captains to stand in his place and fight. Kaisho began to debate for a moment, wondering if it was the Arrancar’s display of power that frightened him, or that he was all alone, and it conjured memories of back when he had to fight a hollow all those years ago. However, he had to remain steadfast, at least until he knew the full extent of the Arrancar’s power.
“Excuse me!” Kaisho yelled from across the ruins, his etiquette never failing to appear even in such a predicament. “I can tell that you aren’t one for idly chatting to a foe, if you even deem me worthy of that reference, but could you spare a moment or two?” Kaisho added, hiding his apprehension with a calm tone. He had to find out the general level of his foe, first and foremost. In doing so, Kaisho could better prepare himself, and decide on how much effort he needed to start with. Too much ferocity, and Kaisho risked throwing cunning tactics that the foe would be expecting. Too much complacency, and Kaisho risked being caught off guard by the foe’s true power. He had to match it perfectly, or face an early demise.
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