xxA D V E N T ҉ C H R O N I C L E S __________________________________________________________ .. "Humans are an interesting little bunch."
╔═══════ x ═══════╗ Katsuo "Rook" Imai ╚═══════ x ═══════╝
Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:19 pm
xxImai Katsuo "Give it to 'em tenfold." ___________________________________________________________________ .. Basic Criteria
Name | Imai Katsuo Alias | Rook Gender | Male Race | Shinigami Affiliations | Shinigami Rank Held | Ninth Division Captain
.. _______________________ Numerical Files
Birth Date | April 11th Astronomical Sign | Aries Age | 814
.. _______________________ Physical Attributes
Blood Type | B Height | 183 centimeters (~ 6'0") Weight | 75 kilograms (~ 165 lb.) Ethnicity | Japanese Eye Color | Red Physical Description | Rook is of a fairly tall and muscular build, just barely hitting the 6' marker and having a body mass mostly comprised of muscle built from the near constant exercise required to continue being an able-bodied captain. That said, Rook refrains from exercising much more than the minimum requirements, and as a result ends up looking somewhat lanky in form. Rook wears his hair long; his long blue hair falls to his shoulder blades, though he often ties it into a pony tail, with bangs that generally fall over his right eye. He carries a few scars on his body from his days engaging in more questionable activities, though he would prefer to ignore these reflections of his weakness as a fighter. That said, he has a certain sense of humor about the scars; "You think this is bad?" he might say while gesturing to the small, star-like scar just to the left of his heart. "Well, I didn't miss when I returned the favor." The most notable of his scars include that scar just next to his heart, three claw-like marks on his upper abs, a sword slash on the left mid-side of his abs up to just below his pectorals, a horizontal scar on the palm of his hand, and the horizontal scar on his nose. Though they are more, smaller scars strewn across Rook's body, most of the other scars carry less meaning, as these four scars not only remind the ninth division captain of his weakness in battle, but furthermore they carry more specific memories of some of the most meaningful battles of his lifetime. In addition, on the right side of his chest, Rook has a large tattoo, acquired during his days as a bandit for the sake of increasing his intimidation factor; during the time, this was incredibly useful as Rook has been a sort of "pretty boy" compared to many of the other criminals.
Wardrobe | Unless he is going into combat, Rook does not wear the black kimono of the Shinigami. The reason for this is quite simple: they look completely terrible on him. Though tall, in the traditional kimono, Rook looks about half a foot shorter and twenty pounds heavier (heavier as in more muscular, though this is still undesirable). Instead, Rook tends toward other, less combatant oriented Japanese fashion, generally preferring to wear kimono without a hakama and wooden sandals. Due to the amount of time the ninth division spends in the human world, Rook tends to not wear his Captain's Haori, only doing so when called to meetings in Soul Society, at which time Rook simply wears his full uniform rather than figuring out how best to make an awkward Haori work with his typical outfits. Captain Haori style » Sleeveless Haori Underside Color » Hunter Green
.. _______________________ Personal Attributes
Quirks Enthusiastic - One of the most obvious traits of the ninth division captain is his extreme enthusiasm. He is generally quite optimistic, and tries his hardest in everything that matters to him. Sometimes his enthusiasm annoys others, while other times he can inspire those around him to have a similar outlook on life. Especially when dealing with his job in the human world, Rook loves to learn new things and relishes every opportunity to find new knowledge. In a lot of ways, he cherishes the ability that he has in his squad to learn about humans more than the actual knowledge gained from studying and dealing with them. That said, his enthusiasm has a fault when others do not share his feelings. Though he does an excellent job of keeping his emotions a secret, it breaks his heart when his eagerness is shot down. Rook wants nothing more than for the rest of his squad and colleagues to share his feeling. When repeatedly put down by someone, Rook has a tendency to grow bitter and develops a permanent dislike towards those people. Temper - Rook has a quick, and violent temper. Though not usually geared towards small issues, Rook has a tendency to explode at those around him when they upset him. On multiple occasions, there have been stories of him punching members of his squad who pull at his extremely small patience. This is one of his greatest personality flaws, and on several occasions he has been reprimanded for his behaviors. "Yes sir, sorry sir," he usually replies halfheartedly before proceeding to undoubtedly knock a subordinate to the ground and kick them repeatedly for insulting him or otherwise tipping his temper. Overall, his impatience mixed with his explosive temper make many people avoid him, but even with these issues Rook has a surprisingly big heart, and will often beat up random people at the risk of getting in trouble for the sake of helping his friends. Industrious - Even with his major flaw of his impulsiveness and temper, what makes Rook an ideal leader is his industrious attitude. To put it bluntly, he gets sh*t done. No matter what stands in his way, Rook won't stop until he achieves his goals and is willing to bulldoze smaller people so that he can keep going. His strong-will inspires others to follow him, even if he's terrible with words and virtually the opposite of charismatic. Once any of his subordinates have seen him get his paperwork done at the last minute without letting any distraction slow him down, they will begin to understand why he became a Captain, and why he is the man that they follow through thick and thin. Low alcohol tolerance - Many are surprised to learn that with the ninth captain's large build and more "questionable" attitudes that he has a virtually non-existent alcohol tolerance. During one particular celebration, one of the members of the ninth division insisted that the captain drink sake with them. The next day, Rook woke up at another Squad's headquarters with an awful hangover, having apparently staggered in after drinking hardly anything he challenged the captain to a duel to the death when he could barely even hold his sword, before passing out on the floor. Now, Rook avoids alcohol like the plague, keeping careful to not repeat another embarrassing situation such as that one. Favors | Humans The Ninth Division Fighting Winning Eating Looking good Dogs Beaches Summer Disdains | Paperwork Winter Cats Cowards Insults Alcohol Preference of Food | Steak Fish Pork Poultry Eggs Noodles Disliked Foods | Fruits Vegetables Sweets Soy Preference of Drink | Coffee Water
.._______________________ Something Unknown Fears | Failure - Rook fears any and all failure. He worries that one day, he might reach a point where he can't surpass himself, and he will fall. This is particularly oriented around failing his job or in combat, and thus there is a related fear of losing and dying while facing down a weak opponent. Becoming handicapped - Rook fears that he might become a burden on other people. As long as possible, the ninth division captain wants to make sure that he stays able to walk, talk, do the paperwork he dislikes, fight, and go to the human world. Rook fears taking a permanent injury that will keep him from being useful. Hurting a friend - With Rook's temper, he fears that he might do something he regrets. In particular, he fears that he might accidentally hurt a friend, and thus monitors himself carefully and does - to some small effect - avoid losing his temper as much as possible.
Aspirations | Death with honor - Though morbid in tone, Rook aspires to die on the battle field, with the most powerful opponent's sword in his gut. He wants to exceed for as long as possible until he reaches the top, but instead of seeking the responsibility of being the best, he wants to lose against that one opponent that no one will ever beat. Dying before then would be a disappointment, and furthermore Rook does not want to die as an invalid old man.
Chapter One A Crow in the Rukongai Time Frame? About 800 years ago "He was riding on the high that breaking the law gave, and nothing anyone said in hushed tones would stop him."
The story of Imai Katsuo begins with a young boy in the outer Rukongai districts. Some stuff happened before then, but only the boring stuff really; his birth, the lack of presence of his dad and the struggling of his mom and older sister to raise him and, later, his younger sister. For the most part, things were pretty calm for the first fifteen years or so. Supposedly spirits didn't get hungry, but Katsuo still woke up every morning to a nagging hunger in his stomach. Maybe that meant he was special, but really the only thing that mattered was that there was a roof over their heads and they didn't have to worry about survival. Things didn't really start to get interesting until Katsuo started to... take chances. This was the first of those risks.
A summer day in the outer Rukongai, and a shouting breaks through the usual bustle of the streets. All heads turned to see a young red haired boy flying down the street with a pack wrapped in his arms. Behind him, an overweight middle-aged man with a paddle chasing him. "Stop that urchin! Urk, my chest..." The man fell to the ground. In other parts of Rukongai, maybe someone would have helped him, but it just so happened that Katsuo grew up in the part of Rukongai where most men were already drunk at this time in the morning, and thus they simply laughed in the face of the upset merchant. Ducking through alleys and crashing through other merchant stalls, Katsuo made his way away from the merchant and back to his family with the satchel. It just so happened that his little sister was incredibly ill; this particular merchant refused to give Katsuo's mother the needed medicine, and after she left Katsuo lingered behind and stole not only the needed medicine, but also some sweets that the merchant was storing away. He's so fat that he doesn't need more sweets, Katsuo thought as he made his escape. Though his mother was shocked by this display, he couldn't very well turn down the medicine for her sick child.
This was not the first, nor the only time, that Katsuo would practice stealing. Though still young, Katsuo loved that he could pretty easily steal from others and get away with it. First it was necessities, then jewelry, slowly building his way up toward all the more luxurious items. Instead of keep them, however, Katsuo sold them himself, telling his mom that he had gotten a good paying job. She saw through the lie, though little did Katsuo know that his mother's health was deteriorating, and the extra stress of his questionable endeavors was only pushing her further over the edge. Within a year, Katsuo's actions had progressed to the point where he had begun frequently stealing off of corpses and selling goods found. He had turned from an urchin hunting for necessity to a sort of scavenger, and soon most of the district knew who he was, and not for the best reasons. People regarded his with disdain, though Katsuo hardly noticed or cared. He was riding on the high that breaking the law gave, and nothing anyone said in hushed tones would stop him.
One day, however, Katsuo stole from the wrong person. Five years after stealing the medicine, Katsuo had begun to practice pickpocketing, and would often steal from the pockets of those unsuspecting travelers. One of these travelers was a man with a large straw hat that made it appear as though he could hardly see a thing. On his left hip, he had a katana and short sword sheathed, but on the other hip a coin purse was calling out to Katsuo. He stalked his prey and, when the moment seemed right, began to reach for the purse. Instead, the traveler quickly drew his sword and sliced open the palm of Katsuo's right hand. The boy howled in pain, reeling backwards and barely keeping his balance while clutching his bleeding hand. What would stick with forever was the man turning back to him just for a moment and saying the one sentence: "Once the rook has left the nest, no one will protect him." Katsuo would never meet this traveler again, but somehow that one cryptic warning would forever haunt him, with a scar on his right palm to serve as a constant reminder.
Chapter Two Rook Time Frame? About 775 years ago "What more fitting name to take than the words that had started him down this path?"
Something about thievery had lost its intrigue. Every day was the same: steal something, come home, wonder what would happen next. What Katsuo needed was... change. Since that traveler had split his hand, Katsuo just couldn't find the change he needed from the drawl of his daily life. One day, while wandering around the district, Katsuo found a few dead swordsmen whose bodies were being dragged off of the streets. He feigned kindness in helping to clear the bodies and, once the others had left, began looking through their things. They had many possessions, but what stood out most of all were the weapons at their hips. Katsuo had never really held a sword before, but something about them was just too alluring to resist. The boy took the blade from one of them, and tied it at his waist. In one swift motion, he drew the sword and suddenly felt more like a warrior than a boy. though the first several years of his life had been those lived in safety, Katsuo now knew that he wanted more, and would fight for it. Thus, he left the district. In his haste, he forgot about his family, instead looking forward only to what would happen next.
For a little over a year, Katsuo simply wandered around. He wanted to find someone to fight, though he didn't even think to start trying to learn how to use his blade. Instead, he hid his embarrassing scar and patrolled the outer districts on a mission. In attempts to provoke others to fight with him, Katsuo picked the most shady establishments to stay, but time and time again could find no fight. In many ways, Katsuo simply became irritated with the situation. He would wave his sword around, looking like a fool, and ask for any various fight. Most of the actual warriors would laugh at him, and even the thugs with blades thought he was a joke. Finally, Katsuo believed that he had found his chance. It wasn't a sword fight, however at one bar there was a fist fighting tournament taking place. Katsuo stepped up, asking to participate in the brawls. The person arranging the fights rolled his eyes. At this point, Katsuo had a rather awkward adolescent build: he had hit six foot, but weighed far less than he probably should. His limbs were long, and he looked almost skeletal with how thin he was. Still, no one was being turned away, and thus with a sigh the man asked for Katsuo's name. "Rook," he replied, remembering the traveler's words. What more fitting name to take than the words that had started him down this path?
Katsuo entered the fighting area against another weak looking opponent. The opponent physically had more mass than Katsuo, though was about half a foot shorter and far too out of shape to be fighting like this. Apparently there was some big prize money, but Katsuo didn't really care about that. All he wanted was to fight, and to prove his strength. The fight began, and for a short while the two opponents simply circled each other. Since he was taller, Katsuo figured it would be wise to take the first hit and make sure that the fight stayed far enough away that the smaller opponent couldn't land a good hit. The only problem is that I don't even know how I would go about doing that. The plan was not the most thought out, but there was no turning back now. Suddenly, the opponent charged Katsuo, and the latter barely grabbed onto the other to slow the momentum. "What the hell?!" he exclaimed, instinctively spinning the opponent around and launching him out of the fighting area. A mixture of disappointment and fell over the crowd, but that brought the first round to an end.
"Wanna go again?" The leader asked in a disinterested tone when the fight was finished. Forgetting that there was more, Katsuo simply nodded and watched the other entrants fight before his next one. Carefully, he studied each and every move so that he could possibly emulate them in his fight. Punch, kick, dodge... I think I can do this. "Alright Rook, you're up again." A pat on the back pushed Katsuo back into the fighting area to face his next opponent. This one looked considerably more difficult, and Katsuo knew that he would have to actually work to defeat this man. Almost immediately after the fight began, this opponent slammed his fist into Katsuo's gut and sent him staggering backwards, just barely staying in. Another punch came, and out of instinct Katsuo grabbed the fist and redirected the blow. The opponent staggered forward, providing a perfect opportunity for Katsuo to slam his fist into the opponent's face and win in a knockout victory. Now, the other men around seemed to pay attention, and this quick victory warranted a loud uproar.
Much to his disappointment, Katsuo did not remember the next fight. He got into the ring with the much larger opponent, and lost consciousness within the first punch. Luckily the punch didn't do much lasting damage, but Katsuo was totally rocked. This might have been the end of Katsuo's fame, however it happened that the opponent who beat Katsuo went on to win the entire tournament. In other words, Katsuo's two victories managed to outweigh that small loss. The other men by no means admired Katsuo, though they did acknowledge him now. Word between these folks spread fast, and though he still couldn't get any opponent he wanted on a whim, Katsuo was satisfied that his entreaties for a battle were not met by guffaws any longer. Now they were only blown off by these men.
That is, until one day a swordsman humored him. Katsuo wanted a fight to the death, which was obviously turned down, but at last he was getting the fight he had wanted for so long. The swordsman faced him, and they drew their blades. It had been a while since Katsuo had held the sword in his hand: it felt familiar, probably from how long Katsuo had spent just staring at the blade and hoping to fight someone. "I'll give you the first move," the swordsman offered. Though Katsuo did not want special treatment, he knew that this might be his only chance to get a good swing. He grabbed his sword with two hands - like he had seen all those warriors do - and lunged forward in an awkward stab. With one hand, the swordsman redirected the blade and his Katsuo in the face with the butt of his hilt. Katsuo staggered backwards, regaining himself with just enough time to dodge a stab mirroring that of Katsuo's, but with far greater form. Quickly, Katsuo made a desperate slash at his opponent. This was met with a more accurate slash that tore deep through Katsuo's flesh and made him fall in this battle. The swordsman calmly explained that he could have easily ended Katsuo's life, before stating simply that Katsuo was far out of his league in picking fights with anyone. "You need more than luck from here on out, kid."
Chapter Three More than Luck Time Frame? About 750 years ago "He would defeat the luck of those who sat above him, and he would cut down anyone and everyone who got in his way."
Bitter about his loss in his only sword fight, Katsuo decided that there was only one way for him to succeed: he had to find more people to fight, and keep fighting. As he aged, Katsuo looked less and less wimpy and awkward. He matured into a tough looking young adult, and it wasn't long before his threats started to be taken seriously. Ultimately, this was all that Katsuo wanted: as long as he was taken seriously, he could find fights. And if he could find fights, then he could beat luck, or whatever that swordsman had said. Over time, that became his motto and creed which drove him down his path. To defeat luck itself.
The one even that shifted Katsuo's life happened about half a year after the incident with the swordsman. Since then, Katsuo had found a few other fights and had gotten pretty beat up, but usually came out on top. On this particular day, Katsuo entered a bar to find several intoxicated warriors. Before he could leave, one of the warriors pulled him down and offered him a drink. After two cups, Katsuo was so drunk that upon a mild teasing jest from the man sitting next to him, he drew out his sword and stabbed him. A fight ensued in which all of the other drunk fighters turned on Katsuo and tried to restrain him so that they could make him die a painful death for killing their friends. Though he could hardly walk, Katsuo managed to barely beat his opponents before promptly passing out on a table. When he awoke, his wounds were being treated by the very people who had tried to kill him the previous night. Evidently, he had not only killed that one man, but while completely wasted he managed to also cut down three incredibly skilled swordsmen. Though his actions were incredibly foolish and poorly planned, he had earned the admiration of those that he hadn't killed.
This location became a base of sorts to Katsuo in his endeavors. Every day, he would go out and pick fights, then he would come back and ultimately avoid alcohol at all costs; though he had earned the admiration of these men, they didn't particularly want him to go around killing more of them. After he had earned a bit more of a name for himself, an idea occurred to Katsuo. One day, he proposed it while most of the others were too drunk to really remember. His idea was that they could all form a sort of group of bandits. There were quite a few gangs around the Rukongai, though Katsuo's proposition was not to go to war with them. Instead, they would do what Katsuo had been doing for the past fifty years: murdering and thieving. "Yeah, sure kid," one of them said in a slurred tone. However, Katsuo pushed for the next several days until they finally seemed to give in. After all, most of them spent their time sitting around and drinking, thus were not particularly opposed to the idea of finally getting up and doing something with their lives, even if that something happened to be as questionable as these illegal endeavors.
Thus, they formed their group and kept that location as their base. Really nothing much had changed, but now they had a new mission. Most of the other men didn't care, but Katsuo was dead set on his mission. He would defeat the luck of those who sat above him, and he would cut down anyone and everyone who got in his way. The men formed small teams, who would venture into the upper Rukongai districts and rob houses while killing the residents before escaping and bringing their spoils back to their base. There wasn't much more to their new lifestyle than just that; stealing and killing. Sometimes they would target poorer people, but there really was no reason to do so. They had no sort of mission to "rob from the rich and give to the poor" or any of that nonsense, but the poor simply could not give them as many riches as the wealthy and affluent could. Sometimes, they might set up a post along a road and ambush travelers, but those were the lowest victims that they targeted. All the while, their leader, Rook, was actively involved in as many missions as he could.
Chapter Four A Really, Really Shitty Plan Time Frame? About 650 years ago "Everything seemed like it would work perfectly."
For about a hundred years, Rook maintained his bandits as one of the most prominent groups in the lower Rukongai district. All the while, he miraculously managed to remain detached from the gang violence. His name was notorious among citizens of these districts, and in both the upper and lower districts alike people were extremely cautious and aware of these criminals. This was, essentially, just how Rook wanted it. Over the years, he had successfully gone from living in squalor to... well, to still living in squalor. But now he lived in squalor and infamy. Whenever Rook wanted a fight, he could fight one. However, as he grew more powerful, his already quick temper became increasingly more violent. To some extent, even his subordinates feared him: should they enrage him, he would undoubtedly explode at them, and beat them within inches of death. That isn't to say that he didn't love his subordinates. Though he often tried to kill them, he still regarded them as family. His old family was still around somewhere, and undoubtedly wondering what had ever happened to him, but now he was enthralled with his new family.
After a hundred years of maintaining his position, Rook began to take an interest in upward mobility. He took aside a few of his most trusted men and proposed an idea. The idea was quite simple: they kidnap the youngest daughter of the Matsushita Family and hold her for ransom. Kidnapping was a new area for the bandits, but it wasn't entirely unheard of. Still, Rook's men were hesitant to accept the plan. If successful, they would have an immense amount of fame and wealth, but if the plan failed they would all find themselves lined up for execution. One of the men spoke up, "But they'll try to search everywhere in Rukongai for the girl before they accept our offer. There's nowhere we can hide her where they won't find her." To this remark, Rook smiled mischievously. His whole plan hinged on that question, and that was where things would get interesting. "We won't hide her in Rukongai," Rook began with his smile still painted across his face. The doubter looked as though he was about to speak, and thus Rook quickly stated the fundamental idea surrounding his plan: "We'll hide her in the human world." All the men stared at Rook, dumfounded. "Gate security has been relaxed lately, I've been watching it closely. We can sneak through with the princess and hide her in the human world. They'll never guess, and even if they do they can't turn over the human world like they can Rukongai." One man asked how we'll maintain contact. "Simple; one man will travel back and forth to deliver messages. And, in case they try to follow us, we'll have the man who actually receives the messages go to our old base first, then we'll send over the messenger the next day."
The plan was foolish, to say the least, but the men figured they might as well try. Thus, they laid out the plans to kidnap the noble girl. About a week later, in the dead of night the most stealthy man broke into the home, quickly gagged and bound the princess, left a pre-written note, and made a break for it. So far, no issues. That night, Rook took his three most trusted men to the gate, where the guard was sound asleep, and broke through. That very morning, the father of the girl and the head of the noble family contacted the bandits, but by that time Rook and his team were already long gone with the princess. The only difficult part of the transit was escaping past the cleaner, who knew that they were not supposed to be there, though they made enough time to break through into the human world through the portal. They had positioned themselves so that they would come out close to the ground so that they wouldn't fall too far, and they had positioned themselves in one of the portals into Japan. Everything seemed like it would work perfectly.
Upon exiting the portal, Rook was immediately awestruck. Around him was a world unlike any he had seen. Sure, the streets looked rather similar, but unlike Rukongai there was so much more life here. It was midday, and the streets were bustling with people wearing all variety of colors, talking amongst themselves, laughing, looking at merchant stalls. None of them could see him, but all Rook wanted was to immerse himself in his surroundings. Unfortunately, the kidnapped princess reminded him that they had other motives. With any luck, they wouldn't have to be here too long, as the plan would go through and they would return to Rukongai to continue their lives. At the same time, a part of Rook just wanted to be alive, and to be apart of these crowds: to love, to hate, to die. There was an abandoned building not to far away where Rook and his subordinates took the princess. The building was little more than a shack, with a roof that was practically caving in and dust littering the floor. They didn't need much, only a place to stay out of sight in case any forces did come. Rook patted one of the members of his team and instructed him to return to Rukongai now that he knew their location. Now, they could only wait.
During the wait, Rook and his team discovered just how annoying nobles could be. All the while, the little girl just whined about how she should be going home, and how they would die once her father found out. It went on almost incessantly, to the point where Rook had half a mind to just give her back. That said, negotiations seemed to be going well. Apparently, they had been unable to find the princess, and within about a year and a half it looked like the deal would go through. During that time, Rook had been able to see much of the human world as well, which only fueled his love for the place. However, just as the deal was going through, things took a turn for the worse. After about two years, the shack was suddenly stormed by a group of armed guards serving the noble house. They were all taken hostage and the princess was released. At first, Rook assumed that the messenger had been followed, but it turned out that most of the "negotiations" included the father of the noble girl trying to beat information out of Rook's men. Among them, one had been weak enough to give in, and explain that the existence of another messenger, leading them straight to the location. They were to be put on trial and, undoubtedly, executed.
Chapter Five Trial by Combat Time Frame? About 600 years ago "Is this supposed to be some sort of weird a** destiny s**t?"
The legal system was rather flawed at this time. For decades, Rook sat in a prison cell, rather feeling as though he might rot away. They took all his belongings, and thus he was left with nothing to do but work out and beat his hands against the wall in practicing hand-to-hand fighting. Like being able to throw a punch will make a difference at my execution. To avoid him rousing other men to escape, the guards put him in his own separate cell, totally alone to only wait for the time to come for him to die. Almost every day, Rook wondered whether or not his comrades were facing the same fate. With the exception of the snitch, they were all probably being put to death. Maybe the others were already dead. That would be rather unfortunate. Then, Rook also started to remember his blood family, and wondered what they were doing. It had been wrong of him to leave them randomly, and it had gotten him to this point, where he would probably die in prison at this rate. If I ever get out of here, I'll see them again, he told himself, though he knew full well that this would never happen. Still, something about coming up with these hypothetical situations was calming, and thus they continued every day.
After several, several years in prison, a man came to visit Rook. The man looked very hoity-toity, and Rook presumed it was a nobleman coming to taunt him before his execution. Instead, the man smiled at Rook. "I hear you went to the human world," the man said. Rook had a puzzled expression on his face, but simply nodded in response. "You'd like to go back, wouldn't you?" Once again, Rook nodded. Though the man appeared to be trying to lead him to some sort of conclusion, Rook was stumped. "I've pulled some strings. Your trial hasn't even happened yet, but instead of the usual trial I've set you up with a trial by combat. You win, you're free. You lose... well, you're dead anyway." Rook narrowed his eyes. This seemed too good to be true; Rook might not have been the most refined fighter, but he knew that he could win against most opponents. "Yeah, but what's the catch?" The man sighed, and shrugged. "Of course. You win, and you have to serve in an organization known as the Advent Gotei... essentially for the rest of your life. But at least you'll have a life." The man laughed a bit. Rook shrugged. "Fine, trial by combat it is."
The next morning, a guard pulled Rook from his cell and handed him a sword. "You'll be fighting another inmate." The guard explained. Rook removed the blade from its hilt to examine it. The blade had a strange serrated edge, undoubtedly to make for a more gory and gruesome battle. As he sheathed the blade again, the guard led him off toward a pit. There, he was shocked to recognize the man standing across from him. It was none other than that swordsman who had given him the considerable scar across his chest. Is this supposed to be some sort of weird a** destiny s**t? Rook thought, carefully unsheathing the blade to face his opponent. A part of Rook wondered what this man had done to earn a spot in the prison, but at the same time Rook knew that with where he had fought this man, he could have done anything. All Rook could do now was cut him down. Any reluctance about killing another man was gone: this man had dealt Rook a great shame, and Rook knew that he had to defeat this swordsman for the sake of proving his own strength and earning his freedom.
It looked like the swordsman recognized Rook as well, as a small smile passed across his face. The fight was called to begin, and the swordsman rushed forward. His attempt to end the fight quickly with a quick stab was met by Rook blocking and redirecting the blow, just as the swordsman had done when they fought earlier. Rook smirked, while the swordsman looked totally shocked. Instead of returning the slash, however, Rook instead clenched his left fist and slammed it into the swordsman's gut, causing him to stagger backwards. Holding his blade in his right hand, Rook momentarily steadied it with a light grip from his left hand, striking at the neck of the opponent. The swordsman leaned backwards as the sword barely missed his face. Leaning up, the swordsman went for Rook's right hand, but the latter nimbly turned, switching his sword to his left hand and striking an upward vertical strike that landed on the swordsman. The swordsman fell to his knees, and Rook approached to deliver the final blow. Instead, however, the swordsman quickly lifted his blade to stab Rook in the chest. The blow went through Rook's chest, but the blow was aimed just to the left of his heart. With a twisted smile, Rook switched his sword to his left hand and grabbed onto the swordsman's blade, driving it deeper into his chest while pulling the swordsman forward. Suddenly, the swordsman was impaled on Rook's blade. "Lucky... blow..." the swordsman grunted with his final breath. "Heh, I've destroyed luck." "Why..." the swordsman groaned. Rook carefully twisted the blade, the serrated edge grinding through the organs before being removed while the swordsman fell to the ground in defeat.
With the blade still in Rook's chest, the nobleman came rushing out to him. "Wonderful!" he said. Rook groaned a little bit, trying to figure out how to remove his enemy's sword without losing too much blood. Finally, he gave up on this and just tore the blade from his chest. For a moment, he was able to stay upright, before the dizziness from blood loss and his fatigue got to him. Promptly, he passed out on the ground beside the corpse of his enemy. "Say hello to the captain of the ninth squadron..."
Chapter Six Flashback Time Frame? About 600 years ago "Over the years, he might have built up his physical strength, but he was too weak in will to look his sister in his eyes after everything."
"Before I go to your Advent... whatever," Rook began, sitting in a bed in some sort of room. Bandages were drawn across his chest, with blood slowly seeping through. Across from him was the man from earlier. "There's some business I need to take care of. It'll take a week. Tops." The nobleman shrugged. Even though sending Rook off was less than desirable, it was essentially unavoidable. After all, Rook was far from able-bodied enough to go straight into any real combat situation, and thus the important thing was that this little vacation would give him a chance to recover. Thus, Rook's request was okay. Like he had promised himself in the prison cell, Rook wanted to go see his family, if only one last time. After leaving them so suddenly, the least he could do was visit them... centuries later. A part of Rook worried that they might be gone, or changed, and a part of him worried the opposite. He feared the idea that he might just go back and relive all of the memories of his childhood, before he built the strength that he has today.
Not knowing where else to begin his search, Rook ventured back to the home of his childhood. Thus far, nothing seemed to have changed. Their ramshackle home was just as he had left it. Cringing, Rook entered the house to see two familiar, yet unfamiliar figures. One of them looked up at him, and Rook immediately recognized the eyes of his sister. The other took Rook a moment, before he realized that it was a much older version of his younger sister. A smile couldn't help but cross his face as his older sister rose and approached him. She drew her hand back and promptly slapped Rook across the face. His face stung with the pain from the forceful slap, but Rook still couldn't help but smile. He was happy to see his family after all these years, and after all that had happened in the past two hundred years, meeting them was a nice breath of fresh air. Words were hard to find, but after a few moments of silence Rook finally spoke, "It's been forever..." he said, stating the obvious and receiving a glare from his older sister. "You b*****d," she replied.
"Where's mom?" His older sister scowled. "She died." Before Rook could ask how, she continued, "A hollow has been lurking around murdering people." "Recently?" Rook asked, surprised that his timing had worked out so close to the supposed incident. "Last week, but she's been bedridden for years because of you." Rook looked away, placing his hand on his sword. Over the years, he might have built up his physical strength, but he was too weak in will to look his sister in his eyes after everything. Finally, it seemed that he had made up his mind and turned away. "Where are you going?! After all these years..." she called after him. Rook stopped in the doorway, his hand shaking on the hilt of his blade. She noticed this, and held up in chasing him. His face hid his anger, and he barely turned his head over his shoulder to address his sister after all these years. "I'm going to make things right," he replied. His tone was determined, and clearly reflected his resolve to avenge his mother's death. If he couldn't be there for her, the least he could do now was put that beast to rest.
Investigating the beast proved to be a rather easy endeavor. Everyone in the district knew about it, and within the day Rook had been led to its lair. As one might expect, the lair appeared as nothing more than a dank cave, with the body parts of various victims strewn around. Knowing how spirits die, that meant that these victims were all still alive. Earlier in his life, Rook might have been disturbed by this, but he was beyond feeling those emotions. He drew his blade and entered into the lair. There, he was immediately met face to face with a horrific looking beast. A white mask came within inches of Rook, and out of instinct he staggered backward. The hollow took advantage of this weakness and slashed across Rook's chest with his wicked claws. It was before Rook had time to block, but he knew that he wouldn't make that mistake again. The next strike was met with Rook's blade as he tore through the claws and they fell from the hollow's arm. It cried out in pain and reeled, providing another opportunity for Rook to rush in and stab into it's mask. The mask split in half, but the beast did not fall. Rook drove the blade farther into the beast's face and brought the blade down, slicing the hollow in half. It dissipated into the air, leaving Rook successful in the battle.
Rook returned to his home with blood dripping from his chest, including that from his existing wound. He could barely walk when he arrived at his old home, and casually swung open the door to face his sister. "It's done," he replied before promptly passing out.
Chapter Seven [[To be added with connections following entering into the Gotei]] Time Frame? --- "Quote"
Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:23 pm
xxReimei no Kitsune ___________________________________________________________ .. The mysterious fox guardian.
Zanpakutō Name | Reimei no Kitsune 黎明の狐 English Translation | "Fox of Dawn" Zanpakutō Element | Light Zanpakutō Spirit | [x] A white fox in black robes which holds a lantern. Zanpakutō Inner World | As seen in above picture, a dark forest just outside of an abandoned shrine.
_________________________.. Spirit Files Zanpakutō Blade Type | Katana Zanpakutō Accessories None Zanpakutō Sealed Appearance | [x] Blade Color » Gray, with a serrated edge Sheath Color » Black Hilt Color » Black Tsuba Shape » [x] Length » 28"
_________________________.. Shikai Files
Zanpakutō Activation Statement | "Bring morning from the dark of the night, Reimei." Zanpakutō Blade Changes | [x] In the release, the blade is sheathed and held out in front of the user, and the activation statement is said. A mysterious silver haze covers the blade, and it extends into a long, black bo staff with gold details. Shikai Abilities Break of Dawn The primary ability of the Shikai is in its charging status. Over time, the gold detail on the bo staff grows and, after seven [7] posts, the gold will explode off of the staff into a bright light that flashes over a ten meter radius area. Following the explosion, those within the area of the ability will be blinded for one [1] post, and will have difficulty seeing for another two [2] posts. This will continue to happen over time, however it will not work if the opponent is already blind or if the opponent closes his eyes in the previous post. Thus, it is in the best interest of the opponent to try to figure out the number and cycle of the blade's attack so that they can time when to try to avoid the next burst. Guiding Glow The second ability of the Shikai is a non-combat oriented ability. Naturally, the staff gives off a glow that enables the user to see more clearly in dark areas. While this doesn't give any potent combat benefits, it can help the user to more adequately fight in difficult situations.
Shikai Control Level | As a Captain, Rook has complete control over his Shikai. Shikai Duration | As a Captain, Rook can hold his Shikai until he loses consciousness or releases the blade himself.
_________________________.. Bankai Files
Zanpakutō Name | Reimei taishoku, soshite kitsune wa shinu (黎明退色、こうして狐は死ぬ) English Translation | Dawn fading, thus the fox dies Bankai Appearance | Following the release of the bankai, the sword explodes into several smaller pieces which divide and spread in a circle with a radius of twenty meters. Each of the smaller pieces grows into a mirror, enclosing those within the radius. A piece remains which explodes into a burst of light blue light that cloaks the blade's user. The bright light is reflected across the mirrors, illuminating the area to an almost blinding level. A few mirrors separate from the others, moving around within the area, appearing like a moving forest of mirrors. Bankai Limitations | The Bankai is only effective over this range, and at one time there is only one source of light which, while it can be moved, cannot be multiplied in any situation. Furthermore, each of the mirrors is still only a mirror, and thus can be destroyed. If more than two thirds the mirrors are destroyed, the Bankai will be cancelled. When released, the user does not have a blade, and as a result must use hakuda and hand-to-hand abilities or - if a mirror is broken - a small dagger of broken glass can be used. If the user is not directly linked to the light, the effects of the Bankai will be the same on the user.
Bankai Strengths | The primary strength of the Bankai is in incapacitating opponents. The bright light and mirrors make it difficult to concentrate, and against most opponents will most likely induce a headache or otherwise irritating effect. Since the bankai encompasses and closes off an area, it makes it so that reinforcements are cut off from the opponent. The mirrors can absorb light, and thus the Bankai can quickly switch from extreme brightness to almost total darkness.
Bankai Abilities Light Throw The user removes the light cloak, holding the light as a tiny orb in his hand. Suddenly, the area becomes pitch black save that light, and the user can throw it into any of the moving mirrors. The light will emerge from one of the mirrors at random, exploding the mirror from which it emerges as well as returning to the user immediately following the explosion. There are only a total of fifteen [15] mirrors moving, and thus this ability can only be used ten [10] times before the Bankai will revert out of its form. Light Bringer By focusing the cloak of light into different parts of the user's body, they can effectively temporarily increase the strength of that body part. For example, if the user focuses the light into his hand, he will have more powerful punches. In combination, the strength is also slightly increase and, in combination with the fact that light is covering that part of the body, it becomes difficult to see and predict these attacks. However, upon connecting with anything - whether the opponent, a mirror, or the ground - the light will explode and cover the area, blinding both the other opponents as well as the user for one [1] post. Nightfall To exit the Bankai willingly, the focus of light must be destroyed. Removing the cloak, the user focuses the light into the palm of his hand and closes this hand, snuffing out the flame and engulfing the area in total darkness. Though the light is gone, the Bankai remains active for another five [5] posts. During these posts, the user has increased speed and strength and can see slightly better than the opponents. After one [1] to five [5] posts, depending on the strength of the opponent, the opponent's eyes will adjust to the light as well and they will be able to react more easily (i.e. captains would only take one [1] post to recover, Vice-Captains two [2] posts, etc.). Following the five [5] posts, the Bankai will be released and the user's stamina will be depleted so much that he will lose consciousness.
Bankai Duration | Due to the drain of the release, the rest of the Bankai does not take as much energy and thus the user can hold the Bankai for an indefinite amount of time.
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Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:29 pm
xxARCANE REAPER TALENTS _____________________________________________________.. All that magic stuff.
Kido Background Knowledge | Before coming into the Gotei 13, Rook had little knowledge of Kido or any of the Arcane arts. However, through practice and study, Rook has actually grown quite proficient in the art of Kido. Though training is not his favorite endeavor, the time that Rook has put into Kido has paid off. He fights primarily with a combination of kido and hakuda, making a fierce hand-to-hand opponent whose abilities are amplified what Rook refers to as "magic stuff." Though not as good as the sixth division captain, Rook's abilities in Kido are on the upper tier of those of other captains. Kido Expertise | Expert _________________________.. Kido Known Bakudō Known |
Spell Name: Sai (塞, Restrain) Number: 01 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner, pointing his/her index and middle fingers at the intended target(s), causes the target's arms to lock behind their back. The spell is usable on a single target or a significantly large group of people.
Spell Name: Hainawa (這縄, Crawling Rope) Number: 04 Incantation:Unknown Description: Binds enemies with a Reishi rope to stop their movement. The practitioner generates a crackling yellow energy rope within his/her hand(s) and throws it toward the opponent. The energy entangles itself around the opponent's arms and body, immobilizing them.
Spell Name: Seki (斥, Repulse) Number: 08 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner generates an orb of light blue energy, which not only blocks attacks, but repels whatever strikes it.
Spell Name: Geki (撃, Strike) Number: 09 Incantation:"Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini!! Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat!" Description: The practitioner, drawing the symbols of the spell in the air, causes his/her entire body to permeate a red energy. The same red energy, engulfing the body of the target, causes complete paralysis.
Spell Name: Hōrin (崩輪, Disintegrating Circle) Number: 09 Incantation:"Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini!! Look upon yourself with horror and tear out your own throat!" Description: The practitioner, using the index and middle fingers, generates an orange hued tendril with spiraling yellow patterns which, ensnaring the opponent as the tendril wraps around their body, immobilizes them. The end of it remains in the hands of the user, allowing them to control the path of the tendril before and after capture. The Kidō can connect with another one of itself, if both have captured a target, and bind them together.
Spell Name: Amekaze (雨風, Driving Rain) Number: 14 Incantation:Unknown Description: Creates a large rain cloud that the caster can move over a target, then disperse it to release a torrent of rain over a limited area for several minutes (3 posts). This makes seeing difficult, and is often useful for water and electric types while hindering fire and earth types.
Spell Name: Sekienton (赤煙遁, Red Smoke Escape) Number: 21 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner creates a cloud of red smoke, swiftly engulfing the surrounding area and briefly obscuring the movements of whomever is within the smoke, allowing a quick getaway.
Spell Name: Kyokko (曲光, Bent Light) Number: 26 Incantation:Unknown Description: Hides the physical form and Reiatsu of the caster by bending light.
Spell Name: Noren Mekuri (暖簾捲り, Curtain Stripping) Number: 27 Incantation:Unknown Description: Nullifies types of illusory effects which may be used to conceal something from view. The practitioner, extending their hand, appears as though they are gripping thin air before stripping away the technique which is currently in effect. Doing so creates a light blue and violet aura around the object which is being revealed as it gradually comes into view.
Spell Name: Shitotsu Sansen (嘴突三閃, Beak-Piercing Triple Beam) Number: 30 Incantation:Unknown Description: Crackling yellow energy gathers in the user's hand, who draws in triangle mid-air. The symbol creates solidified energy on the shape of smaller triangles from its three points and fires them at the intended target, pinning them to a nearby surface, slamming into his/her body in three places in the shape of a perfect triangle and immobilizing them.
Spell Name: Tsuriboshi (吊星, Suspending Star) Number: 37 Incantation:Unknown Description: Tsuriboshi is primarily used to catch. The spell creates a ball of blue energy that fires out six "ropes" from its center. The "ropes" attach themselves to any sturdy nearby object and the energy in the center solidifies into a flat elastic-like cushion. The spell can stop falling objects similar to a safety net.
Spell Name: Enkōsen (円閘扇, Round Lock Fan) Number: 39 Incantation:Unknown Description: Enkōsen is primarily used for defense. The practitioner can use either both hands or his/her Zanpakutō in a blocking motion. The spell generates a dull yellow energy, which takes the form of a large spinning disk of condensed reiatsu, in front of the practitioner, blocking an opponent's attack.
Spell Name: Hakufuku (白伏, White Crawl) Number: 44 Incantation:Unknown Description: The target sees the illusion of purple cherry blossoms falling around them. As their vision begins to blur and become unfocused, their consciousness becomes muddled, disoriented, and confused. Shortly thereafter, the target blacks out altogether, losing consciousness, only to awaken with an unclear memory of what occurred.
Spell Name: Tōyochi (凍輿地, Frozen World) Number: 52 Incantation:"Tundra and glacier spread forth into the air, in the realm of white night!" Description: This Kidō causes all moisture near the earth's surface to instantly freeze, causing jagged pillars of ice to jut up from the ground. The slightest touch by any spike or even the ground itself will result in the target being frozen to it, binding them to the ice until they can tear themselves free.
Spell Name: Kakushitsuijaku (摑趾追雀, Summoning of the Tracking Sparrows) Number: 58 Incantation:"Heart of the south, eye of the north, finger of the west, foot of the east, arrive with the wind and depart with the rain." Description: Kakushitsuijaku heightens the user's senses and awareness to seize a target. The practitioner draws a circle, with the appropriate symbols set apart in four quadrants upon the ground, using a black powder. When they place their hands palms down just under the circle to activate the spell, the circle glows with a blue light as the symbols within the circle are animated, causing various numbers to appear within until the specific set is found. The number set seems to be a variation on longitude and latitude.
Spell Name: Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Rods Prison of Light Number: 61 Incantation:"Carriage of thunder, bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six!" Description: The practitioner points his/her index finger at the target, generating a spark of yellow energy, which summons six thin, wide beams of light, which, slamming into a target's midsection, hold them in place. The target is unable to move any part of their body, including the parts which were not struck by the beams.
Spell Name: Hyapporankan (百歩欄干, Hundred Steps Fence) Number: 62 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner, generating a blue-white glowing rod of energy in his/her hand, throws it at the intended target. It multiplies into a hundred more rods, which, raining down on the target, pin him or her against a solid surface and completely immobilize them. It is hard to dodge in a small area.
Spell Name: Sajō Sabaku (鎖条鎖縛, Locking Bondage Stripes) Number: 63 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner, raising his/her palm up to the target, closes his/her hand into a fist. The user calls forth yellow energy, taking a form of very thick rope, which ensnares the opponent, similar to Bakudō No. 4, but much stronger, instead binding the upper body of the target.
Spell Name: Flowering Whirlwind, Barrier of Wind Number: 68 Incantation:"Surging storm of spring, give us the protection of the westwind." Description: he user creates and surrounds themselves in a small tornado (cloud to ground), which uses intense air currents as protection against outside threats, while also physically attacking the user's surroundings with intense wind. The tornado will pull in anything that has insufficient power to penetrate it or break it, and whatever it pulls in is quickly driven straight into the ground on the outer edge of the funnel, with the force of the tornado's power behind it, following the direction of the funnel's winds. Lightweight materials will hit the ground and spread outwards, similar to exhaust coming from a space shuttle during launch. If an opponent lacks the physical strength to resist the power of the winds, they will be picked up and pulled into the funnel, and will be unable to escape the hold; physical strength becomes irrelevant when the opponent isn't in a position to resist, for instance, if they are in mid-air and cannot fly. The eye of the tornado is 15 feet in diameter, granting the user the room she needs to move about, if necessary. Hadō Known |
Spell Name: Shō (衝, Thrust) Number: 01 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner points at his/her target with his/her index finger, a small amount of energy is dispelled from the tip of the index fighter with enough force to thrust a considerable amount of kinetic force at a target causing the target to be pushed back a few feet from the caster.
Spell Name: Byakurai (白雷, Pale Lightning) Number: 04 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner gathers high-density spiritual energy, which they discharge from both hands.Alternatively, the practitioner, pointing at the intended target with their index finger, can generate a concentrated bolt of lighting to use against the target.
Spell Name: Tsuzuri Raiden (綴雷電, Bound Lightning) Number: 11 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner generates an electric current through any object they touch, which damages anything or anyone which is in contact with the object the current runs through.
Spell Name: Fushibi (伏火, Ambush Flare) Number: 12 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner channels volatile reiryoku through an object that they touch, causing to to ignite along its surface and create a large explosion just after.
Spell Name: Gō Ken (鋼拳, Hard Fist) Number: 15 Incantation:Unknown Description: A relatively simple Hadō that covers the caster's fist in Reiryoku, allowing for added force behind a punch. Relatively speaking, it can allow a Shinigami with human-level strength to dent iron and makes their fist feel like an iron mass. Like other Hadō, it does not last long, only hardening the fist to give enough time to punch.
Spell Name: Gurenbachi (紅蓮蜂, Crimson Bees) Number: 23 Incantation:"Gather, spirits of flame. Ride the westward wind, show them your fury." Description: The user flings their hand, summoning forth a surge of fire that splits into a dozen wasp-like projectiles that detonate, causing explosions large enough to engulf a person.
Spell Name: Shakkahō (赤火砲, Red Fire Cannon) Number: 31 Incantation:"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!" Description: The user, generating high-temperature flames, discharges it from both hands or the finger, in the form of an orb (small, medium, or large depending on the power used. The destructive power released by the blast can vary between a simple explosion to a pillar of energy. In both instances, the spell causes concussive as well as burn damage.
Spell Name: Ōkasen (黄火閃, Yellow Fire Flash) Number: 32 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner, raising their Zanpakutō horizontally in front of them, generates a yellow orb which widens itself along the length of their sword. Once it is fully charged, it fires outward as a horizontal blast, in a wide arc of yellow energy, at the target. This technique can be launched from the hand instead of a Zanpakutō, albeit producing a shorter arc.
Spell Name: Sōkatsui (蒼火墜, Blue Fire, Crash Down) Number: 33 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." Description: The practitioner, aiming the palm of their hand at the target, generates a torrent of blue spiritual energy and fires it at their target. The energy moves like a direct blast or a large wave of energy, depending on the amount of power placed into it.
Spell Name: Kongōbaku (金剛爆, Adamantine Blast) Number: 37 Incantation:Unknown Description: A blast of spherical red energy, similar in strength to a Sōkatsui blast.
Spell Name: Haien (廃炎, Abolishing Flames) Number: 54 Incantation:Unknown Description: A flame attack which eradicates the very existence of its target. The practitioner fires an oblong blast of purple spiritual energy from their hand that incinerates a target completely when it makes contact.
Spell Name: Tenran (闐嵐, Orchid Sky) Number: 58 Incantation:Unknown Description: The practitioner, levitating their Zanpakutō, lightly hits one end, causing it to spin like a fan. The practitioner, stopping it, creates a widening tornado-like blast, which is fired forward toward the target. A hand is usable as a catalyst of the spell if the Zanpakutō is not available.
Spell Name: Raikōhō (雷吼炮, Thunder Roar Sear) Number: 63 Incantation:Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle!" Description: The practitioner generates a orb of yellow lighting above the palm of his/her hand. The practitioner can then release the built up energy at his/her target with a massive concentration of energy that appears as a high level lightning strike. The effect has devastatingly destructive results.
Spell Name: Gaki Rekkō (牙気裂光, Raging Light Fang) Number: 68 Incantation:Unknown Description: Creates a circle of energy before firing blasts of green light from its center in a cage-like formation.
Kaidō Known | None
Forbidden Spells Known | None
_________________________.. Shinigami Abilities
Zanjutsu | Rook's Zanjutsu style is extremely unorthodox and unrefined. He typically holds his blade with one hand, and has clearly received little to no actual training with how to use a sword. Instead, his sword fighting is based on instinct and what movements are quickest and easiest. If it's more powerful, Rook will use both hands to swing a blade, though more often than not one-handed fighting conserves more energy. The natural form of Rook's Zanpakuto also gives an advantage to fighting in the ninth division captain's original style: the serrated blade would be less effective for kendo than it is for gutting and slashing opponents at random. When fighting, Rook will use his blade if it will provide an advantage, and switches from hand-to-hand to blade based on whatever works in the given situation. Hakuda | While primarily having fought with a sword, Rook is discovering more and more a love for fist fights. His style resembles boxing, but with a greater focus on the ability to use legs for reaching opponents far away. His Hakuda is further strengthened through quick transitions to casting kido spells at close range after locking an opponent using various improvised martial art skills. Hohō | Rook's Hohō abilities are alright. There really isn't much more to be said: they're not great but they're not terrible either. To pick one side, they might lean more toward the "good" side simply because his Hakuda abilities have given him greater flexibility in his movements in combat. Durability | To put it simply, Rook can take a punch. He might not be the best at defending himself, as illustrated by the scars decorating his body, but not a single one of those deep blows slowed him down. Where his fist fighting and sword fighting fail, Rook makes up in his ability to trudge through all of those annoying blows to outlast the opponent. Reiryoku | Like all the other captains, Rook's Reiryoku pool is deep. However, he does not have the greatest reiryoku control and has a tendency to overexert himself when releasing his Zanpakuto. Thus, generally Rook avoids releasing his Reiryoku at all, sticking instead to Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Kido in their raw states.
Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 2:07 am
Rain Water Resonance
This is very well put together. I approve. This profile will be moved to the "Shinigami" profile forum.
