The Power Of A Captain

Tenkai made quick time to his squad barracks as he always did. He was quite nimble and his mastery of Hohou was, well, just that, a mastery. He had trained for many centuries to hone his skills to the level that they had been brought to. Of course there were those that excelled somewhat beyond him in certain areas. Those who had put forth all of their efforts towards advancing their skills in a single area. However, his overall mastery of the shinigami arts, Zankensoki, were surpassed by none. He was the strongest shinigami in the Gotei Thirteen, as was his position as Captain Commander.

Though even with all his strength he continued to press himself to become stronger. He never lost focus of bettering himself, becoming stronger. It was what allowed him to survive as long as he had. His strength was the only thing that he could truly count. Not because his friends and family were not loyal or worthless. No, it was simply because of the fact that his strength was his. It was always at his disposal and he never had to hope or count on it to show up at the right moment. It was always there, ready to allow him to defend himself and any others that needed him to be their shield.

That was a part of the reason he had decided to train Rensaku. Part of the reason was of course because he was already fairly strong as he was. It was just that he needed that little extra push to get him to where Tenkai would feel comfortable making him a Captain. Beyond that though was so that he too would have the strength to protect himself. He was already a leader of shinigami, the Vice Captain of his squad. It was one that now did not have a squad and who's former leader was now a criminal being tried for treason. His squad needed him now more then ever, this was a time of turmoil for the Soul Society.

He wanted him to be strong enough so he could survive the strains that would be put on an executive officer. Many have fallen before whose talents were even greater then Tenkai himself. To put more on top of that, the Gotei did not need to lose anymore officers. They had seen enough loss in the last month or so for quite some time. Tenkai had hoped to keep that loss exactly where it was and not expound upon it any further. Sighing lightly Tenkai made his way through the halls of his barracks. Shinigami to his left and right moved from his path and bowed as he passed.

He looked around as he made his way through, observing them as he passed. His men were very loyal from what he had observed. The Thirteenth Division was tight knit, very group oriented and treated one another like family. It was a quality Captain Ukitake had instilled in them while he was still with them. They were by all means, at least in Tenkai's mind, perfect. This was especially true with the training regiment he had put them through recently. They were trained and ordered to run drills every, single, day. He wanted to make sure his men were up to snuff so if a threat arose, they could handle it.

This would also help minimize loses to the shinigami forces. Beyond that he had also wanted to increase recruitment from the Shinigami Academy, hopefully lowering the stringent requirements. Certainly if they were a little more lax there would be a wider array of individuals that would arrive. Some less skilled and prepared then they would be used to. With the proper training though, anyone could be made battle worthy. The only thing they needed was the mindset and determination that every shinigami should carry. They were a sword to be used against the wicked and a shield to protect the innocent.

Guardians of the afterlife is what they were. As long as they kept those ideals in mind and stayed true to them. Well, Tenkai would be more then happy to welcome them into his squad. Smiling lightly, he arrived outside of the barracks staring into the large room he had been in a week ago. It was the training area of the squad barracks where drills were to be run. It was early enough in the day that drills were not being pushed so the room was empty. It would be like that for several hours as well from what he guessed of the schedule. That left plenty of time for him and Rensaku to get in a good training session.

This way they would still have plenty of time to attend to their squad duties while still getting the tutelage to Rensaku. It was a perfect ordering of time as Tenkai saw it. They could progress like this for weeks, or months even, depending on how long it took. Moving forward and sitting in the room Tenkai took his zanpaktou out from his sash and placed it on his lap. He began to perform Jinzen while he waited for Rensaku to arrive.

SC: 65

Rensaku's body shifted itself into existence as he appeared near the squad thirteen barracks. His mind was wondering about the kind of training that he was to receive from the commander; Whatever it was, he should be able to handle it as he was made to last, but that all depended on what his training was. Should it be something that put his body to the test then he was sure to pass no problem; however, if it was something that involved a mental battle of some sort then he was in for a tough time. With out wasting anymore said time, he met with Tenkai."Commander, what kind of training did you have in mind?" He asked.

Sentence Count: 6

Tenkai stirred from his meditation as he felt Rensaku enter the area. He slowly stood up and placed his zanpaktou back into his sheath. He was glad that Rensaku cut right to the chase, he enjoyed that bluntness in personalities. He knew when the time for protocol was, and when it was time to get down to business. This particular moment was a time for the latter. Tenkai had brought him here to train, and there was no time for any niceties at the moment. "Rensaku, when it comes down to training there is only one real type." Tenkai closed his eyes briefly for a moment taking a slow breath. "There are many ways that people say that there is to train and practice. However in my own opinion, the chaos of battle is the only true way to become stronger. Throughout history the strongest individuals were always those that rose to prominence during times of chaos."

Taking his zanpaktou out from his sash once more he placed it on the ground behind him and moved into a combat stance. His reiatsu slowly flowed out from him, the pressure and magnitude of it slowly becoming more and more apparent. "Rensaku you have one goal and one goal alone. You are to try and move me from this spot that I am currently standing in. That is, before my reiatsu crushes you into the ground." Tenkai did not play with kid gloves when it came to training. He never gave anyone any slack, he trained them the same way they would be treated in battle. Those that stepped into the arena with him either won, or they died.

SC: 23

As the second lecture of his training began, he'd learn of there being only one real way to actually train one's self; Chaos, with the explanation for why literally being history. More leaders were forged from the fires of chaos and destruction than from peace and tranquility. It was definitively much easier to see such an idea if one were to look at the human world which prides itself on being able to start and finish a war. Most of the amazing leaders of all times were usually one's who know how to swing a sword, or shoot a gun in modern times. Though times have somewhat changed from the past and present as far as humans when, for the order of which men and women head to war had changed significantly. The most noticeable change is the fact that as said soldier moves higher in rank they veer further away from the front lines until you reach a general rank who never leaves the back lines. Times have changed indeed for them, but the spirit world never strayed from the traditional leader or leaders heading the frontal charge and leading their men forward. Rensaku had completely agreed with his verbalized idea of real training vs what another might think.

He noticed the commander place his zanpaktou behind him and move into his combat stance which meant he was most likely planing to teach with the best method possible, chaos. Ren had been given his objective, move commander Tenkai from his position before his reaitsu crushes him to the ground. The bar was already set high right from the start which was just the way he liked it. He had many plans enter his mind as to how he should go about moving his opponent. Just force alone wouldn't be enough to knock him back considering how strong he was, so it was impossible to win a 'square up' or going 'toe to toe' trading blow for blow therefore, it was neccessary for him to come up with an entirely different set of ideas from what he's use to.

Maybe having his opponent significantly out classed him was perfect as it meant he'd, over time, learn how to out wit even those who were on completely different levels of the combat scale when compared to himself. With all the thinking out of the way he began putting a plan into motion. "Bankai." He said sharply, ready to go all out with his training as in his mind it was the best way to become stronger, and because he had the stamina necessary to pull of such a lavish deployment of energy. Using his flame, which first collected as an aura around him before being sent out, he covered up the entire area around the commander and himself before also covering his body with it to force him either to move or have to use something other than his eyes to see him coming. Second, just to give him an even better chance of success, he used the speed clone trick that he learned from the Shihoin family to fulfill a double purpose; the first being to move his spiritual presence to more than one spot and the second being that just in case Tenkai decided to dispel his fire with his dominating reiatsu that he'd still have to deal with multiple versions of him. Last he added two exploding dummies into the fray just to throw an extra layer of attack in with the rest.

Now that every thing was set, he used one of his speed clones and sent it flying toward him with the commander, setting it to give the most powerful spinning kick that it was able to deliver. A dummy then came behind said clone, prepared to blow itself up once the clone had disappeared and the dummy itself was in range; Meanwhile, Rensaku had gathered his energy and placed it into his sword, ready to attack as well should the first phase of his scheme fail. It was necessary to have plenty of back up plans in order to insure the greatest chance of success, and because the first plan that's ever made is always a given failure at least ninety percent of the time. He observed as the action unfolded, making more plans as backup for his secondary, for he knew that even that was certain to fall short as well given his opponent.

Sentence Count: 26

Tenkai stood in silent observance as he watched the young shinigami before him plot his attack. It appeared that he would waste no time in using his full power to attempt victory in this situation. Rensaku had released his bankai almost immediately after the rules of engagement had been set. It was smart though to take such a course of action. When one faced an opponent who was exponentially more powerful then oneself, they had to use every ability available. Fire swarmed the area as Rensaku released his bankai, the heat grazing over him as it flowed through the arena. It was somewhat pleasant and inviting to Tenkai. Though that most likely only due to his own zanpaktou being of the fire element. That, and his reiatsu was protecting him from being burned by flames he assumed would be rather hot.

Clearly though this was just the first of however many steps the young Vice Captain had in his plan. There would be no way for him to win if he did not attack Tenkai. He stood poised, eyes focused, ready to react to the slightest movement that he saw. Of course he was not allowed to move from the spot he stood. It was one of the rules he set, and if he moved, he would lose their little encounter. As he stood, waiting, the next move in their little chess game was made. Rensaku, or what at least appeared to be him, came out of the sea of flames. It was a spinning kick that would attempt to strike Tenkai across his face and dislodge him from his standing point. The move however was fairly slow through his own eyes. It was as if he saw the world in slow motion, watching everything akin to being frame by frame.

Sliding down underneath the kick by bending his knees, it went harmlessly over his head with a light brush of wind following it. As he stood up he realized that what was once there was now gone. Tenkai stroked his chin for a moment smiling lightly as he did so. 'Using clones hmm? I suppose I should have expected as much from one of the Shihoin.' He would however be ripped from his thoughts as yet another possible Rensaku came flying at him. It did not appear as though it had any sort of plan of attack, almost as if he planned to simply bull rush him. Quickly moving his left arm out Tenkai gathered a light yellow ball of energy in his palm. From this ball a circular disc began to form and spun rapidly outward. It continued to expand until it was fairly large, similar in size to a satellite dish. As this occurred Tenkai muttered out a few simple words, calling out the power that he used. "Bakudou number Thirty Nine, Enkosen."

The shield was now up in front of himself and would halt Rensaku's advance, or what he assumed was him. It was now his new students turn to make yet another move. He was already slightly impressed with his performance thus far. However, he would need to put a bit more on the table if he had any chance of coming out of this victorious.

SC: 38

Combat Abilities:

With the start of his attack falling short as he figured it would, Ren held his sword forward. With a swift, nimble footwork, he charged the commander before shunpoing over head. He quickly swung his one of feet at Tenkai's head but shunpoed midway back to the ground with his hand sliding across it as he delivered a flying uppercut. The amount of time left to make him move was uncertain, but he knew he needed to make him move before time was up. There had to be a set combination or skill that he could use in order to make him move; If not, then the first of his training would fail, and such a failure could not be tolerated. With the idea on his mind, he made the second phase of his plan. Turning the sword in the opposite direction as to avoid accidents that may happen, he used the million slicing skill that was once used to completely scatter a Menos Grande during the Shinigami-Espada war. It was a skill known as the Senmaioroshi that he learned while fighting in the depths of hell itself.

Knowing that his plan was also likely to fall short even with the amount of craftiness used for said attack. It was likely he'd see through it, but regardless, the plan couldn't be off even by the slightest or the failure chance would raise much more. This was, on a macro level, a game of percent chance where one would choose the best odds in order to better the chance of success. On a micro level, this was a game of craft where one would also need to understand the other person as well as themselves. From what he could tell, his opponent, Tenkai seemed to have mastered himself which would be fair to think considering his rank and power. On the same note, it would be fair to assume that just using direct confrontation would be useless on it's own. Ren knew the importance of using craftiness in order to try and undermine his defense and hit him with as much moving power as possible.

Was it possible for him to get passed instead of going through his guard? What if the ground beneath was moved, would he have no choice but to move, or would he just figure out a way around. Rensaku held his hand out, ready to use one of his kido skills after the second phase was through.

Sentence Count: 20

The battle carried on with a silent intensity as Tenkai managed through the first barrage of strikes. He applauded the manner in which Rensaku attempted to fight him. He clearly knew that a straightforward approach would never work. Tenkai outclassed the Vice Captain in every way, he could never win in a straight fight. To counteract this it seemed Rensaku had employed more indirect approaches. To state it frankly, he was more trying to overwhelm him with a variety of strikes to make him, well, move. Thus far, obviously, these attempts had failed. This fight though was barely even started and much more would be seen. With that very thought the intensity of their training was kicked up once more.

Rensaku charged bravely at Tenkai having used shunpou to try and close the gap between them quickly. With Tenkai's speed and reflexes though he could see every move that the young shinigami made. By simply bending his knees once more he dodged under the kick that was aimed at his head and watched as it soared over him harmlessly. This was however only part one of what was Rensaku's multi-part plan. Once the kick had passed over him, Tenkai had stood back up only to be in the way of yet another attack. The young Vice Captain had halted his advance mid step and came back with another strike to his head, this time a punch. Tenkai had only raise his hand up and catch the punch, effectively blocking the strike.

Releasing the young souls hand, he watched as he returned to the position he had started in and raised his blade. 'This should be fairly interesting' Tenkai rattled through his mind. He stood, quiet, simply observing to see what the young man would do next. Rensaku had flipped his blade around with the blunt side facing out towards Tenkai. He was apparently concerned with his safety which made him chuckle slightly. Following that movement though Rensaku's blade twitched and flew at Tenkai what appeared to be thousands of times. The technique was called Senmaioroshi, a rapid fire sweep of strikes meant to remove any existence of the target you were attacking.

Raising an eyebrow, Tenkai prepared himself and began to follow the movement with his hand. Using well timed very brief bursts of his reiatsu, he shielded his hands from the blow while catching each and every strike. They seemed to go on forever though the exchange only lasted for moments. At the chance of the last strike though, Tenkai grabbed hold of the blade exerting his reiatsu very intensely for a few seconds. During that time, he took the opportunity to pull Rensaku's zanpaktou, and by extension him, up into the air and release him overhead. The result of this action, unless the young shinigami released his weapon, was to fling him across the room and into the wall.

While Tenkai had certainly said he would not move from his spot, he did not say he would not retaliate. This was a training session to be sure, but it was most certainly also a battle. They did not aim to kill one another, but one step away from death was always acceptable to him. Tenkai believed very firmly in the concept of, what did not kill you made you stronger.

SC: 36

As his attacks fell short, one after another, he began thinking some more. He wondered if it would be better for him to use his shikai considering the abilities that it had. It was a strategical down grade which at first seemed silly but made since after thinking. Suddenly, Rensaku and his blade was lifted up by Tenkai. If there was a time and place for everything, now would be the time for it. He thought to himself as he utter the words to his shikai.

"Burn them." He said, allowing fire transfer from the blade to Tenkai's hand as it attempted to restrict his movements. Regardless of it said skill worked or not, he released his sword, fell upside down to the ground on both hands and used a second melee skill known as the Panchira Torunēdo which was an upside down straddle kick. While in the midst of his attack, he held both hands out as he went to use the only kido skill that he knew."Fist of the eastern wind technique of the Shihoin family, dual-hand Shakkaho!" Surely he made that up, but that was the point, it was for comedic effect which was one of his tricks. He planned to use the sudden out burst to surprise the commander for a kido attack, but the real surprise was yet to come. He aimed the attack toward's his sword, planing to use it in combination with the burning effect of his fire prison ability.

He needed to hurry this up as it wouldn't be long until he ran out of ideas. Though he had a few more in his back pocket, it would be nice not to have his entire battle skills and tactics to be put out there. If that were to happen then he'd lose his unpredictability in his combat ability. He realized that getting passed or around his defense wasn't happening so Rensaku decided it would be best to take and use it to his advantage. Rensaku prepared his hand to hand technique, ready to take full advantage of the rules set in place; Especially since most of them weren't his to follow.

Sentence Count: 16

Skills used:

Spoiler:

Things carried on in the way that they had been thus far. Rensaku attacking him, Tenkai defending and countering. Granted, this was exactly as he had anticipated things to go. He never had believed or had the expectation of Rensaku being able to move him. In an actual fight, it was a completely unfathomable concept, and that carried over into their training. Tenkai was leagues beyond his student and his abilities were proof of that. However, he did enjoy moments of intrigue that left an impression upon Tenkai. Rensaku had performed beyond what Tenkai had expected of him. He wasn't just strong on an overall rating for a shinigami, but very intelligent. He observed the situation and reacted appropriately to what was happening before him. If he had been fighting someone who was at his own pace, he would believe him to be the victor.

As impressed as he was with Rensaku's analytical skills, the training was not yet over. Tenkai still wanted to see more of what the Vice Captain could do. He believed he had scratched into the young shinigami's abilities a fair amount, but he had not seen just everything yet. Though Rensaku's next move would dig Tenkai a little deeper into the young mans abilities. As Tenkai went to heave him through the air and into the wall, a bolt of fire burst forth from the blade and to Tenkai's hand. He could feel the heat on his hand burning him, but no more then touching a stove for a moment would. Rensaku was unfortunately not quite strong enough to do any real damage to him as it was. Though with the powers he had Tenkai could certainly see him growing to be able to cause a fair amount of havoc.

He simply had to harness these powers and continue to develop them. That, was exactly what they had gathered here today to do. As Tenkai released the blade from his hand as he attempted his throw he could feel the fire that had transferred to him attempting to do more then just hurt him. His joints felt as though they were sore or tired. They did not move quite as quickly or as properly as they should. Raising an eyebrow he began to understand their true purpose. They were not just meant to injure him, but to inhibit his movements as well. He smirked slightly and silently applauded Rensaku's efforts. If Tenkai could not move then he could not defend himself from a strike. Following with that, if he could not defend himself, he would be moved from his position. It was smart, very smart, but it would not work.

For this technique to work, it would require the two opponents to be of equal strength, or at least closer then the two of them were. Tenkai's reiatsu far exceeded Rensaku's, and with it he could do tremendous things. Releasing his reiatsu for a few seconds he allowed it to explode outward removing any inhibition of his movements that could have been played. Aizen had said it quite well in Karakura Town, a battle between spiritual beings was a battle of reiatsu. One simply had to overwhelm their opponents reiatsu with their own to be victorious. With the reiatsu that he had, Tenkai did just that. His limbs were restored to their full spectrum of movement and he prepared to continue their training.

Following the display of his strength Tenkai did not have much more time to think or plan. Rensaku was on top of him yet again attempting to kick his head off. It seemed to be a favorite of the young shinigami. First he tried to kick him in the head, then he tried to punch him, and now he was kicking him yet again. It was interesting to say the least, but getting old rapidly. Tenkai lowered himself down and spun in a circle as he lowered his body from the strikes of Rensaku's kicks. As he did so he grabbed hold of his zanpaktou that was behind him and attempted to use it to strike the Vice Captain's arms out from under him. As he did so however he had not anticipated that Rensaku's arms would be doing something else.

The attack had subsided and his hands were occupied firing a double handed shakkahou blast directly at Tenkai. They stood only a foot or two from one another some time was certainly of the essence. As Tenkai finished his spin he pulled his zanpaktou from his sheath and cleaved it through the twin blasts of energy slicing them clean in half. The energy erupted where it stood which was close enough to both of them to be felt. Though with the strength of the blast being what it was, the residual was barely enough to be noticed. Standing back up quickly, Tenkai now stood with blade in hand staring intrigued at the young shinigami. He was intrigued simply because he wished to see what he would do next.

He was sure that Rensaku was starting to feel the weight of his slowly increasing reiatsu. Time was becoming more and more of the essence and if he did not come up with something quick, he would be crushed into dust. However it was this very fact that intrigued Tenkai. When most individuals were backed up against a wall, that was when they became the most desperate. This desperation, it brought out what someone was truly capable of, for good or for bad. He wanted to see exactly what despair would bring out of Rensaku.

SC: 65

Ren watched with a slight amount of satisfaction as his plan seemed to be working. His ability had done it's job, trapping him in place, but only momentarily as said ability was thwarted. Though that happened, he still had the Shakkaho attack which ended up being split in half. He touched the floor with both hands just before the kido exploded; it was powerful enough to send him back, but he quickly recovered with a smooth, somersault. He took time to measure up the commander to see if he was still being distracted by all of his current flashy, attacking, style of fighting. There was no telling what he'd do if all of his work was for nothing, but for the moment everything was fine, or so he thought. In the midst of his thinking, Tenkai raised his reiatsu, putting a fair amount of spiritual pressure over him. His stamina was great enough for the effects to over looked; however, his other abilities weren't so great so having his abilities be limited like that was extremely taxing on him.

'An old wolf must learn a new trick if this is going to work, but what should I use?' He thought to himself as his mind scanned over the imaginary book that had the kido skills that he considered picking up whenever he had the chance to try and learn them. Raikoho was on his list of pick up powers, which was definitely something that would benefit him to have right about now. He started channeling his energy, shunpoing to the commander's side as he did a hand spring front flip as he went around doing a hand assisted cartwheel.

Rensaku briefly used five speed clones to mask his attack. The first four where designed to move with their battle stance and throw attacks while one was sent over head with the attempt to use a tackle move but disappear just before connecting. Once this happened, Ren would appear behind him and feign an elbow to the spine in order to gain his attention. The real attack was him shunpoing behind him while upside-down with his hands touching the ground, assuming that he'd turn in order to defend his attack, and grabbing his legs to then move him with as much force a spiritually possible.  

Should his attack fail he would just shunpo a second time but make his transformation. Rensaku took the form of a giant fire wolf as he tried to swipe his opponent from their position. Ren then made fleeting dash as he send a ball of fire from his mouth at him. Nearly there, he was almost ready to put his final plan together. As quickly as he changed form, he turned back to his more humanoid, shinigami form, patting himself seven-teen times. "Iiii, hate that form.. Feels inhuman." He said, fixing his hair as his he'd finally had put everything together. Now was the time for him to put everything that he'd work for into action. Though his plan may fail, the principle behind it was what really mattered. The point was that he, Shihoin, Rensaku, was a son of a gun prepared to give his life in order to complete an assignment. This one just so happened to be one of those times, and though he knew this wouldn't be enough to kill either of them considering bother their endurance levels and the power of his coming attack.

The places on his body that he touched started to glow red, indicating that it was going to explode. He looked Tenkai with cold eyes without realizing it; the stare would send a message that he was willing to use everything to make him move, including himself. He shunpoed one last time, standing in front of his commander, making no move, only allowing his spirit bombs to do their job. Just before the bombs on him blew, at least twelve red lights started glowing beneath the two. This was it, this was everything that all of his lavish fighting was for. He stare now became intense as all the bombs blew, throwing Ren into a wall and crashing onto the ground. At first, he didn't move and was somewhat, badly injured. The move had busted him up though all of the injuries were removed when a fire had covered him, fully healing him in an instant.

Sentence Count: 33

Total Sentence Count: 101

Raikoho 33/145

Skills used:

Flame Wolf: Flames cover his body in the form of a wolf. Will negate one attack or cut the damage in half if the attack is stronger than his stamina.

Fire bath: Covers Ren in fire, heals wounds, recovers lost stamina and allows him reattach lost limbs.

Fire mine: creates a mine(made of fire) where ever he touches, will explode whenever he wants it to.

Things had progressed in an interesting, but as expected manner. Tenkai had never intended for Rensaku to successfully complete this challenge. He simply believed that combat against an opponent that was more powerful then yourself was the best way to become stronger. The Vice Captain's body would hopefully get used to Tenkai's intense reiatsu strengthening his own body and spirit. He could tell even now that Rensaku was growing in strength from when he first met him. It wasn't a great difference, but the training was working successfully. His body was adapting, confirming that suspicions Tenkai had about the young shinigami's talents. If they continued at this rate, perhaps Tenkai could very well make Rensaku a Captain.

However, he still had a ways to go before he would see the full reward of these hardships. For now though, perhaps it was best for them to wrap things up. Rensaku had performed marvelously from Tenkai's perspective. Rensaku had employed a wide arrange of abilities using tactics and cunning to attempt moving him. These were skills that he was developing that could also become valuable in real combat against his enemies. Whether they be hollow, human, or even shinigami, the experience was invaluable. Before their training session would end though, the young Vice Captain would have one more attempt at success. With his blade now in hand, Tenkai awaited his students unknowingly, final assault.

His first move appeared to be a use of speed clones again, a favorite it seemed of the young Shihoin. Their family was famed for their speed, as was the legacy of Yoruichi Shihoin. It did not surprise Tenkai too much that the Vice Captain possessed knowledge of such abilities. Though, he was somewhat surprised that he was not as agile as he would have expected. Tenkai could easily tell though that what Rensaku lacked in speed or strength, he made up for with an incredible endurance. His endurance however, would not protect him forever however, and Tenkai was about to make this point. Instead of dodging and blocking as he normally would, he simply raised a single hand into the air.

"Ikkotsu" Tenkai spoke quietly as he then punched the ground with the full force at his disposal. With the single blow the ground crumbled below him turning much of the arena into a massive crater. With himself now being well below the range of Rensaku's assault, it rendered his strategy null. This was not the end of his attack however. Something fairly strange had occurred as the young Shihoin transformed into a flaming wolf creature. Tenkai raised an eyebrow as he raised his arm and pointed his blade out at his students incarnate self. Placing his hand at the base of the blade he quickly slid his hand across. In an explosion of power, waves of flame roared outward into the surrounding area as Tenkai released his shikai.

In his left hand he now held another blade identical to the one that he still held in his right. His reiatsu rippled outward in a sea of flames that covered the training area. This was the legendary strength of his zanpaktou, Oni Kokouo. It's offensive strength rivaled that of the famed Ryuujin Jakka and it shared the same element, as was obvious. The only true difference being that Tenkai possessed a rare dual zanpaktou, something that was even rarer in this day and age. Pointing the blade in his right hand at Rensaku, he watched as the wolf fired a blast of fire at him. Smirking slightly, Tenkai allowed the blast to approach him closing the distance between himself and Rensaku quickly.

Just as the blast touched his zanpaktou, it suddenly vanished from existence. Though technically being true, it did not vanish, but was merely being transferred energy. This was one particular reason Tenkai said it was unfortunate Rensaku's zanpaktou was a fire type. His zanpaktou, Oni Kokouo, was able to absorb any flames within the vicinity of his person and use them to his own ends. Now that he had released his shikai, Rensaku would be without hope of defeating Tenkai with his zanpaktou. Looking at his student quizzically, he waited to see what he would do now. It appeared his resolve had been sapped, as far as Tenkai would know at least. Rensaku had reverted from his wolf form and turned back into his shinigami body.

Tenkai took this as a sign that perhaps he had given up and would admit defeat. Until that moment came however, Tenkai would stand prepared to counter anything his student could throw at him. Rensaku began to charge at him though after patting himself down, a red glow being evident on his person. 'What could be be trying to do now' Tenkai questioned to himself. Regardless of what it was, Tenkai would not be moved. Though he would have never guessed what his students real, semi psychotic, plan was. He had ladened himself with explosives based from his zanpaktou and had approached Tenkai with the intent to explode engulfing both of them.

The body truly did have a determination greater then anything he had ever seen. The fact he was willing to cause harm to himself just for the sake of victory. Tenkai had judged him correctly, he was a true warrior. Providing he didn't get himself killed, he would continue to grow into an amazing shinigami. However, today would not be the day that he would succeed in defeating his new master. That day was far off, but this was at least a good start. As the mines exploded the brunt of the explosion was absorbed into Tenkai's zanpaktou' protecting him from at least his portion of the blast. Rensaku would learn the hard way though that not all plans bore a fruit of labor.

Sighing slightly, Tenkai raised an eyebrow as he watched Rensaku's body soar through the air and crashed into a wall. "Have you had enough yet Rensaku? I am sure by this point you are realizing I did not design this with a victory for you being possible. It is a simple fact that those who are stronger, will always win. That is why we are doing this, so you can become stronger. However..." Lowering both of his arms he pointed his blades down to the ground, their tips barely touching as he moved his hand to the top of the handle. As he did so, he watched as a wave of flames moved over Rensaku healing his wounds and refreshing his body. Smiling ever so slightly, he shook his head and looked up at Rensaku from the bottom of the crater.

"It seems you are not yet ready to give up the ghost. I will leave it up to you whether you want to continue or not. Though I will at least say, things are going to only get worse the longer you continue. Such is the way that I train my pupils." A malicious grin peak from the corners of Tenkai's mouth as he eyed his young student. He was enjoying himself, perhaps a little too much. He had a sneaking suspicion that Rensaku was not ready to surrender just yet. If he was, that was certainly acceptable to Tenkai. But something told him that the young Vice Captain's determination would not fold that easily.

SC: 86

Combat Information:

Raising from the floor he listened as Tenkai told him that one must be the stronger than the other opponent in order to claim victory which made sense to him, for when another person has powers greater than thine own, it becomes difficult to one. This fight was a proof as Rensaku was yet to land a single blow or even come close to making the commander move from his position. Regardless, because his plan had failed it meant he was now able to scrap his shikai and move straight to his bankai, for it was no longer a strategical advantage to keep it active. Adversely, his first release had not only been seen through and now Tenkai knew everything about his shikai.

"Bankai." He went straight to his secondary release for two reasons: The first being, he needed more power to possibly ignore the power gap between him and his opponent. Fortunately for him, he had just the ability for a problem such as that. Closing his eyes, he made a three second meditation the seemed like an hour for him. Within his mind, Rensaku had grabbed hold of his inner flames which, after being released, surrounded his actual body in a blue flame. He had briefly gained the power to continue on equal footing as when the training first started, assuming it was enough.

With that out of the way, he needed a new plan of action, something had to be done in order to knock him off balance and set him up for a moving attack. He was much slower and even more so weaker than he was, but that wasn't enough to make him fold. Rensaku was willing to fight until he couldn't, even if it meant he was going to be defeated spectacularly.

He chose to be direct about his attack until he was able to reach his next attack phase. There was a skill that required a great channeling of power, but it wasn't too great that it couldn't be obtained during practice. Kido was the last attacking plan on his mind, but it seemed to be necessary for this fight. "Commander, I will fight until you move, no matter the cost." He said though it was already established the moment he used himself as a weapon; Speaking of which, there was an ability that allowed himself to be a weapon, but that ability was useless against Tenkai's fire absorption ability. Said skill was, however, useful for feeding his fire when facing off against an enemy. His power could double as a support skill whenever it was needed.

Done with thinking, he charged, leaping forward with a somersaulting dropkick toward his chest. Still in the air, he straightened himself and used a fleeting tatsumaki(Spinning kick) from street fighters before dashing back in range to send a flying knee to the chin. 'Think Ren, what should I do?' He began to analyze his opponent as he created some distance using a shunpo. There was nothing to be missed and there was clearly no way around... That's when he caught the idea of using the alligator tactic which involved moving the terrain while using his clones.

Sentence Count: 24

Raikoho: 57/145

Blue Flames: Ren's power is stronger than normal; his fire become a stronger, blue flame.(Boost Rei by 4000 and reiy by 4. Can be used three times per battle and last 5 posts with a six post cool down.)
Post: 1/5

The sign of Rensaku reengaging his bankai was more then enough of an answer for Tenkai. He was ready and willing to continue their training session. He valued his determination and unwavering persistence in his attempts to win. Apparently futility was not a word that took up residence in the Vice Captain's vocabulary. However, whilst that persistence was very valuable in most instances. There came times that, carrying on, only hurt more then assist their cause. But, if he was willing to continue on then Tenkai would oblige. As this thought permeated him, a voice rang through Tenkai's mind. It roared through him with its deep bellowing power. The voice could have only belonged to one person. It was the object he held in both of his hands, or at least the spirit of such. "What are you doing here Tenkai. This one should not be of such trouble, why do you toy with him?"

Tenkai internally cringed at the voice that rattled through him. He did not dislike Oni by any means, but his way of thinking, and sometimes of speech, agitated him. This was one of those very times, as Oni assumed they were fighting to the death. Now that his power had been called upon, he was paying attention. Tenkai blanked out from reality for what was only a moment, but would be several minutes of conversation with his zanpaktou spirit. He was soon within his inner world, the smell of fresh grass and dew permeated his senses. As his eyes focuses and he could behold the sight before him, he could see the world of his mind. It was a large green landscape with sprawling, lush green grass. Nothing dotted this landscape but a single tree placed just in the midst of it. Beneath that very tree lay the nuisance that had called him into this realm.

"Ah, so you actually decided to show up instead of just speaking to me, how quaint." Sighing lightly, Tenkai pressed forward and moved towards the tree that Oni resided under. "Yes, I came here because you clearly have not been paying attention to the situation. You are going to be seeing a great deal more of that boy." With that sentence, Oni closed the ancient manuscript he was reading and glanced up at Tenkai. A look of confusion and agitation flashed across his face as he slowly stood up. "What do you mean by that? Would you seek to use 'my' power, for something so, trivial." Tenkai knew this was going to be an issue, a pissing match so to speak. Though Tenkai had by all means 'subjugated' Oni, his pride was not something that went away. Tenkai recognized him very much so as the part of himself that he did not indulge in.

In all truth's Tenkai was a very prideful person. He enjoyed all of the successes he had throughout his life and the greatness he had achieved. He was undoubtedly the most famous person within the Soul Society. Granted, with the death of the Captain Commander he most likely carried some infamy along with that. However, much of that would surely be supplanted after his performance as the new Captain Commander. Beyond that, he was the head of one of the great noble families and his father was a founding member of the Gotei Thirteen. His family had great fame and he himself had many accolades that marked his career. Beyond that his strength was unparalleled in the shinigami arts. His strength was immense and his reiatsu was a force that no other could match.

With all of this though, Tenkai had learned to be a great deal more humble then his accomplishments would suggest. To gloat about oneself was a weakness of character, something that he frowned upon as well. Strength of mind, body, and the spirit were the three pillars that Tenkai held to all peoples. It was beyond that of the shinigami arts and ideals that they instill in the students from the time of their teaching. This was something that he held personal to every living soul, something that anyone who wishes to better themselves should follow. However, he had gotten away from himself, he went off ranting and raving in his mind, while in his inner world. "Yes Oni, this boy is my, and by that extension, our, student. I have taken him on as an apprentice so I can help cultivate and grow his power. I would very much like him to be a Captain of the Gotei Thirteen."

With that sentence Oni burst out in a loud, uproarious laughter. "You desire to make this boy, a Captain? Tenkai, have you become delirious in your old age, or are you still just as much of a fool as you were when you were younger." Gritting his teeth lightly, Tenkai stepped forward pressing towards Oni. "You misjudge Rensaku too much, he has much more potential then you would place on him. Everyone must start from somewhere, and I will help him to ascend further. He will be a Captain, mark my words." With a simple dismissive scoff, Oni sat himself back down beneath the tree and continued reading. "I will watch and observe from here, but you will see your folly before long. You are doing nothing more then wasting your time, you know this in your soul."

Tenkai had turned and began to walk away knowing full well their encounter had ended. Oni was as dismissive as usual, but once he had gotten his opinion out he had gone back to being passively obedient. It was the way he had always been, as if to test Tenkai's resolve. As long as he did not fold on a matter, Oni typically backed down after a while. Though it was fairly agitating to have to indulge in the demons rather prideful behavior, he was a powerful, well, power, to have. Popping out from his inner world only a moment or two had passed since he had gone inside. Though the conversation with Oni had carried on for what seemed like a great deal of time, the passing of actual time was different as was typical. Turning his attention back to Rensaku he placed his mind back into one for battle.

His will had been steeled further and reinforced his decision to take Rensaku as an apprentice. He was always hesitant to do so in the past, and even still was slightly so now. It was due not to any lacking in the student, but the actual promise of them blossoming into their true selves. In their line of work many shinigami did not live to see a full life. Tenkai himself, and Rensaku as well, were blessed in that manner. His job now though was to make Rensaku strong enough to face any threat he would come across. Tenkai prepared to do battle once more, and blue flame slowly encompassed and enveloped Rensaku. As Tenkai observed he could sense a slight fluctuation in his reiatsu. He raised an eyebrow as he observed the technique in question. He had never quite seen before an ability that actually increased ones reserve of reiatsu.

Perhaps it was time to change up the name of the game. The whole concept of Rensaku attempting to move him was futile, and as was designed as such. Tenkai had never intended for Rensaku to be able to move him. His abilities were far beyond anything the Vice Captain could comprehend and his combat experience was likewise. It would be many centuries before he would allow one so young to be able to contend with him. For the time being though, he would commend his efforts. But Tenkai now planned on changing the name of the game. After Rensaku's assault would end at the very least. The young Shihoin came flying in with a somersault and attempted to drop kick Tenkai directly in his chest. Shifting himself on his feet he turned his body at the moment Rensaku would have impacted allowing him to soar by him harmlessly.

However, this would not be the end of the young Vice Captains assault. After missing his first attack he came back just as quickly with another strike, this time a Tatsumaki kick. Observing the rotation of the strike as Rensaku drew closer Tenkai placed his arm up at the correct moment and simply, blocked the strike. It impacted his arm lightly as his physical strength was likely well beyond that of Rensaku. This was especially true given the nature of his release and the further increased power it gave him. Tenkai stood quizzically wondering what he would do next, an answer was given shortly thereafter. Rensaku charged yet again, with a rapid follow up strike from his Tatsumaki kick. It was a flying knee attempting to strike him directly in the face. The efforts were certainly valiant, and it was clear Rensaku could take a great deal of punishment.

However, as long as Tenkai was faster then him, he would never be able to land a strike. Granted, even with the ability to not move, Tenkai could use his overwhelming strength to just fend off the Vice Captain. But as he had thought up previously, he was going to change the name of the game. As Rensaku came in, Tenkai slid out under him and pivoted as he did so, turning around. Attempted to grab hold of Rensaku's free leg he continued his spin performing a full three hundred sixty degree turn. As he completed his turn, he released Rensaku's leg and aimed to send him soaring into the far wall at full force. After doing so, Tenkai stood up and brushed off the flecks of dirt from his haori. He had stepped forward, out of the ring he was initially standing in breaking the single rule of their confrontation. However, he had done this fully aware and on purpose.

Moving forward slowly to where Rensaku would have landed, Tenkai began to flare his reiatsu letting a portion of its weight be felt by his opponent. He was going to kick things up a notch and let Rensaku have a real fight against someone stronger then him. He was going to allow him to fight in earnest with the strongest of the shinigami. "Rensaku, as I am sure you have noticed I have moved from my static position. However, take this less as a victory and more of, a change of pace." Tenkai raised the blade in his left hand up and swiped it quickly through the air making the flames of his reiatsu roar throughout the area with great heat and intensity. "You will no longer be trying to move me Rensaku." In that moment a large group of clones appeared around Tenkai as he used the speed clone technique that his very opponent was fond of.

However, instead of just charging at Rensaku, he instead used Utsusemi, a special variant of shunpou. It left a clone of the user in the position that they were once standing in, giving the appearance they had never moved. With all of the clones following suit with this, there were ten Tenkai's standing before Rensaku when suddenly the real grouping appeared, surrounding Rensaku, in the blink of an eye. "Now my friend, the real training can begin." At that moment Rensaku was assailed from all sides, the clones and Tenkai swinging their blades from the blunt side so as to not actually kill his new student. That would be a fairly poor end to their training session. Following his initial attack, Tenkai then soared up into the air with his clones in suit, each making a shearing movement with their legs.

As the group spun around in a front flip like fashion, they all came down delivering a powerful kick aimed straight down on top of Rensaku. He was confident that if they strikes landed, which they most likely would, Rensaku's tremendous endurance would allow him to more then survive. Though he was less worried about him being fatally injured and more concerned with him continuing the training. It would also not suit him well if he was to be knocked out upon his first strike.

SC: 143

Combat Information:

Though Tenkai knew full well there would not be a resounding amount of resistance from Rensaku, what he got was much less. It was almost as though the Vice Captain did not make a single attempt to protect himself. The first of the strikes had landed on their mark with frightening effect. The young shinigami was sent soaring across the room slamming into the wall that marked the boundary of their arena. As he slowly slid down from the wall towards the floor was when the second round of strikes landed fiercely upon his being. The Kazagaruma, or shearing kick, landed powerfully into Rensaku's shoulder slamming his down to the ground at a rapidly accelerated rate. The ground beneath them splintered and cracked from the forth of the blow.

Tenkai grew anxious at first, expecting some form of resistance in Rensaku protecting himself. He knew that he outclassed the Shihoin boy by a wide margin but he was still capable of putting up some form of protection. With him having done nothing he bore the full force of Tenkai's attack, which were nothing less then terrifying. Examining his pupil quickly, he could still sense his spiritual energy pulsating outward, though much weaker then before. It was to be expected after the attacks his body had just absorbed. Though, the fact he had survived them spoke volumes of his bodies resilience. There were not many that could survive two full powered blows from him in quick succession like that.

If even Tenkai himself was to take his own attacks head on, he would certainly feel them in his bones. He knelt down beside Rensaku's now unconscious body and patted him lightly on the back. "You are going to be capable of great things one day Rensaku. You just need the time to achieve them." After patting him three or so times Tenkai went to seal his shikai so as to be able to move Rensaku and bring him to Squad Four. As he did so though a pulsating pain resonated through his skull, it was staggering the amount of pain that emanated forth. He dropped both of his zanpaktou and began to clutch his head as he fell to the floor. His back craned from the pain he felt and his hands began to squeeze his skull in an attempt to transfer pain.

He did not understand what was happening, he couldn't understand anything, it was all pain. It was almost as though something inside of him was trying to rip him open, to get out, to escape. The reality though was far worse, as what was causing this pain did not mean to escape his body, but to control it. A voice began to ripple through his head, one that he recognized but could not hear clearly. He believed it to be Oni calling out to him, being aware of what was happening and only being able to watch. The words were garbled, nothing quite clear, only fragments of words, noises echoing through his head. All at once though the voice stopped, the pain stopped, everything had halted all at once.

There was nothing but a calming peace that lasted for what seemed like an eternity. This peace however only truly lasted for a few moments before reality had set in on Tenkai. He stood within his inner realm, the inside of his soul where his zanpaktou spirit resided. This time though, the person that waited there for him was not Oni, but something he had never seen before, but was still as familiar as a member of his own family. It was a being that was polar opposite to him, one that looked like him, but was not him. It was a being that he had dedicated his life to cleansing and protecting innocent souls from. The being that stood before him now was a hollow, and it was within his own soul.

Immediately Tenkai knew what this meant, a struggle for life or death. While he was in his inner realm with this, abomination, his body on the outside world was slowly turning into the beasts he had dedicated himself to destroying. It was an afront to everything that he stood for and everything that he was, but it was happening. All at once as he faced this menace memories began to flood back to him, remembering pieces of his past he had thought were long forgotten. Within it, he remembered how this turn of events came to be and the person that was to blame for all of it.

Flashback: Two Hundred Years Ago

It had been a little over one hundred years since the second war with the quincy had 'ended'. They say it was over but in reality it was simply the end of the main conflict. The quincy were still in power within the Soul Society and Yuwach roamed free controlling all aspects of their world. He was the king of all realms and there was no one that could stop him. It was because of this very fact that one man sought devious means to attempt destroying him. Kazangan Bakuhatsu had been placed as the Captain of the Thirteenth Division after Jyuushiro Ukitake had died in the conflict. He was an aged shinigami, almost as old as Jyuushiro had been, and just as talented.

His strength was legendary, but he was always seen as too soft to be appointed to a high ranking position. He was your typical little old man, very kind and always honest. The power he possessed though was frightening to behold, something that would bring fear to the most primal of beasts. This however was only a front to all those around him, a facade so no one could see his true colors, his true face. He was evil, more evil then anything anyone had ever seen, Aizen included. He was more patient and much more calculating. It was for these very reasons that he sought the Hougyoku, the device that had led to the very events that Aizen had started within the Soul Society.

He made it public knowledge that he was looking for such a device, though under the guise of wielding it to stop Yuwach. It was a noble cause, that many supported. Any who could see through his evil, or were strong enough to stop him, were long gone at this point. Tenkai was unfortunately one of the ones naive enough to have fallen for such a ploy. He had been the Vice Captain of the Seventh Division at the time and had been at his post for some twenty or so years. For some reason he had been approached by Kazangan to help him with his experiments. The old bastard had managed to acquire the Hougyoku by some nefarious means and had began experimenting with it. He wanted to wake it up so he could use it power.

Tenkai would never have the misfortune to see what exactly the old codger would do with the device. He never even truly saw anything from the experiments he had assisted him in. Nothing that he could see from the surface at the very least. The effects of these experiments would lay dormant in his soul for decades and centuries until it found a vulnerable moment to reach out and grab his body for itself. There was no manner to fix this misfortune either as the Hougyoku was now gone, as was Kazangan. When he had finally truly awakened it, the old man had vanished. He had never been seen or heard from again after that moment. It was chocked up to a failure in an experiment with the Hougyoku resulting in him being destroyed and the device along with him.

Everyone was more then happy to accept that as an answer, for at least one good thing came out of the failure. Everyone had wrote it off as a simple mistake and was glad the damnable object could never be used again. But the interactions with that device would stain Tenkai forever; a dark blotch on his souls that would never be able to be wiped away.

These memories had flooded Tenkai as he faced down the hollow that now resided in his soul. Something that had been given birth within his own body and had resided within him for two centuries without being seen. This was all the fault of that damnable artifact and his own naivety. Now he had to answer for it in the worst way possible. He had to fight with his inner hollow for control of his body, and if he lost, he would be gone forever. Replacing him in the real world would forever be a hollow of frightening power with the ability to destroy the world. His immediate concern fell to Rensaku who was still with his physical body as it was undoubtedly transforming into a hollow at that very moment.

If given half an opportunity it would kill him and move on to wreak more havoc. Sansuka was the only person who could contain him long enough to defeat his inner hollow. Even then he didn't know if his friend would be able to hold him off long enough. The hollow had the full disposal of his powers and if he decided to use his bankai it would all be over. Tenkai was forcibly snapped from his thought as a garbled noise caused every fiber of his being to cringe and retract. "Tenkai, I have waited soooo very loooong for this moment. To catch you off guard and have enough power to seize your soul. Two hundred years I have waited to rip your will away and make you a slave in your own body. I will destroy you here and use your body to destroy this world."

The being cackled as he raised the twin blades of Oni Kokouo that were a stark contrast to Tenkai's own. As he had been in his shikai state it had apparently transferred over and the beast before him was using his shikai as well. They were after all still of the same body and soul, as disgusting of a thought that was for him. This would be no easy fight, but it had to be fought, and it had to be won. Tenkai roared loudly with a bloodcurdling cry as he charged at the inner hollow preparing to do battle. They locked blades and began the epic clash that would determine the fate of who would survive and who would fade away.

In the real world Tenkai's body had begun to transform. A white liquid poured out from his mouth encapsulating his body and molding into a mask upon his face. It bore three eyes upon it with two small horns protruding from both sides of his forehead. The liquid continued to leak downward enclosing on his arms and down to his legs transforming them into stark white claws and talons. Tribal-esk marking adorned the white appendages that now lined his body in a decorative fashion. The transformation was complete and his physical body was completely hollowfied. It was up to Tenkai now whether he could defeat his inner hollow, or if he would succumb to its power and fade away forever.

Unfortunately he had left the Soul Society to deal with the terrifying beast that he had become. Even if it was only for a simple hour, a being of such power could do immeasurable damage. Its reiatsu rippled outwards destroying everything around it and causing the ground beneath it to form into a massive crater crumbling the structures that were once around it. Rensaku's body was blown away several meters as the hollowfied Tenkai continued to roar into the open air. Once the initial primal rage had completely been sated from its newly achieved sentience, it set its eyes down to the young shinigami before it. It sought to devour him as any other hollow would. It was not every day a meal such as that was just placed in front of someone for the taking.

It bared its claws as it approached Rensaku's still body, its maw slowly opening to show rows upon rows of fanged teeth. If there was anyone who could help Rensaku now would be the time for them to do so. For it they did not arrive soon, the young shinigami would undoubtedly perish to the twisted form of his master.

WC: 2,178

Normal Text= Real World
Bold Text= Inner World
Italicized Text= Flashback

Tenkai and his inner hollow clashed violently as their battle raged onward. They were both fighting for their freedom, though in a different capacity. Tenkai's body was his and had always been his for the eight hundred and some odd years he had been alive. This being had only come to exist within him two hundred years ago and sought a way out, a body of its own. It was Tenkai's misfortune that it just so happened that his body was the one that it wished to take possession of. Their blades locked on their every match, each of them deadlocked against the others abilities. They were equals in every way which was terrifying in itself. He had never fought an opponent that was his exact equal, that fought as he did and knew every move that he made.

He could not out smart the beast, overpower it, he simply had to try and destroy it as best he could. Flames licked his face as the black tendrils of heat reached out around him and mingled with the blazing red and white flames that were his own. The area around them was scorched and burned as their flames destroyed everything around them. The once serene inner world that sprawled with green grass was now a burning wasteland of desolate grays and browns. Twirling in an acrobatic display Tenkai spun his blades around like a top releasing waves of flame around him while slicing at his hollow equivalent at the same time. He alternated his height as he spun to strike at a variety of heights and angles.

As he did so he released two of his shikai abilities, Nenshou Dageki and Sugikasho. They increased his latent abilities to allow his damage output to be higher and bolster his other offensive techniques. The quick increase in power was enough to startle the hollow for a moment but not enough to truly distract him. Tenkai had managed to get a quick strike off, but nothing but a glancing blow that would amount to very little in deciding the fight. After their exchange the hollow backed away for a moment but smiled maliciously in opposition to the brief change in their power struggle. "Why do you smile you smug bastard? Is it for the same reason I do not wish to use my bankai against you."

The inner hollow cackled loudly and pointed the blade in his right hand at Tenkai. "It is, perhaps you are not as much of a fool as you were when I was born within your soul. All of your power, your abilities, everything you know is mine as well!! We are one in the same Tenkai, you cannot defeat me!!!" Cackling once more Tenkai could sense the increase of strength from his inner hollow as he too released the same techniques that he had used just moments ago. Gritting his teeth lightly, Tenkai charged in low swinging one blade in at the hollows legs. The initial swipe of course missed but Tenkai had planned for that to happen. As he swung his blade he pivoted off of his front foot halting his momentum and causing his body to turn to the right.

As his body swung he stabbed the blade in his left hand forward glancing the hollows right cheek leaving a light wound on his skin. Traces of blood speckled the ground as the hollow backed away visibly angered. His inner hollow howled angrily and sprung up into the air; the blade in his left hand poised to stab Tenkai through his abdomen. Quickly vaulting backwards with his right hand he managed to just barely avoid the strike but did not manage to miss the follow up slash as the bastard swiped at him with his off hand. A light cut appeared across his torso as an opening appeared in his shihakushou. A light red tint began to stain his black robes leaving the obvious conclusion of the wound that was inflicted upon him.

Tenkai tightened the grip he had on his blades as his anger began to swell as well. The battle had only just started, yet it seemed as though they had been battling forever. Neither one could land a decisive blow, only exchanging the shallowest of hits on one another that would amount to nothing. Tenkai however did not have the luxury of time, he needed to get this fight over with as soon as possible. If he did not, the hollow would still win in the end as he was racing not only to win, but against the hollowfication of his body as well.

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The hollow had sensed the approach of someone coming to disturb his meal. They were strong as well, much stronger then the shinigami he was about to feast upon. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to leave the small fry for the time being as set his sights on a bigger fish. Flexing his hands, the hollows claws clicked together creating a loud metallic sound that rang through the area. Its tongue slipped from its mouth as it licked its fanged maw in anticipation of its new preys arrival. It reached down grabbing hold of the two blades that were now the possession of the monster. Flames rippled outwards as the waves of its reiatsu transformed into a sea of flames the scorched the very earth it stood upon and everything it touched.

The shinigami that was incoming appeared before him and a familiarity struck the beast as he gazed on the visage that was before him. It cocked its head for a moment before roaring one more time; not particularly caring who this person was or why they might have seemed familiar. It lunged out to strike at the shinigami but before they had the opportunity to he was assailed by a barrage of bolts and a fabric that covered his view. Roaring loudly the beast's reiatsu flared releasing bursts of flame that were hotter then that of volcanic magma. The cloth that covered its view began to burn away before the intense heat it faced but it did not burn fast enough.

The cloth had burned away for the most part but the bolts had served to slow his movements and distract him long enough for the main event. A large black, steel-like cloth rained down on him in the shape of an X pinning the beast to the ground. Various domino shaped pillars would line the length of the X securing the material to the ground to prevent the hollows escape. It's reiatsu flared wildly as it roared in a mindless rage attempting to struggle out from under the fabric. The flames licked at the material lightly singing the ends of it, but it would take a far amount of time to truly burn through it. All at once though the creatures strength increased drastically as the effects of the inner battle took effect outside as well.

Its strength increased dramatically and it began to resist in earnest as its reiatsu combined with physical strength began to slow force the material up from the ground. One by one the pillars securing it, and by extension him, to the ground began to be removed releasing him from his bind. The beast managed to free an arm from its captivity and reached it out towards the shinigami that held him captive. In its palm a crimson red light slowly began to form into a orb that radiated with reiatsu. As the beast roared a cero blasted out from its hand and rippled out towards the shinigami that it desired to make its meal.

WC: 1,326

Combat Information:

Sansuka lifted his blade as his eyes focused on the Hollow. As it began burning the binds so easily, he realized he'd need more power to deal with this. His right blade would stay pointing at the beast as his left was sheathed on his side. He slowly entered an old Battou stance as his mouth parted and words carried across the area. "Ken'o-kan de sekai ni mite, to barabara ni sore o hikisaki-Bankai-Boukyaku de kui" As Sansuka's power resonated across all of the Soul Society it's sky would darken. Black clouds would start to form overhead by the shear power of his blade. As he watched the being begin to jostle the pillars he knew it was about time to act. His body was enshrouded in death black energy with a gentle sky blue outline whipping like wildfire. It would suddenly burst apart causing a large black haze to burst outwards in a dome like fashion. This would cause the area to be enshrouded so no one could see in or out. Generally this caused a disruption through sudden environmental change but Sansuka doubted a hollow so feral would care. It was only now that the sky to sky lightening would strike across the clouds lighting up the darkened sky, ground, and Soul Society as Sansuka was now fully visible. His clothing had changed to that of an old Edo styled Shogun Samurai mixture. He bore the straw rice field hat, Samurai Armor guarding his left arm up to his shoulder, a belt with leg and shin guards.

He looked as though he stepped out of an old Samurai movie and right into reality. His blade would start to vibrate as the beast began lifting it's claw. The red orb that erupted form his hand would enter into Sansuka's right blade. A small bit of blade flame with sky blue outline began to form on it. Sansuka would then stand up straight while holding that blade to his right. He would slowly unsheath his left blade and hold it with a firm grip pointing downwards yet off to the side as to not touch the ground. His eyes were focused, stoned, and secured. He knew that he and this hollow were in as much of a fight to the death as Tenkai was with his inner beast. It would be lucky for him to survive. He just hoped Tenkai didn't get the idea to go Bankai while inside there. The thought caused his spine to shiver for an instant. Sansuka's right blade would now point towards the hollow as he readied himself for what was to come. This level ninety nine bakudo didn't hold him which meant his raw strength was too much for Sansuka to bind. Even the final Bankin wouldn't hold him. It was the only chance Tenkai had, no, they both had. A fight to stall the beast from harming anyone.


--------------------------------------------------------

Combat Info:

Blades were bared and fangs were shown as the battle raged on. Neither end would ever give up with what was on the line. Their freedom and continued existence were what they fought for. For Tenkai though this battle had a great deal more pressure placed on it, he had to win, and had no time to do so. For him there was a timer ticking over his head, metaphorically at least. If he did not defeat his inner hollow in due time, he would lose his body forever. Every moment that they spent inside fighting his body out there continued its hollowfication giving that bastard more control. With both of them having the same powers as well, there was no easy way to claim victory. They were equals in every way, expect for one that Tenkai had just thought of.

They were both of the same being, but still different. Each of them possessed the same skill set and could both use their zanpaktou to its fullest extent. But a question popped into Tenkai's head, his final technique. It was one that, as far as he knew was unheard of for a shinigami to possess. If he was to perform that technique, would the hollow be able to follow him into it. The pure method of its performance made it hard to assume that such a thing was possible. It was a literal fusion of the spiritual bodies of himself and his zanpaktou combining their spiritual power into a godlike being. Though if it did not work, he was pretty much out of options. It was do or die at this point as their continued conflicts were not proving to be fruitful.

This was a last ditch effort to be sure, but if things continued on like this he had a strong feeling that he would not be able to come out victorious. Placing his left arm over his abdomen with the blade running parallel to his chest and his right arm being raised up and the blade running perpendicular; Tenkai crossed them and spoke a single phrase as his reiatsu began to skyrocket. "Bankai, Kagayakashii Oni Kokouo!!" As he did this his inner hollow mimicked his moves one for one and released his bankai at the same exact moment. This much Tenkai had expected, the bastard was capable of doing anything that he could. The waves of flame that had roared through the area burning the once serene environment were drew back and condensed to a small section that surrounded Tenkai and his inner hollow.

These 'domes' of fire were visible to only Tenkai and his inner hollow, each being able to see the others. It was a zone of intense heat, equal to that of the suns core temperature. Nothing could pass through it unharmed, it was the ultimate shield. That being the case the two would have a rather difficult time attempting to harm one another. But the ace up Tenkai's sleeve, or what he hoped would be one, was his true play. Once more his reiatsu began to soar as the blades he held in his hands slow began to dissipate turning into spiritual particles. As they fluttered gently through the air they began to be drawn into Tenkai's body, absorbing the power that was contained within.

This was his ultimate technique, one that he had taken centuries to perfect. It was the epitome of a relationship between a shinigami and their zanpaktou, the melding of their beings into one form, their true form. "Enkotsu, Shinsei Youshiki..." Tenkai's power noticably increased to levels that were far beyond his already staggering strength. In this form he possessed strength that could even parallel that of Aizen or Yamamoto. However from the moment he engaged this form he could not waste any time. The power that it afforded it came at a price, and a great one. He could not sustain this form for a significant amount of time and had to use it wisely. It was now or never if he was going to defeat the bastard.

As Tenkai charged at his inner hollow with a dome of fire and golden hue of reiatsu wisping from his being he realized he had played his cards correctly. Though he and his inner hollow were essentially the same, only he and Oni could perform this ability. There was only one of each of them, three separate beings. If two of them were in one body, they could not be combined into another. In that moment Tenkai realized he had won, he simply had to actually attain his victory now. With this power he had gained a massive edge but he still needed to defeat the vile monster. He was still a threat, still very powerful, but on the defensive. Tenkai drew in close only having his hands and legs at his disposal now.

He swung time after time just grazing his inner hollow but still leaving cuts and wounds with each glancing blow. The power behind his strikes was great enough that even a single strike could shatter his bones. The flame cloak would certainly serve to protect him, but not enough to keep him alive. Roaring loudly, Tenkai jumped up into the air and dove down towards the ground using Utsusemi to attempt throwing off the bastard. He and his clone closed the gap between him and his target and with his fist ready to strike he yelled out a single phrase before landing his blow. "Ikkotsu!!" With a mighty blast the ground shattered beneath them cratering into an enormous gully that could have easily fit a lake.

Once the waves of debris and dust had cleared his inner hollow stood, hunched, and breathing raggedly. His left arm was gone, pulverized by the strike. In its place a clot of white material had formed to stop the bleeding and allow him to continue fighting. Raising his fists into a fighting stance a smirk slowly appeared on Tenkai's face as he pointed at his opponents arm. "Do you really intend to continue fighting me in your current condition? It is clear that you did not realize all of the abilities that I possessed. The one exception to what you knew was the one that would be your downfall. Surrender and I may just let you go with some of your pride intact you vile beast."

His inner hollow clenched his teeth before forming a wide grin and began cackling. It was confusing to Tenkai to be sure, perhaps the ravings of a lunatic. His opponent then raised his right arm, pointing the blade he held in it out at him. "You cannot win, even now as you may be overpowering me, you are running out of time. Your friend is attempting to hold off your hollow form as best he can. If he cannot, you will lose and you will destroy everything you love. This is not a battle against me Tenkai, this is a battle against yourself!!" With that sentence the inner hollow began to cackle wildly once more flailing his only remaining arm into the air before bum rushing at Tenkai.

It was clear now that he had completely lost his mind as his grip for victory was slipping away. Was he telling the truth though, was Tenkai truly running out of time? Perhaps this entire time the bastard was simply trying to goad him into using his full power so that his body would slip away faster. There was no way to truly tell, all he knew was that he had to win, and he had to do it now.

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The beast roared loudly after firing off its cero expecting to be done and dealt with the shinigami before it. As it continued to struggle for freedom from its binds it grew confused as his new prey had a spike in power. Not being aware of what a bankai even was, the beast stared at Sansuka confused as its cero vanished away into the new power the shinigami had used. It slammed its claw into the ground angrily causing a ripple to form through the ground as if an earthquake had split the earth. As it did so the ground broke apart and split causing its bindings to further loosen. With just enough room to slip out it broke free from its binding and flared its reiatsu once more and roared into the evening sky. "GRRRREAAARARARGGAGHH!!!!"

All throughout seireitei the power of the beast could be felt and its roar, piercing the hearts of even the most valiant of warriors. This was a feral beast with no thoughts, no feelings, only destruction. It needed to feed, it needed to destroy, and it had the power to do so. The beast reared back and lunged forward at Sansuka attempting to slice open his abdomen with both of its blades. In succession to its first strike the vaulted backwards attempting to rip Sansuka's torso open with a vertical strike from its razor sharp talons. After its rabid onslaught its power began to increase yet again, indicating the use of Tenkai's bankai within his inner world. The last thing the beast needed was more power, but if Tenkai needed the strength to survive it was the unfortunate side effect for those in the real world.

He did not mean to do harm, but had no control over his physical body anymore. The staggering power that he would use to destroy his inner hollow could now very well be the power that would destroy the world. With this additional power the hollow was invigorated well beyond its feral mind. It had more power then it knew what to do with and its brain yelled, destroy, destroy DESTROY!!! The beast vaulted forward towards Sansuka at ungodly speeds and opened its jaw wide revealing the rows and rows of razor sharp teeth. Biting down with its dozens of fangs it attempted to take a bite out of Sansuka; a snack before the meal it seemed.

Leaping up into the air after its attack it dove down to the ground and slammed itself into the earth in another display of power. It was destroying now for no reason, just for the need to destroy. It wanted to, it HAD to. At this very point it came down to a simple question. Would Tenkai banish his inner demons, or would the Soul Society as he knew it cease to exist and be reduced to rubble and ashes before the very power he used to protect it.

WC: 1,832

Combat Information:

Sansuka would watch as the hollow forced it's way upwards. So this was it huh? He prepared himself for an onslaught. Feral beasts were dangerous but they were often predictable. The sudden rush however, was something even Sansuka couldn't predict. The movements were swift, almost too fast for Sansuka to follow. Luckily for him, he was ready ahead of time for the attack. The strikes came like wildfire. The first strike caused a loud clash sound, causing Sansuka to be pushed backwards and dug into the ground. The second attack caused his body to be pushed even farther back but this time somewhat upwards back onto normal ground. With a quick movement, Sansuka would manage to turn quite easily to see the next attack striking him as if it were out of nowhere. The sinking teeth struck his right shoulder with such ease that it felt as though he was going to lose his whole half of his body. He tensed in pain and strength trying to resist the bite. Of course it was barely able to be done. He could feel a part of his body just be squeezed out of himself. The horrid nature of his own ineptitude. As Sansuka felt the bite begin to release he could feel the weight being lifted. It stung quite wildly. Almost a little more than normal. The front of his body was covered in blood now, losing quite a lot of it. His Reiatsu waned slightly. It was noticeable to those outside but it barely waned. As the hollow leaped back Sansuka looked at him dead in the eyes. He could see the feral nature of the beast.

Sansuka's body lowered slightly from fatigue. It was difficult to keep up with such power, especially against this beast of a man. He would shake his head as he stood tall once more. His right blade would lift high into the sky as he stared at the beast. It wasn't a lot of strength but he had to try. The tip of his blade grew a small black orb with a purple outline. As he stood there, his body weakening every second from the loss of blood, his power flared to it's maximum. The orb would begin to take shape as Sansuka's words echoed through the area. "Seeping crest of turbidity. Arrogant vessel of lunacy. Boil forth and deny. Grow numb and flicker. Disrupt sleep, Crawling queen of iron. Eternally self-destructing doll of mud. Unite. Repulse. Fill with soil and know your own powerlessness.-Hado no Kyuu juu: Kurohitsugi." The black orb would form into a sort of box that floated just above the tip of his blade. Sansuka would watch as the same box would raise upwards around the hollow. Sansuka knew all too well that this wasn't going to be enough to break or destroy the hollow not in any way. But it should be enough to at least distract him long enough for Tenkai to finish up. Sansuka's body grew weary fast however, and began to double over. He would slam his left blade into the ground to steady himself. His eyes gazing upon the hollow with interest, intent, and a small ounce of worry tainted with fear.


(WC)538/1,547/--
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Attack Info:
Kurohitsugi:
Reiryoku: 239
Reiryoku speed: 222

The battle was drawing to a close, Tenkai could feel it in his bones. Perhaps though it was the overwhelming strength that flowed through his body that gave him this answer. He felt like an unstoppable force that could not be quelled no matter who tried to stop him. However, if the power he was currently holding was being reflected on his body outside, it would mean nothing good. He held a strong belief that Sansuka was out there right now holding his hollowfied form at bay. If not, then he feared for the destruction that would be left in his wake when he emerged victorious. It was a frightening though to be certain, but the only way to know for sure was to defeat his inner hollow.

Clenching his fists tightly once again Tenkai vanished in a blur, using Utsusemi, and assaulted the winded beast that stood before him. His inner hollow attempted its best to defend itself against his assault. Lightning fast movements followed by endless blows that could split the earth in two were unleashed upon his unfortunate foe. He had already removed his opponents left arm with one of his punches, now he would remove his head. It was an amazing display at least that he was still managing to put up as much resistance as he was. Granted the fire cloak the inner hollow still possessed was protecting him from the full strength behind Tenkai's strikes. Even with that though, he would not be able to survive through all of the attacks.

His speed was still there, and he was faster then his hollow at this point, especially with his suffered wounds. Vanishing in a blur of shunpou, Tenkai reappeared up in the air, a myriad of speed clones displayed around him. He cocked back both of his arms as if to punch with both arms at the same time and descended with furious speed. "This is it you vile beast, you will not control my body!! Raioken!!" Tenkai and his clones descended down on his inner hollow and unleashed a furious volley of thunderous blows. The pure number of strikes could not be counted as they split the ground away beneath where they struck. Though only a few seconds had passed the raw destruction unleashed by them was unparalleled.

The ground was split in twain and a crater larger then even the grand canyon could be viewed where his opponent had once stood. In the very depths of it stood Tenkai, standing over the beaten and battered body of his inner hollow. His power continued to radiate through him, forcing down the weakened shell that he had left of his opponent. He knelt down next to the beast, a look of calm seriousness displayed. "You have lost, I have won. You may be my equal in every way, but you have not lived as long as I have, you have not learned or seen what I have seen. Your strength is mine and mine yours, but we are not the same. That, is why you have lost here. You will continue to live on, but as a slave within my soul."

The hollow gritted its teeth and spit blood on the ground next to Tenkai. "You have..beaten me now...but...." He coughed up a mist of blood as his body started to slowly fade into spirit particles. "...This will not...be...the last...of meeeeeee....." As he faded away into nothingness that was the last word that his inner hollow uttered. He was correct in a way, he would always be in his soul, residing in its darkest depths. His inner hollow was not something that could be removed or killed, it was a part of him now. Its power his, and his power belonging to the beast as well. As much as it sickened him to realize he was now a tainted being, he had to continue to live with it and shoulder this additional burden.

He had become an abomination, a mixture of that which he swore to destroy through his entire life, and the beings that did just that. He was no longer a shinigami, but he was not a hollow either, he was now a Vaizard. Standing up tall he began to fade from his inner world, returning to his body out in the physical realm. Hopefully Sansuka had indeed held his hollowfied self at bay and kept the Soul Society from destruction. There was no real way to tell until he had seen for his own eyes what had happened. He just knew that in addition to what he had just become, if he had taken the lives of any of his subordinates, he would not be able to live with himself. Closing his eyes, he began to fade away from his inner world and into reality.

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The hollow heard a violent rip as his fangs took a piece of his prey away with him. It was only a taste, a small morsel for what would be his meal, but it made him want it even more. The power that the being possessed was vast, and would provide a great deal of sustenance. It wanted to feed, it NEEDED to feed, and it would do it now. The hollow reared back and prepared to charge at Sansuka once again. Just as it was about to launch into its frenzy a dark shroud began to slow form around it accompanied by chanting by his target. The hollow did not understand what was happening, nor did it particularly care. It just wanted to feed and destroy, those commands repeating themselves over and over in its mind.

It lunged forward, attempting to fulfill its commands but was stopped by a wall of darkness that formed in front of it. It was surrounded by an insurmountable darkness. In this darkness gravity began to push down on the beast, a strong force that crushed in from all around it. It attempted to hold the hollow in place, managing to slightly do so in spite of the beasts ungodly strength. The hollow trudged forward towards what it assumed was the edge of the barrier only to be struck by a myriad of lances that perforated its body every which way. The flaming cloak that shielded its body managed to absorb some of the shock but not enough for him to simply shake off.

As the darkness faded away and vanished the beast roared loudly into the air as blood trickled down from the many wounds that now littered its body. It was hurt, but still very much so standing, and now very, very angry. It charged forth, barreling at Sansuka with its twin blades prepared to strike. It vanished, in a quick movement, a burst of shunpou causing it to appear high in the air in an untraceable movement. It bore down on Sansuka, descending through the distance between the two in less then a second. A mere moment before it prepared to strike it stopped, falling to the ground below it, writhing in pain. It's white shelled body began to crack and crumble as it held its clawed hands to its head.

All at once the being broke apart revealing Tenkai's form beneath as he fell to his knees on the ground. His blades clattered to the floor next to him with one of them vanishing only moments after he emerged. His bankai sealed away and his zanpaktou reverted to its sealed form. His breathing was heavily as he stumbled slowly to his feet. He quietly moved over to his zanpaktou, picking it up and returning it to its home within his sheath. Sighing loudly, he fell backwards sitting down and took a look around him. As he had expected, Sansuka stood there, his body worse for wear, and what appeared to be a chunk of his shoulder missing. However, beyond the wounds that numbered far less then Tenkai would have guessed, the damage was well contained.

The ground had been split open with a sizable crater having been made, the training area was pretty much destroyed, aside from that though everything was intact. He was actually quite relieved to see he had not completely annihilated the Soul Society in his hollowfied rampage. His mind was set at ease and he was ready for a good rest. He was completely spent from his encounter and he could tell this his body was as well. It had been quite the vigorous ordeal, one of the most dangerous ones he had ever encountered in his lifetime. Sprawling out backwards on the ground Tenkai decided a nap would be good for him, very good indeed. Only moments would pass before his eyes closed and he was out like a light.

WC: 1,586