Post by chanchan05 on Nov 18, 2008 8:53:48 GMT -4
SHINIGAMI
General Info
Name: Kyouka Getsumaru
Gender: Male
Age: 324, appears 22
Division: 5th Division
Rank: Captain
Physical Description:
One may describe Getsumaru as unremarkable. He stands at around 5 foot 7 inches, and has black hair and dark eyes. He has a rather sun-tanned complexion, with medium framed body relative to his height. He is rather lean, although does not actually seem to be the athletic type, making many opponents and even other shinigami think him not much of a fighter, though that was before he was promoted to lieutenant several years ago, before eventually becoming a captain. Even his bearing does not seem to be very intimidating, as he is a bit of a slouch.
His dark brown eyes however, show that there is something deeper going on within his mind than he often lets on. It has been described often by others of being piercing, and at times downright creepy. They seem to be able to actually read your mind. Not that he can of course, it’s only an impression he gives others. Most of the time however, he looks bored, or more precisely, distracted, as if he is always day dreaming of something that only he knows. His facial expression is something that suggests inward thought.
Getsumaru also likes to have his black hair cut short, and at this time, he has it cut into some sort of styled short hair cut often seen in the human world today. It looks similar to a military haircut, although a bit longer, with the hair above the forehead made to stand up spikily. He also tends to wear leather gauntlets on both arms, and carries his zanpakuto in an elegant red and gold scabbard.
Personality:
In a word, Getsumaru can be pretty annoying at times, and being with him may be trying for one’s temper. He can be very out of touch with the reality and gravity of the situation, and often tries to inject something comic in inappropriate times. He is always trying to look at the bright side of the circumstance, no matter how off-color it may be. This demeanor has actually led many other shinigami to become exasperated with him from time to time. Often, his being out of touch with reality has proven to cause problems. There have been times when he has been so deeply buried in thought that he wanders about aimlessly through Soul Society, with no one knowing his whereabouts. This has proven to be annoying, that his seated officers often assign someone to simply follow him around.
However, underneath his silly and not-so-comical antics, is a calculating and intensely observant mind. He can be serious when the situation needs it, and can be a very devious fighter. He is keen of mind, and can readily observe and understand the abilities of his opponent through observation and deductions. His skill in planning his actions and thinking them out carefully makes him a very difficult opponent indeed, unless one is simply that much stronger than he is. He looks at battles as somesort of a chess game, a series of moves and countermoves ending with only one winner, and chess is a game he loves and excels in.
Truth is, he is a very sentimental man, keeping the memories of his beloved Akane alive, even if she is forever lost to him. He tries to hide his emotions behind that mask of sillyness so that others may not see how sad he truly is.
He has a deep hatred for hollows which surfaces every time he confronts one, burning away his mask of sillyness, and revealing the unforgiving killer underneath. Once that happens, a change comes over Getsumaru. He becomes something that a fellow shinigami once described as a "demon". Its as if he lives to kill hollows and give them as painful a death as he can. He feels that hollows do not deserve to live, and that they are the cancer of the universe.
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He likes to eat good food, and has been known to order extravagant foodstuffs for his meals from the kitchens. Aside from chess, he also enjoys reading books, that he often sends his subordinates to acquire certain volumes from the Human World when he couldn't come himself.
Newcomers to the 5th division often comment on how much of a loose reign he gives them, but the more veteran members know for a fact that there is a reason for Getsumaru's actions. He wants each and every member of the squad to be independent, and able to act and decide on his own. Getsumaru has been in countless battles in both lifetimes, and knows that a soldier who can make the right decision at the right time can save the day for many, and such is a trait that he would like to instill in his subordinates (Except perhaps for the few who think like children. He makes sure that someone more mature is with those).
He also believes that it is the duty of the strong to defend the weak (with the exeption of low level hollows of course), for he believes that they have a right to live, and that those who abuse their powers are worthless.
History:
Life as a Human
Getsumaru was born to a noble clan of Japanese warriors during the height of the Japanese feudal era. He was the heir of the local lord, and as such, received training to be a samurai from the earliest age that he was able to wield a sword. Early on, it was seen that he had a talent for sword play, and that he had the eerie and uncanny ability to somewhat “see” the opponent’s move before it actually happens (actually he could see everything as if it was in slow motion, somewhat like adrenalin rush, and yet something more). This was actually a manifestation of unnaturally high levels of reiatsu as a human which allows him faster reaction time than normal, compounded with training to do battle with swords.
Getsumaru became a famous swordsman due to his gifts. He was the champion of his father’s domain, and yet was loved by all his vassals, for he was a kind and generous lord, as was his father. He was skilled in many forms of fighting apart from kendo, such as the arts of fighting without weapons like judo and ninjutsu, and he also learned from an old mystic certain forms of sorcery. Of course this is not actual magic, but the use of his reiatsu. The old man was another gifted human, and was widely feared as a wizard. Getsumaru however braved the treacherous paths to the old man’s abode to learn what he could.
As he grew older, Getsumaru became very active in the politics of Japan, and strongly resented the growing power of the shoguns, and the decreasing authority of the emperor, whom he believed as the mortal descendant of the sun goddess, as their myths had described. This set of beliefs lead to him acquiring many enemies. Although perhaps this may also be because there was simply something about his personality that antagonizes people, especially those who are pretty serious about the situation (see personality).
As time wore on and the royalists became unpopular in Japan, he withdrew from the councils of the government and instead stayed home, taking care of his properties. Aside from his works, there is also one other than commands his attention that made his withdrawal from politics a sigh of relief for him: a certain girl by the name of Akane. She was the daughter of a local blacksmith in their village, and to Getsumaru, the sun rose and set in her eyes. It seemed that with his resigning from politics, he would just live in peace within his own home, and to eventually get married, have kids, and live a normal life. However, this was not to be, destiny had other plans. The political enemies he had made were wary of his abilities, and thus planned to eliminate in order to further their ambitions.
Getsumaru's life changed on his wedding day, however, the change that happened was far from what he was expecting. A large band of masked marauders stormed into the village, catching everyone by surprise. It could be only described as a massacre. Getsumaru did his best to protect the people, but they were too many for him, and he too died, sword in hand, screaming Akane's name.
Searching for Purpose
Getsumaru awoke in the middle of a woodland, dressed in the traditional Japanese clothing, and with a sword at his waist. At first, he did not understand what was happening, but it gradually dawned on him. He was supposed to be dead, yet what was he doing alive in the middle of a forest? Where was the wedding pavilion? And more importantly, where was his bride?
As soon as he was able to get up, Getsumaru wandered aimlessly, searching for answers to questions that he did not understand. Eventually he would reach one of the many districts of Rukongai. Unlike many others, this particular district was in better shape, and that the people here weren't so violent. Here he found his answers. He was indeed dead, and he is now simply a soul, a plus, that lives in soul society, where souls go to live until they are reborn once more. As for his bride, she could be anywhere in the vast expanse of Soul Society. It could take hundreds of years before he found her.
It was a sad moment for Getsumaru, thinking that perhaps he and Akane would never meet again. But what was to stop him from finding her? His lifespan as a plus was several times more than his own former human lifespan. He could find her if he tried hard enough. And so his journey began.
For fifty years, he struggled across the expanse of soul society, searching for one woman. He went through the most peaceful districts, and also through the most dangerous ones, where only his fighting skills saved him from dying a second time around. Nowhere did he find a single glimmer of hope of ever finding Akane, and yet he continued. Until one day, a ray of light shone on him. Someone had given him a clue to Akane's whereabouts. There was a girl living in the eastern part of that district who fitted well with his descriptions, and looked much like his sketch. All his fatigue and sorrow almost disappeared that moment, and thanking the man, he rushed to the location where Akane was said to be residing.
He came upon a medium sized house, with a sort of tea shop on the first floor. He could hear a crowd inside, all commenting on how pretty the waitress was, and how delicious the food was. From the doorway someone came through, the girl. Getsumaru cannot be mistaken. It was Akane. It was perhaps the happiest moment in his life. But little did he know that it would not last. Suddenly sirens alarmed throughout the air. Everybody started running, screams filled the air. Suddenly a shinigami appeared, telling everyone to run away immediately. A powerful hollow had come. It was a hollow of the large class, and the two unranked shinigami who were in the area were having a difficult time with it.
The tea shop and house suddenly exploded into a thousand pieces, sending Akane and Getsumaru down on the dirt. As he got up, Getsumaru could see a large hollow standing over Akane, who seemed frozen in fear. The other shinigami, who was near the tea shop door before it exploded, was unconscious on the ground behind Getsumaru. The other was dead, his head in the hands of the hollow. It balled its fist, and it came crashing down on Akane's head.
Getsumaru, screamed, and in a moment of rage, he sped towards the hollow, his sword gleaming in the setting sun. The hollow suddenly released energy blasts from its mouth at Getsumaru, but to no avail, the brilliant blade of his sword slashed through the creature's neck, sending him into oblivion.
However, it was to no avail. Akane was dead, and he was too late. There Getsumaru knelt beside her body, tears falling. The reinforcements from Seireitei had just arrived then, just in time to witness his deed. It was agreed by the team that he was to be taken to be questioned. He came without trouble. Akane's body was already starting to fade.
There in the inquest, the shinigami learned that he was among the few who manifest their zanpakuto immediately upon arriving in Soul Society, a sign of his potential power. And it was decided that he enter the shinigami academy and to train as a soul reaper. Getsumaru did not care right then what they were saying, other than the fact that eventually he would be able to kill more hollows, and take revenge upon them for killing his beloved.
To Become a Death God
Getsumaru was admitted into the Shinigami Academy immediately, and due to his prior training in kendo and the martial arts, he was able to finish the training early, only spending much time on training in the Kido Arts. However, he was determined to be at his best, and thus excelled in his endeavor. He finished the course in just two years (since he needed actually no further training in swordfighting and martial arts being an experienced warrior already, and thus skipping those years all together, as approved by the teachers).
The Gotei 13 were all anxious as to where he would be placed, and it came of a surprise when out of all the offers that were given him, he chose the offer of the 5th squad, the squad tasked of defending Seireitei. He became an active part of the squad, always volunteering for any possible mission of hollow extermination. Some often thought that he should have chosen to be with the 11th squad, but they did not understand, that he wants to protect the people of society, not like the people of 11th squad, whom he considers bloodthirsty brutes who only want to kill, and using hollows as an excuse for being unable to suppress their animalistic desires.
As time wore on, he grew stronger and climbed up the ladder of rank, eventually achieving the level of bankai during his tenure as the lieutenant of the 5th division about 100 years ago. Time would come however, when a mission would be given to the 5th squad of an infiltration in the mountainous regions of Soul Society. The captain would take Getsumaru and 3 more shinigami to form a 5 man team. Little would they know that the ryoka where actually a number arrancar of considerable power, out to spy the way for an eventual attack on the shinigami. In the battle,the captain died, taking with him the intruders, and the rest of the small team barely survived, and made their way back to report.
After some time leading the 5th squad, Getsumaru would pass his application to become its captain. He was a decent enough leader in his opinion, and he would never forget his captain, and felt it his duty to continue the duty his superior left behind. His application was accepted, much to the delight of his subordinates, since they would not have to deal with a newcomer with different beliefs than they already have. Getsumaru would prove to be a capable leader, although there are times when he can be a pain in the rear, especially when he has his attacks of absent mindedness, but nonetheless his subordinates respect him and his abilities to lead them, and has long since gained their trust.
Additional Info:
Getsumaru is quite skilled in fighting without weapons, and is a very good in sketching.
Zanpakuto General
Name: Ranpu Tenrai (lit. “Divine Light”)
Spirit Description:Ranpugami, when he materializes, first appears as a brilliant flash of yellowish-white blinding light. From this he steps out with a material body that may only be described as somewhat intimidating, however you seem to feel that you are safe with him. He takes the form of an angel. But this is not your run of the mill angels. He is a seraphim, armored, armed and dangerous when provoked, but still an angel. His wings of light sway in the breeze, while his face is hidden deep within his cowl. His armor is black with golden trimmings, and yet though he may seem a formidable enemy, his voice is gentle and kind, but at the same time deep and knowing.
Sealed: In its sealed state, Ranpugami appears as an elegant katana of standard proportions (3ft ft blade and 1ft long handle). Its most defining feature is the sword’s guard, which is golden in color, and shaped like a stylized sun, circular with eight short triangular protrusions around its circumference. It is rather thicker than normal, perhaps a quarter of an inch thick, and has a number of wavy carvings on its surface. Its blade is elegant, shining and fine, while its handle is wrapped in a red cloth. The end piece is also of elegantly carved gold.
Shikai
Activation Phrase: Okakkeru yami, Ranpu Tenrai! (lit. “Chase away the shadows, Divine Light!”)
Appearance: As the activation phrase is being uttered, Getsumaru raises his sword, with its blade pointing up to the sky. The transformation begins as the blade seems to shatter suddenly into a million pieces. However, in place of a steel blade, one could see a blade of yellowish-white light, formed by concentrated reiatsu.
Abilities: The most important difference the released form of Ranpu Tenrai from a sealed zanpakuto is that it doesn’t cut as much as it burns. The blade of Ranpu Tenrai’s shikai state is a mass of compressed reiatsu taking the form of light, meaning that the blade is an intense concentration of light energy, very much akin to a laser. Thus it is more correct to say that it burns through its targets more than it cuts. It is therefore easier to “cut” other objects, since they would offer less resistance when being slashed by pure energy rather than an actual blade. (For an easier visualization, I would say that, my zanpakuto is a light saber.) Unlike your run of the mill light sabers however, Getsumaru can completely manipulate his sword to limited extent, such as adjusting the density of the spirit particles so that it may become ethereal, or longer ( a max of 5 feet extension), however such manipulation can only last for a few (2-3) seconds.
Ranpu Tenrai has two special abilities, both activated by movement and saying the abilities’ names:
Shunken (lit. Flash blade) – Pointing the stabbing end at a target, a beam of light shoots out from it, striking at incredible speed. This beam is a high powered burst of reiatsu, which “burns” through anything it touches. This lasts for a quick few seconds, and a slight twist of the wrist would let the beam to strike on more targets during those few seconds that the beam still exists. However, despite this limitation this is still a very powerful technique as it can slash almost anything, even energy blasts. Getsumaru has been known to defend against cero blasts* by slashing those into two with this technique. The damage this attack inflicts is actually belying its true power. Given the chance, it would only create a small hole in a concrete wall, about 3 inches in diameter. However, its has greater power within it, as trying to block the beam with something it cant burn through (zanpakuto, defensive spells, espada level hierro, etc..) would result into the energy exploding in a magnitude equal to class 6 cero. May be used 3 times before the zanpakuto initiates an automatic cooldown of the skill for 3 posts before the skill can be used again for another 3 shots.
Shungeki (lit. Flash burst) – Holding his zanpakuto before himself, Getsumaru utters the abilities name, causing a powerful light to suddenly emanate from the blade, blinding enemies and aiding attacks or escape. The aim of this technique is to temporarily blind an enemy so as to create a distraction. 1 post cooldown every use.
*If the opponent is lower level than Getsumaru, the cero are slashed, and separate away from each other, moving past him at both sides, leaving him unharmed. Naturally, the farther away it is from Getsumaru when it was cut, the farther apart they are when they reach him, and the less distance from him when he slashed, the narrower the gap between the cero halves. A cero of an opponent of equal level to Getsumaru however, would not be slashed, but instead explode upon contact with the beam due to the impact of two forces of nearly equivalent power.
Bankai
Activation Phrase: Bankai, Tensai no Ranpu Tenrai! (lit. Final Release, Divine Light of Heaven’s Judge!)
Appearance: As he raises his sword while uttering the activation phrase, a brilliant flash of light from Ranpu Tenrai would engulf Getsumaru, and blind everyone around him. In a short while, Getsumaru emerges, changed. He now wears a golden armor consisting of elegant shoulder pieces held by a chain running across his chest, forearm protectors and gauntlets, a golden belt, a crown with golden wings on the temples, winged sandals, and a circular shield strapped across his back, with 16 elaborately designed triangular prismatic “rays”(Getsumaru calls them the Ichidou Dainichi, “Rays of the Great Sun”, the weapons of judgment) around it, each bearing a white crystal at its center and having a rectangular hollowed out portion protruding from underneath the apex. On the shield is emblazoned the kanji for heaven’s judge in the center of a stylized sun.
Abilities: Basically, each of the many Ichidou Dainichi from the shield of Ranpu Tenrai’s bankai can detach and fly out, controlled by Getsumaru’s thoughts and/or the movement of his hands.
The Ichidou Dainichi has the ability to shoot beams of powerful energy at Getsumaru’s every whim, thus making them a potent weapon indeed, as they may be used to attack from almost every direction simultaneously. These beams possess much of the same properties of shunken, such as the ability to slash cero, burn through targets and cause explosions of great magnitude. Aside from which, each Ichidou can also use the shungeki ability, with powerful lights emanating from their crystals to blind the enemy from every direction or to illuminate an area, leaving no shadow to hide in.
The bankai has a new ability wherein these protrusions may create energy shields, when in groups of three or more. The Ichidou arrange themselves in a polygonal pattern and sustain a plane of energy between them, each Ichidou acting as one of the vertices of the polygon.
As more vertices are added, the shield may become larger and even cover every direction when arranged to create a spherical pattern around Getsumaru (Of course in an enveloping shield, the Ichidou are inside the shield as well), defending from any sort of physical or energy attack from all directions. This shield also has the ability to block energy blasts such as kido spells and cero blasts* of opponents. However, particularly powerful opponents (Class 7) as Getsumaru can put quite a strain on the shields that they need to recharge for 3 posts before they can block cero once more.
The armor he now wears has minimal defensive capabilities from the front (wherein it consists of only a chain and a belt), while the shield on the back and the shoulder plates, forearm guards, crown and sandals, though useful in blocking physical attacks, are largely ornamental, with only the gauntlets available for use in for offense. The force shields are the true defensive power of the bankai. Yet they cannot be taken lightly, as they are not easily bypassed.
Additionally, the bankai possesses a strange ability regarding the physical abilities of Getsumaru. It initially gives him a huge boost in power and speed up to five times (of course his shunpo also gains 5x speed), and combined with his skill in hand-to-hand combat, he can be a very difficult opponent. However, as each Ichidou Dainichi detaches from his armor, his speed decreases until it decreases back to his normal abilties when all of the Ichidou has been detached. The power and speed boosts return as each Ichidou is reattached.
Aside from these, the Tensai no Ranpu Tenrai has other “special” techniques which can only be used in bankai form.
Gokusha no Ranpu(lit. Prison of Light) – By reversing the role of the shield, It may also be used to trap the enemy within (of course the Ichidou are outside the shields, as opposed to being inside when they are used to block attacks). Class 7 and above individuals can escape from this prison by using energy blasts(kido level 50+, cero) to burst through the barriers, however at the risk of damaging themselves, as they are trapped in a limited space and the explosions using such tehniques are quite extensive.
Keijou(lit. Place of Execution) – A secondary move to the Prison of Light technique, the Ichidou Dainichi sends out energy beams from their tips, making the vertices of the shields move away from them, the result of which causes the prison to rapidly shrink in size and creating a massive explosion when it cannot shrink anymore around the trapped opponents.
Shinigami Techniques
Shunpo / Flash Step - A movement ability that allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow.
BINDING ARTS (Bakudo)
[58] Summoning of the Tracking Sparrows - Tracks and locates any spiritual force the user focuses on. To activate it, the user must draw a circle on the ground, cut into four parts with a specific character in each. The incantation animates the circle, causing various numbers to appear within until the specific set is found. The number set seems to be a variation on longitude and latitude.
*Incantation: Heart of the south, eye of the north, finger of the west, foot of the east, arrive with the wind and depart with the rain.*
[61] Six Rods of Prison Light - Summons six thin, but wide, beams of light that slam into a target's midsection, holding them in place.
*Incantation: Carriage of thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six.*
[81] Danku*** - Creates a barrier which acts as a bulwark against hadou up to the 89th level, and kidou of lower level.
DESTRUCTIVE ARTS (Kidou)
[4] White Lightning - Fires a concentrated bolt of from the caster's finger
[63] Thunder Roar Cannon - Fires a massive wave of yellow energy at a target.
*Incantation: Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! *
[90] Black Coffin - Forms a box of black energy around a target, which is then pierced by dozens of energy "spears", lacerating the one inside from head to toe. Its appearance and function is reminiscent of a common magician's trick, as well as certain torture devices used during the Spanish Inquisition.
***Would this be considered custom? Byakuya used it in chapter 302 page 7, but you dont have it on the list yet...
Additional
Other Characters: N/A
Roleplay Sample:
Getsumaru was running. It was about as fast as he could go, but it still seemed too slow. Finally, this was the day, the day he would finally see her again. He certainly hoped that the darned man from the market was not mistaken when he showed him his sketch, which he was holding in his hand at the moment. A quick inspection of the paper would reveal a finely drawn likeness of a pretty Japanese girl with long black hair. Akane, after such a long time, I'll see you again...
Slowing down to a stop, Getsumaru finally arrived at the intersection the man was talking about. A number of people were still milling about the area, as it was a commercial district with plenty of restaurant's and shops. One particular tea shop commanded his attention. It was a small but seemingly cozy building, with the shop on its first floor, and the second storey seemed to be the residence of the proprietor. Cheerful laughter could be heared from inside.
Getsumaru's heart was racing. He had waited so long. Would this be the end of his journey? Would he finally see her again? Having waited for so long he had dreamed of this moment over and over again; and yet now was his chance to make the dream a reality, and he found himself afraid! Getsumaru could not help but see the humor in such a situation. Mustering his courage, he took a step, but suddenly stopped. A vision filled his eyes.
A young looking maiden came out of the shop. She was attired as one of the hostesses of the establishment, and was carrying a bucket, perhaps to fetch some more water. Getsumaru could hear his own heart beating. He was frozen stock still, not knowing how to move or what to say. She was still so lovely.
The maiden looked up and saw him. The familiar clank of a wooden pail falling on the ground echoed. "Getsumaru-kun," she said, tears flowing to her eyes and a smile painting her face. Getsumaru could not help but feeling weepy himself. Then it happened.
Screams seemed to come from every direction. It all happened so fast but Getsumaru could remember every detail. A shinigami suddenly appeared, shouting for everyone to run. Another burst from the doorway behind Akane, seemingly thrown. The entire tea shop suddenly exploded into a million pieces, sending him flying back almost twenty feet and sprawling on the ground. What the hell is happening?! Then he heard the roar. Deep, frightening and inhuman. Looking through his hazy and dazed eyes he could see it, huge, like an elephant, yet standing on two legs and thick reddish fur covering its body. A great white mask resembling a monstrous bull covered its face; a large hole visible on its chest. A large hollow.
It was looking down on something between its hooved feet. At first it seemed like a bunch of pink cloth. Then it moved, and raised a head to look at the monster with terrified eyes. It was Akane. the hollow raised a balled fist the size of a shopping cart, and down it came crashing on the girl.
"NNNNOOOOOO!!!!!"
Getsumaru screamed at the top of his lungs. Forcing his legs to move, his body to respond, he stood up and drew his sword and rushed at the monster who dared raise its filthy arm at his beloved. Dimly he was aware of other people coming, black robed and swords in hand, one of the them was screaming at him:"Don't be a fool!!!"
The monster looked up from its victim and saw him rushing at it with the fury to fit a devil. It opened its gaping maw and sent a series of red energy blasts from it. Like the slasher that he was, Getsumaru sidestepped the hollow's pathetic attacks while crossing the intervening distance between him and his target in a matter of seconds, and finally his blade sank into the neck of the monster. He felt his body quiver with the impact, and landing behind the thing, he tried to stymie his momentum, sending him forward a few more feet along the ground causing dust to billow up about him.
The hollow fell on its back lifeless as he sheathed his sword. Running hurriedly, he came to Akane, and cradled her body in his arms. Tears fell from his face. She was dead.
A sudden poke woke Getsumaru up from his little trip to dreamland. Geez, that dream again. When will it end?. Scratching his head, he looked around trying to get an orientation of where he was. It seemed like he was in the gardens behind the 5th division barracks, and he was sleeping on the grass. Again. Squinting his eyes at the sun, he judged it was just about three in the afternoon, just right for finishing a nap.
"Ahem," came a polite cough from beside him. It was a young female shinigami, newly graduated from the Academy.
"Yes? What do you want at this time of day?" Glancing around, Getsumaru added with a mischievous smile, "and did you mean to have us both alone?"
The shinigami blushed red, and said "No sir! Not like that at all! There is a captain's meeting!"
"Ok, I'll be going now," he said, as he got up from the grass. He then eyed the girl from the head to the feet, and back up again. Looking at her face, he told her before turning away, "Later tonight, someone will come for you from me, ok? So stay in your room so I wont have trouble looking for you."
Getsumaru was giggling as he walked away from her. Rounding the corner, he met other veteran members of the squad. They were all sharing a big smile. It was a running joke among the entirety of the 5th division, everybody was putting all sorts of ideas into the new recruits' minds before their first night in the barracks. Little would they know that they'll just hold a congratulatory party in the main hall. What was weird was that everybody held it a tradition to make the new recruits think that they were gonna get raped or something.
"That girl's kinda pretty, I bet she's terrified to her boots right now, haha!" One of the shinigami, a big fellow with a scar on his cheek said. "The male recruits are all getting goosebumps from Seiichi's acting." That brought a round of stifled laughter. Seiichi was the shinigami unlucky enough to lose drawing lots on who was going to play the part of the sex-crazed homosexual.
Getsumaru smiled back. "Don't speak so loud. Just make sure they don't learn about the party." A cheerful expression blooming on his face, he walked out of the 5th division compound and headed to the meeting room of the captains. All he could think about right then was all the food tonight. He wasn't worried about the meeting at all. If he remembered correctly, it was just because a new lieutenant and some new officers were to be screened. It would help him build a healthy appetite for later.
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General Info
Name: Kyouka Getsumaru
Gender: Male
Age: 324, appears 22
Division: 5th Division
Rank: Captain
Physical Description:
One may describe Getsumaru as unremarkable. He stands at around 5 foot 7 inches, and has black hair and dark eyes. He has a rather sun-tanned complexion, with medium framed body relative to his height. He is rather lean, although does not actually seem to be the athletic type, making many opponents and even other shinigami think him not much of a fighter, though that was before he was promoted to lieutenant several years ago, before eventually becoming a captain. Even his bearing does not seem to be very intimidating, as he is a bit of a slouch.
His dark brown eyes however, show that there is something deeper going on within his mind than he often lets on. It has been described often by others of being piercing, and at times downright creepy. They seem to be able to actually read your mind. Not that he can of course, it’s only an impression he gives others. Most of the time however, he looks bored, or more precisely, distracted, as if he is always day dreaming of something that only he knows. His facial expression is something that suggests inward thought.
Getsumaru also likes to have his black hair cut short, and at this time, he has it cut into some sort of styled short hair cut often seen in the human world today. It looks similar to a military haircut, although a bit longer, with the hair above the forehead made to stand up spikily. He also tends to wear leather gauntlets on both arms, and carries his zanpakuto in an elegant red and gold scabbard.
Personality:
In a word, Getsumaru can be pretty annoying at times, and being with him may be trying for one’s temper. He can be very out of touch with the reality and gravity of the situation, and often tries to inject something comic in inappropriate times. He is always trying to look at the bright side of the circumstance, no matter how off-color it may be. This demeanor has actually led many other shinigami to become exasperated with him from time to time. Often, his being out of touch with reality has proven to cause problems. There have been times when he has been so deeply buried in thought that he wanders about aimlessly through Soul Society, with no one knowing his whereabouts. This has proven to be annoying, that his seated officers often assign someone to simply follow him around.
However, underneath his silly and not-so-comical antics, is a calculating and intensely observant mind. He can be serious when the situation needs it, and can be a very devious fighter. He is keen of mind, and can readily observe and understand the abilities of his opponent through observation and deductions. His skill in planning his actions and thinking them out carefully makes him a very difficult opponent indeed, unless one is simply that much stronger than he is. He looks at battles as somesort of a chess game, a series of moves and countermoves ending with only one winner, and chess is a game he loves and excels in.
Truth is, he is a very sentimental man, keeping the memories of his beloved Akane alive, even if she is forever lost to him. He tries to hide his emotions behind that mask of sillyness so that others may not see how sad he truly is.
He has a deep hatred for hollows which surfaces every time he confronts one, burning away his mask of sillyness, and revealing the unforgiving killer underneath. Once that happens, a change comes over Getsumaru. He becomes something that a fellow shinigami once described as a "demon". Its as if he lives to kill hollows and give them as painful a death as he can. He feels that hollows do not deserve to live, and that they are the cancer of the universe.
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He likes to eat good food, and has been known to order extravagant foodstuffs for his meals from the kitchens. Aside from chess, he also enjoys reading books, that he often sends his subordinates to acquire certain volumes from the Human World when he couldn't come himself.
Newcomers to the 5th division often comment on how much of a loose reign he gives them, but the more veteran members know for a fact that there is a reason for Getsumaru's actions. He wants each and every member of the squad to be independent, and able to act and decide on his own. Getsumaru has been in countless battles in both lifetimes, and knows that a soldier who can make the right decision at the right time can save the day for many, and such is a trait that he would like to instill in his subordinates (Except perhaps for the few who think like children. He makes sure that someone more mature is with those).
He also believes that it is the duty of the strong to defend the weak (with the exeption of low level hollows of course), for he believes that they have a right to live, and that those who abuse their powers are worthless.
History:
Life as a Human
Getsumaru was born to a noble clan of Japanese warriors during the height of the Japanese feudal era. He was the heir of the local lord, and as such, received training to be a samurai from the earliest age that he was able to wield a sword. Early on, it was seen that he had a talent for sword play, and that he had the eerie and uncanny ability to somewhat “see” the opponent’s move before it actually happens (actually he could see everything as if it was in slow motion, somewhat like adrenalin rush, and yet something more). This was actually a manifestation of unnaturally high levels of reiatsu as a human which allows him faster reaction time than normal, compounded with training to do battle with swords.
Getsumaru became a famous swordsman due to his gifts. He was the champion of his father’s domain, and yet was loved by all his vassals, for he was a kind and generous lord, as was his father. He was skilled in many forms of fighting apart from kendo, such as the arts of fighting without weapons like judo and ninjutsu, and he also learned from an old mystic certain forms of sorcery. Of course this is not actual magic, but the use of his reiatsu. The old man was another gifted human, and was widely feared as a wizard. Getsumaru however braved the treacherous paths to the old man’s abode to learn what he could.
As he grew older, Getsumaru became very active in the politics of Japan, and strongly resented the growing power of the shoguns, and the decreasing authority of the emperor, whom he believed as the mortal descendant of the sun goddess, as their myths had described. This set of beliefs lead to him acquiring many enemies. Although perhaps this may also be because there was simply something about his personality that antagonizes people, especially those who are pretty serious about the situation (see personality).
As time wore on and the royalists became unpopular in Japan, he withdrew from the councils of the government and instead stayed home, taking care of his properties. Aside from his works, there is also one other than commands his attention that made his withdrawal from politics a sigh of relief for him: a certain girl by the name of Akane. She was the daughter of a local blacksmith in their village, and to Getsumaru, the sun rose and set in her eyes. It seemed that with his resigning from politics, he would just live in peace within his own home, and to eventually get married, have kids, and live a normal life. However, this was not to be, destiny had other plans. The political enemies he had made were wary of his abilities, and thus planned to eliminate in order to further their ambitions.
Getsumaru's life changed on his wedding day, however, the change that happened was far from what he was expecting. A large band of masked marauders stormed into the village, catching everyone by surprise. It could be only described as a massacre. Getsumaru did his best to protect the people, but they were too many for him, and he too died, sword in hand, screaming Akane's name.
Searching for Purpose
Getsumaru awoke in the middle of a woodland, dressed in the traditional Japanese clothing, and with a sword at his waist. At first, he did not understand what was happening, but it gradually dawned on him. He was supposed to be dead, yet what was he doing alive in the middle of a forest? Where was the wedding pavilion? And more importantly, where was his bride?
As soon as he was able to get up, Getsumaru wandered aimlessly, searching for answers to questions that he did not understand. Eventually he would reach one of the many districts of Rukongai. Unlike many others, this particular district was in better shape, and that the people here weren't so violent. Here he found his answers. He was indeed dead, and he is now simply a soul, a plus, that lives in soul society, where souls go to live until they are reborn once more. As for his bride, she could be anywhere in the vast expanse of Soul Society. It could take hundreds of years before he found her.
It was a sad moment for Getsumaru, thinking that perhaps he and Akane would never meet again. But what was to stop him from finding her? His lifespan as a plus was several times more than his own former human lifespan. He could find her if he tried hard enough. And so his journey began.
For fifty years, he struggled across the expanse of soul society, searching for one woman. He went through the most peaceful districts, and also through the most dangerous ones, where only his fighting skills saved him from dying a second time around. Nowhere did he find a single glimmer of hope of ever finding Akane, and yet he continued. Until one day, a ray of light shone on him. Someone had given him a clue to Akane's whereabouts. There was a girl living in the eastern part of that district who fitted well with his descriptions, and looked much like his sketch. All his fatigue and sorrow almost disappeared that moment, and thanking the man, he rushed to the location where Akane was said to be residing.
He came upon a medium sized house, with a sort of tea shop on the first floor. He could hear a crowd inside, all commenting on how pretty the waitress was, and how delicious the food was. From the doorway someone came through, the girl. Getsumaru cannot be mistaken. It was Akane. It was perhaps the happiest moment in his life. But little did he know that it would not last. Suddenly sirens alarmed throughout the air. Everybody started running, screams filled the air. Suddenly a shinigami appeared, telling everyone to run away immediately. A powerful hollow had come. It was a hollow of the large class, and the two unranked shinigami who were in the area were having a difficult time with it.
The tea shop and house suddenly exploded into a thousand pieces, sending Akane and Getsumaru down on the dirt. As he got up, Getsumaru could see a large hollow standing over Akane, who seemed frozen in fear. The other shinigami, who was near the tea shop door before it exploded, was unconscious on the ground behind Getsumaru. The other was dead, his head in the hands of the hollow. It balled its fist, and it came crashing down on Akane's head.
Getsumaru, screamed, and in a moment of rage, he sped towards the hollow, his sword gleaming in the setting sun. The hollow suddenly released energy blasts from its mouth at Getsumaru, but to no avail, the brilliant blade of his sword slashed through the creature's neck, sending him into oblivion.
However, it was to no avail. Akane was dead, and he was too late. There Getsumaru knelt beside her body, tears falling. The reinforcements from Seireitei had just arrived then, just in time to witness his deed. It was agreed by the team that he was to be taken to be questioned. He came without trouble. Akane's body was already starting to fade.
There in the inquest, the shinigami learned that he was among the few who manifest their zanpakuto immediately upon arriving in Soul Society, a sign of his potential power. And it was decided that he enter the shinigami academy and to train as a soul reaper. Getsumaru did not care right then what they were saying, other than the fact that eventually he would be able to kill more hollows, and take revenge upon them for killing his beloved.
To Become a Death God
Getsumaru was admitted into the Shinigami Academy immediately, and due to his prior training in kendo and the martial arts, he was able to finish the training early, only spending much time on training in the Kido Arts. However, he was determined to be at his best, and thus excelled in his endeavor. He finished the course in just two years (since he needed actually no further training in swordfighting and martial arts being an experienced warrior already, and thus skipping those years all together, as approved by the teachers).
The Gotei 13 were all anxious as to where he would be placed, and it came of a surprise when out of all the offers that were given him, he chose the offer of the 5th squad, the squad tasked of defending Seireitei. He became an active part of the squad, always volunteering for any possible mission of hollow extermination. Some often thought that he should have chosen to be with the 11th squad, but they did not understand, that he wants to protect the people of society, not like the people of 11th squad, whom he considers bloodthirsty brutes who only want to kill, and using hollows as an excuse for being unable to suppress their animalistic desires.
As time wore on, he grew stronger and climbed up the ladder of rank, eventually achieving the level of bankai during his tenure as the lieutenant of the 5th division about 100 years ago. Time would come however, when a mission would be given to the 5th squad of an infiltration in the mountainous regions of Soul Society. The captain would take Getsumaru and 3 more shinigami to form a 5 man team. Little would they know that the ryoka where actually a number arrancar of considerable power, out to spy the way for an eventual attack on the shinigami. In the battle,the captain died, taking with him the intruders, and the rest of the small team barely survived, and made their way back to report.
After some time leading the 5th squad, Getsumaru would pass his application to become its captain. He was a decent enough leader in his opinion, and he would never forget his captain, and felt it his duty to continue the duty his superior left behind. His application was accepted, much to the delight of his subordinates, since they would not have to deal with a newcomer with different beliefs than they already have. Getsumaru would prove to be a capable leader, although there are times when he can be a pain in the rear, especially when he has his attacks of absent mindedness, but nonetheless his subordinates respect him and his abilities to lead them, and has long since gained their trust.
Additional Info:
Getsumaru is quite skilled in fighting without weapons, and is a very good in sketching.
Zanpakuto General
Name: Ranpu Tenrai (lit. “Divine Light”)
Spirit Description:Ranpugami, when he materializes, first appears as a brilliant flash of yellowish-white blinding light. From this he steps out with a material body that may only be described as somewhat intimidating, however you seem to feel that you are safe with him. He takes the form of an angel. But this is not your run of the mill angels. He is a seraphim, armored, armed and dangerous when provoked, but still an angel. His wings of light sway in the breeze, while his face is hidden deep within his cowl. His armor is black with golden trimmings, and yet though he may seem a formidable enemy, his voice is gentle and kind, but at the same time deep and knowing.
Sealed: In its sealed state, Ranpugami appears as an elegant katana of standard proportions (3ft ft blade and 1ft long handle). Its most defining feature is the sword’s guard, which is golden in color, and shaped like a stylized sun, circular with eight short triangular protrusions around its circumference. It is rather thicker than normal, perhaps a quarter of an inch thick, and has a number of wavy carvings on its surface. Its blade is elegant, shining and fine, while its handle is wrapped in a red cloth. The end piece is also of elegantly carved gold.
Shikai
Activation Phrase: Okakkeru yami, Ranpu Tenrai! (lit. “Chase away the shadows, Divine Light!”)
Appearance: As the activation phrase is being uttered, Getsumaru raises his sword, with its blade pointing up to the sky. The transformation begins as the blade seems to shatter suddenly into a million pieces. However, in place of a steel blade, one could see a blade of yellowish-white light, formed by concentrated reiatsu.
Abilities: The most important difference the released form of Ranpu Tenrai from a sealed zanpakuto is that it doesn’t cut as much as it burns. The blade of Ranpu Tenrai’s shikai state is a mass of compressed reiatsu taking the form of light, meaning that the blade is an intense concentration of light energy, very much akin to a laser. Thus it is more correct to say that it burns through its targets more than it cuts. It is therefore easier to “cut” other objects, since they would offer less resistance when being slashed by pure energy rather than an actual blade. (For an easier visualization, I would say that, my zanpakuto is a light saber.) Unlike your run of the mill light sabers however, Getsumaru can completely manipulate his sword to limited extent, such as adjusting the density of the spirit particles so that it may become ethereal, or longer ( a max of 5 feet extension), however such manipulation can only last for a few (2-3) seconds.
Ranpu Tenrai has two special abilities, both activated by movement and saying the abilities’ names:
Shunken (lit. Flash blade) – Pointing the stabbing end at a target, a beam of light shoots out from it, striking at incredible speed. This beam is a high powered burst of reiatsu, which “burns” through anything it touches. This lasts for a quick few seconds, and a slight twist of the wrist would let the beam to strike on more targets during those few seconds that the beam still exists. However, despite this limitation this is still a very powerful technique as it can slash almost anything, even energy blasts. Getsumaru has been known to defend against cero blasts* by slashing those into two with this technique. The damage this attack inflicts is actually belying its true power. Given the chance, it would only create a small hole in a concrete wall, about 3 inches in diameter. However, its has greater power within it, as trying to block the beam with something it cant burn through (zanpakuto, defensive spells, espada level hierro, etc..) would result into the energy exploding in a magnitude equal to class 6 cero. May be used 3 times before the zanpakuto initiates an automatic cooldown of the skill for 3 posts before the skill can be used again for another 3 shots.
Shungeki (lit. Flash burst) – Holding his zanpakuto before himself, Getsumaru utters the abilities name, causing a powerful light to suddenly emanate from the blade, blinding enemies and aiding attacks or escape. The aim of this technique is to temporarily blind an enemy so as to create a distraction. 1 post cooldown every use.
*If the opponent is lower level than Getsumaru, the cero are slashed, and separate away from each other, moving past him at both sides, leaving him unharmed. Naturally, the farther away it is from Getsumaru when it was cut, the farther apart they are when they reach him, and the less distance from him when he slashed, the narrower the gap between the cero halves. A cero of an opponent of equal level to Getsumaru however, would not be slashed, but instead explode upon contact with the beam due to the impact of two forces of nearly equivalent power.
Bankai
Activation Phrase: Bankai, Tensai no Ranpu Tenrai! (lit. Final Release, Divine Light of Heaven’s Judge!)
Appearance: As he raises his sword while uttering the activation phrase, a brilliant flash of light from Ranpu Tenrai would engulf Getsumaru, and blind everyone around him. In a short while, Getsumaru emerges, changed. He now wears a golden armor consisting of elegant shoulder pieces held by a chain running across his chest, forearm protectors and gauntlets, a golden belt, a crown with golden wings on the temples, winged sandals, and a circular shield strapped across his back, with 16 elaborately designed triangular prismatic “rays”(Getsumaru calls them the Ichidou Dainichi, “Rays of the Great Sun”, the weapons of judgment) around it, each bearing a white crystal at its center and having a rectangular hollowed out portion protruding from underneath the apex. On the shield is emblazoned the kanji for heaven’s judge in the center of a stylized sun.
Abilities: Basically, each of the many Ichidou Dainichi from the shield of Ranpu Tenrai’s bankai can detach and fly out, controlled by Getsumaru’s thoughts and/or the movement of his hands.
The Ichidou Dainichi has the ability to shoot beams of powerful energy at Getsumaru’s every whim, thus making them a potent weapon indeed, as they may be used to attack from almost every direction simultaneously. These beams possess much of the same properties of shunken, such as the ability to slash cero, burn through targets and cause explosions of great magnitude. Aside from which, each Ichidou can also use the shungeki ability, with powerful lights emanating from their crystals to blind the enemy from every direction or to illuminate an area, leaving no shadow to hide in.
The bankai has a new ability wherein these protrusions may create energy shields, when in groups of three or more. The Ichidou arrange themselves in a polygonal pattern and sustain a plane of energy between them, each Ichidou acting as one of the vertices of the polygon.
As more vertices are added, the shield may become larger and even cover every direction when arranged to create a spherical pattern around Getsumaru (Of course in an enveloping shield, the Ichidou are inside the shield as well), defending from any sort of physical or energy attack from all directions. This shield also has the ability to block energy blasts such as kido spells and cero blasts* of opponents. However, particularly powerful opponents (Class 7) as Getsumaru can put quite a strain on the shields that they need to recharge for 3 posts before they can block cero once more.
The armor he now wears has minimal defensive capabilities from the front (wherein it consists of only a chain and a belt), while the shield on the back and the shoulder plates, forearm guards, crown and sandals, though useful in blocking physical attacks, are largely ornamental, with only the gauntlets available for use in for offense. The force shields are the true defensive power of the bankai. Yet they cannot be taken lightly, as they are not easily bypassed.
Additionally, the bankai possesses a strange ability regarding the physical abilities of Getsumaru. It initially gives him a huge boost in power and speed up to five times (of course his shunpo also gains 5x speed), and combined with his skill in hand-to-hand combat, he can be a very difficult opponent. However, as each Ichidou Dainichi detaches from his armor, his speed decreases until it decreases back to his normal abilties when all of the Ichidou has been detached. The power and speed boosts return as each Ichidou is reattached.
Aside from these, the Tensai no Ranpu Tenrai has other “special” techniques which can only be used in bankai form.
Gokusha no Ranpu(lit. Prison of Light) – By reversing the role of the shield, It may also be used to trap the enemy within (of course the Ichidou are outside the shields, as opposed to being inside when they are used to block attacks). Class 7 and above individuals can escape from this prison by using energy blasts(kido level 50+, cero) to burst through the barriers, however at the risk of damaging themselves, as they are trapped in a limited space and the explosions using such tehniques are quite extensive.
Keijou(lit. Place of Execution) – A secondary move to the Prison of Light technique, the Ichidou Dainichi sends out energy beams from their tips, making the vertices of the shields move away from them, the result of which causes the prison to rapidly shrink in size and creating a massive explosion when it cannot shrink anymore around the trapped opponents.
Shinigami Techniques
Shunpo / Flash Step - A movement ability that allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow.
BINDING ARTS (Bakudo)
[58] Summoning of the Tracking Sparrows - Tracks and locates any spiritual force the user focuses on. To activate it, the user must draw a circle on the ground, cut into four parts with a specific character in each. The incantation animates the circle, causing various numbers to appear within until the specific set is found. The number set seems to be a variation on longitude and latitude.
*Incantation: Heart of the south, eye of the north, finger of the west, foot of the east, arrive with the wind and depart with the rain.*
[61] Six Rods of Prison Light - Summons six thin, but wide, beams of light that slam into a target's midsection, holding them in place.
*Incantation: Carriage of thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six.*
[81] Danku*** - Creates a barrier which acts as a bulwark against hadou up to the 89th level, and kidou of lower level.
DESTRUCTIVE ARTS (Kidou)
[4] White Lightning - Fires a concentrated bolt of from the caster's finger
[63] Thunder Roar Cannon - Fires a massive wave of yellow energy at a target.
*Incantation: Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! *
[90] Black Coffin - Forms a box of black energy around a target, which is then pierced by dozens of energy "spears", lacerating the one inside from head to toe. Its appearance and function is reminiscent of a common magician's trick, as well as certain torture devices used during the Spanish Inquisition.
***Would this be considered custom? Byakuya used it in chapter 302 page 7, but you dont have it on the list yet...
Additional
Other Characters: N/A
Roleplay Sample:
Getsumaru was running. It was about as fast as he could go, but it still seemed too slow. Finally, this was the day, the day he would finally see her again. He certainly hoped that the darned man from the market was not mistaken when he showed him his sketch, which he was holding in his hand at the moment. A quick inspection of the paper would reveal a finely drawn likeness of a pretty Japanese girl with long black hair. Akane, after such a long time, I'll see you again...
Slowing down to a stop, Getsumaru finally arrived at the intersection the man was talking about. A number of people were still milling about the area, as it was a commercial district with plenty of restaurant's and shops. One particular tea shop commanded his attention. It was a small but seemingly cozy building, with the shop on its first floor, and the second storey seemed to be the residence of the proprietor. Cheerful laughter could be heared from inside.
Getsumaru's heart was racing. He had waited so long. Would this be the end of his journey? Would he finally see her again? Having waited for so long he had dreamed of this moment over and over again; and yet now was his chance to make the dream a reality, and he found himself afraid! Getsumaru could not help but see the humor in such a situation. Mustering his courage, he took a step, but suddenly stopped. A vision filled his eyes.
A young looking maiden came out of the shop. She was attired as one of the hostesses of the establishment, and was carrying a bucket, perhaps to fetch some more water. Getsumaru could hear his own heart beating. He was frozen stock still, not knowing how to move or what to say. She was still so lovely.
The maiden looked up and saw him. The familiar clank of a wooden pail falling on the ground echoed. "Getsumaru-kun," she said, tears flowing to her eyes and a smile painting her face. Getsumaru could not help but feeling weepy himself. Then it happened.
Screams seemed to come from every direction. It all happened so fast but Getsumaru could remember every detail. A shinigami suddenly appeared, shouting for everyone to run. Another burst from the doorway behind Akane, seemingly thrown. The entire tea shop suddenly exploded into a million pieces, sending him flying back almost twenty feet and sprawling on the ground. What the hell is happening?! Then he heard the roar. Deep, frightening and inhuman. Looking through his hazy and dazed eyes he could see it, huge, like an elephant, yet standing on two legs and thick reddish fur covering its body. A great white mask resembling a monstrous bull covered its face; a large hole visible on its chest. A large hollow.
It was looking down on something between its hooved feet. At first it seemed like a bunch of pink cloth. Then it moved, and raised a head to look at the monster with terrified eyes. It was Akane. the hollow raised a balled fist the size of a shopping cart, and down it came crashing on the girl.
"NNNNOOOOOO!!!!!"
Getsumaru screamed at the top of his lungs. Forcing his legs to move, his body to respond, he stood up and drew his sword and rushed at the monster who dared raise its filthy arm at his beloved. Dimly he was aware of other people coming, black robed and swords in hand, one of the them was screaming at him:"Don't be a fool!!!"
The monster looked up from its victim and saw him rushing at it with the fury to fit a devil. It opened its gaping maw and sent a series of red energy blasts from it. Like the slasher that he was, Getsumaru sidestepped the hollow's pathetic attacks while crossing the intervening distance between him and his target in a matter of seconds, and finally his blade sank into the neck of the monster. He felt his body quiver with the impact, and landing behind the thing, he tried to stymie his momentum, sending him forward a few more feet along the ground causing dust to billow up about him.
The hollow fell on its back lifeless as he sheathed his sword. Running hurriedly, he came to Akane, and cradled her body in his arms. Tears fell from his face. She was dead.
A sudden poke woke Getsumaru up from his little trip to dreamland. Geez, that dream again. When will it end?. Scratching his head, he looked around trying to get an orientation of where he was. It seemed like he was in the gardens behind the 5th division barracks, and he was sleeping on the grass. Again. Squinting his eyes at the sun, he judged it was just about three in the afternoon, just right for finishing a nap.
"Ahem," came a polite cough from beside him. It was a young female shinigami, newly graduated from the Academy.
"Yes? What do you want at this time of day?" Glancing around, Getsumaru added with a mischievous smile, "and did you mean to have us both alone?"
The shinigami blushed red, and said "No sir! Not like that at all! There is a captain's meeting!"
"Ok, I'll be going now," he said, as he got up from the grass. He then eyed the girl from the head to the feet, and back up again. Looking at her face, he told her before turning away, "Later tonight, someone will come for you from me, ok? So stay in your room so I wont have trouble looking for you."
Getsumaru was giggling as he walked away from her. Rounding the corner, he met other veteran members of the squad. They were all sharing a big smile. It was a running joke among the entirety of the 5th division, everybody was putting all sorts of ideas into the new recruits' minds before their first night in the barracks. Little would they know that they'll just hold a congratulatory party in the main hall. What was weird was that everybody held it a tradition to make the new recruits think that they were gonna get raped or something.
"That girl's kinda pretty, I bet she's terrified to her boots right now, haha!" One of the shinigami, a big fellow with a scar on his cheek said. "The male recruits are all getting goosebumps from Seiichi's acting." That brought a round of stifled laughter. Seiichi was the shinigami unlucky enough to lose drawing lots on who was going to play the part of the sex-crazed homosexual.
Getsumaru smiled back. "Don't speak so loud. Just make sure they don't learn about the party." A cheerful expression blooming on his face, he walked out of the 5th division compound and headed to the meeting room of the captains. All he could think about right then was all the food tonight. He wasn't worried about the meeting at all. If he remembered correctly, it was just because a new lieutenant and some new officers were to be screened. It would help him build a healthy appetite for later.
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