Post by shizu on Jan 6, 2010 22:05:00 GMT -4
Shinigami Nagato Kasumi
A soft ringing... A memory... A face in the mist... Ghosts.
General Info
Name
Nagato Kasumi
Gender
Female
Age
154 years, though she appears to be barely twenty.
Division
Tenth Division
Rank
Fukutaichō (Vice-Captain)
Physical Description
She was seated in a corner, leaning slightly against the wall with her legs drawn up in front of her body. A hand had been laid over one knee… it… it seemed almost white in the soft light of a wintery sun. The fingers were slim and soft, almost like those of a doll. The skin was unblemished, light yet not quite pale, almost like alabaster. Her hair… it is hard to describe. It seemed soft and almost akin to silk, deep black like a starless night and flowing like a stream. As she sat there by the window the soft light fell on her hair, and as if by a miracle it seemed like silver droplets, almost like distant stars, were interwoven in the black. It reached the small of her back, only two strands allowed flow down in front of her shoulders.
Suddenly she looked up, staring at me for a second before turning to gaze at the skies outside. Her features were what I would describe as classical, beautiful in a very tranquil and silent manner. Her face was clean cut and slim, every line finely chiselled. It was a beautiful face, not extraordinary but still quite appealing. But what struck me the most was her eyes. She had the sort of eyes that can captivate a soul. Deep green orbs that reminded me of a something green and tranquil, a silent pond or a cold night, but speckled with soft gray which one couldn’t quite fathom. They were deep her eyes, endless and calm, yet also alive and filled with a strange melancholic touch akin to both sorrow and hope. I have never been stirred in the same way again, something about the look she gave me… It was petrifying, it seemed to cut into my very bones, pierce my heart… And yet, I could not shake of an odd feeling she could hardly see me… I can’t for my life be sure… But… her eyes carried a distinctive haziness, as if she was looking into another world.
A small smile fluttered across soft lips, it seemed that only now had she noticed my gaze. With a sudden fluid motion she rose from her corner. Only now did I realize how tall she really was. She was a good bit taller then me… I would guess 1,77 or something along those lines. Yet… it didn’t seem awkward. Indeed, it suited her quite well. Her body was slim, a thin waist and nearly no chest. Definitively not a modern beauty, too tall they would say, and lacking the right curves. Still, I found her quite attractive in her own way; again the word classical struck me. Her grace, fluidity, her calm… and maybe above all her modesty, they were all things admired in some forgotten age.
This was only emphasised by her clothing. All her cloth was as one would expect, a standard black Shihakushō. That would mean a black kosode and a black hakama worn over a white hakama-himo and a shitagi. On her feet she wore a pair of very thin white tabi though she lacked the normal waraji sandals. She was correct to the extreme, every fold perfect and flawless. Only later did I notice a single personal touch. She wore a black choker around her rather slim neck. Upon the choker were imprinted 赦, the kanji for forgiveness. I was later told she also used to tie bandages round her chest so it wouldn’t get in the way… something which supposedly didn’t make much of a difference.
“Excuse me. I am …. I hope I am in time,”
Her voice… It was soft and gentle like a mild breeze. The voice weren’t quite as bright as I had through, but still…. She seemed like a soft spoken girl, her manners polite as she offered me a slight bow. It did occure to me she seemed… a bit stiff, anticipating maybe, not quite comfortable with talking to me…. Or maybe unsure of how I should be approached. I almost mistook her for being timid, but… she wasn’t, as I learned later.
I…. I am not quite sure what I answered, but I believe it at least appeased her. And then I let her through… As she passed… I was left feeling a faint hint of her aura. It was strange; she carried herself with an aura of confidence, of modesty and of order… Yet underneath that she felt… well, sad to be honest. Sad to the point she almost seemed a bit scared… but still it a completely controlled and calm manner.
Signed, Observations by an young fool
Personality
Kasumi is a very complicated person and though not separated her personality does carry a certain duality. A defining trait is her bravery and her mental strength. Though she can often seem meek she has a surprising tendency to get back to her feet and struggle on, no matter what she is faced with. She is also extremely intelligent, possessing a razor sharp tactical mind and a capability to handle a lot of information very fast. As if to enchant this her brain is extremely analytic, allowing her to plan complex actions in the span of a millisecond. She also possesses total recall… though this she consider more akin to a curse. Her various personal traits, though at times conflicting, can be categorized in a variety of ways which will follow.
Kasumi’s outwards appearing personality is one of dedication and silent effectivity. She is as a general rule calm and tranquil, keeping a levelled-head when others get stressed. Her attitude towards authorities is one of unswerving loyalty, owing to her hard upbringing, and the same could be said about her attitude towards rules. She is dedicated to whatever job she gets, solving the tasks with a fluid and silent effectivity which she is quite proud off. She also appears to be an extremely neat person, almost obsessed with always appearing correct and keeping everything in order.
Yet despite her hard working attitude it doesn’t mean she is cold, quite the contrary. Kasumi is a very mild girl, patient and helpful to all under her care. She is strict, by all means, but as long as other comply she is a friendly soul, if a silent one.
These manners, which are her normal once… are not completely honest. In truth Kasumi is far from the confident and content person she appears to be. For one she suffers from a complete lack in ambitions and confidence. Not so that she is scared… but she lacks the will and need to strive for higher goals. She is quite content doing what she is told and doesn’t feel she needs, or is worthy of, more. Indeed, her latest assignment as Vice-Captain is one that, on a very base level, worries her quite a bit. Her hard childhood has also left their marks; she has a hard time cooping with intimate relationships, preferring to keep her distance and be no more then the diligent shadow.
Kasumi does however have another side, a former self which she has always strived to suppress. It’s a joyous and carefree side, sloppy and hopeless in most ways… but happy. It is a side she never let through… it can hardly be said to exist. It does however leave her a bit empty and is a source of melancholy, something she is quite prone too, especially when not having anything to do. It doesn’t really help when she consider what her other side once lead too…
Kasumi is very fond of cats in additions to birds of all kinds. She is very fond of music and art in general; she is also one of those people who honestly enjoy training and perfecting her skills. She is, maybe surprisingly, quite an avid reader, though she struggles with this.
Beyond this she does, at least at heart, like attention and affection, though she is very unfamiliar with such. Unlike most females however she has no interest in clothing, beauty products, dressing up or similar things. After all, she isn’t very fond of her own appearance.
This brings us to things she dislikes, which as stated is her own appearance. She has never quite coped with being different and as such it definitively is one of her weak spots. Her horrible eyesight in particular is something she dislike talking about. In addition she gets very nervous when not acting within a known system of ranks and rules, as it leaves her somewhat helpless. She dislikes dogs, but that’s also the only animal she doesn’t seem to like. She doesn’t like the colour yellow either. Having been brought up to show respect and be polite she find such things rather important and therefore isn’t very fond of rude and arrogant people. Because of this same upbringing she is quite terrified of making mistakes, something she hates admitting to have committed.
History
A story begin
The year was 1853. This very year four black ships had entered the harbour of Yokosaka on Japans western coast. The four ships, lead by Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States of America, had threatened to attack unless Japan was reopened from its long period of isolation. It was this year on the 16th of December that Kasumi was born. She was however quite oblivious to the fact that these great events had taken place, after all, she was born in Seireitei to the noble house Nagato. Well, to the noble house would also be somewhat of a truth modification, she was born in their house, not to their house.
They never found out what the mothers full name was, all she could tell them was that her name was Oichi and that she hailed from the 3ed eastern Rukongai district. Whoever Oichi really was she certainly was a remarkable woman. Nene, the wife of Lord Nagato, had found her by the gate of the Seireitei. She had seemingly been beaten and the cold winter weather had brought her to the verge of death. And what more, she was late in her pregnancy. The noblewoman, though both proud and arrogant, took pity on this brave creature and promising to help she took her back to the families estate. Oichi was given a room and was well cared for, maybe she didn’t belong here, but who dared oppose lady Nagato? And so it happened that on the 16th of December, a day after having been taken in, Oichi gave birth to a girl. That she had survived thus far was truly a miracle, and the following day she feel into a deep fever. Only once did she open her eyes. Her hand reached out and patted the little girl lying on her chest… then she died, nameless but not alone. All she left her newborn was four bells in a small chain, nothing more.
Lady Nagato and her servants were quite at loss, having no real idea what to do with the little newborn. However, after consulting lord Nagato, a stern man, the newborn was given over to the care of Nagato Hideyoshi, the lord’s older brother who had no children. Hideyoshi, known as Yoshi among friends, agreed to take the child and when asked for a name he grew silent. He looked out of the window were white mist was slowly giving way to the cold rays of a wintery sun. Call her Kasumi he replied, and thus it was settled.
Her early years
Kasumi was, truth be told, exceptionally lucky. Not only had she survived against all odds, she had been fortunate enough to be accepted into the Nagato clan, one of the most powerful clans in all of Seireitei. Nagato Hideyoshi was a kind man, one of those old uncles everyone end up liking. His appearance was one of a man in his late sixties, usually present in flawless robes and with a pipe in mouth. At the time Hideyoshi held the position as Vice-captain of the 11th division and was as such a very busy man. He did however always seem to have time to look after the little girl Kasumi. Kasumi grew up rather content, living a good life within the walls of the Nagato estate. Here she was free to do what she wished as long as she attended the classes held for the children and behaved like she were expected too. Ohhh… and she had to stay away from the annex. Under the family’s private tutor they learned about their coming lives as Shinigamis and furthermore how to behave like nobles, showing both kindness and calm.
Life wasn’t all that easy for the young girl however. She never felt… quite accepted, and she of course wasn’t. Who was she to think herself their equal? It happened more then once that older kids in the family made fun of her. Their favourite target was her eyes… quite odd eyes, but anything worked really. And it happened more then once that Hideyoshi had to go search for her, finding her crying or raging in some quiet corner. Hideyoshi usually managed to calm her and… she did retain some pride of sort, at least enough to walk with her back straight and face those who tried to bully her. He worried however… she had an extremely volatile temper, uncontrollable and unpredictable. Not only did it go against the families ideals of modesty and politeness, it also got her into all sorts of trouble. More then once she physically attacked the kids that teased her, only to be restrained and punished by the family’s private tutor. Despite what they tried to teach her Kasumi remained too stubborn and temperamental for her own good.
But, as Hideyoshi so often reminded them both, life was worth living despite its ups and downs. And, when she thinks about them now, they really were the happiest days of her life. It continued like this for quite a few years, shinigami age slowly after all. However as Kasumi came to age and had just passed what for humans would be the age of ten, fate intervened and changed her life once more.
A deserted child
It was a particularly cold autumn day. The wind came from the west, a hint of winter upon it… quite cold, yet not uncomfortable. Leaves of red and yellow slowly fell from the trees in the Nagato gardens, almost like silent tears mourning the passing of summer. Kasumi was in a very bad mood indeed as she slowly walked amongst the trees. Earlier today she had argued with Hideyoshi, he had told her she were to attend Shinōreijutsuin. She had blankly refused, saying it would separate them and that she wanted to be with him. He had been quite stressed and told her not to complain… It was the first time she had dared arguing with him like that… and it made her angry. She had said she never wanted to see him again and then she ran off…. It was the last time she ever saw him. Disappeared that day, presumed killed while buying time for reinforcements to arrive, his body was never recovered. Kasumi didn’t know what killed him, or how… or why… But she never cared….
Yoshi’s death shattered Kasumi’s world. For the second time in her life she had lost the one person who protected her… And it felt like it was her fault and she couldn’t forgive herself that she had argued against him. All irrational thoughts of course… but just as devastating none the less. She grew silent… and lonely. It was at this time she joined the Shinōreijutsuin and she did so without complains… Indeed, she never complained. From that day onwards she had but one drive, she wanted to make Hideyoshi proud, to be what she had never been while he lived. It was a peculiar change, one that earned her prise… and pity. But to her it didn’t matter, things… They never were the same again...
That which happened next
Life went on. It usually does after all. Kasumi never really recovered from her loss, but she came to terms with it. And so started a new life for Nagato Kasumi. She was quite different from the carefree kid, serious, silent and very hardworking. It was perhaps no surprise her grades at the Academy were excellent, she had a good upbringing after all. However it quickly became apparent she possessed a level of Reiryoku far beyond what anyone would have expected. She was an orphan from Rukongai yet she possessed a level of Reiryoku rarely seen even amongst nobles.
She still didn’t seem to make many friends, she were too silent and withdrawn. And her family didn’t quite… accept her. Still, her abilities impressed even them, and more then once she were asked to help less fortunate members. Such tasks she attended with a strange joy, as if she liked training and helping others progress. Furthermore it earned her most of the few friends she got at the Academy.
One more point should be duly noted is that Kasumi could already hear her Zanpakuto’s spirit long before finishing her training at the Academy. Though still not knowing its name, or being able to communicate back, she was constantly troubled by a strange singing voice in the back of her head. As she grew stronger this voice separated into two voices and she started dreaming about her inner world. In those dreams she would see two young men sitting by a tree doing nothing at all. Aside from those dreams she never dreamt anything, though she occasionally had nightmares, a condition that still affects her.
She graduated after only five years at the Institute, an unusually early graduation which she quite naturally passed with flying colours. Indeed, few had ever seen such a flawless exam as the one she delivered.
Time in the 6th Division
Upon exiting the Shinōreijutsuin Kasumi requested entrance into the 11th Division, she were instead assigned to the 6th. Not that it was something to regret, her time within the 6th division would be a valuable one in which she learned much. Having already started communicating with her Zanpakuto she were exceptionally quick in attaining Shikai, learning the true name and nature of her weapon. She quite liked the life she was now allowed to lead, living after strict rules and following certain protocols, it was… how she liked things. And she gained friends, finally she gained friends. It was a strange thing to her, but it did her good as much was sure. The 6th captain, Higaze Seiji was a good captain if somewhat lazy and easy going.
Kasumi’s advance within the division was quite spectacular as she quickly rose through the ranks. Her name was certainly a helpful but it was her combination of absolute dedication and skills which took her most of the way. With the 6th she quite amply proved that not only did she excel in class, in the field she were just as useful. And the high level of activity within 6th division certainly helped hone her abilities to new heights. She learned all the skills of a Shinigami and especially her ability to sense Reiryoku were developed to an astonishing level. At an age of no more then 101 years she were a seasoned soul reaper and had risen to the third seat in the 6th division.
Since she attained the third seat 53 years has passed. Captain Higaze, knowing fully well both her skills and her potential, has deemed her ready and requested her promotion to the rank of Vice-Captain. Once again Kasumi wished to be transferred to the 11th division, but as their Vice-Captain were quite alive she were instead given to the 10th “Outer Defense” Division. Kasumi knows little of the 10th or their rather secretive Captain Saigotschuu. However, as always she does as being told and…. at heart she is quite proud of her achievement as one of the youngest Vice-Captains in the long history of Gotei 13. Whatever lies ahead… doesn’t really matter.
Abilities/Additional Info
Living in a haze
Kasumi suffers from extremely case of Myopia or nearsightedness. Why isn’t quite certain but her eyesight seemed to have deteriorated slowly before she became a Shinigami, to a point were glasses wouldn’t help her. As an effect of this Kasumi can only see as far as her hands outstretched everything beyond that turning into an incomprehensible mass. Even within the range of her arms she finds seeing quite difficult and has an odd habit of leaning extremely close to look at things.
As a result of her near useless eyesight Kasumi’s other senses has developed to take compensate for her handicap. Using a combination of hearing, feeling and sensing Reiryoku, all which she has brought to a level of perfection, she is able to function almost as good as if she could see. Indeed, some would say even better. In everyday situations it’s nearly impossible to tell that she can’t see her behaviour seemingly very natural save for having to hold books very close to her face and the like. She rarely slips, usually only when very stressed or upset and at such times she quite commonly makes some stupid mistakes. Examples could be bumping into people or things, putting clothing or equipment on the wrong way etc. In battle however she functions rather flawlessly. Beyond the obvious handicap of not being able to see she can use her other senses to get a nearly complete picture of the battlefield. Among problematic things worth mentioning are range weapons which she often have trouble noticing in time, and things that can overwhelm her senses.
Zanjutsu specialist
Kasumi is a remarkably skilled swordsman, far better then most Vice-Captains. She is incredible nimble and has learned to exploit her Zanpakuto’s effect to its full potential. Furthermore she has developed a special style of fighting which only increase with the opponent’s experience. Kasumi’s Zanpakuto is quite small, furthermore she appears rather meek, and in combination this makes it quite easy to underestimate her. She exploits this by launching easy or predictable attacks, only to suddenly change the direction and catch her opponent of guard.
Zanpakuto
凪水朝霞
Shisui Chouka
(Calm Water, Morning Glow)
Spirit Description
Shisui Chouka is a quite uncommon Zanpakuto as its spirit materializes not as a single being but as a pair of twins, Shisui and Chouka. They are essentially one soul captured in two beings. When one talks the other is silent and they often switch between whom is talking. They always appear together and while they move separately they both seems to follow a shared and common will. However, while sharing these common traits both their appearance, manners and personalities are quite different.
Shisui takes the form of a tall young man with a lean and wiry body, his muscles akin to steel cables. His hair is a nearly pure white with a slight silvery sheen. It is quite long and always neatly done, usually gathered into a ponytail which flow down his back. His face, much like Kasumi’s own, is finely chiselled and with a distinct classical look. He appears wearing a black shitagi outlined with white. Over this he carries a long white vest with a high neck; a blue dragon slowly coiling is embroidered upon it. While a single piece it can be opened by the neck, though it is here held together by a neat arrangement of silver threads. All Shisui’s clothing is correct in the extreme, every piece neat and well cared for.
As his appearance suggest Shisui’s spirit is one of calm and order. His every expression seems impassive and almost cold, he never smiles nor does anything seem to anger him. Indeed, his very presence radiates an aura of tranquillity and when he speaks it is softly. His words are always smooth, voice never raised and his language most polite and respectful. He is the personified calm. Intelligent, calculating, modest and effective.
Chouka, the second twin, is a stark contrast to Shisui. He to takes the form of a tall young man, though slightly shorter then his twin and a more defined muscular build. His hair is a fiery yellow, speckled with soft red strands. It appears wild and fierce as if he can’t be asked to fix it. The hair frames a slightly tanned face, a face filled with vitality and strength. His jaws are distinct and his nose slightly hawked. Chouka appears wearing a long sleeved white shitagi with black edges. Over that he wears a black vest, held together on his left side by four silver threads. The vests edges are lined with a fierce orange fabric and embroidered upon the vest is a motif of flickering flames. However, unlike Shisui’s neat and well kept cloths Chouka appears sloppy. His shitagi’s arms are too long, his collar open and his clothing in general possessing a multitude of small tears.
Where Shisui is calm and orderly Chouka is jovial and carefree. Chouka is quick to both anger and joy, his temper being an extremely volatile thing. His aura if one of vibrating power… of pure strength. As he speaks it is with passion, his voice strong and fierce. In essence he is everything his brother is not, sloppy, carefree, temperamental and rash.
However the twins share one trait, something which clearly shows their shared soul. Their eyes are identical golden orbs of flickering light, razor sharp and seemingly extremely agile. Yet both also have a certain depth to them, a relaxed and spectral feel. To look into them is like looking at the sun itself, all consuming and piercing at the same time.
Inner world
Kasumi’s inner world is flat and covered in nothing but a huge blanket of incredibly thick white mist. No matter how far or were one walk the mist never disappear. Though the mist rings half heard sounds, the tingling of soft silver bells and the occasional shout of a voice calling. The voices change from person to person but Kasumi hear the calm voice of Hideyoshi and a female voice she don’t know.
There is one hill in the sea of rolling mist. This hill is completely covered in soft white grass, dotted with the odd white flower. There is nothing there save a single Sakura tree, its petals brilliant white. From up here one can see the sky, clear and cold blue of winter, silent clouds rolling by and illuminated by a cold wintery sun.
Sealed
Kasumi’s Zanpakuto manifests not as one but as two blades, just like her Zanpakuto’s spirit. In its sealed form the Zanpakuto appear as a Daisho set with a katana and a wakizashi.
Both weapons are of a quite extraordinary yet beautiful design known as Shirasaya. The blades are quite normal, though with a strong silvery sheen to them and slightly longer then average, roughly 85 cm for the katana and 55 cm for the wakizashi. The tsuba however is lacking and the handle slightly longer then normal, made of a nearly pure white wood. Both blades are flawless and undecorated beyond the names inscribed at the base of the handle. The katana is named Shisui why the wakizashi is named Chouka.
Attached to the hilt of both swords is a small red cord neatly tied with a silver bell attached to each end. Shisui has a sheath made of the same pure white wood as the handle, Chouka however has no sheath. Both weapons are kept in Kasumi’s obi, both swords on her left side.
A Shirasaya Katana
Shikai
Activation Phrase
Inochi futatsu no / naka ni ikitaru / sakura kana
Two lives / between them have lived / cheery blossoms
Appearance
Like most Zanpakuto Kasumi’s swords also undergo a transformation as they are unsealed. Her activation starts with both blades being enchased in a thin layer of mist seemingly made of glittering shards. At this point Shisui shrinks to the size of a wakizashi while Chouka grows to the length of a standard Katana. Along Chouka’s blade runs a pattern of flames so real they look like flames reflecting of the blades surface. But if it is flames then they are certainly not ordinary flames, for they are nearly white, baleful and wild. Shisui, now the length of a Wakizashi, is covered in small droplets of water, the very air around the blade becoming moist and cold. Both weapons do however retain their general shape and no material seems to have changed.
Abilities
Shisui (Calm waters)
This ability, as the name may suggest, applies only to Shisui. The blade gains the ability to condensate in the span of a second turning completely into mist before solidifying a second later. Kasumi has complete control over this process and may keep it in either state for as long as she wants. When condensed the blade will be nothing more then a thin blade of mist, easily flowing around or even through objects, however it can obviously not cut anything in this state. It is possible to solidify Shisui within another substance, but depending on the substance in question this can damage the blade, as a general rule stronger opponents and very hard substances will damage it.
(Each time she condencate and recondencate Shisui it costs roughly 5% of her Reiryoku combined.)
Chouka (Morning glow)
As the name implies this is Chouka’s ability. Each time it rises to strike light like the first rays of the sun flickers across the blade, the flames seemingly dancing wildly across its edge. Anyone who looks directly upon the blade will get flickering after imagines dancing across their vision, making it far harder to tell which blade is the real sword. It is however possible to completely ignore this effect by simply not looking at the blade itself.
(Chouka is a passive ability but requires 5% of Kasumi's Reiatsu per post to mentain)
Bankai
Activation Phrase
Kasumi o kite / kaze o shikine no / sutego kana / Bankai
Coming with mist / the wind lies down to sleep with / a deserted child / Final seal
Appearance
Intoning the activation phrase Kasumi raise Chouka up in front of her face while holding Shisui a few inches above the ground. As she speaks the first sentence Shisui is once more clad in a glittering mist, the blade growing far longer until it’s about 110 cm. As she intones the second line Chouka suddenly catch on fire, pure white flames dancing along the edge of the blade. As she finish the sentence Chouka burns out and turns to ash which falls to the ground at her feet. As she finishes her activation phrase clear white mist slowly starts to seem from the ground were Chouka’s ashes landed. As she grips Shisui with both hands the haze around it disappear to revile a blade blacker then the night. The silver bells jingle softly…
Kasumi’s appearance: Just as Chouka catch fire the chocker Kasumi wears are changed into a deep grey scarf that hangs loosely around her neck. The scarf is plain and without markings save for a single kanji, 赦, on the end. Both ends of the scarf are ragged and seemingly torn by a strong wind. Kasumi’s normally green eyes have at this point turned into two orbs of grey mist. At this stage they are terrible to behold, grey, cold and hazy, seemingly lost in a different world of half-light and shadows. To look upon them is to invite despair….
Abilities
Kasumi o kite (Coming with mist)
Within seconds of activation mist raises from the ground until it covers and area roughly a kilometre in all directions, though Kasumi may keep it smaller if she so wish. The mist seems quite normal, though it is unnaturally white and nothing but the strongest gale seems to affect it. Being caught in Kasumi’s mist is a chilling experience. For one it is rather moist and ice cold with an odd ability to penetrate cloth and other protective gear. Voices ring through the deep darkness, screams, drowned out noises and half heard sounds. These voices are mere illusions and are only heard by the targets of the Bankai. Unless the opponent is extremely calm he will almost instantly loose all sense of direction. Furthermore the mist is extremely thick; you can barely see your hands when outstretched and no further then that. As the mist is made up of Kasumi’s reiryoku tracking her through sensing her rairyoku becomes impossible as she seems to be everywhere.
(Kasumi o kite require 10% of Kasumi's Reiatsu and a further 5% each post it is mentained)
Sutego kana (A deserted child)
Only the soft jingle of silver bells heralds her coming. Sutego kana allows Kasumi to turn not only her sword but also her own body into mist for a period of time. What exactly happens is uncertain as it seems she simply vanish into the mist, just a drifting after imagine left behind. While in this form she can travel any distance with merely a step and move through or around objects as if they were not there. In essence it’s a hugely improved Shunpo, the move being nearly instant. She is however restricted to areas of mist and must materialize before leaving it. For obvious reasons she can’t move through Death Stone and similar material, neither is it possible for her to materialize within other substances save water and similar things. She has complete control over the changing conditions and can turn into mist in a split second.
(The transformation itself isn’t very taxing taking about 2% of her Reiryoku, however maintaining it drains about 10% per full post, ie if she stays in this state beyond one post.)
Shinigami Techniques
Bakudō
[8] Seki (斥, Repulse)
Seki creates a small round shield of blue light an inch above the users hand. Whatever strikes this shield is repelled and it may course paralysis in weaker beings. However being a weak Kido this can easily be crushed by a powerful opponent.
[26] Kyokko (曲光, Curved Light)
By bending light this Kido completely hides the target from sight.
[30] Shitotsu Sansen (嘴突三閃, Beak-Piercing Triple Beam)
The caster traces a triangle in the air with one finger, leaving a faintly glowing line. From each point in the triangle shoots a beam of light which pins and opponent to a surface slamming into his or her body on different points to create a perfect triangle.
[58] Kakushitsuijaku (摑趾追雀, 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] Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Rods Prison of Light)
Summons six thin, but wide, beams of light that slam into a target's midsection, holding them in place. A moving target is hard to hit with this kido, but one standing still is a near guaranteed hit due to its amazing speed. However for a level 60 kido it is fairly weak, anyone stronger than the user would be able to break out of it if given some time.
*Incantation: Carriage of thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six.*
[77] Tenteikūra (天挺空羅, Heavenly Rickshaws in Silken Air)
Transmits messages to anyone within Soul Society. In addition to reciting the spell, the user must draw specific markings on their arms, which are animated by the spell to convey the messages.
*Incantation: Black and white net. Twenty-two bridges, sixty-six crowns and belts. Footprints, distant thunder, sharp peak, engulfing land, hidden in the night, sea of clouds, blue line. Form a circle and fly through the heavens*
Hadō
[4] Byakurai (白雷, Pale Lightning)
Fires a concentrated bolt of from the caster's finger
[33] Sōkatsui (蒼火墜, Blue Fire, Crash Down)
Fires a burst of blue spiritual energy at a target in a similar manner to 31, but over a wider area and with more power.
*Incantation - Ye Lord! Mask of flesh and bone, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, Upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws!
Healing Kido (Chiyudō?)
[19] Zenyu (全癒 Complete Healing)
A healing spell which treats most minor and external battlefield injuries in a short amount of time. It works on things like broken bones, medium to minor cuts, bruisers and the like. The user’s hands glow with a soft green light and they must touch the wound in order for the healing to take effect. As always Reiatsu is replenished before the wounds are treated. Healing done is proportional to the amount of Reiatsu used. (Ie, healing say a torn leg would require say 10%, a large chest wound maybe 50%)
Non-spells
Shunpo (Flash Step)
A movement ability that allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow.
Additional
Roleplay Sample
Dooshite?
A soft sobbing filled the room, a pitiful and weak sound. Light fell in through a pair of large windows. Soft light from a setting sun, weak but still possessing a faint radiance from a day now gone, illuminated the fairly small room. It was a childs room, filled with items of affection. Drawings had been hung up to decorate the walls, childish drawings showing Shinigami combating all manners of strange creatures. One figure appeared on nearly every drawing… an old man. Despite its childish appearance it was a rather plain room completely void of both toys and furniture. Not that much furniture would have fitted in… but still.
In a corner stood a large drawer which presumably contained cloth, a trio of daffodils nodded politely in their vase by the door and by the window stood a bonsai tree, green and lush.
A leaf fell from the tree, drifting slowly down until it came to rest upon the bed. For, as most bedrooms do, this room contained a futon just below the window. And it was from this bed that the sobbing originated. A young girl lay face down on the futon her face buried in a large fluffy pillow. She wore a child’s kimono in a hazy grey colour, embroidered with black butterflies. It was a beautiful dress, though currently stained with mud and water. Strands of midnight black hair flowed across the kimono and futon, a stark contrast to the white pillow and mattress. Oddly enough she was drenched, as if it had rained heavily. Tucked under her right arm and partially covered by black hair was a teddy in the shape of a tiger.
Tap, tap tap. A strong hand knocked softly at the door. The sobbing nearly ceased… perfect silence filled the room, nothing moved… Then a voice could be heard. It was a strong voice and it seemed rather old… but its tone was mild and softly inquiring.
“Ka-chan?...”
Again this deep silence, the girl had completely ceased her sobbing. After a minute or two the door was slid open, revealing the man which had spoken. It was a tall man, muscular and powerful in build, yet… he appeared quite old. His large thin beard was white, and were the sunrays hit it shone with a slight silver sheen. He was partly bald now, no hair growing on his scalp though it had once been thick and black, much like the girls. The man wore the Shihakushō of a Shinigami, everything in the best order, and around his right arm were the insignia of a vice-captain. He seemed… a stern man, his face noble and hard in its structure, caught in a mask of still tranquillity. But his eyes betrayed him… They were brown and warm, deep thoughtful eyes which reflected a kind heart and a peaceful soul. No one who saw those eyes would doubt the kindness and warms this man possessed.
“Ka-chan?... What’s the matter?”
The reply came swiftly. The girl half turned, flinging the pillow in his general direction while screaming at the top of her lungs. It was a broken voice, filled with sobs and an uncontrollable anger,
“Leave me alone! I want to be alone!”
There was a loud crash as the pillow hit the vase, sending both it and the daffodils to the floor. But the girl had already thrown herself back to the futon, as if trying to completely ignore the old man. Kasumi…. The man sighed silently; slowly he kneeled down and gathered up the pillow and the flowers, one of the stems had been broken. Rising he went over to the bed and smoothly sat down besides it, leaning against the wall just besides were the pillow should have been. Placing it down besides him he sighed again, eyes fluttering close momentarily as he listened to the girls sobbing; it had grown weaker now, shivering and meek. After a few seconds she spoke. The voice was weak, trembling with exhausting and filled with barely contained sobs,
“Iro-san… He… He said this Kimono was too pretty for me. And… and… and then he pushed me into the pond…”
She broke of and the sobbing was renewed. It held a subtle difference however, her anger seemed spent, this new sound were one of pure desperation and hurt. The old man reached out and carefully placed a rough and scared hand upon her black hair, ruffling it slightly. He spoke calmly, his voice filled with warmth and affection… yet the tone had a inquiring hint, as if there were something he couldn’t quite understand,
“But… Why?... If it was Iro-san who pushed you… Why then did you throw a pillow at me and harm the daffodils?”
His eyes had opened once more and as the girl looked up their eyes meet. He held her gaze, staring into a pair of green-grey eyes now red after crying too long. There were a confused fear in them, a mix of desperation and uncertainty. His question seemed to confuse her and for nearly a minute they simply stared at each other as if she tried to find the answer in his eyes. She took a deep breath and her eyes slowly drifted away, avoiding his. It seemed she had gotten her voice back under control; at least it wasn’t trembling anymore,
“I… don’t know why. I didn’t… didn’t mean to...” Again there was a slight brake, “I am sorry,”
A smile… a smile… it was like when the sun suddenly appears from behind the clouds. Yoshi smiled down at the girl, a warm and hearty smile reflected as a slight shine in his eyes. He placed an arm under her and effortlessly dragged her close, hugging her. Every trace of doubt was gone from his voice; it was filled with pure and honest affection,
“That is all I wanted to hear. You shouldn’t listen to Iro, you are better then him and you should know that by now. I’ll talk to him about it, and then it won’t happen again. Okai?”
He felt her nod slightly and her body shook slightly as he held her close, she was freezing cold. Lifting her up Yoshi placed her down on her feet, patted her head and once more looked her straight in the eyes. One final tear ran down the cheek, a glittering orb of sliver light as it caught the last rays of a setting sun. He reached out and whipped it away,
“Come now. Don’t cry, it doesn’t quite suit you. You’ll have to change into something warm, and then I can teach you about Kido, would you like that?”
He couldn’t but smile once more as he watched her reaction, a glittering joy rising in her deep green eyes, like the sun shining through the leaves of enormous trees. A smile finally graced her face, a soft charming smile lacking quite a few teeth,
“Really? Will you?...” She suddenly stopped, a serious look creeping into her face and she started at the daffodils he still held carefully in his hands, “What… what will we do with them? They don’t have a vase anymore,”
Yoshi felt a slight sting of joy. Despite her violent temper and sudden tantrums… she really had the kindest heart.
Sakura kana
Higaze Seiji rose from his seat, it was hard to see properly when you were seated behind someone and this was really shaping up. Academy graduations usually were dull affairs, just a bunch of students doing their best. Many promising students, but not really his sort of thing, made him sleepy. But this one was different, retired captain Nagato had asked to personally spar the final group and such wasn’t everyday occurrences. Lord Nagato had been Higaze’s captain back in the 6th. And man were he harsh, the last one had been beaten to the verge of tears. Nagato were an expert swordsman, muscular, tall and lightning quick. He weren’t the type to hold back either… well, beyond the minimum necessary to keep the students alive. This one however, this one was different….
Captain Nagato lunged, with a lighting quick motion his Zanpakuto shot forward. With a screech it ran along the girls blade. She had been slow compared to the Captain but still managed to twist her Katana to a vertical position and stepped aside. With surprising agility the girl slid forward into the Captains guard and launched a double attack. As her Katana utilized the momentum of the parry to slice at the Captains neck her Wakizashi shot forward to gut him. It was of course a hopeless attempt but only having avoided the captain’s attack three times was an exceptional feat.
The attack was of course hopeless; the captain took one step back and brought his sword up in a double block. Then, utilizing the same principle as the girl just had, he used her attacks as leverage and smashed the hilt of his Zanpakuto straight in her face. The girl staggered backwards and before she could regain her senses the Captain delivered a thundering blow with the flat side of his blade, slamming it into the side of her head. The girl was sent flying, hitting the ground nearly a meter away like a ragged doll.
Black… everything seemed black… There was a loud ringing, like someone hammering a bell just by your ear… Kasumi’s felt like throwing up, the ground was spinning as she struggled to get back up. A slight vibration… another one… footsteps. She had to get up, she had to… she…
“Scared again? Tsk tsk tsk… That’s no good,”
The voice seemed to come from somewhere just besides her head. It was a strong voice, passionate and alive, the tone seemed humorous and… mildly mocking. She knew that voice… it was her sword. It spoke a gain a second later… yet it was different. This voice was calm and empty, almost a bit scary,
“Get up now… He would have expected better wouldn’t he?”
Kasumi gritted her teeth and got to her knees with a slight winch. The footsteps stopped, it seemed he would allow her to get to her feet. Staggering and still rather dazed from the blows she got on her feet.
She were truly impressive, Higaze had to admit that despite his opinion on the academies teachings. He’d never expected her to rise from that. But up she got, if in a sorry state. Blood flowed from a cut in her forehead and ran into her eyes. More blood stained her black hair, it seemed she bleed from somewhere at the side of her head as well. She swayed slightly as a hand reached up and tried to clean it out... it scarcely had any effect at all. The Captain allowed her to steady herself and get into what could resemble a fighting stance. Then he attacked. With a lighting swift motion he swung his katana in a vertical slash straight at her. The girl brought both blades up in a cross block and caught the katana there. It would of course have been a small matter for the Captain to crush her block but instead he used the hilt once more and jabbed her hard in the gut. As she staggered backwards he pressed forward, slicing horizontally to her neck.
“Time!”
Kasumi felt the blade vibrate an inch or two for her throat. She felt how her knees threatened to give in. Her already sorry vision swam and she felt how her consciousness balanced dangerously close to some great black abyss. Even without willing it her uncle’s Reiatsu were tearing away at her, sapping her of strength merely by being so close. A soft sound of a sword moving, then the slight swish as it was placed back in its scabbard. Kasumi fell to her knees; her feet simply didn’t want to support her anymore. Everything just hurt, she… she had nothing more to give. She couldn’t see a thing with all the blood and sweet filling her eyes, but she felt someone move closer. Something was outstretched towards her, she heard it by the rustles of fabrics.
“Impressive,”
Kasumi took the hand she had been offered and was dragged to her feet. Lord Nagato handed her to the teacher that came rushing over. He didn’t have to say anything more. Captain Higaze watched the girl being laid away, a small smile played across her thin lips. It was a smile of happiness…
Inochi futatsu no
- Still to come -
A soft ringing... A memory... A face in the mist... Ghosts.
General Info
Name
Nagato Kasumi
Gender
Female
Age
154 years, though she appears to be barely twenty.
Division
Tenth Division
Rank
Fukutaichō (Vice-Captain)
Physical Description
She was seated in a corner, leaning slightly against the wall with her legs drawn up in front of her body. A hand had been laid over one knee… it… it seemed almost white in the soft light of a wintery sun. The fingers were slim and soft, almost like those of a doll. The skin was unblemished, light yet not quite pale, almost like alabaster. Her hair… it is hard to describe. It seemed soft and almost akin to silk, deep black like a starless night and flowing like a stream. As she sat there by the window the soft light fell on her hair, and as if by a miracle it seemed like silver droplets, almost like distant stars, were interwoven in the black. It reached the small of her back, only two strands allowed flow down in front of her shoulders.
Suddenly she looked up, staring at me for a second before turning to gaze at the skies outside. Her features were what I would describe as classical, beautiful in a very tranquil and silent manner. Her face was clean cut and slim, every line finely chiselled. It was a beautiful face, not extraordinary but still quite appealing. But what struck me the most was her eyes. She had the sort of eyes that can captivate a soul. Deep green orbs that reminded me of a something green and tranquil, a silent pond or a cold night, but speckled with soft gray which one couldn’t quite fathom. They were deep her eyes, endless and calm, yet also alive and filled with a strange melancholic touch akin to both sorrow and hope. I have never been stirred in the same way again, something about the look she gave me… It was petrifying, it seemed to cut into my very bones, pierce my heart… And yet, I could not shake of an odd feeling she could hardly see me… I can’t for my life be sure… But… her eyes carried a distinctive haziness, as if she was looking into another world.
A small smile fluttered across soft lips, it seemed that only now had she noticed my gaze. With a sudden fluid motion she rose from her corner. Only now did I realize how tall she really was. She was a good bit taller then me… I would guess 1,77 or something along those lines. Yet… it didn’t seem awkward. Indeed, it suited her quite well. Her body was slim, a thin waist and nearly no chest. Definitively not a modern beauty, too tall they would say, and lacking the right curves. Still, I found her quite attractive in her own way; again the word classical struck me. Her grace, fluidity, her calm… and maybe above all her modesty, they were all things admired in some forgotten age.
This was only emphasised by her clothing. All her cloth was as one would expect, a standard black Shihakushō. That would mean a black kosode and a black hakama worn over a white hakama-himo and a shitagi. On her feet she wore a pair of very thin white tabi though she lacked the normal waraji sandals. She was correct to the extreme, every fold perfect and flawless. Only later did I notice a single personal touch. She wore a black choker around her rather slim neck. Upon the choker were imprinted 赦, the kanji for forgiveness. I was later told she also used to tie bandages round her chest so it wouldn’t get in the way… something which supposedly didn’t make much of a difference.
“Excuse me. I am …. I hope I am in time,”
Her voice… It was soft and gentle like a mild breeze. The voice weren’t quite as bright as I had through, but still…. She seemed like a soft spoken girl, her manners polite as she offered me a slight bow. It did occure to me she seemed… a bit stiff, anticipating maybe, not quite comfortable with talking to me…. Or maybe unsure of how I should be approached. I almost mistook her for being timid, but… she wasn’t, as I learned later.
I…. I am not quite sure what I answered, but I believe it at least appeased her. And then I let her through… As she passed… I was left feeling a faint hint of her aura. It was strange; she carried herself with an aura of confidence, of modesty and of order… Yet underneath that she felt… well, sad to be honest. Sad to the point she almost seemed a bit scared… but still it a completely controlled and calm manner.
Signed, Observations by an young fool
Personality
Kasumi is a very complicated person and though not separated her personality does carry a certain duality. A defining trait is her bravery and her mental strength. Though she can often seem meek she has a surprising tendency to get back to her feet and struggle on, no matter what she is faced with. She is also extremely intelligent, possessing a razor sharp tactical mind and a capability to handle a lot of information very fast. As if to enchant this her brain is extremely analytic, allowing her to plan complex actions in the span of a millisecond. She also possesses total recall… though this she consider more akin to a curse. Her various personal traits, though at times conflicting, can be categorized in a variety of ways which will follow.
Kasumi’s outwards appearing personality is one of dedication and silent effectivity. She is as a general rule calm and tranquil, keeping a levelled-head when others get stressed. Her attitude towards authorities is one of unswerving loyalty, owing to her hard upbringing, and the same could be said about her attitude towards rules. She is dedicated to whatever job she gets, solving the tasks with a fluid and silent effectivity which she is quite proud off. She also appears to be an extremely neat person, almost obsessed with always appearing correct and keeping everything in order.
Yet despite her hard working attitude it doesn’t mean she is cold, quite the contrary. Kasumi is a very mild girl, patient and helpful to all under her care. She is strict, by all means, but as long as other comply she is a friendly soul, if a silent one.
These manners, which are her normal once… are not completely honest. In truth Kasumi is far from the confident and content person she appears to be. For one she suffers from a complete lack in ambitions and confidence. Not so that she is scared… but she lacks the will and need to strive for higher goals. She is quite content doing what she is told and doesn’t feel she needs, or is worthy of, more. Indeed, her latest assignment as Vice-Captain is one that, on a very base level, worries her quite a bit. Her hard childhood has also left their marks; she has a hard time cooping with intimate relationships, preferring to keep her distance and be no more then the diligent shadow.
Kasumi does however have another side, a former self which she has always strived to suppress. It’s a joyous and carefree side, sloppy and hopeless in most ways… but happy. It is a side she never let through… it can hardly be said to exist. It does however leave her a bit empty and is a source of melancholy, something she is quite prone too, especially when not having anything to do. It doesn’t really help when she consider what her other side once lead too…
Kasumi is very fond of cats in additions to birds of all kinds. She is very fond of music and art in general; she is also one of those people who honestly enjoy training and perfecting her skills. She is, maybe surprisingly, quite an avid reader, though she struggles with this.
Beyond this she does, at least at heart, like attention and affection, though she is very unfamiliar with such. Unlike most females however she has no interest in clothing, beauty products, dressing up or similar things. After all, she isn’t very fond of her own appearance.
This brings us to things she dislikes, which as stated is her own appearance. She has never quite coped with being different and as such it definitively is one of her weak spots. Her horrible eyesight in particular is something she dislike talking about. In addition she gets very nervous when not acting within a known system of ranks and rules, as it leaves her somewhat helpless. She dislikes dogs, but that’s also the only animal she doesn’t seem to like. She doesn’t like the colour yellow either. Having been brought up to show respect and be polite she find such things rather important and therefore isn’t very fond of rude and arrogant people. Because of this same upbringing she is quite terrified of making mistakes, something she hates admitting to have committed.
History
A story begin
The year was 1853. This very year four black ships had entered the harbour of Yokosaka on Japans western coast. The four ships, lead by Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States of America, had threatened to attack unless Japan was reopened from its long period of isolation. It was this year on the 16th of December that Kasumi was born. She was however quite oblivious to the fact that these great events had taken place, after all, she was born in Seireitei to the noble house Nagato. Well, to the noble house would also be somewhat of a truth modification, she was born in their house, not to their house.
They never found out what the mothers full name was, all she could tell them was that her name was Oichi and that she hailed from the 3ed eastern Rukongai district. Whoever Oichi really was she certainly was a remarkable woman. Nene, the wife of Lord Nagato, had found her by the gate of the Seireitei. She had seemingly been beaten and the cold winter weather had brought her to the verge of death. And what more, she was late in her pregnancy. The noblewoman, though both proud and arrogant, took pity on this brave creature and promising to help she took her back to the families estate. Oichi was given a room and was well cared for, maybe she didn’t belong here, but who dared oppose lady Nagato? And so it happened that on the 16th of December, a day after having been taken in, Oichi gave birth to a girl. That she had survived thus far was truly a miracle, and the following day she feel into a deep fever. Only once did she open her eyes. Her hand reached out and patted the little girl lying on her chest… then she died, nameless but not alone. All she left her newborn was four bells in a small chain, nothing more.
Lady Nagato and her servants were quite at loss, having no real idea what to do with the little newborn. However, after consulting lord Nagato, a stern man, the newborn was given over to the care of Nagato Hideyoshi, the lord’s older brother who had no children. Hideyoshi, known as Yoshi among friends, agreed to take the child and when asked for a name he grew silent. He looked out of the window were white mist was slowly giving way to the cold rays of a wintery sun. Call her Kasumi he replied, and thus it was settled.
Her early years
Kasumi was, truth be told, exceptionally lucky. Not only had she survived against all odds, she had been fortunate enough to be accepted into the Nagato clan, one of the most powerful clans in all of Seireitei. Nagato Hideyoshi was a kind man, one of those old uncles everyone end up liking. His appearance was one of a man in his late sixties, usually present in flawless robes and with a pipe in mouth. At the time Hideyoshi held the position as Vice-captain of the 11th division and was as such a very busy man. He did however always seem to have time to look after the little girl Kasumi. Kasumi grew up rather content, living a good life within the walls of the Nagato estate. Here she was free to do what she wished as long as she attended the classes held for the children and behaved like she were expected too. Ohhh… and she had to stay away from the annex. Under the family’s private tutor they learned about their coming lives as Shinigamis and furthermore how to behave like nobles, showing both kindness and calm.
Life wasn’t all that easy for the young girl however. She never felt… quite accepted, and she of course wasn’t. Who was she to think herself their equal? It happened more then once that older kids in the family made fun of her. Their favourite target was her eyes… quite odd eyes, but anything worked really. And it happened more then once that Hideyoshi had to go search for her, finding her crying or raging in some quiet corner. Hideyoshi usually managed to calm her and… she did retain some pride of sort, at least enough to walk with her back straight and face those who tried to bully her. He worried however… she had an extremely volatile temper, uncontrollable and unpredictable. Not only did it go against the families ideals of modesty and politeness, it also got her into all sorts of trouble. More then once she physically attacked the kids that teased her, only to be restrained and punished by the family’s private tutor. Despite what they tried to teach her Kasumi remained too stubborn and temperamental for her own good.
But, as Hideyoshi so often reminded them both, life was worth living despite its ups and downs. And, when she thinks about them now, they really were the happiest days of her life. It continued like this for quite a few years, shinigami age slowly after all. However as Kasumi came to age and had just passed what for humans would be the age of ten, fate intervened and changed her life once more.
A deserted child
It was a particularly cold autumn day. The wind came from the west, a hint of winter upon it… quite cold, yet not uncomfortable. Leaves of red and yellow slowly fell from the trees in the Nagato gardens, almost like silent tears mourning the passing of summer. Kasumi was in a very bad mood indeed as she slowly walked amongst the trees. Earlier today she had argued with Hideyoshi, he had told her she were to attend Shinōreijutsuin. She had blankly refused, saying it would separate them and that she wanted to be with him. He had been quite stressed and told her not to complain… It was the first time she had dared arguing with him like that… and it made her angry. She had said she never wanted to see him again and then she ran off…. It was the last time she ever saw him. Disappeared that day, presumed killed while buying time for reinforcements to arrive, his body was never recovered. Kasumi didn’t know what killed him, or how… or why… But she never cared….
Yoshi’s death shattered Kasumi’s world. For the second time in her life she had lost the one person who protected her… And it felt like it was her fault and she couldn’t forgive herself that she had argued against him. All irrational thoughts of course… but just as devastating none the less. She grew silent… and lonely. It was at this time she joined the Shinōreijutsuin and she did so without complains… Indeed, she never complained. From that day onwards she had but one drive, she wanted to make Hideyoshi proud, to be what she had never been while he lived. It was a peculiar change, one that earned her prise… and pity. But to her it didn’t matter, things… They never were the same again...
That which happened next
Life went on. It usually does after all. Kasumi never really recovered from her loss, but she came to terms with it. And so started a new life for Nagato Kasumi. She was quite different from the carefree kid, serious, silent and very hardworking. It was perhaps no surprise her grades at the Academy were excellent, she had a good upbringing after all. However it quickly became apparent she possessed a level of Reiryoku far beyond what anyone would have expected. She was an orphan from Rukongai yet she possessed a level of Reiryoku rarely seen even amongst nobles.
She still didn’t seem to make many friends, she were too silent and withdrawn. And her family didn’t quite… accept her. Still, her abilities impressed even them, and more then once she were asked to help less fortunate members. Such tasks she attended with a strange joy, as if she liked training and helping others progress. Furthermore it earned her most of the few friends she got at the Academy.
One more point should be duly noted is that Kasumi could already hear her Zanpakuto’s spirit long before finishing her training at the Academy. Though still not knowing its name, or being able to communicate back, she was constantly troubled by a strange singing voice in the back of her head. As she grew stronger this voice separated into two voices and she started dreaming about her inner world. In those dreams she would see two young men sitting by a tree doing nothing at all. Aside from those dreams she never dreamt anything, though she occasionally had nightmares, a condition that still affects her.
She graduated after only five years at the Institute, an unusually early graduation which she quite naturally passed with flying colours. Indeed, few had ever seen such a flawless exam as the one she delivered.
Time in the 6th Division
Upon exiting the Shinōreijutsuin Kasumi requested entrance into the 11th Division, she were instead assigned to the 6th. Not that it was something to regret, her time within the 6th division would be a valuable one in which she learned much. Having already started communicating with her Zanpakuto she were exceptionally quick in attaining Shikai, learning the true name and nature of her weapon. She quite liked the life she was now allowed to lead, living after strict rules and following certain protocols, it was… how she liked things. And she gained friends, finally she gained friends. It was a strange thing to her, but it did her good as much was sure. The 6th captain, Higaze Seiji was a good captain if somewhat lazy and easy going.
Kasumi’s advance within the division was quite spectacular as she quickly rose through the ranks. Her name was certainly a helpful but it was her combination of absolute dedication and skills which took her most of the way. With the 6th she quite amply proved that not only did she excel in class, in the field she were just as useful. And the high level of activity within 6th division certainly helped hone her abilities to new heights. She learned all the skills of a Shinigami and especially her ability to sense Reiryoku were developed to an astonishing level. At an age of no more then 101 years she were a seasoned soul reaper and had risen to the third seat in the 6th division.
Since she attained the third seat 53 years has passed. Captain Higaze, knowing fully well both her skills and her potential, has deemed her ready and requested her promotion to the rank of Vice-Captain. Once again Kasumi wished to be transferred to the 11th division, but as their Vice-Captain were quite alive she were instead given to the 10th “Outer Defense” Division. Kasumi knows little of the 10th or their rather secretive Captain Saigotschuu. However, as always she does as being told and…. at heart she is quite proud of her achievement as one of the youngest Vice-Captains in the long history of Gotei 13. Whatever lies ahead… doesn’t really matter.
Abilities/Additional Info
Living in a haze
Kasumi suffers from extremely case of Myopia or nearsightedness. Why isn’t quite certain but her eyesight seemed to have deteriorated slowly before she became a Shinigami, to a point were glasses wouldn’t help her. As an effect of this Kasumi can only see as far as her hands outstretched everything beyond that turning into an incomprehensible mass. Even within the range of her arms she finds seeing quite difficult and has an odd habit of leaning extremely close to look at things.
As a result of her near useless eyesight Kasumi’s other senses has developed to take compensate for her handicap. Using a combination of hearing, feeling and sensing Reiryoku, all which she has brought to a level of perfection, she is able to function almost as good as if she could see. Indeed, some would say even better. In everyday situations it’s nearly impossible to tell that she can’t see her behaviour seemingly very natural save for having to hold books very close to her face and the like. She rarely slips, usually only when very stressed or upset and at such times she quite commonly makes some stupid mistakes. Examples could be bumping into people or things, putting clothing or equipment on the wrong way etc. In battle however she functions rather flawlessly. Beyond the obvious handicap of not being able to see she can use her other senses to get a nearly complete picture of the battlefield. Among problematic things worth mentioning are range weapons which she often have trouble noticing in time, and things that can overwhelm her senses.
Zanjutsu specialist
Kasumi is a remarkably skilled swordsman, far better then most Vice-Captains. She is incredible nimble and has learned to exploit her Zanpakuto’s effect to its full potential. Furthermore she has developed a special style of fighting which only increase with the opponent’s experience. Kasumi’s Zanpakuto is quite small, furthermore she appears rather meek, and in combination this makes it quite easy to underestimate her. She exploits this by launching easy or predictable attacks, only to suddenly change the direction and catch her opponent of guard.
Zanpakuto
凪水朝霞
Shisui Chouka
(Calm Water, Morning Glow)
Spirit Description
Shisui Chouka is a quite uncommon Zanpakuto as its spirit materializes not as a single being but as a pair of twins, Shisui and Chouka. They are essentially one soul captured in two beings. When one talks the other is silent and they often switch between whom is talking. They always appear together and while they move separately they both seems to follow a shared and common will. However, while sharing these common traits both their appearance, manners and personalities are quite different.
Shisui takes the form of a tall young man with a lean and wiry body, his muscles akin to steel cables. His hair is a nearly pure white with a slight silvery sheen. It is quite long and always neatly done, usually gathered into a ponytail which flow down his back. His face, much like Kasumi’s own, is finely chiselled and with a distinct classical look. He appears wearing a black shitagi outlined with white. Over this he carries a long white vest with a high neck; a blue dragon slowly coiling is embroidered upon it. While a single piece it can be opened by the neck, though it is here held together by a neat arrangement of silver threads. All Shisui’s clothing is correct in the extreme, every piece neat and well cared for.
As his appearance suggest Shisui’s spirit is one of calm and order. His every expression seems impassive and almost cold, he never smiles nor does anything seem to anger him. Indeed, his very presence radiates an aura of tranquillity and when he speaks it is softly. His words are always smooth, voice never raised and his language most polite and respectful. He is the personified calm. Intelligent, calculating, modest and effective.
Chouka, the second twin, is a stark contrast to Shisui. He to takes the form of a tall young man, though slightly shorter then his twin and a more defined muscular build. His hair is a fiery yellow, speckled with soft red strands. It appears wild and fierce as if he can’t be asked to fix it. The hair frames a slightly tanned face, a face filled with vitality and strength. His jaws are distinct and his nose slightly hawked. Chouka appears wearing a long sleeved white shitagi with black edges. Over that he wears a black vest, held together on his left side by four silver threads. The vests edges are lined with a fierce orange fabric and embroidered upon the vest is a motif of flickering flames. However, unlike Shisui’s neat and well kept cloths Chouka appears sloppy. His shitagi’s arms are too long, his collar open and his clothing in general possessing a multitude of small tears.
Where Shisui is calm and orderly Chouka is jovial and carefree. Chouka is quick to both anger and joy, his temper being an extremely volatile thing. His aura if one of vibrating power… of pure strength. As he speaks it is with passion, his voice strong and fierce. In essence he is everything his brother is not, sloppy, carefree, temperamental and rash.
However the twins share one trait, something which clearly shows their shared soul. Their eyes are identical golden orbs of flickering light, razor sharp and seemingly extremely agile. Yet both also have a certain depth to them, a relaxed and spectral feel. To look into them is like looking at the sun itself, all consuming and piercing at the same time.
Inner world
Kasumi’s inner world is flat and covered in nothing but a huge blanket of incredibly thick white mist. No matter how far or were one walk the mist never disappear. Though the mist rings half heard sounds, the tingling of soft silver bells and the occasional shout of a voice calling. The voices change from person to person but Kasumi hear the calm voice of Hideyoshi and a female voice she don’t know.
There is one hill in the sea of rolling mist. This hill is completely covered in soft white grass, dotted with the odd white flower. There is nothing there save a single Sakura tree, its petals brilliant white. From up here one can see the sky, clear and cold blue of winter, silent clouds rolling by and illuminated by a cold wintery sun.
Sealed
Kasumi’s Zanpakuto manifests not as one but as two blades, just like her Zanpakuto’s spirit. In its sealed form the Zanpakuto appear as a Daisho set with a katana and a wakizashi.
Both weapons are of a quite extraordinary yet beautiful design known as Shirasaya. The blades are quite normal, though with a strong silvery sheen to them and slightly longer then average, roughly 85 cm for the katana and 55 cm for the wakizashi. The tsuba however is lacking and the handle slightly longer then normal, made of a nearly pure white wood. Both blades are flawless and undecorated beyond the names inscribed at the base of the handle. The katana is named Shisui why the wakizashi is named Chouka.
Attached to the hilt of both swords is a small red cord neatly tied with a silver bell attached to each end. Shisui has a sheath made of the same pure white wood as the handle, Chouka however has no sheath. Both weapons are kept in Kasumi’s obi, both swords on her left side.
A Shirasaya Katana
Shikai
Activation Phrase
Inochi futatsu no / naka ni ikitaru / sakura kana
Two lives / between them have lived / cheery blossoms
Appearance
Like most Zanpakuto Kasumi’s swords also undergo a transformation as they are unsealed. Her activation starts with both blades being enchased in a thin layer of mist seemingly made of glittering shards. At this point Shisui shrinks to the size of a wakizashi while Chouka grows to the length of a standard Katana. Along Chouka’s blade runs a pattern of flames so real they look like flames reflecting of the blades surface. But if it is flames then they are certainly not ordinary flames, for they are nearly white, baleful and wild. Shisui, now the length of a Wakizashi, is covered in small droplets of water, the very air around the blade becoming moist and cold. Both weapons do however retain their general shape and no material seems to have changed.
Abilities
Shisui (Calm waters)
This ability, as the name may suggest, applies only to Shisui. The blade gains the ability to condensate in the span of a second turning completely into mist before solidifying a second later. Kasumi has complete control over this process and may keep it in either state for as long as she wants. When condensed the blade will be nothing more then a thin blade of mist, easily flowing around or even through objects, however it can obviously not cut anything in this state. It is possible to solidify Shisui within another substance, but depending on the substance in question this can damage the blade, as a general rule stronger opponents and very hard substances will damage it.
(Each time she condencate and recondencate Shisui it costs roughly 5% of her Reiryoku combined.)
Chouka (Morning glow)
As the name implies this is Chouka’s ability. Each time it rises to strike light like the first rays of the sun flickers across the blade, the flames seemingly dancing wildly across its edge. Anyone who looks directly upon the blade will get flickering after imagines dancing across their vision, making it far harder to tell which blade is the real sword. It is however possible to completely ignore this effect by simply not looking at the blade itself.
(Chouka is a passive ability but requires 5% of Kasumi's Reiatsu per post to mentain)
Bankai
Activation Phrase
Kasumi o kite / kaze o shikine no / sutego kana / Bankai
Coming with mist / the wind lies down to sleep with / a deserted child / Final seal
Appearance
Intoning the activation phrase Kasumi raise Chouka up in front of her face while holding Shisui a few inches above the ground. As she speaks the first sentence Shisui is once more clad in a glittering mist, the blade growing far longer until it’s about 110 cm. As she intones the second line Chouka suddenly catch on fire, pure white flames dancing along the edge of the blade. As she finish the sentence Chouka burns out and turns to ash which falls to the ground at her feet. As she finishes her activation phrase clear white mist slowly starts to seem from the ground were Chouka’s ashes landed. As she grips Shisui with both hands the haze around it disappear to revile a blade blacker then the night. The silver bells jingle softly…
Kasumi’s appearance: Just as Chouka catch fire the chocker Kasumi wears are changed into a deep grey scarf that hangs loosely around her neck. The scarf is plain and without markings save for a single kanji, 赦, on the end. Both ends of the scarf are ragged and seemingly torn by a strong wind. Kasumi’s normally green eyes have at this point turned into two orbs of grey mist. At this stage they are terrible to behold, grey, cold and hazy, seemingly lost in a different world of half-light and shadows. To look upon them is to invite despair….
Abilities
Kasumi o kite (Coming with mist)
Within seconds of activation mist raises from the ground until it covers and area roughly a kilometre in all directions, though Kasumi may keep it smaller if she so wish. The mist seems quite normal, though it is unnaturally white and nothing but the strongest gale seems to affect it. Being caught in Kasumi’s mist is a chilling experience. For one it is rather moist and ice cold with an odd ability to penetrate cloth and other protective gear. Voices ring through the deep darkness, screams, drowned out noises and half heard sounds. These voices are mere illusions and are only heard by the targets of the Bankai. Unless the opponent is extremely calm he will almost instantly loose all sense of direction. Furthermore the mist is extremely thick; you can barely see your hands when outstretched and no further then that. As the mist is made up of Kasumi’s reiryoku tracking her through sensing her rairyoku becomes impossible as she seems to be everywhere.
(Kasumi o kite require 10% of Kasumi's Reiatsu and a further 5% each post it is mentained)
Sutego kana (A deserted child)
Only the soft jingle of silver bells heralds her coming. Sutego kana allows Kasumi to turn not only her sword but also her own body into mist for a period of time. What exactly happens is uncertain as it seems she simply vanish into the mist, just a drifting after imagine left behind. While in this form she can travel any distance with merely a step and move through or around objects as if they were not there. In essence it’s a hugely improved Shunpo, the move being nearly instant. She is however restricted to areas of mist and must materialize before leaving it. For obvious reasons she can’t move through Death Stone and similar material, neither is it possible for her to materialize within other substances save water and similar things. She has complete control over the changing conditions and can turn into mist in a split second.
(The transformation itself isn’t very taxing taking about 2% of her Reiryoku, however maintaining it drains about 10% per full post, ie if she stays in this state beyond one post.)
Shinigami Techniques
Bakudō
[8] Seki (斥, Repulse)
Seki creates a small round shield of blue light an inch above the users hand. Whatever strikes this shield is repelled and it may course paralysis in weaker beings. However being a weak Kido this can easily be crushed by a powerful opponent.
[26] Kyokko (曲光, Curved Light)
By bending light this Kido completely hides the target from sight.
[30] Shitotsu Sansen (嘴突三閃, Beak-Piercing Triple Beam)
The caster traces a triangle in the air with one finger, leaving a faintly glowing line. From each point in the triangle shoots a beam of light which pins and opponent to a surface slamming into his or her body on different points to create a perfect triangle.
[58] Kakushitsuijaku (摑趾追雀, 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] Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Rods Prison of Light)
Summons six thin, but wide, beams of light that slam into a target's midsection, holding them in place. A moving target is hard to hit with this kido, but one standing still is a near guaranteed hit due to its amazing speed. However for a level 60 kido it is fairly weak, anyone stronger than the user would be able to break out of it if given some time.
*Incantation: Carriage of thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six.*
[77] Tenteikūra (天挺空羅, Heavenly Rickshaws in Silken Air)
Transmits messages to anyone within Soul Society. In addition to reciting the spell, the user must draw specific markings on their arms, which are animated by the spell to convey the messages.
*Incantation: Black and white net. Twenty-two bridges, sixty-six crowns and belts. Footprints, distant thunder, sharp peak, engulfing land, hidden in the night, sea of clouds, blue line. Form a circle and fly through the heavens*
Hadō
[4] Byakurai (白雷, Pale Lightning)
Fires a concentrated bolt of from the caster's finger
[33] Sōkatsui (蒼火墜, Blue Fire, Crash Down)
Fires a burst of blue spiritual energy at a target in a similar manner to 31, but over a wider area and with more power.
*Incantation - Ye Lord! Mask of flesh and bone, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, Upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws!
Healing Kido (Chiyudō?)
[19] Zenyu (全癒 Complete Healing)
A healing spell which treats most minor and external battlefield injuries in a short amount of time. It works on things like broken bones, medium to minor cuts, bruisers and the like. The user’s hands glow with a soft green light and they must touch the wound in order for the healing to take effect. As always Reiatsu is replenished before the wounds are treated. Healing done is proportional to the amount of Reiatsu used. (Ie, healing say a torn leg would require say 10%, a large chest wound maybe 50%)
Non-spells
Shunpo (Flash Step)
A movement ability that allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow.
Additional
Roleplay Sample
Dooshite?
A soft sobbing filled the room, a pitiful and weak sound. Light fell in through a pair of large windows. Soft light from a setting sun, weak but still possessing a faint radiance from a day now gone, illuminated the fairly small room. It was a childs room, filled with items of affection. Drawings had been hung up to decorate the walls, childish drawings showing Shinigami combating all manners of strange creatures. One figure appeared on nearly every drawing… an old man. Despite its childish appearance it was a rather plain room completely void of both toys and furniture. Not that much furniture would have fitted in… but still.
In a corner stood a large drawer which presumably contained cloth, a trio of daffodils nodded politely in their vase by the door and by the window stood a bonsai tree, green and lush.
A leaf fell from the tree, drifting slowly down until it came to rest upon the bed. For, as most bedrooms do, this room contained a futon just below the window. And it was from this bed that the sobbing originated. A young girl lay face down on the futon her face buried in a large fluffy pillow. She wore a child’s kimono in a hazy grey colour, embroidered with black butterflies. It was a beautiful dress, though currently stained with mud and water. Strands of midnight black hair flowed across the kimono and futon, a stark contrast to the white pillow and mattress. Oddly enough she was drenched, as if it had rained heavily. Tucked under her right arm and partially covered by black hair was a teddy in the shape of a tiger.
Tap, tap tap. A strong hand knocked softly at the door. The sobbing nearly ceased… perfect silence filled the room, nothing moved… Then a voice could be heard. It was a strong voice and it seemed rather old… but its tone was mild and softly inquiring.
“Ka-chan?...”
Again this deep silence, the girl had completely ceased her sobbing. After a minute or two the door was slid open, revealing the man which had spoken. It was a tall man, muscular and powerful in build, yet… he appeared quite old. His large thin beard was white, and were the sunrays hit it shone with a slight silver sheen. He was partly bald now, no hair growing on his scalp though it had once been thick and black, much like the girls. The man wore the Shihakushō of a Shinigami, everything in the best order, and around his right arm were the insignia of a vice-captain. He seemed… a stern man, his face noble and hard in its structure, caught in a mask of still tranquillity. But his eyes betrayed him… They were brown and warm, deep thoughtful eyes which reflected a kind heart and a peaceful soul. No one who saw those eyes would doubt the kindness and warms this man possessed.
“Ka-chan?... What’s the matter?”
The reply came swiftly. The girl half turned, flinging the pillow in his general direction while screaming at the top of her lungs. It was a broken voice, filled with sobs and an uncontrollable anger,
“Leave me alone! I want to be alone!”
There was a loud crash as the pillow hit the vase, sending both it and the daffodils to the floor. But the girl had already thrown herself back to the futon, as if trying to completely ignore the old man. Kasumi…. The man sighed silently; slowly he kneeled down and gathered up the pillow and the flowers, one of the stems had been broken. Rising he went over to the bed and smoothly sat down besides it, leaning against the wall just besides were the pillow should have been. Placing it down besides him he sighed again, eyes fluttering close momentarily as he listened to the girls sobbing; it had grown weaker now, shivering and meek. After a few seconds she spoke. The voice was weak, trembling with exhausting and filled with barely contained sobs,
“Iro-san… He… He said this Kimono was too pretty for me. And… and… and then he pushed me into the pond…”
She broke of and the sobbing was renewed. It held a subtle difference however, her anger seemed spent, this new sound were one of pure desperation and hurt. The old man reached out and carefully placed a rough and scared hand upon her black hair, ruffling it slightly. He spoke calmly, his voice filled with warmth and affection… yet the tone had a inquiring hint, as if there were something he couldn’t quite understand,
“But… Why?... If it was Iro-san who pushed you… Why then did you throw a pillow at me and harm the daffodils?”
His eyes had opened once more and as the girl looked up their eyes meet. He held her gaze, staring into a pair of green-grey eyes now red after crying too long. There were a confused fear in them, a mix of desperation and uncertainty. His question seemed to confuse her and for nearly a minute they simply stared at each other as if she tried to find the answer in his eyes. She took a deep breath and her eyes slowly drifted away, avoiding his. It seemed she had gotten her voice back under control; at least it wasn’t trembling anymore,
“I… don’t know why. I didn’t… didn’t mean to...” Again there was a slight brake, “I am sorry,”
A smile… a smile… it was like when the sun suddenly appears from behind the clouds. Yoshi smiled down at the girl, a warm and hearty smile reflected as a slight shine in his eyes. He placed an arm under her and effortlessly dragged her close, hugging her. Every trace of doubt was gone from his voice; it was filled with pure and honest affection,
“That is all I wanted to hear. You shouldn’t listen to Iro, you are better then him and you should know that by now. I’ll talk to him about it, and then it won’t happen again. Okai?”
He felt her nod slightly and her body shook slightly as he held her close, she was freezing cold. Lifting her up Yoshi placed her down on her feet, patted her head and once more looked her straight in the eyes. One final tear ran down the cheek, a glittering orb of sliver light as it caught the last rays of a setting sun. He reached out and whipped it away,
“Come now. Don’t cry, it doesn’t quite suit you. You’ll have to change into something warm, and then I can teach you about Kido, would you like that?”
He couldn’t but smile once more as he watched her reaction, a glittering joy rising in her deep green eyes, like the sun shining through the leaves of enormous trees. A smile finally graced her face, a soft charming smile lacking quite a few teeth,
“Really? Will you?...” She suddenly stopped, a serious look creeping into her face and she started at the daffodils he still held carefully in his hands, “What… what will we do with them? They don’t have a vase anymore,”
Yoshi felt a slight sting of joy. Despite her violent temper and sudden tantrums… she really had the kindest heart.
Sakura kana
Higaze Seiji rose from his seat, it was hard to see properly when you were seated behind someone and this was really shaping up. Academy graduations usually were dull affairs, just a bunch of students doing their best. Many promising students, but not really his sort of thing, made him sleepy. But this one was different, retired captain Nagato had asked to personally spar the final group and such wasn’t everyday occurrences. Lord Nagato had been Higaze’s captain back in the 6th. And man were he harsh, the last one had been beaten to the verge of tears. Nagato were an expert swordsman, muscular, tall and lightning quick. He weren’t the type to hold back either… well, beyond the minimum necessary to keep the students alive. This one however, this one was different….
Captain Nagato lunged, with a lighting quick motion his Zanpakuto shot forward. With a screech it ran along the girls blade. She had been slow compared to the Captain but still managed to twist her Katana to a vertical position and stepped aside. With surprising agility the girl slid forward into the Captains guard and launched a double attack. As her Katana utilized the momentum of the parry to slice at the Captains neck her Wakizashi shot forward to gut him. It was of course a hopeless attempt but only having avoided the captain’s attack three times was an exceptional feat.
The attack was of course hopeless; the captain took one step back and brought his sword up in a double block. Then, utilizing the same principle as the girl just had, he used her attacks as leverage and smashed the hilt of his Zanpakuto straight in her face. The girl staggered backwards and before she could regain her senses the Captain delivered a thundering blow with the flat side of his blade, slamming it into the side of her head. The girl was sent flying, hitting the ground nearly a meter away like a ragged doll.
Black… everything seemed black… There was a loud ringing, like someone hammering a bell just by your ear… Kasumi’s felt like throwing up, the ground was spinning as she struggled to get back up. A slight vibration… another one… footsteps. She had to get up, she had to… she…
“Scared again? Tsk tsk tsk… That’s no good,”
The voice seemed to come from somewhere just besides her head. It was a strong voice, passionate and alive, the tone seemed humorous and… mildly mocking. She knew that voice… it was her sword. It spoke a gain a second later… yet it was different. This voice was calm and empty, almost a bit scary,
“Get up now… He would have expected better wouldn’t he?”
Kasumi gritted her teeth and got to her knees with a slight winch. The footsteps stopped, it seemed he would allow her to get to her feet. Staggering and still rather dazed from the blows she got on her feet.
She were truly impressive, Higaze had to admit that despite his opinion on the academies teachings. He’d never expected her to rise from that. But up she got, if in a sorry state. Blood flowed from a cut in her forehead and ran into her eyes. More blood stained her black hair, it seemed she bleed from somewhere at the side of her head as well. She swayed slightly as a hand reached up and tried to clean it out... it scarcely had any effect at all. The Captain allowed her to steady herself and get into what could resemble a fighting stance. Then he attacked. With a lighting swift motion he swung his katana in a vertical slash straight at her. The girl brought both blades up in a cross block and caught the katana there. It would of course have been a small matter for the Captain to crush her block but instead he used the hilt once more and jabbed her hard in the gut. As she staggered backwards he pressed forward, slicing horizontally to her neck.
“Time!”
Kasumi felt the blade vibrate an inch or two for her throat. She felt how her knees threatened to give in. Her already sorry vision swam and she felt how her consciousness balanced dangerously close to some great black abyss. Even without willing it her uncle’s Reiatsu were tearing away at her, sapping her of strength merely by being so close. A soft sound of a sword moving, then the slight swish as it was placed back in its scabbard. Kasumi fell to her knees; her feet simply didn’t want to support her anymore. Everything just hurt, she… she had nothing more to give. She couldn’t see a thing with all the blood and sweet filling her eyes, but she felt someone move closer. Something was outstretched towards her, she heard it by the rustles of fabrics.
“Impressive,”
Kasumi took the hand she had been offered and was dragged to her feet. Lord Nagato handed her to the teacher that came rushing over. He didn’t have to say anything more. Captain Higaze watched the girl being laid away, a small smile played across her thin lips. It was a smile of happiness…
Inochi futatsu no
- Still to come -
