Challenging the Standard

Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:06 pm

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A simple question yet a reflective one of the circumstances. The last one truly was Ibiki, how long had it been? Since someone decided to challenge a Captain to a battle. To put everything they had at stake against someone else. Fighting for the honor of wearing a Haori again. He'd been nothing more than a rank and file. But he was a Captain at one point before this.

He'd challenged the man to his face, he had no fear of doing it. The fact of the matter remained they were members of the infamous Squad 11, even if the name changed. There was a legacy held here, the challenge for the right to become a Captain against one was important even to him.

This time was different, he had something to protect for him now. Hanako and Yoriko were precious students. They needed to see actions instead of mere words. To show them that sitting idle wasn't the answer. To cower behind things instead of doing what was right. The easy thing wasn't the right thing always.

He'd studied and been present when this man and he took control of the Hebi situation. The man's tactics and desire to hide instead of fighting face to face bothered him. But underestimation was a bad idea in of itself as well. Yoshitsune stood in the place it was to happen.

An arena of all places his digits touching his Zanpakuto's hilt. A message needed to be sent here. From not just him but Vait and every being inside him. That the Gotei was strong and the Kobayashi Clan as well. That was part of it but something else more important.

He wasn't the same person he'd been all those years ago. His road to Redemption had been long. Much indecision plagued him during it lacking focus and perhaps most of all. Confidence to step to the plate again and fight.

He'd not pretend this was just for him, but he was ready to fight. Ready to throwdown regardless of the outcome. He'd fight and get every single ounce of his emotions out. He'd use every last power and go beyond if he had to. Kenpachi, what did that title mean?

Once upon a time, it was the strongest Shinigami. It was given to them with the idea they were the frontline. They were the first to come to that battlefield and fight. Through the decades and time since Zaraki had changed the Gotei. The Combat Division and much of it for different views.

But this was neither here nor there, this wasn't the place for thoughts such as that. As he resolved himself to fight using his Swordsmanship. To show the world that he wasn't the husk of a warrior he used to be.

But most of all to make his students proud that he was their teacher. That was an important part of all of it. He wanted them to see that you could do this despite all appearances. Set your mind to it and do it, take the step forward even if you doubt yourself.

That was the message, he inhaled a breath knowing one thing for certain. This wouldn't be a quiet matter in any sense of the word. He was battling a world-class fighter, so it was best to prepare as a Kenpachi.

Sat Nov 07, 2020 6:02 pm

48 Hour reserve

Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:20 pm

Hakuyou Shiba | Shinigami of the Silk Road

It is said it takes ten thousand hours for a man to master a singular skill, of singular commitment. When man strays from that path of mastery when he holds onto his hubris and pride those alone will poison his efforts.

Hakuyou Shiba was a relic of a bygone era, a man whom had no right to any titles or lands which his family had previous been granted. A man who's one factor was the honor he carried, which no strain of dishonor could outshine. A quiet man whom had committed himself through the slow and steady build up of his gravitas to once again prove to the world the Shiba clan was not forgotten. That they had merely stepped out of the light.

That was until another relic decided to step out of the shadows, to make their presence known. One whom by all traditions had the right to step forth and challenge those who inhabited the position of prominence. Whom's family name had invoked a feeling of sourness in one's mouth, who's actions marred the Gotei in one way than one. A family who's dishonor ran rampant, far more than any other clan. Hakuyou supposes, that if it was to be addressed, he should do it.

If not him, then whom would show this man his hubris.

It was not a captain the Crow clansmen was greeted by, but instead a tall lithe figure. Whom eyes seemed to be in a perpetual squint, a boldness to their stride. Staring upon a figure such as him one could remember that not all nobles merely carried the title, but embraced the ideals which came from being held to a higher standard. Amber irises would fall upon the opposing man, as subtle whispers where heard throughout the area.

After all, it was not common for two disgraced clans to often come in direct contact. The stain of both of their sins marked anything they touched, and to wash them away was not so simple as one bold action.

" Jaeden Crow." The low bariton remarked as a hand came to idly rest on his hybrid of a sheathe and gun belt. His voice cutting through the air with an oldness that only a man who's traveled this world and the next could have. A tiredness laced with that of a natural pride. As if despite whatever sins his family had, he walked with the step of a noblemen.

"What are you doing here?"

A simple question, to begin. A man should be offered the chance to explain himself, before acting.

END POST | SHIBA RESTORATION

Wed Nov 11, 2020 11:26 pm

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His eyes opened as he saw the arrival of not his foe. But the Shiba Clansman, a name he thought buried mentioned. A tug came from the corner of his lips forming a smile. "My adoption ended up happening, Hakuyou-san. It's Yoshitsune Kobayashi now. " He said it politely as though addressing a respected man. They both came from less hospitable places. It seemed the Captain had chosen to be late or moreover Hakuyou was early. He knew him, by reputation it was hard not to given the Gotei was only so large.

He scratched at his scalp, deciding this tale may as well be told. It was of no harm to let the Shiba know. Why he'd chosen to challenge the man to Combat for his Haori. He had his reasons obviously for stopping his stand within darkness and shadows. The place no longer suited him nor watching idly as blood spilled.

"I'll take it you know, I've challenged the Captain to combat for his Haori. You are wondering why I've chosen to act now of all times is that correct?"

He waited for a moment for confirmation of his thoughts. As he would explain himself fully, why he decided that change was needed. In the Combat Divison with one way or another happening. His resolve had been made of iron now. Using Zin Yuudeshi to push his will to it's most powerful place.

"I've regained something precious, in those I've taught for the Gotei and beyond. Yoriko Morri, Hanako Yamada, and Hono Kaen. These three have come to me for training in the combat arts. "

He named each one, knowing things about them and personalities. As he made sure he taught and helped however he could. Preparing them for the monsters in this world made him realize something. There were somethings they weren't prepared for. Things he couldn't in a thousand years help them get ready for. That moment when you faced something beyond your abilities. When you stepped to the field across from a true monster in all it's horror.

"There are things in this world that far beyond their understanding as of now. Things I can't teach them..But if I can take this Haori. I can protect them from those strong nightmares for a time. Until they are ready to fight them. "

His eyes sharpened now as his smile faded into a narrow line that seemed almost akin to a frown. There was one other fact, one other remaining thing. Important and forgotten in this current Gotei. Kenpachi, the title which struck fear in the enemies. It was missing, the last Kenpachi was Ibiki. She retired with the title, it was time for new blood to take the mantle. And use it for the reason it was created.

"A Kenpachi is needed, that title is important and the current Captain is the furthermost thing from a KENPCHAI! " That man bugged him in more ways than one, letting his underlings fight before him.

Sending them in to fight Hebi, it gnawed at his anger like a pitbull with a bone. Animosity was something clear as he inhaled calming himself. While the Kobayashi Clan did live for Battle, they had always been members of the Combat Division.

He was a minor noble, so it was best to act according to his station. Despite his emotions towards Shin whom he'd issued his challenge.

Thu Nov 19, 2020 2:03 am

Hakuyou Shiba | Shinigami of the Silk Road

"I suppose it was only inevitable you'd run from your clan's mistakes."

In but a moment the voice of Hakuyou Shiba cut through any level of assumptions one may have about his feelings towards the now defunct clan. Indeed he was missing for most of the events which transpired, but he had taken the time to learn of their mistakes. Of their offspring and the many faults they possessed, including the destruction of their clan home by the current captain-commander. Hakuyou was a man of old blood, blood which was in it's own right disgraced by the actions of not a generation before.

But that would be the only similarity between his family, and the wayward offspring.

Instead Hakuyou approached the man with all the grace and natural command that only a scion of one of the five great noble families could manage. Since his return he had done nothing but dedicate himself to the service of the Gotei, from the lowest position to that of a seat officer within the first division. Nothing was beneath him, for to merely serve was his duty. It was through that, he would restore his family name.

"You act as if a Haori is the only thing which makes your desires earnest. As if a sacred piece of cloth somehow legitimizes these words you speak." The man would remark, each remark rolling off his tongue like a whip lash. The hardened face of the Shiba merely casting a downward glance to the man.

"You come here speaking ill of a captain, claiming them unfit. The hubris it takes to speak such, coming from you: A man who runs from his failed clan. A man, a child, whom speaks only of what 'you' have gained, what 'you' have taught. Perhaps you are right about the captain, perhaps there is some merit to your words.."

The male would cast his gaze from the former Crow, instead shaking his head. His face contorting into something of rage. Of disdain. When his eyes met the man once more, there was nothing akin to peace in his eyes.

"But you, scion of a dishonored clan, a foolish petulant man whom is destined to repeat the mistakes he runs from." His words icy, as a silence consumed the world around them.

"Do not persist in this endeavor, young man. Do not bring another disgrace upon yourself. I am begging you, with tears in my soul, that you turn around. For if you persist, I will end you."

END POST | SHIBA RESTORATION

Thu Nov 19, 2020 3:41 am

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He said nothing, no longer bringing words to the matter. Allowing the Shiba to say what he pleased on the matter. As his digits slowly came up along his sword's hilt. His eyes closed as he calmly listened. Letting the insults pile themselves high like mountains. It a rather impressive amount of nerve.

But one fact remained as his resolve began strengthing his eyes opening slowly. The radioactive glow of a Vizard's orbs staring at him. No emotion was written upon his face as he knew what this meant. If the Captain wouldn't rise to the challenge then. It seemed the Shiba didn't understand the nature of this.

Did he educate the elderly man, no it wouldn't do for him to do such a thing? The time for words had passed, his only words which were simple and followe3d by an explosion of his Reiatsu pouring outwards around the area. The glow of his energy as he looked towards the figure of the Shiba. "Very well."

If the man had no intention of listening or understanding, words and argument wouldn't move him. His hand came upwards towards his face more than willing to fight. And if so required to go as far as he needed, if the Shiba expected a rise out of him. He'd not get it, but he could say this much.

"This is where Kenpachi's were born, words and political insults hold no bearing or weight here." He said softly as he began to unsheathe his Zanpakuto, his eyes illuminating further as bits of his hollow's reiatsu began to leak through. Yoshitsune knew this fact once upon a time was the location where they decided it. Where the battles were fault and where the Captain of this division was formally decided. He was fine with fighting the Shiba or anyone, truthfully it didn't much matter.

The Kobayashi had given him a safety net, a home so this was perfectly fine in his mind. He was more than willing to throw down with the Shiba, Kuchiki, or anyone who desired such. But insulting his past or his families' disgrace did little to affect or even bother him. This place wasn't one where your words or crafted insults mattered. Much blood had been spilled and the Haori passed down to the next one.

It was time to honor that tradition this was the den of combat, the land where they fought and battled in this arena. Words didn't mean anything here, no it was another thing that was far more important. As he came ready to die for this, something that this one had forgotten.

"Communication is done through...combat, I will die here or live here..Simple as that." Arguments and talks weren't going to get them anywhere. Simple because the fact of the matter was, that Yoshitsune's goal underneath his earlier talk. Was to reestablish the Kenpachi title. To reignite what had been lost for so long. Ibiki was the last one, the true last of her kind.

He'd considered merely joining the foundation, but that wasn't how the tradition was held. Oh by all means he could die by this blade and that was fine with him. He didn't feel fear or terror, no he felt an elation on his body. As the adrenaline ran high. Within his Inner World, he could feel Vait waiting with a baited grin.

They both knew what was coming, the Shiba intended to fight and that was fine with them. One way or another, they were going to fight. And if he lived he'd challenge, again and again, he would never stop until his ambition was realized He didn't plan on giving up or walking away. If knocked down he'd get back up again and fight.

The prospect may have been surprising for the Shiba, giving their lack of tenacity in this sense. Willing to quietly roll over and accept the fate handed to them, they'd never met Zin Yuudeshi. Seen the fire that made the sun seem cold, the sheer power of the man's words. As his last Knight left, only one road remained for him.

He'd seen Zin Yuudeshi ignite the flame with his passion and send people to fight for what they believed in. For a long time, Colin Washi and he under his former name. They were both knights who served in the Vizard Corps. They both saw nothing worthy of joining the compiling Vanguard, Yayjuu, and Vizard Corps. So much like Zin, they both decided on different paths.

He couldn't say with certainty he'd win here, but even if his body was broken and his arms broken. He'd kick him, if his legs were broken he'd bite him with his teeth. No matter what he would not stop fighting until every last inch of himself was spent. That was his promise to himself, to his students, to the Crow's who fell beforehand with honor. It seemed the Shiba had forgotten that word somewhere when the family honor was tarnished.

Or maybe it was only this one, he didn't know because for all his age and position as a seated officer. He stood in this place of combat believing talking things out was the way the Combat Division settled things. Never before or since has that been the way of this place. Violence was used in honorable and dishonorable ways for both extents.

This was the legacy a Kenpachi by the name of Yachiru built years prior. It was one lost to the current time. But he had aimed to restore that line again, to begin the legacy of the Kenpachi anew once more much as Yachiru had for the first generation.

It was no longer a talk, it was a fight, and if that was what the Shiba wanted that was fine with Yoshitsune.

Thu Nov 19, 2020 5:07 am

Hakuyou Shiba | Shinigami of the Silk Road

"The impudent nature of your blood rears it's head."

He had offered a chance for the man to leave and abandon this brash action, to see that this endeavor was only going to end in pain for him. Rarely was the older noble actively seeking the death of another outside of his duties, but this action was something else. The boiling of blood, a feud which would not easily be placated. If this upstart of a failed clan wish to stay on the path of the blade, in such a twisted way, then he would be met with the blade.

On his side attached to his shinigami robes where two weapons, a traditional Zanpakatou and a rifle both housed in a special holster. As the hand of Jaeden went to rest upon his own hilt, so too did Hakuyou accepting his match. If there was to be a fight today it would be between this two, and determine the fate of the division as a whole. By this points the news of the fight would be traveling amongst those in attendance, spreading from this barracks to potentially the whole of the Gotei:

A Shiba & Crow where to do battle.

No words would need to be exchanged as the flash of steel was seen, the drawing of a blade and rifle. The blade resting upon his shoulder, the rifle tucked into his shoulder slightly. An unorthodox fighting style to be sure, but one which seemed to be his preferred. If he planned on an offensive or not, there was no telling only the steely glance in his eyes as he observed the man.

He would be given the first move, this was his endeavor after all. There was no detectable change in energy from Hakuyou, in fact it seemed his energy just.. vanished. If it was not for the visual contact Jaeden had, it would seem like there was no one in front of him at all. As the two stared at one another, from roughly thirty meters.

END POST | SHIBA RESTORATION

Thu Nov 19, 2020 12:07 pm

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Well, it seemed the Shiba had decided to finally suck it up and act like a man. That was good, it was appearing as though along with the nobility they'd lost their honor and nerve as well. Drawing his sword he felt the blade's embrace against his palm further. The feeling soothed his mind as he inhaled a breath. Within seconds he'd vanished using a Hoho. Bringing his sword now, he grinned as it began.

The feeling of combat between two mighty figures. Death was a possible outcome it was something they could be encounter. But he wondered if the Shiba understood what it meant. Either way, Yoshitsune won this battle by losing or winning. Because the Shiba would become the newest Kenpachi in this arena or he would. He could run from fate, but in the end, that was in store for them.

As his blade came down at a forty-five-degree angle, attempting to bisect the man. The step and speed of his steps were still well known in the Gotei. He wondered how much movement the other man could perform and accomplish. As his sword came down, he prepared mentally several strategies and tactics going forward.

It was time for the newest member of the Kobayashi to prove his mettle. He'd show the Gotei and the world here just who the knight of Yuudeshi was. He'd test the waters for now, before using his Hollow Mask. Activating his powers to fight the man right away seemed drastic. This contest was in the beginning phases, but with his sword strike. He was prepared to fight and use some of his tricks against the figure. If he got contact as he sought, he could increase the weight of the Zanpakuto.

Fighting at melee range suited him very well, he was also fast making it hard to duck or avoid him. Using his prowess in this regard with his swordsmanship. Made him a difficult one to fight for most people. While some regarded power as the way, he took a more balanced method. Being fairly good with Kido and his hollow powers. In fact, he and Vait were on excellent terms.

Vait waited eagerly to begin his part of the fight, to showcase just what the power Yoshitsune sat on was exactly. How fast the man could go and become a new Captain. It would be time for them to clash and fight, with blades and tactics. To see who truly could be the next Kenpachi.

Sun Nov 29, 2020 7:08 pm

Hakuyou Shiba | Shinigami of the Silk Road

There wasn't much to be said about the style and refinedness of the man before him, he was sure from a practical standpoint he'd possess some skill in the sword. He could also guess from his bold nature that he was confidence in those skills, it was in his blood after all. Regardless of how Hakuyou felt about the Crow, they possessed a level of sword skill which he could not bulk at. But that was fine, for he had his own skills to rely on.

As Jaeden approached the man there was a stillness to him. Everything in the world around him seemed to come to crawl as he tapped deep into that reservoir of experience he had. In the moment his Zanpakatou committed to the swing, brought down with force to gain the contact he sought, it would be met with a barrier. A silent Kido cast, nearly invisible to the eye.

'Bakudo 81. Danku.'

The Zanpakatou ideally would catch the barrier, slashing into it only to be stopped by the snapcast. No easy feat, but Hakuyou was an expert on Kido particularly Bakudo's being his specialty. The simple reality of the situation was Hakuyou was not here to play games, to claim false titles, merely to educate a child on his gross negligence. However, Jaeden would find that instead of the barrier merely stopping the strike it would begin to crack giving the idea his strike would actually break it.

Hakuyou however, wanted this. His own eyes catching Jaeden's as everything fell into place. In but a single trigger pull from his rifle which was held at a slightly low angle from the waist, a split second would past at this point blank range as he fired his weapon. The rifle currently didn't have any elements within it, so instead Jaeden would receive a point blank energy blast on par with a high level kido. Notably, smashing into the cracked barrier losing some of it's potency before it would reach Jaeden. But such a close distance, even with their high speed, would hard to dodge especially with how direct Jaeden attack was.

Due to the leveled angle of the rifle, it would be aimed roughly at his thigh. If connected, it would be able to heavily damage or even cripple a one of their legs. Meanwhile Hakuyou's Zanpakatou would be removed from his shoulder, slashing it forward as he shunpo'd back an arc of water being thrown from his Katana's edge with enough power to easily slice through his now falling apart barrier. He seemed to still be keeping his rifle leveled at the man as he prepared to fire again.

His expression never changed, his mouth never opened to speak. He had only to focus on the now.

END POST | SHIBA RESTORATION

Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:12 pm

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His experience and time fighting and surviving came in handy. Not to mention his teacher had been largely that of Karakura Town's kido expert. Zin Yuudeshi, he was familiar with all kido thanks to this training. Having certain things shot at you or learning from them did help. 81 was the barrier kido, did he entrust himself to shatter it. His eyes gauged the male as reiatsu poured into them. Something was wrong here, so he made a choice on his next move. He'd use the Hoho nobody had seen him do before. Darkness came around him as he slipped into the shadows cast around them.

The Kage Step, a technique that allows the user to sink into shadows and emerge from another. It was an excellent one to start with, as it would make the warrior above careful about them. It also would permit him to use other techniques of the Step. He guessed his reputation had since waned and people no longer spoke of his speed or skill in Hoho. Something would emerge from the shadow of the Shiba. Bringing the sword up to cut the male's chest.

While this was merely a speed clone it gave him a chance to attempt something a bit more careful, as he knew when he emerged he would need to pull a card out in advance. Two maybe just to make this work ahead of time. Otherwise, the entire fight would be a pointless display of skill. The man's Bakudo were dangerous, so a frontal fight was no longer an option. As much as he craved a frontal battle of blades, the Shiba wouldn't allow that.

So in this situation as he and Vait prepared themselves for a battle. He brought his hand up to his face beneath the shadows as he prepared to emerge. Wait, his Zanpakuto, and he all knew what was at stake here. Honor, Pride, Dignity, and life at its core and highest form. He'd wait ten seconds feeling the sensation of the speed clone. Emerging from the shadow of the Shiba once more.

This time he brought his glowing sword sideways as he emerged with a cero behind it, which meant upon contact the blade would explode. The Hollow Mask was on his face meaning he'd begun to fight using the power he was most fond of. The Recording power would allow him to showcase what would in the future make him a difficult foe.

If the blade was blocked by a weapon he could influence the Gravity on it, hoping he'd caught the man off guard with the Kage step. Though he'd used it once so far he was hoping tactically that it could be advantageous to him. Though even when he emerged, he still had plans for countermeasures in place. The battle of Shiba and Kobayashi had just begun.

Challenging the Standard

Challenging the Standard

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