Educators, Vizards, and Manga [Tento | Chizuru ]

“Thank you. I will stay here as long as I can. Maybe even help others if they are having other issues”. Tento nodded his head and continued to listen intently, absorbing Chizuru's words. Her honesty about the dangers involved didn't deter him; rather, it solidified his resolve. He needed them. He knew that understanding and controlling his inner Hollow was crucial for his growth and the safety of those around him.

As they walked, Tento's mind wandered to some of the people who strengthened his resolve. Hana's determination for vengeance fueled his own desire to grow stronger. Hiroe's grief at her helplessness to protect her friend and defend her community from the hollow's invasion reminded him of the stakes. His own failures. Nao's tireless efforts in the reconstruction along her clan after the devastation and most of all, Hanako's unwavering dedication, his best friend who had stood by him through thick and thin, and who had been missing for over a year since the start of the invasion, weighed heavily on his heart.

He thought about all the work they had done to become Soul Reapers, to maintain balance, and to bring good into the world. They all faced their own battles, and he wasn't content with submitting to the overhanging shadows of countless hollows and arrancar that threatened their peace. Nor was he willing to let the growing unease of his inner Hollow take control of him. "Thank you, Chizuru," he said, appreciation evident in his tone. "I understand the risks, and I respect the cautionary tales. It's clear that this isn't something to be taken lightly. But I've come to realize that facing this challenge head-on is the only way forward for me. For Hana, Hiroe, Nao, and especially for Hanako. I have to grow stronger to protect them and be someone they can depend on".

He glanced around at the school, feeling a sense of gratitude for the supportive environment it provided. "This place already feels like a home, just as you described. The fact that there's such a strong community here, focused on the safety and happiness of Vizards, gives me confidence. I may get to crack more of a smile now". Tento took a deep breath, meeting Chizuru's gaze with determination. "I'm ready to take this step, no matter the danger. I believe that with your guidance and the support of this school, I can navigate this process and come out stronger on the other side. Let's begin the preparations and see what we can uncover about my inner Hollow".He offered her a grateful smile, feeling a mix of anticipation and resolve. "Thank you for being honest with me, and for offering your support. It means a lot to know that I'm not alone in this".

He spoke with conviction and Chizuru didn’t doubt the sincerity of his words. “Then there’s not much else to be said. We have training areas specially made for this particular exercise, with Kido barriers surrounding the entire space, so don’t worry about your inner Hollow causing mass damage should something go wrong. Whatever happens will not pass the barriers and you and your Hollow will be free to do whatever is necessary. I, however, will also remain in the area, in case something does go amiss and a swift ending to the session is necessary. We never allow this exercise to take place without an experienced member of staff being there, for everyone’s safety.”

After a few minutes, the pair would leave the more cosier area of the school and reach a large metal door, coated in spiritual energy, both Shinigami and Hollow. “The training will take place here.” She’d explain simply, before placing her hand upon a locker that was placed beside the door, channelling her spiritual energy in order to unlock it. With a click, it would open, revealing a man shaped object, which was saturated in Hollow spiritual energy. “While this, will be the object used in order to draw your Hollow out into the open.”

Opening the door and allowing Tento to enter before her, she’d then pull it shit behind them, hearing it lock behind them. “If you have any further questions, now is most definitely the time.”

Tento looked on at Chizuru as she gave him more understanding of how this was going to get done. It was good they had that barrier set up by kido experts. He expected, hoped as much. Despite everyone being spiritually aware nowadays, a sensation of a hollow signature within Karakura could still make people uneasy. And if a powerful surge happened with unknown factors it could cause panic and issue by the effect of the spiritual pressure. Tento doubted he was that strong enough to cause such an issue though.

“Thank you. I will stay here as long as I can. Maybe even help others if they are having other issues”. Tento nodded his head and continued to listen intently, absorbing Chizuru's words. Her honesty about the dangers involved didn't deter him; rather, it solidified his resolve. He needed them. He knew that understanding and controlling his inner Hollow was crucial for his growth and the safety of those around him.

As they walked, Tento's mind wandered to some of the people who strengthened his resolve. For his own fear of this…control putting others in danger like Kaminari. Lerna's struggle with her inner turmoil at the by-product of an invader's trickery. Hana's determination for vengeance fueled his own desire to grow stronger. Hiroe's grief at her helplessness to protect her friend and defend her community from the hollow's invasion reminded him of the stakes. His own failures. Nao's tireless efforts in the reconstruction along her clan after the devastation and most of all, Hanako's unwavering dedication, his best friend who had stood by him through thick and thin, and who had been missing for over a year since the start of the invasion, weighed heavily on his heart.

He thought about all the work they had done to become Soul Reapers, to maintain balance, and to bring good into the world. They all faced their own battles, and he wasn't content with submitting to the overhanging shadows of countless hollows and arrancar that threatened their peace. Nor was he willing to let the growing unease of his inner Hollow take control of him. "Thank you, Chizuru," he said, appreciation evident in his tone. "I understand the risks, and I respect the cautionary prep. It's clear that this isn't something to be taken lightly. But I've come to realize that facing this challenge head on is the only way forward for me”. For a moment there was a pause in his words. A shift in his face as a few people came to his mind. Comrades. Friends. “For Hana, Hiroe, my other friends and especially for Hanako. I have to grow stronger to protect them and be someone they can depend on".

Tento took a deep breath, meeting Chizuru's gaze with determination. "So I do have a few questions. Firstly. How do I …do it? Normally i would guess i stab it with my zanpakuto for the spirit. But with my inner hollow, do I strike it while wearing my mask or something? Secondly, what the protocol if i lose control"? He had another question, part of the second. He wondered if he lost too much control and became lost. Would they hesitate to strike him down. He kept it silent though and only offered her a grateful yet serious smile, feeling a mix of anticipation and resolve.

“Stabbing it with your sword is precisely how you draw your hollow out.” Chizuru replied with a nod. “As you can no doubt tell, this particular Tenshintai is rather different from the norm. Not only is it coated in the spiritual pressure of Hollows but has been created purely for that purpose. If a regular Shinigami used this then it wouldn’t do anything and it was made specifically for inner hollows. You don’t need to wear your mask in order to use it but if you believe it will benefit you then by all means do so.”

His second question was rather more serious and the smile that had been on Chizuru’s face faded somewhat, instead returning to a more neutral expression. “I’ll not stop the exercise at the first sign of trouble but if I feel that you’ve lost control completely then I’ll end the exercise immediately. We have the equipment here to handle rampages if that isn’t enough and if you should go past the point of no return then…I don’t think I need to explain what will have to happen.”

Tento nodded, absorbing Chizuru's detailed explanation. The gravity of the situation was clear, and he appreciated her honesty and thoroughness. For some reason, that declaration made it all the more easy for him. It was a little weight off his shoulders. Of hurting others. Of causing destruction. Of not being… himself anymore. "Got it," Tento replied, his tone resolute.

He took a moment to steady himself, knowing that this was a critical step in not just confronting his inner Hollow, but perhaps gaining insight into the mystery going on within his body and inner world. "Thank you for your clarity and honesty, Chizuru ”. Safety measures being present or not. The neat case would be it wasn't necessary. But justbim case.he had to trust her and her team's judgment if things go out of control. Come what may. It's reassuring to know they had the equipment and expertise to handle it.

Tento's gaze was firm, a mix of determination and readiness. He took a deep breath, preparing himself mentally and physically for the task ahead. Drawing out his zanpakuto, Tento thrusted it forward. Stabbing rhe figure with his sword dead center at its chest.

Backing away in order to give him the space he required, Chizuru would sense the all familiar pressure as the Tenshintai reacted to Tento’s zanpakuto. The device would briefly glow black, before the creature within her new friend’s soul would start to emerge. Every encounter was different and all the purple eyed Vizard could do now was watch and hope that Tento would be able to accomplish what he wished. She had faith in the tall Vizard’s strength but that had not always ended up being enough in the past.

“Good luck.” Was all she said as she leaned back against the door of the training area, folding her arms across her chest as she awaited the confrontation. Her mind drifted back to the times she’d faced her own Hollow in precisely the same fashion. God had it been pissed off and her encounters had never been anything but memorable. She fully expected it to be same for Tento here.

Tento took a deep breath, feeling the familiar pressure building as the Tenshintai reacted to his zanpakuto. The device glowed black, and he could sense a creature within his soul beginning to emerge. He appreciated Chizuru's words of encouragement, nodding slightly in acknowledgment. "Thanks, Chizuru," he said, his voice steady but laced with an underlying tension. "I'll need all the luck I can get”.

As the dark silhouette of his inner hollow started to take shape, Tento's mind reached out to his zanpakuto spirit, Shiōmaru as he hoped back and rested his blade in front of himself. The presence of his companion was like an anchor, grounding him in the midst of the brewing storm.

Facing your inner hollow again, Tento? It seems like only yesterday we were in this very situation.

A small, wry smile tugged at Tento's lips. "]i]Yeah, well, it’s not exactly my favorite pastime. But you know me, always up for a challenge”.[/i]

Remember young master, it's not just about brute strength. You need control, discipline, stratgegy, and a calm mind. Stay focused on the task at hand.

”I know, Shiōmaru,” Tento thought, his grip tightening on his zanpakuto. "But a little humor never hurt anyone, right?".

As long as it's good humor, which, coming from you, is debatable. Shiōmaru's voice held a touch of sarcasm, coupled with a reassuring warmth that Tento appreciated.

As the hollow before him solidified, Tento expected to see Acosador, the twisted voice that sat in his mind and l9ved to whisper the darker pieces of himself. Acosador, with his obsidian black body, sharp pointed teeth, and Gothic attire, was a familiar adversary. He was what he expected he needed to face and wanted to pull. Yet it felt different when he inserted his boade. It was most certainly a hollow's energy he felt. But instead, Tento was met with something entirely different. The figure before him was shrouded in darkness, its form indistinguishable except for two glowing yellow eyes that pierced through the shadows.

”What the...?” Tento thought, his surprise evident. "This isn't Acosador!”.

The oppressive energy emanating from the new entity was unlike anything Tento had felt before. The air grew heavy, the atmosphere charged with a foreboding sense of danger. It was as if the very space around him was warping, bending to the will of this mysterious hollow.

Watching the encounter from her spot against the door, Chizuru would silently muse to herself as she did so. Tento was stronger than many who’d come through the school doors, she could feel that from his spiritual pressure and while that usually meant he should be alright when dealing with his Hollow, sometimes being more powerful simply led to more chaos if things went wrong. The Vizard remembered her own training so fondly, if that was the right word although she hadn’t taken it quite so seriously back then.

Her Inner Hollow had and still was, a dull creature, one that relied entirely on instinct rather than intelligence. Chizuru’s encounters with it had been entirely combat based, with the purple haired woman having to literally beat some respect into it. Smokescreen was what she called it because it was always surrounded by it, making the true form rather hard to define. She couldn’t remember having a proper conversation with it in truth and everything that Chizuru had come to learn about the creature had come from fighting and little else.

It seems you have a new challenge, Tento. Stay vigilant. This unknown entity could be even more dangerous.

The yellow eyes seemed to bore into Tento's soul, assessing him, judging him. The creature's presence was a chilling reminder that the unknown often held the most perilous of threats. The new hollow’s presence was overwhelming, a suffocating force that seemed to seep into every corner of his mind. Tento’s heart pounded, and he took a steadying breath, trying to maintain his composure.

”Thanks for the vote of confidence”, Tento mentally chuckled, trying to maintain his composure despite the rising tension within his gut."But seriously, hey. There is nothing I can do but face it. I won’t back down from my hollow. Nor whatever this is. I won't lose to it. Not this time”.

I know. You've grown stronger. Just remember, it's not about simply fighting the hollow, it's about embracing and controlling it. And maybe, just maybe, a well-timed joke will help. With Shiōmaru’s presence fortifying his resolve, Tento stepped forward, ready to face what he could only think was the monstrous embodiment of his inner turmoil. The unknown hollow lunged, and their arms suddenly grew to a long tentacle length that clashed with his blade with a force that shook the training area. Scattering the still wind as if a typhoon exploded out from them at their epic center. Stay calm, Tento! This is unlike anything we’ve encountered, but you must stay focused.

Tento nodded internally, pushing past the initial shock. The memories of his past encounters with Acosador flashed briefly in his mind; the brutal battles, the mental and physical strain, the constant struggle to maintain control. But this was different. The threat before him felt more sinister, more primal. Acosador always felt like he wanted to just be in control. To win. But this…it felt like it just wanted to consume him. Tento pushed his blade back against the slithery appendage, attempting to give himself some respite.Alright, Tento, get it together, he thought, tightening his grip on his zanpakuto. The weight of the situation settled on his shoulders, but he steeled himself, drawing strength from his inner resolve. Keeping an eye on the hollow as it approached once again, Tento focused his mind on analyzing the hollow and how it fought. The hollow’s eyes glowed brighter, and a low, menacing growl echoed through the darkness.

He could feel the ground beneath him tremble, the energy around them crackling with intensity. The shadowy figure began to move, its form shifting and writhing as if made of smoke and darkness. Long, serpentine movements hinted at a creature reminiscent of a dragon or a snake, its presence growing more menacing with each passing second. Hypnotic in its movements, Tento found himself being swung in a low lull that teased his focus. A light haze feeling the pupils of his eyes before. Without warning, the hollow lunged at Tento again, its movements swift and fluid. Tento reacted instinctively, raising his zanpakuto to block the attack. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through his body, the raw power of the hollow evident in the clash.

This thing’s strong, Tento thought, gritting his teeth as he pushed back against the hollow’s assault. He could feel the pressure mounting, the weight of the creature’s energy pressing down on him.

Find its weakness, Tento. Use your mind, not just your strength.

Tento focused, his eyes scanning the hollow’s form for any signs of vulnerability. The glowing yellow eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, and the serpentine movements suggested a fluid, unpredictable fighting style. He needed to stay on his toes, to anticipate and adapt.

The hollow struck again, this time with a sweeping tail-like motion that forced Tento to dodge to the side. The ground where he had been standing cracked and splintered from the force of the blow, a testament to the hollow’s strength.
This is different from fighting Acosador, Tento realized, his mind racing. "This thing fights like a predator, waiting for the right moment to strike". He steadied himself, his breathing controlled and measured. The cold, oppressive energy of the hollow seeped into his bones, but he used it to sharpen his focus. He wouldn’t be overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty. He had faced worse and survived.

The hollow lunged again, and Tento met the attack head-on, his zanpakuto clashing with the creature’s dark, shifting form. The impact reverberated through his body, but he held his ground, determination etched into his features. Again and again the two went against each other. The hollow’s movements tested Tento's focus and conciseness for what felt like hours. As the battle continued, the tension in the air grew thicker, the clash of their wills echoing through the training area. Tento could feel the weight of the challenge before him, but with Shiōmaru's guidance and his own unwavering resolve, he knew he could face whatever lay ahead. The confrontation was just beginning, and Tento was ready for the long fight.

Watching Tento engage his opponent definitely stirred up memories of the past and Chizuru could well remember herself in his shoes. Her battles with her Inner Hollow had been fierce, with conversation pretty much non-existent. Even by Vizard standards, hers had been a bit of an experiment and the effect of which seemed to be that it was incapable of anything besides pure chaos. In a way, that was why she’d been able to master it so easily since there had only been one option for her. Since communication hadn’t been an issue, that left simple dominance and Chizuru had certainly been able to conquer it over time. Now, it pretty much lived with a leash around its neck within her.

She remained unconcerned about her fellow Vizard’s chances at that point, knowing that Tento was more than a match for his own Hollow. There wasn’t much fear in him or at least she hadn’t felt it and if anything, the giant of a Shinigami seemed to exude a charming confidence. It certainly helped ease the tension and Chizuru found herself smiling as she watched. She had faith in him.