Kobayashi Hayate: Shikai test

[Vampyrelord]

(OOC: Jaran, so far no one has achieved shiaki, so do not be surprised if you find the tests hard. This is a chance to show of your roleplaying skills, and they will be well rewarded. Good luck!)

You stand to attention a your Captain Sakamoto Naoki looks you up and down in an appraising manner.

"At ease, recruit."

You relax slightly and take a chance to examine your surroundings. You are in the Captain's personal office, which was normally out of bounds, and you are still unsure why you were summoned here.

The room is fairly simple, decorated like the rest of the HQ. The furniture is also simple, a polished wooden desk, a single chair and several book cases. The only object of particular note is an impressive Chinese Shang dynasty vase, apparently made of bronze.

"Your progress is most impressive, boy. I'd be interested in seeing what else you are capable of."

He says, still inspecting you.

"However, you cannot reach your full potential fighting as you do now. Strength alone can only get you so far, believe me."

Seeing at his massive, muscular frame, you mentally decide to take his word for it.

"You focus on the discipline of zanjutsu, as I do. You must discover how to awaken your zanpakuto, how to learn it's identity and the release it's true power. This takes time, patience and discipline, but it is a necessary path if you wish to become stronger."

He stops, examining you carefully.

"Are you ready to begin?"

[Jaran]

Hayate bows deeply to his taichou and replies in a deliberate tone, attempting to mask the excitement behind his voice. Releasing his shikai? An offer such as this did not come along very often. Emotion was bubbling up within him like an overactive fountain, but he struggled to suppress it, for as he had found in his experience, emotion only led to difficulty on the path of a Shinigami.

"Hai, Sakamoto-taichou, I am prepared to embark upon this path."

Rising to his full height, Hayate attempts to project an aura of confidence, hoping against hope that it was effective. As all Shinigami are, Hayate was generally quite confident in his strength, but there was nothing like the presence of your Taichou to throw that all into the ether.

[Vampyrelord]

(OOC: Okay Jaran, here's how it works. I will award you RPP points as I see fit. To achieve shikai you need 20 RPP points and you must also pass the test.)

2 RPP points recieved

"Excellent!"

He booms, smiling wolfishly. He turns and strides over to the huge Chinese vase you noticed earlier. He holds a hand over the mouth of the vase, and closes his eyes, focusing his power. You see his massively powerful silver reiatsu blazing with blinding ferocity. Your world seems to be shaking, you can feel the power steadily pumping from him, pulsing rythmically like a giant heart. Suddenly it stops. Before you can say anything, dazzling light pours from the mouth of the vase. There is a sudden flash, and when you open your eyes, you find yourself floating. The office is nowhere to be seen. All you see is whiteness, a great void of blank nothing. You hear your Captain's voice inside your head...

Focus your power...

[Jaran]

Stunned by the sudden change of scenery, Hayate takes a moment to focus his thoughts.

Where am I? What is this place? Focus my power?

Assuming that his taichou is referring to his reiatsu, Hayate sits down, legs crossed, and clears his mind, the way that all Shinigami are taught to focus the power of their reiatsu in the Academy. However, a nagging voice at the back of his head seems to speak to him.

"Throw away the shackles of convention. Open your heart and mind to the truth. See what cannot be seen with the eyes. Then you shall have the power to focus."

This voice shakes Hayate out of his trance-like state, and causes every receptor in his brain to feel as though it is on fire.

Such a primal voice. What could it be? Is it....

Hayate has a fundamental understanding of what the voice has said to him, but how is he supposed to do these things? There is no way to be taught that sort of thing in any school in Soul Society, or in the real world for that matter. Perhaps...this is the sort of thing that one doesn't need to be taught. Perhaps...it is merely...something one does.

With this thought in his mind, Hayate stands up and begins to perform kata, something that has always caused his mind to feel at ease, free, like the hawk on the breeze. As he feels his body flow in tandem with his zanpaku-to, he begins to feel like silk, floating on a gentle current...at peace with himself. A warm feeling rushes through his body, and he feels more awake, more alive than ever before in his lifetime. The voice speaks to him again.

"That's much better, Hayate-kun. We have always hated to conform, haven't we? Those teachers of ours were small-minded in their techniques. We have always known that it was an individual's effort that truly releases their power, haven't we. Now, perhaps we can converse for a time."

Hayate continues his kata, while conversing with this invisible voice.

"I do not know how to refer to you. Perhaps you would like to tell me your name?"

A small chuckle resounds in his mind.

"You know what I am called. My name is within your heart. When you are ready, then you shall know my name. Now tell me, why is it that you defend Seireitei so tirelessly?"

Hayate thought about this for only a moment, and then replied with conviction filling his voice.

"I defend Seireitei because it is the place I love. I am at home here. I will defend those that I love with all the strength I have in me."

The voice now held a tinge of pride as it replied to Hayate's proclamation.

"Those are very honorable goals, my love. However, does this truly explain the intense emotions we feel everytime we are in battle? Remember, you cannot hide behind a wall of righteousness with me, dear."

This question brought a strange feeling into Hayate's heart. Why was it that he fought with reckless abandon, even against his friends? There could only be one answer.

"Your questions cut to the quick of me. I have never been able to bring myself to admit it, but the reason I fight....is because I love the rush of battle, the feeling of my blade cutting into flesh, the satisfaction of a victory! It makes me feel so alive...so...powerful."

It was almost as though he could feel the voice smiling at him.

"Yes, my dear, that is exactly the reason. I too feel these emotions. Battle is when we are one, when I feel exactly what you feel. I too love these things. The question is...are you prepared to fight with me?"

Hayate only hesitated for a moment.

"Yes."

[Vampyrelord]

4 RPP points recieved

Do you hear the blade, Hayate-san?

Asks the voice of your Captain.

You have done well. See what your focused power has achieved.

You look around, astonished. What was once nothingness is now a duel ring. You kneel down and touch the ground. Real earth. You stand up and walk to the edge of the ring. Beyond you see only the white void. You can go no further, and you turn back and walk to the centre of the ring.

You have projected your will onto this reality. Your mind prepared for battle, and your soul created this ring in preparation for the combat to come.

Once you can focus to a higher degree, you will draw closer and closer to your goal, until your power is focused only on the truth which you seek.

Now fight.

Silently a plume of black smoke swirls from the very earth you stand on. It slowly forms a vague, dark figure, hovering just above the ground. Stretching out it's hand, dark smoke quickly coils around itself, forming a darkly sifting katana.

"Fight, weakling!"

It hisses.

You step away from this abomination, and prepare for combat.

Unknown Enemy

Level: 4

Strength: 3
Dexterity: 6
Constitution: 2
Reiryoku: 1

Evasion: 2

HP: 55 (53)
RP: 35 (27)

Techniques (all used) :

#87 Iron will

#92 Weapon focus (katana)

#104 Weapon Finesse

#78 Dark Lightning

#6 Kokei

#20 Augment

#38 Shunpo

#39 Koshu

Initiative roll:

[roll0]

(OOC: This fight should be fairly easy for you, but it won't be the last)

[Jaran]

((Hmm, we shall see.))

The voice speaks to him in a comforting tone.

"Do not fear, Hayate-kun, I am with you. We shall prevail against this opponent. Now then, let us dance together."

((BTW, the voice is feminine in tone, soft and almost sensual.))

Strengthened by the voices words, Hayate pulls his zanpaku-to from its sheath, and drops into his combat stance.

"Come then, let us fight, dark one!"

Level 5
HP: 72
RP: 80

Abilities:

STR - 4
DEX - 2
CON - 3
REI - 2

EVA - 1

Active:

#4 Takuchu-Ken
Slash at crucial nerves to paralyse your opponent
Requires: None
Difficulty: Medium (str)
Damage: 2 HP
Special: Opponent is paralysed for two actions
Save: DC4 + user's (str) to avoid paralysis
Reiatsu cost: 14 RP

#8 Kokon-Uron
Pour all your reiatsu into a single slash
Requires: None
Difficulty: Medium (rei)
Damage: 8 HP
Special: None
Save: DC4 + user's (rei) for half damage
Reiatsu cost: 9 RP

#10 Choshitsu-Geki
Slash at your opponent’s wrists causing them to bleed badly
Requires: None
Difficulty: Medium (str)
Damage: 2 HP
Special: Opponent is bleeding (loses 2HP after every turn for the rest of the battle)
Save: DC4 + user's (str) to avoid bleeding
Reiatsu cost: 5

#51 Gyosho
Use Shunpo to speed up your zanpakutou
Requires: A tier 1 zanjutsu technique
Difficulty: Medium (str)
Damage: The damage of the combination of zanjutsu techniques
Save: The saves against the zanjutsu techniques
Special: The character is able to immediately use two tier 1 zanjutsu techniques (offensive or defensive) without using any further actions. The character has -2 reiryoku next turn.
Reiatsu Cost: 2 RP + the cost of the techs used
NOTE: The character must still roll to use the two techniques as normal and the opponent gets saving throws against them as normal

Ultimate:

#11 Gen-Ei
Jump high into the air, bringing your zanpakutou down as you land
Requires: 4 tier 1 basic zanjutsu techniques, character level 3
Difficulty: Hard (str)
Damage: 25 HP
Special: None
Save: DC4 + user's (str) for half damage
Reiatsu cost: 10 RP

Passive:

#87 Iron Will:
Requires: None
You permanently gain a +d3 on all your Saving Throws
(so a level 3 character with Iron Will would roll 2d6 + d3 for
his/her saving throws).

#92 Weapon Focus - Zanpaku-to
Select a weapon (any weapon: Katana, Zanpaku-to, Fists etc).
You gain a +1 attack dice with that weapon (and only that weapon).

#105 Scarskin

Requires: 5th Level, 3 STR 3 CON
Passive Technique
Having survived numerous campaigns, the player is capable of superhuman
feats of endurance.The player may use CON instead of DEX to calculate
Evasion rolls. This makes a wall tank (a player whose focus is on taking
damage for his allies) feasible.

#112 Cosmopolitan

Requires: All Stats 2, level 5+
Passive Technique
The player is exceptionally well-rounded, and her knowledge of all fields
of endeavour assists her in every aspect of combat. The player gains +1
to all to-hit rolls, competency (increase relevant stat by 1 when testing)
checks, and DCs. This technique is automatically granted to those with
the appropriate stats and advancement.

#116 Batter

Requires: STR 3, level 5+
Passive Technique

The player's inherant power increases the damage of all normal attacks
by +2.

(Initiative roll: [roll0])

[Vampyrelord]

(OOC: Further RPP points will not be awarded until the fight is over, when you will recieve between 1 and 5 for the quality of your roleplaying. Remember that you get 2 actions, this monster only gets one.)

Heed the words of the blade, Hayate. You must trust it if you are to fight alongside it...

The voice of Sakamoto-taichou echos through your mind.

"Too slow, weakling!"

The fiend sweeps towards you to attack.

Attack roll:

(9 attacks, hitting on 8-10 and doing 5 damage)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

(your dex is 2 so your evasion is 0)

[Jaran]

((Neg, my evasion is 1, due to my skill, Scarskin.))

Hayate reels from the attack, taking a good amount of damage from the monster's assault. Small rivulets of blood drip from his chest, and he notices that his robe has been torn in quite a few places. Fire burns in his eyes as he prepares for his counterassault.

(HP - 62)

Hayate's form becomes a blur as he flash steps towards his enemy, zanpaku-to held straight back to reduce wind resistance. With blinding speed, Hayate gets behind his opponent and slashes at its vulnerable nerve endings at the base of its neck.

"Zanjutsu Art #4, Takuchu-ken!"

#4 Takuchu-Ken
Slash at crucial nerves to paralyse your opponent
Requires: None
Difficulty: Medium (str)
Damage: 2 HP
Special: Opponent is paralysed for two actions
Save: DC4 + user's (str) to avoid paralysis
Reiatsu cost: 14 RP

(Can't fail, must roll a 10 to save.)

[Hattori]

((Why would he get two actions? He's not hasted nor level 6.))

[Vampyrelord]

Saving throw:

Must beat 10 on

2d6 + d3 (iron will) + 3 (str)

[roll0]

+

[roll1]

Passed

The creature hisses and recoils as you attack, and your blade passes through easily, apparently doing little harm.

(2 damage taken)

(OOC: Hattori - he gets 2 actions because he's tier 2...or did you change it?)

[Jaran]

((You can't add STR mod to saves. Only CON or REI. So if you use con, that roll of 11 is a roll of 10. But still, you beat the paralysis.))

[Vampyrelord]

«

@Jaran

All characters may add the highest of their CON or their REI to their saving throws.

Correct, it should have been my Con or Rei. My mistake.

Hell, the rolls got messed up. I thought Max had dealt with that problem...

»

[Jaran]

((So, are you gonna re-roll, or attack, or are you paralyzed and now I attack?))

[maximoose666]

probably my fault.


Just reroll :)

[Hattori]

Saving throw:

Must beat 10 on

2d6 + d3 (iron will) + 3 (str)

[roll0]

+

[roll1]

Passed

The creature hisses and recoils as you attack, and your blade passes through easily, apparently doing little harm.

(2 damage taken)

(OOC: Hattori - he gets 2 actions because he's tier 2...or did you change it?)


Actions have nothing to do with Tier.

[Jaran]

((Yeah, I think VL has to re-post, since the mod doesn't support rolling in edited posts.))

[Vampyrelord]

[roll0]

+

[roll1]

[Vampyrelord]

Save Passed

(Okay Jaran, it's now my turn to attack, since apparently you don't get 2 actions until level 6...)

The creature recoils from your flashing blade and stretches out a taloned hand...

#78 Dark Lightning
The Hollow attacks it's enemy with crackling bolts of concentrated Reiatsu.
Requires: None
Difficulty: Hard (rei)
Damage: 8 HP
Save: DC4 + user's (rei) for half damage
Special: None
Reiatsu Cost: 8 RP

Difficulty Roll
A roll of 2d8 must be under 4 for this attack to succeed.

[roll0]

[Vampyrelord]

Attack failed

The shadow blasts a trail of crackling black energy at you but you easily block it with your zanpakuto.

[Jaran]

((Very well, my turn.))

As he blocks the shadow energy blasted at him by the shadow, Hayate hardens his resolve and jumps forward, unleashing a series of well-placed slashes on the shadow, focusing his strength and blasting it into the shadow through the medium of his zanpaku-to.

(Regular attack [roll0] 11 base, 22 crit)

[Jaran]

((O_o? You still alive, Vamp?))

[Vampyrelord]

(OOC: Sorry mate, I was rather busy...History homework you see...)

Sweeping into the air, the foul creature easily avoids your clumsy attacks.

Focus!

Commands your Captain.

Did I not tell you that strength alone is not enough?

The shade sweeps forwards, raising the darkly sifting shadowblade.

Attack roll
(9 attacks doing 5 damage, a critical threat level is x2)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

[Jaran]

((HP - 57))

Hayate manages to dodge one of the creature's claw swipes, but then, a follow up from the foul beast catches him in his side. Wincing in pain, Hayate steps back a few paces and prepares to launch a counter-attack.

Stretching his arms a bit and cracking his neck, Hayate proceeds to jump into the air, performing a bit of a half-twist standing flip. He lands behind his opponent and unleashes a deadly combination of blows to his opponent's arm.

(Called Shot: Arm [roll0] 11 base, -2 Hit Dice on critical)

[Vampyrelord]

The creature lets out a malignant hiss of pain as the blade slashes its arm, and glares at you, eyes glowing a baleful red.

In an instant it vanishes, the smoke dispersing immediately.

Shunpo
(I can't fail, so I won't roll.)

+ 1 dex for next action

For a split second you are surprised, but your extensive training kicks in and you spin to face your opponent's sneak attack and launch a counter attack of your own.

[Jaran]

Hayate is tired of this monster jumping around and evading his attacks. But, he cannot allow this frustration to affect his abilities.

"I can't allow you to continue running like this, monster. Prepare to experience pain as you never have before."

Quickly matching his opponent's speed, Hayate then pitches backwards into a high-speed slide maneuver. Elegant and precise slashes begin to rain upon the monster's legs as Hayate attempts to slow it down a bit.

(Called Shot: Legs [roll0] 11 base damage, -4 DEX on crit)

[Vampyrelord]

(OOC: @ everyone: I specifically gave Jaran permission to be in two places at once. If you have a problem with this you are welcome to PM me about it.)

Evasion = 2

Thus, no hits

The snarling shadow skillfully evades your blow and attacks, faster than ever...

Attack Roll:

(9 attacks + 1 from shunpo dex bonus, - 2 from called shot <arm>)

[Vampyrelord]

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]

[Jaran]

((Guh, long fight for a lvl 5 vs a lvl 4. Lol. BTW, how much HP does the thing have left?))

(HP - 52)

The creature slices him one more time, drawing a small amount of blood from Hayate's right shoulder. Hayate winces in pain, perspiration forming on his brow. Thoughts tumble chaotically through his mind...

What should I do?

Should I attack?

Should I defend?

Should I...defend and follow with a counter attack?

The battle was wearing on him, the creature was nigh impossible for him to hit, and he didn't feel like he was coming any closer to achieving his shikai. With starting clarity, the voice suddenly speaks to him.

"Hayate-kun, do you wish to know my name?"

Yes...yes I do. I want to know your name more than anything else in the world.

"That is unacceptable, Hayate. I do not wish for you to want my power more than anything. I want you to desire battle more than anything. The victory is meaningless. The fight is what matters to me! If a battle drags on for eternity, that would be heaven to me. Now, will you agree to take pleasure from our intimacy? Will you agree to think of battle as your life's goal?"

Hai, I shall. I shall honor your wishes and attempt to please you.

Hayate could feel the voice smiling, directing him to give his next attack his all.

With a sudden burst of speed that he did not realize he possessed, Hayate springs forward, unleashing his power into the monster violently, slashing at nerves, slashing at bones, slashing at every vital organ his mind could think of. Then, to complete the devastation, he leaps into the air, spinning like a whirling dervish, then descending upon his prey with a devastating slash.


#51 Gyosho
Use Shunpo to speed up your zanpakutou
Requires: A tier 1 zanjutsu technique
Difficulty: Medium (str)
Damage: The damage of the combination of zanjutsu techniques
Save: The saves against the zanjutsu techniques
Special: The character is able to immediately use two tier 1 zanjutsu techniques (offensive or defensive) without using any further actions. The character has -2 reiryoku next turn.
Reiatsu Cost: 2 RP + the cost of the techs used
NOTE: The character must still roll to use the two techniques as normal and the opponent gets saving throws against them as normal.

#4 Takuchu-Ken
Slash at crucial nerves to paralyse your opponent
Requires: None
Difficulty: Medium (str)
Damage: 2 HP
Special: Opponent is paralysed for two actions
Save: DC4 + user's (str) to avoid paralysis
Reiatsu cost: 14 RP

#11 Gen-Ei
Jump high into the air, bringing your zanpakutou down as you land
Requires: 4 tier 1 basic zanjutsu techniques, character level 3
Difficulty: Hard (str)
Damage: 25 HP
Special: None
Save: DC4 + user's (str) for half damage
Reiatsu cost: 10 RP

((Can't fail any. Must roll 10 to save against all.))

[Hattori]

This has been taken care of.

[Vampyrelord]

(OOC: This is getting boring and is not helpful - we will end this fight RP - style.)

Your blade slashes through the shadowy figure with terrible force, and the creature slowly sinks to one knee, the sound of it's breath heavy and hissing.

"I cannot truly be defeated, Kobayashi Hayate...for I am an extension of yourself. I am the darkness that lurks in your heart, and shadows inhabit the hearts of all men...

You have defeated me now, just as you defeat me every time you raise your blade to defend justice...

But I cannot be killed. Not so long as you live. I am simply a test which you created for yourself..."

You nod upon hearing this creature's confession...it just feels like a natural truth.

Then you hear your Captain's voice once again:

Well done, Hayate...you have made good your promise. You have proven to yourself that you fight out of love, not out of hate, like your enemies do. You have gained your blade's trust, and now you may be able to summon it...if you focus your power. If you can force your will onto this reality.

(OOC: You're doing well...but don't try to initiate any fighting just yet. Your zanpakuto avatar will test you in a more subtle way)

[Jaran]

((OOC: Argh! Umm. So what do I do? I guess I wait in this thread some more. I might as well do an RP post then...))

As the shadow disappears, Hayate pants in exhaustion. He didn't expect such a small opponent to put up such a large fight...

Of course, he knows better than to judge an opponent by his appearance. There were many, many instructors at the Academy that were small in stature, but large in power, and since then, he had fought many opponents that seemed to be weak, but were indeed powerful, such as Tabibito Takase.

But, of course, there is no way that he knew of to get out of this world. He is stuck here until his taichou releases him from the grasp of this ethereal wonderland.

I wonder what it takes to pass this test...do I have to find out how to release her? Voice-chan, didn't you say that you would fight with me now?

Hai, my dear, I do wish to fight with you now. Would you do me the pleasure?

Before Hayate even realizes what is happening, a beautiful woman who seems nigh insubstantial materializes before him...as his zanpaku-to disappears! This all seems not so important though, as her face is beautiful to him, white and soft, though near transparent, and there was timeless wisdom in her eyes. To Hayate, she seems to be more beautiful than he would imagine the goddess Amaterasu to be. Her dress flows in an unseen wind, and her feet do not even touch the ground as she walks gracefully towards him. These details all fade out of his mind quickly as he realizes with a flash that his weapon is gone now.

"Hmm, voice-chan, you know that I am a student of zanjutsu... 'Twould not be a fair fight if I were to be forced to fight you with Hakuda. And from what you have told me, you do not enjoy unfair fights anymore than I do."

"Hai, Hayate-kun. I do not enjoy unfair fights. Therefore, let us instead dance together, but with our fists. Allow me to show you."

The avatar leaps at Hayate, and attacks with a gentle, yet quick blow. Although Hayate's forte is not Hakuda, he still has learned the elementary basics of it, and manages to block her strike. She follows up with a kick and two more light strikes, followed by a sweeping kick. Somehow, through sheer luck, or perhaps ingrained mental patterns, Hayate deftly avoids each of her attacks, and counters her with a few soft, yet well-placed blows of his own. She pauses for a moment and signals for him to stop.

"Very good, Hayate. I see that you still remember what you were taught back in the Academy! I am pleased."

As the avatar utters the word "pleased", the world changes around them. The walls of the no-space fade away, and are replaced with the beautiful planters and columns of a traditional Greek city. From what Hayate had read in the past, he identified this place as a rather accurate representation of the ancient Greek city known as Athens.

Hayate began to stroll around the cityscape, observing everything around him and wondering what would come next.

Out of nowhere, his avatar appeared once more.

"Voice-chan, where are we?"

The avatar smiles lightly at him, almost as if she is better than him. Although this would normally raise his hackles, she makes it feel endearing to him, almost warm, as if he were at home when he were locked in her gaze.

"We are in my world, Hayate-kun. In here, I am in control. But you have no need to fear, for no harm will come to you here. I have brought you here so that no one can hear what I have need of saying to you. I told you that I would tell you my name, and I shall. You have proven yourself worthy to me, and you have pledged to treat me with love and respect, and try to please me.

I will hold you to your word, Kobayashi Hayate. If you do not keep true to your word, I will abandon you."

With a swift breeze of movement that Hayate is barely able to see, the avatar approaches him and puts her hands on each side of his head, and bringing her lips to his right ear.

"My name...is Atsukaze-migoto. Remember it well, my dear."

Atsukaze pulls away from him slowly, grazing his cheek with a kiss as she leaves his grasp. As she pulls away, the world around him fades away, and he finds himself back in his taichou's no-space.

After such a strange experience, Hayate can do nothing but sit down and contemplate the happenings.

Atsukaze-migoto, eh? I would have liked to spend more time with her there, maybe find out something about her... Well, I suppose our time together has just begun...

((OOC: Whenever I actually am granted shikai, the release phrase will be: "Show your strength, Atsukaze-migoto!"))

[Hattori]

((nj on SoS, +5 RPP))

[Jaran]

((Tyvm! I had fun on that. :) Thanks for giving me the chance to help out. :D ))

[Vampyrelord]

(Alright Jaran, great roleplaying :))

You find yourself standing in the private courtyard in front of the 9th Division HQ. The Captain grins wolfishly at you.

"Excellent work, Hayate-san!"

He bows his head slightly. High praise.

"Now you know the name of your zanpakuto, you must practice fighting with it to strengthen your bond, before you can release it."

He draws his own zanpakuto, almost as tall as you. His smile widens.

With a wave of his hand, your wounds close.

"Let's start now! I'll go easy on you kid..."

(I don't expect you to beat him, he's a Captain after all...he has benevolently decided to "go easy", i.e he'll only use tier 1 and 2 techs, and no shikai. We will fight until I am completely satisfied with your RP skills. Do your best to win! Remember, you're learning to connect with your blade, so mention the voice lots. Post first, with your initiative roll.)

[Jaran]

((Okay, I'll be using the same character sheet then. Initiative [roll0]+2))

[Jaran]

The sudden change of scenery stuns Hayate, for he was not expecting to be released from the no-space so soon. His eyes had become heavy, and he was on the verge of sleep, just as he had dropped out into the 9th Division's front lawn. As his eyes adjusted to the harsh glow of the sunlight, he heard his taichou speaking to him.

"Excellent work, Hayate-san!"

A smile spreads across his face for a flash of an instant as he sees his taichou bow slightly to him. Such an honor was nigh unheard of! Hayate didn't think that he had done quite good enough to actually warrant such praise from someone as highly developed as his taichou, but he was not about to correct him.

"Now you know the name of your zanpakuto, you must practice fighting with it to strengthen your bond, before you can release it."

A flash of thought ran through Hayate's mind as his taichou said this to him.

Is this true, Atsukaze?

He felt her emotion change inside of him to that of slight sadness.

"Hai, Hayate-san. This is indeed true. But do not worry, I do not believe that he holds ill will towards you. A Captain of such power would not bother himself with destroying someone so much weaker than him."

Hayate smiled weakly, and acknowledged his taichou's words. However, a nod of acknowledgement would not be enough. His taichou drew forth his gigantic zanpaku-to, wielding it as if it were a feather blowing on the wind. Apparently, he meant to force Hayate to train until he was at the point where he was able to release Atsukaze!

"Let's start now! I'll go easy on you kid..."

Sweat broke out on Hayate's brow as he pulled Atsukaze from her sheath. Would he be able to do this? How easy was his Taichou's easy? For all Hayate knows, his taichou is able to shatter planets with one of his "weak blows".

The soothing voice of Atsukaze breaks forth through all of Hayate's confusion and calms him with her soothing tone.

"Hayate-kun, do not worry. You know that I am here with you. You hear my voice as clearly as if I were standing next to you. Listen to my direction, and we can overcome any test or trial. Allow us to dance with him."

Hayate nods and prepares for his taichou's assault.

[Vampyrelord]

(Congratulations Jaran! It's a real honour to fight your mentor! I hope you enjoy this duel as much as I will...:D)

Sakamoto Naoki

Level: 16

Str: 9 (+1 from Captain's cloak)
Dex: 0
Con: 5 (+1 from Captain's cloak)
Rei: 1

Eva: 1

HP: 230
RP: 195

Passive Techniques:

#89 Power Attack

#90 Improved Power Attack

#105 Scarskin

#116 Batter

Active Techniques

All of these are zanjutsu techs. Those hi-lighted are thoise being used in this battle.

#1 Naraku

#2 Renkan-Sho

#4 Takuchu-Ken

#5 Renkan-Soan

#6 Kokei

#10 Choshitsu-Geki

#11 Gen-Ei (Ultimate)

#12 Zanshu-Sen (Ultimate)

#150 Agressive Stance

#151 Diagonal Slash

#154 Force Push

#158 Berserk

#164 Braver (Ultimate)

#168 Renzokuken (Ultimate)

Initiative Roll:

[roll0]

[Vampyrelord]

(OOC: Okay, I have 4 actions, and you have 1...I will do 2, then you do 1. then I do 2, etc.)

"Too slow, kid!"

Charging forwards the very earth seems to tremble beneath his gargantuan feet, his manic grin does nothing to soothe you nerves. He raises his colossal blade with his herculean strength, his power almost tangible in the air...he moves with great speed, yet everything seems to be in slow motion, a dreadful descent to hell...and then he is on you, towering above you, his blade sweeping down with godlike strength...

Kokei

(I can't fail, so I won't bother rolling)

To save you must beat 13.

[Jaran]

((Lmao! This is going to be hard, hard, hard.))

[roll0]+3 + [roll1]

[Vampyrelord]

Passed

The Captain's sword sweeps down towards you, the shining edge of eternity...not so foolish as to attempt to parry such a blow, you fling yourself aside, narrowly avoiding being cut in two. The blade smashes into the ground, sending great a great shockwave and a huge cloud of dust. You stagger upright.

3 damage taken

He charges through the dustcloud to attack again and you see him close the distance easily, towering over you, obliterating even the sunlight...his huge blade sweeps up diagonally at you, glinting ominously...

Diagonal Slash

(I can't fail, so I won't bother rolling)

To save, you must beat 17.

[Jaran]

((Epic...))

(Save: [roll0] + 3 + [roll1] )

[Vampyrelord]

(Trust me, this is him going REALLY easy on you mate :))

Failed

You hurl yourself backwards just in time to avoid decapitation, but the swing catches your shoulder, viciously tearing flesh and bone.

12 damage taken

After this attack, Sakamoto-taichou is open for an instant...

(your go)

[Jaran]

((HP-71))

Hayate takes the force of his captain's slash full in the chest and is knocked backwards, bleeding profusely from his chest. The damage to his body seems superfluous upon his inspection, but his ego has been scarred slightly. He was correct about his taichou's "easy" attacks. They were not quite as easy as he made them sound.

"Hayate-kun...I feel the emotion that you feel, and this particular emotion does not make me happy. Now, get up on your feet!

Struggling to his feet, Hayate brandishes his zanpaku-to, renewed fire within his eyes.

The blood flowing from his wound flows back into him, almost as if his blood were calling to itself, and tendrils of flesh knit themselves along the top of his wound.
But even though the strength of Atsukaze is with him now, he realizes that he cannot take too much more of this.

Hayate kicks off with his left foot, flying into the air in a slow front flip, and lands beside his taichou. Dropping to his knees, Hayate attempts to open a gash on the back of his mentor's hamstrings, hoping to cripple him.

((EDIT OOC: BTW, I was typing this up when you did the failed post, VL, thus the inconsistency with where he was hit.))

[Jaran]

((Damn, I fuxored up that roll. I can't tell what I did. Lol. Okay, here's the real roll.))

(Called Shot: Legs [roll0] 11 dmg base, -4 DEX crit)

[Vampyrelord]

(11 damage taken)

Your blade cuts through Naoki's robe and slashes into his leg, severing tendons and ligaments. Completely ignoring his injury, he kicks back, sending you sprawling, and charges forwards yet again, a juggernaut of pure power...

Gen-Ei

(I can't fail, so I won't bother rolling)

To save, you must beat 13.

[Jaran]

((Sheesh, lol. This guy's unstoppable.))

(Save: [roll0] +3 + [roll1] )

[Vampyrelord]

(25 damage taken)

Again you hurl yourself aside as Naoki's blade crashes thunderously down, but the edge of the swing just catches your left forearm, and carves straight through, nearly severing your hand. You feel heavy as you see the ribbons of blood move slowly through the air and you stagger backwards. You look up and see him charging again, and you are filled with fear...does he mean to kill you?

Attack Roll:
(<IMPROVED POWER ATTACK> 14 attacks, hitting on a 9 or 10, each doing 35 damage)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]
[roll13]

[Vampyrelord]

(+ 5 RPP Don't worry - it's not over yet :D. Your RP skills have impressed me enough. I thik you deserve Shikai...if you make this next post extra cinematic)

(105 damage taken)

The formidable Captain's unstoppable charge hits you with catacysmic force, before you can stop him his lunge rips into your wounded shoulder, pinning you to the wall. Naoki shows no mercy in his eyes as he cruelly twists the blade, causing you great pain.

"Not good enough, Hayate!"

He barks.

"You must try harder!"

He twists the blade again. You stat to feel faint, and blood is flowing freely now, silently pooling at your feet.

[Jaran]

The world is a many splendored thing. Trees grow, and birds sing. Sometimes if you stand still for long enough, you can almost feel as if you are a part of nature itself. As Hayate stands, pinned against a wall with his taichou's blade tearing through his organs, he feels...almost a part of it. His hearing fades away, and the pain begins to subside; but for once...he is almost at peace.

Then with a jarring shock, a sudden burst of feeling slams him back to reality. A gust of wind erupts from his zanpaku-to, throwing his taichou away from him as Atsukaze's voice explodes into his mind.

"KOBAYASHI HAYATE! DON'T YOU DARE DIE! NOW, SHOW OUR STRENGTH!

Gripping his zanpaku-to in both hands, Hayate spreads his legs apart, squares his shoulders, and lifts his head. With a grim look of determination, Hayate shakes the earth with his call to Atsukaze.

"Atsukaze-migoto, SHOW YOUR STRENGTH!!!!!"

As the words spill out of Hayate's mouth, a tornado erupts from his zanpaku-to, concealing him from his surroundings and kicking up dust all around him. A flash of blue emits from the center of the tornado and grows larger, forming the shape of a large, serrated edge masamune. With no warning, the tornado condenses and forms itself into the shape of the light. From its appearance, the zanpaku-to might be formed out of the very wind itself, for it seems as though the blade's surface is constantly shifting and roiling in a tumultuous frenzy.

Hayate smiles and pins his taichou with a rather confident gaze.

"Come now then, taichou. Is this good enough?"

[Vampyrelord]

Sakamoto Naoki gets up and brushes the dust of his robes.

"Good work, kid. I knew you had it in you."

He grins.

"All I had to do was push you a little..."

What a euphemism, you think. Since when has "a little push" entailed cutting someone to bits with a sword?

Guessing your thoughts, the Captain grins, almost sheepishly.

"Maybe I got a bit carried away, eh kid? Still no harm done..."

You smile slightly, despite yourself. Suddenly his face hardens.

"What are you smirking at, recruit? Stand to attention!"

You quickly obey.

"You made good progress today, but that's no reason for indolence! You still have much to work on! But not now. Report to the infirmary. You're dismissed, recruit!"

He barks, before turning and marching back into the HQ.

(Okay Jaran, good work! You've got the 1st form of your shikai. Note that all the RPP points you gained here are burned to achieve this.)

[Jaran]

((Ty, VL, it was fun. :) ))