A Requiem for Phantoms

Tue Oct 24, 2017 10:48 pm

Artist: N/A - Song: N/A - Word Count: N/A

He stood on the shore of the beach of Japan yet again. Keeping the Island off the coast was rather handy. They could essentially dock where they wanted and proceed. This was perfect in terms of a situation for them. They could help where needed and do things without giving away location. Tsubasa's hand held his kiseru as he inhaled a breath. Moving his frame around he skillfully avoided the enemies attacks being attacked by twenty or so kids with real blades. "Don't think about being fast, just move." He said as smoke leaked from his mouth now as he blew a small amount. He was educating them on speed and footwork, teaching here for his clan's next generation. Tsubasa was by many considered a fast man. Capable of traveling at extremely fast and capable speeds. He let them wipe sweat from their brows as they seemed tired. It had only been an hour for them attacking. Truthfully he'd done little aside from move just the amount needed. Reading the situation with his focus he was able to tell how they were moving.

Tsubasa didn't mind waiting for his enemy to tire out as he could go for a lengthy amount of time. "Remember, I'm not teaching you this for you to be warriors. We are killers, assassin's who strike fast and with fatal accuracy. Survivors write the history and dead tell the truth..We don't generally let the dead talk, however." He decided to show them a bit of speed. Or rather what being an assassin was about as he moved. His speed was something to behold if anyone could. The first one he ran into Tsubasa. Swung his arm at the male's jaw while his posture slipped through the male's guard. "Tighten your guard, a professional can slip past it..Your out." He said softly making his first "kill" of the twenty students. The others looked alarmed and only two reacted. He sidestepped the wild swing and brought the sword of the other against the one attacking him from behind. The two student's blades clanged against one another loudly. He tapped the male's bodies quickly with his fingertips before watching them step away.

"It's good to react, but don't rush in without thinking. Coordinate and make your plan to kill without failure." He had shown them the problem with their guard and one more issue bothered him. They lacked a sense of teamwork most should have. This mock heroism didn't suit them or anyone. "I will commend them both for attacking me at the same time..There is seventeen for you and one of me. Moving against me one by one is commendable, but not wise in the long run. Take a break and rest for now." He said walking away from them and sitting on a stone for now. The sand as warm beneath his toes and the ground would help them with balance among other things. He'd had his aide's escort back those drunk men who attacked him previously. They seemed to be communicating and talking now. He smiled a bit as he sipped from a sake cup his attendant was holding for him.

It was amusing to see the next generation try so hard to catch the previous. They fought tooth and nail to get close but didn't fathom it. They didn't have the upbringing he did or the reasons. One of them came over and asked him point blank the simple question. How are you so strong, what lead you to this. "I grew up in a time period different from your's is part of it. I was born in an age and area where kill or be killed was the logic. I decided to take the burden of the blood upon my hands. My brothers and I took the full burden of being killers. So younger kid's didn't have to see that life. In some cases, heroes don't do it. Sometimes you have to be the devil and make men fear you in order to protect the precious thing. The times have thankfully evolved past such primal murder." They all seemed to take into account that Tsubasa spoke of a time period of many battles and blood engagements without end. This wasn't something they could grasp without really being there.

Tue Oct 31, 2017 11:01 pm

Shunsui

Artist: Bleach OST - Song: Mysterious - Word Count: 585

Exiting the Senkaimon door and stepping lightly onto the sand Shunsui looked around for any signs of life. There had been some sort of strange interference when he'd looked for Tsubasa's energy on Earth, so he wasn't sure how close he was at the moment. Fortunately, after a few seconds scanning the horizon he saw a group off in the distance. Taking his time he made his way down the beach towards them, pulling his hat further down over his head to block out the blinding light of the sun. It wasn't long before he could see clearly that it was Tsubasa and some of his clan, although they were still a good distance away. As he walked he spent his time watching Tsubasa and his students battle it out, an interesting display, Tsubasa severely outmatched them but his student seemed to insist on attacking him on their own. Why didn't they attack in unison? Well at least a few got the idea in the end, it seemed.

Finally reaching Tsubasa, Shunsui heard the very end of his small speech.

"Ah, explaining old times to the kids Tsubasa? I enjoyed your little skirmish by the way. Very entertaining. Why don't we have our own sparring session though, I'm sure those students of yours would love it, watching a couple of old men hitting each other with sticks. Oh and also, satisfy my curiosity. I've always wondered just how fast you really are. Up for it?"

Shunsui smiled widely, and the lines of worry, age, and exhaustion that only recently began adorning his face disappeared, if only momentarily. Shunsui had come to see what Tsubasa had been up to. What he'd been able to accomplish in the time since their previous meeting, how his plans were coming together. But he had his own reasons for coming as well. Tsubasa was known for his speed, and as that was what he was currently working on Shunsui could think of no one better to pay a visit. He'd been feeling slightly cooped up for the past few weeks, and so he thought a day away might relieve a bit of that feeling. Naturally his next thought was focused on making this outing beneficial in some way. It didn't take him long at all to settle on visiting Tsubasa, as he had an interest in the plans Tsubasa had already laid down, and he felt that his speed was holding him back from his full potential currently. Perhaps Tsubasa could help him elevate his abilities to the next level. It was a daunting thought though, for many years Shunsui had considered himself at the peak of his strength. Was it still possible for him to grow stronger?

Shunsui had no way to know what the absolute limits of his body were, but lately he'd felt an irresistible urge to train once more, not just to maintain his current level, but to push himself past anything he'd ever experienced in the past. He couldn't help but think this was his body telling him that it wasn't done just yet. So here he was. Hopefully Tsubasa would be the one to push him past this plateau he'd been stuck on for years. But what exactly would the results of that be? So many questions, Shunsui hadn't been so filled with them since Aizen's betrayal, and he was ready to find answers to them.

Wed Nov 01, 2017 7:23 pm

Artist: N/A - Song: N/A - Word Count: N/A

Tsubasa was in for surprises it seemed as his students quickly rallied behind Shunsui's idea. He smiled shaking his head and sighed softly. They'd do anything to get out of learning or speeches it seemed. "Alright, alright I get it..old men and sticks. Stay back a good distance and sit if you need too..the pressure here won't be a joke." He said calmly as he looked at his students before turning his gaze to his father and smiling softly. His digits softly came to his katana of the two zanpakuto he wore. Deciding single blade would do for this demonstration at the moment. Tsubasa was able to fight with both at high speeds and combine insane movements. But that wasn't the reason for this or any such thing. "Please prepare yourself, I'll count to five and then come at you." He said letting Shunsui know when he was coming as he brought his zanpakuto in front of him. It never looked out of place within his grasp. It felt like an extension of himself merely being stretched forth.

" One." He said as he let his spiritual pressure out now in the open. His recovery was complete since their last meeting as sparks discharged off his torso. Electricity was flowing fluidly through his body as he felt it come out. Tsubasa's spiritual pressure was impressive and easily of the upper tier Shinigami. His kids watched as the crackling of lightning discharged around Tsubasa's torso. Causing his clothing to ruffle about wildly as his eyes glowed somewhat. "Two. He was taking his time and making sure his adoptive father was fully prepared for this exchange. Tsubasa's energy began to calm and flow along his muscles. Though this mostly due to him taking his energy internally instead. He could send lighting everywhere and fry things if desired. But the point was to teach these kids the other method. Not everything had to go boom and explode. Somethings could be kept calm and cool within you. Waiting for the moment to explode forward and send out an impact.

'Three, Four...Five." He said giving each number a pause. What happened the kids likely didn't see. Tsubasa's flash step was beyond fast. If one could call it that as he'd finished his strike as he arrived at Shunsui. Instead of waiting for himself to arrive and attack. He did it in the middle of his Flashstep towards his father. His blade took a clean horizontal slash at the midsection. But this wasn't just sped Tsubasa displayed as he could alter the blow. Change the location at a moment's notice and do something entirely different. This was a fight between Captain Class Shinigami. It wasn't something that could be defined simply as one would expect. Tsubasa was curious to see just how fast Shunsui was. Teaching was the objective, but his crimson eyes focused in on his father. Every instinct and muscle of his body had become intent on this venture. He would be curious to see how Shunsui would react to this type of attack.

After all of the two one of them did have more experience in combat. Tsubasa was a graceful and fluid fighter, capable of starting his attack in the middle of his step and finishing on arrival fairly easily. But what came as a greater shock, was he didn't sacrifice any speed doing this. He'd practiced these motions over and over without break or error. Time and effort gave way to a frightening progress in speed for Tsubasa. Not only was his Flashstep impressively quick. But his physical speed was also frighteningly fast. This would be a good test of his father's reflexes here.

Thu Nov 02, 2017 10:31 pm

Shunsui

Artist: Bleach OST - Song: Mysterious - Word Count: 844

Shunsui was pleased when Tsubasa accepted his challenge, and the students seemed to be almost too excited. He gave a few of them a small smile, and then focused completely on the task before him. Even though this was just sparring Shunsui had no intention of holding any of his strength back. He was sure Tsubasa could handle it, and if he did hold back he would probably just end up looking like a fool. No, it was best to pit all of his power against Tsubasa's and see where that ended up leading them.

Shunsui noticed that Tsubasa would be using only one of his blades, and so he decided he would do the same. Unsheathing Katen he shifted his stance and firmly grasped the katana with both hands. Although he used his wakizashi often he was more than accustomed to fighting with only katana. This would be no added challenge. What he was worried about was Tsubasa's speed. If he wasn't able to keep up then there would simply be nothing for him to do in a match such as this, a match that relied solely on the skill of the swordsman and not the abilities of their zanpakuto. He would be defeated and he would have no say in the matter. That was the main reason he'd been so adamant about improving his speed. Pushing these thoughts out of his head Shunsui positioned Katen in front of his body, ready to defend himself against whatever was about to come his way.

All distractions faded away as Tsubasa began to count down. The chattering of the students gradually died down in his ears, and all Shunsui could focus on was Tsubasa and his blade. He took in his surroundings passively of course, but his main focus, and only interest, at the moment was where Tsubasa's blade would be when he said five.
As the count down ended and Tsubasa began to move Shunsui calculated instantly the trajectory of his body. As long as nothing tricky was going on he knew exactly what angle Tsubasa would be coming from. He then judged Tsubasa's reach, including his katana, so he could accurately assess when Tsubasa would be in range to attack him. Finally he analyzed the possible angles of attack Tsubasa could utilize. Based on the way the mans body was positioned Shunsui imagined that it could only be a few select slashes unless Tsubasa was about to display considerable skills as a contortionist mid-air mid-shunpo. He took all of this in basically as Tsubasa left the ground, and so he had much less to worry about when attempting to defend himself.

When Tsubasa finally did dart through the air though Shunsui was amazed. He could tell that Tsubasa was using nothing but a normal shunpo, but the speed was outrageous. As his katana was already drawn he had little trouble defending himself, using every bit of experience with the blade he'd collected during his long life to sap all of the energy from Tsubasa's attack as it neared him, a move he used as a parry quite often. The basic idea was that he opposed his enemy's blade with his own and gradually slowed it in a way that avoided the usual clash of blades one would expect. He did this mainly because he didn't like the thought of damaging Katen, but it had its own uses as a technique. Shunsui had little doubt that he would have a much more difficult time defending against that attack if it were to take him by surprise. The fact that he'd already drawn his sword was certainly a large advantage.

Tsubasa's blade now pressing against his own, Shunsui forcefully broke contact and launched his own assault, his blade cutting through the air at a remarkable rate, almost invisible to the naked eye. As he did so he began to wonder just how well the students would be able to view this battle. No normal person would be able to keep up with the exchange that was about to take place. Granted Tsubasa's clan couldn't be classified as normal, but would their training and natural aptitude be enough in this situation? As the sparring session went on Shunsui began to doubt it. This would probably be nothing more than a blur to all of them, incredibly hard to make out at best. After unleashing his flurry of blows Shunsui one more would break contact and quickly jump backwards, creating a momentary lull in the battle.

"They aren't jokin when they say you're fast are they?"

It was a rare occurrence for Shunsui to face someone who could push him in this way, but that was the whole reason he'd come here in the first place. Tsubasa was one of the few he could count on to do that at this stage in his life. So far he wasn't disappointed, as Tsubasa was keeping him on edge.

Fri Nov 03, 2017 12:19 am

Artist: N/A - Song: N/A - Word Count: N/A

As his blades truck the steel of Katen, he felt the interesting angle. Trajectory alteration by Shunsui was an interesting tactic indeed. It let him dictate and control the pace of the fight. Tsubasa;s lips merely smiled as he mirrored it. Tsubasa had begun the assault but it seemed Shunsui was taking over. That was well enough, as Tsubasa's reaction speed was about to impressive his father. He was able to move deflecting the force of the blows off and away. Keeping the blade's main force from doing terrible damage. Using a sort of defensive stance and form, Tsubasa's focus was the intent. The students were observing but not in the way Shunsui imagined. A special screen was held by one and a phantom tech device was slowing it down. So they could observe, while some kept an eye on the action itself. After taking and parrying the blows he looked unphased as there was something else. Most people forgot how excellent a user of a sword Tsubasa was. Though Shunsui was held just as high of a regard for his skill with a blade.

Tsubasa's eyes watched as he leaped back to change the distance of the fight. The sword moves were good and the pace of his blows wasn't bad. Shunsui could certainly fight at different paces when desired. He could step things he figured, but he decided to keep it simple for the moment. Shunsui's remark made him smile a bit more about being fast. "Way I figure it, everyone's got a reason they want to be fast or strong. Sorry if this goes into lecture territory during the spar. But they need to understand something important. Do not ever seek speed or power out simply for the sake of it. For once you find it, it will be a hollow empty thing. Train and develop yourself naturally for the right reasons. Do not seek out power or speed without purpose..Now, that lecture is out of the way. Let us continue this match without delay...This time without Flashstep." Tsubasa said as he tapped his foot on the ground his eyes staring at Shunsui now.

He didn't really need Flashstep at this distance and his speed of physical sense was rather impressive. Shunsui had only witnessed his sword-wielding it was about time for another demonstration. The first sword swing he performed was more of a surgical slice. To figure out Shunsui's strategy and how he wielded his weapon. It was a style tailor-made to the Captain. Tsubasa was an extremely gifted analyst and reader of fighting styles, especially with a sword. So it let him sort of glimpse things based on the angle. He would need to step it up and add some different things in. Tsubasa pivoted forward with blinding speed, no Flashstep used this time. He closed the distance in not moments but even further under that. To those who couldn't observe keenly or see the Shukuchi for what it was. It may have appeared like teleportation to Shunsui. It was an extremely fast movement but not a Flash step. What followed wasn't your everyday sword move. For most, it would appear like a blur as a blade swung outwards toward's Shunsui's side again. But as the blade would make contact the blue would vanish like a mirage.

It was a feint to open the former Captain up and test his reflexes entirely as a blade came from above next as Tsubasa was mixing feints into his attacks now. The blade came down with a tremendous force as he smiled a bit. He was rather certain he'd feel the ping of metal. When Shunsui was ready for more he'd apply more pressure again. Regular tactics, for now, would do, special sword techniques and skills perhaps soon. But beyond the speed and skill, he needed to see what limitations and issues his father had at the moment. That meant pushing a bit and testing his speed and skill in dealing with stress. Tsubasa could blend kido into his attacks also. But it wasn't time yet for anything so drastic or serious. He wasn't out to mess Shunsui up. As it was a simple sparring match to test the waters. Wounding and injuring someone without compassion for what they sought was a poor showing.

The question was as his entire being focused on Shunsui what came next. How would he respond to the Shukuchi and the feints tossed in? Most people were caught off guard by the speed he demonstrated that wasn't of a flash step nature. Even his students would need to slow things down to see what exactly happened after he tapped his foot on the ground. This wasn't an illusion or kido based skill. This was a study of footwork that went beyond the ordinary.

Sun Nov 05, 2017 6:52 pm

Shunsui

Artist: Bleach OST - Song: Mysterious - Word Count: 621

Shunsui waited for Tsubasa to finish instructing his students but kept himself prepared, ready to act at a moments notice. He'd been able to keep up so far, though he didn't know how much longer that would be the case. He was reaching his limits, and he could see that Tsubasa was still holding back a great deal. As Tsubasa finished speaking Shunsui raised his blade slightly and adjusted his stance.

He had hardly any time at all to react before Tsubasa was upon him. Shunsui had never seen a technique like this. It wasn't flash step though, that much he was certain of. Tsubasa was moving even faster than he had previously now, and Shunsui cleared his mind, focusing on defending himself to the best of his ability. He noticed Tsubasa's blade nearing his body with surprise, as he hadn't been able to keep track of its movement. Raising his katana to defend himself Shunsui realized when the blade disappeared that he'd fallen for a feint. That meant he had to react immediately to defend himself. Catching a glint of metal rapidly whizzing through the air Shunsui reacted at a level he'd never before managed. He was able to deflect the actual blow at the last possible instant, but it was far to close of a call. It seemed training with Tsubasa was already doing him good though, in the past he would have failed to block at all. In truth his improved reaction was most likely from the training he'd done recently, but it was fortunate that he'd done that bit of preliminary work first or he may not have done so well here.

After a moment Tsubasa came at him again, and once more Shunsui marveled at that overwhelming speed. He'd been witnessing it directly now for the duration of their battle, but he still couldn't wrap his head around it. Tsubasa had gone back on the offensive, and that was fine with Shunsui. It would be the real test of his speed, and that was reason he was here. As he defended himself against a flurry of blows Shunsui began to wear down though. It would be obvious to anyone experienced in combat that he was operating at his limits, and that he wouldn't be able to keep this up for much longer.

Shunsui continued for as long as he possibly could, pushing himself beyond what he thought possible, but eventually he did have to look for a way out. The next time Tsubasa attacked he leapt into the air instead of blocking. He actually cut it pretty close, as Tsubasa's blade nearly connected cleanly with his leg, but he was able to shift it out of the way at the last second.

"Phew. Man, you're really going at it huh? Well, I guess I asked for this..."

Shunsui took a few moments to regather his composure and catch his breath. As he did so he let himself slowly descend, so that by the time he was ready to fight once more he was again standing on the ground.
Shunsui made no move to attack Tsubasa, instead he took up a defensive stance and waited. He'd already discovered that he got more benefit out of this being on the defending side as opposed to the offensive side of things, so he'd let Tsubasa control the flow of battle for this sparring session. Maybe in the future he'd have a chance to show of more of his skill, but for now it was all he could do to keep up. Finally, he motioned for Tsubasa to come at him once again.

Tue Nov 07, 2017 10:20 pm

Artist: N/A - Song: N/A - Word Count: N/A

Tsubasa had been observing how Shunsui moved and acted. Taking in each reaction and moment. He'd been moving with techniques and something rather basic. His eyes closed for a moment as he inhaled a breath of air. Shunsui's movements were interesting and his reflexes spoke of training done. A wall had been hit as the older Shinigami had likely discovered. Tsubasa was the mean's to overcome that wall, to become more. Such was the role he often times did play in this world it seemed. "Your basics are solid and fundamentally you are quick. But, you've hit quite a wall to overcome. As for me going at it, for the most part, I've been seeing what you have..and what kind of wall it is." Tsubasa didn't sheath his blade yet. It wasn't time for it to end yet, Shunsui needed to see something. "A wall is hit on three occasions, training endless can lead to one at times. Due to not knowing how to proceed mostly, it's very much a blind way. You don't seek the outside help and often times end up stuck."

He said explaining the situation to his students carefully as he smiled a bit. "Next is getting too strong too soon, if your body and mind aren't properly prepared for the power you've obtained. You'll have no idea how to use it. I believe young people call to say it's not the size of the ship but the motion of the ocean. Same thing applies in this situation." He said hearing some of them laugh as he rested his zanpakuto on his shoulder. It was time for the final method and he was pretty sure Shunsui's was a mixture of a few of them. An interesting cocktail of feelings and emotions here. " Finally we reach the end of the lecture on this topic. It's when you don't find the needed challenge or push..This wall is often times very hard to overcome without a life or death situation..Be warned it's not a get power quick scheme. This is a dangerous method and shouldn't be attempted by anyone or anything."

Tsubasa did have to admit he was thankful he didn't have to talk and fight. He brought a hand up with his index and middle finger showing the number two. "On this next move I'm going to show Flashstpe and movement combined to what I came up with..And second Shin is leading the Unabara from here on..He's become the Clan leader, much to his vocal disapproval. I think it's time the Clan had young blood leading it instead of an old man..I'll be coming at you pretty straight forward..be ready." He exhaled a breath as he felt that familiar tension fade. It was about time for Fujin to make an appearance. He wanted his father to see just how fast he was. His senses should have been awake at this point. He wasn't sure what kind of response he'd get. This combined both general speed and the skill of Hoho among other things. A small discharge of electricity sparked across his body. He didn't bother telling his students to observe this. They'd not be able to keep up with the movement anyways.

Allowing his father to catch the wind and begin as he quietly watched and focused. It was about time to stop waiting and go for the movement at this point. It was far quicker the acceleration from zero to one hundred. The near vanishing the Shukuchi was nothing before Fujin. Though if Tsubasa had been serious he could have activated Shunko. That would have made things more interesting in terms of his capability to fight. There was no sound or anything as he simply seemed to appear before his father with a blade at the back of his head. And finger's coming to the side of him. A charge of Byakurai already prepared as Tsubasa seemed to of simply appeared there. Though he was ready to defend and capable of reacting from this angle and protecting himself. Tsubasa could lecture and make a sentence now if he wanted. But if his father defended his fastest speed successfully. It meant the training needed wouldn't be too intense. But if not, if Shunsui couldn't follow his movement. They'd have to start by pushing into some territory that was downright dangerous for those involved.

Shikokai Training for Shunsui would have been the most reckless thing he'd ever signed up for if Tsubasa did attempt such a thing to give his old man a good power increase in every area. But perhaps he was a mistake and Shunsui already held that power, he couldn't be sure himself.

Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:42 am

Artist: Bleach OST - Song: Mysterious - Word Count: 560

Shunsui knew what would be coming next, or so he imagined. It was unlikely that he'd be able to keep up with Tsubasa any further, they were both aware of that. At this point there was no reason for Tsubasa to hold back any longer as Shunsui would be equally unable to react to anything else Tsubasa had to throw at him. He could predict what he would do, perhaps, but that wasn't exactly what he was trying to practice. Nevertheless he presumed that Tsubasa was about to show him more speed than he could handle, and even though there was nothing much he could do to react he planned on paying close attention to just what was the Unabara did to move so speedily.

Shunsui knew that Tsubasa had been feeling out his abilities in this encounter, and he was doing the same. He noticed the smoothness of the Unabara's movement, and respected his prowess. Now that things were getting serious though he was paying even closer attention to Tsubasa's movements. He thought over what Tsubasa's next attack was likely to be while everyone was listening to his speech, and right at the end heard something that caught his attention. So Tsubasa was going to be stepping down as the head of the Unabara clan huh? He'd be interested to hear more about that later.

Seeing that Tsubasa was about to move he began raising his blade as fast as he could, he predicted the attack would come from his front, and it seemed that he guessed correctly. Very soon after Tsubasa appeared Shunsui finished raising his katana, and held it centimeters from his son in laws chest. He was well aware that if it really came down to it Tsubasa would have gotten the better end of the deal here though. While they were only using their unreleased zanpakuto, that is. In a real fight Shunsui didn't see that happening though, and he had many tricks of his own that made speed less of an advantage. All of this was inconsequential though. In the end it mattered little whether or not he reacted to Tsubasa, the real display had been that technique. Even when he did meet someone faster than him it was usually not hard for him to track them visually. He had sharp eyes, and his mind processed information quickly, but as he watched Tsubasa this time the mans form blurred somewhat. Not so much that Shunsui couldn't make him out, but he was like an oil painting that had been smudged.

Now that they were face to face Shunsui smiled. He reached up slowly and put his hand on Tsubasa's, then casually pushed both Tsubasa's hand and zanpakuto away from himself.

"Very impressive kid. I really couldn't do much against that like this. I've got an idea though. Lets start off slow and continue sparring until we reach my top speed. I think I can still go faster. I'd like to see if I can get a bit quicker before I try to tackle that."

Shunsui had a feeling this was going to be a very beneficial training session. He felt like his body was ready to do more if he pushed it hard enough, but maybe he was wrong. Only one way to find out.

Mon Dec 11, 2017 5:59 pm

Artist: N/A - Song: N/A - Word Count: N/A

He sighed softly as he rubbed the back of his neck a bit. He'd take himself back a bit as Shunsui spoke. Giving the suggestion as Tsubasa stood and exhaled softly. So in terms of defense Shunsui was acceptable and skilled enough from what he could tell. Mental preparation or be it outstanding instincts. Shunsui had been able to guess his location though he didn't really do anything different. Or try to make moves of his own during that. "We've played to your pace for the most part, from here on..You will attack me at speeds you feel comfortable with. It's about time we see how well your offense is." His focus changed as Tsubasa thought about releasing his Shikai. He wanted to know where he stood right now against past Shinigami. You can't beat a legend or the past was all that remained. For now, he had to worry about two other enemies. Ibiki couldn't be allowed to face Kin, Sing, or Mana. He couldn't let her come to harm like that or face a similar situation.

Tsubasa changed his form slowly sinking into the second stance of the Unabara Lotus. Deciding to begin using Tenjin on his father now slowly. His entire being focused on the three hundred and the sixty-degree defensive grid formed. It wasn't a power or something visible it was a sword stance and something they were taught. It was to create and then protect without failure as the sword that believed. It was a chance to truly test Shunsui's attacks. Let him decide and raise the speed as needed as Tsubasa remained ready. His breathing had changed into a controlled one. He was ready to use very subtle and quiet movements. Waiting for the situation to change. He could defend against any number of attacks from this stance. Tsubasa stopped for a moment as he knew the early declaration was odd. Shinsui had been missing for a while, though he believed that one was harder to kill. His son was elusive almost like a mist. Or a reflection of something, you could reach for it but it would vanish instantly upon contact.

"That is to say, I do think he lives..and if so he will take them where I cannot tread any longer.I have one task left to me at this point...If you look deeper you will see him within the strange occurrences of Rukongai. He could no longer search for the child who'd gone missing. In truth he could no more look their then he could waltz into the Gotei. This now fell to Shunsui and anyone else who cared to search for the boy. He knew his son didn't agree with anything and would likely gut the clan. Change them from the entire belief system and everything. But that was acceptable, the time of monsters and murderer's had passed. It was time for a new age to come about. Much like the First Generation of Captains, Tsubasa and his kind were the old Guards now. They'd let the younger generation handle things from here on. Tsubasa could no longer be that guiding hand for the Gotei. Though one daughter did desire his strength for an upcoming battle. He'd go if only begrudgingly to keep one thing clear.

They would do anything to win, but he'd sacrifice everything to keep this world from falling.

Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:15 pm

Artist: Bleach OST - Song: Mysterious - Word Count: 625

"Sounds like a good idea to me, and don't worry, I'm sure the kid will turn up.

With small talk out of the way Shunsui took a moment to prepare himself. He relaxed, all of his muscles untensing slowly. This was going to be the true test, the real measurement of his ability. He took several deep breaths, then, as he exhaled, he began to move. He began to move in a way that was unlike anything he'd ever experienced before, and almost before he realized it himself he was by Tsubasa's side. Having closed the distance so rapidly Shunsui had been afforded little time to come up with a plan of attack, so he simply relied on his instinct.

Shunsui launched a flurry of blows at Tsubasa, attempting to gain some preliminary knowledge of his defense. Every so often he would retreat and gauge Tsubasa's form from a distance, then rapidly close the distance. All the while his body was starting to slowly become more accustomed to operating on this higher level. It wasn't an effortless process by any means though. He could feel the strain on both his body and on his reiryoku as he continued to flit around the sparring area, but it was nothing compared to some of the hardships he'd endured in the past. Still, he could tell that he wasn't moving at the same speed Tsubasa had been, and that was more than enough reason for him to not yet be fully satisfied. With that thought in mind he began to push himself even further, drawing on power he'd never been aware he'd possessed. While doing this he noticed another considerable increase, but he could also tell that his body and energy were slowly starting to drift out of sync. He'd have to take a moment to deal with that. Right in the middle of one of his attacks Shunsui paused, stopping himself and his blade mid-flight. He stayed there, almost frozen solid for several seconds, then swiftly slid his blades back into their sheathes and held up his index finger.

"One moment"

Assuming a lotus position Shunsui began to meditate deeply. He had been doing this for over two thousand years, so it didn't take him long to find his groove. The main goal he had in mind was realigning his reiryoku so it would be more suited for supporting high speed movement. Usually this wasn't a problem, and it had taken him quite a while to figure out what was going on. The reason he'd never heard of this before is because he was beginning to approach speeds that most never dreamed of. What worked normally was not necessarily what worked here. Only forty-five seconds later Shunsui stood once more. He felt... different, but more like himself than he ever had. It was a very strange feeling, to say the least, but it made him feel incredibly stimulated.

With that out of the way he was once again ready to go. He looked over to Tsubasa to notify him of his readiness, then wasted no time in attacking. Over the course of their previous clash Shunsui had noticed that no matter where he attacked from Tsubasa was ready to defend effortlessly. An admirable defense, but it was time to see if it could be confused, slipped through, or otherwise overwhelmed. Moving at a speed that he himself would have been unable to register only hours ago, Shunsui launched his assault from all angles. He darted from left to right, front to back, making attacks whenever he saw fit. He was unsure if he'd be able to get in what would be considered solid hits in actual combat, but he was determined to try with everything he had.

A Requiem for Phantoms

A Requiem for Phantoms

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