Twice Worn, Twice Heavy

Mon Jan 18, 2021 4:40 pm

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He inhaled a bit, as his hand softly cradled the fabric of the Haori. Once upon a time, he'd worn this very thing. He commanded people and did his duty. Fighting the fight that came. Though he lost and became a Vizard. Something that the Gotei didn't take kindly to.

Seasons changed and while he remained the same. He did experience many sensations and even went into a depression. Before finding courage once again from a source lost to him.

He'd challenged for this position and obtained it While nothing in life was easy, he'd been ready to fight for his life. To stake everything on this one moment, they could take his life but not his resolve.

The first thing he had to do was train people up, prepare them for whatever conflicts lay in the future. Style-wise he and the previous Captain were eternally opposite of one another.

He looked over the paperwork and funds given to them. Sitting down he rested his back in the chair. The First Kobayashi to become a Captain and in some ways one of few to do so twice. He'd risen back to this position, where he had a duty to perform.

He was the first Kenpachi of the new era, gaining the title. Kenpachi Kobayashi, not a name his family expected. But it worked well enough for him, though the foundation existed as well.

There was paperwork to deal with and many things to go through. Members within the roster of the Combat squad he'd yet to see or meet. All thing's that would require some work. A Vice-Captain position left mostly empty.

He didn't recall bumping into her, but he began making a list of names. Settling into his work despite the time away from such a role. He felt a familiarity towards it, something to do. The Gotei once upon a time had been a fierce Division, with a strong Combat Squad.

Kenpachi a title that he planned to revive, within the organization. To bring honor back to them, but it wouldn't be easy. His resolve would have to be strong, stronger than ever before. In order to rise above the coming days and challenges ahead.

He began gathering the files, moving his papers up and done. Getting things settled for whatever or whoever came to visit him.

Mon Jan 18, 2021 10:11 pm

Honorable Vizard

Laskt Matiche

"I have ze files you asked for Captain Yoshitsune"

A respectful voice would call out from outside the cluttered office, preceding a Shingami carrying a teetering stack of papers and folders. The Vizard would carefully place the multitude of forms down near the doorway, subdividing them into their different categories with superhuman speed and efficiency. "Zese are the deployment orders, and zese are the Asauchi requisitions for your recruitment drive and zese...." Laskt continued on, his voice crisp and professional.

It had been a long six months since his induction to the combat corps, something that Laskt had originally seen as little more than a penance. However, what he could never have expected was the quick change in leadership. Shinryu, after his....crowded first training session had been challenged and replaced by Yoshitsune Kobayashi, a relative of Damien and a fellow Vizard. For all of his initial hesitation at the sudden change in loyalties, Jaden's leadership had proved to be just, and seemingly genuine desire to bring the Fourth Division back to its former power and glory. The Kenpachi seemed inexhaustible in his drive to improve the current state of affairs, and Laskt, determined to do the same, had assisted him with whatever he required. What had turned shared interests into loyalty, however, was Yoshitsune's tutoring in Hollow control after he had noticed Laskt's little episodes.

It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination. His Hollow still flared its rage when Laskt was at his weakest, and Laskt was still stuck in a rut as far as his mental state and relationship with said Hollow, but it was still a more stable than anything the Vizard had had in years, something that Laskt could never truly repay. And so, the Shinigami had devoted himself to helping his Captain in any way possible, no matter what was required.

"And....zat should cover it I think. Is zere anything else you need me for Captain?"

Laskt Matiche(2-5 Vizard/B Hazard)

Jonathan Weber(4-2 Quincy/D Hazard)

Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:14 pm

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"Of course Captain, I'm glad I could be of assistance." Laskt replied simply, inclining his head respectfully. Laskt followed the man outside of the cluttered office, listening as the Captain talked about the day's training regimen for his own growth. The Shinigami allowed his eyes to wander across the mostly empty training field, carefully noting the few warriors that were present. A cursory examination showed them to be far below any level of power that would even qualify them to engage Gillian-class Hollows, let alone the threats that were beginning to pop up more and more nowadays. They would need extensive training to say the least.

His musing ended as Yoshitsune grabbed wooden practice sword and began explaining the basics of his style: Shigure Shinrin Ryu. Laskt had of course heard of the style before, it was practically synonymous with his Captain, but this was the first he had heard of it being so open-ended. "Forgive me captain, but if it is a style zat one constructs of zeir own experiences, how is it teachable? One would zink zat such a style would need to be self-developed." Laskt queried, walking over to the rack of practice blades and grabbing one for himself before turning to face Yoshitsune once more, the blade held loosely at his side.

The Vizard watched his captain explain the first form and demonstrate it, eyes narrowing as the stick began to glow with compressed Reishi. The resulting thrust let loose a needle thin stream of Reishi that easily sliced through the training dummy, fading away as it passed beyond the bounds of the training ground. It seemed like such a simple concept at first glance that it was almost childish: that was until one understood the underlying pieces. Pinpoint Reishi control and a fine sense of timing were needed, as well as the raw energy reserves to compress the Reishi enough to achieve the form.

Laskt's Spritual pressure flared to life, indigo Reaitsu pooling around the wooden sword as he drew it back in an imitation of the swordmaster's flowing movements. He then thrust the blade forward, releasing a large wave of Reishi that nearly disintegrated the training dummy before managing to cut off the power. Laskt made a small noise of dissatisfaction, glancing down at the smoking bokken before returning his eyes to the task. "It seems my Reiatsu control needs some work when compared to yours Captain. How would you recommend compressing ze Reishi down further?" Laskt asked, drawing the practice weapon back for another attempt.

Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:40 pm

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He listened to the question, answering it now would be the best course of action. "Conceptionally, the first three forms are introductions. When you've begun to understand and develop. You begin building your own Shigue Shinrin Ryu, begins to falter from the teachers, and become something different. Even Hakuda is possible with it. "

Yoshitsune smiled, precise fighting like his wasn't the requirement. "Maybe, maybe not. See, the forms are introductions, you don't have to match me or do anything the way I do it. It's about comfort, doing what feels right to your body. Even the form can be changed and stance to reflect it. This takes practice, so don't feel discouraged if the results aren't what you are looking for. Progress comes in many forms, this just happens to be one of them."

This was the core fundamental of his style, that it could be passed on to many people. It didn't require a this or a that, not even a sword truthfully. Someone could use it as a Kido specialist and develop forms. The principal was the same regardless, it was a Martial Art.

"Taking what you are comfortable with and employing it, that is the key. For example, I am more in tune with my Hollow powers than others. So for me, the best way and most simple is..this."

Slowly an orange hue came to life at the edge of the bokken. It was a cero that he put around his blade. This was the element he was most familiar with using. He didn't need a mask to create them. Not to mention it was easy enough to wield and control the shape.

The hue faded as he let it disappear back into nothing, he'd shown what he intended to. He could teach them the finer points of it but only showing them it and opening a door. It was up to them to step through, for precise control. What was the trick he'd been taught as a boy.

"For me, I find that seeing myself as an empty vessel, that I slowly fill up with something which happens to be energy works the best. But I also suggest using everything you are comfortable with, the introduction isn't the thrust but the control. That's the key information to it in the earnest form. "

Tue Jan 19, 2021 9:34 pm

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"Just so I make sure I understand, ze first zree forms are ze bedrock upon which I develop my own style?" Laskt asked wiping sweat off his brow, and flipping the bokken in his hand so the tip buried itself in the ground. He wiped sweat off his brow, "In addition, aside from zese moves, ze only commonality between students of your sword style is simply finding what is most comfortable to each individual's body and tailoring ze style to fit zat?" The idea was intriguing to say the least, for all of his long years studying the blade, Laskt had never developed his own style in such a manner, but could not deny that the prospect excited him. "I suppose I am just surprised at how open ended Shigue Shinrin Ryu seems to be. I have never heard of a style so free of dogma."

The Vizard watched as Yoshitsune casually coated his blade Cero energy, utilizing it to launch the same form he had displayed previously. Laskt felt something stir in the depths of his soul at the sight of the orange aura, but pushed it down. "I see, so one can use any form of Spiritual Energy for zis attack, not only concentrated Reishi." He mused, picking up his practice sword once more and returning to the practice.

Laskt took in his Captain's words as he launched attempt after attempt, the other occupants of the training long since left in fear of the repeated discharges of dangerously powerful Reishi. Slowly, attempt after attempt, the energy field around the blade grew more and more stable as the Shinigami got a better handle on the precise control needed for the technique. It wasn't perfect by any means, but it was slowly getting better.

It was during a short break for the warrior to recover his Spirit Energy that he spoke again,"If you dont mind me asking sir....what makes you so confident wiz your Hollow? Every time I try to touch upon ze power you use so easily it is like kicking a hornets nest. For all of ze pointers you gave me about keeping Hollows suppressed, mine still strains at ze leash at every opportunity." Laskt questioned, rolling his neck in its socket and taking a swig of water before returning to the drill. "Is it trulyzat one must build a relationship wiz zem? I have spoken to many Vizards and zey have all said the same zing. However, how is one supposed to build a rapport with a being of pure hatred?"

Tue Jan 19, 2021 11:12 pm

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He nodded sensing that his pupil here was beginning to understand. The Dogma of swordsmanship, styles, and everyone is better. It was a farce of if anything else, true martial art is wieldable by many not few. That bothered him greatly as he rested the bokken upon the ground.

"Swordsmanship, is a Martial Art at the end of the day, the use of weapons over the forms of hand to hand or other forms of combat. So a fighting style should be free of any dogma or set patterns, it should introduce them to themes. That they can build on with their specialties. "

He said explaining his stance on that, why the style was designed the way it was. Because the Forest was a place one could go into, they could find many trees for different times, branches going several ways. Nothing was the same, that was the motivation behind it.

He gave a sigh, Vizards the world over had some misconception about them. But he was known as someone who had an intensely strong bond with his hollow. More than even his Zanpakuto.

"Vait and I aren't normal, but for me, there was a difference in how I saw him. Vait represented regret for me, the Past Regrets I wore like shackles as I walked. It was when I began to face my Demons, with not violence and sword but something more. I began to build a bridge, we both harbor emotions that are bad and good. What I strive to do is both control Vait and be his partner. So instead of us both focusing on bickering and seeing the differences."

He said softly as he watched him continue his training, hoping he understood he continued to speak on the subject. "They aren't that different from a Zanpakuto, but they represent a negative emotion or something of that nature born inside of us. Vait and I have been partners, I see us as one, not two. So when I draw on our powers, I am not drawing from him. It's ours as a collective. "

His views came from training and learning from Zin Yuudeshi. The King of Vizards, the man was an inspiration even in his journals. Yoshitsune focused and became more interested in the prospects. But the fact was, he'd began touching the surface of going further.

It was still coming, but he could do something surprising.

"Once you begin to find it, you can do things with your Zanpakuto and Hollow together. Creating new possibilities, For me, the man who inspired me to keep living after I turned into a Vizard played a big part. The Corps is gone now, but within them, few used force to bind their hollow. I learned of Vait and took my time, some roads take time others don't. But one thing is universally true when you lose both of you lose."

Vait had come to life within him further, he smiled a bit feeling the prod from his partner. It was a welcome thing, discussing that place didn't bring regret but hope.

Wed Jan 20, 2021 8:35 pm

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The Vizard felt the ebb and flow of his energy as it swirled around him like eddies in a swift river. Laskt's Reishi did not want to be tamed and forced into a cage like the esteemed Captain had suggested, any attempt to do so was met with either an uncontrollable blast, or the explosion of the fragile bokken which was it's conduit.

Laskt tossed the shattered practice tool aside, taking up his third from its rack. "I must say Captain, you are much different zan any ozer swordsmasters I have studied under. Zat much is certain." He said, chuckling and once again attempting to master the flow of power. "Most would not trust any but proven warriors zat much freedom in zeir own training. One could develop all sorts of bad habits wizout ze proper guide."

The Shinigami would listen quietly as Yoshitsune spoke of his story, halting the crackling discharge of Reishi to better hear his Captain's words, His lips twisted into a grimace, turning and stabbing the bokken forth into the air, "It is a nice sentiment Captain, I will not deny zat. But isn't our purpose as Shinigami to destroy all Hollows? How can beings like us willingly draw power from somezing zat has slaughtered millions? My Hollow certainly does not seem to display any redeeming qualities, let alone ze desire to bond like you say we must."Laskt said, his voice growing darker as he thought of Beijing. Two Vizards in a mad city, both baying for one another's blood like animals. No matter how much he tried to make sense of the event in his head, his mind continued to pick at the sequence of events like an raw scab, unwilling to let it go.

It was perhaps the slight hint of anger that provided the key. Out of sheer irritation, Laskt seized upon the flowing eddies of Spiritual Energy, forcing his will upon them to flow according to his will. The bokken began to glow with a indigo hue, the energy building up rapidly before being released as a needle thin stream of power, punching straight through the neck of the training dummy with ease and emerging out the other side, gradually dissipating into nothingness.

".......I am sorry for the outburst Captain. I am not trying deny who I am, nor do I keep wishing to fight an endless a war against my Hollow. I have given zese same arguments to many ozers and simply asking over and over accomplishes nozing. I suppose I am just......scared to take zat first step." Laskt said quietly, thinking back upon a millennia of existence.

He shook his head, attempting to clear the sorrow from his mind. "I suppose zat qualifies for understanding of the first form Captain?" The knight questioned.

Wed Jan 20, 2021 11:54 pm

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He smiled as they brought up the bad habits, he didn't know that learning the three forms was the beginning. "It's what comes after, sparring to make sure you can use those techniques without bad habits. That you build around yourself correctly. But there is more to it, as there are other things."

He brought his hand up raising to let him know he didn't mind the outburst. He listened quietly and calmly. "I think you misunderstand something, the way I did it, doesn't apply to you or anyone else. The fact of the matter is, that bonding is different for everyone. You may have to beat him down and prove your mettle. It's not the same route for all of us. "

He paused for a moment, reflecting on the question brought to him. About the nature of their duty to exterminate hollows. He shook his head left to right, disagreeing here on a level.

"Perhaps long ago, that was our duty. But the time has changed and in many ways, so have we too evolved. We don't fight exclusively hollows, we've fought Demons, Iramasha, and many beings over the many years. The Quincy, so many things have fallen into our Squad's purpose. We bring our sword down on those who are enemies of the Gotei. We can't generalize hollows, some are good and some are bad. Same for demons and anyone we fight, as a warrior we have a code we must follow. " He paused making sure he understood the point of this.

It was important and almost vital to it all. The fact was, they didn't exterminate hollows anymore. Not in mass as they had in the older days. While they would fight them and continue that sacred trust. Some Hollows such as those in Vegas and others were not enemies.

He brought his hand up, putting it to Laskt's chest now. Letting his palm press against it softly.

"One other thing, our inner hollows are no different from our Zanpakuto. So if you are saying we should exterminate them as well, it leads to a problematic issue. Inside you, the answer to what plagues you and the negativity you hold. That's the key but remember this too. Before mastering one's hollow oftentimes, the other comes first. I drowned in pain and misery, my body was beaten and broken. And I was cast out of this place once upon a time. " He said remembering that moment when the Gotei turned on him. When he became a Vizard.

This place wasn't the friends that one would imagine. He was taken to the Vizard Corps and tended to there. Rising quickly to the rank of a Commander, who handled the Combat again.

"For me, when the Gotei cast me out for what I was. Vait reached out his hand because we both understood something. We had nothing, if he took over he died simply as that. But..one day. I began to realize something important, from Zin..but one day you'll find it, give it time."

He removed his hand and pondered the style and things that Laskt would build for himself. Who would join them in rebuilding this place, would be a nice thing to find out.

Sat Jan 23, 2021 11:00 am

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Laskt nodded as Yoshitsune spoke, commuting the lesson to memory. It was surely an unconventional method, but if it granted him half the strength his Captain possessed, then it would be worth the effort.

The Vizard let a bitter chuckle spill from his lips,"Of course it could not be zat easy. But what is the best way to find zis method you speak of? I try and try, and yet all Chikai no Uragiru does is try to slaughter my soul." Laskt shook his head, fighting off the wave of angst that threatened to beat him down once more, "Regardless, you are right, I will accomplish nothing by sitting here and complaining about it. I suppose it is just a matter of waiting for the right opportunity." The Shinigami said, answering his own question.

Much had changed since Laskt had pulled himself out of the Detention Unit and begun his long trek towards this point. His body had been torn, burned and beaten. His soul had been abused and nearly consumed on more than one occasion. And yet he had endured, and earned the strength to at least attempt some form of understanding with his Hollow. The path ahead was long and dark, but at least there was one for the first time in many centuries.

"You are right once again Captain, I suppose I am still too set in my ways from ze days of ze old Gotei. Ze times have changed and us along wiz zem. We are zey sword of Soul Society, no matter what enemies we must face." The Vizard acknowledged, remembering the desperate defense of Vegas. "However, zis does not change ze fact zat Hollows are still one of our greatest duties and zreats. Ze ozer races you name, Demons, Irashama, even ze Quincies. Zey are all sentient on some level, and zis guides zeir actions and decisions. Zey are of course capable of great cruelty, and zeir motivations may be warped, but zey still have zem. Ze vast majority of Hollows, however, are but mere beasts, and even ze more intelligent ones require ze souls of humanity to propagate and increase zeir personal power."

Laskt understood the point Yoshitsune was trying to make, but it did not change the fact that the Shinigami had spent hundreds of years essentially chained at the ankle to a Hollow that symbolized the anthesis of everything he believed in. He had lost countless colleagues and friends to the Hollow's greed, and had watched Soul Society nearly fall because of them more than once. It was a hatred that would not so easily disappear. "Zere are of course exceptions to ze rules I am describing, I am not so blind as to not see zat. I fought alongside Monsieur Arkin and Captain Murasaki when Vegas was attacked, and did so gladly. It just....irks me to have to rely on beings such as zem for power." Thee knight finished, scratching the back of his head with his free hand.

"Mastering my Zanpaktou will be....difficult to put it simply. I have not heard its voice in centuries, since we had a disagreement of sorts." Laskt explained, glancing away to avoid meeting his superior's eyes. "Regardless I will...zink on what you have said Captain. Zank you for your advice."

Twice Worn, Twice Heavy

Twice Worn, Twice Heavy

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