Seaside Fight Night: Fuuen vs. Kokuto

This is a no-holds-barred match to knock out, concession, or disqualification. The arena is assumed to be sufficiently sized for combat, a 25m square raised pavilion inside of a larger 100m square field. Outside of this 100m square field is a 10m buffer zone for the purposes of ring-out. Beyond this buffer zone is a barrier erected by the Gotei Captains Kuchiki and Urahara, so assume it can withstand all but the most absolutely extreme destruction. Combatants will begin the match each on one corner of the raised pavilion.

A reminder that breaking any of these rules is grounds for immediate disqualification:
1. Anyone who leaves the boundaries of the ring is disqualified.
2. Injuring or involving spectators in the match is grounds for immediate disqualification.
3. Killing blows are strictly forbidden.

Breaking these rules will result in a combatant being immediately rendered unconscious by way of Binding Contract with Albedochiffren Director Kishar.

In the left corner: Unseated Member of the Gotei United's 7th Division, Fuuen.

In the right corner: Sternritter of the Vandenreich, Kokuto Rooks.

Being in front of a bunch of people to fight was new to him. How long had he fought to keep himself alive in Demon World? Now, here he was, a member of the Vandenreich, fighting in a tournament, in the first round, no less. Letting out an uneasy sigh, partially regretting signing up for this, Kokuto made his way into the rather massive arena. From what he had been told, his opponent was an Unseated Member of the Gotei's Seventh Division, someone named Fuuen.

That alone didn't really give him much, since he had little idea as to how the Gotei and it's hierarchy worked. Nevertheless, he activated Devil Steel, causing a flash of red energy to shimmer across his body and shine in the light, before fading to barely noticeable. Better to be ready, just in case. He made his way to the center of the arena, offering a wave and a smile to his opponent, before reaching out and offering to shake his hand.

"Yo! Hope to have a good match against ya, Fuuen."

It was almost strange, to finally fight for a crowd again. How long had it been now? Not since his time among the living, he supposed. Not that Fuuen necessarily missed those days as a duelist, but he certainly had to admit that it was a bit of a rush to stand on the grand stage once more. He'd been informed of his opponent's name, but little else. That was fair, he supposed.

It surprised him to see the opponent offer a hand, but Fuuen certainly took it. He was, after all, a good-natured sort. Was he prepared for if this opponent of his used the opportunity to get an early lead in the bout? Yes, naturally. He wasn't a fool, he understood that it was a prime opportunity.

"You as well, Mr. Rooks. Let us perform at our best, and give the crowd a suitable show."

Assuming Kokuto let him go, Fuuen went to his corner and set his hand on his blade. He wasn't exactly one to rush into a fight.

From what he remembered of his lessons in Japanese as a kid, the name "Fuuen" meant something related to wind, and, even from that one interaction, Kokuto felt that he was certainly fitting of the name. He held no tricks or deception as the two shook hands. His eyes spotted the rather large sword attached to his back, returning to Fuuen as he replied. Well, wasn't that somethin'? Guy was a swordsman and a crowd pleaser.

"I ain't much of a showman, so, hope I don't disappoint. Either way, yeah, let's do our best."

Nodding, Kokuto let the man go, returning to his corner. He had thought about going with the usual strategy, but, instead, he held out his hand, summoning a black-bladed sword with a hook near the end and warping near the tsuba. It was far from a conventional weapon, but, it felt rather fitting for a demon, oddly enough. Giving the weapon a few test swings, he put a foot forward, holding the weapon by his side.

Without another word, Kokuto took off. He wasn't the fastest in the world, but he could still get around. Taking the weapon in both hands, hearing the chains and shackles jangling in the wind. He intended to close the distance and when he got within range, he dragged the weapon upward with a powerful slash, sending a heated wave of air pressure forward if Fuuen avoided it. Without taking a moment to shift, Kokuto immediately drove his elbow down to slam into the man's collarbone.

The maneuver was far from formal, not belonging to any sort of particular style or school, and left him open. Even with this, Kokuto was confident in his own abilities to block or reflect Fuuen's likely retaliation.

Another swordsman, hm? Fuuen was glad to see that, at the very least. His hand moved to the hilt of the Yuudachi, watching his opponent's movements carefully, and only drew when he felt the attack surging toward him. While he was typically the sort to move rather than meet an attack head-on, he knew it would be a more exciting display for the crowd to show off a bit. In a single motion, Fuuen drew the sword from its sheathe and swung it overhead in a wide vertical arc, spiritual energy condensing aorund the blade's edge to slice through the heat wave and part it before it struck him.

The elbow itself was just as concerning, but Fuuen was not such a novice that he hadn't been ready for a followup strick. His stance shifted just slightly enough to avoid an impact, his feet moving only barely so as to keep this battle at the ideal range. One more faint reposition, quick yet short, enough to put him near his opponent's weaker side. Fuuen once again struck out, but this time with a rising slash. As he did so, the actual length of his blade grew significantly, as ambient spiritual energy coalesced to form a far longer edge for the weapon.

The energy surging forward, naturally, cut through the earth below as well, and while the sword arc up toward Kokuto himself, the stone of the arena's ground was torn upward as well, creating further debris and one more hazard. For now, even as he attacked, Fuuen was staying relatively defensive, calculated, not aiming for outright aggression. He didn't wish to overextend himself, after all.

He was expecting some kind of response to the attack, but cleaving through the pressure wave was not something he expected. He found himself grinning as he went through the movements, notably impressed at his opponent's seemingly effortless showmanship. The man was nimble, repositioning himself quickly, yet without too many major movements.

He met the man head-on, shifting around to face him as he watched the blade grow longer. He leaned back to try and avoid some of the brunt, but the blade's increased length scraped harshly along the defensive layer of energy, a flash of scarlet energy appearing as the weapon made contact. Thankfully, it didn't break, but it certainly dealt some damage. He quickly regained his footing, swinging his sword at the bits of debris closest to him, quickly reducing them to pebbles and rubble.

Quietly connecting the chains attached to his wrist to the base of his sword, Kokuto took a few steps back before suddenly hurling his sword forward. Should it be deflected, Kokuto would simply call the weapon back to his hand as he dug his foot into the ground, kicking up a large chunk of the arena and kicking it toward Fuuen. If he was going to stay on the defensive, then Kokuto would have to be the offense, for now, at least.

Mm. This wasn't someone he could simply cut down with ease. That would make this match more difficult, certainly, but Fuuen was hardly opposed to a challenge. Quite the contrary, as a matter of fact. Facing someone durable enough to handle his techniques meant that the swordsman could utilize the wider breadth of his mastery. Sidestepping the blade suddenly being thrown toward him, Fuuen's eyes stayed primarily on his foe, attention split between his body and the sword itself.

As the chunk of arena was flung toward him, Fuuen drew up his blade for only a moment, preparing another of his techniques with full focus. He could have easily sidestepped that as well, but better to make this a show, win or lose. Sankei: Sanka Hakuu. Cutting straight down as energy crackled over his blade like lightning, two additional blades formed out from the sword and cut through the stone as well, in an X shape to assist his perfect vertical cut.

"Forgive me if this next technique is still unrefined, Mr. Rooks. I have had precious little time to properly put it to the test, and few opponents that might have been capable of weathering it."

His stance shifted, his thoughts focused on the blade in his hand and the opponent before him. The distance between them, the spiritual energy in the air. Fuuen had to consider these things quickly, so he supposed it was good that he was excellent at matters such as these. The ambient reishi flowed around his blade and his body, blowing gently toward his opponent like any other breeze. But it carried with it focus, intensity, and the edge of the Yuudachi seemed to reflect flower petals which didn't exist.

"Musoku Bouken, Ikkei: Hana-Taiyou-Ame."

He stepped forward, his own speed the greatest weakness of his form at the moment. Fuuen was certainly fast, but he could be faster. As he came within reach of Kokuto, his blade's length giving him ample distance, he swung a single time, but as the blade cut downward, a thin line hung in the air for a brief moment, before shattering into petals and flying toward Kokuto.

That was exhausting. Goodness, how much further he would need to refine this style before he would consider it acceptable.

Seeing his opponent perform these flashy, incredulous techniques, admittedly, made him a little jealous. Compared to his own movements and attacks, Fuuen's held discipline so that even something as simple as a downward cut felt like the man was ordering the chunk of the arena floor to split in two. Kokuto was impressed to see that from someone who seemed so unassuming. So, he grinned as he listen to Fuuen speak of his next technique. Even if it wasn't as refined as his other moves, Kokuto figured it would still be a spectacle. So, cracking his neck as he readied his sword, Kokuto prepared himself.

He watched Fuuen's stance change, his own footwork shifting in response to better steel himself, even if this next move was apparently unrefined. As he stepped forward, he lifted his sword at seeing Fuuen's own move. But, before he could reach it, Fuuen's sword suddenly cut downward, scraping against the end of his wrist before slicing down against his shoulder and collarbone, and a flurry of petals flew toward him.

On instinct, Kokuto moved his hands to cover his face as the line shattered. Scarlet energy roared to life as the blade made contact, creating a noticeable series of cracks from where they made contact, trailing from his shoulder and collarbone to midway across his chest and arm. Unlike before, the scarlet energy remained visible, showcasing the cracks and damage.

Slowly bringing his arms down to his sides, Kokuto let out a brief, shaky sigh. But, he started chuckling, then laughing.

"Holy shit! Now that was cool!"

Shit, and that was supposed to be unrefined. Kokuto twirled his sword idly by his side, spinning his wrist and causing orange flames to slowly creepy to life along the blade, sending small waves of fire outward and dissipate into the air.

"I don't got anythin' near as flashy, but, I'll try and match that."

Taking his sword in both hands, the air in the arena began to heat up, and Kokuto's stance shifted, holding the sword horizontally at his side. He stepped forward, swinging in an arc in front of him, the heat ramping up as the weapon cut through the air. Flames erupted along the sword's path, a wave of heat and flame exploding outward in a couple feet around them.

As the raging flames settled, dissipating into the air not long after their invocation, Kokuto followed up with a vertical slash of the same effect, creating a line of fire in front of him as he ripped the sword down to the ground. He didn't have a name for it, nor was it anywhere near as disciplined as Fuuen's technique, that much could be likely be seen by him. But, if he wanted to make it a show, he'd do his best to do his part.

Kokuto's jubilant response was not immediately expected, but it elicited a smile from Fuuen as well. His eyes, however, remained focused,s tudying his opponent's moves, and his footing shifted as the area grew hotter. The technique being used against him was certainly easy to follow; showing the flames beforehand made it even moreso. But Fuuen was not a man who would simply evade the technique when Kokuto had met his own head on.

As flame shot toward him, Fuuen's footing shifted only barely, his stance moving to the third stance of Ukiyo Hakkei; Seiran, the Clearing Wave. Its aggression was vital in this bout, and even moreso against this particualr foe. As he shifted his hold on the Yuudachi to only one hand, energy once more coalesced over the egde of the sword like dew. A quite prayer to the dead left Fuuen's lips for only a moment, before he swung toward both the flame and Kokuto in a diagonal, upward arc from below, his sword nearly scraping against the floor of the arena. As he did so, the watery energy on the blade's edge flew off, forming into four additional blades that all followed the same path.

Fugaku Nikei: Gaifuu Kaisei.

Even as he cut through the flame to match Kokuto's attack, however, Fuuen felt the parted fire singe his attire, scorch his flesh beneath. Ah, a bit of his hair had been caught too, that was a shame. He'd have to cut it a bit shorter now. While he might have normally given some comment of approval to his opponent, this had evolved into a proper bout now. The only exchange that was necessary now was combat, and despite the injuries he'd received, Fuuen was still in an offensive stance. Stepping forward as he re-oriented his blade, Fuuen once more cut toward Kokuto, not yet utilizing any further specialized techniques. Where once there had been finesse, now there was sheer force, a style that seemed wholly at odds with Fuuen's own character, and yet was entirely natural in his hands.

Moments after he had unleashed the cross-shaped wall of flame toward his opponent, Kokuto began moving forward, keeping behind it as he shifted his own stance. Now holding his own sword with one hand, he took the brunt of Fuuen's multiple upward slashes head-on, creating even more cracks and chips in the scarlet-colored armor that shimmered and flickered around his body.

He wasn't surprised at all to see his opponent cleave through his flames with such style and discipline, but as he saw Fuuen raise his sword to strike again, Kokuto twisted his sword around, keeping it lined up with his arm. As Fuuen's blade moved to cut toward him, he noticed the change in him. Rather than the disciplined elegance of his specialized techniques, he could see the raw force intended.

He shifted some of his weight onto one leg, keeping his balance as the two blades clashed. He gradually slid the weapon up, easing the Yuudachi into the hooked portion of Rakshasa's Claw. Static sword binds were usually a bad idea for normal people, since there were countless ways to get out of them and counter, but, he hoped that his sword would make that a little more challenging.

Immediately after, a surge of flames erupted from behind him, suddenly pushing his leg forward to knee Fuuen in the stomach, before using his free hand in an attempt to grab one of his wrists. Should he connect, Kokuto would have no hesitation before pivoting and quite literally tossing Fuuen across the arena.

A bit of a break from what the two men had been doing, but, Kokuto took his chance with what he knew. Even if it didn't work out, and his blunder would get punished, he was still having a hell of a time.