It's good to get humbled sometimes [Saera, Kanae]

The many dozens of unseated Fourth Squad members going through their kata in the division training grounds were steadily being shaped into more capable warriors. When Kanae had taken over the squad at the beginning of the year she sensed a bit of apprehension on their part, their unwillingness to go along with significant change apparent. Her predecessor, Arkin, was someone they looked up not just as their leader, but as a drinking buddy among other things. Kanae was no such thing to them. She was their leader, yes, but not their friend. However, it wasn't long before the squad's foot soldiers began to see her own qualities worth their admiration. Kanae was tough on them, but in their eyes it was because she wanted them to be their very best.

What they weren't aware of was how badly Kanae wanted to cleave through them by the hundreds. She had no love for her soldiers, nor anyone else; they were just a necessary responsibility. Her violet gaze swept across them, hatred filling her soul as she sat through another self-imposed torture that was their daily training. Her presence inspired them to work harder and longer than ever before, every day an opportunity to surpass the previous day's limitations. Though horrifically weak, at least by Kanae's standards, they really were improving.

When Saera ran over, Kanae kept her attention focused on the training Division members. She listened to the woman speak, sat in silence for a few moments, longer than most would be comfortable with, then questioned what she meant "Fifteenth Seat Saera Kirin, they are taking their training seriously. After all, none of them are running over to me begging for attention." Kanae could guess at what her subordinate wanted of her, and it was perhaps her boredom that led to the following question "If you have a request, speak it before I have you get in formation with the rest of the Division."

Saera's response and request brought a sigh to Kanae's lips. She had announced any Division member could challenge her during her "office hours", any time she was in the barracks, for a reason: To analyze and, eventually, document all of their strengths and weaknesses. She was intent on learning these attributes of every capable fighter in the Gotei as this information would be of vital importance when it comes time to implement her plans. Unfortunately for Kanae, every once in a while she was challenged by someone she didn't think would be worth the time necessary to send them to the hospital.

Kanae's violet eyes shifted to stare at Saera, sizing her up. She admittedly didn't know much about this woman. As a rule, anyone below the Tenth Seat was not usually worth her time. The last low ranked subordinate to challenge her was unceremoniously defeated in one move; what made this Saera think she would be any different? Perhaps, thought Kanae, she has the same tenacity as Moe Machihara. Wouldn't that be a surprise.

"You know of my open invitation to challenges" said Kanae as she raised a hand and waved off the nearby training soldiers, indicating they should make room for the impending battle "but are you also aware of the rules involved?" As Kanae questioned Saera, the inflection in her voice indicating she's being rhetorical, she turned and walked a handful of yards away from the Fifteenth Seat.

Then she turned again on her heel and stared down the younger woman, speaking loudly and clearly enough for all to hear "There are only two rules: One, you must fight as if this were a life or death situation. That means use every single tool at your disposal to kill me." Kanae reached down with her right hand and up with her left, then swiftly pulled out not one, but two Zanpakuto. "Second, don't be too upset if you lose a limb or two."

Oh?

Kanae was surprised to hear that release phrase leave her subordinate's mouth. She knows Bankai? What were they feeding Shinigami these days? Why did so many have immature Bankai? A thousand years ago it was a power only the mightiest possessed; the Thirteen Captains had it, a few of the Vice Captains, and fewer than five through the rest of Soul Society could use it, as far as Kanae knew. And now she had not one, not two, but [i]threees in her squad alone who could use Bankai.

Purple eyes analyzed Saera's Bankai. A massive construction came forth from the bubbling abyss, surrounded by writhing chains reaching for anything to grasp and drag down to Hell. An intimidating Bankai to any other, surmised Kanae. When the abyss crept forth and threatened to envelop her in its darkness, Kanae stood silent and strong. Then, with an exhalation, a wave of Spiritual Pressure crashed down on the ground around her, stopping the bubbling black in its tracks. It spread around the fifteen foot wide circle around her, unable to march past her suffocating Reiatsu.

Saera's spell would meet a similar fate to the black mass. As the orbs of pressure appeared around her body, Kanae forced more Reiatsu out then swung one of her swords in an arc, shattering them all. [color=#996699]"Not the worst strategy, but your magic lacks power." Kanae's burning gaze followed Saera's Flash Step, though she still did not move. It was only when the two met face to face did the Captain spring into action. To prevent being grabbed by her subordinate's weapon, she caught it between her two Zanpakuto like a pencil in scissors; then she deftly tilted on one leg and brought her right up in a sideways blow to slam against Saera's side and send her flying away.

"Hmph." uttered Kanae as she felt her subordinate grab at her leg to prevent herself from being sent flying like little more than a pebble across a lake. Saera's initial gambit would prove unsuccessful however, as Kanae's deftness and leg strength kept her standing. She had turned her left leg so that the front of her knee would take the full brunt of Saera's kick, and though she could feel the strike send a wave of force through her leg, she was certain the sensation wouldn't be too pleasant for the other woman either.

"Recklessness in the face of overwhelming power will only hasten your demise." said Kanae, unexpectedly nonchalantly given the circumstances. She noticed Saera attempting to pry away her Zanpakuto, the frown on her face deepening as a result. Does she believe me so easily overcome? thought Kanae. If she wants to be grievously injured so badly, I'll oblige.

A sudden torrent of pressure erupted from Kanae's twin Zanpakuto. The Captain had slowed her breathing and was focusing on the Rieryoku within Tosatsusha, concentrating and molding it...until...yes! Energy wrapped itself around the two swords like a cerulean wreath, before quickly transforming into flowing water that gave off an incredible pressure. "You can have your Zanpakuto back, Saera Kirin." An explosion of water came from both her swords meant to strike Saera's weapon and body with the crushing weight of deep sea pressure.