Striver, Balmung[Shinigami]

Name: Striver, Balmung

Gender: Male

Tier Rank:0-4

Age: 20

Division: 1st Division

Rank: Rankless

Personality: Balmung is a quiet individual he keeps to himself not really butting himself into others business, of course if he has to do something because it is his responsibility as a shinigami such as stopping a hollow he will most definitely step in. Balmung talks only when spoken to so one should not expect him be the one to start a conversation he is more of an observer rather then someone who would involve themselves. He likes to observe and learn from what others are doing, by observing them he likes to spend time alone it allows him to clear his mind up and think to himself of all the things that trouble him or just about anything he has experienced. Balmung always has a serious expression no matter what is happening around him he doesn’t like to show emotions very much he just doesn’t feel right doing so he likes to give that image of a stone wall shinigami who has a one track mind. But in reality he is a very complex individual one who is very intellectual. He doesn’t really hate or like a certain type of person he is very flexible in the sense that he can work with anyone no matter what that persons’ way of thinking because he understands that this world is full of different people, so much diversity and uniqueness is what makes this world so beautiful according to Balmung.

Balmung has a very strong of duty and loyalty he believe strongly in what Soul Society stands for and he will strike down anyone who stands against it, the enemies of Soul Society in Balmung’s eyes must be struck down with the swift hammer of justice. Anyone who opposes Soul Society or disrupts the delicate balance of the universe must be killed without question; this is how strong Balmung believes that Soul Society’s law should be upheld at any costs. In battle Balmung remains relatively cool headed he likes to strategize in the middle of a battle because only then can he be sure whether his plan of action will be effective, but doing it before hand in his eyes is foolish because no one can truly be sure of the outcome of a battle. He also believes in passive aggressive battle styles where he will have sudden burst of straight on aggressive attacks in an attempt to overpower an enemy, but at the same time he will stop make distance and attack in a more tactical manner. Mixing between two very different fighting styles he knows the opponent would find it difficult to adjust and find a good counter, to his style thus not letting them get comfortable. But Balmung in reality will only fight when it is absolutely necessary he doesn’t like to unsheathe his sword unless it is absolutely necessary for him to take up arms, if he sees that his fellow shinigami have the situation under control he will just observe as he always does waiting to see if he is truly needed.

Balmung has a strong hatred to wards the hollows not just because he is a shinigami and it is his duty to eradicate them from this world, but it is a personal grudge every time Balmung sees a hollow his mind is flooded with bad memories of his past. His hatred to wards hollows is a personal one; Balmung also through his life experiences has learned that trusting outsiders and even his own brethren is something he should do so lightly. He never truly puts his trust in someone one hundred percent because he understands that everyone whom takes a breath of life every day that they wake up is also someone who isn’t one hundred percent honest with what they say. He understands not everyone keeps to their words some people are so cunning, and have such a snake tongue that they use it to make others drop their guards and then attack, the proof is all around Balmung. Renegade shinigami are those who at one point in their life swore to uphold the law of Soul Society, and now those very same shinigami turn their swords against those who where once their allies and perhaps more. This is enough proof for Balmung to see the ugly truth, he does not lie to himself he tells it how it is never holding back his words he will always speak the truth because he believes that people should have their eyes opened and not be ignorant to the cold truth of this world. This is truly what makes Balmung an individual, he is also very good with his hands he likes to invent new things but not just weapons for war but things that will also benefit peace, his intellectual mind has an infinite hunger as Balmung would point out that he cannot go a day without learning something new. Balmung know many things and has experienced many things in his life both as a human and a shinigami, so thus he understands that the one thing everyone wishes for ‘peace’ is something that is seen by him as just a dream in this world as long as there are those who inhabit it there can never be peace. Balmung understands this ugly truth and accepts it he knows that he can live one thousand years but it won’t make a difference, the world will remain the same forever locked in conflict.


Appearance: Balmung is a very sturdy looking man he isn’t the tallest of men but he isn’t the smallest either standing at an average height of five feet and nine inches [6'5] he is a pretty good height for someone of his age. His body built is that of a warrior indeed someone who is ready to fight at a moments notice, he understands that one must be in shape in order to take part in combat otherwise knowing what to do is meaningless unless your body has the stamina, speed and strength required to properly execute said techniques. Being a bit of a perfectionist Balmung takes care of his body a lot he keeps at top physical condition with daily exercise, in doing so his body has become very muscular but not in the sense where he is a walking mountain of muscle. He is just right with his build his muscles are all there and well defined having enough bulk to be visibly seen, but not so much as to seem about ready to tear his clothing off if he flexes. There is almost no visible fat on Balmung’s body making it very physically attractive, his bicep and triceps are visibly defined with his bicep being slightly bulked making it visible under clothing, his chest is wide but well muscled the bulk on the muscles just enough to make them visible through his clothing. He had a big six pack running down his stomach the six pack is visible only when he takes off the top part of his shinigami uniform, his legs are just as powerful as his upper body the thigh muscles is thick and strong looking being able to visibly see the muscles when it is exposed. His calf muscle is just as visible a bulge of muscle, another thing that is visible is that his veins are visible on his arms, and legs as well but usually happens right after he had been involved in battle for an extended period of time.

He has a silver head of hair the hair grows back going between his two shoulder blades and ending at mid back, meeting at a spear head like shape, the rest of his hair goes back in leaning spikes , several different strands of silver hair that loom over his eyes, his silver sideburns run down the side of his face stopping right after passing his ear being quite lengthy. The silver hair runs down his back going past the back of his neck meeting at a tip point at the very end of where the hair stops to grow, the hair itself is very odd in style the top of it is spiked with what could be best described as lazy spike. The spikes lean down even when the wind is not pushing them running down to the back of his head going down in a neat row of lazy spikes with the tip pointing down. He has a light tan skin color which lends to the definition of his muscles making them all the more visible under the sun light, his skin itself is very soft to the touch and so warm it wraps anyone he touches in a comforting feeling as if nothing can harm them all their troubles would just flush away. Balmung has that particular gift to make people feel at ease, not just with his words but with his touch it is nothing special just something about his calm aura that he gives off. His eyes are a light hazel color they almost seem as if made of glass like if they’re fake eyes but they are his real eyes those gentle hazel eyes never showing an ounce of emotion those who believe that they can read people through the eyes would find that particularly difficult if they looked into Balmung’s eyes. But the eyes are not cold they lack all emotion except for calmness his gaze is a calm one there is no anger, or sadness in them just a calm and unmoving gaze that seems to stare deep into the souls of those he sets them on.

His facial features are chiseled his cheek bones are visible but not to the point where he seems to be malnourished, his chin meets at a point right below his face but is somewhat cut down the middle the line is not very visible and one must focus on it to see it. His ears are just the right size being perfectly rounded but mostly concealed by his silver hair that lays over them like a quilt cover wrapping itself around a young child to keep them warm. Balmung has no visible scars on his face or limbs, the only scar he has on his entire body is on his back the scar itself runs diagonally over his left shoulder blade then goes down the middle over his upper spine, finally slipping under his right shoulder and ending with a tip. Another thing he has is a tattoo a single tattoo that is located on the left side of his chest right over where his heart is, the tattoo itself is an all black crest it starts with a square that is filled with a variety of lines that intertwine and entangle one another until finally forming a symbol which is a lotus in within the square itself. The final accessory on his body is a necklace that he wears over his neck the thin black strap circles itself around his neck until finally ending in the middle hanging from his neck is a diamond shapes stone, the origin of the stone is unknown. But the stone itself is a dark purple color but on the inside is filled with what seem to be smudges of black that spread through out the inside of the stone itself, the stone is attached to the thin strap necklace tied firmly onto it.

His clothing is very basic he pretty much dresses like any other shinigami wearing the basic uniform it is just the right size for him fitting him perfectly, the sleeves run down his arm hanging from his shoulders a bit loose but not so much as to seem to baggy. The upper portion of his uniform is slightly opened showing his muscular upper body but not to much so that he comes off as a show off, his sleeves hang just over his wrist not going past them fully showing his hands and wrist in plain view, which he wears light weight gauntlets on his hands. The full piece gauntlets cover his hands completely stopping at his wrist and covering the wrist themselves with a thin strap the gauntlets are made of a combination of fiber and light metals so as to not become a burden to Balmung. The bottom portion of his uniform is pretty basic just hanging loosely and a bit baggy from his waist where a white sash ties around his waist gently yet firmly, also this is what straps his zanpaktou into place. He wears the typical shinigami sandals with the white socks covering his feet as well the only thing out of the ordinary really being his gauntlets.

Spoiler:

Zanpakutô Spirit:
The spirit that resides within his zanpaktou is a very tall man he stands at a full height of [7’0] mostly he is seen sitting down but when he stands he easily towers over Balmung. Seiryoku’s size has stretched out body making him look very skinny his long arms end just past his waist, he has long bony fingers that end with long and jagged nails his legs are just as long making his torso seem much smaller then it is. He wears a long tunic that is all white color with several black stripes going all around it, the tunic fits somewhat loosely as it dances in the wind, he wears an all white long sleeve that fits just as loosely as well overlapping his hands covering them but his fingers still visible. His face has never been seen, not even by Balmung it is always covered by a chain mail veil that conceals it completely from view, on his head he wears a six point crown that is all silver, each point as a black jewel embedded into it. Between the crowns there is what seems to be a golden ring that stands out if you ever get a chance to look at the top of his head; Seiryoku speaks with a thundering voice that echoes through out the area with a booming tone. He is a very strict and harsh spirit he doesn’t accept failure he wants Balmung too be the strongest shinigami he refuses to work for a weak master, even then he would never really accept Balmung as his master he always thinks of himself as a superior being.

The inner world where Balmung is transported in order too speak with Seiryoku is a very interesting place too say the least the clouds are pitch black, there is always lightning raining down and thunder cracking the sky. The ground is dead just a barren wasteland all one can see is a boulder every now and then, all except for the place where Seiryoku always resides it is an all white throne made of stone it would seem. The throne sits right above the water, floating inches above it the only source of water in this entire wasteland this is where Seiryoku always sits on this throne staying just above the small body of water. The light blue source of water is as Balmung has said “A sight for sore eyes” he finds the plain just so boring there is nothing here, just dead wasteland.

Seiryoku's attitude is very laid back actually he isn't really the same as Striver, he likes to take things in a relaxed manner he doesn't feel the need to rush a situation. When he is called out he sometimes has been known to complain and ask Striver why he was summoned forth, the spirit is very lazy at that he doesn't like to be called out as often as he should be. But this works hand in hand with Striver, because it forces him to work using his zanpaktou instead of relying on Seiryoku. The spirit enjoys to just loath around and do nothing avoiding work as much as he can always hoping to himself that Striver wont summon him for any reason.

Sealed Zanpakutô :
His zanpaktou in its sealed state doesn’t really resemble a katana like most zanpaktou, it is in fact a Ninjato which is much shorter then a regular katana the hilt of the Ninjato is similar to the one placed on a regular katana. It is a one piece weapon, with a black hilt that is divided from the blade by a square tsuba [hand guard] the blade itself is [15] inches long it is exactly [7] inches shorter then that of a katana’s blade. The sheath of his weapon is the size of a regular sheath giving the illusion that his zanpaktou is like all others, the cherry wood sheath is a dark red color comparable too a bricks color. The reason it is placed in a katana sized sheath is too fool the enemy into believing that his blade is the same size as that of the opponents, thus when both draw naturally Blamung will draw his zanpaktou first getting the first strike. The zanpaktou is fitted to the left side of his waist hanging loosely attached to his waist.

Shikai Description:
When he releases Seiryoku his zanpaktou goes through a transformation first of all it turns into a giant cleaver the cleaver is an obsidian black color, with the edge of it being a sivler color making it stand out from the rest of the blade. The blades length is [44] inches in length, it is [13] inches wide, the handle of the cleaver is [12] inches long allowing him to use two handed wielding. The blade has a unique jagged handle that has two areas where it can be gripped, by both hands using the blade with one hand is quite difficult because of its sheer size and weight forcing him to use two hands as well as slowing him down quite a bit. The handle is all black with a golden key chain hanging from the end of it that ends with a cartoonish flaming skull head on it.

Shikai Abilities:
Seiryoku has the unique ability to gather Concussive Force around the blade then release it in either a pulse, blast or wave at the enemy. The energy must first be gathered around the blade itself after which he is able to use it by releasing it in one of the three forms, the sword has to continue going through combat. The use of concussive energy is a powerful and violent force of energy that causes intense shock to the body it can damage the brain and internal organs once the energy has connected it will travel through out the opponents body. The energy will then cause the body to temporarily stop functioning it has three stages in which is becomes more effective the more concentrated it becomes.

Concussive Wave:
The first and most basic use of the energy he will swing the giant cleaver and release the Concussive energy at the enemy when he does it will charge forward for a maximum of fifteen feet afterwards the energy will become useless disspersing itself. If the energy hits the enemy it will most likely knock them away with a powerful push of force.

Concussive Pulse:
The pulse of energry is more of an all around technique it is released in a pulse all around him covering a distance of 5 meters all around him. Anyone caught within this pulse of energy will not be knocked away, it will simply make them lose function for a temporary amount of time, in reality a form of paralyzation but not working the same way. Because it works for a very brief amount of time, they will simply feel they body stop functioning completely leaving them open for a follow up attack.

Concussive Blast:
The concussive blast if the most concentrated form of the energy it is fired in the form of a sphere of condensed concussive force. Upon contact it can knock enemies away as well as shock their bodies with the violent burst of energy, their bodies will feel the affects of the energy as it runs through their bodies. This is the most effective form of this energy, because when used it will cause the most damage it will make the opponent feel as if their body is completely useless as they are sent flying back making it hard for them to regain themselves.

Concussive Pierce
The most deadly of his attacks, unlike the others that are used to knock enemies away or break their defense. This particular technique is a more concentrated form of concussive energy, Balmung will gather the wind like energy around the blade of his shikai then as it intensifies. He will thrust his sword at the enemy, releasing a direct beam of concussive energy at the enemy, this energy it able to pierce flesh and bone similar to a spear head. It can pierce even stone, the energy itself has a limit of fifteen feet from where Balmung stands when using it.

Release: "Rise and Destroy, Seiryoku"

Skill Level: Kidō: Advanced
Skill Level: Swordsmanship: Advanced
Skill Level: Shunpo: Advanced
Skill Level: Hand-to-Hand: Master

Bankai Description: (The appearance of you and the sword, assuming it still is a sword)

Bankai Abilities: (Your sword's abilities now that it is in its ultimate stage)

History/Background: Balmung was born a regular human like everyone else his mother and father where regular people overall he lived a pretty regular life as a child having hopes and dreams like anyone else, going to school in order to gain a higher education and getting a good future. His parents where always supportive of whatever it was he wanted to do, everything was going just dandy up until Balmung turned twenty years old it was at this time that his life began to spiral out of control. He was hanging out with the wrong crowd, doing all the wrong things, and destroying himself little by little the once proud young man that had a bright future ahead of him now sat in an alley way wearing torn clothing, a jacket resting on his shoulders to keep him warm. A knife rested on his lap it was a full one piece hunting knife, sturdy and sharp enough to skin the prey, but Balmung was not hunter he was a thief he sat there waiting for an unsuspecting victim to come his way for him to take advantage of them and using his knife take from the weak what he wanted. It began to rain it had been cloudy all day, so this was of no surprise the rain was better for Balmung less people walked on the streets less witnesses more of a chance to get someone alone, finally amongst the many rain drops he heard footsteps headed in his direction.

He pushed himself up to his feet and as quietly as possible walked to wards the end of the alley pressing his back against the soaking wet brick wall, not that it mattered he himself was dripping with water he held the blade firmly in his right hand looking over the corner of the wall. There he saw what seemed a lonely blonde woman walking with an umbrella over her head to keep her dry, an easy target Balmung couldn’t help but smirk he had become such thrash, such scum that to him the weak where nothing more but easy prey. Similar to a panther lying in wait to pounce its prey he stood quietly slipping back behind the cover of the brick wall, the woman walked her footsteps getting louder as she got closer then when she was close enough Balmung attacked. He sprung out of his hiding spot his blade in his hand he showed the rusty blade to the woman, what was left of the rusty old sword gave off the reflection of the dim street light that hung above their heads. The woman’s eyes widened as they filled with fear and shock she took a step back as Balmung took a step forward ’Give me all you got!” he snapped at the woman in a voice filled with anger, clearly a sign that he wasn’t kidding and that blade in his hand wasn’t just for show. The woman nodded keeping her head low, her long blonde hair flowed gently from her head keeping dry under the umbrella, she handed Balmung her purse he snatched it being so eager and happy that things had gone so smoothly he couldn’t wait and decided to look through her purse right there and then. The man had let his guard down and this was the woman’s chance to teach this scum bag a lesson she swung her umbrella down striking Balmung the suddenly strike startled making him drop the purse and his blade. He stared at the woman with an evil glare; it was time to let the bitch have it he knelt down to reach for his knife when he heard a click, that he had heard so many times before. His eyes widened in the back of his mind he already knew what it was but for some reason unknown to him he still wanted to look up as if reassure himself of what it was. His eyes slowly moved up his head following, what he saw only proved his thoughts correct he was staring down the barrel of a small snub nose magnum.

The gun itself was so small that it could easily be hidden; a perfect self defense tool and a dangerous one at most Balmung expected paper spray or a taser but not this the small .38 snub nose was all black pure steel, with a nice rubber grip for comfort. Balmung’s eyes moved from the barrel of the run and onto the woman’s eyes, a grin crept on his face her eyes where shaking she was scared it was clear she wouldn’t do anything he reached for the handle of his blade ignoring the woman and challenging her bluff. But then a loud bang echoed in the silent and dead street Balmung felt a burning sensation on his left shoulder he quickly stood up, he wasn’t bleeding meaning there was no exit wound, the bullet had most likely lodged itself in his shoulder blade. He stared at the woman reaching for her with one hand the woman stepped back closing her eyes she fired two more shots, suddenly there was silence and only but a thud was heard. She opened her eyes slowly they widened she couldn’t believe what she was seeing one of her shots had hit Balmung square in the head, right between the eyes a bullseye! She had killed this scum, this low life thrash, yet she felt guilty all she could do was fall to her knees and sob. But why? Was it out of pity for this man? The very same man who up to a few seconds ago brandished a rusty knife in front of her? A man who had probably killed and raped many innocent women? Nobody but this woman knows, and this story is not about her…

A gasp of air! Was the first thing that Balmung took as he sat up quickly his vision was blurred for a few seconds he was shielding his eyes from the sun using his hand, he tried to make out where he was but his vision it was so blurry. Was he in the hospital? But it was night time a few minutes ago and the rain was pouring down at him, perhaps he had been sleep this whole time and had been picked up by an ambulance or a Good Samaritan walking by called the ambulance when seeing his injured body. Pft, as if there was no such thing as a good Samaritan in Balmung’s cruel existence his vision finally cleared at last he could see. He looked around and the only thing that ran through his mind was, ‘what the hell!?’ he wasn’t in the streets of the city, he was in what seemed to be feudal Japan, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing was this a dream? No it felt real, the wind was warm slapping against his exposed skin, the air was crisp and fresh not like that polluted stuff from the city he pushed himself up to his feet slowly regaining himself. The people of this village walked by him as if he didn’t exist, Balmung began to walk down the dirt path the many row of identical homes at both of his sides where seemingly endless, finally something in the distance a giant white wall? Balmung was curious he walked to wards this wall stopping just a few inches from it was this city’s limit? He looked up at the massive wall then noticed man to his left who seemed to be a guard the man was approaching Balmung, he was armed with a long spear like weapon this made Balmung raise an eyebrow who still used those kind of weapons? Just what kind of place was this?

Didn’t seem like the kind of weapon that a guard should use the man finally stood in front of Balmung he was an average sized man wearing what to Balmung looked like a black kimono ‘Do you need help villager?’ the man asked in a rather harsh tone. Balmung’s head jerked back as he heard the man speak he didn’t like his tone, and the man had referred to Balmung as a villager he looked down for the first time since he had awoken here at his clothing. Too notice that he was wearing torn up brown clothes he looked up at the man with his cold gaze, “I am not a villager buddy, and now that you mention it I am kinda hungry” when Balmung said this the guard’s cold expression changed he looked surprised that Balmung had said that. Of course Balmung didn’t know what he had said he had just asked for some food, or perhaps the jackass guard could direct him in the right path to finding a food stance somewhere around here. The guard cleared his throat ‘Come with me…’ he said as he turned and started to walk ahead, Balmung nodded he figured the man would lead him to a local spot where people ate so he decided to follow the man. As they walked no words where spoken it was silence between the two men then the guard turned giving a signal as the massive door in front of him was opened he looked back at the villager pointing ahead of him ‘Go there’ was all the man said as he turned facing the village again getting back on duty. Balmung was confused but he figured if he asked a question he would just get a blunt answer so he merely sighed turned to see a massive building that the man had pointed at, maybe it was a local restaurant and a fancy one but he had no money on him. He merely shrugged and stepped inside walking down a brick path towards where the tall white building little did Balmung know that he was heading for the shinigami academy…..

After enrolling to the academy Balmung would begin his training to become a shinigami, his time in the academy was where he would become more humble and turn into a more private person he didn’t really show to excel in anything at first he was a pretty average shinigami. That is until he started to learn the art of hand to hand combat this was where Balmung showed his true colors he was rather gifted at it after his training was done in the academy Balmung would go on to graduate and become one of the shinigami he had come to learn so much about while in the academy. When he first started he had his doubts, about all this and there where times where he still believed it all to still be a dream but every time he proved to himself that this was not a dream it was his reality now. Upon graduating Balmung would go through a process of having to find a suitable squad for him, he was planning on joining the twelve squadron [12th] simply because they where so science oriented and he had gotten a passion for inventing in his time at the academy. But the choices where still up in the air for him it would be around this time that Balmung would meet the man whom would teach him the ways of the shinigami, and show him his true potential. It all happened during a visit to the dojo where he was sparring some other shinigami around his level at hand to hand combat, but as Balmung was beating each of his fellow shinigami a man would step into a dojo. The man stood at an average height at about five foot nine, he wore the same shinigami outfit which all other shinigami wore but his sleeves where a bit short stopping half way up his forearm. Showing the mans skinny physique, his forearms looked like twigs; his neck was so skinny overall this man with his slouch shoulders didn’t look all that physically imposing. Over his shoulders he wore a red kimono top which was a dark red color, with yellow leaves designing all around it the man held a long skinny wooden pipe in his right hand he had short black hair that reached down to his cheek but was kept pretty flat stuck to his face. Another unique aspect was that the mans left eyes was wrapped in bandages as if he was injured in battle or something of the sort, he stepped for ward approaching Balmung.

Once he was close all he would say would be ‘Hit me’ Balmung would turn looking at the skinny and frail man, he smirked before saying “You sure about that? I don’t think you—“ but he was cut off before finishing his sentence ‘Take it?’ the man would respond ending Balmung’s sentence a smirk crept across his face as he motioned with his hand for Balmung to try and hit him. The young silver haired shinigami felt his ego flare up as he jumped back taking a stance, then dashed forward cocking back his left hand balled into a tight fist, when he was within range he would throw the punch when doing so the frail man would move to the side avoiding it while gripping Balmung’s wrist gently and with minimal effort turning it forcing Balmung to flip. He flew across the air before crashing onto the ground with a loud thud the wooden ground cracking under his weight but not breaking all the way through, the man merely chuckled but it was flushed out by the sound of the other shinigami’s laughter as they saw the mighty Balmung fell flat on his back in the blink of an eye. The silver haired shinigami was quick to jump to his feet turning to face the man this time with a glare, it was clear he was angry now but this was a weakness and the frail man planned on taking full advantage of the boys reckless behavior. ‘I do hope that is not all you can do’ the man said adding fuel to the fire of rage Balmung stomped his foot on the ground giving himself a stable stance “Not going to hold back this time gramps!”. He said as he started to run across the ground covering the distance between them rather quickly raising his left fist again he cocked it back preparing to punch the man, a flash of reiatsu lit up the room momentarily as his entire left hand and forearm where covered in a wild white flow of reiatsu. The frail man stood still not taking a stance, merely smoking his pipe as he yawned waiting for Balmung to attack clearly not impressed he then delivered the strike throwing his fist at the man aiming to smash it on his face.

Once again though the man dodged but this time he decided to it with more style he jumped back forcing Balmung to chase him and waist more of his energy charging the attack, when the fist came close he moved his head to the side avoiding the punch. The reiatsu was released in a dangerous burst of violent energy that caused the ground to shake slightly around them, the frail man wasted no time to bend his knees and spin rapidly striking Sendo on his ribs with a swift elbow followed by a push to the face and a sweep of the feet knocking the young hot head off his feet and slamming him on the ground. He was dizzy now laying there and hopeless the man merely chuckled as he walked past Balmung heading towards the entrance it was as if he had just come here to shut the loud mouth up and give him a reality check. But the man stopped before stepping out of the dojo, turning over his shoulder he looked at Blamung with his good ‘If you really want to improve, find me and I will give you a few lesson. I guess a loser like you has some decent skill’ was all the man would say before leaving the dojo Balmung heard the mans words and couldn’t help but smirk for some reason as he lay there defeated and embarrassed. Three days after the entire incident Balmung went out and searched out the mysterious shinigami in hopes of finding the man and well as the man had said do some training with him, he found the man after which he asked him for some training. The man at first claimed to not remember Balmung and told him to leave that he wasn’t running a shelter for the homeless offended and angered Balmung threw a kick at the mans head the man dodged, countered and once again Balmung ended up on his back it was after this that the man remembered who it was he was speaking to the hot head from the dojo or so he called him. Their training began immediately the name introduced himself as Takashi a member of squad eleven he was known as the master of his own fighting style called the Takashi sword style he planned on teaching it to Balmung. Simply because having just melee combat under his belt limited the young green horn shinigami from being as great as he could be so their training started it was hard work every day and so unorthodox something that Balmung was not used to it was clear that Takashi sensei did not do things by the book.

Finally after months of training Takashi decided it was time to unlock Balmung’s potential basically show the boy how to use his shikai, but to do so he would take Balmung to the real world a remote area in the real world where there would be neither human casualties nor shinigami to come and interrupt the battle. Simply because Takashi knew that in order to force Balmung to unlock his shikai he would have to fight the shinigami at full force, once they had arrived at the area Takashi would stand with his back to Balmung and said “Are you ready?....To complete your training?” Balmung looked at Takashi up until now they had already trained at his sensei’s house why where they here? “Yeah I am” the answer would be short and direct. Balmung had changed attitude wise since he had started this, he had become more mature and more humble in a sense of course after getting sense smacked into him by Takashi sensei. Takashi would turn too face the shinigami which he had forged, Balmung had gone from an arrogant and immature little boy to a mature and powerful shinigami who would have a bright future with the Gotei if he played his cards right. The training would be simple, Takashi would push his student to the brink of death in order to force him to release his zanpaktou is the zanpaktou's spirit chose not to help Balmung then unfortunately the boy would die here at the end of Takashi's blade. The battle began Takashi explained nothing, he wanted things too come naturally to Balmung if he explained to him what the plan was, chances where Balmung would spend the entire battle focusing on releasing his shikai.

Things kicked off with a binding spell coming from Takashi, Balmung avoid it with relative ease but that was merely a fake too make him move so that Takashi could intercept him using his surprising speed and mastery over shunpo he was able to cover the distance between him and Balmung in no time. Well within striking distance he would bring down his zanpaktou, the two blades would clash echoing in the distance as the steel edge of the blades pushed agaisnt one another after impact. Needless too say this battle would continue on for quite a bit, ending with Takashi only having a torn sleeve but his student having deep gashes around most of his body, and a deep stab wound in his gut. He was down on one knee, using his zanpaktou for support Takashi stepped forward he sighed a bit dissapointed. Getting his students attention, he would tell him that he would show him what a shikai looked like and that he should consider himself lucky that he would die at the edge of his shikai's blade. After a release phrase and the name 'Chisio Fuchi' his sensei's zanpaktou went through a radical transformation turning from a regular zanpaktou too a saber like sword. Having a single edged curved blade, with a short hilt and a big square divider the blade was all black with just the edge being of a steel color making it stand out, the man stepped forward approaching his student raising his zanpaktou he began to gather what looked like a blood red reiatsu it caused the wind to pick up around them and the ground to shake. Balmung's eyes widened as he knew this was the end for him, all his work and training where for nothing then suddenly he felt his zanpaktou pulse it got his attention he looked down and a voice whispered a name inside of his head. Then Takashi got his attention by letting out a battle cry and bringing Chisio Fuchi down, but as he did Balmung yelled out the name of his zanpaktou swinging upwards.

When he did his reiatsu momentarily spiked, and his zanpaktou transformed clashing with his sensei's it was short lived but he had unleashed his shikai though he was still overpowered by the wave of red reiatsu that pushed him away from his sensei and smashed him into a nearby boulder. Takashi stood where he stood still resting his zanpaktou in his shoulder the blunt side of his blade pressing down on his shoulder, as the edged side of the blade pointed upwards so it would seem that Balmung had pulled it off he had successfully used and released his shikai though but for a moment, but at least he had done so and completed his training. Takashi swung his zanpaktou around as it glowed a blood red colour and reverted back to its sealed state sheathing his zanpaktou he would turn placing his signature pipe back between his lips, as he started to walk away his tutoring of Balmung was over, whether his former student would rise from that rubble alive was not longer his problem he had done his job. Now it was time for a god damn drink, Takashi would fade into the distance leaving his fallen student there too fend for himself. Moments after his former sensei had abandoned him Balmung regained consciousness his vision was but a blur, at his body ached he felt a great weight pressing down on him at first he couldn’t move but slowly he started to wiggle his way out finally emerging from the rubble he would fall face first onto the solid ground with a low thud. His eyes where somewhat faded, his pupils barely visible but he knew that he had been abandoned slowly his mind seemed to be rebooting itself as he remembered it all, it was not all together just in several different pieces. His sensei, the beating he took, and….there was a pause in his train of thought as his eyes widened with what he had just realized his mind seemed to have stopped at that one moment like watching an old movie, and pausing it in place to see a scene with more detail.

His hands…no his zanpaktou Balmung turned his head weakly looking at his right hand where he held his zanpaktou with a weak grip, a smile crept onto his face he was overcome with joy and happiness what he had trained so hard for he had obtained. His hard work was not in vein, a single word was uttered from Balmung’s voice ‘Sei…ryo...ku...’ it was said not as a whole and not that he wanted too spell it out he was just so tired his vision faded as his weak body gave out his eyes slowly closing as he began slip into a deep sleep. Moments later footsteps would be heard in the distance, “Over here!” a voice would call out the footsteps became louder a group of shinigami approached Balmung it would seem they where from squad four, the shinigami knelt down checking the statues of Balmung. “We have a pulse” one would say, the men where quick too act as they stabilized the unconscious shinigamis spine before raising him up off the ground then placing him on a stretcher “Alright, he’s set! Let’s move out!” another voice would command the group of shinigami began to jog away from the battle field. “What exactly happened here?” another voice would ask just as they faded off into the distance, hiding amongst the shadows and suppressing his reiatsu was a lone figure watching with his single eye as his former student was carried away, a grin crept onto the mans face as he stepped out looking in the direction where the shinigami had taken Balmung. It was Takashi he pulled his pipe from his lips as he blew out a small cloud of smoke in front of him that was soon pushed too the side by the passing gust, “Get stronger Striver….and perhaps when we meet on the battle field, we will clash blades as equals” with that said the man would vanish in a blur his body nowhere in sight.

‘GASP!’ he would sit up taking in a long breath of air he took deep breaths before controlling his breathing once more and relaxing himself, his body was almost nude except for a what seemed like a diaper that had been placed to cover his privates. His body covered in scars, those scars covered by bandages only one eye of his could see he reached up placing his hand over his injured eye the left one it was covered by an eye patch. Balmung raised the white sheets from his body as he slowly pushed himself out of the bed, once fully standing he limped towards the open window of his room to get the view from the outside he stood there leaning against the window frame as he watched quietly those on the outside. His eye taking it all in, it was all so surreal to him now his latest memory was but that of him laying on the ground a bloody mess, and now here he stood inside a recovery room within the barracks of the fourth squad life truly was a wonder so many ups and downs, sudden events and at times too much for one too take. He would turn too face his zanpaktou neatly placed back into its sheath resting at the side of his bed there it was the once nameless weapon that along side him saw many battles, the blade soaked in the blood of his enemies, now had a name and that name was Seiryoku so many more battles lay ahead of them both. But now Balmung had a new found power to assist him on his crusade, and that was the power of Seiryoku he looked down at his hands, palms facing towards him he couldn’t help but smile he had achieved shikai but this was just the beginning…

Roleplay Sample:

The leafs on the branches of the trees rustled as figures seemingly dashed over the ground below the trees, the moons light shined down on the trees below making them cast a shadow over the ground below them. "Hadō number 4..White Lightning!" a voice would call out as a bright bolt of reiatsu zoomed through the air striking a branch in front of the shadowy figure breaking it off the tree, the figures foot slipped by making him fall to the ground with a thud. He quickly jumped up and turned he was wearing civilian clothes but held what seemed to be a katana by the sheath in his left hand another figure landed in front of him the silver haired shinigami stared at the man. "For defecting from Soul Society...I am here to take you back or kill you where you stand if you resist" it was Striver he had been sent here on a mission to capture this Rouge shinigami named Kaisetsu Balmung reached for the handle of his zanpaktou drawing it from his scabbard. He stood there waiting for the man to respond the rouge shinigami chuckled as a wide grin crept onto his face "Like hell I will just go along with you!" he said as he drew his zanpaktou rushing at Balmung swinging it at him across the torso. Balmung blocked it with his zanpaktou the sound of the steel blades clashing echoing in the silent night around them, the two would have a small power struggle before pushing one another away their feet dragging on the ground dust picking up at ankle level.

Balmung recovered quickly dashing forward towards the rouge shinigami he raised his zanpaktou as if ready to swing it in a diagonal fashion over the torso of the enemy, but when he was close and the shinigami seemed prepared to block he would vanish in a blur of speed. He would re appear next to the shinigami turning as he swung his zanpaktou all in one fluid motion, the rouge shinigami turned to face him blood would suddenly spill into the air. Then rain down on to the ground making the solid and dry soil, making it moist a thud was heard as one of the two combatants fell over to the ground Balmung swung his zanpaktou swiftly the blood on the blade splattering on the ground. He slowly slid the zanpaktou back into its scabbard, the all black scabbard being held with his left hand as he slid it in, he looked down at the barely alive shinigami. "I told you to come along quietly..." he would aim a finger at the shinigami whom just looked up at him helplessly unable to move or defend himself. "Hadō number 4...White Lightning" he would whisper at the tip of his index finger a small amount of reiatsu would gather and then shot down at his head piercing the rouges head killing him instantly the blood would spill from the dead rouges head out of his exit wound. With that done Balmung would take out his cellphone flipping it open he brougth it up to his ear, "Mission complete, target resisted so he had to be eliminated..." a muffled voice could be heard on the other end of the phone Balmung merely nodded "Understood..." he would close the cell phone turned and begin to walk away from the corpse. His body would soon vanish in the darkness of the forest around the area.

Specialties

Hand to Hand Combat Master
-Since his training with bankai Balmung has learned that he had to master the arts of hand to hand combat, he then started his rigorous training in the many styles of hand to hand. It was almost like a flash back for him, back when he had obtained his shikai he was forced to learn more advanced swordsmanship techniques in order to weild Seiryoku more easily. Now his bankai is forcing him to master hand to hand combat, it was as if each stage Balmung was forced to master a certain skill in a way it was as if his spirit is making him a better warrior.

Kidō Expert
-Balmung has studied the ways of Kidō since he was in the academy, ever since then he had learned the basics of Kidō from his sensei. Afterwards he learned it from takashi, basically his knowledge on Kidō is so far ahead that he is able to create his own Kidō through a fail and try again process. So far it has served him well, allowing him to continue to create new Kidō spells for combative and other purposes.

Tactician
-Balmung is very tactical fighter he likes to switch up the routine not always running straight ahead into battle but also using several other tactics against his opponent in order to gain the upper hand in the fight.

Zanjutsu Expert:
-Not yet a master but he is indeed an expert in the art of Zanjutsu, he has learned to control the weight of his 'Great Cleaver' when in battle but he has also learned more advanced techniques to use both when using sealed zanpaktou and his shikai blade.

Approved 2-1

Bankai Description:
-Balmung's bankai is completely different from what his shikai becomes, firstly he loses any form of bladed weapon when going into his bankai state he will simply utter the phrase "Bring forth chaos, Bankai" after saying said phrase Balmung will be enveloped in a tornado of violent reiatsu. The process is quick, but one can say rather flashy the rotating reiatsu pushes his hair up, moves his clothes about wildly, and it begins to gather around his arms slowly engulfing his arms. When the tornado settles Balmung will be standing with his arms completely engulfed in a bright white reiatsu which begins to slowly settle, as the glow become less intense once the glow has settled Balmung's new weapon is visible. His arms from shoulder down to his hand have been covered in a jet black metallic arm, his arms still look muscular and powerful but this time with the metal added onto it. It starts at his shoulder with round shoulder pads, that are all white with black stripes going down these shoulder pads connect to the arm piece which is all black down to the elbow where it connects to the forearm part. The forearm piece is also all black except it has white stripes on it, going down to his wrist it will connected to his hand which has been covered in a black metallic gauntlet.

The well polished metal arms, always give off the reflection of light that touches them, but it does not stop at the arms his chest has been covered in a matching black with white striped chest piece. As well as his broad upper back, his shoulder blades are also covered in the metallic black plating it having what seem to be thrusters on them as if to boost Balmung's speed somehow. The metallic chest and back plate then connects to the piece on Balmung's neck it goes upwards into a high collar that covers the bottom half of Balmung's face up to his nose. The high collar and make shift mask is all black with two white lines running down the back of it to the shoulder plates. Finally his shins are also covered in the black metallic armor, the shins are covered all around with the black and white striped armor pieces.
Bankai Abilities:

Continuous Flow
-In his shikai Balmung had to wait a certain amount of time [2 post] before reusing the concussive energy after every use, but now seeing as he simply has to focus the energy onto his hands which are much smaller he does not have to wait any sort of time limit to use the energy again. Allowing him to use it in a continuos basis, making his bankai about two times deadlier then his Shikai.

Shredding Fist
-A newly gained passive ability, Balmung's fist are always covered in the flowing concussive energy when he closes them into fist the energy intensifies and when he strikes the enemy it is shot from his first like a shot gun blast. The force of the blast is able to shred flesh on contact, due to the fact that it is infused with sharp reiatsu when he punches it is blasted in the direction the fist was thrown. This blast of close range energy is able to shred the flesh off of the enemies body, making it a much harder wound to stitch or stop the bleeding simply because it is not a clean cut.

Concussive Blast
-Balmung is able to gather the energy from both hands into one single sphere of concentrated and condensed force once he has gathered said energy he will blast it at the enemy. It will take the form of a sphere about the size of a basketball this sphere will travel only straight ahead, and spin clockwise with its core spinning counter clockwise. If it hits the sphere of energy will drills into the enemies body ripping and shredding the skin as it does so, usually the technique does not go all the way through but serves the purpose of dealing double damage. It will shred and tear flesh, but also send the enemy flying back a good distance.

Force Palm Wave
-Balmung is able to use the concussive force that is constantly around his hand to fire it off in a mid ranged attack of concussive force. To the enemy this attack will cause no external damage, it will simply feel like a gust of strong wind but this wind will in reality cause intense shock to the enemies insides. Similar to the Concussive Pulse technique, it will cause the enemy to loose control over their body for a brief amount of time allowing Balmung to unleash a follow up technique.

Enhanced Stength:
-Balmung has obtained enhanced physical strength from his bankai he is able to use his mechanical like arms to lift heavier objects, but that is just the top of the iceberg. His enhanced strength increases his punching power even if he punches with a normal punch it will still hurt like hell due to the increase in physical strength, his grip power has also increased he is able to crush almost anything in those metallic arms of his. Getting a grip on someone he will be able to easily make them suffer by simply applying pressure.

Speed Boost
-Balmung has also gained a boost to his overall speed, he is now much faster then he was in his shikai or normal state almost two times as fast one could say. But his speed doesn't just mean he moves faster he also has faster striking, his fist travel at a blur of speed when he punches at the enemy. Not impossibly to avoid, but still pretty damn fast when he throws a punch at full power at the enemy.

Power Pulse
-The power pulse technique allows Balmung to release a full body pulse from his body, that expands all around him covering a distance of five meters around him. Anyone caught within the range of this pulse will feel themselves loose function of their body as well as be sent flying into a violent spiral, this technique can be used once every two turns though. Due to the amount of energy used to pull it off.

Arial Propelling
-Balmung's new armor allows him to literally fly when he takes off into the skies one will be able to notice a blew jet flame shooting out from behind his legs and back that will allow him to propel through the air at amazing speeds. He has become an arial beast, allowing for free movement making his arial battles much more easier, but he can also use this technique to dash at the enemy by land making it so that he is gliding across the ground and covers distance faster.
Force Geyser
-This is one of his most devastating attacks, Balmung will gather the concussive energy around either arm then he will strike down at the ground. The ground will shake as the energy will shoot down into the ground and travel once under the enemy the energy will rise up from below them reaching a maximum height of twelve feet. The energy will cause the full affects of the concussive energy to take place. It will rock the enemies brain and their insides making it so that they lose control of their body for an entire post. This technique is used once ever three turns due to the energy required to pull it off.

Concussive Bullet
-Balmung is able to mold and condense the concussive energy around his fist, until it becomes as hard as steel. Afterwards he will fire the concussive bullet at the enemy, if this attack hits it will push the enemy back but also pierce their skin. The bullet does a clockwise rotation as it flies through the air and heads at the enemy, the spiraling and bullet like shape allow it to pierce flesh.
_______________
A New Power

It was just another lonely night in Soul Society, the streets where empty with only the guards who where tasked to patrol them poor fools it would really suck to be in their shoes they have to walk around at the dead of night patrolling the streets. The few times Balmung had been tasked with being patrol back before he was Vice Captain, he had not once found anything of worth it truly was just a waste of time. But there he sat at the edge of his balcony looking out towards Soul Society his light hazel eyes looking straight ahead, with a sharp gaze that could cut with a single glimpse. Balmung at times wondered why he was here in the first place, why he had dedicated himself to Soul Society, what had he gained from die hard devotion? He would look down at his hands, looking at his palms as he thought of an answer for his own question but found none Balmung would raise his head looking ahead once more. He had obtained his shikai, sixty years ago in his final battle against Takashi but it was summoned out of desperation because if he had not he would not be standing here this day. He remembered the incidents of that day, how Takashi swung his sword down with deadly intent aimed to end the life of a mere boy who had looked up at him as a father. It was during this battle that Balmung realized what kind of man Takashi really was, he was a monster a beast the man was a harbinger of war and he took pride in it. He always openly admitted in front of Balmung and his loyal followers that he would one day overthrow the leaders of Soul Society, then place theirs heads up as a display for all to see after which he would lead his army into the human world and rain down chaos on them all.Balmung remembers the last words Takashi ever told him as he lay there semi conscious

Flash Back

A young Balmung lay on the hard rocky floor, a bloodied mess his entire body unable to move no matter how hard he would try his body did not respond, standing over him was his sensei Takashi. The man looked down at Balmung with his right eye, his left eye being wrapped in bandages that wide grin on his face and not a scratch on his person as always Takashi had bested Balmung. "Balmung....why is it that you hesitate so?" he would ask referring to the fact that Balmung hesitated during their battle not taking the chance to seriously cripple Takashi various times. His sensei did not wait or expect an answered he would merely place the tip of his zanpaktou on Balmung's right shoulder staring him in the eyes he would begin to apply pressure as the blade slowly dug into Balmung's flesh. The young Balmung would let out a weak "Gah!" as he felt the blade slowly pierce his flesh, once it was inside at about five inches Takashi began to purposely spin the sword in his hand by the hilt, making the blade turn in Balmung's shoulder this caused more pain. His eyes widened as he felt the sharp pain shoot down from his arm and to his entire body, "Ta...Takashi sensei!" he would plead in an attempt to make his sensei stop perhaps snap some sense into him. Perhaps the young shinigami was lucky today "Hmm?" would be all Takashi would say as he stopped turning the zanpaktou, slowly pulling it from the wound he would chuckle as if amused by this whole event.

"Finally you speak....." he would stand up straight his devious tone of voice echoing in Balmung's head he looked down at Balmung "Don't forget what you are boy, you are a beast of war....a monster....You will lead my army into the human world and together we will plummet the humans into a living hell. You will slay anyone who stands in the way of our revolution!" he would say with a wide grin. Balmung would merely stare at his insane sensei, not sure what to say in response to what Takashi had just said he merely lay there unable to move his body. Takashi would turn giving Balmung his back as he started to walk away not bothering to wipe the blood from his zanpaktou as he slid it back into his sheath, he started to chuckle as he walked away making his way into the thick forest that was around them.....

Present..

The chuckled echoed inside of Balmung's head his eyes where open as he looked off into the distance going into another of his flash backs, suddenly he would blink coming back to reality. "Takashi....I swore that I would one day kill you" he would say this to himself but he knew that in order to defeat Takashi he had to become much stronger as strong as he had become up to this point it was not enough. It was time for Balmung to attempt and reach the next level, that which is called "Bankai" he would utter the word completing his thought a loud. Closing his eyes Balmung would turn leaving the balcony once inside of his home he started to walk out of the room, passing by he would pick up Seiryoku by the sheath it was rested in a special stand he had made for his zanpaktou. Walking out of the room, Balmung slid the door shut behind him walking down the stairs he started to make his way out of his home once outside he felt the chilly gust of air pass by. The cold air slapped against his face, it was chilly tonight indeed, the rather weak gust of wind was not enough to make his clothing rustle in the wind it but moved his spikes a bit leaning them to the side. His light hazel eyes would soon turned ahead of Balmung as he started to walk to the departure area, it was time for him to go to the human world it was time to achieve his bankai a long over due event. On his way there a few of his fellow squad members saw their Vice Captain they would greet the Vice Captain with a "Hello Vice Captain, Striver" giving him a respectful bow. Balmung would respond to their greeting with his signature two finger salute as he nodded at them as well he continued walking until reaching the departure zone.

Once there Balmung noticed he was the only one here not a soul in sight, the full moon shining down on him as it lit up his silver hair it gave off a radiant glow to it making the silver seem more sleek. He walked up to one of the Senkai Gates placing his hand on it, pressing his palm against the wooden door releasing a flow of reiatsu he would lower his hand and the door would slowly slide open the blinding light that poured out cast a shadow on Balmungs back. He would look into the light having done this so many times, he had not yet grown accustomed to it evident by the fact that he was shielding his eyes from the light using his thick and powerful forearm. Once the Senkai Gate had fully opened, Balmung stepped into the light being engulfed by it his body became but a shadow that was soon blocked from view by the closing doors that shut themselves tightly behind the towering shinigami. Moments later a Senkai Gate would appear above empty plains, filled with a lush green land scape this was the perfect place for his bankai training. The Senkai Gate would slide its doors open, inside a tall shadow could be seen standing there with his arms down at his side the figure would step out of the Senkai Gate. The full moons light shining down on him revealing it to be Balmung Striver, he stood there with his long spiked silver hair flowing down to his mid back, his light hazel eyes looking straight ahead of him with the few loose strands of hair hanging over his eyes. His powerful body standing in the air as if he stood on the solid ground below him, Balmung waited as the Senkai Gate shuts itself closed and vanished first blurring before completely vanishing from sight.

Balmung would slowly begin to descent down to the ground his arms at his side as he did, his zanpaktou strapped to his waist, the loose end of his sash rising up as did his hair ever so slightly Balmung's feet landed with a light thud. It was impressive that such a big and powerful looking man could move on such light feet, he lowered his arms as he landed his sash loose end falling back into place as did his hair. Balmung took the zanpaktou from his waist, sheath and call holding it out in front of him gripping it firmly by the sheath roughly at the middle. "Seiryoku....come forth" he would say in his low deep tone of voice as he waited, then slowly a figure began to manifest in front of Balmung the towering figure stood at seven feet tall easily standing over Balmung. It was Seiryoku, he looked down at Balmung with his typical blank expression the two locked eyes Seiryoku need not hear what Balmung wanted he already knew but he had something to say about it. "Balmung, I do not think this is the best course of action...." he would say looking at Balmung with a serious look on his face and a rather dry void tone of voice. "Seiryoku there is no other choice, I must obtain power and once I have obtained bankai I will be one step closer to defeating Takashi" he would say in a confident tone of voice, Seiryoku raised an eyebrow "Do you believe me a fool? I know you're hidden motives, you wish to gain power in order to gain the favor of that woman" he would reply back to Balmung. Seiryoku was a smart fellow not one easily fooled, it was ignorant for Balmung to even attempt such a thing but this did not surprise the silver haired shinigami Seiryoku and him shared thoughts they where one being.

"Balmung, you know better then anyone that an unbalance in you could bring about utter chaos. Love may seem innocent enough at first, but in the past it has shattered many innocent people who have felt the keen sting of love" the explanation would be brief but Balmung could always tell a great deal in very few words. The silver haired shinigami understood this, but nonetheless he had made up his mind "It does not matter Seiryokuy, for in the end that woman will be mine so you need not worry friend of me feeling the keen sting of love" he would say rather confidently. Seiryoku would close his eyes realizing that any attempt at speaking reason into Balmung at this point was a waste of both their time, he would merely nod before opening his eyes again "Very well...." with that sentence finished the world around Balmung would begin to deform and fall apart. Until it shattered as if made of glass it fell apart into many pieces in its place a new world was revealed to Balmung a place he knew all to well the dead plains, the single body of water where Seiryoku now stood over. This was the inner world where Seiryoku resided, truly a depressing place the spirit would look on at Balmung "If you wish to attain the ultimate form you must first prove your worth to me, prove to me that you are truly ready to wield my ultimate power" raising a hand into the air Seiryoku would then gather the surrounding stones and water as if a magnet attracting several metals.

He would mold it forming a sword, it was the giant cleaver, Balmung knew the weapon all to well he had seen it many times before and used it many times before it was Seiryoku's shikai form. He would nod "Understood" was all he would say in his deep voice as he gripped the sheath of his zanpaktou gripping the zanpaktou by the hilt. Before drawing it Balmung would lower his head, so many memories would flood into his head, memories that would fuel his determination to obtain Bankai. Not just Takashi but that woman as well, April Redwood his spirit had hit it right on the button but Balmung didn't care he was sure of what he was doing. "Rise and Destroy! Seiryoku!" he would call out drawing his zanpaktou from its sheath the weapon gave off a bright flash of reiatsu as it was drawn it transformed into the sword known as Seiryoku he now held the giant cleaver as well in his hand. Its Obsidian black blade resting on his shoulder the two combatants looked each other in the eyes, without having to say it they gave each other a good luck nod then vanished using Flash Step. Not even a second later a loud bang would echo as the two re appeared clashing the two cleavers crashing into each other, there was a minor power struggle but soon the two pushed each other away then vanished again using Flash Step.

Again they would re-appear clashing blades, the ground would shake this time as Balmung stood on the ground and from above Seiryoku had come down with a downward slash Balmung having blocked it in time. 'He's a lot stronger then he seems' would be the thought that would cross Balmung's mind as he realized this entire time he had judged Seiryoku by his looks. Well he figured there was truth to the whole never judge a book by its cover saying, finally Balmung would feel relief as Seiryoku pushed off of Balmung's sword back flipping and landing about eleven feet from him with a low thud. Balmung followed the zanpaktou spirits movements holding his sword down at his side by both hands, he would smirk as he start to run at Seiryoku his footsteps making a sound with every step as he got closer to Seiryoku. Once he was within striking distance, and thanks to the giant cleaver that didn't take very much of a close distance Balmung would stop running taking a step forward then turning his hip as he swung the sword sideways with both hands. Seiryoku would jump up bringing his knees up to his chest as he barely avoided the swing, swinging downward at Balmung he figured that he was close enough to hit him as well. Luckily Balmung saw the attack coming, and had managed to stumble back pulling of a sloppy dodge blood spilled into the air then splattered on the grey rocky ground under their feet.

Balmung had a rather deep gash on his right bicep now, he looked at Seiryoku the entire time not paying any mind to the wound a mere smirk would creep onto his face "Seiryoku, I must say I am impressed you always came off as a lazy ass to me. Every time I saw you, always sitting on that stone throne of yours" he would say with a slight chuckle escaping his lips. Seiryoku would raise Seiryoku up to his shoulder resting the blade by the blunt side, "Thrones are not just handed out Balmung, they are earned..." the answer would come out in a very emotionless tone of voice. It would catch Balmung off guard, because there was sense in that answer but the surprised expression on his face soon faded and was replaced by the smirk, "You truly are one unique character....friend" he would say Seiryoku would raise an eyebrow Balmung had never referred to him as a friend the spirit merely smirked. Then did something completely out of character he gave Balmung a salute, he had seen Balmung use that same greeting many times before he kinda liked it in all honestly. Balmung would merely chuckle again before giving Seiryoky a nod then he would charge at him again this time the distance was much shorter he covered it much faster when he was close enough he would swing his zanpaktou at Seiryoku, the spirit braced himself. But as the sword got close Balmung would vanish in a blur of speed using Flash Step, he would show himself yet again behind Seiryoku swinging the cleaver still it was a distraction.

Seiryoku looked back over his shoulder with his eyes widened he would turn in an attempt to block it but his block was too weak though he did manage to stop the sword from cleaving him in half, it had pushed through enough to slice a minor gash on his abdomen. The blood would spill out from the minor wound, splashing on the ground with a low splash the two would shake as they struggled with one another then kick away from each other. Their feet dragging on the ground as they made distance between them. Balmung would bring the cleaver up to his shoulder again smiling, Seriyoku would do the same a smile on his face as well as the two combatants locked eyes once more, the two had dealt a blow already thought Seiryoku had drawn first blood, Balmung had gotten his pay back. The two then dashed at one another, basically they where charging one another as they approached one another Balmung raised his cleaver his mind flashing with a flood of memories Takashi, the traitor and April Redwood the woman he loved! He was fighting for two reasons, revenge and love! But which was more important? Seiryoku charged as he did he raised his cleaver as well but his mind was blank he had no emotional ties, he was but an obstacle in Balmung's way and hew knew this. But for the good of his 'friend' he had to make this difficult, Balmung would only grow stronger from this experience.

They where now within striking distance, the obsidian black blades where glowing with reiatsu and down they came crashing into one another Balmung was letting out a proud battle cry "AAAH!!!!" he as he pushed against Seiryoku. The spirit remained relatively calm but then leaned his head in as he pushed back "AH!!!" he too would scream the reaitsu on their blades was clashing with one another, the friction between the two violent reiatsu caused reiatsu sparks to shoot out in all directions, the ground under their feet shook violently. It began to crack the cracks would go from under their feet and expand outward the two where eyes to eye, blade to blade their reiatsu swirling then suddenly there was an explosion their individual reiatsu exploded under the intense pressure of the two combatants intensity. The explosion knocked them both away sending them a hefty distance from each other, Balmung was flying across the air then fell down to the ground dragging his body across the rocky floor his outfit ripping and tearing with the friction. Seiryoku flew across the air as well, unable to regain himself he crashed onto the ground and his body dragged on the ground as his long sleeve shirt was torn to pieces as well. The two lay there not moving an inch, but both conscious Balmung was looking up at the grey sky, all grey not source of light he pictured her face in his mind, that kind smile, those beautiful eyes, the comforting aura she gave off.

"April..." would be the word Balmung would utter as he slowly sat himself up looking up he would see Seiryoku already on his feet looking over at him "Balmung..." the voice was coming from behind him. His eyes widened with surprise, the speed was incredible 'When did he!?' was all balmung could think as he felt Seiryoku standing behind him. "Is that woman, what drives you to go on?" he would ask standing there looking not at Balmung but off into the distance, with the cleaver resting on his shoulder. "Yes...she is" Balmung would answer as he slowly rose to his feet standing up straight he still lacked in height compared to Seiryoku, his back to the spirit Balmung was looking straight ahead. His uniform was torn from the back hanging onto him by a thread "I see...." would be all Seiryoku would reply as he closed his eyes "Tread carefully Balmung, that woman may bring you happiness but she may also bring you great despair....remember, if you ever lean to an extreme fight the urge" with that said Seiryoku would look at Balmung with his cold lifeless eyes. The silver haired shinigami stood there smiling, the sweat rolling down the side of his face "Yeah, I know..." he would answer in his deep voice holding his cleaver in a reverse grip with the obsidian black blade pointing towards Seiryoku. Then suddenly the two would vanish in a blur of speed and appear again clashing blades, but this time Seiryoku pushed Balmung away a lot faster and did something Balmung himself had never done he unleashed three continuos slashes at Balmung, though he was able to block them he was still shocked. The cleaver was so heavy, he had never thought it possible to use swift strikes in succession that way he was pushed back by the force of the slashes both standing in the air as if standing on the very ground.

Seiryoku swung down the cleaver, but Balmung managed to avoid it by stepping to the side he would then utter the words "Pulse!" when he did the giant cleaver in his hand would relase a pulse of concussive energy Seiryoku would be caught by it. The effects would make his eyes widen, and move side to side uncontrollably as he loss control of his body, feeling as though his strength had been sapped from his body. Balmung took this chance to raise his cleaver ready to cleave the spirit in half and end this battle, but as he did Seiryoku managed to utter the word "Pulse" as well Balmung would hear this but he was in mid attack with the weight of the cleaver he would be unable to avoid it. The pulse of concussive energy would trap him he would feel the same affects as Seiryoku, his eyes began to move side to side wildly messing up his perception and he would feel at a loss of strength the cleaver just falling down to the side. Missing Seiryoku by a hair, literally if he had hair it would of sliced some off Balmung felt useless but the effects on Seiryoku where just passing. He was able to move he would take immediate action first he would deliver a strike to Balmung's back with the end of the cleavers heavy hilt the force of the attack would send the numb body soaring down at the ground. Balmung would go down to the ground unable to control himself, then the affects of the concussive pulse would begin to wear off he would slowly start to move turning his body in mid fall Balmung fell with his back to the ground.

Still the impact of the fall would create a small crater which he would sink into slightly, he would lay there conscious looking up just to see Seiryoku vanish. The spirit appeared in front of him walking up to Balmung he would be holding the cleaver at his side, when he got close Balmung sat up quickly in an attempt to swing the cleaver at him. But as he sat up he got stuck, giving Seiryoku the time he needed to kick Balmung on the shoulder which held the sword, dislocating it a loud pop was heard on impact as Balmung fell back. Seiryoku stood over him looking at him, his eyes then moving to the cleaver "What a pitiful attempt" he would say as he turned his eyes back to Balmung he would kneel down reaching for his throat. Gripping it firmly he would rise Balmung up to chest level, looking him in the eyes he would stand there holding Balmung. "In the act of love, you blindly charged into a battle you where not prepared for, Balmung as I said before this woman can bring you happiness yes, but it seems that she had only brought you suffering" the dry and emotionless voice spoke without any care or any sympathy it would seem. Balmung did not answer he merely stared at Seiryoku, as the spirit raised the cleaver up and prepared it to end the fight Balmung would do something unexpected he would throw a punch with his left hand hitting Seiryoku on the solar plexes knocking his air out stunning the spirit long enough to weaken his grip pushing his hand away. Balmung would tackle the spirit using a stiff arm to shove him back, using his body weight to knock him back and away from him.

Balmung woul fall back to his knees as Seiryoku stumbled back falling on his ass Balmung placed his closed fist on the ground gripping his bicep firmly he would grunt in pain as he pushed down on it, pushing a little harder a pop would be heard. He had popped the shoulder back into place "Ah...." would be all he would say in a low tone breathing heavily, Balmung would slowly rise to his feet just as Seiryoku did. Reaching down Balmung would grip the cleavers handle firmly pulling it up to his shoulder he would look at Seiryoku, "That was reckless of you Seiryoku....and stupid...." he would close his eyes as he paused releasing a burst of reiatsu that soon enveloped around him and flowed about like a wild fire. "Stupid...to think I would lose for easily" his deep voice would speak in a loud tone, a voice that demanded respect from all who heard it this was Balmung Striver a man filled with determination, he was nothing like Takashi he was not driver by power or greed. His drive was a righteous one he did this all, as corny as it would seem in the name of love, his love for that woman he wanted to be so strong that he could protect her, that he could comfort her make her feel safe. The way she had done so when she saved him from the hollow, "I promise...that I will return that feeling to you....one hundred fold!" he said as he opened his eyes looking Seiryoku in the eyes.

The spirit stood unfazed by the whole thing his emotionless eyes not once changing through out the entire battle, "Stop this Balmung....it will lead to your despair...and the loss of your humanity. This woman will crush your heart, leave you with nothing...thus causing a great unbalance inside of you...thus ca--" but before he could finish his speech he was cut off by Balmung. "I don't care! I will fight to the very end for her, I will do anything to hold her in my arms....and damn it I will one day I will hold her in my arms, and all these feelings inside of me will be returned to me. She too will feel the intense burning desire I feel inside of me!" he would swing the cleaver releasing a burst of reiatsu. It was fired off to the side in the form of a blade, slicing the ground open until it crashed into one of the few boulders destroying it, "Seiryoku! You have been a long time friend of mine, together we have suffered through hardships! But now you stand in the way of me and my ultimate goal! For this I will cast aside all restraints....and bring forth the machine of war that lurks inside of me!" he would say as his reiatsu intensified. The ground shaking under his feet as it cracked slightly, Seiryoku looked at Balmung with curious eyes, "You will release the demon? All for this woman?....whoever this woman is, she seems to have taken grip of your heart Balmung. I will stand by your side for all of eternity my friend, but unfortunately I cannot just hand you my ultimate power! You must prove your worth to me! Come now Balmung Striver, show me the burning desire that flares inside of you!".

Balmung would kick off the ground dashing as Seiryoku, "Serioku!!!!" he would yell out as he swung the sword down at him, Seiryoku would open his eyes wide "AH!!!!!" his reiatsu would explode around him as he took a step forward and swung the cleaver upwards, in doing so their reiatsu would clash causing a vicious explosion. The ground shook from the shockwaves, and a thick cloud of grey smoke was picked up around them but neither Balmung nor Seiryoku where sent flying instead an intense blast of reiatsu blew the smoke away. Both beings where enveloped in the reiatsu, it was swirling around them intensely the two glaring at each other "This ends now!" Balmung would say as he would charge at Seiryoku swinging sideways the spirit would jump up dashing up into the sky. The cleavers weight and such a reckless swing would force Balmung to spin with the sword as it crashed onto the ground dragging itself on it, Balmung would wast no time immediately jumping up after Seiryoku. As he got closer Seiryoku raised the cleaver he would swing it down releasing a wave of concussive energy, Balmung's eyes would narrow as he used flash step disappearing in a burst of speed. The wave would pass by traveling down as it crashed onto the ground, creating a small crater and causing dirt to shoot up into the sky. The rubble would soon settle coming back down to the ground, Seiryoku would look already knowing where Balmung would appear 'From behind!' he would think to himself turning.

As he did there appeared Balmung with his cleaver raised, "Too obvious Balmung!" Seiryoku would say swinging sideways at Balmung's exposed torso but as he did he would hit the air, his eyes would be filled with confusion. 'What!? Where!?" then Seiryoku would turn his head looking ahead of him, there was Balmung with the cleaver raised high and coming down, the two locked eyes once more Balmung swung down he had recovered the Concussive Energy now and was unleashing it on Seiryoku. He unleashed the same wave that Seiryoku had tried to use on him earlier, it pushed against the spirits body though he tried to resist it he couldn't his eyes began to move side to side wildly Seiryoku knew this was the end. His face was overcome with anger..."N...NO!!!!" he would yell out as the wave of energy threw him back. He was flying through the air now wildly, Balmung stood on the air holding the cleaver down, his head hung low, and his hair hung over his face casting a shadow over his eyes. He looked up looking directly at Seiryoku, breathing heavily he would reach up with his left hand gripping the upper part of his uniform, then pulling it and tearing it off. Showing now his lightly tanned, and muscular upper body his heavy breathing made his chest push out further then normal, he would then dash at Seiryoku following after him resting the cleaver on his shoulder as he flew straight at Seiryoku.

The spirit was still flying across the air, until crashing into a giant black mountain he created a crater sinking into it he was there stuck unable to move his eyes stared at the charging Balmung. He knew this was it, he had tried his best, and yet Balmung would emerge victorious perhaps he was wrong and he was ready to handle the power of his ultimate form, Balmung was now standing in front of Seiryoku. His head hung low, his spiked silver long hair a mess, his upper body covered in sweat showing his muscles as more defined, and his light hazel eyes on Seiryoku. Balmung would raise the cleaver up looking Seryoku in the eyes, "Just....surrender..." he would say the phrase caught Seiryoku off guard but it also made him for the first time in possibly centuries smile "Even if I could Balmung...I would not....now...finish me...old friend" he would say. Balmung's eyes would widen with surprise as he noticed something he had never seen before, Seiryoku's eyes where filled with happiness but was he happy about? Balmung didn't understand that Seiryoku was proud of him, he had come a long way since the time when he was a child it was, nice to see Balmung had become this strong. 'Takashi....better watch his back' the private thought crossed Seiryoku's mind as he waited silently for the finishing blow, Balmung would then swing the cleaver at Seiryoku aiming to decapitate him.

As his sword got closer Balmung was using all his strength to hold the heavy blade up he was exhausted, it was almost there but before he reached his spirit the world shattered around him disappearing Seiryoku and all. Balmung's vision would then begin to darken as he felt faint, and weak he lost consciousness falling forward face first hitting the ground with a light thud. Moments later Balmung would awaken back where he had started, in the human world, he was in the great plains he lay there not knowing what had happened. Then he remembered, "Seiryoku!" he would say jumping up to his feet the tall grass reaching up to the mans shin he looked around Balmung would grab his head closing his eyes "Huh? Was it all....just a dream?" he would ask himself. Then as he opened his eyes Balmung would notice fire flies gathering around him, a familiar voice speak to him echoing around him as it said "No Balmung....you have finally achieved it. You proved your warrior spirit to me, you proved that I was wrong. In the end my friend, you accomplished your goal...." the fire flies around Balmung would then gather themselves into a single little group. They would take the form of a human body and then burst revealing, Seiryoku standing before Balmung he looked down at Balmung with smile on his face, Balmung raised an eyebrow he was still not used to seeing Seiryoku smile. "You have achieved Bankai Balmung....it is time for you to go forth, and obtain what is yours. We are now truly one being, remember I will always stand by your side...friend" Seiryoku would place a hand on Balmung's shoulder before vanishes again.

Balmung stood there alone again, looking in the direction where Seiryoku was standing he lowered his head a smirk on his face as he raised it and started to laugh full heartedly. It was so surreal to him, he remembered when Takashi spoke to him of bankai, he made it seem as if Balmung would never achieve it yet here he stood having obtained Bankai. Balmung looked down at his hands, closing them into firm fist, "I have achieved one part of my goal...." he would say in his deep voice as he would pause then look straight up at the sky looking up at the full moon. "You will be my next conquest...April Redwood" he would say confidently as he chuckled again turning Balmung would then walk stepping on the tall grass blades pressing them down and making them flat making a small path of the direction he had walked in. -Update, Obtaining Bankai-

Moved to inactive.