Post by Kurosawa Ryou on Feb 16, 2015 19:12:16 GMT -6
Character Name: Ryou Kurosawa
Race: Shinigami
Position of Character: N/A
Character Loyalties: Sun-Sung, himself, descendants of Xiao, Soi-Fon, and Rukia
Character Goals: To survive and not repeat his past mistakes of failing to protect those he cared about.
Character Backstory / History: Sand was the last thing that he remembered. The hot blowing sand combined with the smoke of battle and the heat of the sun. Every shot was fired off frantically to keep the Marmaluk Calvary from breaking through the square. Besides they had the most important job of all... keeping there beloved general safe. The young French solider fired off his rifle over and over... reloading each time until the action became like clockwork. It was the act of battle, and it was something the young Castex adored. No matter what happened it seemed like the enemy just could not break through as the cannons were rolled out again to give the enemy a whiff of grapeshot, before being brought back to the center of the square. It became more and more obvious as the seconds past that they were about to win another stunned victory thanks to Napoleon. He had never lead them astray... at least in Castex mind he hadn't. Then it seemed like in one instant everything that he wanted to be, a great general just like his leader, was stolen away. The last physical that he was felt was the bullet that killed him... piercing his heart and drowning him in his own blood. Laying their on the sands he bled out wondering... why... why... why...
Growing up at the middle of the Rukon District as the oldest child to a poor couple, Ryou found himself shaped by that which he saw around him. When he was young the world around him seemed to be a game, though it was quite a dangerous one. It was also during this time that he found his interest in learning, though for the moment he simply decided to let life be his teacher. Ryou was never one much for play, especially since he felt a need to look after his three triplet sisters. Which really became a full time job, especially in the feeding department, but going hungry every now and then was perfectly alright with him. At least that way he knew they would be ok, and for him protecting their lives was indeed all that matter. Ryou considered them to be his only friends in the world.
As he grew older a bit more of his cynical nature began to show. The injustice and lawless things that he had seen around him threatened what he cared for. Not only that, but in a way he didn't like feeling powerless to do anything about it. Not that he didn't gain a few bumps and bruises trying. In the end though, Ryou simply found that he did not have the brute strength to do anything about it himself. So he decided to try his best to actually get stronger, since complaining about a problem without trying to fix it would be no good. Still the nature of his living conditions provide for only a limited scope of development, at least in the psychical sense. So instead he decided that for now an expansion of the mind would work.
It was around this time that he began to wonder about potentially trying to see if he could pass the exam into the academy. The worry about his sisters and withier or not they could even survive without him is what held him back. Besides for all he knew at the moment the young man wasn't really sure if he had any latent spiritual abilities that would be necessary. He would sometimes laugh to himself in amusement that the blissful nature of ignorance might have allowed him to break from this place. In the future there were many time in which he wished that he would have. Especially when the night came that poor Ryou would find his own soft mirror image cracked in two.
It was on a soft pale night... the kind which Ryou enjoyed most of all, because the light of the full moon in the sky. He sat on the ground, leaning against the wall of his parents’ home, after he had slipped out the window. The world seemed so silent and peaceful, that Ryou was for once in his life lulled in a false sense of security. It was one that made him dismiss the movement that he saw out of the corner of his eye, as simply something else. It would be when he finally stood up and returned into the room that he shared with his sisters... he found horror lay within. The three bodies of his sisters lying there dead and bleeding on the bed, with a diminutive hollow standing over them. At this point though the idea of the killer had become irrelevant, because Ryou could only see red.
It was not the sight of death that made him snap, but it was the death of the only three people he cared about. He moved towards the bed without a second thought as to what could happen, and luckily caught the thing off guard as he pinned it by the neck to the wall. Lucky for Ryou it was quite small, but the claws that had killed his sister by then were starting to rip into his hand. In the end though, the pain didn't matter and he kept squeezing in order to choke it. The young man would have probably lost the use of his hand had something else not been tipped by the emotion of the moment. It was a sudden light that shown from his hand, which made the hollow squeal and at the same time made Ryou cover his eyes. During this moment he did his best to not let go, and only ended up loosening his grip, yet he swears that he felt it slippery body get away.
When the young man opened his eyes he looked around and found that the creature was gone, and his hand which was bleeding profusely... had luckily only received numerous deep flesh wounds. Standing there Ryou just kept shaking and sweating, with the only sound in the room being blood drops hitting the floor from his hand as well as his heavy breathing. He couldn't take his eyes off the bed, were his sisters lay. Eventually the shock caught up to him and he felt like he was going to vomit, though it was just as he gave into the act... he realized for a moment where he was standing. His bloody hand catching himself on the wall and his other hand covering his mouth as he swallowed it back with a certain fire in his eyes. One that soon chilled to ice, as emotion drained out of his face... and the old Ryou died... a new one born. He knew it was best to leave now, and so he slipped out the window and into the night.
He knew what he was looking for as carried a knife in hand. Ryou had learned a long time ago that one could find out a lot of things, if you listened to conversations of those who were not sober. Needless to say he was sure that justice being carried out in any manner here in this place would be quite fitting. Hopefully enough to prove himself to the Shinigami, especially the one he had in mind. So he found his prey lying asleep with probably no guilty feelings in his soul... and did what needed to be done. Also making sure the proof was in the bag. Needless to say that when Ryou found the Shinigami and handed over his prize with his injured hand, making sure to ask the very small bounty be given to his parents. It was a bit of a tense moment to say the least, but he soon found himself pointed on his way. Luckily his more manic emotions were causing his Spirit energy to show again.
He was also a bit on the fortunate side that the exam happen to be on the same day, because Ryou didn't exactly wanted it treated till afterward. The field dressing which was on it for the moment was quite good enough for him until he was done. Besides he found the test to be somewhat easy and was quickly accepted into a place he had always been curious about. Now that he was there though... the young man found he was a bit annoyed. In his mind they were all technically preparing for war so he did find himself wondering why the others didn't spend more time studying. That was really all Ryou ever did was bury his nose in his books and practice Kido after they had taught him. He never neglected practicing with his sword either, but his constant defensive nature did get a little on the nerves of his trainers. It took Ryou a bit to find that offensive point of his Zanpakuto, of course this was on probably the best day for him at the academy overall.
It was the day they were taught to Shunpo, and the very concept made him say, "Wait... I can do that?" Not that he had never seen it before, it was simply he had never known the name. The moment he learned how put a Cheshire cat like grin on his face and for once in his life it stayed for an entire week. The normally overly serious Shinigami who was now close to the middle of his second year and looked to possibly graduate by the end of his third. Was moving around the place till he was sweating bullets. Even small unneeded distance just because he could, and that included taking any delivery task he could just so that he could simply do it again. As for his Zanpakuto it would be now that it would start to speak, because it's was growing jealous of him playing his own little game... and not it's.
Very soon Ryou began to hear voices in the dark when he walked. Voices in the dark when he slept, and voice in the night when meditated. Mostly they were blurred, but soon became clear as three separate voices speaking to him. At first because of the time in which it usually happened he simply passed it off as imaging thing. That was until he woke up in a cold sweat to the words, "No more silly little boy." With that he felt the floor fall out from under him and he felt like he was tumbling away from the light of the moon... down a deep dark hole. Soon passing out form the fall that seemed to go on and on.
What seemed like minutes later he awoke and looked around, to a world that could only be described as a nightmare. To Ryou though, it only made him curious because he realized quickly where he was... his inner world. The Shinigami laugh with his normally creepy manner of doing so, as he listened to the sounds of the clocks. "I guess I better not be late then..." With those words he walked towards the large clock tower in the middle of the realm. Passing by giant mushrooms that he reached out to touch, an even taste the goo that dripped form them. Realizing very quickly... the taste of iron... exactly what it was. The oil that dripped form the sky was indeed amusing to him, but he hid from it during his trip and soon reached the towers base. It was there that he found what he was seeking.
Sitting back on its favorite spot was a lung dragon, curled up in a flower like throne that sat on top of a mushroom. There sitting next to the creature was a large hookah which it used every few moments, and then blew out the smoke from its giant nostrils. Ryou watched as the creature looked down at him, and a moment of silence pasted, before the spirit asked, "Who R U" The letters coming form it's lips in smoke and each word was said with a different gender speaking. Ryou's fingers started taping on the hilt of his sword, as he realized that this was his spirit. Another cackle sprang, from his throat at the irony, "I think you know the answer to that." The dragon grinned in amusement at the Shinigami's reply, "Indeed I do, and I suspect you want the same answer?"
Though a chance to answer was never given as the spirit took off with hookah in hand saying, "Make it through the Clock tower and speak to me at the top." The spirit had barely left his sight before he darted in the door only to be stopped in his tracks at the site of the paradox before. Stairs going in every direction, and he heard a female voice echoing, "Come now silly Shinigami. Don't get lost, and find your way up." After a period of time though, everything seemed to be a blur, as the sword loved to mess with the game. The shadows sometimes shifting and in confusing the young man. The dragons disembodied head in the sky looking and laughing at him, while at the same time encouraging him. Even by the time he woke up the next morning he had gotten no were. That was its rule... only when you dream and only at night. Though eventually after a couple of days the top was reached and there she sat waiting, "Oh good boy. Glad you could join us. Would you like a game of chess?"
With those words a board appeared in her palm, and she said, "Beat me once and we can move on... lose and you have to climb all the way back up." So the chess game began, and very quick Ryou found that something he so prided himself in doing was something that he was simply a novice. The spirit seemed to take great pleasure at his losses, though it seemed different somehow. The personality was calm and wise, and also a bit more sage like. The Shinigami learned fast, because the Zanpakuto taught him, but would never tell the answers. He quick realized this was the middle personalities challenge... just like the last had been that of the female. It was not long before he eventually was able to beat the spirit, and at the moment he spoke the words, "Checkmate." A claw was at his throat and the board crashing down... the male he realized... is the evil side.
Pulling out his sword he jumped into the area nearby, as suddenly the dragon split into three spirits. The fighting that came next battered Ryou's body and hardened his soul even more. There was only one rule... he could not leave until he had won. However that was achieved was not the swords problem, but it wouldn't trust itself to someone who it didn't respect. So for the next five days Ryou fought a guerilla style battle in his own inner world. Both sword and master ripped each other apart and drug each other down into the darkness to show there true nature. Only Ryou has seen how evil his Zanpakuto can be, just like it has seen what its master is capable of. The mind games and tactics he beat his own sword with shaped him into the fighter that he later became, and when the final of the three surrendered and the dragon carried it's tried master back to the top of the clock tower. It gave him a hug before settling back into its throne, and went back to simply smoking its hookah. Tried at this point, and sick of its Ryou stood and through eyes that had never been colder, and a voice never more threating he said, "Now answer... Who R U?" With a laugh the dragon replied with amusement, "Why my dear you know the answer to that." With those words it blew out smoke letters spelling, "In'ei no Ningyôtsukai". All the while waving good bye as he woke up in a sick bed.
Still he could not get his Zanpakuto to give him its release phrase. All he would get when he tried to ask was a bonk on the head and the word 'baka' when in its male voice. When the natural or female voice it will either offer another game of chess or some tea, along with an amused giggle in the case of the female side. It would be half way through his third year that he would finally see her shadow. As with such places like the academy, not everyone is nice to each other. It was as he walked down a hall way that he heard a silent commotion from up ahead, and so curious he looked up a bit. A noticed some of the more annoying upperclassmen from the 5th year... all 11th division wanna bees by the looks of them, were hassling that 4th year girl who had unlocked her Shikai only days ago. Across the little pond form were he meditate. He could only assume it was a more kido based from, by their words and frankly Ryou found himself getting more and angrier.
His eyes grew cold, as his hair hung in front of his face when he spoke. "Excuse me... I think you gentlemen have had enough fun for today." The three guys only took enough time to look at him as one said, "Hey... check him out." The then simple laughed and went back to their prize. Ryou notice though, that she still looked at him, and he looked back through those hairs that created his curtain. With a sigh he just shook his head, "Bad move..." Another chance to use his favorite move, as he disappeared and reappeared causing the three guys to step back. Ryou didn't say a word, but simple pointed down the hall. He didn't want anyone to get in trouble, especially himself. His silence only pissed them off more as did fact his eyes didn't meet theirs when they spoke... he only saw red start to cloud his vision... and then the sight of his spirit wink. As she blew out in smoke the words "Ayatsuru In'ei no Ningyôtsukai". Which the Shinigami simply mumbled in reflex.
Then as quickly as the moment had started... the whole thing was over. One of the guys had stopped his fist only inches form impaling on Ryou's outstretched finger. His restisu had grown so chilling and dark that the trio stumbled over each to run. Ryou expected of course to turn and find the girl had done the same, but she had not. Just standing there smiling at him. It was ironically on this day that he finally released his sword that he would also find the only person at the academy he called friend. So before disappearing off with a flash step... he gave her his Cheshire like grin.
The sad thing was he didn't get much time to know his friend well, because he was able to accomplish his goal of cutting his time at the Academy in half. After graduation he was enrolled in the 8th division, and soon found that his time could be much better spent. Not only that he was able to train more, and actually do things to help the people of Rukon, whom he felt needed a bit of 'dark justice' in order to help them. Especially in the areas of his old district and beyond. He was soon able to raise himself up to 7th, and then high and high until he reached the rank of 3rd seat through hard work. His chilling nature meant he wasn't going to get anywhere on the back of have social graces, but you could be damn sure that few worked and trained more than him. Still even to this day, the lower ranked people who actually know him say that he needs to relax more. To which he always replies in a sarcastic manner, "When every hollow lies dead at my feet, and my sisters’ killer is in my clutches." Words that are always spoken with a Cheshire cat grin.
It was within his Division that the Shinigami quickly found his spot, or his home as he likes to call it. Finally having a group of people that at least seemed to accept him, was quite refreshing, and made him quite defensive of the 2nd. He also found that for once he was being rewarded for his hard work in the fact that he was given 6th seat out of the academy. Something that he found quite ironic to be sure, but like in Academy it was always work and training that came first. His rise through the ranks was a bit faster than most, yet this was related to the fact that Ryou seemed to be quite the strategic mind. Not when it came to fighting, but battlefield tactics, and so his use as a commander was seen. It was his dog like loyalty to his division ended up slowing this advancement towards the higher ranks more than anything else. This did not bother him in the least though, since Kurosawa quickly realized that ranks were just numbers and his power was his own. War was a meatgrinder, and he knew all he had to do was to be the one who came out on top in that manner, in order to prove that he was not just some silly Mad Dog as others sometimes called him.
Of course the Shinigami was not sitting on his laurels during this time either, and spent quite a bit of time training. His desire to protect his Mistresses had always been an overwhelming force that drove his training. There was also the added bonus that it allowed him to spend time with his sword spirit... even if that ment quite a few 'tea partys' after he had lost a game of chess. Slowly claiming up the ranks like a spider to it's prize. Ryou eventually reached the rank of Vice-Captian when he was promoted form third seat after the former Lieutenant had resigned for personal reasons. Leaving the Ryou in the position of taking over a leadership position he wasn't sure of, but at the same time at least allowing him to be closer to the Mistress to guard her. Eventually though the position that he had been unsure of, was one that he grew into enjoying simply because he could think with his overall strategic mindset, but still had the structure of someone being in charge of him.
Yet it was not only the Second Division Captain who held Ryou’s loyalties. During his time as a fourth seat the Shinigami pledged his service to Tia Halibel. Serving the Espada as an information gatherer for 50 years and toeing the line between the Gotei and Hecudo Mundo, until something changed the nature of his personal relationship with the Arrancars. It was only a single moment on the sands of the human world, but it established an intimate connection between Ryou and Halibel that would change the two completely. Helping to stabilize Ryou and give him a sense of family he had never had, while cooling and bringing feelings of love to Halibel that she had never experienced. Their time together was also a growing moment for the Shinigami who learned to manifest his Bankai as he was accepted into the fold of the Tres Beast… making him one of their own. It was eventually Sun-Sung who began to catch the Shinigami’s heart as well… and given the nature of Arrancars, this was never a problem with Halibel.
In the end it would turn out to be Shinigami’s saving grace, as he would eventually marry Sun-Sung in an attempt by Halibel to create a tactical method to better fight the Heralds. The method the Espada ended up convincing using to Ryou to agree to the marriage was by having Sun-Sung demonstrate something extra she had been holding back from the Shinigami, much to his pleasure… and satisfaction. After the marriage the one other Shinigami in attendance Xiao… to whom Ryou had admitted his misdeed, and now was witnessing the signing of a treaty between the Espada in attendance and the Shinigami. However peace would not last long before the Heralds brought their rain of destruction and try as they might, and inflicting heavy casualties on the Heralds forces, in the end the carefully laid defenses Ryou and Sun had planned began to fail. Then without warning, one morning on the eve of what they thought would be their final battle alongside the others, while he ate a special romantic breakfast with his wife Ryou found himself getting woozy. Collapsing into Sun-Sung’s arms before she fell out only moments later… the two were saved from the final battle that wiped out both the Heralds and the Espada.
When he awoke Ryou found that not only had he outlived his Mistress, but he had failed to fight and die at her side like a good dog. For years he and Sun-Sung wondered the sands, the Shinigami became overprotected of his wife… cutting down any hollow without thought that might be a threat to her. The Arrancar held him back from going into the human world and did what she could to keep him together, knowing that he would probably attack a Shinigami if one appeared. It was years before Ryou was better again, the only silver lining was the strength he had gain, not only in power, but also the bond he and Sun-Sung now shared with they moved back into Las Noches. It was from here that Ryou received a second piece of shocking news, about the death of Xiao… and the Civil War that was occurring. Only his worry for Sun-Sung’s safety and her worry about his mental state kept him out of most of the start. Half way through though when the numbers poured in by the way of certain friends of his among the Gotei 13 that Ryou realized how many casualties were coming out of Second Division.
So only with the help of Sun-Sung herself, did his part in the war began. Those that dared to strike out at members of the Second Division found their door steps darkened by a faceless figure and his snake like companion. Who would leave entire groups of mutilated enemy squads in their wake, while Ryou at the same time made enough appearance before Soi-Fong to let her know that her old Lieutenant would always serve her family faithfully. Her death during the war brought a night that saw the men who killed her nailed up and skinned alive leaving enough witnesses to the sight of his tall figure to let people know why it had been done. It was during this time that his relationship to Sun-Sung functioned as the soft glove to Ryou’s iron fist. Making him think twice about if he was going after the correct person each time, so that he wouldn’t isolate himself from potential allies within the Gotei. Even after the war ended he had to keep his distance during the memorial service… only to disapper back into Las Noches afterward. Only to repaper again to revisit old friends, or at the call of Soi-Fon’s family, Xiao’s, Kimiko’s, or Rukia’s descent… until then he waits… biding his time in the shadows of Las Noches. Hoping that one day a new army can be built like that his Mistress had, and peace can be restored to the sands once more.
---BIO---
Age: 739
Gender: Male
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Physical Description: When looking at Ryou one gets the impression they are looking at something that is not all there. When in public he always prefers to wear the uniform black kimono of his status as a member of the Gotei 13. The only time this is not the case is whenever he is in the human world and even then Ryou's taste in clothes could use some 'updating'. Since he has the bad habit of wearing things that were worn when he originally died. He is also never seen without his sword, and is perfectly comfortable wearing it on his hip or across his back. Ryou will even go to great lengths to cover it up just to make sure that he always has his favorite spot to rest his palm.
As for his psychical appearance the man is a lean figure, which can make it easy to underestimate that there is muscle under there. Ryou's skin is quite pale and goes along with his long black hair that usually hangs in front of his face and cascades down his back and shoulders, because he walks with a certain slouch. Which causes him to give off an air of creepiness or eccentric wisdom depending on his mood. Whatever the impression given, it is never that Ryou lacks confidence, it is simply that he is caught up in his thoughts. His fingers are thin, and those on his left hand seem to be constantly in motion, especially when taping on his sword hilt.
He keeps his hair hanging down in front of his face to hide his thoughts from others. To Ryou the thicker he can make the air of mystery that surrounds himself, then the more prepared he will be. So his hair is quite precious to him, and is something the Shinigami takes care of, though it is hard to catch him grooming it, but amusing if you can. If he gets into a fight he always makes sure to tie back his hair into a ponytail. At least that is his habit if he doesn't plan on being serious. The idea to Ryou of being able to lose his precious curtain to the world, is tantamount to knowing he could die.
When he does look at a person the gaze of his deep dark eyes can be quite a soul penetrating thing. As though he can read any guilt that a person may be hiding. His face is never really something that displays much emotion either, as though it is locked in a permanent poker face... and even sometimes a thoughtful expression. Though when he does smile, it is always Cheshire like grin. Such is a sight that it can add to his creepy nature, but at the same time it is so rarely seen, it could be considered his truest display of happiness. As for his scars... they are to him a reminder of the past. On his right hand there are scars covering the skin on the back of his hand and along the top of his arm. There are even a few which are on his palm, and they are all quite visible, and he no longer tries to hide them.
It is not though Ryou's appearance that is the most chilling thing about him, which would surprise most people who didn't know better. It is his reiastu. The feeling of his reiastu is one that is cold, chilling, and oppressive... as though an evil spirit has entered the room. It is that haunting feeling one gets when they are being watched, or when they see something out of the corner of their eye at night move in the dark. A feeling that he loves to use against people in the night who only know he is near by the fact they can feel it. Still in an odd way, it can be comforting... because feeling his reiastu means that you know you have a quite guard dog watching your back. Like his rare Cheshire cat grin though his reiastu will change, but it is only during those moments that the grin spreads across his face. It is during these times that he gives off this protective feeling of warmth and calming.
The years he has spend among the sands of Hecudo Mundo and the losses he suffered against the Heralds and in the Civil War have all taken their toll. His hair is a bit longer, and only a slightly bit more scraggly due to Sun-Sung's gentle care keeping it in good shape. It is mostly Ryou's stare and the way he carries himself that has changed... a thousand yard look that let's you know he had seen too much, and wants to forget about it even when he some times fades off into episodes thinking about the past. At the same time his paranioa seems more focused, in that it applies more to the things he cares about than anything else. While this can sometimes make possessive, it is not a trait that causes him to interfere with anyones normal life.
Personality: Ryou could really be described as an eccentric individual. Though what makes him so is the distant air which he seems to carry himself. Not as though he is acting like he is better than others, but simply that he seems to always have his mind on something. Usually that something be his current task, and if not that then his own project... and even those could be as simple as, 'now where do I find one of those butterflies.' It is for these reasons that he can be caught mumbling to himself when he forgets there are other people around. He sometimes does this even on purpose if he doesn't want to be interrupted on something important. Which can some of the simplest thing... he takes an every cog has its purpose to what he does.
Another belief that he holds is that knowledge is one of the most important things in life. He is quite the scholar whenever he finds time, but once he learns something Ryou is usually not to apt to share. If he knows something that another person doesn't then he will either use the knowledge as a teaching moment, or simply string them along with hints of what it could be. Playing mind games with others is a bit of a hobby for him. While misplaced in his methods, he really doesn't see what he does as harmful. Especially since he gets to have fun, and they hopefully learn something.
His time that is spent training things other than his mind, are also quite important to him. Which considering Ryou doesn't exactly plan events on his social calendar by choice very often, means he usually has all the time he time he needs. The very idea of being caught unprepared doesn't exactly suit his defensive, and cautious way of thinking. Which sis why in his strategic thinking mind... he must constantly do his best to be ready. One can never be to ready in his mind because it is always better to be too ready, and have things run smooth, than not be ready and never get to try again. Though when training sometimes, usually if he is alone, one of his quirks come out. It is simply Ryou's impish side enjoys flash stepping. To him it is the most entertaining thing in the world to the point he will find a place away from others just to do it. In the rare times he is surrounded by people he would call friends, he will do to get places, which don't exactly need it.
Ryou's lighter side is rarely shown if at all. It is something that is usually seen by those who are close to him, or anyone his impish teacher instincts have their sights set on. Normally he is quite satisfied sitting back at the edge of gatherings in order to watch and listen, only to join if requested for or something gets his interest. Ryou's reasons for do so stem from the idea that it is always better to be prepared, and how could anyone distracted in a group be prepared. He is quite the shifty eyed fellow during these times. Which in the case of doing missions makes quite the useful person to have around, because you know that no matter how relaxed things get or how peaceful they seem at least Ryou's watching. Though it has gotten him in trouble before, because of a past tendency towards paranoid and not very careful. Such things are mostly behind him now, but even a defensive thinker like himself, always finds some paranoia useful.
Besides the good nature imp that he can be towards those whom he likes, it his darker side that is reserved for those who are his enemies. The constant cold outer shell that he seems to keep up was not originally to hold out, but to hold in. Trauma's from his past took themselves and were buried deep in his soul, and created in Ryou a firm sense of justice... though a dark sense of justice at that. It is one that stems from a desire for a desire for a revenge that has yet to be satisfied, but keeps him focused on the road ahead. Indeed his darker nature is not something to be messed with, because the angel that Ryou can be with frown, can just as easily be the devil with a grin.
One of his darker aspects has to do with his ideas of 'dark justice'. It is not something that he takes pleasure in, but it is simply something he believes is right. The idea is that justice should always be swift, and that it should always fit the crime. The one who committed the crime needs to suffer more than the victim. It is a very eye for eye type concept, only to Ryou it is an eye for two eyes type concept. It is a part of his soul that is rarely seen, simply because he understands how it sounds. The idea of mercy is not something that he will give, because his sisters were never given that. Which is why he prefers the part of his job that involves saving a soul, because beyond that point mercy is no longer an option. In fact preforming soul burials is actually one of the things that can put that Cheshire like grin on his face.
Another part of his darker nature is the fact he will manipulate people to get what he wants, be that for good... or in some cases bad. Though to him they are all good reasons. Sometimes though he simply enjoys playing mind games with people for kicks, though it is more of a benign impish sort of thing. Something he likes to do to keep the unseated squad people on their toes during the night. He has a sort of puppet master like personality to him, and if you fall victim to it he will pull the strings to make you dance. If don't though you earn his respect and admiration, and are on the way to making a very loyal friend. To him the human mind is such a fun thing to mess with, though despite the fact people can get their feelings hurt... it is not always his goal, unless he feels they deserve it. A more benign from of 'dark justice' in a sense.
He does have just one more quirk that is worth mentioning, and it started since the night his sisters died. His fingers on his damaged right hand always tap. They move back in forth in a manner that creates that same beat, if he lays that hand on a table. This only when he relaxes that hand of course, and so it doesn't affect his abilities to do his job... it is just something that adds to his mystery. In other cases... tapping can be useful to annoy a less self-disciplined opponent, especially when combined with Ryou's usual silence. When he combines this with his Shikai it can certainly make him quite menacing especially when the battle is going just the way he likes it. It allows him to give out that 'I am coming for you' type of message without speaking a word.
For all his quirks it is the Cheshire cat grin that is shown the least, and nowhere can it be found more than when he either receives a message through butterfly, or he spends time in his old district or beyond. Sometimes he does this just for the sole purpose of knowing that they will send a butterfly after him, though mostly it is because the rules matter a bit less out here. The further out in the districts he goes, the swifter one can be with justice, though he more has a penton for protecting children around the age of his sisters. Not really something that he does on purpose, it is simply that he seems to react to those situations without a second thought. Though he won't admit it, and his Zanpakuto constantly reminds him, it seems as though he is trying to make up for a failure to protect that was never his in the first place. In fact his pension for protecting younger females has always been there since that horrible night, though it is truly with most big brotherly nature that he plays this role.
When it comes to doing his job as a Shinigami and as the Lieutenant of an Second Division, Ryou always does his best to excel. In fact it is the strategic nature of his mind that allows him to do this. Plus he will take initiative in a heartbeat when it comes to the defense of his division. If there is one thing he does well, that is spotting the breaking points and reinforcing defenses even if he has to himself. Though his protective nature of the people under his command, makes him willing to put himself at grave risk in a needless manner sometimes. He makes a good field commander, though there is no doubt to anyone who knows him that he could does a good at job in his position. His main weakness being his cold nature makes it hard for subordinates who don't know him well to approach. He is also quit cold when it comes to the numbers game, since really that is all soldiers are... a resource. Despite this knowledge he doesn't throw away lives needless, especially if he believed someone was being foolish about an order.
The is another thing that must be said about him, and his nature to be protect. This is the way he attaches himself to certain females, usually of higher rank and strength. Though they have to have earned his respect first, the main way being seeing past all his creepiness, and simply looking at how good he does his job or at the better side of his person. Since joining Second Division and especially after becoming Lieutenant it has been his Captain that has started to attract Ryou's attention in this manner. In this way she has earn in Ryou a sense of respect that causing the man to feel for her not as a crush… or a brotherly feeling, but as a guard dog. A guard dog that feels he that can’t let his Mistress be harmed psychically… even if it means giving his own life in the process. Funny caveat to this... don't catch him on the rare times he is drinking... insults against his Captain don't fly to well ether.
This also includes insults that are directed at Sun-Sung, or his wife, whom Ryou has become very protective over since he lost all of the other women in his life that he normally protected, and while he an immature shy school boy when it comes to the ways of love anymore that doesn't mean the snake doesn't know how to make him blush. Even if it a lot harder than it used to be for Shinigami who finally seems to get the lessons he has been taught. In this way it has made him warmer, especially to the few people he has left who are close to him. Ryou who is still stuck with the glow of war in his eyes can almost be seen staring of into the distance wishing for old times. Even if it means looking into the faces of the children of those he cared about. In the end it is only Sun-Sung whom he has that can cool that fire, and allow him to admire something that isn't just a 'mock' copy of a relic long past.
---COMBAT---
[Note: There is a new system in place for the site using a set basic measurement of stats.
Fighting Style: When it comes to his strengths one would have to say that it is certainly in his defensive fighting style. Ryou's main strength in doing this is his speed, and the simple reason for this is his enjoyment for flash stepping. The second reason that he uses speed, is that he is simply not a very big guy and his strength is not were his powers lie. So that is why he simply prefers to dodge his enemy and wait until they make a mistake. Which is why his Zanpakuto has turned a chasing game into such a huge part of his training. Though one can't dodge every attack, and that is where the second and third layer of his defense come into play. The nature of his training is also very intense and usually takes up most of his free time. Every second of it that can be done in his inner world is done there, and quite a few of the scars gained for mistakes are kept for memories. Though hidden under his kimono of course.
Much as changed over the years with the way that Ryou fights, and yet much as remained the same. His speed has increased to the point that he is able to use many of the tricks his old Captain used, and even those of her mentor before her. If he still lived in Soul Society, the mantle of 'God of Flash' could very well have been placed on him. In the end though Ryou only treats that skill as a means to an end. While yes he is defensive in drawn out combat, the nature of his Bankai allows him to end most battles quickly and without extending things out to much. The only time he would is if he means to torture the person whom he is trying to defeat, but Ryou normally finds such types of battles to be inefficient because they leave that person time to be alive and harm those who cares about.
Withier or not he releases his Shikai at the start gives away Ryou how threatened the man feels for the safety not of himself, but of those around him. Normally when their is no such threat then he is likely only to release for those whom he respects. While not being one to underestimate people, the Shinigami is not going to waste energy on the weak either. Still if a person whom he underestimated pushes him that far, then he will release his Shikai and use his index finger to cut the strings that hold his pony tail. Because once he releases his sword, then he never holds back. His favorite use of it when fighting is to help play mind games with his opponent or to throw them off in whatever way he can. Not only that, but he likes to set traps to strike while his opponent chases. Though his combat style screams coward, he prefers to run without turning his back to his opponent.
What he prefers more than anything is to lure his opponent to battlefield of his choosing. Which is inside a building during the day, or a forest during the day. While night fight is fine with him... the moon doesn't produce the abundance of shadows that the sun does. That being said... a full moon night... is his deadliest time. Because he can use the dark for mind games, and the shadows to attack with. As for his Shikai's abilities he is more likely to use them to try and kill an opponent than the weapon itself. Ryou doesn't like the assassin's nature of the weapon, and will only use it if he has a chance. Normally that part of the weapon is used for his mind games such as making noises, taping on things, and various other methods to throw off an opponent. He also will talk a quite a bit if he is trying to be serious... though the way in which his voice comes out is a curious and yet creepy sound.
When it comes to his Shikai's abilities though, he does use the weapon to control the various attacks. His fingers dance as though there is something attached to each of them, and this is what gives him the impression of puppeteer. Maybe touching a shadow that he passes and directing the tendril to strike from behind. Or even combining one of his favorite Kido moves in order to create shadows for his Shikai's abilities. Though he also has a certain pension for combining his little escape trick ability with that of Bakudo 21, if he needs to retreat or even get the jump on an enemy.
Though when facing someone like himself, then usually the mind games turn into something different. In fact they become a lot more deadly, because he no longer hesitates to strike at a moment when someone is distracted. Plus he will go all out from the start, if they are on his level of strength. The only real way to describe the way he fights against those who think like him or those who are stronger is simply the way he plays chess. Very seriously. His impish mind games go away and the darkness comes out to play. Here he will use a bit more of his bread and butter tactics of retreating and touching shadows, while directing them to also defend himself. It is also here that he tries even harder to lure them to his favorite types of battlefeilds, and if he can't... then escape or desperation can come in handy. His higher level of pain tolerance means that he is not scared to take a dangerous blow, as longer as he is sure that it will inflict a dangerous blow.
When fighting alongside allies Ryou prefers to use their shadows if he can. He finds that the proper placement of people around a battlefield can give him an advantage depending on how he wants to use his abilities along with their shadows. The same goes for a group of enemies, though it is simply a more backwards concept since he is uses there shadows against them in a more mass attack/one on one style fashion. Ryou doesn't exactly like to fight groups because he doesn't find it to be as fun, since it is easier to play with the mind of one person, and get to enjoy the reactions.
Ryou's main purpose for using Kido in battle is to create extra shadows were he needs them. That is why most of his focus is towards the defensive spells that last longer and create more light, than the offensive ones which are only around for short time. Yet he still is quite willing to use the offensive ones that he has learned in order to hurt his opponent... plus he kind of finds that the form of his shikai makes some Hado spells so amusing.
When fighting beside his wife Sun-Sung, as Ryou is prone to do... the Shinigami becomes a whole different monster. The two have been together for so long and have trained together so long, that when they fight together he becomes like an extension of her, and she of him. The combination of the two as a pair almost seems like one being who is far more stronger than the sum of their parts. Because Ryou knows what his wife is going to do, he can make moves to strengthen or combo with her attacks without even thinking. The pair have even gone so far to develop their own abilities that require both of them use. Allowing the pair of them to form a fighting combo.
ALL BASE LEVELS WILL BE AS FOLLOWED
Shinigami – Hollow – Low Ranking Quincy and Humans that have recently unlocked Fullbring will get a maximum of 25 points to spend in the follow tiers, maximum at lower rank of 10 per category.
Vice Captain – Arrancar – Midlevel Tier Quincy and Fullbringers who are adept get a bonus 25 points to spend in each category, Maximum of 30 in each category.
Captain – Arrancar Master Class – Quincy Master Class and Fullbringers who are fully adept get an additional 25 points, Maximum of 40 in each category
Zanjutsu [Sword Combat Skill]: 40
Hakuda [Unarmed Combat Skil]: 45
Hoho [Agility]: 50
Kido [Reiatsu Manipulation]: 40
---Shinigami Only---
Zanpakuto Name: In'ei no Ningyôtsukai (Puppeteer of Shadows)
Zanpakuto Appearance: - Length: - Length: 38 inches.
The sheath of Ryou's Zanpakuto is very deep dark jet back, that even when polished doesn't want to shine. This color continues until 3/4th of the way up the sword, and at this point little red drip shapes start to appear in a rain like fashion. It is near the hilt that the reason is shown, in the fact that there is a metal dragon snaking around the end of the sheath with its tail ending just at the hilt. The dragon itself has two dark ruby eyes, and is made from solid onyx, yet there is enough red around the dragon to make it stand out. The odd thing is that it seems to have its teeth sunk into the sheath, and because of the design which the red takes... it almost looks as though the creature has sunk his fangs into the sword and caused it to bleed.
The hilt itself at the very butt of the sword also ends with the head of a dragon, and like the other this one is made of onyx. The actual hilt itself is a mix of red and black in an odd swirling of colors, which if one stares at they might think they see faces screaming or simply staring back at them with a grin. The guard of the weapon is much the same color, but the red is more prevalent and so balances out the other black parts. Yet it is around this guard that there is a dragon which chases its tail. The color of which is that of a deep crimson red, and looks as though it is made from very well crafted blood stone.
When worn he is perfectly comfortable doing so on either his back, or at his side, though prefers his back to keep the blade out of the way of his movement... or even maybe somewhat break the force of a surprise attack. It is the tie that is used to hold it on is what makes this interesting, because it is a bit thicker than normal, and is very well designed. In fact it even looks almost like an artist rendering of Ryou's inner world when it is unrolled out, form the tight bound he keeps it in. It actually takes a good eye to notice the five black strings he uses, and such an eye is usually a way to gain his respect.
The blade itself shows the care of its owner and is very sharp. While it holds no visible special nature in itself, it is simply the fact Ryou constantly takes care of it that leaves it in such good shape. It is not the blade itself that is fussy, but simply the owner, who quite enjoy making sure that his Zanpakuto is overly taken care. Withier it is needed or not doesn't matter... it is something about the act of taking care of his weapon that comforts him.
Shikai Release Phrase: Ayatsuru In'ei no Ningyôtsukai (Manipulate Puppeteer of Shadow)
Shikai Appearance: The form which Ryou's Shikai takes moves right along with the Shinigami's thought process in and out of combat. Normally holding his Zanpakuto in his right hand, means that his sword simply seems to mold down around it. Like a dark shadow consuming the appendage only to take on the form of a very short leather gauntlet. It ends a bit below the wrist, and doesn't seem to offer much in the way of armor protection, except on the top of his fingers with a red colored metal that is done in a scaled pattern for flexibility. Also the leather on the back of the hand is a bit thicker, because of its vulnerability to being hit, while the palm is more flexible.
The color of the glove like most things Ryou owns is solid black, but it is all full of a few interesting designs. All of which are colored red, and are mostly swirls or cracks going across it. The one on the back of his palm is the most intricate being that it is the image of his spirit holding a marionette with a puppet at the ends of the strings. These part though, are simple the superficial, but truly it is his Zanpkuto’s way reminding him that it is always there. So that if he ever loses a reason to fight for those around him, at least he will never forget to fight for it.
It is at the tips of Ryou's fingers that the weapon of his Shikai lay. Coming out of each fingertip is a blade, which are all strong for their size. Each one adds to the length of its respective finger by two and one half, plus they rub together quite frequently because of Ryou's nervous tick. Though it is obvious by their nature that they are not the main weapon, but are the points from which this Shinigami controls his amusing game of shadow puppets. Still that doesn't make them a deadly weapon, and if Ryou is able to position himself correctly he will certainly use his Shikai to kill directly.
Bankai Release Phrase: Kao no Nai Otoko no Sanpo (The Walk of the Faceless Man)
Bankai Appearance: During his Bankai Ryou takes on the form a faceless figure in a black suit with a red tie, and the pink eyed tentacle places a black top hat on the top of his head. His normally haunting reiatsu grows even more oppressive especially to those weaker than him like it normally is to the point that it makes it nerve wracking to stand in front of Ryou much less fight him. These are the three lung dragon tentacles that grow off Ryou's back. passively they act as his voice, sight, and hearing while in Bankai. The three also seem to act with personality of his Zanpakuto spirits. Along with these grow out eight other tentacles from his back, four of which function like his shield tentacles, and the other four function like his sword tentacles.
This helps with the functionally of Ryou's Bankai is the fact that it allows him to move much faster while in this form and throw off his enemies by attacking from different directions. By being able to attack from there shadows he can always come at there back side and at the same time attack from the front or even below and the top. Depending on how he uses it, this allows Ryou to constantly keep an enemy off balance and to allow for surprise attacks, as well as multiple attacks at once. There is also the natural unsettling nature of reatisu that is increased and might in itself mess with those who are not used to being around the man.
The different tentacles also have different functions when it comes to damaging people and the best ways to use them. The ones that are more like swords, do more damage, but are less defensive than the ones that are like shields. The ones that are like shields are more defensive, but when used like a blunt force weapon they are less damaging than the ones that look like swords. Then there are the lung-dragon looking tentacles... these are used as both shield and sword tentacles. They are also stronger both defensively and offensively than the other tentacles.
The speed itself also helps, given that after so many years Kurosawa's Banaki has only grown in speed. Even the blink of an eye can cause an enemy to lose where Ryou has gone, making it seem like the man can teleport. When fighting him up close, if he goes at his Bankai's maximum speed, their are afterimages left in the wake of every small movement. Quickly becoming hard to tell what is really Ryou, and what is simply a fake version of his movements from a moment before. Normally though he prefers to use this speed to simply end the fight by leaving a after image of himself and then appearing behind his enemies... not once really stopping on his walk after he stabs them.
---Hollow Only---
Base Level Abilities [Maximum of 3 Hollow Abilities such as Cero or Garganta etc.]:
Zanpakuto Appearance:
Zanpakuto Name:
Resurrecion Release Phrase:
Resurrecion Appearance:
Resurrecion Abilities:
---Quincy Only---
Quincy Abilities [Please Select 2 minimum 4 maximum abilities]:
Quincy Weapon Appearance:
---Fullbring Only---
Name of Fullbring:
Abilities of Fullbring:
---Roleplaying Sample---
Would one of the examples from the site do, or would you like something new XS
Race: Shinigami
Position of Character: N/A
Character Loyalties: Sun-Sung, himself, descendants of Xiao, Soi-Fon, and Rukia
Character Goals: To survive and not repeat his past mistakes of failing to protect those he cared about.
Character Backstory / History: Sand was the last thing that he remembered. The hot blowing sand combined with the smoke of battle and the heat of the sun. Every shot was fired off frantically to keep the Marmaluk Calvary from breaking through the square. Besides they had the most important job of all... keeping there beloved general safe. The young French solider fired off his rifle over and over... reloading each time until the action became like clockwork. It was the act of battle, and it was something the young Castex adored. No matter what happened it seemed like the enemy just could not break through as the cannons were rolled out again to give the enemy a whiff of grapeshot, before being brought back to the center of the square. It became more and more obvious as the seconds past that they were about to win another stunned victory thanks to Napoleon. He had never lead them astray... at least in Castex mind he hadn't. Then it seemed like in one instant everything that he wanted to be, a great general just like his leader, was stolen away. The last physical that he was felt was the bullet that killed him... piercing his heart and drowning him in his own blood. Laying their on the sands he bled out wondering... why... why... why...
Growing up at the middle of the Rukon District as the oldest child to a poor couple, Ryou found himself shaped by that which he saw around him. When he was young the world around him seemed to be a game, though it was quite a dangerous one. It was also during this time that he found his interest in learning, though for the moment he simply decided to let life be his teacher. Ryou was never one much for play, especially since he felt a need to look after his three triplet sisters. Which really became a full time job, especially in the feeding department, but going hungry every now and then was perfectly alright with him. At least that way he knew they would be ok, and for him protecting their lives was indeed all that matter. Ryou considered them to be his only friends in the world.
As he grew older a bit more of his cynical nature began to show. The injustice and lawless things that he had seen around him threatened what he cared for. Not only that, but in a way he didn't like feeling powerless to do anything about it. Not that he didn't gain a few bumps and bruises trying. In the end though, Ryou simply found that he did not have the brute strength to do anything about it himself. So he decided to try his best to actually get stronger, since complaining about a problem without trying to fix it would be no good. Still the nature of his living conditions provide for only a limited scope of development, at least in the psychical sense. So instead he decided that for now an expansion of the mind would work.
It was around this time that he began to wonder about potentially trying to see if he could pass the exam into the academy. The worry about his sisters and withier or not they could even survive without him is what held him back. Besides for all he knew at the moment the young man wasn't really sure if he had any latent spiritual abilities that would be necessary. He would sometimes laugh to himself in amusement that the blissful nature of ignorance might have allowed him to break from this place. In the future there were many time in which he wished that he would have. Especially when the night came that poor Ryou would find his own soft mirror image cracked in two.
It was on a soft pale night... the kind which Ryou enjoyed most of all, because the light of the full moon in the sky. He sat on the ground, leaning against the wall of his parents’ home, after he had slipped out the window. The world seemed so silent and peaceful, that Ryou was for once in his life lulled in a false sense of security. It was one that made him dismiss the movement that he saw out of the corner of his eye, as simply something else. It would be when he finally stood up and returned into the room that he shared with his sisters... he found horror lay within. The three bodies of his sisters lying there dead and bleeding on the bed, with a diminutive hollow standing over them. At this point though the idea of the killer had become irrelevant, because Ryou could only see red.
It was not the sight of death that made him snap, but it was the death of the only three people he cared about. He moved towards the bed without a second thought as to what could happen, and luckily caught the thing off guard as he pinned it by the neck to the wall. Lucky for Ryou it was quite small, but the claws that had killed his sister by then were starting to rip into his hand. In the end though, the pain didn't matter and he kept squeezing in order to choke it. The young man would have probably lost the use of his hand had something else not been tipped by the emotion of the moment. It was a sudden light that shown from his hand, which made the hollow squeal and at the same time made Ryou cover his eyes. During this moment he did his best to not let go, and only ended up loosening his grip, yet he swears that he felt it slippery body get away.
When the young man opened his eyes he looked around and found that the creature was gone, and his hand which was bleeding profusely... had luckily only received numerous deep flesh wounds. Standing there Ryou just kept shaking and sweating, with the only sound in the room being blood drops hitting the floor from his hand as well as his heavy breathing. He couldn't take his eyes off the bed, were his sisters lay. Eventually the shock caught up to him and he felt like he was going to vomit, though it was just as he gave into the act... he realized for a moment where he was standing. His bloody hand catching himself on the wall and his other hand covering his mouth as he swallowed it back with a certain fire in his eyes. One that soon chilled to ice, as emotion drained out of his face... and the old Ryou died... a new one born. He knew it was best to leave now, and so he slipped out the window and into the night.
He knew what he was looking for as carried a knife in hand. Ryou had learned a long time ago that one could find out a lot of things, if you listened to conversations of those who were not sober. Needless to say he was sure that justice being carried out in any manner here in this place would be quite fitting. Hopefully enough to prove himself to the Shinigami, especially the one he had in mind. So he found his prey lying asleep with probably no guilty feelings in his soul... and did what needed to be done. Also making sure the proof was in the bag. Needless to say that when Ryou found the Shinigami and handed over his prize with his injured hand, making sure to ask the very small bounty be given to his parents. It was a bit of a tense moment to say the least, but he soon found himself pointed on his way. Luckily his more manic emotions were causing his Spirit energy to show again.
He was also a bit on the fortunate side that the exam happen to be on the same day, because Ryou didn't exactly wanted it treated till afterward. The field dressing which was on it for the moment was quite good enough for him until he was done. Besides he found the test to be somewhat easy and was quickly accepted into a place he had always been curious about. Now that he was there though... the young man found he was a bit annoyed. In his mind they were all technically preparing for war so he did find himself wondering why the others didn't spend more time studying. That was really all Ryou ever did was bury his nose in his books and practice Kido after they had taught him. He never neglected practicing with his sword either, but his constant defensive nature did get a little on the nerves of his trainers. It took Ryou a bit to find that offensive point of his Zanpakuto, of course this was on probably the best day for him at the academy overall.
It was the day they were taught to Shunpo, and the very concept made him say, "Wait... I can do that?" Not that he had never seen it before, it was simply he had never known the name. The moment he learned how put a Cheshire cat like grin on his face and for once in his life it stayed for an entire week. The normally overly serious Shinigami who was now close to the middle of his second year and looked to possibly graduate by the end of his third. Was moving around the place till he was sweating bullets. Even small unneeded distance just because he could, and that included taking any delivery task he could just so that he could simply do it again. As for his Zanpakuto it would be now that it would start to speak, because it's was growing jealous of him playing his own little game... and not it's.
Very soon Ryou began to hear voices in the dark when he walked. Voices in the dark when he slept, and voice in the night when meditated. Mostly they were blurred, but soon became clear as three separate voices speaking to him. At first because of the time in which it usually happened he simply passed it off as imaging thing. That was until he woke up in a cold sweat to the words, "No more silly little boy." With that he felt the floor fall out from under him and he felt like he was tumbling away from the light of the moon... down a deep dark hole. Soon passing out form the fall that seemed to go on and on.
What seemed like minutes later he awoke and looked around, to a world that could only be described as a nightmare. To Ryou though, it only made him curious because he realized quickly where he was... his inner world. The Shinigami laugh with his normally creepy manner of doing so, as he listened to the sounds of the clocks. "I guess I better not be late then..." With those words he walked towards the large clock tower in the middle of the realm. Passing by giant mushrooms that he reached out to touch, an even taste the goo that dripped form them. Realizing very quickly... the taste of iron... exactly what it was. The oil that dripped form the sky was indeed amusing to him, but he hid from it during his trip and soon reached the towers base. It was there that he found what he was seeking.
Sitting back on its favorite spot was a lung dragon, curled up in a flower like throne that sat on top of a mushroom. There sitting next to the creature was a large hookah which it used every few moments, and then blew out the smoke from its giant nostrils. Ryou watched as the creature looked down at him, and a moment of silence pasted, before the spirit asked, "Who R U" The letters coming form it's lips in smoke and each word was said with a different gender speaking. Ryou's fingers started taping on the hilt of his sword, as he realized that this was his spirit. Another cackle sprang, from his throat at the irony, "I think you know the answer to that." The dragon grinned in amusement at the Shinigami's reply, "Indeed I do, and I suspect you want the same answer?"
Though a chance to answer was never given as the spirit took off with hookah in hand saying, "Make it through the Clock tower and speak to me at the top." The spirit had barely left his sight before he darted in the door only to be stopped in his tracks at the site of the paradox before. Stairs going in every direction, and he heard a female voice echoing, "Come now silly Shinigami. Don't get lost, and find your way up." After a period of time though, everything seemed to be a blur, as the sword loved to mess with the game. The shadows sometimes shifting and in confusing the young man. The dragons disembodied head in the sky looking and laughing at him, while at the same time encouraging him. Even by the time he woke up the next morning he had gotten no were. That was its rule... only when you dream and only at night. Though eventually after a couple of days the top was reached and there she sat waiting, "Oh good boy. Glad you could join us. Would you like a game of chess?"
With those words a board appeared in her palm, and she said, "Beat me once and we can move on... lose and you have to climb all the way back up." So the chess game began, and very quick Ryou found that something he so prided himself in doing was something that he was simply a novice. The spirit seemed to take great pleasure at his losses, though it seemed different somehow. The personality was calm and wise, and also a bit more sage like. The Shinigami learned fast, because the Zanpakuto taught him, but would never tell the answers. He quick realized this was the middle personalities challenge... just like the last had been that of the female. It was not long before he eventually was able to beat the spirit, and at the moment he spoke the words, "Checkmate." A claw was at his throat and the board crashing down... the male he realized... is the evil side.
Pulling out his sword he jumped into the area nearby, as suddenly the dragon split into three spirits. The fighting that came next battered Ryou's body and hardened his soul even more. There was only one rule... he could not leave until he had won. However that was achieved was not the swords problem, but it wouldn't trust itself to someone who it didn't respect. So for the next five days Ryou fought a guerilla style battle in his own inner world. Both sword and master ripped each other apart and drug each other down into the darkness to show there true nature. Only Ryou has seen how evil his Zanpakuto can be, just like it has seen what its master is capable of. The mind games and tactics he beat his own sword with shaped him into the fighter that he later became, and when the final of the three surrendered and the dragon carried it's tried master back to the top of the clock tower. It gave him a hug before settling back into its throne, and went back to simply smoking its hookah. Tried at this point, and sick of its Ryou stood and through eyes that had never been colder, and a voice never more threating he said, "Now answer... Who R U?" With a laugh the dragon replied with amusement, "Why my dear you know the answer to that." With those words it blew out smoke letters spelling, "In'ei no Ningyôtsukai". All the while waving good bye as he woke up in a sick bed.
Still he could not get his Zanpakuto to give him its release phrase. All he would get when he tried to ask was a bonk on the head and the word 'baka' when in its male voice. When the natural or female voice it will either offer another game of chess or some tea, along with an amused giggle in the case of the female side. It would be half way through his third year that he would finally see her shadow. As with such places like the academy, not everyone is nice to each other. It was as he walked down a hall way that he heard a silent commotion from up ahead, and so curious he looked up a bit. A noticed some of the more annoying upperclassmen from the 5th year... all 11th division wanna bees by the looks of them, were hassling that 4th year girl who had unlocked her Shikai only days ago. Across the little pond form were he meditate. He could only assume it was a more kido based from, by their words and frankly Ryou found himself getting more and angrier.
His eyes grew cold, as his hair hung in front of his face when he spoke. "Excuse me... I think you gentlemen have had enough fun for today." The three guys only took enough time to look at him as one said, "Hey... check him out." The then simple laughed and went back to their prize. Ryou notice though, that she still looked at him, and he looked back through those hairs that created his curtain. With a sigh he just shook his head, "Bad move..." Another chance to use his favorite move, as he disappeared and reappeared causing the three guys to step back. Ryou didn't say a word, but simple pointed down the hall. He didn't want anyone to get in trouble, especially himself. His silence only pissed them off more as did fact his eyes didn't meet theirs when they spoke... he only saw red start to cloud his vision... and then the sight of his spirit wink. As she blew out in smoke the words "Ayatsuru In'ei no Ningyôtsukai". Which the Shinigami simply mumbled in reflex.
Then as quickly as the moment had started... the whole thing was over. One of the guys had stopped his fist only inches form impaling on Ryou's outstretched finger. His restisu had grown so chilling and dark that the trio stumbled over each to run. Ryou expected of course to turn and find the girl had done the same, but she had not. Just standing there smiling at him. It was ironically on this day that he finally released his sword that he would also find the only person at the academy he called friend. So before disappearing off with a flash step... he gave her his Cheshire like grin.
The sad thing was he didn't get much time to know his friend well, because he was able to accomplish his goal of cutting his time at the Academy in half. After graduation he was enrolled in the 8th division, and soon found that his time could be much better spent. Not only that he was able to train more, and actually do things to help the people of Rukon, whom he felt needed a bit of 'dark justice' in order to help them. Especially in the areas of his old district and beyond. He was soon able to raise himself up to 7th, and then high and high until he reached the rank of 3rd seat through hard work. His chilling nature meant he wasn't going to get anywhere on the back of have social graces, but you could be damn sure that few worked and trained more than him. Still even to this day, the lower ranked people who actually know him say that he needs to relax more. To which he always replies in a sarcastic manner, "When every hollow lies dead at my feet, and my sisters’ killer is in my clutches." Words that are always spoken with a Cheshire cat grin.
It was within his Division that the Shinigami quickly found his spot, or his home as he likes to call it. Finally having a group of people that at least seemed to accept him, was quite refreshing, and made him quite defensive of the 2nd. He also found that for once he was being rewarded for his hard work in the fact that he was given 6th seat out of the academy. Something that he found quite ironic to be sure, but like in Academy it was always work and training that came first. His rise through the ranks was a bit faster than most, yet this was related to the fact that Ryou seemed to be quite the strategic mind. Not when it came to fighting, but battlefield tactics, and so his use as a commander was seen. It was his dog like loyalty to his division ended up slowing this advancement towards the higher ranks more than anything else. This did not bother him in the least though, since Kurosawa quickly realized that ranks were just numbers and his power was his own. War was a meatgrinder, and he knew all he had to do was to be the one who came out on top in that manner, in order to prove that he was not just some silly Mad Dog as others sometimes called him.
Of course the Shinigami was not sitting on his laurels during this time either, and spent quite a bit of time training. His desire to protect his Mistresses had always been an overwhelming force that drove his training. There was also the added bonus that it allowed him to spend time with his sword spirit... even if that ment quite a few 'tea partys' after he had lost a game of chess. Slowly claiming up the ranks like a spider to it's prize. Ryou eventually reached the rank of Vice-Captian when he was promoted form third seat after the former Lieutenant had resigned for personal reasons. Leaving the Ryou in the position of taking over a leadership position he wasn't sure of, but at the same time at least allowing him to be closer to the Mistress to guard her. Eventually though the position that he had been unsure of, was one that he grew into enjoying simply because he could think with his overall strategic mindset, but still had the structure of someone being in charge of him.
Yet it was not only the Second Division Captain who held Ryou’s loyalties. During his time as a fourth seat the Shinigami pledged his service to Tia Halibel. Serving the Espada as an information gatherer for 50 years and toeing the line between the Gotei and Hecudo Mundo, until something changed the nature of his personal relationship with the Arrancars. It was only a single moment on the sands of the human world, but it established an intimate connection between Ryou and Halibel that would change the two completely. Helping to stabilize Ryou and give him a sense of family he had never had, while cooling and bringing feelings of love to Halibel that she had never experienced. Their time together was also a growing moment for the Shinigami who learned to manifest his Bankai as he was accepted into the fold of the Tres Beast… making him one of their own. It was eventually Sun-Sung who began to catch the Shinigami’s heart as well… and given the nature of Arrancars, this was never a problem with Halibel.
In the end it would turn out to be Shinigami’s saving grace, as he would eventually marry Sun-Sung in an attempt by Halibel to create a tactical method to better fight the Heralds. The method the Espada ended up convincing using to Ryou to agree to the marriage was by having Sun-Sung demonstrate something extra she had been holding back from the Shinigami, much to his pleasure… and satisfaction. After the marriage the one other Shinigami in attendance Xiao… to whom Ryou had admitted his misdeed, and now was witnessing the signing of a treaty between the Espada in attendance and the Shinigami. However peace would not last long before the Heralds brought their rain of destruction and try as they might, and inflicting heavy casualties on the Heralds forces, in the end the carefully laid defenses Ryou and Sun had planned began to fail. Then without warning, one morning on the eve of what they thought would be their final battle alongside the others, while he ate a special romantic breakfast with his wife Ryou found himself getting woozy. Collapsing into Sun-Sung’s arms before she fell out only moments later… the two were saved from the final battle that wiped out both the Heralds and the Espada.
When he awoke Ryou found that not only had he outlived his Mistress, but he had failed to fight and die at her side like a good dog. For years he and Sun-Sung wondered the sands, the Shinigami became overprotected of his wife… cutting down any hollow without thought that might be a threat to her. The Arrancar held him back from going into the human world and did what she could to keep him together, knowing that he would probably attack a Shinigami if one appeared. It was years before Ryou was better again, the only silver lining was the strength he had gain, not only in power, but also the bond he and Sun-Sung now shared with they moved back into Las Noches. It was from here that Ryou received a second piece of shocking news, about the death of Xiao… and the Civil War that was occurring. Only his worry for Sun-Sung’s safety and her worry about his mental state kept him out of most of the start. Half way through though when the numbers poured in by the way of certain friends of his among the Gotei 13 that Ryou realized how many casualties were coming out of Second Division.
So only with the help of Sun-Sung herself, did his part in the war began. Those that dared to strike out at members of the Second Division found their door steps darkened by a faceless figure and his snake like companion. Who would leave entire groups of mutilated enemy squads in their wake, while Ryou at the same time made enough appearance before Soi-Fong to let her know that her old Lieutenant would always serve her family faithfully. Her death during the war brought a night that saw the men who killed her nailed up and skinned alive leaving enough witnesses to the sight of his tall figure to let people know why it had been done. It was during this time that his relationship to Sun-Sung functioned as the soft glove to Ryou’s iron fist. Making him think twice about if he was going after the correct person each time, so that he wouldn’t isolate himself from potential allies within the Gotei. Even after the war ended he had to keep his distance during the memorial service… only to disapper back into Las Noches afterward. Only to repaper again to revisit old friends, or at the call of Soi-Fon’s family, Xiao’s, Kimiko’s, or Rukia’s descent… until then he waits… biding his time in the shadows of Las Noches. Hoping that one day a new army can be built like that his Mistress had, and peace can be restored to the sands once more.
---BIO---
Age: 739
Gender: Male
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Physical Description: When looking at Ryou one gets the impression they are looking at something that is not all there. When in public he always prefers to wear the uniform black kimono of his status as a member of the Gotei 13. The only time this is not the case is whenever he is in the human world and even then Ryou's taste in clothes could use some 'updating'. Since he has the bad habit of wearing things that were worn when he originally died. He is also never seen without his sword, and is perfectly comfortable wearing it on his hip or across his back. Ryou will even go to great lengths to cover it up just to make sure that he always has his favorite spot to rest his palm.
As for his psychical appearance the man is a lean figure, which can make it easy to underestimate that there is muscle under there. Ryou's skin is quite pale and goes along with his long black hair that usually hangs in front of his face and cascades down his back and shoulders, because he walks with a certain slouch. Which causes him to give off an air of creepiness or eccentric wisdom depending on his mood. Whatever the impression given, it is never that Ryou lacks confidence, it is simply that he is caught up in his thoughts. His fingers are thin, and those on his left hand seem to be constantly in motion, especially when taping on his sword hilt.
He keeps his hair hanging down in front of his face to hide his thoughts from others. To Ryou the thicker he can make the air of mystery that surrounds himself, then the more prepared he will be. So his hair is quite precious to him, and is something the Shinigami takes care of, though it is hard to catch him grooming it, but amusing if you can. If he gets into a fight he always makes sure to tie back his hair into a ponytail. At least that is his habit if he doesn't plan on being serious. The idea to Ryou of being able to lose his precious curtain to the world, is tantamount to knowing he could die.
When he does look at a person the gaze of his deep dark eyes can be quite a soul penetrating thing. As though he can read any guilt that a person may be hiding. His face is never really something that displays much emotion either, as though it is locked in a permanent poker face... and even sometimes a thoughtful expression. Though when he does smile, it is always Cheshire like grin. Such is a sight that it can add to his creepy nature, but at the same time it is so rarely seen, it could be considered his truest display of happiness. As for his scars... they are to him a reminder of the past. On his right hand there are scars covering the skin on the back of his hand and along the top of his arm. There are even a few which are on his palm, and they are all quite visible, and he no longer tries to hide them.
It is not though Ryou's appearance that is the most chilling thing about him, which would surprise most people who didn't know better. It is his reiastu. The feeling of his reiastu is one that is cold, chilling, and oppressive... as though an evil spirit has entered the room. It is that haunting feeling one gets when they are being watched, or when they see something out of the corner of their eye at night move in the dark. A feeling that he loves to use against people in the night who only know he is near by the fact they can feel it. Still in an odd way, it can be comforting... because feeling his reiastu means that you know you have a quite guard dog watching your back. Like his rare Cheshire cat grin though his reiastu will change, but it is only during those moments that the grin spreads across his face. It is during these times that he gives off this protective feeling of warmth and calming.
The years he has spend among the sands of Hecudo Mundo and the losses he suffered against the Heralds and in the Civil War have all taken their toll. His hair is a bit longer, and only a slightly bit more scraggly due to Sun-Sung's gentle care keeping it in good shape. It is mostly Ryou's stare and the way he carries himself that has changed... a thousand yard look that let's you know he had seen too much, and wants to forget about it even when he some times fades off into episodes thinking about the past. At the same time his paranioa seems more focused, in that it applies more to the things he cares about than anything else. While this can sometimes make possessive, it is not a trait that causes him to interfere with anyones normal life.
Personality: Ryou could really be described as an eccentric individual. Though what makes him so is the distant air which he seems to carry himself. Not as though he is acting like he is better than others, but simply that he seems to always have his mind on something. Usually that something be his current task, and if not that then his own project... and even those could be as simple as, 'now where do I find one of those butterflies.' It is for these reasons that he can be caught mumbling to himself when he forgets there are other people around. He sometimes does this even on purpose if he doesn't want to be interrupted on something important. Which can some of the simplest thing... he takes an every cog has its purpose to what he does.
Another belief that he holds is that knowledge is one of the most important things in life. He is quite the scholar whenever he finds time, but once he learns something Ryou is usually not to apt to share. If he knows something that another person doesn't then he will either use the knowledge as a teaching moment, or simply string them along with hints of what it could be. Playing mind games with others is a bit of a hobby for him. While misplaced in his methods, he really doesn't see what he does as harmful. Especially since he gets to have fun, and they hopefully learn something.
His time that is spent training things other than his mind, are also quite important to him. Which considering Ryou doesn't exactly plan events on his social calendar by choice very often, means he usually has all the time he time he needs. The very idea of being caught unprepared doesn't exactly suit his defensive, and cautious way of thinking. Which sis why in his strategic thinking mind... he must constantly do his best to be ready. One can never be to ready in his mind because it is always better to be too ready, and have things run smooth, than not be ready and never get to try again. Though when training sometimes, usually if he is alone, one of his quirks come out. It is simply Ryou's impish side enjoys flash stepping. To him it is the most entertaining thing in the world to the point he will find a place away from others just to do it. In the rare times he is surrounded by people he would call friends, he will do to get places, which don't exactly need it.
Ryou's lighter side is rarely shown if at all. It is something that is usually seen by those who are close to him, or anyone his impish teacher instincts have their sights set on. Normally he is quite satisfied sitting back at the edge of gatherings in order to watch and listen, only to join if requested for or something gets his interest. Ryou's reasons for do so stem from the idea that it is always better to be prepared, and how could anyone distracted in a group be prepared. He is quite the shifty eyed fellow during these times. Which in the case of doing missions makes quite the useful person to have around, because you know that no matter how relaxed things get or how peaceful they seem at least Ryou's watching. Though it has gotten him in trouble before, because of a past tendency towards paranoid and not very careful. Such things are mostly behind him now, but even a defensive thinker like himself, always finds some paranoia useful.
Besides the good nature imp that he can be towards those whom he likes, it his darker side that is reserved for those who are his enemies. The constant cold outer shell that he seems to keep up was not originally to hold out, but to hold in. Trauma's from his past took themselves and were buried deep in his soul, and created in Ryou a firm sense of justice... though a dark sense of justice at that. It is one that stems from a desire for a desire for a revenge that has yet to be satisfied, but keeps him focused on the road ahead. Indeed his darker nature is not something to be messed with, because the angel that Ryou can be with frown, can just as easily be the devil with a grin.
One of his darker aspects has to do with his ideas of 'dark justice'. It is not something that he takes pleasure in, but it is simply something he believes is right. The idea is that justice should always be swift, and that it should always fit the crime. The one who committed the crime needs to suffer more than the victim. It is a very eye for eye type concept, only to Ryou it is an eye for two eyes type concept. It is a part of his soul that is rarely seen, simply because he understands how it sounds. The idea of mercy is not something that he will give, because his sisters were never given that. Which is why he prefers the part of his job that involves saving a soul, because beyond that point mercy is no longer an option. In fact preforming soul burials is actually one of the things that can put that Cheshire like grin on his face.
Another part of his darker nature is the fact he will manipulate people to get what he wants, be that for good... or in some cases bad. Though to him they are all good reasons. Sometimes though he simply enjoys playing mind games with people for kicks, though it is more of a benign impish sort of thing. Something he likes to do to keep the unseated squad people on their toes during the night. He has a sort of puppet master like personality to him, and if you fall victim to it he will pull the strings to make you dance. If don't though you earn his respect and admiration, and are on the way to making a very loyal friend. To him the human mind is such a fun thing to mess with, though despite the fact people can get their feelings hurt... it is not always his goal, unless he feels they deserve it. A more benign from of 'dark justice' in a sense.
He does have just one more quirk that is worth mentioning, and it started since the night his sisters died. His fingers on his damaged right hand always tap. They move back in forth in a manner that creates that same beat, if he lays that hand on a table. This only when he relaxes that hand of course, and so it doesn't affect his abilities to do his job... it is just something that adds to his mystery. In other cases... tapping can be useful to annoy a less self-disciplined opponent, especially when combined with Ryou's usual silence. When he combines this with his Shikai it can certainly make him quite menacing especially when the battle is going just the way he likes it. It allows him to give out that 'I am coming for you' type of message without speaking a word.
For all his quirks it is the Cheshire cat grin that is shown the least, and nowhere can it be found more than when he either receives a message through butterfly, or he spends time in his old district or beyond. Sometimes he does this just for the sole purpose of knowing that they will send a butterfly after him, though mostly it is because the rules matter a bit less out here. The further out in the districts he goes, the swifter one can be with justice, though he more has a penton for protecting children around the age of his sisters. Not really something that he does on purpose, it is simply that he seems to react to those situations without a second thought. Though he won't admit it, and his Zanpakuto constantly reminds him, it seems as though he is trying to make up for a failure to protect that was never his in the first place. In fact his pension for protecting younger females has always been there since that horrible night, though it is truly with most big brotherly nature that he plays this role.
When it comes to doing his job as a Shinigami and as the Lieutenant of an Second Division, Ryou always does his best to excel. In fact it is the strategic nature of his mind that allows him to do this. Plus he will take initiative in a heartbeat when it comes to the defense of his division. If there is one thing he does well, that is spotting the breaking points and reinforcing defenses even if he has to himself. Though his protective nature of the people under his command, makes him willing to put himself at grave risk in a needless manner sometimes. He makes a good field commander, though there is no doubt to anyone who knows him that he could does a good at job in his position. His main weakness being his cold nature makes it hard for subordinates who don't know him well to approach. He is also quit cold when it comes to the numbers game, since really that is all soldiers are... a resource. Despite this knowledge he doesn't throw away lives needless, especially if he believed someone was being foolish about an order.
The is another thing that must be said about him, and his nature to be protect. This is the way he attaches himself to certain females, usually of higher rank and strength. Though they have to have earned his respect first, the main way being seeing past all his creepiness, and simply looking at how good he does his job or at the better side of his person. Since joining Second Division and especially after becoming Lieutenant it has been his Captain that has started to attract Ryou's attention in this manner. In this way she has earn in Ryou a sense of respect that causing the man to feel for her not as a crush… or a brotherly feeling, but as a guard dog. A guard dog that feels he that can’t let his Mistress be harmed psychically… even if it means giving his own life in the process. Funny caveat to this... don't catch him on the rare times he is drinking... insults against his Captain don't fly to well ether.
This also includes insults that are directed at Sun-Sung, or his wife, whom Ryou has become very protective over since he lost all of the other women in his life that he normally protected, and while he an immature shy school boy when it comes to the ways of love anymore that doesn't mean the snake doesn't know how to make him blush. Even if it a lot harder than it used to be for Shinigami who finally seems to get the lessons he has been taught. In this way it has made him warmer, especially to the few people he has left who are close to him. Ryou who is still stuck with the glow of war in his eyes can almost be seen staring of into the distance wishing for old times. Even if it means looking into the faces of the children of those he cared about. In the end it is only Sun-Sung whom he has that can cool that fire, and allow him to admire something that isn't just a 'mock' copy of a relic long past.
---COMBAT---
[Note: There is a new system in place for the site using a set basic measurement of stats.
Fighting Style: When it comes to his strengths one would have to say that it is certainly in his defensive fighting style. Ryou's main strength in doing this is his speed, and the simple reason for this is his enjoyment for flash stepping. The second reason that he uses speed, is that he is simply not a very big guy and his strength is not were his powers lie. So that is why he simply prefers to dodge his enemy and wait until they make a mistake. Which is why his Zanpakuto has turned a chasing game into such a huge part of his training. Though one can't dodge every attack, and that is where the second and third layer of his defense come into play. The nature of his training is also very intense and usually takes up most of his free time. Every second of it that can be done in his inner world is done there, and quite a few of the scars gained for mistakes are kept for memories. Though hidden under his kimono of course.
Much as changed over the years with the way that Ryou fights, and yet much as remained the same. His speed has increased to the point that he is able to use many of the tricks his old Captain used, and even those of her mentor before her. If he still lived in Soul Society, the mantle of 'God of Flash' could very well have been placed on him. In the end though Ryou only treats that skill as a means to an end. While yes he is defensive in drawn out combat, the nature of his Bankai allows him to end most battles quickly and without extending things out to much. The only time he would is if he means to torture the person whom he is trying to defeat, but Ryou normally finds such types of battles to be inefficient because they leave that person time to be alive and harm those who cares about.
Withier or not he releases his Shikai at the start gives away Ryou how threatened the man feels for the safety not of himself, but of those around him. Normally when their is no such threat then he is likely only to release for those whom he respects. While not being one to underestimate people, the Shinigami is not going to waste energy on the weak either. Still if a person whom he underestimated pushes him that far, then he will release his Shikai and use his index finger to cut the strings that hold his pony tail. Because once he releases his sword, then he never holds back. His favorite use of it when fighting is to help play mind games with his opponent or to throw them off in whatever way he can. Not only that, but he likes to set traps to strike while his opponent chases. Though his combat style screams coward, he prefers to run without turning his back to his opponent.
What he prefers more than anything is to lure his opponent to battlefield of his choosing. Which is inside a building during the day, or a forest during the day. While night fight is fine with him... the moon doesn't produce the abundance of shadows that the sun does. That being said... a full moon night... is his deadliest time. Because he can use the dark for mind games, and the shadows to attack with. As for his Shikai's abilities he is more likely to use them to try and kill an opponent than the weapon itself. Ryou doesn't like the assassin's nature of the weapon, and will only use it if he has a chance. Normally that part of the weapon is used for his mind games such as making noises, taping on things, and various other methods to throw off an opponent. He also will talk a quite a bit if he is trying to be serious... though the way in which his voice comes out is a curious and yet creepy sound.
When it comes to his Shikai's abilities though, he does use the weapon to control the various attacks. His fingers dance as though there is something attached to each of them, and this is what gives him the impression of puppeteer. Maybe touching a shadow that he passes and directing the tendril to strike from behind. Or even combining one of his favorite Kido moves in order to create shadows for his Shikai's abilities. Though he also has a certain pension for combining his little escape trick ability with that of Bakudo 21, if he needs to retreat or even get the jump on an enemy.
Though when facing someone like himself, then usually the mind games turn into something different. In fact they become a lot more deadly, because he no longer hesitates to strike at a moment when someone is distracted. Plus he will go all out from the start, if they are on his level of strength. The only real way to describe the way he fights against those who think like him or those who are stronger is simply the way he plays chess. Very seriously. His impish mind games go away and the darkness comes out to play. Here he will use a bit more of his bread and butter tactics of retreating and touching shadows, while directing them to also defend himself. It is also here that he tries even harder to lure them to his favorite types of battlefeilds, and if he can't... then escape or desperation can come in handy. His higher level of pain tolerance means that he is not scared to take a dangerous blow, as longer as he is sure that it will inflict a dangerous blow.
When fighting alongside allies Ryou prefers to use their shadows if he can. He finds that the proper placement of people around a battlefield can give him an advantage depending on how he wants to use his abilities along with their shadows. The same goes for a group of enemies, though it is simply a more backwards concept since he is uses there shadows against them in a more mass attack/one on one style fashion. Ryou doesn't exactly like to fight groups because he doesn't find it to be as fun, since it is easier to play with the mind of one person, and get to enjoy the reactions.
Ryou's main purpose for using Kido in battle is to create extra shadows were he needs them. That is why most of his focus is towards the defensive spells that last longer and create more light, than the offensive ones which are only around for short time. Yet he still is quite willing to use the offensive ones that he has learned in order to hurt his opponent... plus he kind of finds that the form of his shikai makes some Hado spells so amusing.
When fighting beside his wife Sun-Sung, as Ryou is prone to do... the Shinigami becomes a whole different monster. The two have been together for so long and have trained together so long, that when they fight together he becomes like an extension of her, and she of him. The combination of the two as a pair almost seems like one being who is far more stronger than the sum of their parts. Because Ryou knows what his wife is going to do, he can make moves to strengthen or combo with her attacks without even thinking. The pair have even gone so far to develop their own abilities that require both of them use. Allowing the pair of them to form a fighting combo.
ALL BASE LEVELS WILL BE AS FOLLOWED
Shinigami – Hollow – Low Ranking Quincy and Humans that have recently unlocked Fullbring will get a maximum of 25 points to spend in the follow tiers, maximum at lower rank of 10 per category.
Vice Captain – Arrancar – Midlevel Tier Quincy and Fullbringers who are adept get a bonus 25 points to spend in each category, Maximum of 30 in each category.
Captain – Arrancar Master Class – Quincy Master Class and Fullbringers who are fully adept get an additional 25 points, Maximum of 40 in each category
Zanjutsu [Sword Combat Skill]: 40
Hakuda [Unarmed Combat Skil]: 45
Hoho [Agility]: 50
Kido [Reiatsu Manipulation]: 40
---Shinigami Only---
Zanpakuto Name: In'ei no Ningyôtsukai (Puppeteer of Shadows)
Zanpakuto Appearance: - Length: - Length: 38 inches.
The sheath of Ryou's Zanpakuto is very deep dark jet back, that even when polished doesn't want to shine. This color continues until 3/4th of the way up the sword, and at this point little red drip shapes start to appear in a rain like fashion. It is near the hilt that the reason is shown, in the fact that there is a metal dragon snaking around the end of the sheath with its tail ending just at the hilt. The dragon itself has two dark ruby eyes, and is made from solid onyx, yet there is enough red around the dragon to make it stand out. The odd thing is that it seems to have its teeth sunk into the sheath, and because of the design which the red takes... it almost looks as though the creature has sunk his fangs into the sword and caused it to bleed.
The hilt itself at the very butt of the sword also ends with the head of a dragon, and like the other this one is made of onyx. The actual hilt itself is a mix of red and black in an odd swirling of colors, which if one stares at they might think they see faces screaming or simply staring back at them with a grin. The guard of the weapon is much the same color, but the red is more prevalent and so balances out the other black parts. Yet it is around this guard that there is a dragon which chases its tail. The color of which is that of a deep crimson red, and looks as though it is made from very well crafted blood stone.
When worn he is perfectly comfortable doing so on either his back, or at his side, though prefers his back to keep the blade out of the way of his movement... or even maybe somewhat break the force of a surprise attack. It is the tie that is used to hold it on is what makes this interesting, because it is a bit thicker than normal, and is very well designed. In fact it even looks almost like an artist rendering of Ryou's inner world when it is unrolled out, form the tight bound he keeps it in. It actually takes a good eye to notice the five black strings he uses, and such an eye is usually a way to gain his respect.
The blade itself shows the care of its owner and is very sharp. While it holds no visible special nature in itself, it is simply the fact Ryou constantly takes care of it that leaves it in such good shape. It is not the blade itself that is fussy, but simply the owner, who quite enjoy making sure that his Zanpakuto is overly taken care. Withier it is needed or not doesn't matter... it is something about the act of taking care of his weapon that comforts him.
Shikai Release Phrase: Ayatsuru In'ei no Ningyôtsukai (Manipulate Puppeteer of Shadow)
Shikai Appearance: The form which Ryou's Shikai takes moves right along with the Shinigami's thought process in and out of combat. Normally holding his Zanpakuto in his right hand, means that his sword simply seems to mold down around it. Like a dark shadow consuming the appendage only to take on the form of a very short leather gauntlet. It ends a bit below the wrist, and doesn't seem to offer much in the way of armor protection, except on the top of his fingers with a red colored metal that is done in a scaled pattern for flexibility. Also the leather on the back of the hand is a bit thicker, because of its vulnerability to being hit, while the palm is more flexible.
The color of the glove like most things Ryou owns is solid black, but it is all full of a few interesting designs. All of which are colored red, and are mostly swirls or cracks going across it. The one on the back of his palm is the most intricate being that it is the image of his spirit holding a marionette with a puppet at the ends of the strings. These part though, are simple the superficial, but truly it is his Zanpkuto’s way reminding him that it is always there. So that if he ever loses a reason to fight for those around him, at least he will never forget to fight for it.
It is at the tips of Ryou's fingers that the weapon of his Shikai lay. Coming out of each fingertip is a blade, which are all strong for their size. Each one adds to the length of its respective finger by two and one half, plus they rub together quite frequently because of Ryou's nervous tick. Though it is obvious by their nature that they are not the main weapon, but are the points from which this Shinigami controls his amusing game of shadow puppets. Still that doesn't make them a deadly weapon, and if Ryou is able to position himself correctly he will certainly use his Shikai to kill directly.
Bankai Release Phrase: Kao no Nai Otoko no Sanpo (The Walk of the Faceless Man)
Bankai Appearance: During his Bankai Ryou takes on the form a faceless figure in a black suit with a red tie, and the pink eyed tentacle places a black top hat on the top of his head. His normally haunting reiatsu grows even more oppressive especially to those weaker than him like it normally is to the point that it makes it nerve wracking to stand in front of Ryou much less fight him. These are the three lung dragon tentacles that grow off Ryou's back. passively they act as his voice, sight, and hearing while in Bankai. The three also seem to act with personality of his Zanpakuto spirits. Along with these grow out eight other tentacles from his back, four of which function like his shield tentacles, and the other four function like his sword tentacles.
This helps with the functionally of Ryou's Bankai is the fact that it allows him to move much faster while in this form and throw off his enemies by attacking from different directions. By being able to attack from there shadows he can always come at there back side and at the same time attack from the front or even below and the top. Depending on how he uses it, this allows Ryou to constantly keep an enemy off balance and to allow for surprise attacks, as well as multiple attacks at once. There is also the natural unsettling nature of reatisu that is increased and might in itself mess with those who are not used to being around the man.
The different tentacles also have different functions when it comes to damaging people and the best ways to use them. The ones that are more like swords, do more damage, but are less defensive than the ones that are like shields. The ones that are like shields are more defensive, but when used like a blunt force weapon they are less damaging than the ones that look like swords. Then there are the lung-dragon looking tentacles... these are used as both shield and sword tentacles. They are also stronger both defensively and offensively than the other tentacles.
The speed itself also helps, given that after so many years Kurosawa's Banaki has only grown in speed. Even the blink of an eye can cause an enemy to lose where Ryou has gone, making it seem like the man can teleport. When fighting him up close, if he goes at his Bankai's maximum speed, their are afterimages left in the wake of every small movement. Quickly becoming hard to tell what is really Ryou, and what is simply a fake version of his movements from a moment before. Normally though he prefers to use this speed to simply end the fight by leaving a after image of himself and then appearing behind his enemies... not once really stopping on his walk after he stabs them.
---Hollow Only---
Base Level Abilities [Maximum of 3 Hollow Abilities such as Cero or Garganta etc.]:
Zanpakuto Appearance:
Zanpakuto Name:
Resurrecion Release Phrase:
Resurrecion Appearance:
Resurrecion Abilities:
---Quincy Only---
Quincy Abilities [Please Select 2 minimum 4 maximum abilities]:
Quincy Weapon Appearance:
---Fullbring Only---
Name of Fullbring:
Abilities of Fullbring:
---Roleplaying Sample---
Would one of the examples from the site do, or would you like something new XS
Also moved to the application section